Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack is disclosed. A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first battery module having a first port; a second battery module positioned on one side of the first battery module and having a second port; and a pipe assembly for communicating the first port and the second port, wherein the pipe assembly may comprise: a holder that is coupled to the outer surface of the first port and has a through hole; a first connector that passes through the through hole and is inserted into the first port; and a fixing member that fixes the holder to the first connector.

Description

battery pack

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0116993, filed on August 29, 2024, the entire contents of which are disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] As demand for portable electronic devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and smartwatches increases significantly and electric vehicles become increasingly widespread, research is actively being conducted on the batteries used in these devices, especially secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged.

[0004] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are receiving attention for their advantages of being able to charge and discharge freely, having a very low self-discharge rate, and having a high energy density, as they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries.

[0005] These lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium oxide and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. Lithium secondary batteries comprise an electrode assembly comprising positive and negative plates coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively, with a separator interposed between them, and an outer case, i.e., a battery case, that seals and encloses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0006] In general, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a metal can and pouch-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the outer packaging material.

[0007] Recently, secondary batteries are widely used for power and energy storage not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices but also in medium- to large-sized devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). Multiple secondary batteries can be electrically connected and housed within a module case to form a single battery module. Each secondary battery within a battery module can be referred to as a battery cell. Furthermore, multiple such battery modules can be connected to form a single battery pack.

[0008] However, when multiple secondary batteries (battery cells) or battery modules are densely packed in a confined space, they can be vulnerable to thermal events. Specifically, if a thermal runaway event occurs in a single battery cell, high-temperature gases, flames, and heat can be generated. If these gases, flames, or heat are transferred to other battery cells within the same battery module, an explosive chain reaction, such as thermal propagation, can occur. This chain reaction can not only cause a fire or explosion in the battery module in question, but can also trigger fires or explosions in other battery modules.

[0009] Therefore, it is necessary to effectively cool the battery cells to suppress thermal events or heat propagation at the temperature of the battery cells.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention aims to solve the above problems.

[0011] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a structure that facilitates connection of a cooling port of a battery module.

[0012] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a structure that does not require a lot of space to connect the cooling port of the battery module.

[0013] Another object of the present invention may be to increase the energy density of a battery pack.

[0014] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0015] In order to achieve the above object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack comprises: a first battery module having a first port; a second battery module positioned at one side of the first battery module and having a second port; and a pipe assembly connecting the first port and the second port, wherein the pipe assembly may include: a holder coupled to an outer surface of the first port and having a through hole; a first connector passing through the through hole and inserted into the first port; and a fixing member fixing the holder to the first connector.

[0016] Additionally, the holder has a hook, and the holder and the first port can be hook-coupled.

[0017] Additionally, the first connector may include a first fixing groove provided on an outer surface, and the holder may include a second fixing groove provided on an outer surface and facing the first fixing groove.

[0018] Additionally, the fixing member can be inserted into the first fixing groove and the second fixing groove.

[0019] Additionally, the pipe assembly may include: a second connector coupled to the second port; and a connecting pipe connecting the second connector and the first connector.

[0020] In addition, the first connector includes: an insertion portion inserted into the first port; and a connection portion communicating with the connection pipe, and the first fixing groove may be located between the insertion portion and the connection portion.

[0021] Additionally, the above connecting pipe may be composed of a corrugated pipe.

[0022] Additionally, the second connector and the connecting pipe may be formed as one piece.

[0023] Additionally, the first connector may further include a sealing ring provided on the outer surface of the insertion portion.

[0024] A vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a battery pack of the present invention.

[0025] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the cooling port of the battery module can be easily connected.

[0026] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, a cooling port of a battery module can be connected even in a small space.

[0027] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the energy density of a battery pack can be increased.

[0028] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery pack of Figure 1.

[0031] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery pack of Figure 2.

[0032] Figure 4 is a drawing showing the piping assembly of Figure 3.

[0033] Figure 5 is a drawing showing a partial configuration of the piping assembly of Figure 4.

