Battery pack and transportation means

Abstract

A battery pack capable of delaying heat propagation between battery modules, and a transportation means capable of improving thermal stability, according to the present disclosure, may comprise: a plurality of battery modules; a pack case accommodating the battery modules; a partition wall disposed between the battery modules; and a fire-resistant member disposed on the partition wall.

Description

Battery packs and vehicles

[0001] This disclosure claims the benefit of the priority date of Patent Application No. 10-2024-0033014, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on March 8, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a battery pack.

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a means of transportation.

[0004] Battery cells can be the basic unit of a battery. They store electrical energy as chemical energy and release it when needed. Furthermore, battery cells can come in various shapes, including cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch-shaped.

[0005] A battery module may be a combination of multiple battery cells. The battery module can protect and efficiently manage the battery cells. Additionally, the battery module may include circuitry connecting the battery cells and a cooling system.

[0006] A battery pack may be a combination of multiple battery modules. Battery packs can be used in a variety of applications, including electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). Furthermore, battery packs may include internal systems (BMS, cooling systems, etc.) that protect and manage the modules.

[0007] Thermal runaway can refer to a rapid increase in internal battery temperature, potentially leading to explosion. Thermal runaway can occur due to mechanical, electrical, or thermal abnormalities. If thermal runaway occurs in a battery cell, it can cause flames and effluent discharge, spreading heat to adjacent cells and battery modules. This spread can be accelerated by electrode leads.

[0008] When exposed to flame, the refractory coating can expand and transform into char, forming an insulating layer. The insulating layer can protect the substrate from flame and heat.

[0009] The present disclosure seeks to provide a battery pack capable of delaying heat propagation between battery modules.

[0010] The present disclosure seeks to provide a means of transportation capable of improving thermal stability.

[0011] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery modules; a pack case accommodating the battery modules; a partition wall disposed between the battery modules; and a fire-resistant member disposed in the partition wall.

[0012] The above refractory member may include a foamed refractory material.

[0013] The bulkhead may include a first wall and a second wall disposed between the bottom portion of the pack case and the first wall.

[0014] The above refractory member may be placed around the connection portion of the first wall and the second wall.

[0015] The above first wall may form an upper cover of the bulkhead.

[0016] The above bulkhead may include an empty space formed by the first wall and the second wall therein.

[0017] The first wall includes an inclined portion and a non-inclined portion, and the inclined portion can be inclined toward the battery module between the second wall and the non-inclined portion.

[0018] The above refractory member can be placed on the slope and the second wall.

[0019] The above bulkhead may further include pores arranged between the bulkhead and the refractory member.

[0020] Each of the above battery modules includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in a width direction and a module case that accommodates the battery cells, and each of the battery cells may include an electrode lead extended in a length direction.

[0021] The module case is open in the longitudinal direction, and the battery module may further include an end plate that closes the module case.

[0022] The end plate includes an opening, and the opening can be spaced apart from the bottom surface of the pack case.

[0023] The above refractory member can be placed at a position corresponding to the opening of the bulkhead.

[0024] The above-mentioned bulkhead may be disposed between an end plate disposed at one end of one battery module and an end plate disposed at the other end of another battery module disposed adjacent to one end of the battery module.

[0025] The height of the above bulkhead may be greater than the height of the above battery module.

[0026] The above bulkheads may be spaced apart from the battery modules.

[0027] The battery module may further include a side wall disposed between the battery modules, wherein the side wall is disposed between battery modules arranged in the length direction, and the side wall may be disposed between battery modules arranged in the width direction.

[0028] The above refractory member can be arranged in the bulkhead and the side wall.

[0029] Another specific example of the present disclosure is a moving means including a body; and a power supply unit; wherein the power supply unit includes a battery pack, the battery pack including a plurality of battery modules; a pack case accommodating the battery modules; a partition wall disposed between the battery modules; and a fireproof member disposed in the partition wall.

