Double-covered battery pack

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack capable of preventing chain fires of adjacent battery modules when some battery modules in the battery pack catch fire. The battery pack to which the double cover is applied according to the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules and a case for accommodating the battery modules. The case includes a first lead disposed on the upper side of the battery modules and having a vent hole formed therein, and a second lead disposed above and spaced apart from the first lead, and includes a double cover portion disposed on an upper portion of the case.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack, and more particularly to a battery pack with a double cover that can prevent continuous ignition of an internal module of the battery pack. [Background technology]

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which cannot be recharged, secondary batteries are batteries that can be charged and discharged. They are used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), which are powered by electrical sources.

[0003] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of such unit secondary battery cells, i.e., unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5V to 4.6V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, a battery pack is constructed by connecting multiple battery cells in series. Alternatively, a battery pack may be constructed by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel depending on the required charge / discharge capacity of the battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack is variously set depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0004] When configuring a battery pack by connecting a number of battery cells in series / parallel, a common method is to first configure a battery module consisting of at least one battery cell, preferably a number of battery cells, and then use at least one such battery module to configure the battery pack by adding other components. Here, a battery module refers to a component in which a number of battery cells are connected in series or parallel, and a battery pack refers to a component in which a number of battery modules are connected in series or parallel to increase capacity, output, etc.

[0005] Typically, a vehicle battery pack generally has a plurality of battery modules or battery module assemblies arranged on the same plane to maintain structural stability.

[0006] However, if such a battery pack is overcharged, the battery module may swell, causing an explosion or fire, which may result in greater danger and even loss of life.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to find a solution to provide a battery pack that can prevent further ignition of adjacent battery modules when some battery modules in the battery pack ignite. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack that can prevent chain fires of adjacent battery modules when some battery modules in the battery pack catch fire. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A battery pack using a double cover according to the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules and a case for accommodating the battery modules, the case including a first lead disposed above the battery modules and having a vent hole formed therein, a second lead disposed above the first lead and spaced apart therefrom, and a double cover portion disposed on an upper portion of the case.

[0010] The battery pack further includes a partition wall disposed between the battery modules located on the left and right sides inside the case.

[0011] The partition wall is disposed below the double cover portion.

[0012] In addition, a vent hole for the first lead is disposed on the upper side of the partition wall, and a heat exhaust hole is formed in the second lead of the double cover portion.

[0013] The battery pack further includes a flow path forming member that protrudes from an upper end of the partition wall toward the air vent.

[0014] The flow path forming members are disposed on the left and right sides of the partition wall in the width direction.

[0015] In addition, when the battery module disposed on one side of the partition wall is ignited, the flow path forming member is bent toward the battery module disposed on the other side opposite the partition wall.

[0016] The flow path forming member also includes a support leg that is supported on the upper surface of the partition wall when the flow path forming member is bent upon firing of the battery module.

[0017] The device further includes a heat dissipation induction member between the first lead and the second lead for inducing heat dissipation.

[0018] The heat dissipation guide members are disposed on both sides of the ventilation hole so as to face each other.

[0019] The heat dissipation guide members are disposed on both edges of the ventilation hole.

[0020] In addition, the heat release induction member is openable and closable between the first lead and the second lead, and when the battery module catches fire, the heat release induction member is opened to release heat.

[0021] The heat dissipation guide member includes a lower guide member disposed on the first lead and an upper guide member disposed on the second lead. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] Therefore, according to the present invention, a battery pack is provided that can prevent chain fires of adjacent battery modules when some battery modules in the battery pack catch fire. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a battery pack to which a double cover is applied according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a battery pack to which a double cover is applied according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of part A in FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram showing the heat exhaust flow path when one battery module in FIG. 3 catches fire. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of a battery pack to which a double cover is applied according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as methods for achieving them, will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be embodied in various different forms. However, the present embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of the present invention will be complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art, and the present invention is defined only by the claims. Therefore, in some embodiments, well-known process steps, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques will not be specifically described to avoid obscuring the present invention. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0025] In the drawings, thicknesses may be exaggerated to clearly depict multiple layers and regions. Similar parts are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the specification. When a layer, film, region, plate, or other part is referred to as being "on" another part, this includes not only being "directly on" the other part, but also being present when there is another part between them. Conversely, when a part is referred to as being "directly above" another part, it means that there is no other part between them. Furthermore, when a layer, film, region, plate, or other part is referred to as being "under" another part, this includes not only being "directly below" the other part, but also being present when there is another part between them. Conversely, when a part is referred to as being "directly below" another part, it means that there is no other part between them.

