Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack of the present invention may comprise: a battery module including a plurality of battery cells; a lower structure disposed below the battery module to accommodate the battery module; an upper structure disposed above the battery module to cover the battery module, and including a first upper structure corresponding to the lower structure and a second upper structure disposed inside the first upper structure; and a coupling structure for coupling the lower structure and the first upper structure.

Description

battery pack

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0191625 dated December 19, 2024 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0171327 dated November 13, 2025, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent applications are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to a battery pack, and more specifically, to a battery pack capable of preventing large-scale fires by preventing flames generated inside the battery pack from spreading to the outside.

[0005] Recently, with rising energy prices due to the depletion of fossil fuels and growing concern over environmental pollution, the demand for eco-friendly alternative energy sources has become an indispensable factor for future life. Accordingly, research on various power generation technologies, such as solar, wind, and tidal power, is ongoing, and there is also significant interest in power storage devices, such as batteries, to utilize this generated electrical energy more efficiently.

[0006] Rechargeable batteries are attracting significant attention as an energy source in various product categories, including mobile devices and electric vehicles. As an excellent energy resource capable of replacing existing products that use fossil fuels, these batteries are gaining prominence as an eco-friendly energy source because they do not generate byproducts associated with energy consumption.

[0007] Rechargeable batteries can be utilized in the form of battery packs containing multiple battery modules. Battery packs are designed to achieve higher capacity and voltage, and voltage, current, and temperature can be controlled through battery management systems to ensure stable operation and a long lifespan. Furthermore, active research is being conducted on durable structural designs capable of withstanding shock and vibration, as well as the development of thermal management systems for heat dissipation, to enhance the stability and efficiency of battery packs.

[0008] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a battery pack capable of preventing large-scale fires by preventing flames generated inside the battery pack from spreading to the outside.

[0009] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may be a battery pack comprising one or more battery modules. The battery pack may include: the battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells; a lower structure disposed at the bottom of the battery module and accommodating the battery module; an upper structure disposed at the top of the battery module and covering the battery module, comprising a first upper structure corresponding to the lower structure and a second upper structure disposed inside the first upper structure; and a coupling structure that combines the lower structure and the first upper structure.

[0010] The battery pack may further include a bonding agent that combines the first upper structure and the second upper structure.

[0011] The melting point of the above adhesive may be 200°C or higher and 1000°C or lower.

[0012] The above adhesive may include at least one of an acid anhydride having an epoxy group, a phenolic resin having a nitrile functional group, an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a novolak epoxy resin, and a silicone resin.

[0013] The above adhesive may include at least one of polybenzimidazole and polyimide.

[0014] When the above adhesive is melted, the second upper structure can be accommodated in the lower structure and cover the battery module.

[0015] The above-described coupling structure may include a rubber coupling comprising a rubber material disposed between the lower structure and the upper structure, a bolt sequentially penetrating the lower structure, the rubber coupling, and the upper structure, and a nut disposed on the first upper structure and coupled with the bolt.

[0016] The above rubber composite has a ring shape in which a first inner opening is defined, and the first inner opening may correspond to the edge shape of the lower structure or the first upper structure.

[0017] The lower structure may include a lower portion, a first side portion extending from the lower portion, and a first side portion extending from the first side portion, and the first upper structure may include a upper portion, a second side portion extending from the upper portion, and a second side portion extending from the second side portion.

[0018] The second upper structure can be coupled to the upper part and the second side of the first upper structure.

[0019] A first opening may be formed in the first side extension of the lower structure, and a second opening corresponding to the first opening may be formed in the second side extension of the first upper structure.

[0020] A third opening corresponding to the first opening may be formed in the ring shape of the above rubber composite.

[0021] The first opening, the second opening, and the third opening overlap in the arrangement direction of the upper structure and the lower structure, and the bolt can sequentially penetrate the first opening, the third opening, and the second opening to be coupled with the nut.

[0022] It includes a first space formed by the lower structure and the upper structure and a second space spaced apart from the first space, and a plurality of battery modules can be accommodated in the first space and a plurality of battery modules can be accommodated in the second space.

[0023] The first upper structure and the lower structure include a cold-rolled steel plate manufactured by rolling a steel plate at room temperature, and the second upper structure may include a carbon steel plate.

[0024] The width of the second upper structure may be smaller than the width of the lower structure.