[0030] The battery pack of the present disclosure can delay heat transfer between battery modules.

[0031] The means of transport of the present disclosure can improve thermal stability.

[0032] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack of one specific example.

[0033] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a bulkhead of one specific example.

[0034] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a bulkhead of one specific example.

[0035] Figure 4 is a partially enlarged view of a bulkhead of one specific example.

[0036] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module of one specific example.

[0037] Figure 6 is a partially enlarged view of a battery module of one specific example.

[0038] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional side view of a battery pack of one specific example.

[0039] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional side view of a battery pack of one specific example.

[0040] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack of one specific example.

[0041] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a specific example of a means of transportation.

[0042] The present disclosure is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, this description is provided for illustrative purposes only. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described as examples.

[0043] One specific embodiment of the present disclosure is a battery pack (1).

[0044] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack (1) of one specific example.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 1, the battery pack (1) may include a plurality of battery modules (10); a pack case (20); a bulkhead (30) and a refractory member (40).

[0046] The above battery module (10) may be a combination of multiple battery cells (111). The battery cell (111) may be a basic unit of a battery. The battery cell (111) may store electrical energy as chemical energy and release it when necessary. In addition, the battery cell (111) may exist in various shapes, such as a cylindrical shape, a square shape, and a pouch shape.

[0047] The pack case (20) can accommodate the battery module (10). The pack case (20) can include a receiving space. The receiving space can accommodate the battery module (10). The shape of the pack case (20) can be determined according to the requirements of the target to which the battery pack (1) is applied.

[0048] The above-described partition wall (30) may be placed between the battery modules (10). The above-described partition wall (30) may be placed within the receiving space of the pack case (20). The above-described partition wall (30) may divide the receiving space from the side wall (50) described below. The above-described battery module (10) may be placed in the divided receiving space.

[0049] The above-mentioned refractory member (40) may be disposed on the partition wall (30). The above-mentioned refractory member (40) may be disposed on at least a portion of the partition wall (30). Accordingly, the above-mentioned refractory member (40) may prevent or delay the propagation of heat to another battery module (10) adjacent to the battery module (10) when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module (10).

[0050] The above-mentioned refractory member (40) may include a foamed refractory material. Specifically, the refractory member (40) may be formed by applying a foamed refractory paint to the partition wall (30). The foamed refractory material may refer to a material that, as the term suggests, has refractory properties and can foam when exposed to heat and its temperature reaches a temperature higher than a preset temperature.

[0051] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a bulkhead (30) of one specific example. Fig. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a bulkhead (30) of one specific example.

[0052] Referring to Fig. 3, the refractory member (40) can be converted into char by foaming or expanding when exposed to heat, thereby forming an insulating layer. The insulating layer can protect the battery module (10) from flame and heat.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the bulkhead (30) may include a first wall (31) and a second wall (33). The first wall (31) and the second wall (33) may be connected to each other. The second wall (33) may be positioned between the bottom portion (21) of the pack case (20) and the first wall (31).

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the refractory member (40) may be disposed around the connection portion of the first wall (31) and the second wall (33). The refractory member (40) may be disposed around the connection portion among one end portion of the first wall (31). The refractory member (40) may be disposed around the connection portion among one end portion of the second wall (33).

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first wall (31) may form an upper cover of the partition wall (30). The second wall (33) may form a body of the partition wall (30). The first wall (31) connected to the second wall (33) may cover the body of the partition wall (30) to form an upper cover of the partition wall (30).

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the partition wall (30) may include an empty space therein. The empty space may be formed by the first wall (31) and the second wall (33). When the second wall (33) forms the body of the partition wall (30) and the first wall (31) forms the upper cover of the partition wall (30), the empty space may be formed.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the bulkhead (30) may include an inclined portion. The first wall (31) may include an inclined portion and a non-inclined portion. The non-inclined portion may have a relatively flat shape. The inclined portion may extend from the non-inclined portion and be connected to the second wall (33). The inclined portion may be inclined toward the battery module (10) between the second wall (33) and the non-inclined portion.

