Heat-blocking unit, battery pack comprising same, and transfer method therefor

Abstract

A heat-blocking unit, according to the present invention, comprises: a heat-resistant pad; and a protection pad provided on one surface or both surfaces of the heat-resistant pad, the protection pad including a wing unit disposed on end portions of the heat-resistant pad, and a body unit disposed on portions of the heat-resistant pad to which the wing unit is not attached, wherein at least one folding unit is formed in a boundary line between the wing unit and the body unit so as to guide the end portions of the heat-resistant pad, on which the wing unit is disposed, to be folded.

Description

Thermal blocking unit, battery pack including the same, and method of transporting the same

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0148450 filed on October 28, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the document of said Korean Patent Application are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to a heat blocking unit, a battery pack including the same, and a method for transporting the same. In particular, the present invention relates to a heat blocking unit having a structure capable of preventing two or more sheets from being transported overlapping, a battery pack including the same, and a method for transporting the same.

[0005] Generally, a secondary battery refers to a battery that can be charged and discharged, unlike a primary battery which cannot be recharged. Such secondary batteries are widely used in phones, laptop computers, camcorders, power storage devices, and electric vehicles.

[0006] The above-described secondary battery is classified into a can-type secondary battery in which an electrode assembly is embedded in a metal can and a pouch-type secondary battery in which an electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch, and the pouch-type secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which electrodes and separators are alternately stacked, and a pouch that accommodates the electrode assembly.

[0007] Meanwhile, with the recent rise in concern over the depletion of fossil fuels and environmental pollution, research on hybrid and electric vehicles is actively underway, and these vehicles are equipped with battery packs.

[0008] In other words, the battery pack contains multiple secondary batteries, and these multiple secondary batteries are connected in series or parallel to increase capacity and output.

[0009] However, the above battery pack had a problem in that performance degradation occurred when one or more of the multiple secondary batteries overheated. In particular, there was a problem in that the heat from the overheated secondary battery propagated to other secondary batteries, significantly degrading the performance of the battery pack.

[0010] To solve this problem, a pad is inserted between the secondary batteries to prevent heat propagation. Specifically, the heat blocking pad is inserted between the secondary batteries while being transported via a transfer device during the battery pack manufacturing process.

[0011] However, there was a problem in that two or more heat propagation blocking pads were transported during the transport process of the above heat blocking pads, and consequently, there was a problem in that two or more heat propagation blocking pads were inserted between the secondary batteries.

[0012] The present invention aims to provide a heat blocking unit having a structure capable of preventing two or more sheets from being transported overlapping, a battery pack including the same, and a method for transporting the same.

[0013] The heat blocking unit of the present invention comprises a heat-resistant pad; and a protective pad provided on one or both sides of the heat-resistant pad, wherein the protective pad comprises a wing portion provided at the end of the heat-resistant pad; and a body portion provided on the heat-resistant pad to which the wing portion is not attached, and at the boundary line between the wing portion and the body portion, one or more folding portions may be formed to induce the end of the heat-resistant pad provided with the wing portion to be foldable.

[0014] The above-mentioned folding portion may be provided with a plurality of folding holes formed at intervals along the boundary line.

[0015] The above folding holes can be formed at intervals of 2 to 5 mm.

[0016] The above-mentioned folding portion may be provided as a folding groove formed along the boundary line.

[0017] The above-mentioned folding portions are provided in two, and the two folding portions can be positioned side by side on the boundary line.

[0018] An adhesive layer may be provided between the heat-resistant pad and the protective pad.

[0019] The end of the heat-resistant pad may be configured to protrude further outward than the end of the protective pad.

[0020] The thickness of the heat-resistant pad can be configured to be thicker than the thickness of the protective pad.

[0021] The material of the above heat-resistant pad may be flexible silicone.

[0022] The material of the above protective pad may be flexible polyethylene terephthalate.

[0023] Meanwhile, the battery pack of the present invention may include a plurality of secondary batteries; a pack case having an internal space in which a plurality of secondary batteries are loaded; a pack cover coupled to the pack case and sealing the internal space; and a heat blocking unit provided according to claim 1 and disposed between the secondary batteries loaded in the pack case and the secondary batteries.

