Battery protection apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery protection apparatus comprising: a battery frame including a module installation part in which a battery module is installed; a cooling system provided in the battery frame to cool down heat generated in the battery module; and a cover part coupled to each of upper and lower parts of the battery frame to protect the battery module, wherein the battery frame includes a middle panel that forms a space for accommodating the battery module, a side frame that is coupled to a peripheral surface of the middle panel, and a cross member that supports an inner wall of the middle panel.

Description

Battery protection device

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery protection device, and more specifically, to a battery protection device made of ultra-high strength steel and capable of preventing damage to a battery module upon external collision through a shock-absorbing structure.

[0002] Recently, interest in electric or hybrid vehicles utilizing electric energy has been increasing. Vehicles using electric energy must be equipped with a battery case.

[0003] The battery case includes a battery module comprising a plurality of cell assemblies connected to obtain high output, each cell assembly containing a plurality of unit battery cells.

[0004] Each unit battery cell is capable of repeated charging and discharging through electrochemical reactions between components, including positive and negative current collectors, separators, active materials, and electrolytes.

[0005] The battery case may additionally include a Battery Management System (BMS) that monitors and controls the state of the secondary battery by applying algorithms for power supply control to drive loads such as motors, measurement of electrical characteristic values ​​such as current or voltage, charge / discharge control, voltage equalization control, and State of Charge (SOC) estimation.

[0006] Since a battery case containing one or more battery modules is manufactured in a form where multiple secondary batteries (battery cells) are densely packed in a confined space, it is important to easily dissipate the heat generated from each secondary battery. To this end, the battery case includes a cooling system mounted on the battery module, equipped with an air-cooled or water-cooled cooling channel to cool the heat of the battery module.

[0007] The background technology of the present invention is disclosed in Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2486872 (Registered, January 5, 2023, Title of Invention: Frame-type Vehicle Battery Protection Device).

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a battery protection device that is made of ultra-high strength steel and has a shock-absorbing structure to prevent damage to a battery module during an external collision.

[0009] A battery protection device according to the present invention comprises: a battery frame having a module mounting portion on which a battery module is mounted; a cooling system provided in the battery frame to cool heat generated from the battery module; and a cover portion each coupled to the upper and lower parts of the battery frame to protect the battery module, wherein the battery frame may include a middle panel forming a receiving space for the battery module; a side frame coupled to the periphery of the middle panel; and a cross member supporting the inner wall of the middle panel.

[0010] The above side frame can be formed with an uneven cross-sectional shape.

[0011] The above middle panel may include a side portion forming a receiving space for the battery module; and a bottom portion having a through hole formed to expose the cooling system and coupled to the cross member and the cooling system.

[0012] The above cross member may include a first cross member supporting the front and rear inner surfaces of the side portion; and a plurality of second cross members extending across the first cross member to support the left and right inner surfaces of the side portion.

[0013] A connecting bracket coupled to the inner surface of the side portion may be provided at each end of the first cross member and the second cross member.

[0014] A contact piece may be formed on the above connecting bracket by being bent outward and making surface contact with the inner surface of the side portion.

[0015] A cross reinforcing material may be provided inside the first cross member.

[0016] It may include a frame wall that combines the above cooling system and the above side frame.

[0017] One end of the above frame wall may be interposed between the middle panel and the cooling system and welded to at least one of the middle panel and the cooling system, and the other end may be welded in surface contact with the inner surface of the side frame.

[0018] The above cover portion includes an upper cover coupled to the upper part of the battery frame and a lower cover covering the lower part of the cooling system, and the frame wall can be bolted to the lower cover.

[0019] The above cooling system includes a lower cooling plate in which a cooling channel is formed; and an upper cooling plate covering the lower cooling plate, and the lower cooling plate and the upper cooling plate can be assembled by low-brazing.

[0020] The battery frame may further include side reinforcements that absorb external shocks.

[0021] The above side reinforcement member may include a first reinforcement side member coupled to the side of the side frame; and a second reinforcement side member symmetrically provided to the first reinforcement side member and coupled to the side of the side frame.

[0022] The above side reinforcement can be extended outward from the outer side toward the side frame.

[0023] A side reinforcing material may be provided inside the above-mentioned side reinforcing part.