[0034] Fig. 6 is a drawing showing the movement of the holder of the pipe assembly of Fig. 3.

[0035] Figure 7 is a drawing showing the combination of the first battery module and the piping assembly.

[0036] Figure 8 is a drawing showing the installation of the second battery module.

[0037] Figure 9 is a drawing showing the combination of the second battery module and the piping assembly.

[0038] Figure 10 is a drawing showing the combination of the first battery module and the holder.

[0039] Figure 11 is a drawing showing the combination of the first connector and the holder.

[0040] Figure 12 is an enlarged drawing of the piping assembly.

[0041] Figure 13 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0043] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0044] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery pack (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a partial separation of the battery pack (1000) of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a partial separation of the battery pack (1000) of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a piping assembly (800) of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a partial separation of the piping assembly (800) of FIG. 4.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a battery pack (1000) may include a case (100). The case (100) may include a base plate (110). The base plate (110) may have a square shape. The base plate (110) may have a flat shape. The base plate (110) may form the exterior of the battery pack (1000). The base plate (110) may provide an internal space of the battery pack (1000).

[0046] The case (100) may include a side wall (120). The side wall (120) may be installed, fastened, joined, fixed, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate (110). The side wall (120) may be composed of four pieces. The side wall (120) may be arranged along the perimeter of the base plate (110). The side wall (120) may form the exterior of the battery pack (1000). The side wall (120) may provide an internal space.

[0047] The case (100) may include a pack cover (150). The pack cover (150) may have a square plate shape. The pack cover (150) may have a flat plate shape. The pack cover (150) may form the exterior of the battery pack (1000). The pack cover (150) may cover the internal space of the battery pack (1000).

[0048] The battery pack (1000) may include battery modules (200, 210, 220). The battery modules (200, 210, 220) may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The battery modules (200, 210, 220) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple battery modules (200, 210, 220) may be positioned inside the case (100). The multiple battery modules (200, 210, 220) may be installed, coupled, fastened, fixed, or attached to the base plate (110).

[0049] For example, a battery pack (1000) may include four battery modules (200, 210, 220). The plurality of battery modules (200, 210, 220) may be arranged in the front-rear direction or along the X-axis direction.

[0050] Each battery module (200, 210, 220) may include multiple battery cells. In this case, the battery cells may refer to secondary batteries. In particular, the battery cells may be secondary batteries having a cylindrical shape. However, the shape of the battery cells is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may have various shapes, such as a pouch shape or a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0051] The main port (130) may be provided on the side wall (120). The main ports (130) may be provided in pairs. The main ports (130) may be configured with a port through which cooling fluid flows in and a port through which cooling fluid flows out. The cooling fluid may be supplied into the interior of the battery pack (1000) through the main port (130). The cooling fluid may be discharged to the exterior of the battery pack (1000) through the main port (130).

[0052] Each battery module (200, 210, 220) may have a port. Each battery module (200, 210, 220) may have a port in the right or +Y-axis direction. The port of each battery module (200, 210, 220) and the main port (130) may be connected. Cooling fluid may flow into the interior of the battery pack (1000) through the main port (130) and may flow into the interior of the battery module (200, 210, 220) through the port of the battery module (200, 210, 220). The cooling fluid may cool the battery cell located inside the battery module (200, 210, 220).

[0053] Cooling fluid can flow out of the battery module (200, 210, 220) through a port of the battery module (200, 210, 220).

[0054] The ports of the battery modules (200, 210, 220) can be connected by pipes. The ports of the battery modules (200, 210, 220) and the main port (130) can be connected by pipes.

[0055] The first battery module (210) may be equipped with a first port (211). The first port (211) may be equipped on the right side of the first battery module (210) or in the +Y-axis direction. The first ports (211) may be configured as a pair. The first ports (211) may be configured with a port through which cooling fluid flows in and a port through which cooling fluid flows out.

