Battery module case of electric vehicles

Abstract

A battery module case for an electric vehicle is disclosed. In the battery module case of an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, when a fire occurs in a battery cell inside the battery module case, the flame is discharged to the outside through the interior of a reinforcing beam arranged transversely in the battery module case via a flame path formed by a flame guide plate and a downward extension plate formed on the upper cover of each battery module assembly, thereby delaying the transfer of flame and high heat to adjacent battery module assemblies as much as possible, thereby securing time for the driver to evacuate and time for extinguishing the fire.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module case for an electric vehicle, and more specifically, to a battery module case for an electric vehicle that, when a fire occurs in a battery cell inside the battery module case, allows the flame to be discharged to the outside through the interior of the reinforcing beam of the battery module case via a flame guide plate and a downward extension plate formed on the upper cover of each battery module assembly, thereby delaying the spread of the flame. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, examples of electric vehicles include PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), and FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle).

[0003] The electric vehicle described above is equipped with a high-voltage battery module assembly, which is an assembly of battery cells, mounted on the vehicle body through a battery module case, and is capable of driving using a drive motor that operates by receiving power from the battery module assembly as a power source.

[0004] This battery module assembly can be mounted on the lower part of the floor panel configured between the side sills of the vehicle body while embedded in the battery module case.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module case according to the prior art.

[0006] Referring to FIG. 1, the battery module case (151) is constructed by welding together front frame (153), rear frame (155), and two side frames (157) made of extruded frames in the front, rear, left, and right directions at each corner, and reinforcing beams (161) (163) are installed in the longitudinal and transverse directions respectively to reinforce lateral rigidity while partitioning each space (S) where the battery module assembly is installed inside.

[0007] In addition, a cooling plate (165) is assembled on the lower part, and a cover (not shown) is assembled on the upper part.

[0008] In order to delay the transfer of flames or high heat between the spaces (S) in which each battery module assembly (not shown) is accommodated in the event of a battery fire, a fireproof plate (171), etc. is installed on the upper part of a reinforcing beam (161) through a bracket (173).

[0009] However, in the case of a battery module case (151) according to the prior art as described above, the fireproof plate (171) is installed on the upper surface of a reinforcing beam (161) arranged in the longitudinal direction via a bracket (173), thereby partitioning adjacent spaces (S) for accommodating a battery module assembly, which can delay the spread of flames in the width direction within the battery module case (151) to some extent, but has the disadvantage that it cannot prevent the spread of flames in the front-rear direction.

[0010] Accordingly, when a fire occurs in a battery cell inside a battery module case (151), there is a need for structural improvements that can delay the transfer of flames and high heat between adjacent spaces (S) in the front-to-back direction compared to the transfer of flames and high heat between adjacent spaces (S) in the width direction.

[0011] As such, without structural improvements to the conventional battery module case (151), when a fire occurs in the battery cell, it leads to a rapid thermal runaway phenomenon, and unless the battery module case (151) is separated from the vehicle body, the vehicle may be completely burned, and the damage may be severe.

[0012] The matters described in this background technology section are written to enhance understanding of the background of the invention and may include matters that are not prior art already known to those skilled in the art to which this technology belongs. The problem to be solved

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a battery module case for an electric vehicle that, when a fire occurs in a battery cell inside the battery module case, allows the flame to be discharged to the outside through the interior of a reinforcing beam arranged transversely in the battery module case via a flame path formed by a flame guide plate and a downward extension plate formed on the upper cover of each battery module assembly, thereby delaying the transfer of flame and high heat to adjacent battery module assemblies as much as possible, thereby securing evacuation time for the driver and securing time for extinguishing the fire. means of solving the problem

[0014] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a battery module case for an electric vehicle is configured such that a front frame, a rear frame, and two side frames are welded together at each corner portion, and a plurality of first and second reinforcing beams are installed in the longitudinal and transverse directions, respectively, to reinforce lateral rigidity while partitioning respective spaces in which a battery module assembly containing a plurality of battery cells is installed, a cover is installed on the upper portion, and a cooling plate is installed on the lower portion. In this case, the second reinforcing beams arranged in the transverse direction each have an open upper portion to form an opening, and the interior is formed as a space. A flame passage is formed along the longitudinal direction of the upper cover through a plurality of flame guide plates configured parallel to each other in the width direction on the inner lower surface of the upper cover covering the upper portion of the battery cell contained in the battery module assembly, and a downward flame passage is formed through a downward extension plate integrally formed downwardly at one end of each of the plurality of flame guide plates, with the end portion positioned opposite the opening. In the event of a fire in the battery cell, flames and high heat enter the space through the flame passage and the downward flame passage. A battery module case for an electric vehicle being discharged can be provided.