[0026] Spatially relative terms such as "below," "beneath," "lower," "above," and "upper" may be used to easily describe the relationship of one element or component to other elements or components, as shown in the figures. Spatially relative terms should be understood to include different orientations of elements in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if an element shown in a figure is inverted, an element described as being "below" or "beneath" another element may be positioned "above" the other element. Thus, the example term "below" can include both an orientation of below and above. Elements may also be oriented in other directions, whereby the spatially relative terms should be interpreted accordingly.

[0027] Hereinafter, a battery pack with a double cover according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a battery pack employing a double cover according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a battery pack employing a double cover according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a detailed view of part A in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a heat exhaust flow path when one battery module in FIG. 3 ignites.

[0029] The battery pack 1000 employing the double cover according to the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules 100, a case 200 for accommodating the plurality of battery modules 100, and a partition wall 250 inside the case 200. The case 200 includes a double cover part 210.

[0030] The battery module 100 housed in the battery pack 1000 includes a plurality of battery cells (not shown), and each battery cell may be, for example, a pouch-type battery cell.

[0031] For example, the battery module 100 may include a plurality of stacked battery cells, each of which has an electrode lead at its front end and rear end, with a positive electrode lead at its front end and a negative electrode lead at its rear end. The plurality of battery cells within the battery module 100 are stacked so as to be electrically connected to each other.

[0032] The battery cells are not limited to pouch-type battery cells, but may be battery cells of other shapes such as prismatic battery cells, and multiple battery cells may be housed in the case of the battery module 100.

[0033] The case 200 is for accommodating a plurality of battery modules 100, and includes a bottom 201, a left side surface 202, a right side surface 203, a front surface 204, and a rear surface 205. A lid (covering portion) that covers the case 200 is disposed on the top of the case 200.

[0034] The bottom 201 of the case 200 is a plate-like member extending horizontally and forms the bottom of the case 200 .

[0035] In case 200, left side surface portion 202 and right side surface portion 203 form the left and right sides of case 200, respectively, and left side surface portion 202 and right side surface portion 203 are located on the left and right edges of bottom portion 201, respectively.

[0036] In the case 200, the front portion 204 and the rear portion 205 respectively form the front and rear surfaces of the case 200, and the front portion 204 and the rear portion 205 are disposed on the front and rear edges of the bottom portion 201, respectively.

[0037] In this manner, the left side surface 202, the right side surface 203, the front surface 204 and the rear surface 205 of the case 200 form the sides of the case 200.

[0038] In this embodiment, the case 200 is shown in the shape of a rectangular box, but is not limited thereto and may be configured in various shapes including a polygon.

[0039] A partition wall 250 is disposed in the center of the interior of the case 200.

[0040] The partition wall 250 partitions a space for accommodating the battery module 100 arranged on the left side inside the case 200 and the battery module 100 arranged on the right side, and is arranged vertically on the bottom 201 of the case 200, with one end and the other end of the partition wall 250 being arranged in contact with the front portion 204 and the rear portion 205, respectively.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, the battery modules 100 can be accommodated on the left and right sides of the partition wall 250, and the height of the partition wall 250 from the bottom 201 of the case 200 can be configured to be the same as or lower than the first lead 211.

[0042] FIG. 1 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, in which a left battery module 100 and a right battery module 100 are arranged inside a case 200 with a partition wall 250 as the reference.

[0043] Meanwhile, in another embodiment, two or more partition walls 250 may be arranged in the left and right directions, unlike in Fig. 1, and two or more battery modules 100 may be arranged in the front and rear directions in Fig. 2. When two or more battery modules 100 are arranged in the direction from the front part 204 to the rear part 205, a partition wall may be arranged between the battery modules 100. The partition wall extends from the left side part 202 to the right side part 203, and the upper end of the partition wall extends to the bottom surface of the first lead 211.

[0044] A lid (cover) that covers the inside of the case 200 is disposed on the top of the case 200. In the present invention, the lid of the case 200 is configured as a double cover part 210. The lid may be configured to be connected to the main body of the case 200 or may be configured as one piece with the main body of the case 200. When the lid is connected to the main body of the case 200, it may be connected to the upper ends of the left side, right side, front and rear parts that make up the sides of the case 200 with bolts, respectively.

[0045] In the present invention, the double cover portion 210 constituting the lid portion of the case 200 includes a first lead 211 , a second lead 215 and a side wall portion 217 .