[0024] The end of the heat-resistant pad can be supported on the inner wall of the pack case and the inner surface of the pack cover while protruding further outward than the end of the protective pad.

[0025] Meanwhile, the heat blocking unit transfer method of the present invention may include: (a) a step of stacking the heat blocking units in multiple layers in a magazine; (b) a step of lowering a suction device provided with a plurality of adsorption parts at a first speed to adsorb a heat blocking unit located at the top of the magazine, wherein the plurality of adsorption parts adsorb a wing part and a body part provided on a protective pad of the heat blocking unit, respectively; (c) a step of raising the suction device at a second speed to discharge the heat blocking unit located at the top of the magazine out of the magazine, and simultaneously, a step of automatically dropping a heat blocking unit rising together with the heat blocking unit located at the top as the end of the heat-resistant pad with the wing part attached folds under load based on the folding part; and (d) a step of transferring the suction device with the heat blocking unit located at the top adsorbed to a set position.

[0026] The second speed may be the same as or faster than the first speed.

[0027] The heat blocking unit of the present invention comprises a heat-resistant pad and a protective pad, wherein the protective pad comprises a wing portion provided at the end of the heat-resistant pad; and a body portion provided on the heat-resistant pad to which the wing portion is not attached, wherein one or more folding portions are formed at the boundary line between the wing portion and the body portion to induce the end of the heat-resistant pad equipped with the wing portion to be foldable. Due to this feature, the end of the heat-resistant pad equipped with the wing portion can be induced to fold under a load based on the folding portion, thereby preventing accidents in which two or more heat blocking units are transported overlapping.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a heat blocking unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a heat blocking unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line AA shown in FIG. 1.

[0031] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of section B shown in Figure 1.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating the folded state of a heat blocking unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the transfer state of a heat blocking unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a method for transferring a heat blocking unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 9 is a process diagram showing (a) the heat blocking unit loading step.

[0037] FIG. 10 is a process diagram showing (b) the adsorption step of the heat blocking unit.

[0038] FIG. 11 is a process diagram showing (c) the heat blocking unit discharge step.

[0039] FIG. 12 is a process diagram showing (d) the heat blocking unit transfer step.

[0040] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a heat blocking unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of section C shown in FIG. 13.

[0042] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery pack with the heat blocking unit of FIG. 13 arranged therein.

[0043] FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a heat blocking unit according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, in order to clearly explain the present invention in the drawings, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted, and similar parts throughout the specification are denoted by similar reference numerals.

[0045] [Heat blocking unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention]

[0046] The heat blocking unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention is characterized by a structure in which both ends can be naturally folded by a load. Due to this characteristic, when two or more heat blocking units are raised in an overlapping state, both ends of the heat blocking unit located below the uppermost heat blocking unit (hereinafter referred to as the upper heat blocking unit) (hereinafter referred to as the lower heat blocking unit) are naturally folded, and accordingly, the adhesion force between the upper heat blocking unit and the lower heat blocking unit is reduced, thereby allowing the lower heat blocking unit to be separated from the upper heat blocking unit.

[0047] That is, the heat blocking unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention can prevent two or more heat blocking units from being transported in an overlapping state.

[0048] Hereinafter, a heat blocking unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a heat blocking unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a heat blocking unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line AA shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part B shown in FIG. 1.

[0050] A heat blocking unit (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a heat-resistant pad (11) having heat resistance; and a protective pad (12) provided on one or both sides of the heat-resistant pad (11).

[0051] Here, the present invention is described as one embodiment in which the protective pad (12) is provided on each of the two surfaces of the heat-resistant pad (11).

[0052] The above heat-resistant pad (11) is placed between the secondary batteries (20) and blocks the propagation of heat between the secondary batteries (20). The material of the heat-resistant pad (11) is provided with a flexible material. That is, it may be a material that allows the heat-resistant pad (11) to naturally bend under load. For example, the material of the heat-resistant pad (11) may be silicone.