[0025] The above second upper structure may be formed of a plurality of layers.

[0026] As described above, when the temperature inside the battery pack of the present invention rises and the adhesive melts, the second upper structure is accommodated in the lower structure and can cover the battery module. As a result, it is possible to prevent the flame generated inside the battery pack from spreading to the outside and to prevent a large fire caused by the spread of the flame.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the area corresponding to region AA' in Figure 3.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery pack when the adhesive according to one embodiment of the present invention is melted.

[0032] Hereinafter, preferred 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 present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following embodiments.

[0033] In order to clearly explain the present invention, detailed descriptions of related prior art that are irrelevant to the explanation or that may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention have been omitted. Furthermore, when assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing in this specification, identical or similar reference numerals are assigned to identical or similar components throughout the entire specification.

[0034] Furthermore, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0035]

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery pack (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the area corresponding to region AA' in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 illustrates the part where the coupling structure (5) connects the upper structure (4) and the lower structure (3).

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery pack (1) may be an energy storage device configured by electrically connecting a plurality of secondary battery cells. The battery pack (1) may include a battery module (2), a lower structure (3), an upper structure (4), a bonding structure (5), and a bonding agent (6). The battery pack (1) may further include a Battery Management System (BMS) for managing the temperature or voltage of the battery, a cooling device, etc.

[0038] A battery pack (1) may include one or more battery modules (2). The battery pack (1) may include a first space (32) and a second space (33) formed by a lower structure (3) and an upper structure (4). The first space (32) and the second space (33) may be spaced apart from each other. A plurality of battery modules (2) may be accommodated in the first space (32) and a battery module (2) may be accommodated in the second space (33). For example, three battery modules (2) may be accommodated in the first space (32) and three battery modules (2) may be accommodated in the second space (33).

[0039] The battery module (2) may include a plurality of battery cells, and each of the battery cells may include an electrode assembly. A positive electrode active material slurry is applied to a positive electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material slurry is applied to a negative electrode current collector to manufacture a positive electrode and a negative electrode, respectively, and an electrode assembly of a predetermined shape can be formed by stacking them on both sides of a separator.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3, the lower structure (3) is positioned below the battery module (2) and can accommodate the battery module (2). The space in which the battery module (2) is accommodated can be defined as a receiving portion (31).

[0041] The lower structure (3) may include a lower portion (34), a first side portion (35) extending from the lower portion (34), and a first side extension portion (36) extending from the first side portion (35). The lower portion (34) and the first side portion (35) may form a receiving portion (31), and the first side extension portion (36) may have a protruding shape extending from the first side portion (35) parallel to the lower portion (34). A first opening (30) may be formed in the first side extension portion (36) of the lower structure (3). The first opening (30) of the lower structure (3) may be formed at regular intervals along the edge of the lower structure (3).

[0042] The upper structure (4) may be positioned on the upper part of the battery module (2) to cover the battery module (2). The upper structure (4) may include a first upper structure (41) and a second upper structure (42). The first upper structure (41) may correspond to the lower structure (3). The first upper structure (41) may include an upper part (410), a second side part (411) extending from the upper part (410), and a second side extension part (412) extending from the second side part (411). The upper part (410) and the second side part (411) may cover the battery module (2), and the second side extension part (412) may have a protruding shape extending from the second side part (411) parallel to the upper part (410). A second opening (40) corresponding to the first opening (30) may be formed in the second side extension (412) of the first upper structure (41). For example, the second opening (40) of the first upper structure (41) may have a shape corresponding to the first opening (30) of the lower structure (3) and may be formed at a corresponding location. The second opening (40) of the upper structure (4) may be formed at regular intervals along the edge of the upper structure (4).

[0043] The second upper structure (42) may be placed inside the first upper structure (41). The second upper structure (42) may be attached to the upper part (410) and the second side part (411) of the first upper structure (41). A bonding agent (6) may be placed between the first upper structure (41) and the second upper structure (42) to bond the first upper structure (41) and the second upper structure (42).

