Battery module for electric vehicles

Abstract

The present invention discloses a battery device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a battery device for an electric vehicle that can solve the problem of insufficient battery capacity during long-distance driving by having a structure that is easy to attach and detach. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery module is configured with a structure in which a plurality of rechargeable battery cells are detachably stacked, and a plurality of battery modules are configured to be mounted within a case that is electrically connected to the vehicle battery and mounted in the trunk space of an electric vehicle, thereby allowing for the additional provision of auxiliary power supply means in addition to the vehicle battery mounted in the electric vehicle, which increases the total battery capacity used in the vehicle and dramatically improves the driving range.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery device, and more particularly to a battery device for an electric vehicle that can solve the problem of insufficient battery capacity during long-distance driving by having a structure that is easy to attach and detach.

[0002] (Korean) This result is the outcome of the Regional Innovation-Centered University Support System (RISE), conducted with funding from the Ministry of Education and Gyeongsangbuk-do and supported by the Gyeongbuk RISE Center in 2026. (2026-RISE-15-107).

[0003] (English) This research was supported by the Regional Innovation System & Education(RISE) program through the Gyeongbuk RISE CENTER, funded by the Ministry of Education(MOE) and the Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea.(2026-RISE-15-107). Background Technology

[0004] While conventional vehicles primarily use fossil fuels such as diesel, gasoline, LNG, and LPG, electric vehicles (EVs) that use electricity as an energy source are attracting attention as an alternative to fossil fuel vehicles due to the increasing concern for the environment in recent years and the problem of large-scale exhaust gas emissions, which are known to be the main culprit of environmental pollution caused by the use of the aforementioned fossil fuels.

[0005] Announced electric vehicles include pure electric vehicles (battery-powered EVs), fuel cell electric vehicles (fuel cell EVs) that use fuel cells as electric motors, and hybrid electric vehicles (hybrid EVs) that utilize both electric motors and engines; furthermore, to expand the adoption and promote the use of electric vehicles, research on the establishment of battery charging infrastructure (EV charging infra) is also being conducted in various forms.

[0006] However, despite the advantages in terms of eco-friendliness, most electric vehicles are built based on batteries, which leads to problems related to the main characteristics of the batteries. In particular, while the energy efficiency of the motor itself installed in electric vehicles is superior to that of internal combustion engines, the energy storage density of vehicle batteries is very short compared to fossil fuels such as gasoline and diesel.

[0007] As the low storage capacity of these vehicle batteries is disadvantageous, particularly during long-distance driving, there is a growing need for charging methods that can be used individually by each vehicle, in addition to the battery charging networks operating in each region.

[0008] As a prior art document related to this, Korean Published Patent Application No. 10-2023-0174391 relates to a portable rechargeable battery capable of movement and carrying, and an electric vehicle charging system using the same. It discloses a technology comprising an electric vehicle battery that supplies power required for driving an electric vehicle, a motor drive unit that controls the operation of a drive motor by receiving power supplied from the electric vehicle battery as driving power, and a portable rechargeable battery that has a built-in rechargeable battery and charges by applying charging power to the electric vehicle battery or the motor drive unit when connected to the electric vehicle for charging, wherein the portable rechargeable battery is implemented in a form that can be mounted on an electric vehicle.

[0009] However, electric vehicle batteries according to the aforementioned prior art literature and other known technologies have limitations in that they focus solely on the function of charging the vehicle itself, but do not present specific embodiments regarding how the means for actually charging the vehicle is implemented in structure and how it is combined with the mounted battery system. Prior art literature

[0010] Korean Published Patent Application No. 10-2023-0174391 (Date of publication: Dec. 28, 2023) The problem to be solved

[0011] The present invention has been devised to solve the aforementioned problems. The present invention has the objective of providing a modular electric vehicle battery charging means as an electric vehicle battery charging solution that has a structure that is easy to attach and detach from a vehicle and can solve the problem of power shortage during long-distance driving. means of solving the problem

[0012] To solve the aforementioned problem, an electric vehicle battery device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a battery case having a cover portion on one side that can be opened by a hinge connection; a pair of guide rails formed parallel to the longitudinal direction of the battery case on the inner bottom surface of the battery case; a guide plate disposed inside the pair of guide rails and detachable by a sliding manner, having a pair of guide surfaces formed such that both ends protrude to a certain height in a first direction and the ends are bent inward; and one or more battery modules disposed on the upper surface of the guide plate, wherein the lower ends of both ends are coupled so as to be bordered by the pair of guide surfaces in the first direction.

