Battery system assembly and case assembly used therefor

Abstract

Disclosed are a battery system assembly and a case assembly used therefor. The case assembly comprises a lower case, a protective cover, and a communication unit. The lower case may be formed to support the battery pack assembly. The protective cover may be disposed below the lower case. The communication unit may be formed to allow a gap space formed by the lower case and the protective cover to be in communication with the atmosphere.

Description

Battery system assembly and case assembly used therein

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery system assembly and a case assembly used therein.

[0002]

[0003] In general, secondary batteries are widely used as a power source for mobile devices. They are also attracting attention as a power source for electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).

[0004] The basic unit of a secondary battery is the battery cell. While small mobile devices use one or two battery cells, medium- to large-sized devices like automobiles use a battery pack assembly. A battery pack assembly electrically connects multiple battery module assemblies to achieve high output and large capacity. A single battery module assembly connects multiple battery cells. The battery pack assembly and components, such as the power relay, are installed in a case assembly to form the battery system assembly.

[0005] The above case assembly has a lower case that accommodates the battery pack assembly together with an upper cover. The lower case is protected by a protective cover positioned on its lower side. To prevent moisture infiltration into the space between the lower case and the protective cover, the space above is sealed by bolting and bonding them together.

[0006]

[0007] According to the inventors' findings, when condensation occurs due to a temperature difference between the upper space and the outside, moisture within the space cannot be discharged to the outside. Moisture within the space can corrode the lower case, creating a perforation. This can cause the coolant used to cool the battery pack assembly to leak, preventing proper cooling of the battery pack assembly. Furthermore, if the protective cover is damaged, the difficulty and cost of replacing it can increase.

[0008] Taking these problems into consideration, the present invention aims to provide a battery system assembly and a case assembly used therein, which enable moisture existing in the space between the lower case and the protective cover to be discharged to the outside.

[0009] The present invention also aims to provide a battery system assembly and a case assembly used therein, which enable easy replacement of a protective cover.

[0010]

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention for realizing the above-described task, a case assembly for a battery system assembly may include a lower case formed to support a battery pack assembly; a protective cover disposed on a lower side of the lower case; and a communication unit formed to communicate a gap space defined by the lower case and the protective cover with the atmosphere.

[0012] Here, the communication unit can be formed in the edge area of ​​the lower case and the protective cover.

[0013] Here, the communication unit may include a vent that opens through a side of the battery system assembly.

[0014] Here, the ventilation unit may be a vent defined by a rib formed in at least one of the lower case and the protective cover.

[0015] Here, the rib can be formed by pressing at least one of the two sides of the rib in at least one of the lower case and the protective cover.

[0016] Here, the communication unit includes an inlet vent formed to allow the inflow of fluid into the gap space; and an exhaust vent formed to allow the discharge of the fluid within the gap space, and the inlet vent and the exhaust vent may be formed to face different directions.

[0017] Here, with respect to the external air flow line along the direction in which the inlet vent and the exhaust vent are arranged, the inlet vent may form a larger angle than the exhaust vent.

[0018] Here, the discharge vents may be formed in greater numbers than the inlet vents.

[0019] Here, a plurality of fastening units for detachably fastening the lower case and the protective cover may be further included.

[0020] Here, the connecting unit may be positioned between a pair of adjacent fastening units among the plurality of fastening units.

[0021] Here, an upper case forming a receiving space for receiving the battery pack assembly together with the lower case; and a through-mounting formed to penetrate the lower case and the upper case and extending in a direction away from the protective cover are further included, and the communication unit can be formed between the through-mounting and the protective cover.

[0022] Here, a plurality of support units for supporting the through-mounting to the protective cover are further included, the protective cover having a through hole exposing the through-mounting, and the communication unit may be a vent defined by the protective cover having the through hole, the through-mounting, and the plurality of support units.

[0023] A battery system assembly according to another aspect of the present invention may include: an upper case; a lower case forming a receiving space together with the upper case; a battery pack assembly disposed in the receiving space; a protective cover disposed on a lower side of the lower case; and a communication unit formed to communicate a gap space defined by the lower case and the protective cover with the atmosphere.