[0015] In addition, the first reinforcing beam arranged in the longitudinal direction may further include a shielding unit that forms a shielding plate on its upper surface to partition the internal space of the battery module case in the left-right direction.

[0016] The shielding unit may include a first shielding plate formed by protruding in the vertical direction on both sides of the upper surface of the central first reinforcing beam among the first reinforcing beams; and a second shielding plate formed by protruding in the vertical direction on the center of the upper surface of both first reinforcing beams disposed on both sides of the central first reinforcing beam among the first reinforcing beams.

[0017] In addition, the first reinforcing beam may be formed as an extrusion beam having a partition wall inside, and the second reinforcing beam may be formed as an extrusion beam having a partition wall inside.

[0018] Both ends of the above plurality of second reinforcing beams can be assembled by a plurality of support beams arranged in the longitudinal direction using an interlocking method.

[0019] In addition, the plurality of support beams may be formed as extrusion beams having internal partitions. Effects of the invention

[0020] An embodiment of the present invention can delay the transfer of flame and high heat to adjacent battery module assemblies as much as possible by allowing the flame to be discharged to the outside through the interior of a second reinforcing beam arranged transversely in the battery module case through a flame path formed by a flame guide plate and a downward extension plate formed on the upper cover of each battery module assembly when a fire occurs in a battery cell inside the battery module case.

[0021] In addition, through a shielding unit consisting of a shielding plate on top of a reinforcing beam arranged longitudinally inside the battery module case, the transfer of flames and high heat to adjacent battery module assemblies can be delayed as much as possible in the event of a fire inside the battery module case, thereby securing time for the driver to evacuate and further securing more time to extinguish the battery.

[0022] In addition, other effects that can be obtained or predicted by the embodiments of the present invention will be disclosed directly or implicitly in the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention. That is, various effects predicted according to the embodiments of the present invention will be disclosed within the detailed description to be set forth below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0023] These drawings are intended for reference to explain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and therefore, the technical concept of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the attached drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module case according to the prior art. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery module assembly assembled in a battery module case according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a battery module case with the cover separated according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an assembled perspective view of a reinforcing beam applied to a battery module case according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a reinforcing beam applied to a battery module case according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a battery module assembly applied to a battery module case according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a battery module assembly applied to a battery module case according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along line AA of Figure 2. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view along the BB line of FIG. 2, showing the path of flame movement inside the battery module case. The drawings referenced above are not necessarily drawn to scale and should be understood as presenting somewhat simplified representations of various preferred features illustrating the basic principles of the invention. For example, specific design features of the invention, including specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, will be partially determined by specific intended applications and usage environments. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0025] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, singular forms are intended to include plural forms as well, unless explicitly otherwise indicated in the context.

[0026] It should also be understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “comprising” as used herein indicate the presence of the specified features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any one or all combinations of one or more associated items.

[0027] In this specification, the term "combined" indicates a physical relationship between two components that are directly connected to each other or indirectly connected through one or more mediating components.

[0028] Furthermore, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are indicated arbitrarily for the convenience of explanation, so the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is shown in the drawings; the sizes are shown by simple comparison to clearly represent various parts and regions.

[0029] To clearly explain the embodiments of the present invention, parts unrelated to the description have been omitted, and throughout the specification, identical or similar components are described using the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in the following description, the names of components are distinguished as "first," "second," etc., for the purpose of differentiation when their names are identical, and are not necessarily limited to that order.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery module assembly assembled in a battery module case according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a battery module case with the cover separated according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is an assembled perspective view of a reinforcing beam applied to a battery module case according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a reinforcing beam applied to a battery module case according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, the battery module case (1) for an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured such that a front frame (3), a rear frame (5), and two side frames (7) made of extruded frames are welded together at each corner, and a plurality of first and second reinforcing beams (11) (13) are installed in a grid shape in the longitudinal and transverse directions, respectively, to reinforce lateral rigidity while partitioning each space (S) where a battery module assembly (50) is installed inside.

[0032] In addition, a cooling plate (15) may be assembled on the lower part, and a cover (not shown) may be assembled on the upper part.

[0033] In order to delay the transfer of flames or high heat between spaces (S) in which each battery module assembly (not shown) is accommodated when a fire occurs in a battery cell, the first reinforcing beam (11) arranged in the longitudinal direction has a shielding unit (20) configured on its upper side, and the second reinforcing beam (13) arranged in the transverse direction has an opening (OP) formed by opening at each upper side, and the interior is formed as a space (SP) that can be used as a path for the flames to travel.