[0013] The above battery case has a rectangular structure with different width and length, and can be connected to one or more wires on one side to electrically connect the battery module and the vehicle battery mounted in the vehicle.

[0014] The above battery case can have its outer bottom surface attached and fixed to the trunk plate of the vehicle body.

[0015] The above guide rail may have an uneven cross-section having a step.

[0016] The above-described electric vehicle battery device may further include one or more fixing members inserted between the connection surface between the guide rail and the guide plate to minimize shaking of the battery module caused by external force.

[0017] The guide plate may include a locking hole formed in one of its two ends, and the fixing member may include a latch portion that is inserted into the locking hole as it moves forward by a spring member to fix the guide plate so that it does not move on the guide rail, and is ejected from the locking hole as it moves backward when an external force is applied, thereby allowing the guide plate to move along the longitudinal direction on the guide rail.

[0018] The guide plate may include a cap portion in which a plurality of ejection holes are further formed on a surface in a first direction toward an internal space filled with extinguishing liquid and the battery module, and the plurality of ejection holes are melted and removed at a temperature above a certain level, thereby causing the extinguishing liquid to be ejected in the first direction by gravity.

[0019] The above battery module can be combined in a stacked form, with the lower surface protruding and the upper surface recessed so that the two lower surfaces and upper surfaces interlock vertically. Effects of the invention

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery module is configured with a structure in which a plurality of rechargeable battery cells are detachably stacked, and a plurality of battery modules are configured to be mounted within a case that is electrically connected to the vehicle battery and mounted in the trunk space of an electric vehicle, thereby allowing for the additional provision of auxiliary power supply means in addition to the vehicle battery mounted in the electric vehicle, which increases the total battery capacity used in the vehicle and dramatically improves the driving range.

[0021] Accordingly, this has the effect of minimizing user inconvenience caused by driving range limitations during long-distance driving or business trips using electric vehicles. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the installation form of a battery device for an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the overall exterior of an electric vehicle battery device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the structure of a guide rail and a guide plate of an electric vehicle battery device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the plan view, side view, and combined view of a guide plate for an electric vehicle battery device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the stacked structure of a battery module of an electric vehicle battery device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0023] The present invention as described above will be explained in detail through the attached drawings and embodiments.

[0024] It should be noted that the technical terms used in this invention are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, unless specifically defined otherwise in this invention, the technical terms used in this invention should be interpreted in the sense generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and should not be interpreted in an overly broad or overly narrow sense. Additionally, if a technical term used in this invention is an incorrect technical term that fails to accurately express the concept of the invention, it should be replaced with a technical term that can be correctly understood by those skilled in the art. Moreover, general terms used in this invention should be interpreted according to their prior definitions or the context, and should not be interpreted in an overly narrow sense.

[0025] Furthermore, singular expressions used in the present invention include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the present invention, terms such as "composed of" or "comprising" should not be interpreted as necessarily including all of the various components or steps described in the invention, and should be interpreted as meaning that some of the components or steps may not be included, or that additional components or steps may be included.

[0026] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., used in the present invention may be used to describe components, but the components should not be limited by these terms. The terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component.

[0027] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components are given the same reference number regardless of the drawing symbols, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0028] Furthermore, in describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related prior art are omitted if it is determined that such descriptions could obscure the essence of the invention. Additionally, it should be noted that the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate an understanding of the concept of the present invention and should not be interpreted as limiting the concept of the present invention.

[0029] Hereinafter, an electric vehicle battery device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the installation form of a battery device for an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, the battery device (100) for an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is an auxiliary power supply means installed in a pure electric vehicle, etc. that utilizes electricity as a raw material, and can be installed in a location where a predetermined space is secured inside the vehicle, such as on the trunk side of the electric vehicle (1), and preferably can be mounted on the lower surface of the trunk opening / closing part of the vehicle.

[0032] Additionally, although not illustrated, the battery device (100) can be electrically connected to a vehicle battery installed inside the electric vehicle (1) to supply the necessary power. The drawing illustrates a configuration in which the battery device (100) is mounted within the rear trunk space of the electric vehicle (1), but the location of the battery device (100) and the mounting configuration are not limited to a specific location and configuration.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the overall exterior of an electric vehicle battery device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the cover portion in an open state (a) and a closed state (b).

[0034] Referring to FIG. 2, a battery device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a battery case (101) having a cover portion (102) on one side that can be opened by a hinge connection, a pair of guide rails (110) formed parallel to the longitudinal direction of the battery case (101) on the inner bottom surface of the battery case (101), and one or more battery modules (140) disposed on the upper surface of a guide plate on the guide rails (110), with the lower ends of both sides being bordered by a pair of guide surfaces in a first direction.

