Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention includes a side cover, a front cover coupled to the side cover in a direction crossing the side cover, a top cover coupled to an upper portion of the side cover and the front cover, a first sealing member disposed along a first region that is a coupling region of the side cover and the front cover, and a second sealing member disposed along a second region that is a coupling region of the side cover and the front cover and the top cover. The first sealing member can extend along a boundary between the side cover and the front cover in a contact region that contacts the second sealing member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0097611 filed on August 4, 2022, and all the contents disclosed in the literature of the Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery pack including a sealing member.

Background Art

[0003] In response to environmental pollution and depletion of oil resources, research and development related to power generation based on environmentally friendly energy sources are being conducted. In particular, research on secondary batteries is actively underway, and research is being carried out in various aspects such as materials, structures, processes, and systems of secondary batteries.

[0004] Secondary batteries are assembled in modules and packs, and their stability is managed by a battery management system (BMS). In addition to voltage management by the BMS of secondary batteries, structural stability is important, and a detailed design of a sealing structure for waterproofing of modules or packs is also required.

[0005] According to the prior art, when forming a pack while joining three sides, it was difficult to design a waterproof structure due to the structure of the three-sided joint itself. Also, even if a sealing member was provided at the three-sided joint, the sealing at the area where the three sides meet was fragile, and there was a risk of moisture penetration.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery pack including a sealing member that can improve sealing when joining three sides.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention includes a side cover, a front cover coupled to the side cover in a direction traversing the side cover, a top cover coupled to the upper parts of the side cover and the front cover, a first sealing member disposed along a first region which is the coupling region of the side cover and the front cover, and a second sealing member disposed along a second region which is the coupling region of the side cover, the front cover and the top cover, wherein the first sealing member can extend along the boundary of the side cover and the front cover in a contact region that contacts the second sealing member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sealing effect of the battery pack can be increased.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sealing effect is increased, thereby suppressing the penetration of moisture or foreign matter into the battery pack and improving its stability. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a magnified view showing a close-up of a part of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a plan view showing the arrangement of a first sealing member and a second sealing member according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the form of the first sealing member according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the form of a second sealing member according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a plan view showing the arrangement of the first sealing member and the second sealing member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing a configuration of the first sealing member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that they can be easily implemented by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. However, the present invention can be realized in a variety of different forms and is not limited or restricted by the embodiments described below.

[0012] For the purpose of clearly describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of relevant prior art that are irrelevant to the description or that could obscure the gist of the invention have been omitted. In this specification, when assigning reference numerals to components in the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals are used for components that are the same or similar throughout the specification.

[0013] Furthermore, the terms and words used in this specification and the claims should not be interpreted in a manner limited to their general or dictionary meanings, but rather should be interpreted in a manner consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that inventors may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their invention.

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Referring to Figure 1, the battery pack 1 can form an internal space (for example, internal space 2 in Figure 3) that can house a battery (or battery module) inside. The internal space can be enclosed by a cover for isolation from the outside.

[0016] The battery pack 1 can be configured with three sides joined together: a side cover 10, a front cover 20, and a top cover 30. For example, the side cover 10 can form both sides of the battery pack 1, and the front cover 20 can form the front and rear (or other sides other than the two sides). Specifically, the front cover 20 can be joined to the side cover 10 in a direction that crosses the side cover 10 (for example, vertically). The top cover 30 can be joined to the top of the side cover 10 and the front cover 20.

[0017] The side cover 10, front cover 20, and top cover 30 can be joined together on three sides to form a rectangular parallelepiped. For example, the side cover 10 can form the first and second faces of the rectangular parallelepiped, which face each other. The front cover 20 can form the third and fourth faces of the rectangular parallelepiped, which face each other across the first and second faces. The top cover 30 can be joined to the top of the side cover 10 and front cover 20 in a direction (or vertical direction) that crosses the first, second, third, and fourth faces. Alternatively, the top cover 30 can form the top surface of the battery pack 1.

[0018] Referring to Figure 2, the battery pack 1 may include sealing members (for example, a first sealing member 40 and a second sealing member 50). For example, the first sealing member 40 can be placed between the side cover 10 and the front cover 20. The first sealing member 40 can seal the space between the side cover 10 and the front cover 20 to prevent external moisture from entering the internal space (for example, internal space 2). The second sealing member 50 can be placed between the side cover 10 and the front cover 20 and the top cover 30 to prevent external moisture from entering the internal space (for example, internal space 2).