[0058] A battery module (10) in which thermal runaway has occurred may randomly scatter flames and the like. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the refractory member (40) may be disposed on the inclined portion and the second wall (33). The refractory member (40) may be disposed only on the inclined portion of the first wall (31). The refractory member (40) may be disposed only around the connection portion of the second wall (33). The refractory member (40) disposed on the inclined portion of the first wall (31) may cover the battery module (10) when the refractory member (40) is foamed. When the refractory member (40) is disposed on the inclined portion, heat propagation in the battery pack (1) may be more effectively prevented or delayed.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the bulkhead (30) may further include pores (35). A material constituting the refractory member (40) (e.g., foamed refractory paint) may have a predetermined flowability. The material constituting the refractory member (40) may pass through the pores (35) and solidify to form the refractory member (40). The refractory member (40) may be disposed inside and outside the bulkhead (30). As a result, structural rigidity may be imparted to the bulkhead (30). The pores (35) may be disposed between the bulkhead (30) and the refractory member (40). The pores (35) may be disposed at a position of the refractory member (40) of the bulkhead (30) where the refractory member (40) is disposed.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the pore (35) may be arranged around the connection portion of the first wall (31) and the second wall (33). The pore (35) may be arranged at an end portion of the first wall (31) around the connection portion. The pore (35) may be arranged at an end portion of the second wall (33) around the connection portion.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the pores (35) may be arranged in the inclined portion and the second wall (33). The pores (35) may be arranged only in the inclined portion in the first wall (31). The pores (35) may be arranged only around the connection portion in the second wall (33).

[0062] Figure 4 is a partially enlarged view of a bulkhead (30) of one specific example.

[0063] Referring to Fig. 4, the shape of the pores (35) formed in the bulkhead (30) may vary. The cross-sectional shape of the pores (35) may include a circle (a), a regular polygon (e.g., a square (c), a regular hexagon (b), or a regular octagon). When the cross-sectional shape of the pores (35) is unified and their size and spacing are maintained constant, the refractory member (40) can be uniformly formed in the bulkhead (30).

[0064] The direction in which the partition wall (30) is arranged and extended from the battery pack (1) can be determined according to the direction in which heat generated from the battery module (10) is discharged. The direction in which heat is discharged from the battery module (10) can be determined according to the direction in which heat is discharged from the battery cell (111) included in the battery module (10). The direction in which heat is discharged from the battery cell (111) can be determined according to the direction in which the electrode leads (1113, 1115) are drawn out from the battery cell (111).

[0065] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module (10) of one specific example.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 5, each of the battery modules (10) may include a cell assembly (11) and a module case (12). The module case (12) may accommodate the cell assembly (11). The cell assembly (11) may include a plurality of battery cells (111).

[0067] Referring to FIG. 5, each of the battery cells (111) may include electrode leads (1113, 1115) extending in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction of FIG. 5). The electrode leads (1113, 1115) may be extended from both sides of the battery cell (111) along the longitudinal direction. The polarity of one of the electrode leads (1113, 1115) may be opposite to the polarity of the other electrode lead (1113, 1115).

[0068] Referring to FIG. 5, the battery cells (111) may be arranged in the width direction (X-axis direction of FIG. 5). The battery cells (111) may be arranged so that the polarities of the electrode leads (1113, 1115) arranged at one end in the length direction along the width direction are all the same, or some are opposite.

[0069] The above battery cell (111) may be classified into a square shape, a cylindrical shape, a pouch shape, a coin shape, etc., depending on the case shape of the battery cell (111). For example, the battery cell (111) may be a pouch-type battery cell (111).