[0056] The second battery module (220) may be positioned in front of the first battery module (210). Alternatively, the second battery module (220) may be positioned on one side of the first battery module (210). The second battery module (220) may be provided with a second port (221). The second port (221) may be provided on the right side of the second battery module (220) or in the +Y-axis direction. The second ports (221) may be configured as a pair. The second ports (221) may be configured with a port through which cooling fluid flows in and a port through which cooling fluid flows out.

[0057] The piping assembly (800) can connect ports of neighboring battery modules (200, 210, 220). The piping assembly (800) can connect a first port (211) and a second port (221). The piping assembly (800) can extend in the X-axis direction or the front-back direction.

[0058] The piping assembly (800) may include a holder (400). The holder (400) may be coupled, fastened, attached, fixed, or installed to the outer surface of the first port (211). The holder (400) may have a through hole (401).

[0059] The piping assembly (800) may include a first connector (300). The first connector (300) may pass through a through hole (401). The first connector (300) and the holder (400) may be configured to be relatively movable. The first connector (300) may be coupled, installed, or inserted into the first port (211).

[0060] The piping assembly (800) may include a fixing member (500). The fixing member (500) may couple, fasten, fix, or install the holder (400) to the first connector (300). The fixing member (500) may couple, fasten, fix, or install the first connector (300) to the holder (400).

[0061] Since the first connector (300) and the holder (400) are configured as separate parts, the depth at which the first connector (300) is inserted into the first port (211) can be configured to be adjustable. By adjusting the depth at which the first connector (300) is inserted into the first port (211), the overall length of the piping assembly (800) can be varied. By varying the length of the piping assembly (800), the installation of the piping assembly (800) can be facilitated. By varying the length of the piping assembly (800), the connection between the first port (211) and the second port (221) can be facilitated. By varying the length of the piping assembly (800), less space can be required to connect the first port (211) and the second port (221).

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the first connector (300) may include an insertion portion (310). The insertion portion (310) may extend toward the first port (211). The insertion portion (310) may extend backward or along the -X-axis direction. The insertion portion (310) may be inserted into the interior of the first port (211). The depth at which the insertion portion (310) is inserted into the first port (211) may be adjusted.

[0063] The first connector (300) may include a connecting portion (320). The connecting portion (320) may extend toward the second port (221). The connecting portion (320) may extend forward or along the +X-axis direction. The connecting portion (320) may be coupled, connected, connected, inserted, or installed in a connecting pipe (600).

[0064] The first connector (300) may include a fixing portion (330). The fixing portion (330) may be positioned between the connecting portion (320) and the inserting portion (310). The fixing portion (330) may have a larger diameter than the connecting portion (320). The fixing portion (330) may have a larger diameter than the inserting portion (310). The fixing portion (330) and the connecting portion (320) may be formed integrally. The fixing portion (330) and the inserting portion (310) may be formed integrally. The fixing portion (330) may function as a stopper. The fixing portion (330) may limit the depth at which the inserting portion (310) is inserted into the first port (211). The fixing portion (330) may limit the depth at which the connecting portion (320) is inserted into the connecting pipe (600).

[0065] The fixed portion (330) may have a first fixed groove (331). The first fixed groove (331) may extend along the circumference of the fixed portion (330). The first fixed groove (331) may be formed on the outer surface of the first connector (300).

[0066] The holder (400) may have a second fixing groove (420) on the outer surface. The second fixing groove (420) may penetrate the holder (400). The second fixing groove (420) may be arranged to face the first fixing groove (331).

[0067] The holder (400) may include a first hook (410). The first hook (410) may be installed, coupled, fastened, fixed, or assembled to the outer surface of the first port (211). The first hook (410) and the first port (211) may be hook-coupled.

[0068] The fixing member (500) can be inserted into the first fixing groove (331) and the second fixing groove (420). By inserting the fixing member (500) into the first fixing groove (331) and the second fixing groove (420), the holder (400) and the first connector (300) can be mutually coupled, installed, fastened, or fixed. The fixing member (500) can extend along the circumference of the holder (400). The fixing member (500) can extend along the second fixing groove (420). The fixing member (500) can extend along the circumference of the fixing portion (330). The fixing member (500) can extend along the circumference of the first fixing groove (331).

