Battery pack and vehicle comprising the same

Abstract

A battery pack according to the present invention may include a battery cell, a battery module comprising a module frame configured to accommodate the battery cell with one side open and a cover plate covering the open side of the module frame, and a pack frame configured to accommodate the battery module, having a battery module receiving portion into which the battery module is inserted.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and an automobile including the same. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid increase in demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras, and mobile phones, and the full-scale commercialization of robots and electric vehicles, research on high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging is actively underway.

[0003] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium, nickel-hydrogen, nickel-zinc, and lithium secondary batteries. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are gaining attention for their advantages over nickel-based secondary batteries, such as the ability to freely charge and discharge without the memory effect—a phenomenon where the battery's capacity decreases when charged before being fully discharged—which is achieved by charging before it is fully discharged, a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0004] These lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative active materials, respectively. The lithium secondary battery comprises an electrode assembly in which a positive plate and a negative plate, each coated with the positive and negative active materials, are arranged with a separator in between, and an outer casing, namely a battery case, that seals and houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0005] Generally, lithium secondary batteries can be classified according to the shape of the casing into can-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch of aluminum laminate sheet.

[0006] Recently, secondary batteries are widely used for driving or energy storage not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices, but also in medium-to-large devices such as electric vehicles and Energy Storage Systems (ESS). These secondary batteries can form a single battery module by housing multiple batteries together inside a module case while electrically connected, and these battery modules are electrically connected again in a narrow space to form a battery pack in order to increase energy density.

[0007] However, when multiple battery modules and / or cells are densely packed in a confined space like this, they can be vulnerable to accidents such as fire or explosion. In particular, when battery packs are used in electric vehicles, the orientation of the venting paths designed to release gases in the event of events such as thermal runaway within the pack is a critical issue directly related to the safety of the electric vehicle and its passengers. The problem to be solved

[0008] The present invention was devised in consideration of the aforementioned problems and has one objective of providing a battery pack configured to allow gas to be vented downward. means of solving the problem

[0009] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery cell, a battery module comprising a module frame configured to accommodate the battery cell with one side open and a cover plate covering the open side of the module frame, and a battery module receiving portion into which the battery module is inserted and a pack frame configured to accommodate the battery module.

[0010] The pack frame may include a first tray having a battery module receiving portion and a second tray spaced apart from the first tray and the battery module.

[0011] The first tray may further include a reinforcing member that extends from the battery module receiving portion toward the second tray and supports the side of the cover plate.

[0012] A venting channel configured to allow gas generated from the battery cell to flow may be provided between the first tray and the second tray.

[0013] The second tray may be provided with a support column that supports the lower surface of the cover plate and is formed to protrude toward the first tray from the surface facing the first tray.

[0014] The support column can support the vertex portion of the cover plate.

[0015] The cover plate may include an insertion portion inserted into the battery module receiving portion of the pack frame and a support portion extending from the insertion portion and supported by being hooked onto the pack frame.

[0016] One open end of the module frame can be inserted into the inner surface of the insertion part.

[0017] The module frame includes a base plate provided opposite a cover plate and a plurality of side plates connected to the base plate to cover the side of a battery cell, and the plurality of side plates include two first side plates provided opposite each other and two second side plates provided opposite each other between the two first side plates, and the two first side plates can be coupled to the two second side plates through a coupling member.

[0018] The battery pack may further include a heat sink positioned on the opposite side of the battery module housing relative to the battery module.

[0019] The cover plate may include a venting hole through which gas generated from the battery cell is discharged.

[0020] It may include a first tray that accommodates a battery module by forming a battery module opening having a venting hole on one side and the opening communicating with the venting hole of the battery module, and a second tray spaced apart from the first tray.

[0021] The venting holes of the battery module can be positioned to face downwards on the battery pack.

[0022] A venting channel configured to allow gas generated from the battery cell to flow may be provided between the first tray and the second tray.