[0044] The adhesive (6) may have a melting point of 200°C or higher and 1000°C or lower. Preferably, the melting point of the adhesive (6) may be 200°C or higher and 600°C or lower. In one embodiment, the adhesive (6) may include at least one of an acid anhydride having an epoxy group, a phenolic resin having a nitrile functional group, an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a novolak epoxy resin, and a silicone resin. In the above embodiment, the melting point of the adhesive (6) may be 200°C or higher and 400°C or lower. In another embodiment, the adhesive (6) may include at least one of polybenzimidazole (PBI) and polyimide (PI). In another embodiment, the melting point of the adhesive may be 300°C or higher and 600°C or lower. However, this is exemplary, and the type of adhesive (6) is not limited to this if it has a melting point of 200°C or higher and 1000°C or lower.

[0045] In FIG. 3, a second upper structure (42) composed of one is illustrated as an example, but is not limited to the above example. For example, the second upper structure (42) may be formed of a plurality of layers. Each layer may be formed with different materials and thicknesses depending on the characteristics of the battery pack (1), and in another embodiment, each layer may be formed with the same material and thickness.

[0046] The first upper structure (41) and the lower structure (3) have excellent heat resistance and may not melt due to heat generated inside the battery pack (1). The first upper structure (41) and the lower structure (3) may be cold-rolled steel plates. Cold-rolled steel plates can be manufactured by hot-rolling carbon steel followed by a cold-rolling process. For example, the first upper structure (41) or the lower structure (3) may be SPCE. However, this is exemplary, and the material of the first upper structure (41) or the lower structure (3) is not limited to the above example as long as the first upper structure (41) and the lower structure (3) have excellent heat resistance.

[0047] In one embodiment, the second upper structure (42) may be formed of the same material as the first upper structure (41). In another embodiment, the second upper structure (42) may be formed of a different material or by a different process than the first upper structure (41). For example, the second upper structure (42) may include a carbon steel plate. The carbon steel plate may be a steel plate containing a small amount of carbon and other alloying elements (manganese, silicon, etc.) in iron.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the coupling structure (5) can combine the lower structure (3) and the first upper structure (41). The coupling structure (5) may include a rubber coupling (50), a bolt (51), and a nut (52).

[0049] A rubber assembly (50) may be disposed between a lower structure (3) and an upper structure (4) and may contain a rubber material. The rubber assembly (50) may be formed along the perimeter between the lower structure (3) and the upper structure (4) to seal the inside of the battery pack (1). The rubber assembly (50) may have a shape corresponding to a first side extension (36) of the lower structure (3) or a second side extension (412) of the upper structure (4) and may be disposed at a corresponding location. The rubber assembly (50) may have a ring shape in which a first inner opening (500) is defined. The first inner opening (500) may correspond to an edge shape of the lower structure (3) or the upper structure (4).

[0050] A third opening (501) corresponding to the first opening (30) of the lower structure (3) (or the second opening (40) of the upper structure (4)) may be formed in the ring shape of the rubber assembly (50). The first opening (30), the second opening (40), and the third opening (501) may overlap in one direction. For example, the first opening (30), the second opening (40), and the third opening (501) may overlap in the arrangement direction of the upper structure (4) and the lower structure (3).

[0051] A bolt (51) can sequentially penetrate a lower structure (3), a rubber assembly (50), and an upper structure (4), and a nut (52) can be placed on the upper structure (4) and coupled with the bolt (51). Specifically, the bolt (51) can sequentially pass through (or penetrate) the first opening (30) of the lower structure (3), the third opening (501) of the rubber assembly (50), and the second opening (40) of the upper structure (4) to be coupled with the nut (52).

[0052] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery pack (1a) when the adhesive (6, see FIG. 3) according to one embodiment of the present invention is melted.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, when the temperature inside the battery pack (1a) rises, a flame may be generated inside the battery. The generated flame may propagate along the rubber bond (or main gasket). According to the present invention, when the temperature inside the battery pack (1a) rises and the bonding agent (6) melts, the second upper structure (42a) can be accommodated in the lower structure (3) and cover the battery module (2). Since the width (L2) of the second upper structure (42a) is smaller than the width (L1) of the lower structure (3), the second upper structure (42a) can be accommodated in the lower structure (3) when the bonding agent (6) melts. In this case, the flame generated inside the battery pack (1a) can be prevented from propagating to the outside. As a result, a large fire caused by propagation from the battery pack (1a) can be prevented.