[0024] The above side reinforcing member is coupled to the first reinforcing side member or the second reinforcing side member, and its end is bent to support the outermost surface of the first reinforcing side member and the second reinforcing side member.

[0025] The battery protection device according to the present invention is made of ultra-high-strength steel, which has a higher melting point compared to conventional aluminum, enabling thermal stability to be secured during thermal runaway of the battery module.

[0026] According to the present invention, damage to the battery module during an external impact can be prevented by means of a side frame capable of absorbing external impact based on the middle panel and a cross member supporting the inner wall of the middle panel.

[0027] According to the present invention, watertightness can be improved by the middle panel.

[0028] According to the present invention, stability can be improved by a multi-structure that disperses external impact by a side reinforcement member coupled to the sig frame.

[0029] According to the present invention, assembly and rigidity can be improved by a structure in which the middle panel and the side frame are combined, as well as the side frame, the cooling panel, and the lower cover are combined by a frame wall.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery protection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a battery protection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a side view schematically showing a battery protection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a battery protection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the middle panel of a battery protection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a key part showing the connection of a battery frame according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of AA of Figure 2.

[0037] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the BB in Figure 2.

[0038] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the CC of Figure 2.

[0039] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of DD of Fig. 2.

[0040] FIG. 11 is a perspective view schematically showing a side reinforcement member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a side reinforcement part according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing the shock absorption function of a side reinforcement part according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments of a battery protection device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In this process, the thickness of lines or the size of components depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined considering their functions in the present invention, and these may vary depending on the intention or convention of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions of these terms should be based on the content throughout this specification.

[0044] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery protection device according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a battery protection device according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a battery protection device according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery protection device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a middle panel of a battery protection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a battery protection device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery frame (100), a cooling system (170), and a cover part (180).

[0046] The battery protection device (10) according to the present embodiment is an assembled structure of a battery frame (100), an upper cover (182), a cooling system (170), and a lower cover (184), and can function as a configuration that substantially protects, supports, and cools the battery module.

[0047] The battery frame (100) can be formed from ultra-high strength steel. By forming the battery frame (100) from ultra-high strength steel, damage to the battery module during an external collision can be prevented compared to conventional aluminum, and causes such as ignition and explosion can be eliminated.

[0048] The battery frame (100) may be provided with a module mounting section (105) on which a battery module is mounted.

[0049] The battery frame (100) may include a middle panel (110) forming a space for receiving a battery module, a side frame (120) coupled to the periphery of the middle panel (110), and a cross member (130) supporting the inner wall of the middle panel (110).

[0050] The assembly structure of each part is explained below.

[0051] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view showing the connection of a battery frame according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of AA of FIG. 2, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of BB of FIG. 2, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of CC of FIG. 2, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of DD of FIG. 2.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 10, the middle panel (110) may include a side portion (112) that forms a space for receiving a battery module and a cooling system (170) that is exposed, and a bottom portion (114) that is coupled to the cross member (130) and the cooling system (170).

[0053] A through hole (114a) is formed in the bottom portion (114), and the cooling system (170) can be exposed through the through hole (114a).

[0054] That is, the middle panel (110) can be formed such that the side portion (112) corresponds to the height of the battery module, and the bottom portion (114) can function as a configuration combined with the cooling system (170) provided at the bottom.

[0055] The middle panel (110) can be manufactured by applying a steel grade with a tensile strength of 200 MPa to 590 MPa and an elongation of 15% or more, and by applying drawing and forming processes.

[0056] The side frame (120) and the cross member (130) can function as a configuration that is combined with the middle panel (110) to improve rigidity.

[0057] The side frame (120) and cross member (130) can be manufactured as individual parts by press forming using steel grades with a tensile strength of 590 MPa to 1500 MPa. The joints of each side frame (120) and cross member (130) can be assembled by applying spot or arc welding.

[0058] The side frame (120) is formed with an uneven cross-sectional shape and can be joined to the outer surface of the side part (112) by welding. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, it is formed with an uneven cross-sectional shape consisting of protrusions and grooves, and can be fixed by welding in surface contact with the outer surface of the side part (112).