[0053] The above protective pad (12) is provided on each side of the heat-resistant pad (11) so that the secondary battery (20) is not damaged by the heat-resistant pad (11). The material of the protective pad (12) may be made of a flexible material. For example, the material of the protective pad (12) may be polyethylene terephthalate.

[0054] Meanwhile, the protective pad (12) comprises a wing portion (121) provided at the end of the heat-resistant pad (11); and a body portion (122) provided on the heat-resistant pad (11) to which the wing portion (121) is not attached. For example, referring to FIG. 1, the protective pad (12) comprises wing portions (121) provided at both ends of the heat-resistant pad (11) and a body portion (122) provided in the center of the heat-resistant pad (11) between the wing portions (121). Here, the wing portion (121) and the body portion (122) are formed integrally.

[0055] Meanwhile, the protective pad (12) has a thinner thickness than the heat-resistant pad (11). Accordingly, the increase in thickness of the heat-blocking pad caused by the protective pad (12) can be minimized. In other words, the heat-resistant pad (11) is configured to be thicker than the protective pad (12).

[0056] Meanwhile, at the boundary line between the wing portion (121) and the body portion (122), one or more folding portions (123) may be formed to induce the end of the heat-resistant pad (11) equipped with the wing portion (121) to be folded. That is, a folding portion (123) is formed between the wing portion (121) and the body portion (122) so that the end of the heat-resistant pad (11) can be naturally folded by the load. Accordingly, when the center of the heat-blocking unit (10) is grasped and lifted, the end of the heat-blocking unit (10) folds downward with respect to the folding portion (123), and accordingly, it is possible to prevent two or more heat-blocking units (10) from being transported in an overlapping state, as described in the heat-blocking unit transport method described later.

[0057] Here, the folding portion (123), with reference to FIG. 4, may be provided with a plurality of folding holes formed at intervals along the boundary line. The strength of the heat blocking unit (10) located at the folding portion (123) can be significantly reduced, and accordingly, the end of the heat blocking member can be induced to fold with respect to the folding portion (123) by the load.

[0058] Meanwhile, the above-mentioned folding holes can be formed at intervals of 1 to 10 mm, preferably 2 to 5 mm.

[0059] Meanwhile, the above-mentioned folding hole has an elongated hole shape that extends in the direction of the boundary line (up and down direction as seen in FIG. 1), and accordingly, the strength of the heat blocking unit (10) located at the boundary line can be significantly reduced.

[0060] Meanwhile, two or more of the above-mentioned folding parts (123) are provided, and two or more folding parts (123) can be positioned side by side on the boundary line. Accordingly, the strength of the heat blocking unit (10) where the folding parts (123) are located can be significantly reduced.

[0061] Meanwhile, an adhesive layer (14) is provided between the heat-resistant pad (11) and the protective pad (12), and the bonding between the heat-resistant pad (11) and the protective pad (12) can be enhanced through the adhesive layer (14). For example, the adhesive layer (14) may be a commonly used adhesive tape, and may be a single-sided or double-sided tape.

[0062] Accordingly, when two or more heat blocking units (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention having such a structure are lifted in an overlapping state as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the end of the heat blocking unit (10) located at the bottom is folded with respect to the folding part (123), and accordingly, the two heat blocking units can be easily separated.

[0063] In the following description of other embodiments of the present invention, the same reference numerals are used for configurations similar to the previously described embodiments, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0064] [Battery pack according to the second embodiment of the present invention]

[0065] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] The battery pack (1) according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a structure including a heat blocking unit (10) according to the first embodiment.

[0067] That is, the battery pack (1) according to the second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 7, comprises: a plurality of secondary batteries (20); a pack case (30) having an internal space in which the plurality of secondary batteries (20) are loaded; a pack cover (40) that is coupled to the pack case (30) and seals the internal space; and a heat blocking unit (10) disposed between the secondary batteries (20) loaded in the pack case (30) and the secondary batteries (20).

[0068] Here, the heat blocking unit (10) has the same configuration and function as the heat blocking unit (10) described in the first embodiment, and accordingly, redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0069] Accordingly, the battery pack (1) according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a heat blocking unit (10) so as to block heat propagation between the secondary battery (20) and the secondary battery (20), and as a result, can increase safety.