[0034] Here, the shielding unit (20) may be configured to form a shielding plate (21)(23) on the upper surface of the first reinforcing beam (11) to partition the internal space (S) of the battery module case (1) in the left-right direction.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5, the first reinforcing beam (11) can be formed as an extrusion beam having a partition (11a) inside, and the second reinforcing beam (13) can also be formed as an extrusion beam having a partition (13a) inside.

[0036] Three of these first reinforcing beams (11) are provided in the longitudinal direction, and four of the second reinforcing beams (13) are provided in the transverse direction and arranged in a grid shape, and can be joined and fixed by being fitted together in a mutual fitting manner.

[0037] In addition, both ends of the plurality of second reinforcing beams (13) can be joined and fixed by fitting the two supporting beams (17) arranged in the longitudinal direction.

[0038] At this time, the two supporting beams (17) can be formed as extruded beams having a partition wall (17a) inside, and can be formed with a thinner thickness compared to the first and second reinforcing beams (11)(13).

[0039] Additionally, the shielding unit (20) is composed of a first shielding plate (21) and a second shielding plate (23). The first shielding plate (21) is formed by protruding in the vertical direction on both sides of the upper surface of the central first reinforcing beam (11) among the first reinforcing beams (11), and the second shielding plate (23) can be formed by protruding in the vertical direction on the center of the upper surface of both first reinforcing beams (11) that are positioned on both sides of the central first reinforcing beam (11) among the first reinforcing beams (11).

[0040] These first and second shielding plates (21) (23) can be extruded together and formed integrally when forming the first reinforcing beam (11).

[0041] These first and second shielding plates (21)(23) can function to delay the transfer of flames and high heat to an adjacent space (S) inside the battery module case (1) partitioned through the first reinforcing beam (11) in the event of a fire in the battery cell.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a battery module assembly applied to a battery module case according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a battery module assembly applied to a battery module case according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a battery module assembly (50) housed in a battery module case (1) has a flame passage (C) formed along the longitudinal direction of the upper cover (53) through a plurality of flame guide plates (55) configured parallel to each other in the width direction on the inner lower surface of the upper cover (53) that covers the upper part of the built-in battery cell (51).

[0044] Additionally, a downward extension plate (57) is integrally formed downwardly at each longitudinal end of a plurality of flame guide plates (55), and the end of this downward extension plate (57) is positioned opposite the opening (OP) of the second reinforcing beam (13) to form a downward flame passage (C).

[0045] That is, the battery module assembly (50) can be configured so that, in the event of a fire in the battery cell (51), the flame and high heat are guided to the opening (OP) of the second reinforcing beam (13) through the flame passage (C) by the flame guide plate (55) and the flame passage (C) descending by the downward extension plate (57) and discharged into the space (SP).

[0046] Below, this battery module assembly (50) will be described in more detail.

[0047] That is, the battery module assembly (50) may include a plurality of battery cells (51) packaged inside, a front cover (61), a rear cover (63), two end plates (65), an upper cover (53), and a plurality of lower bands (67).

[0048] The front cover (61) supports the front of the plurality of battery cells (51), and the rear cover (63) supports the rear of the plurality of battery cells (51).

[0049] Both end plates (65) are respectively attached to both sides of the front cover (61) and both sides of the rear cover (63), and the upper cover (53) is attached to the upper part of both end plates (65).

[0050] And a plurality of lower bands (67) are arranged in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the plurality of battery cells (51) and are coupled to the lower part of both end plates (65).

[0051] Additionally, the battery module assembly (50) includes a plurality of flame guide plates (55) and a downward extension plate (57) formed on the inner lower surface of the upper cover (53).

[0052] A plurality of flame guide plates (55) are formed along the length direction so as to be parallel to each other in the width direction on the inner lower surface of the upper cover (53), and together with the heat dissipation pad (69) covering the battery cell (51), a plurality of flame passages (C) are formed in one direction.

[0053] That is, the plurality of flame guide plates (55) may be made of a plate material that is welded and arranged perpendicularly to the lower surface of the upper cover (53), and the rear blocking plate (71) may be welded and formed integrally at the end facing the rear cover (63).

[0054] Additionally, the downward extension plate (57) is formed to extend downwardly at each longitudinal end of a plurality of flame guide plates (55), and is formed to guide the flame moving through the flame passage (C) to the lower end of the longitudinal end.

[0055] That is, the downward extension plate (57) is positioned downward on the outer surface of the front cover (61), and the front blocking plate (73) is welded to the outer end to form an integral part. Accordingly, the downward extension plate (57) can form a downward flame passage (C) together with the front cover (61).

[0056] Here, the flame guide plate (55) and the downward extension plate (57) can be made of the same steel material as the upper cover (53).