[0059] The cross member (130) may include a first cross member (140) that supports the front and rear inner surfaces of the side portion (112) and a plurality of second cross members (150) that support the left and right inner surfaces of the side portion (112) across the first cross member (140).

[0060] Each end of the first cross member (140) and the second cross member (150) may be provided with a connecting bracket (160) that is coupled to the inner surface of the side portion (112).

[0061] The first cross member (140) and the second cross member (150) are formed with a 'C'-shaped cross section, and the connecting bracket (160) is also formed with a 'C'-shaped cross section and can be joined by fitting and welding.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 6, the connecting bracket (160) may have a contact piece (162) formed at the end of the first cross member (140) and the second cross member (150) that extends in three directions to make surface contact with the inner surface of the side part (112).

[0063] The connecting bracket (160) is fitted and connected to the ends of the first cross member (140) and the second cross member (150) and fixed by welding, and the contact piece (162) can be bent from the connecting bracket (160) to both sides and upwards to make surface contact with the inner surface of the side part (112).

[0064] The contact piece (162), which is bent and expanded in three directions, can be in surface contact with the inner surface of the side portion (112) to form a welded area on a wide surface. Accordingly, the first cross member (140) and the second cross member (150) can be firmly connected to the side portion (112).

[0065] FIG. 6(a) illustrates a connecting bracket (160) coupled to the first cross member (140) in surface contact with the inner side of the side portion (112), and FIG. 6(b) illustrates a connecting bracket (160) coupled to the second cross member (150) in surface contact with the inner side of the side portion (112).

[0066] Referring to FIG. 7, a cross reinforcement (145) may be provided inside the first cross member (140). The first cross member (140) includes a lower cross member (142) coupled to the bottom portion (114) and an upper cross member (144) coupled to the upper portion of the lower cross member (142), and the cross reinforcement (145) may be welded to the lower cross member (142) and function as a configuration to reinforce the front and rear external impact of the side portion (112).

[0067] More specifically, the lower cross member (142) is formed with a 'C'-shaped cross section with an open top and is fixed by welding to the bottom part (114) of the middle panel (110), the cross reinforcing member (145) is joined to the inside of the lower cross member (142) by welding, and the upper cross member (144) is joined to the upper part of the lower cross member (142) to cover the lower cross member (142) and can support the upper cover (182) which is in surface contact with the upper cover (182) described later.

[0068] The cross reinforcement (145) can be formed with a 'C'-shaped cross section with an open top and welded, or formed with a 'C'-shaped cross section with an open bottom and welded.

[0069] This shape of the cross reinforcement (145) can form a wide welded area, thereby improving bonding strength, and the cross-sectional shape can further maximize the reinforcement effect against external impacts from the front and rear.

[0070] The upper cross member (144) can be in surface contact with the upper cover (182) to support the upper cover (182). However, supporting the upper cover (182) can be implemented in various forms, for example, a support member (not shown) may be formed on the upper end of the upper cross member (144), and the upper cover (182) may be supported by the support member.

[0071] The cross-sectional shape of the support member can vary, such as circular or square, and is not proposed.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 8, the second cross member (150) is formed with a 'C'-shaped cross section with an open bottom, and its end is bent to the side and seated on the bottom part (114) of the middle panel (110), and can be joined by welding.

[0073] The second cross member (150) has both ends in contact with the inner side of the long side of the side part (112), and the first cross member (140) can be formed such that the lower cross member (142) is divided so that the second cross member (150) crosses and supports the inner side of the side part (112).

[0074] The cooling system (170) can be configured to be coupled to the lower part of the battery frame (100) and to cool the heat generated from the battery module.

[0075] The cooling system (170) is a key component that cools the heat generated in the battery module based on the flow of cooling water, and can be made of aluminum.

[0076] For example, the cooling system (170) may include a lower cooling plate (172) in which a cooling channel is formed and an upper cooling plate (174) covering the lower cooling plate (172).

[0077] Since the lower cooling plate (172) and the upper cooling plate (174) are made of aluminum, they can be integrated by low-brazing.

[0078] The lower cooling plate (172) and the upper cooling plate (174) may have a plating layer (not shown) formed thereon for corrosion prevention. The plating layer may be any one of a GA plating layer, a GI plating layer, or an AL-Si plating layer.