[0035] Additionally, although not shown, the aforementioned guide plate may be structured to be attached and detached in a sliding manner by being positioned inside a pair of guide rails (110).

[0036] The battery case (101) may have a rectangular shape in which either the width or the length is longer, and may be equipped with one or more detachable battery modules (140) that store electricity internally, and the rear surface may be attached and fixed to the inner surface of the vehicle trunk opening / closing part (5).

[0037] In particular, the battery case (101) forming the exterior of the battery device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention has a portion cut out to form a cover portion (102), and as the cover portion (102) is opened, the internal space is exposed so that the battery module (140) can be detached, thus having the advantage that the battery module can be easily replaced when discharged.

[0038] The cover portion (102) may have a folded structure with a cross-section in the shape of an 'L', and a handle (103) may be formed on one side to make it easier for the user to open, and a connecting hinge (105) may be installed on the other side to allow rotation from the battery case (101).

[0039] And, on the back side of the battery case (101), that is, on the opposite side of the cover portion (102), a cable (108) electrically connected to an internal battery module (140) may be exposed, and a connector connected to a vehicle battery system mounted on an electric vehicle may be attached to the end thereof.

[0040] Hereinafter, the structure of a guide rail and a guide plate of an electric vehicle battery device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the structure of a guide rail and a guide plate of an electric vehicle battery device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the combined structure (a) of the guide rail and the guide plate and the cross-sectional structure (b) of a fixing member coupled thereto.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 3, the guide rail (110) of the battery device for an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is fixedly installed on the bottom surface of the battery case to support a battery module that is coupled to the top, and a guide plate (120) coupled to the battery module can be seated thereon.

[0043] In detail, a pair of guide rails (110) may be spaced apart to correspond to the vertical width of the guide plate (120) and positioned parallel to the longitudinal direction of the battery case, and may be fixed to the bottom surface of the battery case so as not to move.

[0044] These guide rails (110) are installed in an 11 shape, and as there is a step when viewed from the cross-section, the lower edges of both ends of the guide plate (120) that is joined to the top are joined in a manner where they come into contact between the steps.

[0045] Additionally, between the guide rail (110) and the guide plate (120), one or more fixing members (130) may be fitted to fix the guide plate (120) and the battery module described later so that they do not move due to vibrations generated during the operation of the electric vehicle.

[0046] These fixed members (130) may be shaped to surround a portion of the guide rail (110), and a latch portion (135) capable of moving forward and backward may be formed opposite one or more locking holes (122) formed in the guide plate (120).

[0047] In particular, since the rear portion of the latch portion (135), which is opposite to the portion protruding from the inside of the fixing member (130), is supported by a spring and advanced in the outward direction, the guide plate (120) can be inserted into the inside of the locking hole (122) while the guide plate (120) is coupled to the fixing member (130) to fix the guide plate (120).

[0048] Additionally, the rear portion opposite the latch portion (135) is extended in a bent shape to have an incline from the top, and since it is structured to come into contact with a button (132) that presses the incline surface, when the user presses the button (132) while the guide rail (110) and the guide plate (120) are combined, the incline surface is pressed, and as the latch portion (135) retracts, the fixed state of the guide plate (120) is released, allowing the guide plate (120) to move horizontally along the guide rail (110).

[0049] Additionally, a holder (131) may be further formed on one side of the guide plate (120) in a manner that protrudes to cover the upper part of the guide rail (110) and assists in linear movement when combined with the guide rail (110).

[0050] Hereinafter, the structure of the guide plate (120) described above will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0051] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a plan view, a side view, and a combined view of a guide plate for an electric vehicle battery device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a front view (a), a side view (b), a plan view (c), and a combined view (d).

[0052] Referring to FIG. 4, a guide plate (120) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be combined with a guide rail and a plurality of battery modules (141, 142) can be stacked on top of it.

[0053] In particular, when viewed from the front, the guide plate (120) is guided during horizontal movement as the lower sides are in a concave shape and are joined in contact with the step of the guide rail's side, and the ends of both sides protrude upward to a certain height and can form a bent portion (121) that is bent inward.

[0054] These bent portions (121) serve to secure the battery module (141) when it enters from the front or rear direction and is combined with the guide plate (120).

[0055] Additionally, the guide plate (120) may have a sealed internal space, and the internal space may be filled with a predetermined fire extinguishing liquid (ep). Furthermore, a plurality of ejection holes (125) of a certain size may be formed on the upper part of the guide plate (120), that is, on the surface in contact with the battery module (141).