[0024] Here, the communication unit can be formed in the edge area of ​​the lower case and the protective cover.

[0025] Here, the communication unit may include a vent that opens through a side of the battery system assembly.

[0026] Here, the ventilation unit may be a vent defined by a rib formed in at least one of the lower case and the protective cover.

[0027] Here, a through mounting is further included that is formed to penetrate the lower case and the upper case and extends in a direction away from the protective cover, and the communication unit may be a vent formed between the through mounting and the protective cover.

[0028]

[0029] According to the battery system assembly and the case assembly used therein according to the present invention configured as described above, the gap space defined by the lower case supporting the battery pack assembly and the protective cover disposed on the lower side of the lower case is communicated with the atmosphere by the communication unit, so that moisture present in the gap space can be discharged to the outside through the communication unit. As a result, problems such as coolant leakage caused by moisture present in the gap space corroding the lower case can be prevented.

[0030] By introducing a sealing unit, the conventional wisdom that a seal is assumed between the lower case and the protective cover is broken. The lower case and the protective cover can be detachably fastened together by a fastening unit. Since the protective cover can be separated from the lower case using the fastening unit, replacement of the protective cover is facilitated.

[0031]

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery system assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion related to the communication channel of Fig. 1.

[0034] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the protective cover in Figure 1 separated.

[0035] Fig. 4 is a plan view for explaining the flow of air related to the communication channel in Fig. 1.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery system assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the through cup and support unit of Figure 5.

[0038]

[0039] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0040] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various forms and with various modifications. However, these embodiments are provided to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included within the technical spirit and scope of the present invention, as well as substitutions or additions of the components of one embodiment with those of another embodiment.

[0041] The attached drawings are merely intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and should not be construed as limiting the technical ideas disclosed in this specification, but should be understood to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. In the drawings, the components may be expressed in exaggerated sizes or thicknesses for ease of understanding, but the scope of protection of the present invention should not be construed as being limited thereby.

[0042] The terminology used in this specification is only used to describe specific implementations or examples and is not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, the singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the specification, terms such as "comprises" and "consists of" are intended to indicate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification. In other words, it should be understood that terms such as "comprises" and "consists of" do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0043] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0044] When a component is referred to as being "connected / connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected / connected to that other component, or that there may be other components in between. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected / connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0045] When a component is referred to as being "above" or "below" another component, it should be understood that it is not only positioned directly above that other component, but that there may also be other components present in between.

[0046] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0047] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery system assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion related to a communication channel of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a protective cover separated from FIG. 1.

[0048] Referring to these drawings, the battery system assembly (100) may include an upper case (110), a lower case (120), a protective cover (130), a through-mounting (150), a communication unit (160), and a fastening unit (170).

[0049] The upper case (110) and the lower case (120) can form a receiving space (S, see FIG. 5) having a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. If the upper case (110) and the lower case (120) each have a plate shape, a wall can be arranged between the cases (110 and 120). Since the upper case (110) and the lower case (120) are not limited to members having a plate shape, the wall can be understood as a part of the cases (110 and 120). When the battery system assembly (100) is mounted on the chassis of a vehicle, the upper case (110) is positioned closer to the chassis and the lower case (120) is positioned closer to the road surface. As a result, the upper case (110) is positioned higher than the lower case (120) along the height direction (H). The height direction (H) is a direction connecting the lower case (120) and the upper case (110), and may be generally perpendicular to the road surface. The accommodation space (S) mainly accommodates a battery pack assembly (not shown). The battery pack assembly electrically connects a plurality of battery module assemblies, and the battery module assembly electrically connects a plurality of battery cells. The lower case (120) supports the battery pack assembly and may include a cooling plate (125) that cools the battery pack assembly. The cooling plate (125) has a channel formed therein through which coolant flows.