[0019] The first sealing member 40 and the second sealing member 50 may have a difference in hardness. For example, the hardness of the first sealing member 40 can be lower than the hardness of the second sealing member 50. As a specific example, the first sealing member 40 can be formed of ethylene propylene rubber, and the second sealing member 50 can be formed of polyurethane rubber having a lower hardness than the ethylene propylene rubber. The above-mentioned rubbers are examples and are not limited thereto. As described above, when the first sealing member 40 and the second sealing member 50 have a difference in hardness, when the first sealing member 40 and the second sealing member 50 overlap, the formation of an empty space is suppressed, and sealing can be performed more effectively. Also, when the hardness of the first sealing member 40 is higher than the hardness of the second sealing member 50, a similar effect may be obtained.

[0020] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing a partially enlarged state of the battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The above description can be applied in the same or similar manner hereinafter.

[0021] The first sealing member 40 can be disposed in the first region 110. For example, the region where the side cover 10 and the front cover 20 are joined can be defined as the first region 110. The first sealing member 40 can be disposed along the first region 110.

[0022] The first sealing member 40 can extend toward the internal space 2. For example, the side cover 10, the front cover 20, and the top cover 30 can define an internal space 2 capable of accommodating a battery. The first sealing member 40 is disposed between the side cover 10 and the front cover 20, and at least a part thereof can extend toward the internal space 2. At least a part of the first sealing member 40 can be the top cover 30 side portion of the first sealing member 40. When at least a part of the first sealing member 40 extends toward the internal space 2, at least a part of the first sealing member 40 can be limited to the extending range of the path through which moisture penetrates.

[0023] The first sealing member 40 can be mounted in the first mounting groove 210. For example, the first mounting groove 210 can be a groove provided in at least one of the side cover 10 and the front cover 20 so that the first sealing member 40 can be mounted in it. Alternatively, the first mounting groove 210 may be formed in either the side cover 10 or the front cover 20, or in both the side cover 10 and the front cover 20. Furthermore, for example, the first mounting groove 210 may have a form corresponding to the form of the first sealing member 40.

[0024] The second sealing member 50 can be positioned in the second region 120. For example, the region where the side cover 10 and the front cover 20 connect with the top cover 30 can be defined as the second region 120. The second sealing member 50 can be positioned along the second region 120. The second region 120 can be the region corresponding to the periphery of the top cover 30.

[0025] Figure 4 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the first sealing member 40 and the second sealing member 50 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the form of the first sealing member 40 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The above description can be applied identically or similarly below.

[0026] The first sealing member 40 and the second sealing member 50 may include overlapping areas. For example, when viewed from above, the first sealing member 40 and the second sealing member 50 can form a contact area 300 which is an overlapping area.

[0027] The first sealing member 40 can come into contact with the second sealing member 50. The contact between the first sealing member 40 and the second sealing member 50 suppresses the movement of moisture and other substances, thereby increasing the sealing effect. Furthermore, if the contact area 300 between the first sealing member 40 and the second sealing member 50 is large, the movement of moisture and other substances is further suppressed, and the sealing effect can be increased to a certain extent.

[0028] The first sealing member 40 can extend along the boundary between the side cover 10 and the front cover 20. For example, the first sealing member 40 may include a portion that extends along the boundary between the side cover 10 and the front cover 20 from the contact area 300 that contacts the second sealing member 50.

[0029] The second sealing member 50 may include an extension portion 51. For example, the extension portion 51 may be in a form that extends to cover the first sealing member 40 when viewed from above. The extension portion 51 may cover the entire first sealing member 40 or only a part of it when viewed from above. The area in which the extension portion 51 covers the first sealing member 40 when viewed from above may correspond to the contact area 300.

[0030] The first sealing member 40 may include portions with different cross-sectional areas. For example, the first sealing member 40 may include a first portion 41 having a first cross-sectional area and a second portion 42 having a second cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross-sectional area. Specifically, the first portion 41 is formed on the side of the contact region 300 that contacts the second sealing member 50 and may have a first cross-sectional area. The second portion 42 extends from the first portion 41 toward the opposite side where the second sealing member 50 is located and may have a second cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross-sectional area. As described above, by increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the first portion 41 in the region where the side cover 10, the front cover 20, and the top cover 30 are in contact, the sealing effect on the three-sided joint portion can be increased.

[0031] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a configuration of the second sealing member 50 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The above description can be applied identically or similarly below.

