A gasket for delaying flame generation during thermal runaway, and a battery pack equipped with the same.

Abstract

A gasket for retarding flame outbreak according to one embodiment of the present invention is a gasket disposed for sealing between an upper housing and a lower housing, the gasket including a gasket body disposed between the upper housing and the lower housing, and a heat insulating member disposed inside the gasket body.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gasket and a battery pack including the same, and more particularly, to a gasket capable of delaying the generation of flame to the outside during thermal runaway and a battery pack including the same. [Background Art]

[0002] Unlike non-rechargeable primary batteries, secondary batteries are batteries that can be charged and discharged, and are applied not only to portable devices, but also to electric vehicles (EVs) driven by electric drive sources, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and the like.

[0003] Types of secondary batteries that are currently widely used include lithium ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, nickel zinc batteries, and the like. The operating voltage of such a unit battery cell, that is, a unit battery cell, is about 2.5 V to 4.6 V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, a battery pack is configured by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series. Further, depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, a battery pack may be configured by connecting a plurality of battery cells in parallel. Accordingly, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be variously set according to the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

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

[0005] Typically, in vehicle battery packs, multiple battery modules or battery module assemblies are arranged on the same plane to maintain structural stability.

[0006] Figures 1-3 show a conventional battery pack 1, which, as shown in the figures, includes an upper housing 10, a lower housing 20, a gasket 30 between the upper housing 10 and the lower housing 20, and a battery module 40 located inside.

[0007] Furthermore, in such a battery pack 1, if overcharging occurs, high energy flows instantaneously, and the positive electrode material becomes chemically activated much more rapidly due to overcharging or short circuit. This can cause a rapid reaction with the electrolyte, resulting in the generation of a large amount of gas and thermal runaway. If such thermal runaway occurs, the main gasket 30 may be damaged by flames and short circuits, which may cause flames to be generated outside the battery pack 1. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The present invention was made to solve the problems of the prior art, and the object of the present invention is to provide a gasket that can delay the generation of flames to the outside during thermal runaway, and a battery pack equipped therewith. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A gasket for delaying flame generation according to one embodiment of the present invention is a gasket disposed for sealing between an upper housing and a lower housing, characterized in that the gasket comprises a gasket body disposed between the upper housing and the lower housing; and a heat-insulating member disposed inside the gasket body.

[0010] Furthermore, the gasket body is provided along the edges of the upper housing and the lower housing.

[0011] Furthermore, the heat-insulating member includes a heat-insulating portion disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the gasket body.

[0012] Furthermore, the heat-insulating member further includes an inner connecting portion on one side of the heat-insulating portion that is connected to the gasket body.

[0013] Furthermore, the gasket body includes a groove on its inner circumferential surface into which the inner connecting portion is inserted.

[0014] Furthermore, the above-mentioned inner joint is integrated with the above-mentioned heat-insulating part.

[0015] Furthermore, the heat-insulating portion protrudes upward from the upper surface of the gasket body.

[0016] Furthermore, the heat-insulating portion protrudes downward from the lower surface of the gasket body.

[0017] Furthermore, the upper part of the heat-shielding section is in contact with the upper housing, and the lower part of the heat-shielding section is in contact with the lower housing.

[0018] Furthermore, the upper and lower parts of the heat-shielding section each have curved portions that are bent in the direction of the upper housing and the lower housing, respectively.

[0019] Furthermore, the heat-shielding portion is provided with an upper cover portion that covers the upper surface of the gasket body at the top of the heat-shielding portion, and a lower cover portion that covers the lower surface of the gasket body at the bottom of the heat-shielding portion.

[0020] Furthermore, the above-mentioned heat-insulating material may be made of a heat-resistant material and may contain mica.

[0021] A battery pack for delaying flame generation during thermal runaway according to one embodiment of the present invention includes one or more battery modules; a case for housing the battery modules, including an upper housing and a lower housing coupled to the upper housing; and a gasket disposed between the upper housing and the lower housing, wherein the gasket includes a gasket body disposed between the upper housing and the lower housing; and a heat-insulating member disposed inside the gasket body.

[0022] A battery pack for delaying flame generation during thermal runaway according to another embodiment of the present invention includes one or more battery modules; an upper housing and a lower housing coupled to the upper housing, a case for housing the battery modules; and a gasket disposed between the upper housing and the lower housing, wherein the gasket includes a gasket body disposed between the upper housing and the lower housing, and a heat-insulating member surrounding the gasket body.

