Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack according to the present invention may comprise: a battery module including an electrode assembly; a lower structure disposed below the battery module, the lower structure including an accommodation part which accommodates the battery module and having a first opening defined at an outer side thereof; an upper structure disposed above the battery module, the upper structure covering the battery module and having a second opening defined at a position corresponding to the first opening; a first coupling structure coupling the lower structure and the upper structure; and a second coupling structure coupling the lower structure and the upper structure. The first coupling structure may include: a first coupling member disposed between the lower structure and the upper structure and including a rubber material; a second coupling member disposed on the upper structure and formed of a rigid material; a bolt passing through the first opening and the second opening; and a nut disposed on the second coupling member and engaged with the bolt.

Description

battery pack

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0195816 filed December 24, 2024 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0171329 filed 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, wherein, in the event of a thermal runaway phenomenon, venting gas is sprayed uniformly from various parts to prevent damage to the main gasket and to delay or prevent thermal propagation (TP).

[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 in which venting gas is sprayed uniformly from various parts when a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs, thereby preventing damage to the main gasket and delaying or preventing thermal propagation (TP) phenomena.

[0009] It is to provide a method.

[0010] A battery pack comprising one or more battery modules according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: the battery module including an electrode assembly; a lower structure disposed at the bottom of the battery module and having a receiving portion for accommodating the battery module and having a first opening defined on its outer side; an upper structure disposed at the top of the battery module and covering the battery module and having a second opening defined at a position corresponding to the first opening; a first coupling structure for coupling the lower structure and the upper structure; and a second coupling structure for coupling the lower structure and the upper structure. The first coupling structure may include a first coupling member disposed between the lower structure and the upper structure and comprising a rubber material; a second coupling member disposed on the upper structure and formed of a rigid material; a bolt penetrating the first opening and the second opening; and a nut disposed on the second coupling member and coupled with the bolt. The second coupling structure may include the first coupling member, the bolt, and the nut disposed on the upper structure and coupled with the bolt.

[0011] The bolt of the first coupling structure can sequentially pass through the lower structure, the first coupling, the upper structure, and the second coupling to be coupled with the nut.

[0012] The bolt of the second coupling structure can sequentially pass through the lower structure, the first coupling, and the upper structure to be coupled with the nut.

[0013] The first assembly 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 upper structure.

[0014] A third opening corresponding to the first opening or the second opening is formed in the ring shape of the first assembly, and the bolt can pass through the third opening.

[0015] The second assembly has a ring shape in which a second inner opening is defined, and the second inner opening may correspond to the shape of the first opening or the second opening.

[0016] The first coupling structure and the second coupling structure can be arranged spaced apart in a regular manner according to a certain rule.

[0017] n first coupling structures and m second coupling structures are repeatedly arranged along the edges of the upper structure, and n and m can be natural numbers.

[0018] The first coupling structure and the second coupling structure may be arranged alternately along the edge of the upper structure.

[0019] The above lower structure and the above upper structure each include a straight section and a curved section connecting the straight section, and the second connecting structure may be located on the curved section.

[0020] The battery pack comprises 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 may be accommodated in the first space and a plurality of battery modules may be accommodated in the second space.

[0021] Three battery modules can be accommodated in the first space and three battery modules can be accommodated in the second space.

[0022] When the temperature inside the battery pack rises, gas can be discharged between the upper structure and the lower structure adjacent to the first coupling structure.

[0023] As described above, the battery pack of the present invention is characterized by comprising a first coupling structure including a second coupling member (or washer) and a second coupling structure not including a second coupling member (or washer). The portion of the first coupling structure including the second coupling member (or washer), formed of a rigid material, may be incompletely sealed compared to other portions. When the temperature inside the battery pack rises and a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs, venting gas may be sprayed uniformly from multiple portions through the incompletely sealed portions. For example, when the temperature inside the battery pack rises, gas may be discharged between the upper structure and the lower structure adjacent to the first coupling structure. As a result, damage to the main gasket (or first coupling member) can be prevented, and thermal propagation (TP) phenomena can be delayed or prevented.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA' cutting line of Figure 1.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a second combination according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a second combination according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a second combination according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the BB' cutting line of Figure 1.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a battery pack according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a battery pack according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a battery pack according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039]

[0040] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] 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 first coupling structure (5), and a second coupling structure (6).

[0042] 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). A battery module (2) may include an electrode assembly. An electrode assembly of a predetermined shape can be formed by applying a positive active material slurry to a positive current collector and a negative active material slurry to a negative current collector to manufacture a cathode and an anode, respectively, and stacking them on both sides of a separator.