[0070] [Method for transferring a heat blocking unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention]

[0071] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a method for transferring a heat blocking unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a process diagram showing (a) a step of loading a heat blocking unit, FIG. 10 is a process diagram showing (b) a step of adsorbing a heat blocking unit, FIG. 11 is a process diagram showing (c) a step of discharging a heat blocking unit, and FIG. 12 is a process diagram showing (d) a step of transferring a heat blocking unit.

[0072] The heat blocking unit transfer method according to the third embodiment of the present invention can transfer the heat blocking units individually without overlapping.

[0073] That is, the heat blocking unit transfer method according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes, as illustrated in FIG. 8, (a) a heat blocking unit loading step, (b) a heat blocking unit adsorption step, (c) a heat blocking unit discharge step, and (d) a heat blocking unit transfer step.

[0074] (a) As shown in FIG. 9, the heat blocking unit loading step involves loading a plurality of heat blocking units (10) in multiple layers in a magazine (50) having a structure that is open at the top. Here, the heat blocking unit (10) has the same configuration and function as the heat blocking unit (10) according to the first embodiment.

[0075] (b) As shown in FIG. 10, the heat blocking unit adsorption step involves lowering the adsorber (60), which is provided with a plurality of adsorption parts (61), at a first speed to adsorb the heat blocking unit (hereinafter referred to as the upper heat blocking unit) located at the top of the magazine (50).

[0076] At this time, the plurality of adsorption parts (61) each adsorb the wing part (121) and the body part (122) provided on the protective pad (12) of the heat blocking unit (10).

[0077] (c) As shown in FIG. 11, the heat blocking unit discharge step involves raising the adsorber (60) at a second speed to discharge the upper heat blocking unit of the magazine (50) out of the magazine (50). At this time, two or more heat blocking units may be discharged in an overlapping state due to static electricity, etc. However, the remaining heat blocking units, excluding the upper heat blocking unit, automatically fall as the end of the heat-resistant pad (11) to which the wing portion (121) is attached folds under load based on the folding portion (123). That is, only the upper heat blocking unit remains in the adsorber (60).

[0078] Here, the second speed may be equal to or faster than the first speed. This can induce the end of the lower heat blocking unit (10) to fold quickly by utilizing the rising speed of the heat blocking unit (10).

[0079] (d) As shown in FIG. 12, the heat blocking unit transfer step transfers the adsorber (60) with the upper heat blocking unit adsorbed thereon to a set location, for example, a battery pack manufacturing process. Then the transfer of the heat blocking unit (10) is completed, and the heat blocking unit is transferred again by repeating steps (a) through (d).

[0080] [Heat blocking unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention]

[0081] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a heat blocking unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of section C shown in FIG. 13, and FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery pack in which the heat blocking unit of FIG. 13 is arranged.

[0082] A heat blocking unit (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a heat-resistant pad (11) and a protective pad (12), as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15.

[0083] Here, the heat-resistant pad (11) and the protective pad (12) have the same configuration and function as the heat-resistant pad (11) and protective pad (12) described in the first embodiment, and accordingly, redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0084] Meanwhile, in the heat blocking unit (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the end of the heat-resistant pad (11) may be configured to protrude further outward than the end of the protective pad (12). In particular, the heat-resistant pad (11) may have a larger size than the secondary battery (20), and the protective pad (12) may have a size corresponding to that of the secondary battery (20). Accordingly, heat propagation between the secondary battery (20) and the secondary battery (20) can be blocked more stably.

[0085] In particular, referring to FIG. 15, the end of the heat-resistant pad (11) can be supported on the inner wall of the pack case (30) and the inner surface of the pack cover (40). Accordingly, the problem of the secondary battery (20) being deformed by being pressed by the pack case (30) and the pack cover (40) can be prevented.

[0086] [Heat blocking unit according to the 5th embodiment of the present invention]

[0087] FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a heat blocking unit according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] A heat blocking unit (10) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a heat-resistant pad (11) and a protective pad (12) as shown in FIG. 16, and the protective pad (12) includes a wing portion (121), a body portion (122), and a folding portion (123).