[0023] Furthermore, the heat-insulating member is characterized by surrounding the entire surface of the gasket body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the gasket and the battery pack according to the present invention, the effect of preventing damage to the gasket during thermal runaway and delaying the occurrence of flame to the outside of the battery pack can be obtained. [Brief Description of Drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a conventional battery pack. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing a cross-section of one side surface of the battery pack in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a detailed diagram showing the joint portion of the upper housing and the lower housing in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing a cross-section of one side surface of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a detailed diagram showing part A in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a detailed diagram showing a part of the battery pack according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a detailed diagram showing a part of the battery pack according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a detailed diagram showing a part of the battery pack according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0026] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the method for achieving them, will become apparent from the embodiments described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and can be implemented in various different forms. However, these embodiments are provided for the purpose of complete disclosure of the present invention and to fully inform those skilled in the technical field to which the present invention pertains of the scope of the invention. The present invention should be defined by the scope of the claims. Therefore, in some embodiments, well-known process steps, well-known element structures, and well-known technologies are not specifically described in order to avoid making the present invention ambiguous. Throughout the present specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0027] In the drawings, thicknesses are enlarged to clearly represent multiple layers and regions. Similar parts are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout this specification. When a layer, membrane, region, plate, or other part is said to be "on top" of another part, this includes not only when it is "directly above" the other part, but also when there is another part in between. In contrast, when a part is said to be "directly above" another part, it means there is no other part in between. Similarly, when a layer, membrane, region, plate, or other part is said to be "below" another part, this includes not only when it is "directly below" the other part, but also when there is another part in between. In contrast, when a part is said to be "directly below" another part, it means there is no other part in between.

[0028] A gasket 300 for delaying flame generation during thermal runaway and a battery pack 1000 equipped therewith, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0029] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of one side of a battery pack in one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 5 is a detailed view showing portion A in Figure 4.

[0030] A gasket 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention is a gasket 300 that is placed between an upper housing 100 and a lower housing 200 for sealing, and the gasket 300 includes a gasket body 310 placed between the upper housing 100 and the lower housing 200, and a heat-insulating member 320 placed inside the gasket body 310.

[0031] Furthermore, a battery pack 1000 for delaying flame generation during thermal runaway according to one embodiment of the present invention includes one or more battery modules 400, a case 50 housing the battery modules 400, and a gasket 300, wherein the case 50 includes an upper housing 100 and a lower housing 200.

[0032] The gasket 300 according to the present invention will be described below with an example of its application to a battery pack 1000.

[0033] The battery module 400 housed in the battery pack 1000 comprises a plurality of battery cells (not shown), each of which may be, for example, a pouch-type battery cell.

[0034] For example, the battery module 400 comprises a plurality of battery cells stacked on top of each other, and each battery cell has electrode leads at both its front and rear ends, but a positive electrode lead may be provided at the front end and a negative electrode lead at the rear end. The plurality of battery cells in the battery module 400 may be stacked so as to be electrically connected to each other.

[0035] The battery cells are not limited to pouch-type battery cells, but may also be battery cells of other forms, such as prismatic battery cells, and multiple battery cells may be housed within the case of the battery module 400.

[0036] The above case 50 is for housing multiple battery modules 400 and includes an upper housing 100 and a lower housing 200.

[0037] The lower housing 200 can accommodate multiple battery modules 400, and the upper housing 100 is connected to the upper side of the lower housing 200, forming an internal space within the case 50 in which the battery modules 400 are housed.

[0038] The gasket 300, positioned between the upper housing 100 and the lower housing 200, is provided for sealing between the upper housing 100 and the lower housing 200, and is positioned over the entire joint between the upper and lower housings 100 and 200, forming a closed loop shape on a plane.

[0039] The gasket 300 described above is positioned between the upper housing 100 and the lower housing 200 to seal the space between the upper housing 100 and the lower housing 200. In the present invention, the gasket 300 includes a gasket body 310 and a heat-insulating member 320 positioned inside the gasket body 310.

[0040] The gasket body 310 is positioned between the upper housing 100 and the lower housing 200 for sealing, and may be positioned over the entire connecting portion of the upper and lower housings 100 and 200.

[0041] Therefore, the gasket body 310 may be formed along the edges of the upper and lower housings 100 and 200. If the connecting portion of the upper and lower housings 100 and 200 is formed around the entire circumference of the edge of the case 50, the gasket body 310 will have an annular or closed-loop shape in a plane.