[0079] Specifically, by forming a plating layer using zinc or aluminum and silicon, it can withstand high-temperature environments and, above all, serve to protect the steel from rusting in the atmosphere.

[0080] The cooling channel (173) of the lower cooling plate (172) is formed by forming a bead on the lower cooling plate (172) to create a space through which cooling water can flow. The bead is formed by press processing and is formed to protrude toward the upper cooling plate (174).

[0081] The upper cooling plate (174) of the cooling system (170) can be positioned to be in contact with the lower part of the battery frame (100).

[0082] At this time, the upper surface of the upper cooling plate (174) and the bottom portion (114) of the middle panel (110) can be joined by piercing and adhesive. That is, the middle panel (110) made of ultra-high strength steel and the aluminum cooling system (170) can be assembled by mechanical bonding and adhesive.

[0083] The cooling system (170) and the side frame (120) can be joined by a frame wall (185). The frame wall (185) can function as a component that reinforces assembly strength.

[0084] That is, the side frame (120) is joined by welding with the middle panel (110) as the center, and the cooling system (170) is assembled to the bottom part (114) by mechanical bonding and adhesive, and the edges of the side frame (120) and the cooling system (170) are joined by the frame wall (185), so that assembly can be performed in all sections, thereby improving assembly rigidity.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 9, one end of the frame wall (185) is interposed between the middle panel (110) and the cooling system (170) and welded to at least one of the middle panel (110) and the cooling system (170), and the other end can be welded to the inner surface of the side frame (120) in surface contact.

[0086] The cover portion (180) may include an upper cover (182) coupled to the upper part of the battery frame (100) and a lower cover (184) covering the lower part of the cooling system (170).

[0087] The upper cover (182) is made of steel and is manufactured by a press method, and can be fastened to the battery frame (100) by bolting.

[0088] The lower cover (184) can be coupled to the lower part of the cooling system (170) and function as a configuration that protects the cooling system (170) from moisture and foreign substances.

[0089] The lower cover (184) may also be made of steel and manufactured by a press method like the upper cover (182), and may be fastened to the battery frame (100) together with the cooling system (170) by bolting.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 10, the edge of the lower cover (184) can be bolted to the frame wall (185). Thus, the middle panel (110), side frame (120), cooling system (170), and lower cover (184) can all be interconnected by the frame wall (185), thereby improving assembly rigidity.

[0091] The battery frame (100) may further include a side reinforcement (190) that absorbs external shock.

[0092] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a side reinforcement member according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing a side reinforcement member according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a drawing showing the shock absorption function of a side reinforcement member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, the side reinforcement member (190) can be formed to protrude from the outer surface of the side frame (120) and function as a configuration that absorbs external shock.

[0094] For example, the side reinforcement member (190) may include a first reinforcement side member (192) coupled to the side of the side frame (120) and a second reinforcement side member (194) coupled to the side of the side frame (120) and symmetrically provided with respect to the first reinforcement side member (192).

[0095] The ends of the first reinforcing side member (192) and the second reinforcing side member (194) are bent outward and can be joined by welding to make surface contact with the side frame (120).

[0096] More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the first reinforcing side member (192) and the second reinforcing side member (194) are arranged symmetrically in the vertical direction, that is, in the Z-axis direction, and each end extending toward the side frame (120) in the Y-axis direction is bent and can be joined by welding to make surface contact with the side frame (120).

[0097] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the side frame (120) is formed with an uneven cross-sectional shape consisting of a protrusion and a groove, and the first reinforcing side member (192) can be joined to the upper protrusion by welding, and the second reinforcing side member (194) can be joined to the lower protrusion by welding.

[0098] The side reinforcement member (190), consisting of a first reinforcement side member (192) and a second reinforcement side member (194), can be formed in a shape that expands outward as it goes from the outside to the side frame (120). That is, as shown in FIG. 13, it can be formed in a shape that expands in the Z direction as it goes toward the side frame (120) in the Y-axis direction.

[0099] Additionally, a side reinforcing member (195) may be provided inside the side reinforcing member (190). The side reinforcing member (195) is connected to the first reinforcing side member (192) or the second reinforcing side member (194), and its end is bent to support the outermost surface of the first reinforcing side member (192) and the second reinforcing side member (194).