[0043] The lower structure (3) may include a receiving portion (31) that is positioned at the bottom of the battery module (2) and accommodates the battery module (2). A first opening (30) may be defined on the outer side 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).

[0044] The upper structure (4) can be positioned on the upper side of the battery module (2) to cover the battery module (2). A second opening (40) may be defined on the outer side of the upper structure (4). The second opening (40) of the upper structure (4) may be formed at regular intervals along the edge of the upper structure (4). The second opening (40) may be formed at a position corresponding to the first opening (30).

[0045] The first connecting structure (5) can connect the lower structure (3) and the upper structure (4), and the second connecting structure (6) can also connect the lower structure (3) and the upper structure (4). The first connecting structure (5) may further include a second connecting structure (51, see FIG. 3) formed of a material that is more rigid than the second connecting structure (6). Further details will be described later in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA' cutting line of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section of a first coupling structure (5) according to an embodiment of the present invention. In describing FIG. 3, reference is made to the descriptions of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, and descriptions of identical reference numerals are omitted.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first coupling structure (5) may include a first coupling member (50), a second coupling member (51), a bolt (52), and a nut (53).

[0048] The first assembly (50) may be positioned between the lower structure (3) and the upper structure (4). The first assembly (50) may have a ring shape in which a first inner opening (500) is defined. The first inner opening (500) may correspond to the edge shape of the lower structure (3) or the upper structure (4). 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 first assembly (50). A bolt (52), described later, may pass through the third opening (501). The first assembly (50) may be referred to as a main gasket.

[0049] The first assembly (50) may include a rubber material. The first 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).

[0050] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a second assembly (51) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a second assembly (51a) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a second assembly (51b) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 2 through 6, the second assembly (51, 51a, or 51b) may be disposed on the upper structure (4) and formed of a rigid material. The second assembly (51, 51a, or 51b) may have a ring shape in which a second inner opening (510) is defined. The second inner opening (510) may correspond to the shape of the first opening (30) of the lower structure (3) or the second opening (40) of the upper structure (4). Additionally, the second inner opening (510) of the second assembly (51, 51a, or 51b) may correspond to the shape of the third opening (501) of the first assembly (50). The second assembly (51, 51a, or 51b) may be referred to as a washer.

[0052] FIGS. 4 to 6 illustrate various shapes of the second assembly (51, 51a, or 51b). However, this is exemplary and is not limited to the above examples if the second assembly (51, 51a, or 51b) has a ring shape in which the second inner opening (510) is defined.

[0053] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, the bolt (52) can pass through the first opening (30) of the lower structure (3) and the second opening (40) of the upper structure (4), and the nut (53) can be placed on the second assembly (51) and coupled with the bolt (52). More specifically, the bolt (52) of the first assembly structure (5) can pass sequentially through the lower structure (3), the first assembly (50), the upper structure (4), and the second assembly (51) and be coupled with the nut (53). That is, the bolt (52) of the first coupling structure (5) can sequentially pass through the first opening (30) of the lower structure (3), the third opening (501) of the first coupling (50), the second opening (40) of the upper structure (4), and the second inner opening (510) of the second coupling (51) to be coupled with the nut (53).

[0054] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the BB' cutting line of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-section of a second coupling structure (6) according to an embodiment of the present invention. In describing FIG. 7, reference is made to the descriptions in FIG. 1 to 3, and descriptions of identical reference numerals are omitted.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 7, the second coupling structure (6) may include a first coupling structure (50), a bolt (52), and a nut (53). That is, the second coupling structure (6) may have a structure in which the second coupling structure (51) is omitted compared to the first coupling structure (5).

[0056] The bolt (52) can pass through the first opening (30) of the lower structure (3) and the second opening (40) of the upper structure (4), and the nut (53) can be placed on the upper structure (4) and coupled with the bolt (52). Specifically, the bolt (52) of the second coupling structure (6) can pass through the lower structure (3), the first coupling structure (50), and the upper structure (4) sequentially to be coupled with the nut (53). That is, the bolt (52) of the second coupling structure (6) can pass through the first opening (30) of the lower structure (3), the third opening (501) of the first coupling structure (50), and the second opening (40) of the upper structure (4) sequentially to be coupled with the nut (53).

[0057] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a battery pack (1) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a plan view of a battery pack (1a) according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 illustrate the arrangement of the first coupling structure (5) and the second coupling structure (6), and the gas ejection is indicated by an arrow. For convenience of explanation, the first coupling structure (5) is indicated by '○' and the second coupling structure (6) is indicated by '■'.

