Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack is disclosed. A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a case providing a space therein; a battery cell located inside the case; and an airbag provided on the outer surface of the case and communicating with the inner space of the case.

Description

battery pack

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

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0114180, filed on August 26, 2024, the entire contents of which are disclosed in the specification and drawings of which 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 a battery pack contains multiple battery modules, each of which contains multiple battery cells, it may be vulnerable to a thermal chain reaction between battery modules or between battery cells. For example, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs within a single battery module, the propagation of this thermal runaway to other battery modules or cells must be prevented. If the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules or cells is not properly prevented, an event occurring in a specific battery module or battery cell may trigger a chain reaction of thermal reactions in other battery modules or cells, potentially causing an explosion or fire, or potentially increasing its scale.

[0009] In particular, impacts to the battery module or battery pack can increase the risk of thermal events. Furthermore, if a vehicle with a battery module or battery pack installed experiences an impact, the battery module or battery pack may collide with other structures within the vehicle. In such cases, a structure is needed to protect the battery module or battery pack from external impacts.

[0010] If an event such as thermal runaway occurs in a single battery module, gas or flames may be randomly released to the outside. If the release of gas or flames is not properly controlled, the gas or flames may be released toward other battery modules, potentially triggering a thermal chain reaction in those modules. Specifically, the front of a battery module may have module terminals, which may be electrically connected to other battery modules or battery packs, such as module bus bars. Therefore, if flames are released toward the front of a battery module, they may damage the module terminals within the battery pack, potentially causing an electrical short. Furthermore, other battery modules may be present at the front of the battery module. Therefore, if flames are released toward the front of a specific battery module, the released flames may easily spread to other battery modules, potentially causing a fire to spread between battery modules.

[0011] Failure to properly control thermal transfer between battery modules or battery cells can lead to a sudden voltage drop in the battery module or battery pack. This can lead to a sudden shutdown of the device equipped with the battery module or battery pack, resulting in unexpected damage. For example, if a voltage drop in a battery pack occurs suddenly while an electric vehicle is in operation, there is no time to move the vehicle to a safe location.

[0012] Moreover, if thermal propagation between battery modules or cells fails to be properly controlled, resulting in a sudden fire or explosion, there is a high possibility of causing casualties. For example, if thermal runaway occurs in an electric vehicle, if a certain amount of time is not allowed for a full-blown fire to develop, occupants may not be able to escape safely.

[0013] Accordingly, the present invention has been created to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a battery pack having a structure capable of alleviating or absorbing impact applied to the battery pack, and an automobile including the same.

[0014] In addition, the present invention may provide a structure that facilitates expansion of the internal space of a battery pack when a thermal event occurs.

[0015] In addition, the present invention may provide a structure capable of suppressing the propagation of a thermal event when a thermal event occurs.

[0016] In addition, the present invention may provide a structure capable of quickly extinguishing a fire in a battery pack when a thermal event occurs.

[0017] 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.

[0018] In order to achieve the above-described purpose, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a case providing a space therein; a battery cell positioned inside the case; and an air bag provided on an outer surface of the case and communicating with the internal space of the case.

[0019] Additionally, the battery pack may further include a pipe coupled to the outer surface of the case and communicating with the inner space of the case.

[0020] In addition, the case includes: a base plate; and a side wall installed on an upper surface of the base plate, and the air bag may be provided on the side wall.

[0021] In addition, the air bags may be provided in multiple numbers, and the multiple air bags may be arranged along the perimeter of the case.

[0022] Additionally, the pipe can be coupled to the side wall.

[0023] Additionally, the pipe may be configured to supply gas into the interior of the case.

[0024] Additionally, the air bag may be configured to expand as gas is supplied into the interior of the case.

[0025] A vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a battery pack of the present invention.

[0026] In addition, the vehicle further includes a gas supply unit for supplying gas, and the pipe can be connected to the gas supply unit.

[0027] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the shock applied to the battery pack can be mitigated.

[0028] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, thermal event propagation in a battery pack can be suppressed.

[0029] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, a fire in a battery pack can be quickly extinguished.

[0030] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the electrical safety of a battery pack can be improved.

[0031] 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.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery pack of Figure 1.

[0034] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery pack of Figure 2.

[0035] Figure 4 is a drawing showing the battery module of Figure 2.