[0070] The electrode leads (1113, 1115) can electrically connect the battery cell (111) to the outside. Flames and heat generated by thermal runaway of the battery cell (111) can easily spread to adjacent locations through the electrode leads (1113, 1115). Therefore, when the partition wall (30) is arranged between a plurality of battery modules (10) arranged in the longitudinal direction, heat spread can be effectively prevented or delayed.

[0071] Referring to Fig. 5, the module case (12) can be opened in the longitudinal direction. The battery module (10) can further include an end plate (14). The end plate (14) can close the module case (12). The module case (12) has upper and lower surfaces and two side surfaces connecting the upper and lower surfaces connected to each other, so that the front and rear sides of the module case (12) can be opened. The cell assembly (11) can be inserted into this open space. This open portion can be closed with the end plate (14).

[0072] Referring to FIG. 5, the battery module (10) may further include a busbar assembly (13) between the end plate (14) and the cell assembly (11). The busbar assembly (13) may electrically connect the cell assembly (11) to the outside. The busbar assembly (13) may include a connection busbar (131) and a terminal busbar (133). The electrode leads (1113, 1115) may be inserted into the connection busbar (131). The terminal busbar (133) may connect the battery cell (111) to the outside.

[0073] The above battery module (10) may further include an insulating cover (15) between the end plate (14) and the busbar assembly (13).

[0074] Figure 6 is a partial enlarged view of a battery module (10) of one specific example.

[0075] Referring to Fig. 6, the end plate (14) may further include openings (141, 143). The battery module (10) may further include a connector (16). The connector (16) may electrically connect the battery module (10) to the outside. The opening through which the terminal bus bar (133) is exposed may be a terminal opening (141). The opening through which the connector (16) is exposed may be a connector opening (143).

[0076] Referring to Fig. 6, the terminal bus bar (133), the insulating cover (15), and the connector (16) can be exposed to the outside through the openings (141, 143) of the end plate (14). Heat generated in the battery cell (111) can be discharged to the outside through the terminal bus bar (133), the connector (16), and the like. That is, heat due to thermal runaway generated in the battery cell (111) can be discharged to the outside through the openings (141, 143) of the end plate (14) that open along the longitudinal direction of the battery module (10).

[0077] The above openings (141, 143) may be spaced apart from the bottom surface (21) of the pack case (20). That is, the openings (141, 143) may be placed at the upper end of the battery module (10). The terminal bus bar (133) and the connector (16), etc., may be exposed to the outside through the openings (141, 143). Therefore, the terminal bus bar (133) and the connector (16), etc., may be exposed at the upper end of the battery module (10) at a position spaced apart from the bottom surface (21) of the pack case (20). That is, heat generated by thermal runaway may be discharged to the outside through the upper end of the battery module (10).

[0078] Fig. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a battery pack (1) according to one specific example. Fig. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a battery pack (1) according to one specific example. Fig. 7 shows the appearance before thermal runaway occurs. Fig. 8 shows the appearance after thermal runaway occurs.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the refractory member (40) can be placed at a position corresponding to the opening (141, 143) of the bulkhead (30). Accordingly, the propagation of heat discharged from the opening (141, 143) can be blocked or delayed.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the partition wall (30) may be disposed between battery modules (10) facing each other in the longitudinal direction. This is because the heat may be discharged through the openings (141, 143) of the end plate (14). Specifically, the partition wall (30) may be disposed between an end plate (14) disposed at one end of one battery module (10) and an end plate (14) disposed at the other end of another battery module (10) disposed adjacent to one end of the battery module (10).

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the height of the partition wall (30) may be greater than the height of the battery module (10). When the height of the partition wall (30) is greater than the height of the battery module (10), when the refractory member (40) reacts with heat, the refractory member (40) can sufficiently cover the space between the partition wall (30) and the battery module (10).

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the partition wall (30) may be spaced apart from the battery module (10). Specifically, the partition wall (30) may be spaced apart from the end plate (14) by a predetermined distance.

[0083] The above refractory member (40) can also be placed in a portion of the battery module (10) other than the bulkhead (30).