[0042] A groove 311 may be formed on the inner surface 312a (inner circumferential surface) of the gasket body 310 located on the inside side of the case 50, into which the inner connecting portion 322 of the heat-insulating member 320 is connected. The groove 311 will be formed on all or part of the inner circumferential surface of the gasket body 310 by the formation of the inner connecting portion 322 (reference numeral 312d denotes the outer surface (outer circumferential surface) of the gasket body 310).

[0043] The material of the gasket body 310 may be rubber, synthetic resin such as urethane, metal, or other materials.

[0044] The heat-insulating member 320 is intended to prevent or delay damage to the gasket 300 (or gasket body 310) during thermal runaway, and includes an inner coupling portion 322 that is positioned inside the gasket body 310 within the case 50 and coupled to the gasket body 310, and a heat-insulating portion 321. The heat-insulating member 320 is made of or contains a heat-resistant material, and may be made of, for example, mica, a composite material containing mica, or other material.

[0045] The heat-insulating portion 321 is positioned inside the gasket body 310 to prevent damage to the gasket body 310 in the event of thermal runaway, and is provided in contact with the inner surface 312a of the gasket body 310 and along the inner circumferential surface of the gasket body 310.

[0046] The heat-insulating portion 321 is formed inside the case 50 along the entire circumference of the inner surface of the gasket body 310, and the vertical length of the heat-insulating portion 321 may be greater than or equal to the thickness of the gasket body 310. Therefore, the heat-insulating portion 321 is provided to cover the entire thickness of the gasket body 310.

[0047] The heat-insulating portion 321 extends in the thickness direction of the gasket body 310, and as shown in Figure 5, it may protrude upward from the upper surface 312b of the gasket body 310 to a length greater than the thickness of the gasket body 310, and downward from the lower surface 312c of the gasket body 310 to a length greater than the thickness of the gasket body 310. As a result, the vertical length of the heat-insulating portion 321 may be three times or more the thickness of the gasket body 310.

[0048] Therefore, as described above, by positioning the heat-insulating portion 321 inside the gasket body 310, it is possible to prevent damage to the gasket body 310 in the event of thermal runaway.

[0049] The material used for the heat-insulating portion 321 may be the same as the material used for the heat-insulating member 320 described above.

[0050] The inner connecting portion 322 is positioned on one side of the heat-insulating portion 321 and is for connecting the heat-insulating member 320 to the gasket body 310. It is formed to protrude from one side of the heat-insulating portion 321 that contacts the inner surface 312a (inner circumferential surface) of the gasket body 310, and is inserted into the groove 311 of the gasket body 310 to be connected.

[0051] The inner joint portion 322 may be made of the same material as the heat-insulating portion 321 or the heat-insulating member 320, and may be formed integrally with the heat-insulating portion 321.

[0052] The heat-insulating member 320 can be manufactured, for example, by insert molding. That is, the heat-insulating member 320 can be manufactured together with the gasket body 310 by insert molding, which eliminates the assembly process and improves the bonding strength.

[0053] The gasket 300 having the configuration described above is placed between the upper housing 100 and the lower housing 200 and is joined together with the upper and lower housings 100 and 200 using bolts 150, washers 151, and nuts 152.

[0054] In this invention, by arranging the heat-insulating member 320 on the inner circumferential surface of the gasket body 310 in this manner, damage to the gasket body 310 during thermal runaway can be prevented or delayed, and the generation of flames outside the battery pack 1000 can be delayed.

[0055] Next, a gasket 300 for delaying flame generation during thermal runaway and a battery pack 1000 equipped therewith, according to a second embodiment of the present invention, will be described. Figure 6 is a detailed view showing the joint portion of the upper and lower housings 100 and 200 in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the upper and lower parts of the heat-insulating portion 321 of the heat-insulating member 320 of the gasket 300 are formed in a curved shape. That is, in this embodiment, the upper and lower parts of the heat-insulating portion 321 may have curved portions 321a and 321b, respectively. Furthermore, the upper and lower parts of the heat-insulating portion 321 may be formed to contact the upper housing 100 and the lower housing 200, respectively.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, the curved portion 321a located at the top of the heat-shielding portion 321 is formed to curve in the direction of the upper housing 100, and the curved portion 321b located at the bottom of the heat-shielding portion 321 is formed to curve in the direction of the lower housing 200.