[0023] An automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery pack according to the present invention. Effects of the invention

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, the gas venting direction can be set downwards in the battery module. The gas venting direction can be set downwards simply by providing a venting hole in a cover plate and covering the bottom of the battery module, without adding a separate venting device and / or a member for forming a venting path. Since the load of the battery module can be used to seal the space between the first tray and the second tray, the sealing effect is enhanced, effectively preventing gas from escaping into the space between the cover plate and the first tray after it has exited through the venting hole. Therefore, considering the case where a battery pack is generally mounted on the bottom of an electric vehicle, passenger safety can be improved by making the gas venting downwards.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, according to this configuration of the present invention, even without a separate member for fixing the battery module, the insertion portion of the cover plate is inserted into the battery module receiving portion, and the support portion of the cover plate is supported by being hooked onto the first tray, thereby allowing the battery module to be fixed and seated on the pack frame. If a support column is provided, the battery module can be seated more effectively on the pack frame. If a coupling member is coupled to the support column through a fixing portion, the battery module can be fixed more effectively on the pack frame. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0026] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a disassembled portion of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a combined perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a cover plate included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a module frame included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the appearance of a module frame included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention before assembly. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention seated on a pack frame. FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a first tray included in a pack frame according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a second tray included in a pack frame according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0027] Prior to the detailed description of the present invention, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Instead, they should be interpreted in a sense and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor may appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention. Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all aspects of the technical spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications capable of replacing them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0028] Identical reference numbers or symbols in each drawing attached to this specification represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function. For convenience of explanation and understanding, the same reference numbers or symbols may be used to describe different embodiments. That is, even if components having the same reference number are depicted in multiple drawings, the multiple drawings do not all represent a single embodiment.

[0029] In the following description, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as "comprising" or "constituting" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0030] In addition, it should be noted in advance that expressions such as upper side, top, lower side, bottom, side, front, and rear in the following description are based on the direction depicted in the drawings, and may be expressed differently if the direction of the object changes.

[0031] Additionally, in this specification and claims, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to distinguish between components. These ordinal numbers are used to distinguish identical or similar components from one another, and the meaning of the terms should not be limited by the use of such ordinal numbers. For example, the order of use or arrangement of components combined with such ordinal numbers should not be limited by the number. If necessary, each ordinal number may be used interchangeably.

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented. For example, a person skilled in the art who understands the scope of the present invention may propose other embodiments that fall within the scope of the concept of the present invention by adding, changing, or deleting components, and such embodiments shall also be deemed to be within the scope of the concept of the present invention. In the drawings, the shapes and sizes of elements may be exaggerated for clearer explanation.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a disassembled portion of a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view of a battery module (10) included in a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module (10) included in a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the battery pack (1) according to the present invention may include a battery module (10) and a pack frame (20).

[0035] The battery module (10) may include a battery cell (110), a module frame (120), and a cover plate (130).

[0036] The battery cell (110) may be a pouch-type battery cell. The battery cell (110) may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a pouch outer material. A plurality of battery cells (110) may be stacked and arranged in one direction.

[0037] One side of the module frame (120) may be open. The bottom of the module frame (120) may be open. The module frame (120) may be configured to accommodate a battery cell (110). The module frame (120) may be configured in the shape of a box with an open bottom to accommodate a battery cell (110) in the internal space. A cover plate (130) may cover the open side of the module frame (120). The module frame (120) may be inserted into the inner surface of the cover plate (130). The module frame (120) may be coupled to the cover plate (130) by being fitted into the inner surface of the cover plate (130). The cover plate (130) may be provided with a venting hole (H) configured to allow gas generated from the battery cell (110) to be discharged.

[0038] The pack frame (20) may have a battery module receiving portion (211) into which a battery module (10) is inserted. The battery module receiving portion (211) may be an opening. The battery module receiving portion (211) may be configured to allow the lower part of the battery module (10) to be inserted. At least a portion of the cover plate (130) of the battery module (10) may be inserted into the battery module receiving portion (211). The pack frame (20) may be configured to accommodate the battery module (10). The pack frame (20) may include a partition wall (W) that partitions the receiving space for accommodating the battery module (10). The pack frame (20) may include a venting device (D) configured to discharge gas generated from the battery cell (110). The pack frame (20) may be in direct contact with the module frame (120). That is, the module frame (120) can be accommodated directly within the pack frame (20) without a separate additional plate on the outside.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a cover plate (130) included in a battery module (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a module frame (120) included in a battery module (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the module frame (120) included in a battery module (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention before assembly. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the battery module (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention seated on a pack frame (20).

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 7, the cover plate (130) may include an insertion part (131) and a support part (133).