[0056] In addition, each ejection hole (125) is closed by a cap part (126) made of a material such as resin that is hard but sensitive to heat, so that the fire extinguishing liquid (ep) filled inside the guide plate (120) does not leak out from the ejection hole (125) in a normal state.

[0057] According to this structure, if a fire occurs due to reasons such as an explosion while the battery modules (141, 142) are combined, the cap portion (126) melts due to the heat, causing the ejection hole (125) to open, and the fire extinguishing liquid (ep) inside the guide plate (120) is ejected downward by gravity, i.e., toward the battery modules (141, 142), thereby suppressing the fire and minimizing the spread of flames.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the stacked structure of a battery module of an electric vehicle battery device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a perspective view (a) and a front view (b).

[0059] Referring to FIG. 5, the battery module (140) of the battery device for an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention may be in the form of a square plate having a certain thickness, with the lower surface protruding by a certain thickness and the upper surface being recessed by the thickness of the protruding lower surface. Accordingly, both ends of the upper surface protrude to a certain height and the ends are bent inward, and corresponding to this bent shape, the side of the protruding area of ​​the lower surface becomes a concave shape, so that the two battery modules (140) are not directly coupled in the vertical direction but can be coupled by sliding in a horizontal direction in a position where the bent and concave shapes interlock.

[0060] Additionally, the battery modules (140) can be combined in a stacked manner with three or more (141, 142, 143) stacked vertically, and the bottommost battery module (141) in the stacked structure can be combined in a manner that slides on the guide plate (120). Accordingly, both ends of the guide plate (120) can be formed in a bent shape corresponding to the lower surface of each battery module (140).

[0061] Then, as the guide plate (120) is seated on the guide rail (110) and fixed to each other by the fixing member (130), the battery module (140) is installed and the preparation for driving the electric vehicle battery device is completed.

[0062] Although many details are described in detail in the above description, this should be interpreted as an example of a preferred embodiment rather than as a limitation to the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention should not be determined by the described embodiment, but by the claims and equivalents thereof. Explanation of the symbols

[0063] 1 : Vehicle 5 : Trunk opening / closing part 100 : Battery unit 101 : Battery case 102 : Cover part 103 : Handle 105 : Connecting hinge 108 : Wiring 109 : Connector 110 : Guide rail 120: Guide plate 122: Locking hole 125: Ejection hole 126: Cap part 130 : Fixing member 131 : Holder 132 : Button 135 : Latch 140 ~ 143: Battery Module

Claims

Claim 1 A battery device for an electric vehicle comprising: a battery case having a cover portion on one side that can be opened by a hinge connection; a pair of guide rails formed on the inner bottom surface of the battery case parallel to the longitudinal direction of the battery case; a guide plate disposed inside the pair of guide rails and detachable by a sliding manner, having a pair of guide surfaces formed such that both ends protrude to a certain height in a first direction and the ends are bent inward; and one or more battery modules disposed on the upper surface of the guide plate, wherein the lower ends of both ends are coupled so as to be bordered by the pair of guide surfaces in the first direction, and the guide plate further comprises a plurality of ejection holes formed on the surface in the first direction toward an inner space filled with fire extinguishing liquid and the battery module, and the plurality of ejection holes include a cap portion that causes the fire extinguishing liquid to be ejected in the first direction by gravity as it melts and is removed at a temperature above a certain temperature. Claim 2 A battery device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the battery case has a rectangular structure with different lengths for the width and length, and is connected to one or more wires on one side that electrically connect the battery module and the vehicle battery mounted in the vehicle. Claim 3 A battery device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the battery case has an outer bottom surface that is coupled and fixed to the trunk plate of the vehicle body. Claim 4 A battery device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the guide rail has an uneven cross-section having a step. Claim 5 In claim 1, the electric vehicle battery device further comprises one or more fixing members inserted between the connection surface between the guide rail and the guide plate to minimize shaking of the battery module due to external force. Claim 6 An electric vehicle battery device according to claim 5, wherein the guide plate has a locking hole formed in one of its two ends, and the fixing member is inserted into the locking hole as it advances by a spring member to fix the guide plate so as not to move on the guide rail, and is ejected from the locking hole as it retracts when an external force is applied, thereby allowing the guide plate to move along the longitudinal direction on the guide rail. Claim 7 delete Claim 8 A battery device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the battery modules are combined in a stacked form, with the lower surface protruding and the upper surface recessed so that the two lower surfaces and the upper surface interlock vertically.

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