[0058] The upper curved portion 321a of the heat-shielding portion 321 is arc-shaped, with its end contacting the upper housing 100, and the lower curved portion 321b of the heat-shielding portion 321 is arc-shaped, with its end contacting the lower housing 200.

[0059] In the second embodiment, the upper and lower parts of the heat-insulating portion 321 are formed in an arch shape, which effectively prevents heat from being applied to the gasket body 310 during thermal runaway, thereby delaying the generation of flames outside the battery pack 1000.

[0060] The other configurations and effects are the same as in the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0061] Next, a gasket 300 for delaying flame generation during thermal runaway and a battery pack 1000 equipped therewith, according to a third embodiment of the present invention, will be described. Figure 7 is a detailed view showing the joint portion of the upper and lower housings 100 and 200 in the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] The third embodiment differs from the embodiments described above in that the upper and lower parts of the heat-insulating portion 321 of the heat-insulating member 320 of the gasket 300 are formed to cover the gasket body 310 inside the case 50. That is, in this embodiment, the upper and lower parts of the heat-insulating portion 321 may have an upper cover portion 321c and a lower cover portion 321d, respectively.

[0063] As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the upper cover portion 321c located above the heat-insulating portion 321 is formed to cover the upper surface 312b of the gasket body 310 inside the case 50, and the lower cover portion 321d located below the heat-insulating portion 321 is formed to cover the lower surface 312c of the gasket body 310 inside the case 50. Furthermore, the end of the upper cover portion 321c extends to the upper case 100 and contacts the inner surface of the upper case 100, and the lower cover portion 321d extends to the lower case 200 and contacts the inner surface of the lower case 200.

[0064] In the third embodiment, the upper and lower parts of the heat-insulating portion 321 have an upper cover portion 321c and a lower cover portion 321d, thereby effectively preventing heat from being applied to the gasket body 310 during thermal runaway.

[0065] In Figure 7, an inner connecting portion 322 is shown inside the heat-insulating portion 321, but it is also possible to form it without providing the inner connecting portion 322.

[0066] The other configurations and effects are the same as those of the embodiments described above, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0067] Next, a gasket 300 for delaying flame generation during thermal runaway and a battery pack 1000 equipped therewith, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, will be described. Figure 8 is a detailed view showing the joint portion of the upper and lower housings 100 and 200 in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] The fourth embodiment differs from the embodiments described above in that the heat-insulating member 320 of the gasket 300 is formed to cover the entire surface of the gasket body 310. In other words, in this embodiment, the heat-insulating member 320 is formed to surround the entire gasket body 310.

[0069] As shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, the heat-insulating member 320 is formed to surround all of the gasket body 310 located inside the case 50: the inner surface 312a, the upper surface 312b, the lower surface 312c, and the outer surface 312d of the gasket body 310 located outside the case 50.

[0070] In the fourth embodiment, the heat-insulating member 320 is formed to surround the entire gasket body 310 in this manner, thereby effectively preventing heat from being applied to the gasket body 310 during thermal runaway.

[0071] In this embodiment, the heat-insulating member 320 may be formed without providing an inner joint portion 322 on the inside, as shown in the figure.

[0072] The other configurations and effects are the same as those of the embodiments described above, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0073] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various ways with modifications without departing from the spirit of the invention by persons with ordinary skill in the art. [Industrial applicability]

[0074] The present invention provides a gasket and a battery pack that can prevent gasket damage and delay the generation of flames outside the battery pack during thermal runaway. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 1 Battery Pack 10 Upper housing 20 Lower housing 30 Main gasket 40 Battery Modules 50 cases 100 Upper housing, upper case 150 volts 151 Washer 152 nuts 200 Lower housing, lower case 300 Gasket 310 Gasket body 311 Groove 320 Heat-insulating material 321 Heat insulation part 322 Inner joint 400 Battery Modules 1000 Battery Pack

Claims

1. A gasket positioned between the upper housing and the lower housing for sealing purposes, for delaying flame generation, The aforementioned gasket is A gasket body disposed between the upper housing and the lower housing, A heat-insulating member is placed inside the gasket body. Includes, The heat-insulating member includes a heat-insulating portion disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the gasket body, The heat-insulating member further includes an inner connecting portion on one side of the heat-insulating portion that is connected to the gasket body, The gasket body is characterized by having a groove on its inner circumferential surface into which the inner connecting portion is inserted, thereby delaying flame generation.