[0032] The second sealing member 50 may include an extension 51. For example, the second sealing member 50 can be formed along the peripheral region of the top cover 30, and an extension 51 can be formed in the corner region of the second sealing member 50 to increase the contact area with the first sealing member 40. The form of the extension 51 is not particularly limited.

[0033] The second sealing member 50 can be mounted in the second mounting groove 220 of the top cover 30. For example, the top cover 30 can be provided with a second mounting groove 220 into which the second sealing member 50 is mounted. The second mounting groove 220 can also have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the second sealing member 50.

[0034] Figure 7 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the first sealing member 40a and the second sealing member 50a according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the form of the first sealing member 40a according to another embodiment of the present invention. The above description can be applied identically or similarly below.

[0035] The first sealing member 40a may also extend further along the second sealing member 50a. For example, the first sealing member 40a may include a portion that extends further across the boundary between the side cover 10a and the front cover 20a in the contact area 300a that contacts the second sealing member 50a. In this case, the extending portion may extend further along the second sealing member 50a to increase the contact area.

[0036] The first sealing member 40a may include a first portion 41a and a second portion 42a. For example, the portion of the first sealing member 40a that contacts the second sealing member 50a may be the first portion 41a, and the portion extending to the opposite side of where the second sealing member 50a is located may be the second portion 42a. The first portion 41a may have the same shape as an "L". As described above, in the area where the side cover 10, the front cover 20, and the top cover 30 are in contact, the first portion 41a can further extend in a direction that crosses the boundary, thereby increasing the contact area 300a and further blocking the movement path of moisture and other substances, thereby maximizing the sealing effect on the three-sided joint portion.

[0037] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various implementations are possible by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, within the equivalent scope of the technical concept of the present invention and the claims described below. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 1 Battery pack 2. Interior space 10, 10a Side cover 20, 20a Front cover 30 Top Cover 40, 40a First sealing member 41, 41a Part 1 42, 42a 2nd part 50, 50a Second sealing member 51, 51a Extended section 110 1st area 120 Second area 210 First mounting groove 220 Second mounting groove 300, 300a contact area

Claims

1. Side cover and A front cover which is coupled to the side cover in a direction that crosses the side cover, A top cover that is connected to the upper part of the side cover and the front cover, A first sealing member is arranged along a first region which is the joining region of the side cover and the front cover, A second sealing member is arranged along the second region which is the joining region of the side cover and the front cover and the top cover, Includes, The first sealing member extends along the boundary between the side cover and the front cover in the contact area that contacts the second sealing member, The first sealing member is A first portion is formed on the contact area side that contacts the second sealing member and has a first cross-sectional area, A second portion extends from the first portion toward the opposite side of the side where the second sealing member exists, and has a second cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross-sectional area, A battery pack, including the battery pack.

2. The first sealing member is The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein in the contact area that contacts the second sealing member, it crosses the boundary between the side cover and the front cover and extends further along the second sealing member.

3. The second sealing member is, The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising an extended portion that, when viewed from above, extends to cover the first sealing member.

4. The side cover, the front cover, and the top cover define an internal space capable of housing a battery. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the first sealing member extends toward the internal space.

5. When viewed from above, The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first sealing member and the second sealing member include an overlapping region.

6. At least one of the side cover and the front cover is The battery pack according to claim 1, comprising a first mounting groove provided for mounting the first sealing member and having a shape corresponding to the shape of the first sealing member.

7. The aforementioned top cover is The battery pack according to claim 1, comprising a second mounting groove provided for mounting the second sealing member and having a shape corresponding to the shape of the second sealing member.

8. Side cover and A front cover which is coupled to the side cover in a direction that crosses the side cover, A top cover that is connected to the upper part of the side cover and the front cover, A first sealing member is arranged along a first region which is the joining region of the side cover and the front cover, A second sealing member is arranged along the second region which is the joining region of the side cover and the front cover and the top cover, Includes, The first sealing member extends along the boundary between the side cover and the front cover in the contact area that contacts the second sealing member, A battery pack in which the hardness of the first sealing member is lower than the hardness of the second sealing member.

9. Side cover and A front cover which is coupled to the side cover in a direction that crosses the side cover, A top cover that is connected to the upper part of the side cover and the front cover, A first sealing member is arranged along a first region which is the joining region of the side cover and the front cover, A second sealing member is arranged along the second region which is the joining region of the side cover and the front cover and the top cover, Includes, The first sealing member extends along the boundary between the side cover and the front cover in the contact area that contacts the second sealing member, A battery pack in which the hardness of the first sealing member differs from the hardness of the second sealing member.

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