[0100] Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 13, when a collision occurs on the outer side of the side reinforcement member (190), the end of the inner side reinforcement member (195) can support the outer end of at least one of the first reinforcement side member (192) and the second reinforcement side member (194) to maintain rigidity, and the shapes of the first reinforcement side member (192) and the second reinforcement side member (194) are formed to be inclined so that they spread outward, thereby allowing them to spread outward in opposite directions and absorb external impact.

[0101] As described above, according to the present invention, thermal stability can be ensured during thermal runaway of the battery module by being made of ultra-high strength steel, which has a higher melting point compared to conventional aluminum, and damage to the battery module during external impact can be prevented by a side frame capable of absorbing external impact based on the middle panel and a cross member supporting the inner wall of the middle panel.

[0102] In addition, according to the present invention, watertightness can be improved by the structure of the middle panel, stability can be improved by a multi-structure that disperses external impact by a side reinforcement member coupled to the side frame, and assembly and rigidity can be improved by a structure in which the side frame, cooling panel, and lower cover are coupled not only by the combination of the middle panel and the side frame but also by a frame wall.

[0103] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, this is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the claims below.

Claims

1. A battery frame having a module mounting portion on which a battery module is mounted; A cooling system provided in the battery frame to cool the heat generated in the battery module; and It includes cover portions that are respectively coupled to the upper and lower parts of the battery frame to protect the battery module, and The above battery frame comprises a middle panel forming a receiving space for the battery module; A side frame coupled to the perimeter of the above middle panel; and A battery protection device characterized by including a cross member that supports the inner wall of the middle panel.

2. In Paragraph 1, A battery protection device characterized in that the above-mentioned side frame is formed with an uneven cross-sectional shape.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above middle panel comprises a side portion forming a receiving space for the battery module; and A battery protection device characterized by having a through hole formed to expose the cooling system, and including a bottom portion coupled to the cross member and the cooling system.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above cross member is a first cross member that supports the front and rear inner surfaces of the side portion; and A battery protection device characterized by including a plurality of second cross members that support the left and right inner surfaces of the side portion across the first cross member.

5. In Paragraph 4, A battery protection device characterized by having a connecting bracket, which is coupled to the inner surface of the side portion, provided at each end of the first cross member and the second cross member.

6. In Paragraph 5, A battery protection device characterized by having a contact piece formed on the above-mentioned connecting bracket, which is bent outward and makes surface contact with the inner surface of the side portion.

7. In Paragraph 4, A battery protection device characterized by having a cross reinforcing material provided inside the first cross member.

8. In Paragraph 1, A battery protection device characterized by including a frame wall that combines the above cooling system and the above side frame.

9. In Paragraph 8, A battery protection device characterized in that one end of the frame wall is interposed between the middle panel and the cooling system and welded to at least one of the middle panel and the cooling system, and the other end is welded in surface contact with the inner surface of the side frame.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above cover portion includes an upper cover coupled to the upper part of the battery frame and a lower cover covering the lower part of the cooling system, and A battery protection device characterized in that the above frame wall is bolted to the above lower cover.

11. In Paragraph 1, The above cooling system comprises a lower cooling plate in which a cooling channel is formed; and It includes an upper cooling plate covering the lower cooling plate, and A battery protection device characterized in that the lower cooling plate and the upper cooling plate are assembled by low-brazing.

12. In Paragraph 1, A battery protection device characterized by the battery frame further including a side reinforcement member that absorbs external shock.

13. In Paragraph 12, The above side reinforcement member comprises a first reinforcement side member coupled to the side of the side frame; and A battery protection device characterized by including a second reinforcing side member that is symmetrically provided with respect to the first reinforcing side member and coupled to the side of the side frame.

14. In Paragraph 13, A battery protection device characterized by the above-mentioned side reinforcement extending outward from the outer side toward the side frame.

15. In Paragraph 13, A battery protection device characterized by having a side reinforcing material provided inside the side reinforcing part.

16. In Paragraph 15, A battery protection device characterized in that the above-mentioned side reinforcing member is coupled to the above-mentioned first reinforcing side member or the above-mentioned second reinforcing side member, and its end is bent to support the outermost surface of the above-mentioned first reinforcing side member and the above-mentioned second reinforcing side member.

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