[0058] Conventionally, when the internal temperature of a battery pack rises and a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs, the upper and lower structures separate due to high-temperature / high-pressure gases, and the main gasket (or first assembly) positioned between the upper and lower structures may be damaged. If the main gasket is damaged, a large amount of venting gas combines with oxygen, resulting in thermal propagation (TP).

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 8, the first coupling structure (5) and the second coupling structure (6) of the battery pack (1) may be arranged spaced apart in a regular pattern according to a set rule. The first coupling structure (5) and the second coupling structure (6) may be arranged alternately along the edge of the upper structure (4). For example, they may be arranged repeatedly along the edge of the upper structure (4) in the order of the first coupling structure (5), the second coupling structure (6), the first coupling structure (5), and the second coupling structure (6).

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 9, the first coupling structure (5) and the second coupling structure (6) of the battery pack (1a) may be arranged spaced apart in a regular manner according to a certain rule. The first coupling structure (5) and the second coupling structure (6) may be arranged repeatedly along the edge of the upper structure (4), such that n first coupling structures (5) and m second coupling structures (6) are arranged repeatedly. Here, n and m may be natural numbers. For example, they may be arranged repeatedly along the edge of the upper structure (4) in the order of n first coupling structures (5), m second coupling structures (6), n first coupling structures (5), and m second coupling structures (6). FIG. 9 illustrates, by way of example, that three first coupling structures (5) and two second coupling structures (6) are arranged repeatedly, but is not limited to the above example.

[0061]

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the battery pack (1 or 1a) of the present invention is characterized by including a first coupling structure (5) comprising a second coupling member (51) and a second coupling structure (6) not comprising the second coupling member (51). The portion of the first coupling structure (5) comprising the second coupling member (51), formed of a rigid material, may be incompletely sealed compared to other portions. When the temperature inside the battery pack (1 or 1a) rises and a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs, venting gas may be sprayed uniformly from multiple portions through the incompletely sealed portions. For example, when the temperature inside the battery pack rises, gas may be discharged between the upper structure (4) and the lower structure (3) adjacent to the first coupling structure (5). As a result, the venting gas can be directed to a desired location, thereby preventing damage to the first assembly (50, main gasket) which was damaged by the concentration of venting gas due to the structure, and delaying or preventing thermal propagation (TP).

[0063] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a battery pack (1b) according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a plan view of a battery pack (1c) according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 illustrate the arrangement of the first coupling structure (5) and the second coupling structure (6), and the gas ejection is indicated by an arrow. For convenience of explanation, the first coupling structure (5) is indicated by '○' and the second coupling structure (6) is indicated by '■'.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 2, FIGS. 10, and FIGS. 11, the lower structure (3) and the upper structure (4) may each include a straight section and a curved section connecting the straight section. In one embodiment, the curved section may have a slope in the thickness direction, but is not limited to the above example. Due to structural characteristics, the curved sections of the lower structure (3) and the upper structure (4) may become loose, and continuous heat and / or gas may be applied to the loosened section, causing damage to the first assembly (50, or main gasket).

[0065] The first coupling structure (5) and the second coupling structure (6) of the battery pack (1b or 1c) may be spaced apart regularly according to a certain rule. According to one embodiment of the present invention, by placing the second coupling structure (6) on a curved section and the first coupling structure (5) on a straight section, heat and / or gas may not be concentrated on the curved section.

[0066] The part joined by the first joining structure (5) is incompletely sealed compared to other parts (e.g., the part joined by the second joining structure (6)), so that when the temperature inside the battery pack (1b or 1c) rises, gas can be vented between the first joining structure (5) and the adjacent upper structure (4) and lower structure (3). At this time, the venting gas can be directed to the location where the first joining structure (5) is located, thereby preventing damage to the first joining structure (50, main gasket) which would otherwise be damaged by heat and / or gas concentration in the curved section.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 10, a first connecting structure (5) may be placed in the straight section of the upper structure (4) and the lower structure (3). Specifically, one first connecting structure (5) may be placed in the short section of the upper structure (4) and the lower structure (3), and three or eight first connecting structures (5) may be placed along the long section. Four second connecting structures (6) may be placed in the curved section of the upper structure (4) and the lower structure (3).