[0041] The insertion portion (131) can be inserted into the battery module receiving portion (211) of the pack frame (20). To be inserted into the battery module receiving portion (211), the area of ​​the lower surface of the insertion portion (131) may be smaller than the area of ​​the opening of the battery module receiving portion (211). The outer surface of the insertion portion (131) may come into contact with the side of the first tray (210) of the pack frame (20), which will be described later. The support portion (133) may be formed to extend from the insertion portion (131). The extension direction of the support portion (133) may be perpendicular to the insertion direction of the battery module (10) into the pack frame (20). By being supported by the support portion (133) by being hooked onto the pack frame (20), the battery module (10) may be seated or fixed in the first tray (210). The lower surface of the support member (133) may come into contact with the upper surface of the first tray (210) of the pack frame (20) to be described later. In the height direction (Z-axis extension direction), the position of the support member (133) may correspond to the upper end of the insertion part (131). The support member (133) may be formed in the shape of a square band around the insertion part (131). The support member (133) may be configured to seal the space between the first tray (210) and the second tray (220).

[0042] However, the types and shapes of the battery cell (110) and the corresponding components described above are not limited as above. For example, the battery cell (110) may be any type of battery cell known prior to the application, such as a prismatic battery cell or a cylindrical battery cell, and the same applies to the corresponding module frame (120), pack frame (20), cover plate (130), and components to be described later.

[0043] According to this configuration of the present invention, the gas venting direction can be set to face downward (negative direction of the Z-axis) of the battery pack (1). Without adding a separate venting device and / or a member for forming a venting path, the gas venting direction can be set downward simply by providing a venting hole (H) in the cover plate (130) and having the cover plate (130) cover the lower part of the battery module (10). The load of the battery module (10) can be used to seal the space between the first tray (210) and the second tray (220), thereby increasing the sealing effect and effectively preventing gas from escaping into the space between the cover plate (130) and the first tray (210) after it has escaped through the venting hole (H). Therefore, considering the case where the battery pack (1) is generally mounted on the lower part of an electric vehicle, the safety of the occupants can be improved by making the gas venting downward.

[0044] In addition, the battery module (10) can be seated or fixed within the battery module receiving portion (211) simply by inserting the cover plate (130) into the battery module receiving portion (211) and inserting the module frame (120) into the cover plate (130), without any separate joining such as welding between the battery module receiving portion (211), the cover plate (130), and the module frame (120). The outer surface of the part of the module frame (120) inserted into the cover plate (130) is supported by the cover plate (130), and the cover plate (130) is supported by the first tray (210), thereby allowing the module frame (120) to be supported in a double manner. That is, structural stability can be secured so that the battery module (10) can be seated or fixed within the battery module receiving portion (211) solely through the structural features between the battery module receiving portion (211), the cover plate (130), and the module frame (120), without adding a welding process or securing the rigidity of the material. Due to this structural stability, even if the interior of the module frame (120) expands due to swelling of the battery cell (110), the deformation of the module frame (120) is minimized, thereby suppressing swelling. Referring again to FIGS. 4 to 7, the module frame (120) may include a base plate (121) and a plurality of side plates (123).

[0045] The base plate (121) and the plurality of side plates (123) can be formed integrally through a press method.

[0046] A base plate (121) may be provided on the opposite side of a cover plate (130). The base plate (121) may be provided with a fixing part (F). The fixing part (F) may be provided at the vertex portion or outer area of ​​the base plate (121) so as not to overlap with the battery cell (110) along the height direction (Z-axis direction). The fixing part (F) may be formed by a drawing method. The fixing part (F) may be formed on the base plate (121) by pressing the plate-shaped base plate (121) toward a die having an internal shape corresponding to the fixing part (F). The fixing part (F) may be configured so that a coupling member (S2) can be inserted. The coupling member (S2) may penetrate the fixing part (F) to connect the module frame (120), the cover plate (130), and the pack frame (20).