[0050] The protective cover (130) is positioned on the lower side of the lower case (120) along the height direction (H). The protective cover (130) may have a size that completely covers the lower case (120). When the vehicle is in motion, an object on the road or flying toward the vehicle from the road primarily collides with the protective cover (130). Therefore, the protective cover (130) prevents the object from directly colliding with the lower case (120).

[0051] The through-mounting (150) is a structure that penetrates the upper case (110) and the lower case (120). The through-mounting (150) may be arranged to extend generally in a direction away from the protective cover (130), for example, in the height direction (H). The through-mounting (150) is a configuration in which a fastening member, for example, a bolt (not shown), for fastening the battery system assembly (100) to the chassis is inserted. The through-mounting (150) may not be adopted depending on the installation method of the battery system assembly (100).

[0052] The ventilation unit (160) is configured to communicate the gap space between the lower case (120) and the protective cover (130) with the atmosphere. The gap space is formed by the protective cover (130) being spaced apart from the lower case (120), for example, the cooling plate (125). The ventilation unit (160) may be a vent that communicates the gap space with the atmosphere. External air may be introduced into the gap space by the vent, and moisture within the gap space may be discharged together with the external air.

[0053] The above vent may have a (first) vent (161) formed between the lower case (120) and the protective cover (130). In addition, a (second) vent (167) opened in the protective cover (130) may also be provided. The (second) vent (167) may be, for example, a through hole formed in the cover plate (131).

[0054] Hereinafter, the (first) vent (161) will be described. The vent (161) may be formed in the edge region of the lower case (120) and the protective cover (130). Specifically, based on the driving direction of a vehicle equipped with a battery system assembly (100), the vent (161) may be positioned in the edge region located on both sides of the driving direction and / or in the edge region located at the rear of the driving direction. Accordingly, the weakening of the strength of the protective cover (130) due to the vent (161) may be minimized, while the flow of external air into the gap space may be made smooth. Unlike the above, the vent (161) may be formed in a region other than the edge region of the protective cover (130), for example, in the central region.

[0055] The vent (161) may be formed to open through the side surface of the battery system assembly (100) in the edge region. The flow cross-section of the inlet / outlet of the vent (161) may be flush with the side surface or parallel to the side surface. Accordingly, outside air flowing along the side surface while the vehicle is driving may smoothly flow into the vent (161). In addition, the possibility of an object flying toward the protective cover (130) from the road surface blocking the vent (161) or passing through the vent (161) and colliding with the battery pack may be reduced.

[0056] The vent (161) is defined, for example, by a rib (rib, 133) formed in the protective cover (130). The rib (133) may be a relatively protruding portion formed by pressing the cover plate (131) of the protective cover (130) to form a press portion (135). As a result, a pair of press portions (135) may be formed in the areas on both sides of the rib (133). In the present embodiment, the rib (133) is described as being formed in the protective cover (130), but the rib may also be formed in the lower case (120). In addition, the rib may not be formed by pressing the lower case (120) and / or the protective cover (130), but may be formed by a separate member joined to at least one of the cases (120 and 130). The separate member will be located between the cases (120 and 130). Accordingly, the press (135) may be formed only on one side of the rib (133).

[0057] The fastening unit (170) is configured to fasten the protective cover (130) to the lower case (120). The fastening unit (170) is a detachable fastening means and may be composed of, for example, bolts and nuts. The fastening unit (170) may also be mounted on the press section (135). Accordingly, a rib (133) may be positioned between an adjacent pair of the plurality of fastening units (170). By loosening the nuts, the worker can easily separate the protective cover (130) from the lower case (120).

[0058] In the above, the configuration of the battery system assembly (100) excluding the battery pack assembly may be referred to as a case assembly.

[0059] Fig. 4 is a plan view for explaining the flow of air related to the communication channel in Fig. 1.

[0060] Referring to this drawing, the vent (161, see FIG. 2) can be divided into an inlet vent (163) and an exhaust vent (165).

[0061] If the inlet vent (163) is generally for introducing fluid (air) into the gap space, the discharge vent (165) is generally for discharging fluid from the gap space.