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the piping assembly (800) may include a second connector (700). The second connector (700) may be installed, coupled, fastened, fixed, connected, or communicated with the second port (221). The second connector (700) may include a second hook (720). The second hook (720) may be installed, coupled, fastened, fixed, or assembled to the outer surface of the second port (221).

[0070] The connecting pipe (600) can be coupled, connected, communicated, inserted or installed into the second connector (700). The connecting pipe (600) can be coupled, connected, communicated, inserted or installed into the connecting portion (320). The connecting pipe (600) can extend in the forward / reverse direction or along the +X-axis direction. The connecting pipe (600) can connect or communicate the first connector (300) and the second connector (700).

[0071] The connecting pipe (600) may be composed of a corrugated tubing. The corrugated tubing may be elastic. The corrugated tubing may be deformed so that the first connector (300) and the second connector (700) can be easily connected. The corrugated tubing may be deformed so that the first connector (300) and the second connector (700) can be easily connected even if the first port (211) and the second port (221) are misaligned.

[0072] The connecting pipe (600) and the second connector (700) may be configured as one piece. When the first port (211) and the second port (221) are positioned close to each other, the first port (211) and the second port (221) can be easily connected by the connecting pipe (600) and the second connector (700) configured as one piece. Alternatively, when the alignment of the first port (211) and the second port (221) is highly accurate, the first port (211) and the second port (221) can be easily connected by the connecting pipe (600) and the second connector (700) configured as one piece.

[0073] A first sealing ring (311) may be provided around the insertion portion (310). A plurality of first sealing rings (311) may be provided. The first sealing rings (311) may seal between the insertion portion (310) and the first port (211).

[0074] A second sealing ring (710) may be provided around the second connector (700). A plurality of second sealing rings (710) may be provided. The second sealing rings (710) may seal between the second connector (700) and the second port (221).

[0075] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the movement of the holder (400) of the pipe assembly (800) of FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 6, before the fixing member (500) is fixed to the first fixing groove (331) or the second fixing groove (420), the holder (400) may be configured to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the first connector (300). The holder (400) may be configured to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the connecting pipe (600). The first connector (300) may pass through the through hole (401) of the holder (400). The connecting pipe (600) may pass through the through hole (401) of the holder (400).

[0076] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing the combination of the first battery module (210) and the piping assembly (800). Fig. 8 is a drawing showing the installation of the second battery module (220). Fig. 9 is a drawing showing the combination of the second battery module (220) and the piping assembly (800). Fig. 10 is a drawing showing the combination of the first battery module (210) and the holder (400). Fig. 11 is a drawing showing the combination of the first connector (300) and the holder (400).

[0077] Figures 7 to 11 are drawings illustrating the installation of the first battery module (210) and the second battery module (220) and the coupling of the piping assembly (800) as examples. Figures 7 to 11 may sequentially illustrate the installation of the first battery module (210) and the second battery module (220) and the coupling of the piping assembly (800).

[0078] Referring to Fig. 7, the first battery module (210) can be installed on the base plate (110). The pipe assembly (800) can be connected to the first port (211). The insertion portion (310) can be deeply inserted into the first port (211). At this time, the holder (400) of the pipe assembly (800) can remain movable without being fixed to the fixing portion (330).

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the second battery module (220) can be installed on the base plate (110). By deeply inserting the insertion portion (310) into the first port (211), an installation space for the second battery module (220) can be secured. Alternatively, by deeply inserting the insertion portion (310) into the first port (211), the second battery module (220) and the piping assembly (800) can avoid contact or interference.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 9, when the second battery module (220) is installed, the piping assembly (800) and the second port (221) may be spaced apart. Alternatively, when the second battery module (220) is installed, the second connector (700) and the second port (221) may be spaced apart.