[0046] The first lead 211 is disposed above the battery module 100 and the partition wall 250, and edges of the first lead 211 may be disposed at upper portions of the left side surface 202, right side surface 203, front surface 204, and rear surface 205 of the case 200. The first lead 211 may be disposed above the partition wall 250 at a predetermined distance.

[0047] The first lead 211 has a vent hole 212 formed above the partition wall 250 .

[0048] 1, the ventilation hole 212 of the first lead 211 is disposed at the center of the first lead 211, and the ventilation hole 212 of the first lead 211 is disposed to overlap the partition wall 250 on a plane as shown. Specifically, in this embodiment, the partition wall 250 can be disposed at the center inside the ventilation hole 212 on a plane, and the left-right width of the ventilation hole 212 can be greater than the width of the partition wall 250.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 2, the ventilation hole 212 of the first lead 211 is formed to extend along the length of the partition wall 250, and the length of the ventilation hole 212 along the length of the partition wall 250 may be the same as or smaller than the partition wall 250.

[0050] Heat release guide members 400 are disposed on both edges of the ventilation hole 212 so as to face each other with the partition wall 250 as the reference.

[0051] The side wall portion 217 constitutes the side surface of the double cover portion 210 and is disposed along the edge of the first lead 211 , and the second lead 215 is disposed on the upper end of the side wall portion 217 .

[0052] The second lead 215 is spaced apart from the first lead 211 and disposed at the upper end of the sidewall 217 , and an edge of the second lead 215 may be disposed at the upper end of the sidewall 217 .

[0053] Heat exhaust holes 216 are formed on both edges of the second lead 215. The heat exhaust holes 216 are intended to exhaust heat emitted from the ignited battery module 100 when one of the battery modules 100 ignites. As shown in FIG. 2 , the heat exhaust hole 216 located on the left side of the second lead 215 is formed to extend along the left end of the second lead 215, and the heat exhaust hole 216 located on the right side of the second lead 215 is formed to extend along the right end of the second lead 215.

[0054] Therefore, in the present invention, heat generated from a ignited battery module 100 flows in the form of gas or thermal energy through the ventilation hole 212 in a diagonal direction into the space between the first lead 211 and the second lead 215, and is then discharged through the heat discharge hole 216 on one side. As described above, in the present invention, the cover of the case 200 is formed with the double cover part 210, which serves as a thermal energy discharge passage, thereby discharging thermal energy caused by ignition to the outside and preventing a sudden inflow of oxygen from the outside, thereby preventing sparks and flame discharge and preventing repeated ignition.

[0055] In the present invention, flow path forming members 300 are disposed on the upper portions of the partition walls 250. As shown in the figure, the flow path forming members 300 are disposed so as to protrude from the upper ends of the partition walls 250 in the direction of the air holes 212, and are disposed on the left and right sides of the partition walls 250 in the width direction (thickness direction).

[0056] As shown in FIG. 3, the flow path forming members 300 disposed on both sides of the partition wall 250 may include a lower portion coupled to the partition wall 250 and an upper portion protruding from the upper end of the partition wall 250 toward the air vent 212.

[0057] The lower portion of the flow path forming member 300 may be coupled to the upper portion of one side of the partition wall 250 as shown in the figure, and may be fastened to the partition wall 250 by bolts, for example.

[0058] The upper portion of the flow path forming member 300 protrudes from the partition wall 250, and the upper end of the upper portion may be located at the same level as the first lead 211 or lower than the first lead 211 based on the bottom 201.

[0059] 4 is a diagram illustrating heat transfer during ignition of a battery module 100 located on the left side of the partition wall 250 in the present invention, in which heat generated during ignition of the battery module 100 located on the left side of the partition wall 250 causes the flow path forming member 300 to bend toward the opposite right battery module 100 as shown in the figure, thereby blocking the inflow of thermal energy to the right battery module 100. As a result, heat (in the form of thermal energy or gas) moves diagonally and is guided to transfer to the space between the first lead 211 and the second lead 215 located at the top of the right battery module 100.

[0060] Similarly, although not shown, when the battery module 100 located on the right side of the partition wall 250 ignites, the generated heat causes the flow path forming member 300 to bend toward the left battery module 100, thereby blocking the inflow of thermal energy to the left battery module 100, and the heat (in the form of thermal energy or gas) moves upward to the left, guiding the movement of heat to the space between the first lead 211 and the second lead 215 located at the top of the left battery module 100.