[0057] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along line AA of FIG. 2, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view along line BB of FIG. 2, showing the path of flame movement inside the battery module case.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the battery module case (1) of an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured with a shielding unit (20) consisting of first and second shielding plates (21) (23) on the upper part of a first reinforcing beam (11) arranged longitudinally inside, thereby dividing the internal space (S) of the battery module case (1) into left and right sides in the transverse direction, so that when a fire occurs in a battery cell (51), the transfer of flames and high heat to an adjacent battery module assembly (50) in the transverse direction can be delayed as much as possible.

[0059] In addition, the battery module case (1) of the electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention forms a flame path so that heat and flames caused by thermal runaway of the battery cell (51) are discharged when a fire occurs in the battery cell (51), by connecting a flame passage (C) formed through a plurality of flame guide plates (55) and a downward extension plate (57) inside the upper cover (53) of the battery module assembly (50) to an opening (OP) formed on the upper surface of the second reinforcing plate (13).

[0060] That is, the heat and flame can be guided to the longitudinal front lower part of the upper cover (53) along the upper flame passage (C) formed through a plurality of flame guide plates (55) inside the upper cover (53) and the flame passage (C) formed to descend through the downward extension plate (57), and discharged into the space (SP) through the opening (OP) of the second reinforcing beam (13).

[0061] In this way, the battery module case (1) according to the embodiment of the present invention can suppress heat and flames caused by thermal runaway of the battery cell (51) to the upper cover (53) facing the passenger side by easily transferring them through the flame passage (C) formed by the flame guide plate (55) and downward extension plate (57) on the shielding unit (20) and the upper cover (53).

[0062] By delaying the transfer of flames in this way, the transfer of flames and high heat from one space (S) to an adjacent space (S) can be delayed as much as possible, thereby allowing time for the driver to evacuate and time required to extinguish the fire.

[0063] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0064] 1: Battery module case 3: Front frame 5; Rear frame 7: Side frame 11, 13: 1st and 2nd reinforcing beams (longitudinal and transverse directions) S: Space (space where the battery module assembly is installed) 15: Cooling plate 17: Support beam 11a, 13a, 17a: Bulkhead 20: Shielding unit 21, 23: Shielding plate OP: Opening SP: Space (internal space of the 2nd reinforcing beam) 50: Battery module assembly 51: Battery cell 53: Upper cover 55: Flame guide plate 57: Downward extension plate 61: Front cover 63: Rear cover 65: End plate 67: Lower band 71: Rear blocking plate 73: Front blocking plate C: Flame passage

Claims

Claim 1 A battery module case for an electric vehicle, wherein a front frame, a rear frame, and two side frames are welded together at each corner, and a plurality of first and second reinforcing beams are installed in the longitudinal and transverse directions, respectively, to reinforce lateral rigidity while partitioning each space in which a battery module assembly containing a plurality of battery cells is installed, a cover is installed on the upper side, and a cooling plate is installed on the lower side, wherein the second reinforcing beams arranged in the transverse direction each have an open upper portion to form an opening and the interior is formed as a space, and a flame passage is formed along the longitudinal direction of the upper cover through a plurality of flame guide plates configured parallel to each other in the width direction on the inner lower surface of the upper cover covering the upper portion of the battery cell contained in the battery module assembly, and a downward flame passage is formed through a downward extension plate integrally formed downward at one end of each of the plurality of flame guide plates in the longitudinal direction, with the end portion positioned opposite to the opening, so that when a fire occurs in the battery cell, flames and high heat are discharged into the space through the flame passage and the downward flame passage. Claim 2 A battery module case for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the first reinforcing beam arranged in the longitudinal direction further comprises a shielding unit that forms a shielding plate on its upper surface to partition the internal space of the battery module case in the left-right direction. Claim 3 A battery module case for an electric vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the shielding unit comprises: a first shielding plate formed by protruding in the vertical direction on both sides of the upper surface of the central first reinforcing beam among the first reinforcing beams; and a second shielding plate formed by protruding in the vertical direction on the center of the upper surface of both first reinforcing beams disposed on both sides of the central first reinforcing beam among the first reinforcing beams. Claim 4 In claim 1, the first reinforcing beam is formed as an extruded beam having a partition wall inside, in a battery module case of an electric vehicle. Claim 5 A battery module case for an electric vehicle, wherein the second reinforcing beam is formed as an extruded beam having a partition wall inside. Claim 6 In claim 1, the battery module case of an electric vehicle in which both ends of the plurality of second reinforcing beams are assembled by a plurality of support beams arranged in the longitudinal direction in a fitting manner. Claim 7 In claim 6, the battery module case of an electric vehicle, wherein the plurality of support beams are formed as extrusion beams having internal partitions. Claim 8 delete Claim 9 delete Claim 10 delete Claim 11 delete Claim 12 delete Claim 13 delete Claim 14 delete

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