[0068] Referring to FIG. 11, a first coupling structure (5) may be disposed in the straight section of the upper structure (4) and the lower structure (3). Specifically, three first coupling structures (5) may be disposed in the short section of the upper structure (4) and the lower structure (3), and four or nine first coupling structures (5) may be disposed along the long section. Two second coupling structures (6) may be disposed in the curved section of the upper structure (4) and the lower structure (3) adjacent to the short section, and four second coupling structures (6) may be disposed in the curved section formed between the long sections. FIG. 12 is a plan view of a battery pack (1d) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 illustrates the arrangement of the first coupling structure (5) and the second coupling structure (6), and the gas ejection is indicated by an arrow. For convenience of explanation, the first combined structure (5) is indicated as '○' and the second combined structure (6) is indicated as '■'.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 12, the battery pack (1d) may not have a curved section formed between the first space (32, see FIG. 2) and the second space (33, see FIG. 2). The first coupling structure (5) and the second coupling structure (6) of the battery pack (1d) may be arranged spaced apart in a regular manner according to a certain rule. The first coupling structure (5) and the second coupling structure (6) may be arranged alternately along the edge of the upper structure (4). For example, they may be arranged repeatedly along the edge of the upper structure (4) in the order of the first coupling structure (5), the second coupling structure (6), the first coupling structure (5), and the second coupling structure (6).

[0070] The part joined by the first joining structure (5) may be incompletely sealed compared to other parts (e.g., the part joined by the second joining structure (6)). When the temperature inside the battery pack (1d) rises and a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs, venting gas may be injected through the incompletely sealed part. For example, when the temperature inside the battery pack (1d) rises, gas may be discharged between the upper structure (4) and the lower structure (3) adjacent to the first joining structure (5). As a result, the venting gas can be directed to a desired location, thereby preventing damage to the first joining structure (50, main gasket), which would otherwise be damaged by the concentration of venting gas.

[0071] 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.

[0072] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0073] 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d: Battery pack

[0074] 2: Battery Module

[0075] 3: Substructure

[0076] 30: First opening

[0077] 31: Reception Department

[0078] 32: First space

[0079] 33: Second Space

[0080] 4: Superstructure

[0081] 40: Second opening

[0082] 5: First combined structure

[0083] 50: First assembly

[0084] 500: First inner opening

[0085] 501: Third opening

[0086] 51: Second combination

[0087] 510: Second inner opening

[0088] 52: Bolt

[0089] 53: Nut

[0090] 6: Second combined structure

Claims

1. A battery pack comprising one or more battery modules, The battery module including the electrode assembly; A lower structure disposed at the lower part of the battery module and including a receiving portion for accommodating the battery module, with a first opening defined on the outer side; An upper structure disposed on the upper part of the battery module to cover the battery module and having a second opening defined at a position corresponding to the first opening; A first connecting structure that combines the lower structure and the upper structure; and It includes a second connecting structure that combines the lower structure and the upper structure, The above-mentioned first coupling structure is, A first composite comprising a rubber material disposed between the lower structure and the upper structure; A second composite member disposed on the upper structure and formed of a rigid material; A bolt penetrating the first opening and the second opening; and It includes a nut disposed on the second assembly and coupled with the bolt, and The above second coupling structure is, A battery pack comprising the first assembly, the bolt, and the nut disposed on the upper structure and coupled with the bolt.

2. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack in which the bolt of the first coupling structure sequentially passes through the lower structure, the first coupling structure, the upper structure, and the second coupling structure to be coupled with the nut.

3. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack in which the bolt of the second coupling structure sequentially passes through the lower structure, the first coupling structure, and the upper structure to be coupled with the nut.

4. In Paragraph 1, The first 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 upper structure, forming a battery pack.

5. In Paragraph 4, A battery pack in which a third opening corresponding to the first opening or the second opening is formed in the ring shape of the first assembly, and the bolt penetrates the third opening.

6. In Paragraph 4, The second assembly has a ring shape in which a second inner opening is defined, and the second inner opening corresponds to the first opening or the second opening shape of the battery pack.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned first coupling structure and the above-mentioned second coupling structure are arranged in a regularly spaced arrangement according to a certain rule, forming a battery pack.

8. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack in which n first coupling structures and m second coupling structures are repeatedly arranged along the edge of the upper structure, and n and m are natural numbers.

9. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack in which the first coupling structure and the second coupling structure are alternately arranged along the edge of the upper structure.

10. In Paragraph 1, The lower structure and the upper structure each include a straight section and a curved section connecting the straight section, and the second connecting structure is a battery pack located on the curved section.

11. In Paragraph 1, The battery pack comprises 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.

12. In Paragraph 11, A battery pack in which three battery modules are accommodated in the first space and three battery modules are accommodated in the second space.

13. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack in which gas is discharged between the upper structure and the lower structure adjacent to the first coupling structure when the temperature inside the battery pack rises.

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