[0054] The melting point of the adhesive (6) may be 200°C or higher and 1000°C or lower. If the melting point of the adhesive (6) is less than 200°C, it may melt easily due to the rise in internal temperature of the battery pack (1a). Also, if the melting point of the adhesive (6) exceeds 1000°C, the adhesive (6) may not melt easily, and thus the function / effect of the present invention, in which the second upper structure (42a) is accommodated in the lower structure (3), may not be realized. Therefore, the melting point of the adhesive (6) may be 200°C or higher and 1000°C or lower.

[0055] Although the present invention has been described above by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various implementations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0056] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0057] 1, 1a: Battery pack

[0058] 2: Battery Module

[0059] 3: Substructure

[0060] 30: First opening

[0061] 31: Reception Department

[0062] 32: First space

[0063] 33: Second Space

[0064] 34: Lower

[0065] 35: First lateral

[0066] 36: First lateral extension

[0067] 4: Superstructure

[0068] 40: Second opening

[0069] 41: First superstructure

[0070] 410: Upper

[0071] 411: Second flank

[0072] 412: Second lateral extension

[0073] 42: Second superstructure

[0074] 5: Combined structure

[0075] 50: Rubber composite

[0076] 500: First inner opening

[0077] 501: Third opening

[0078] 51: Bolt

[0079] 52: Nut

[0080] L1: Width of the substructure

[0081] L2: Width of the second superstructure

Claims

1. A battery pack comprising one or more battery modules, The battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells; A lower structure disposed at the bottom of the battery module and accommodating the battery module; An upper structure disposed on the upper part of the battery module to cover the battery module, and comprising a first upper structure corresponding to the lower structure and a second upper structure disposed inside the first upper structure; and A battery pack comprising a coupling structure that combines the lower structure and the first upper structure.

2. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack further comprising a bonding agent that combines the first upper structure and the second upper structure.

3. In Paragraph 2, A battery pack having a melting point of the above adhesive of 200°C or higher and 1000°C or lower.

4. In Paragraph 2, The above adhesive is a battery pack comprising at least one of an acid anhydride having an epoxy group, a phenol resin having a nitrile functional group, an epoxy resin, a phenol resin, a novolak epoxy resin, and a silicone resin.

5. In Paragraph 2, The above adhesive is a battery pack comprising at least one of polybenzimidazole and polyimide.

6. In Paragraph 2, When the above adhesive is melted, the second upper structure is accommodated in the lower structure and the battery pack covers the battery module.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned bonding structure is, A rubber composite comprising a rubber material disposed between the lower structure and the upper structure; A bolt sequentially penetrating the lower structure, the rubber assembly, and the upper structure; and A battery pack comprising a nut disposed on the first upper structure and coupled with the bolt.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above rubber assembly has a ring shape in which a first inner opening is defined, and the first inner opening corresponds to the edge shape of the lower structure or the first upper structure of the battery pack.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above-mentioned substructure includes a lower portion, a first side portion extending from the lower portion, and a first side extension portion extending from the first side portion, and The above-mentioned first upper structure comprises a battery pack including an upper portion, a second side portion extending from the upper portion, and a second side portion extending from the second side portion.

10. In Paragraph 8, The above second upper structure is a battery pack coupled to the upper part and the second side of the above first upper structure.

11. In Paragraph 9, A battery pack having a first opening formed in the first side extension of the lower structure and a second opening corresponding to the first opening formed in the second side extension of the first upper structure.

12. In Paragraph 11, A battery pack having a third opening corresponding to the first opening formed in the ring shape of the above rubber compound.

13. In Paragraph 12, A battery pack in which the first opening, the second opening, and the third opening overlap in the arrangement direction of the upper structure and the lower structure, and the bolt sequentially penetrates the first opening, the third opening, and the second opening to be coupled with the nut.

14. In Paragraph 1, It includes a first space formed by the lower structure and the upper structure, and a second space spaced apart from the first space, A battery pack in which a plurality of battery modules are accommodated in the first space and a plurality of battery modules are accommodated in the second space.

15. In Paragraph 1, The first upper structure and the lower structure comprise a cold-rolled steel plate manufactured by rolling a steel plate at room temperature, and the second upper structure comprises a carbon steel plate.

16. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack in which the width of the second upper structure is smaller than the width of the lower structure.

17. In Paragraph 1, The above second upper structure is a battery pack formed of a plurality of layers.

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