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the second connector (700) and the second port (221) can be coupled, fastened, connected, or communicated with each other by moving the insertion portion (310) forward or in the +X axis. Alternatively, the depth at which the insertion portion (310) is inserted into the first port (211) decreases, so that the second connector (700) and the second port (221) can be coupled, fastened, connected, or communicated with each other. The second hook (720) can be installed, coupled, fastened, fixed, or assembled on the outer surface of the second port (221). The second hook (720) and the second port (221) can be hook-coupled.

[0082] Referring to Fig. 10, when the second connector (700) and the second port (221) are coupled, the holder (400) can be moved backward or in the -X-axis direction. The holder (400) can be moved to a position where the second fixing groove (420) and the first fixing groove (331) are aligned. When the second fixing groove (420) and the first fixing groove (331) are aligned, the first hook (410) and the first port (211) can be engaged.

[0083] Alternatively, the holder (400) can be moved to a position where the first fixed groove (331) and the second fixed groove (420) face each other. When the first fixed groove (331) and the second fixed groove (420) are positioned to face each other, the first hook (410) and the first port (211) can be connected.

[0084] Referring to Fig. 11, when the first hook (410) and the first port (211) are combined, the fixing member (500) can be inserted into the first fixing groove (331) and the second fixing groove (420). The first connector (300) and the holder (400) can be fastened due to the fixing member (500). By inserting the fixing member (500) into the first fixing groove (331) and the second fixing groove (420), the connection between the first port (211) and the second port (221) can be completed.

[0085] Fig. 12 is an enlarged drawing of the piping assembly (800). Referring to Fig. 12, the piping assembly (800) can improve space efficiency by connecting the first port (211) and the second port (221) in a nearly straight line. In addition, the piping assembly (800) can improve the energy density of the battery pack (1000) by taking up less space.

[0086] The battery pack (1000) according to the present invention may further include various other components in addition to the battery modules (200, 210, 220) and the piping assembly (800), such as various components of the battery pack (1000) known at the time of filing of the present invention, such as a BMS, a bus bar, a relay, a current sensor, etc.

[0087] Fig. 13 is a drawing showing a vehicle (V) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 13, the vehicle (V) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a battery pack (1000) of the present invention. The battery pack (1000) according to the present invention may be applied to a vehicle (V) such as an electric vehicle (V) or a hybrid vehicle (V). That is, the vehicle (V) according to the present invention may include the battery pack (1000) according to the present invention. In addition, the vehicle (V) according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the vehicle (V) in addition to the battery pack (1000). For example, the vehicle (V) according to the present invention may further include a body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc.

[0088] As described above, although the present invention has been described by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Claims

1. A first battery module having a first port; A second battery module positioned on one side of the first battery module and having a second port; and Including a piping assembly that connects the first port and the second port, The above piping assembly: A holder coupled to the outer surface of the first port and having a through hole; A first connector passing through the above through hole and inserted into the first port; and A battery pack comprising a fixing member for fixing the holder to the first connector.

2. In paragraph 1, The above holder has a hook, A battery pack in which the holder and the first port are hook-coupled.

3. In paragraph 1, The above first connector, Includes a first fixed groove provided on the outer surface, The above holder, A battery pack comprising a second fixing groove provided on an outer surface and facing the first fixing groove.

4. In paragraph 3, The above fixed member is, A battery pack inserted into the first fixed groove and the second fixed groove.

5. In paragraph 3, The above piping assembly: a second connector coupled to the second port; and A battery pack including a connecting pipe connecting the second connector and the first connector.

6. In paragraph 5, The above first connector: An insertion portion inserted into the first port; and, Including a connecting part communicating with the above connecting pipe, The above first fixed groove is, A battery pack positioned between the above insertion portion and the above connecting portion.

7. In paragraph 5, The above connecting pipe is, A battery pack consisting of a corrugated tube.

8. In paragraph 5, The above second connector and the above connecting pipe, A battery pack that is constructed in one piece.

9. In paragraph 6, The above first connector, A battery pack further comprising a sealing ring provided on the outer surface of the insertion portion.

10. A vehicle comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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