[0036] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery module of Figure 4.

[0037] Fig. 6 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration according to A-A' of Fig. 1.

[0038] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration according to B-B' of Fig. 1.

[0039] Figure 8 is a drawing showing the change in Figure 7 when gas is supplied.

[0040] Figure 9 is a drawing showing the change in Figure 1 when gas is supplied.

[0041] FIG. 10 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.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the battery pack (1000) may include a case (100). The case (100) may provide a space therein. The case (100) may form the exterior of the battery pack (1000).

[0046] The battery cell (220) may be located inside the case (100). The battery cell (220) may refer to a secondary battery. In particular, the battery cell (220) may be a pouch-type secondary battery. However, the shape of the battery cell (220) is not limited to a pouch shape, and may have various shapes, such as a cylindrical shape or a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The battery cell (220) may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0047] An air bag (400) may be provided on the outer surface of the case (100). The air bag (400) may be installed, fastened, coupled, attached, or fixed to the case (100). The air bag (400) may be in communication with the internal space of the case (100). When gas (G) is supplied to the inside of the case (100) or the pressure inside the case (100) increases, the air bag (400) may expand. The air bag (400) may include a flexible material. The air bag (400) may include an elastic material. For example, the air bag (400) may include a polyester material. The air bag (400) may include an expandable or contractible material.

[0048] If the battery pack (1000) is subjected to an impact or collides with another component, the battery pack (1000) may be damaged. The air bag (400) can mitigate the impact applied to the battery pack (1000).

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, 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).

[0050] The case (100) may include a first side wall (120a). The first side wall (120a) may be installed, fastened, coupled, attached, or fixed to the upper surface of the base plate (110). The first side wall (120a) may extend along the right edge of the base plate (110). The first side wall (120a) may form the exterior of the battery pack (1000). The first side wall (120a) may have a first supply hole (121). The first supply hole (121) may connect the exterior and interior of the case (100). The first side wall (120a) may include a plurality of first supply holes (121). The air bag (400) may be installed, fastened, coupled, attached, or fixed to the first supply hole (121). The air bag (400) can be installed, fastened, joined, attached or fixed to the outer surface of the first side wall (120a). The first side wall (120a) can have a plurality of air bags (400).

[0051] The case (100) may include a second side wall (120b). The second side wall (120b) may be installed, fastened, coupled, attached, or fixed to the upper surface of the base plate (110). The second side wall (120b) may extend along the front edge of the base plate (110). The second side wall (120b) may form the outer appearance of the battery pack (1000). The second side wall (120b) may have a first supply hole (121). The second side wall (120b) may include a plurality of first supply holes (121). The air bag (400) may be installed, fastened, coupled, attached, or fixed to the first supply hole (121). The air bag (400) may be installed, fastened, coupled, attached, or fixed to the outer surface of the second side wall (120b). The second side wall (120b) may be equipped with multiple air bags (400).

[0052] The case (100) may include a third side wall (120c). The third side wall (120c) may be installed, fastened, coupled, attached, or fixed to the upper surface of the base plate (110). The third side wall (120c) may extend along the left edge of the base plate (110). The third side wall (120c) may form the outer appearance of the battery pack (1000). The third side wall (120c) may have a first supply hole (121). The third side wall (120c) may include a plurality of first supply holes (121). The air bag (400) may be installed, fastened, coupled, attached, or fixed to the first supply hole (121). The air bag (400) may be installed, fastened, coupled, attached, or fixed to the outer surface of the third side wall (120c). The third side wall (120c) can be equipped with multiple air bags (400).

[0053] The case (100) may include a fourth side wall (120d). The fourth side wall (120d) may be installed, fastened, coupled, attached, or fixed to the upper surface of the base plate (110). The fourth side wall (120d) may extend along the rear edge of the base plate (110). The fourth side wall (120d) may form the outer appearance of the battery pack (1000). The fourth side wall (120d) may have a first supply hole (121). The fourth side wall (120d) may include a plurality of first supply holes (121). The air bag (400) may be installed, fastened, coupled, attached, or fixed to the first supply hole (121). The air bag (400) may be installed, fastened, coupled, attached, or fixed to the outer surface of the fourth side wall (120d). The fourth side wall (120d) can be equipped with multiple air bags (400).