[0047] A plurality of side plates (123) may be connected to a base plate (121). A plurality of side plates (123) may cover the sides of the battery module (10). A plurality of side plates (123) may include two first side plates (123a) and two second side plates (123b). Two first side plates (123a) may be provided opposite each other. Two second side plates (123b) may be provided opposite each other between the first side plates (123a). Two first side plates (123a) may be combined with two second side plates (123b). Each end of a first side plate (123a) may be bent toward a second side plate (123b) to have a connecting portion (125) that overlaps with the second side plate (123b). The connecting portion (125) may be connected to the second side plate (123b) by a connecting member (S1). Alternatively, the connecting portion (125) may be welded to the second side plate (123b). Alternatively, the connecting portion (125) may be clinched to the second side plate (123b). In another embodiment, the connecting portion (125) may be formed at each end of the second side plate (123b) and connected to the first side plate (123a). A plurality of side plates (123) may be inserted into the inner surface of the insertion portion (131) so that the module frame (120) can be connected to the cover plate (130).

[0048] According to this configuration of the present invention, there is no need to add a separate member to connect the battery module (10) to the pack frame (20), thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the battery pack (1) and simplifying the manufacturing process. This is because, by integrally providing the fixing part (F) to the base plate (121), the battery module (10) can be connected to the pack frame (20) by inserting a connecting member (S2) into the fixing part (F) without any other additional processes after the connection of the base plate (121) and the side plate (123). In particular, if the fixing part (F) is formed on the base plate (121) using a drawing method, the manufacturing method can be further simplified.

[0049] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a first tray (210) included in a pack frame (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a second tray (220) included in a pack frame (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the pack frame (20) may include a first tray (210) and a second tray (220).

[0051] The first tray (210) may be provided with a battery module receiving portion (211). The first tray (210) may be provided with a battery module receiving portion (211) corresponding to the number of battery modules (10). The first tray (210) is in the shape of a plate, and within the plate, the battery module receiving portion (211) may form a shape corresponding to the lower shape of the battery module (10), for example, a square opening. Referring together with FIG. 7, the first tray (210) may further include a reinforcing portion (213) that extends from the battery module receiving portion (211) toward the second tray (220) and supports the side of the cover plate (130).

[0052] The second tray (220) may be spaced apart from the first tray (210) and the battery module (10). The second tray (220) may have a support column (P) formed to protrude toward the first tray (210) from the surface facing the first tray (210). The support column (P) may support the lower surface of the cover plate (130). The support column (P) may be provided at the apex portion or outer region of the cover plate (130) to support an area that does not overlap with the battery cell (110) along the height direction (Z-axis direction). Referring together with FIG. 7, a coupling member (S2) penetrating the fixing portion (F) may be coupled with the support column (P) to combine the module frame (120), the cover plate (130), and the pack frame (20). The second tray (220) may include a side beam (221) and a center beam (223) that support the first tray (210) and partition the space.

[0053] According to this configuration of the present invention, even without a separate member for fixing the battery module (10), the insertion portion (131) of the cover plate (130) is inserted into the battery module receiving portion (211), and the support portion (133) of the cover plate (130) is supported by being hooked onto the first tray (210), so that the battery module (10) can be fixed and seated on the pack frame (20). When a support column (P) is provided, the battery module (10) can be seated more effectively on the pack frame (20). When a coupling member (S2) is coupled to the support column (P) through a fixing portion (F), the battery module (10) can be fixed more effectively on the pack frame (20).

[0054] By forming an opening in the battery module receiving portion (211) of the first tray (210), the battery module (10) is not only fixed, but the venting hole (H) of the battery module (10) can also communicate directly with the venting channel (U).

[0055] Between the first tray (210) and the second tray (220), a venting channel (U) configured to allow gas generated from the battery cell (110) to flow may be provided. Referring together to FIG. 7, the venting channel (U) may include a first channel (U1) flowing between the first tray (210) and the second tray (220) within the battery module (10), and a second channel (U2) flowing between areas corresponding to adjacent battery modules (10). Gas flowing along the first channel (U1) may flow in two rows along the second channel (U2) within the space partitioned by the side beam (221) and the center beam (223), and then flow into the internal space of the center beam (223) through a venting hole (not shown) or a venting device (not shown) provided at the end of the center beam (223). The internal space of the center beam (223) is connected to the venting device (D, see FIG. 1) of the pack frame (20) so that gas can escape to the outside of the battery pack (1).