[0084] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack (1) of one specific example.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 9, the battery pack (1) may further include a side wall (50) disposed between the battery modules (10). Here, the partition wall (30) may be disposed between the battery modules (10) arranged in the longitudinal direction. The side wall (50) may be disposed between the battery modules (10) arranged in the width direction. Here, the fireproof member (40) may also be disposed on the side wall (50). Heat generated in the battery module (10) may also be discharged in the width direction. Therefore, the arrangement of the fireproof member (40) on the side wall (50) may also be effective in blocking or delaying heat propagation within the battery pack (1).

[0086] Another specific example of the present disclosure is a means of transportation (V). The means of transportation (V) may include, for example, a two-wheeled vehicle such as an electric kickboard, an electric vehicle, or a flying device such as a drone.

[0087] Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram of a specific example of a moving vehicle (V). Although Fig. 10 illustrates an electric vehicle, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0088] The moving means (V) of the present disclosure may include the battery pack (1). The electric energy generated by the battery pack (1) may serve as the power source for the moving means (V). The moving means (V) of the present disclosure may include a body; and a power supply unit; and the power supply unit may include the battery pack (1) of the present disclosure.

[0089] Accordingly, the above-mentioned moving means (V) can improve thermal stability.

Claims

1. Multiple battery modules; A pack case accommodating the above battery module; a bulkhead disposed between the above battery modules; and A fire-resistant member placed on the above bulkhead; A battery pack containing:

2. In paragraph 1, The above refractory member is a battery pack including a foamed refractory material.

3. In paragraph 1, A battery pack wherein the bulkhead comprises a first wall and a second wall disposed between the bottom surface of the pack case and the first wall.

4. In paragraph 3, A battery pack in which the above-mentioned refractory member is placed around the connection portion of the first wall and the second wall.

5. In paragraph 3, The above first wall is a battery pack forming an upper cover of the bulkhead.

6. In paragraph 3, A battery pack having a bulkhead having an empty space formed therein by the first wall and the second wall.

7. In paragraph 3, The first wall includes a sloped portion and a non-slope portion, A battery pack in which the inclined portion is inclined toward the battery module between the second wall and the non-inclined portion.

8. In paragraph 7, The above refractory member is a battery pack arranged on the slope and the second wall.

9. In paragraph 1, A battery pack wherein the bulkhead further includes pores disposed between the bulkhead and the refractory member.

10. In paragraph 1, Each of the above battery modules includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in the width direction and a module case that accommodates the battery cells, A battery pack wherein each of the above battery cells includes an electrode lead extending in the longitudinal direction.

11. In paragraph 10, The above module case is open in the longitudinal direction, A battery pack wherein the battery module further includes an end plate that closes the module case.

12. In paragraph 11, The above end plate includes an opening, The above opening is a battery pack spaced apart from the bottom surface of the pack case.

13. In paragraph 12, The above refractory member is a battery pack arranged at a position corresponding to the opening of the bulkhead.

14. In paragraph 11, The above bulkhead An end plate placed at one end of one battery module; and An end plate disposed on the other end of another battery module adjacent to one end of the above battery module. Battery packs placed in between.

15. In paragraph 1, A battery pack wherein the height of the above bulkhead is greater than the height of the above battery module.

16. In paragraph 1, The above bulkhead is a battery pack spaced apart from the above battery module.

17. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a side wall disposed between the above battery modules, The above bulkhead is arranged between battery modules arranged in the longitudinal direction, The above sidewall is a battery pack arranged between battery modules arranged in the width direction.

18. In paragraph 17, The above refractory member is a battery pack arranged in the bulkhead and the side wall.

19. Body; and Power supply unit; Including, The above power supply unit includes a battery pack, The above battery pack Multiple battery modules; A pack case accommodating the above battery module; a bulkhead disposed between the above battery modules; and A fire-resistant member placed on the above bulkhead; A means of transportation including:

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