[0054] The first side wall (120a), the second side wall (120b), the third side wall (120c), and the fourth side wall (120d) may be arranged along the perimeter of the base plate (110). A plurality of air bags (400) may be arranged along the side walls (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d). The plurality of air bags (400) may be arranged along the perimeter of the base plate (110). The plurality of air bags (400) may be arranged along the perimeter of the case (100).

[0055] 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).

[0056] The partition wall (300) may include a first partition wall (310) and a second partition wall (320). A plurality of partition walls (300) may be provided. The partition wall (300) may be installed, fastened, fixed, joined, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate (110). The partition wall (300) may partition the internal space of the battery pack (1000). The battery cell (220) may be positioned in the space partitioned by the partition wall (300).

[0057] The case (100) may include a venting device (500). The venting device (500) may be installed on the second side wall (120b). For example, the venting device (500) may be a gas valve. The venting device (500) may open to discharge gas when the pressure inside the case (100) increases. In addition, the venting device (500) may block external air from flowing into the case (100). The venting device (500) may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0058] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the battery module (200) of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery module (200) of FIG. 4. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the battery module (200) may be positioned in a space defined by a partition wall (300). In addition, the partition wall (300) may face at least one side of the battery module (200). A plurality of battery modules (200) may be provided.

[0059] The battery module (200) may include a module case (210). The module case (210) may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The module case (210) may also be referred to as a frame (210). The module case (210) may provide a space therein. The module case (210) may include a top plate, a bottom plate, and a pair of side plates. In addition, the module case (210) may have an open front and back. The module case (210) may have a venting hole (211) in the top plate. The venting hole (211) may connect the inside and the outside of the module case (210).

[0060] The battery module (200) may include a battery cell (220). The battery cell (220) may be accommodated inside a module case (210). A plurality of battery cells (220) may be stacked in the front-back direction or the X-axis direction. The battery cell (220) may include a receiving portion (221) having an electrode assembly, a first sealing portion (222) protruding to the left and right sides of the receiving portion (221), and a second sealing portion (223) protruding upward from the receiving portion (221). In addition, the battery cell (220) may include an electrode lead (224) protruding to the left and right sides of the first sealing portion (222), respectively. Each battery cell (220) may extend along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The electrode lead (224) may protrude to the left and right sides of each receiving portion (221).

[0061] The battery module (200) may include a pad (250). The pad (250) may be positioned between a plurality of battery cells (220). The pad (250) may be positioned between at least some of the battery cells (220) and / or on the periphery of the stack. For example, the pad (250) may be configured to be positioned between every four battery cells (220) stacked in the front-rear direction.

[0062] These pads (250) may be provided with an elastic material to enable swelling absorption of the battery cells (220). For example, the pads (250) may be composed of a foam material such as polyurethane. Alternatively, the pads (250) may be provided with a material capable of blocking heat or flames. For example, the pads (250) may be provided with an insulating or fire-retardant material such as silicone or mica.

[0063] The battery module (200) may include a busbar frame assembly (230). The busbar frame assembly (230) may be provided on each of the left and right sides of a plurality of battery cells (220). The busbar frame assembly (230) may be electrically connected to electrode leads (224) of the plurality of battery cells (220).

[0064] The battery module (200) may include an end cover (240). A pair of end covers (240) may be respectively coupled to the left and right sides of the module case (210). The pair of end covers (240) may cover the left and right sides of the module case (210). The end covers (240) may have a square shape.

[0065] The battery module (200) can be installed, fastened, combined, fixed, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate (110). When a thermal event occurs from the battery module (200), venting gas (VG) can be discharged through the venting hole (211). The venting hole (211) can face the inner surface of the pack cover (150). The venting gas (VG) discharged through the venting hole (211) can push the pack cover (150) outward, upward, or in the Z-axis direction.

[0066] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration according to line A-A' of FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 6, the battery pack (1000) may include a pipe (600). The term "pipe (600)" may be used to collectively refer to a tube (600), a hose (600), a conduit (600), a duct (600), and a pipe (600).

[0067] The pipe (600) can be installed, fastened, joined, fixed, or attached to the outer surface of the case (100). The pipe (600) can be installed, fastened, joined, fixed, or attached to the first side wall (120a). The pipe (600) can be in communication with the internal space of the case (100). The first side wall (120a) can be provided with a second supply hole (122). The second supply hole (122) can connect the inside and the outside of the case (100). The pipe (600) can be in communication with the second supply hole (122).