2. A gasket positioned between the upper housing and the lower housing for sealing purposes, for delaying flame generation, The aforementioned gasket is A gasket body disposed between the upper housing and the lower housing, A heat-insulating member connected to the gasket body, the heat-insulating member being positioned inside the gasket body, Includes, The heat-insulating member includes a heat-insulating portion disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the gasket body, The heat-insulating portion protrudes upward from the upper surface of the gasket body. A gasket for delaying flame generation, characterized in that the portion of the heat-insulating part that protrudes upward is curved so that the portion of the heat-insulating part contacts the upper housing.

3. A gasket positioned between the upper housing and the lower housing for sealing purposes, for delaying flame generation, The aforementioned gasket is A gasket body disposed between the upper housing and the lower housing, A heat-insulating member is placed inside the gasket body. Includes, The heat-insulating member includes a heat-insulating portion disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the gasket body, The heat-insulating part is, An upper cover portion that covers the upper surface of the gasket body is provided on the upper part of the heat-insulating portion, A lower cover portion that covers the lower surface of the gasket body is located below the heat-insulating portion. A gasket for delaying flame generation, characterized by containing [a specific component].

4. The heat-insulating member further includes an inner connecting portion on one side of the heat-insulating portion which is connected to the gasket body, as described in claim 2 or 3, for delaying flame generation.

5. The gasket body includes a groove on its inner circumferential surface into which the inner connecting portion is inserted, as described in claim 4, for delaying flame generation.

6. The gasket for delaying flame generation according to claim 4, wherein the inner joint is integrated with the heat-insulating portion.

7. The heat-insulating portion is a gasket for delaying flame generation as described in claim 1, which protrudes downward from the lower surface of the gasket body.

8. The upper part of the heat-shielding section is in contact with the upper housing. The lower part of the heat-insulating portion is a gasket for delaying flame generation as described in claim 1, which is in contact with the lower housing.

9. The gasket for delaying flame generation according to claim 1, wherein the upper and lower parts of the heat-insulating portion each have curved portions that are bent in the direction of the upper housing and the lower housing, respectively.

10. The heat-insulating member is a gasket for delaying flame generation according to claim 1, comprising a heat-resistant material.

11. A gasket positioned between the upper housing and the lower housing for sealing purposes, for delaying flame generation, The aforementioned gasket is A gasket body disposed between the upper housing and the lower housing, Heat-insulating member surrounding the gasket body Includes, The heat-insulating member is characterized by surrounding the entire surface of the gasket body, making it a gasket for delaying flame generation.

12. One or more battery modules, A case for housing the battery module, including an upper housing and a lower housing coupled to the upper housing, and A gasket placed between the upper housing and the lower housing. Includes, The aforementioned gasket is A gasket body disposed between the upper housing and the lower housing, Heat-insulating member disposed inside the gasket body Includes, The heat-insulating member includes a heat-insulating portion disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the gasket body, The heat-insulating member further includes an inner connecting portion on one side of the heat-insulating portion that is connected to the gasket body, The battery pack for delaying flame generation during thermal runaway is characterized in that the gasket body includes a groove on its inner circumferential surface into which the inner connecting portion is inserted.

13. One or more battery modules, A case for housing the battery module, including an upper housing and a lower housing coupled to the upper housing, and A gasket placed between the upper housing and the lower housing. Includes, The aforementioned gasket is A gasket body disposed between the upper housing and the lower housing, A heat-insulating member connected to the gasket body, wherein the heat-insulating member is positioned inside the gasket body. Includes, The heat-insulating member includes a heat-insulating portion disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the gasket body, The heat-insulating portion protrudes upward from the upper surface of the gasket body and protrudes downward from the lower surface of the gasket body. The portion of the heat shield that protrudes upward is curved so that the portion that protrudes upward contacts the upper housing. A battery pack for delaying flame generation during thermal runaway, characterized in that the portion of the heat-shielding section that protrudes downward is curved so that the portion that protrudes downward contacts the lower housing.

14. One or more battery modules, A case for housing the battery module, including an upper housing and a lower housing coupled to the upper housing, and A gasket disposed between the upper housing and the lower housing, Includes, The aforementioned gasket is A gasket body disposed between the upper housing and the lower housing, Heat-insulating member surrounding the gasket body Includes, The heat-insulating member is characterized by surrounding the entire surface of the gasket body, thus delaying the generation of flames during thermal runaway in this battery pack.

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