[0062] The inlet vent (163) and the exhaust vent (165) may be formed to face different directions. First, when a vehicle equipped with a battery system assembly (100) is driven, an outside air flow line (L) may be formed along the direction in which the inlet vent (163) and the exhaust vent (165) are arranged. The angle at which the inlet vent (163) is directed with respect to the outside air flow line (S) may be greater than the angle at which the exhaust vent (165) is directed. In the present embodiment, the former is exemplified as 90°, and the latter as 45°. The exhaust vent (165) has a relatively small angle with respect to the outside air flow line (S), so that moisture can be naturally discharged according to the outside air flow when the vehicle is driven. In contrast, the inlet vent (163) has a relatively large angle with respect to the outside air flow line (S), so that it is difficult for external moisture to penetrate into the gap space.

[0063] The above angles are not limited to 90° / 45°. For example, the exhaust vent (165) may be determined in the range of 30° to 60°. The above angles may be set differently in consideration of not only smooth discharge of moisture and restriction of inflow of moisture, but also the shape of the lower case (120), the press workability of the protective cover (130), and securing of the installation space of the fastening unit (170). Moisture within the gap space may be discharged to the outside not only by the inflow and discharge of external air, but also by inertia due to the acceleration of the vehicle. Therefore, discharge due to inertia may also be considered when designing the above angles.

[0064] The number of exhaust vents (165) may be greater than the number of inlet vents (163). In this embodiment, the number of exhaust vents (165) is twice that of inlet vents (163). Since the number of exhaust vents (165) is greater than that of inlet vents (163), moisture (and air) within the gap space can be discharged more smoothly. In addition, due to the enhanced discharge of air in the gap space, a negative pressure is generated in the gap space, so that the protective cover (130) can be pressed against the lower case (120). The negative pressure prevents air from flowing into the gap space and causing the protective cover (130) to expand, and prevents the protective cover (130) from being detached from the lower case (120).

[0065] A vent of a different form from the above will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery system assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the through cup and support unit of FIG. 5.

[0066] Referring to the drawings, the battery system assembly (200) has, similarly to the previous embodiment, an upper case (210), a lower case (220), a protective cover (230), a through-mounting (250), and a communication unit (260). In the present embodiment, the communication unit (260) may be a vent (third vent) associated with the through-mounting (250) and the protective cover (230). The battery system assembly (200) may further include a support unit (270).

[0067] First, the through-mounting (250) may have a hollow pipe (251), a hollow bolt (253), and a through-cup (255). The hollow pipe (251) is generally positioned between the upper case (210) and the lower case (220) and may be arranged along the height direction (H). The hollow bolt (253) is screw-connected to the hollow pipe (251) so that the upper case (210) is fastened to the hollow pipe (251). The hollow portions of the hollow bolt (253) and the hollow pipe (251) are in communication with each other. The through-cup (255) may be connected to an opposite end of the hollow pipe (251) from the end connected to the hollow bolt (253). A head of the fastening bolt may be received in a concave space of the through-cup (255). A through-hole of the through-cup (255) is in communication with the hollow portion of the hollow pipe (251). The above-described through opening may also be exposed to the outside through a through hole (235) of the protective cover (230). The through cup (255) may have a flange (256) formed on its lower portion. The flange (256) may extend continuously along the circumference of the through cup (255) and may have a ring shape. The flange (256) may be positioned between the lower case (220) and the protective cover (230). The flange (256) may be fixed to the lower case (220), for example, by welding through a weld (257).

[0068] The communication unit (260) can be formed between the through mounting (250), the protective cover (230), and the support unit (270).

[0069] The support unit (270) may be a spring (271) connected to the flange (256). The spring (271) supports the flange (256) with respect to the protective cover (230). The spring (271) may be generally formed of a metal material. The spring (271) is exemplified as a plate spring, but may also be adopted as another type, such as a coil spring. The spring (271) may be mechanically connected to the flange (256) by welding or the like, but may also be formed integrally with the flange (256).