[0056] The battery pack (1) may further include a pack cover (C) and a heat sink (not shown). The pack cover (C) may cover the pack frame (20). The pack cover (C) may cover an open side of the pack frame (20). The heat sink may be positioned on the opposite side of the battery module housing (211) relative to the battery module (10). That is, the heat sink may be provided between the battery module (10) and the pack cover (C). The heat sink may be configured to perform heat exchange with the battery module (10) based on a refrigerant flowing inside. For example, the refrigerant may be introduced from the outside into the interior of the heat sink in a cooled state, and as it flows through a specific flow path provided inside, it may be heated by heat conducted from the battery module (10) and then discharged back outside. This refrigerant may have a circulation structure in which it is cooled again from the outside, introduced into the interior of the heat sink, flows through a specific flow path provided inside, performs heat exchange with the battery module (10), and then is discharged.

[0057] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a vehicle (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 10, the automobile (V) according to the present invention may include a battery pack (1) according to the present invention. The automobile (V) may further include various other components included in the automobile (V) in addition to the battery pack (1). For example, the automobile (V) according to the present invention may further include, in addition to the battery pack (1) according to the present invention, a vehicle body, a motor, an ECU (electronic control unit), and other control devices.

[0059] As described above, although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is evident to those skilled in the art that many various obvious variations are possible from this description without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be interpreted by the claims described to include examples of such many variations. Explanation of the symbols

[0060] 1 battery pack 10 battery modules 110 multiple battery cells 120 module frame 121 Base Plate F fixed part 123 Side Plate 123a First side plate 123b Second side plate 125 connecting part 130 cover plate H Venting Hall U Venting Euro D venting device 131 Insert 133 Support Unit 20 Pack Frames C Pack Cover W bulkhead 210 1st Tray 211 Battery module housing 213 Reinforcement section 220 2nd Tray P support column 221 Side Beam 223 Center Beam S connecting member

Claims

Claim 1 A battery pack comprising: a battery cell; a battery module configured to have one side open and configured to accommodate the battery cell, and a cover plate covering the open side of the module frame; and a pack frame configured to accommodate the battery module, having a battery module receiving portion into which the cover plate is inserted, wherein the module frame is inserted into the inner surface of the cover plate. Claim 2 In claim 1, the battery pack comprises: a first tray having a battery module receiving portion; and a second tray spaced apart from the first tray and the battery module. Claim 3 A battery pack according to claim 2, wherein the first tray further comprises a reinforcing member that extends from the battery module receiving portion toward the second tray and supports the side of the cover plate. Claim 4 A battery pack according to claim 2, wherein a venting channel configured to allow gas generated from the battery cell to flow between the first tray and the second tray. Claim 5 A battery pack according to claim 2, wherein the second tray is formed to protrude toward the first tray from a surface facing the first tray and has a support column that supports the lower surface of the cover plate. Claim 6 In claim 5, the support column is a battery pack that supports the vertex portion of the cover plate. Claim 7 A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the cover plate comprises: an insertion portion inserted into a battery module receiving portion of the pack frame; and a support portion extending from the insertion portion and supported by being hooked onto the pack frame. Claim 8 In claim 7, the module frame is a battery pack in which one open end is inserted into the inner surface of the insertion part. Claim 9 In claim 7, the module frame comprises a base plate provided opposite the cover plate; and a plurality of side plates connected to the base plate to cover the side of the battery cell, wherein the plurality of side plates comprises two first side plates provided opposite each other and two second side plates provided opposite each other between the two first side plates, and the two first side plates are coupled to the two second side plates through a coupling member. Claim 10 In claim 1, the battery pack further comprises a heat sink disposed on the opposite side of the battery module receiving portion with respect to the battery module. Claim 11 In claim 1, the battery pack, wherein the cover plate includes a venting hole through which gas generated in the battery cell is discharged. Claim 12 A battery pack comprising: a battery cell; a module frame accommodating the battery cell; and a cover plate having a venting hole on one side; a first tray into which the cover plate is inserted so as to form an opening such that the opening communicates with the venting hole of the battery module; and a second tray spaced apart from the first tray, wherein the module frame is inserted into the inner side of the cover plate. Claim 13 In claim 12, the venting hole of the battery module is positioned to face downward of the battery pack. Claim 14 A battery pack according to claim 12, wherein a venting channel configured to allow gas generated from the battery cell to flow between the first tray and the second tray. Claim 15 An automobile characterized by including a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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