[0061] The material of the flow path forming member 300 may be, for example, aluminum or stainless steel (SUS), and the thickness may be, for example, less than 1 mm, but is not limited thereto. A flexible configuration may be used in which the flow path forming member 300 bends toward the opposite battery module 100 due to the generated heat.

[0062] In addition, in the present invention, a heat dissipation induction member 400 is disposed in the double cover part 210 .

[0063] The heat release induction member 400 is disposed between the first lead 211 and the second lead 215 in the double cover portion 210 to induce heat release when the battery module 100 ignites, and the heat release induction member 400 is disposed between the first lead 211 and the second lead 215 in an openable and closable manner to regulate heat release. Here, the term "closed" for the heat release induction member 400 refers to not only completely closing the first lead 211 and the second lead 215 but also minimizing the space through which heat flows between the first lead 211 and the second lead 215. Similarly, the term "opened" for the heat release induction member 400 refers to not only completely opening the first lead 211 and the second lead 215 but also increasing the space through which heat flows between the first lead 211 and the second lead 215 compared to the closed state.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the heat dissipation induction members 400 of the present invention are respectively arranged between the first lead 211 and the second lead 215, facing each other on both sides of the ventilation hole 212, and each heat dissipation induction member 400 includes a lower induction member 410 and an upper induction member 420.

[0065] The lower guide member 410 is disposed on the first lead 211 and extends from above the first lead 211 toward the second lead 215. The height of the lower guide member 410 protruding from the first lead 211 may be equal to or less than half the distance between the first lead 211 and the second lead 215, and may be equal to the length of the first lead 211 from the front surface 204 to the rear surface 205. FIGS. 3 and 4 show an example in which the lower guide member 410 is disposed on the edge of the air vent 212, and the lower guide member 410 may be connected to the inner circumferential surface of the air vent 212 with bolts.

[0066] The upper guide member 420 extends from above the second lead 215 toward the first lead 211 to face the lower guide member 410, and is disposed immediately above the lower guide member 410. In this embodiment, the upper guide member 420 may be connected to the second lead 215 with bolts. The height of the upper guide member 420 protruding from the second lead 215 may be equal to or less than half the distance between the first lead 211 and the second lead 215, and may be equal to the length of the second lead 215 from the front surface 204 to the rear surface 205.

[0067] When the battery module 100 ignites with the gap between the first lead 211 and the second lead 215 closed as shown in FIG. 3, the upper guide member 420 and the lower guide member 410 are deformed by the heat and bent toward the edge of the second lead 215 where the heat exhaust hole 216 is formed as shown in FIG. 4, thereby opening the gap between the first lead 211 and the second lead 215 and inducing heat release.

[0068] In this embodiment, the heat dissipation guide member 400 is described as including the upper guide member 420 and the lower guide member 410, but as another example, it may be composed of either the upper guide member 420 or the lower guide member 410.

[0069] The material of the heat dissipation induction member 400 may be, for example, aluminum or stainless steel (SUS), and the thickness may be, for example, less than 1 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0070] In the battery pack 1000 employing the double cover according to the present invention having the above-described configuration, the flow path forming member 300 disposed on the upper portion of the partition wall 250 normally maintains a vertical state as shown in Fig. 3. Also, the heat release inducing member 400 disposed between the first lead 211 and the second lead 215 maintains a closed state.

[0071] In this state, if a battery module 100 on one side of the partition wall 250 catches fire as shown in FIG. 4, the heat generated from the ignited battery module 100 flows toward the vent hole 212.

[0072] At this time, the flow path forming member 300 disposed on the upper part of the partition wall 250 is deformed by the heat flowing through the space between the vent hole 212 and the partition wall 250, and is bent toward the battery module 100 on the opposite side.

[0073] As a result, the flow path forming member 300 blocks the inflow of thermal energy to the battery module 100 on the opposite side, and guides the heat (thermal energy or gas form) to move diagonally to the space between the first lead 211 and the second lead 215 located at the top of the battery module 100 on the opposite side.

[0074] The heat passing through the flow path forming member 300 moves in the diagonal direction as shown in FIG. 4, and moves between the first lead 211 and the second lead 215 located at the top of the opposite battery module 100.

[0075] As a result, the heat release induction member 400 between the first lead 211 and the second lead 215 located at the top of the opposite battery module 100 (to the right of the vent hole 212 in FIG. 4) is deformed and opened as shown in FIG. 4 due to thermal deformation, and heat is transferred to the space between the first lead 211 and the second lead and then discharged through the heat discharge hole 216. At this time, the heat release induction member 400 between the first lead 211 and the second lead 215 located at the top of the ignited battery module 100 (to the left of the vent hole 212 in FIG. 4) is closed, preventing the inflow of explosive oxygen from the outside and the discharge of sparks generated inside.