[0089] Here, the heat-resistant pad (11) and the protective pad (12) have the same configuration and function as the heat-resistant pad (11) and protective pad (12) described in the first embodiment, and accordingly, redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0090] Meanwhile, the above-mentioned folding portion (123) may be a folding groove formed along the boundary line between the wing portion (121) and the body portion (122), and, referring to FIG. 16, the folding groove may be formed to penetrate the upper and lower parts of the protective pad (12). Accordingly, the strength of the heat-resistant pad (11) located at the boundary line can be significantly reduced.

[0091] Accordingly, the heat blocking unit (10) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention can induce the end of the heat-resistant pad (11) to which the wing portion (121) is attached to be easily folded by the load.

[0092] The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description above, and various embodiments derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalent concepts are possible.

[0093] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0094] 1: Battery pack

[0095] 10: Heat blocking unit

[0096] 11: Heat-resistant pad

[0097] 12: Protective pad

[0098] 121: Wings

[0099] 122: Body part

[0100] 123: Fold

[0101] 14: Adhesive layer

[0102] 20: Secondary battery

[0103] 30: Pack case

[0104] 40: Pack Cover

[0105] 50: Magazine

[0106] 60: Adsorber

[0107] 61: Adsorption part

Claims

1. Heat-resistant pad; and It includes a protective pad provided on one or both sides of the above heat-resistant pad, The above protective pad is, A wing portion provided at the end of the above heat-resistant pad; and It includes a body portion provided on the heat-resistant pad to which the above wing portion is not attached, and At the boundary line between the wing portion and the body portion, A heat blocking unit having one or more foldable portions formed therein to induce the end of the heat-resistant pad equipped with the wing portion to be foldable.

2. In Claim 1, The above-mentioned folding part is, A heat blocking unit provided with a plurality of folding holes formed at intervals along the above boundary line.

3. In Claim 2, The above folding hole is, Heat blocking units formed at intervals of 2~5mm.

4. In Claim 1, The above-mentioned folding part is, A heat blocking unit provided with a folding groove formed along the above boundary line.

5. In Claim 1, The above-mentioned folding part is provided in two pieces, and Two folds are heat blocking units located parallel to the boundary line.

6. In Claim 1, A heat blocking unit having an adhesive layer between the heat-resistant pad and the protective pad.

7. In Claim 1, A heat blocking unit configured such that the end of the heat-resistant pad protrudes further outward than the end of the protective pad.

8. In Claim 1, A heat blocking unit configured such that the thickness of the heat-resistant pad is thicker than the thickness of the protective pad.

9. In Claim 1, The material of the above heat-resistant pad is a heat-blocking unit made of flexible silicone.

10. In Claim 1, The material of the above protective pad is a heat-blocking unit made of flexible polyethylene terephthalate.

11. Multiple secondary batteries; A pack case having an internal space for loading multiple secondary batteries; A pack cover that is coupled to the pack case and seals the internal space; and A battery pack comprising a heat blocking unit disposed between a secondary battery loaded in the pack case and the secondary battery, provided according to claim 1 above.

12. In Claim 11, A battery pack in which the end of the heat-resistant pad protrudes further outward than the end of the protective pad and is supported on the inner wall of the pack case and the inner surface of the pack cover.

13. A method for transporting a heat blocking unit provided according to Claim 1, comprising: (a) A step of stacking the above-mentioned heat blocking units in a magazine in multiple layers; (b) lowering an adsorber equipped with a plurality of adsorbent parts at a first speed to adsorb a heat blocking unit located at the top of the magazine, wherein the plurality of adsorbent parts each adsorb a wing part and a body part provided on a protective pad of the heat blocking unit; (c) raising the adsorber at a second speed to discharge the heat blocking unit located at the top of the magazine out of the magazine, and simultaneously, the heat blocking unit rising together with the heat blocking unit located at the top automatically falls as the end of the heat-resistant pad, to which the wing portion is attached based on the folding portion, folds under load; and (d) A method for transferring a heat blocking unit, comprising the step of transferring an adsorber with a heat blocking unit located at the top to a set position.

14. In Claim 13, The above second speed is a heat blocking unit transfer method that is equal to or faster than the above first speed.

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