[0068] The pipe (600) can supply gas (G) into the interior of the case (100). The pipe (600) can discharge gas (G) inside the case (100). For example, the pipe (600) can supply nitrogen gas (G) into the interior of the case (100). For example, the pipe (600) can discharge nitrogen gas (G) inside the case (100).

[0069] Gas (G) can function as a fire extinguishing agent. If a thermal event occurs, a fire may occur inside the battery pack (1000). By supplying gas (G) into the interior of the case (100), the fire can be extinguished. This can suppress the propagation of the thermal event.

[0070] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along line B-B' of Fig. 1. Fig. 8 is a drawing showing changes in Fig. 7 when gas (G) is supplied.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, 7 and 8, the air bag (400) may be configured to expand as gas (G) is supplied therein. The air bag (400) may be communicated with the interior of the case (100) through the first supply hole (121). When gas (G) is supplied into the interior of the case (100), the gas (G) may flow into the air bag (400) through the first supply hole (121). As gas (G) is supplied into the interior of the case (100), the air bag (400) may expand. The air bag (400) may alleviate impact applied to the battery pack (1000).

[0072] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing changes in FIG. 1 when gas (G) is supplied. Gas (G) can be supplied into the interior of the case (100) through a pipe (600). As gas (G) is supplied into the interior of the case (100), an air bag (400) provided in the first side wall (120a) can be inflated. As gas (G) is supplied into the interior of the case (100), an air bag (400) provided in the second side wall (120b) can be inflated. As gas (G) is supplied into the interior of the case (100), an air bag (400) provided in the third side wall (120c) can be inflated. As gas (G) is supplied into the interior of the case (100), an air bag (400) provided in the fourth side wall (120d) can be inflated. The air bag (400) can protect the entire side wall (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) of the battery pack (1000).

[0073] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a vehicle (V) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 10, the vehicle (V) according to the present invention may include a battery pack (1000) of the present invention. The vehicle (V) may be equipped with a gas supply unit (GS). A pipe (600) may be connected to the gas supply unit (GS). The gas supply unit (GS) may supply gas (G) to the battery pack (1000).

[0074] The gas supply unit (GS) may be connected to an air bag that protects the passenger. When an impact exceeding a certain level is detected in the vehicle (V), the gas supply unit (GS) may supply gas (G) to the air bag (400) and battery pack (1000) installed in the passenger seat.

[0075] After absorbing the impact or after a certain period of time, the gas (G) supplied to the battery pack (1000) can be recovered to the gas supply unit (GS). The gas (G) can be moved to the gas supply unit (GS) through the pipe (600). After absorbing the impact or after a certain period of time, the gas (G) supplied to the airbag protecting the passenger can be recovered to the gas supply unit (GS).

[0076] In addition, the battery pack according to the present invention may further include various other components in addition to the battery module, such as various battery pack components known at the time of filing of the present invention, such as a BMS, a bus bar, a relay, a current sensor, etc.

[0077] The battery pack (1000) according to the present invention can be applied to a vehicle (V), such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. In addition to the battery pack (1000), the vehicle (V) according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the vehicle (V). 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.

[0078] 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 case that provides space inside; A battery cell located inside the case; and A battery pack including an air bag provided on the outer surface of the case and communicating with the inner space of the case.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery pack further comprising a pipe coupled to the outer surface of the case and communicating with the inner space of the case.

3. In paragraph 2, The above case is: base plate; and, Including a side wall installed on the upper surface of the above base plate, The above air bag, A battery pack provided on the above side wall.

4. In paragraph 3, The above air bags are provided in multiples, The above plurality of air bags are, A battery pack arranged along the perimeter of the above case.

5. In paragraph 3, The above pipe is, A battery pack coupled to the above side wall.

6. In paragraph 2, The above pipe is, A battery pack configured to supply gas into the interior of the above case.

7. In paragraph 6, The above air bag, A battery pack configured to expand as gas is supplied into the interior of the case.

8. A vehicle comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. In a vehicle including a battery pack according to any one of the provisions of paragraphs 2 to 7, Further comprising a gas supply unit for supplying gas, The above pipe is, A vehicle connected to the above gas supply unit.

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