[0076] In this way, in the present invention, when a battery module 100 arranged on one side of the partition wall 250 catches fire, the flow path forming member 300 blocks the inflow of heat to adjacent battery modules 100, preventing a chain reaction of explosions of the battery modules 100, and the double cover part 210 forms a discharge path for thermal energy, preventing the inflow of explosive oxygen from the outside and the discharge of sparks generated inside.

[0077] Meanwhile, FIG. 5 shows a battery pack using a double cover according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a support leg 310 is provided on the flow path forming member 300.

[0078] The support legs 310 are arranged on one side of the flow path forming members 300 arranged on both sides of the partition wall 250 to support the flow path forming members 300. As shown in FIG. 5, when the flow path forming members 300 bend toward the opposite right battery module 100 due to heat generated by ignition of the battery module 100, the support legs 310 are supported on the upper surface of the partition wall 250.

[0079] If the flow path forming member 300 bends excessively toward the opposite battery module 100, it will not be able to block heat from flowing into the opposite battery module 100. However, in this embodiment, the support legs 310 are supported on the upper surface of the partition wall 250, which prevents the flow path forming member 300 from being excessively deformed, thereby preventing the problem of not being able to block heat from flowing into the opposite battery module 100.

[0080] The support legs 310 may be formed in a length direction of the partition wall 250 equal to the length of the flow path forming member 300, or multiple support legs 310 may be arranged at intervals along the length direction of the partition wall 250.

[0081] In another embodiment, instead of the support legs 310, a support base (not shown) may be provided on the upper surface of the partition wall 250 to support the flow path forming member 300 when the flow path forming member 300 bends toward the opposite right battery module 100. The support base is disposed on the upper surface of the partition wall 250 to prevent the flow path forming member 300 from being excessively deformed.

[0082] As seen above, the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, but is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains, without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0083] The present invention provides a battery pack capable of preventing chain fires of adjacent battery modules when some battery modules in the battery pack catch fire. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 100 Battery Module 200 cases 201 Bottom 202 Left side part 203 Right side part 204 Front part 205 Rear part 210 Double cover part 211 1st Lead 212 Ventilation hole 215 2nd Lead 216 Heat exhaust hole 217 Side wall 250 Compartment Wall 300 Flow path forming member 310 Support leg 400 Heat release induction component 410 Lower guide member 420 Upper guide member 1000 battery pack

Claims

1. a plurality of battery modules; a case that houses the battery module, The case is a first lead disposed on an upper side of the battery module and having a vent hole formed therein; a second lead disposed above the first lead at a distance; Including, a double cover portion disposed on the top of the case; In a battery pack with a double cover, a partition wall disposed between the battery modules located on the left and right sides inside the case; the partition wall is disposed below the double cover portion, an air vent for the first lead is disposed on an upper side of the partition wall; a flow path forming member arranged to protrude from an upper end of the partition wall toward the air hole, A battery pack with a double cover.

2. a heat exhaust hole is formed in the second lead of the double cover part; A battery pack to which the double cover according to claim 1 is applied.

3. The flow path forming members are arranged on the left and right sides of the partition wall in the width direction, respectively. A battery pack to which the double cover according to claim 1 is applied.

4. When the battery module disposed on one side of the partition wall ignites, the flow path forming member bends toward the battery module disposed on the other side opposite the partition wall due to heat caused by the ignition. A battery pack to which the double cover according to claim 1 is applied.

5. the flow path forming member includes a support leg that is supported on an upper surface of the partition wall when the flow path forming member bends upon firing of the battery module; A battery pack to which the double cover according to claim 4 is applied.

6. a heat dissipation inducing member for inducing heat dissipation between the first lead and the second lead; A battery pack to which the double cover according to claim 1 or 2 is applied.

7. The heat dissipation guide members are disposed on both sides of the ventilation hole, facing each other. A battery pack to which the double cover according to claim 6 is applied.

8. The heat dissipation guide members are respectively disposed on both sides of the ventilation hole. A battery pack to which the double cover according to claim 7 is applied.

9. the heat dissipation guide member is openable and closable between the first lead and the second lead; The heat release induction member is opened to release heat when the battery module is ignited. A battery pack to which the double cover according to claim 6 is applied.

10. The heat dissipation induction member is a lower guide member disposed on the first lead; an upper guide member disposed on the second lead; A battery pack to which the double cover according to claim 9 is applied.

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