[0070] In this embodiment, a plurality of springs (271) are provided. The plurality of springs (271) are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the flange (256). In this embodiment, four springs (271) are provided, and they can be arranged at 90° intervals. The space between adjacent springs (271) can be the third vent. More specifically, the third vent can be an opening defined by the protective cover (230), the flange (256), and the plurality of springs (271).

[0071] The spring (271) can absorb the impact caused by an object on the road surface colliding with the protective cover (230). Accordingly, damage to the weld (257) due to the impact and moisture infiltration into the gap between the through-mounting (250) and the lower case (220) caused by the impact can be prevented. In addition to absorbing the impact, the spring (271) also serves to create the third vent.

[0072]

[0073] The present invention has industrial applicability in the field of manufacturing battery system assemblies.

Claims

1. A lower case formed to support the battery pack assembly; a protective cover placed on the lower side of the lower case; and A case assembly for a battery system assembly, comprising a communication unit formed to communicate a gap space defined by the lower case and the protective cover with the atmosphere.

2. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned communication unit is, A case assembly for a battery system assembly, formed in the edge area of ​​the lower case and the protective cover.

3. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned communication unit is, A case assembly for a battery system assembly, comprising a vent open through a side of the battery system assembly.

4. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned communication unit is, A case assembly for a battery system assembly, wherein the vent is defined by a rib formed in at least one of the lower case and the protective cover.

5. In paragraph 4, The above ribs, A case assembly for a battery system assembly, wherein at least one of the two sides of the rib is formed by pressing at least one of the lower case and the protective cover.

6. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned communication unit is, An inlet vent formed to allow the inflow of fluid into the gap space; and Including a discharge vent formed to allow discharge of the fluid within the gap space, The above inlet vent and the above outlet vent, A case assembly for a battery system assembly, formed to face different directions.

7. In paragraph 6, For the outside air flow line along the direction in which the above inlet vent and the above outlet vent are arranged, The above inlet vent is, A case assembly for a battery system assembly, the case assembly having a greater angle than the above exhaust vent.

8. In paragraph 6, The above exhaust vent, A case assembly for a battery system assembly, formed with a greater number of inlet vents than the above.

9. In paragraph 1, A case assembly for a battery system assembly, further comprising a plurality of fastening units that detachably fasten the lower case and the protective cover.

10. In paragraph 9, The above-mentioned communication unit is, A case assembly for a battery system assembly, positioned between a pair of adjacent fastening units among the above plurality of fastening units.

11. In paragraph 1, An upper case forming a receiving space for receiving the battery pack assembly together with the lower case; and Further comprising a through mounting formed to penetrate the lower case and the upper case and extending in a direction away from the protective cover, The above-mentioned communication unit is, A case assembly for a battery system assembly formed between the above-described through-mounting and the above-described protective cover.

12. In paragraph 11, Further comprising a plurality of support units supporting the above-mentioned penetration mounting to the above-mentioned protective cover, The above protective cover, Having a through hole exposing the above through mounting, The above-mentioned communication unit is, A case assembly for a battery system assembly, comprising a protective cover having the through hole, the through mounting, and a vent defined by the plurality of support units.

13. Upper case; A lower case forming a receiving space together with the upper case; A battery pack assembly disposed in the above-mentioned receiving space; a protective cover placed on the lower side of the lower case; and A battery system assembly comprising a communication unit formed to communicate a gap space defined by the lower case and the protective cover with the atmosphere.

14. In paragraph 13, The above-mentioned communication unit is, A battery system assembly formed in the edge area of ​​the lower case and the protective cover.

15. In paragraph 13, The above-mentioned communication unit is, A battery system assembly comprising a vent open through a side of the battery system assembly.

16. In paragraph 13, The above-mentioned communication unit is, A battery system assembly, wherein the vent is defined by a rib formed in at least one of the lower case and the protective cover.

17. In paragraph 13, Further comprising a through mounting formed to penetrate the lower case and the upper case and extending in a direction away from the protective cover, The above-mentioned communication unit is, A battery system assembly, wherein a vent is formed between the above-described through-mounting and the above-described protective cover.

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