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 a coupling structure penetrating side surfaces of the lower structure and the upper structure to couple the lower structure and the upper structure to each other.

Description

battery pack

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0195815 dated December 24, 2024 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0171328 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] In a battery pack comprising one or more battery modules according to an embodiment of the present invention, 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, and a coupling structure that penetrates the sides of the lower structure and the upper structure and combines the lower structure and the upper structure.

[0010] The above-described coupling structure may include a rubber coupling comprising a rubber material disposed between the lower structure and the upper structure; and a bolt that sequentially penetrates the lower structure, the rubber coupling, and the upper structure.

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

[0012] The above bolt may include at least one of polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0013] The above bolt may include at least one of an aluminum-zinc-magnesium-copper alloy and an aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy.

[0014] The above bolt may include a brass alloy.

[0015] When the above bolt is melted, the upper structure can be accommodated in the lower structure.

[0016] The above coupling structure may further include a nut disposed inside the upper structure and coupled with the bolt.

[0017] 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 upper structure.

[0018] A first opening is formed at the end of the lower structure, and a second opening corresponding to the first opening may be formed in the ring shape of the rubber assembly.

[0019] A third opening corresponding to the first opening may be formed at the end of the upper structure.

[0020] The first opening, the second opening, and the third opening overlap in one direction, and the bolt can penetrate the first to third openings and be coupled with the nut.

[0021] 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.

[0022] Three battery modules can be accommodated in the first space and three battery modules can be accommodated in the second space.

[0023] The above upper structure and the above lower structure may be cold-rolled steel sheets manufactured by rolling steel sheets at room temperature.

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

[0025] As described above, when the temperature inside the battery pack of the present invention rises and the bolts melt, the upper structure can be accommodated in the lower structure. In this case, the propagation of flames generated inside the battery pack to the outside can be prevented. As a result, large-scale fires caused by the propagation of flames generated from the battery pack can be prevented.

[0026] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the area corresponding to region AA' in Figure 2.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery pack when a bolt is melted according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033]

[0034] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery pack (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the area corresponding to region AA' in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 shows the part where the coupling structure (5) connects the upper structure (4) and the lower structure (3).

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, 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), and a combined structure (5). The battery pack may further include a Battery Management System (BMS) for managing the temperature or voltage of the battery, a cooling device, etc.

[0036] 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).

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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). A first opening (30) may be formed at the end of the lower structure (3). The first opening (30) may be provided in multiple numbers, and the first opening (30) of the lower structure (3) may be formed at regular intervals along the edge of the lower structure (3).

[0039] The upper structure (4) can be positioned on the upper part of the battery module (2) to cover the battery module (2). A third opening (40) corresponding to the first opening (30) of the lower structure (3) may be formed at the end of the upper structure (4). The third opening (40) may be provided in multiple numbers, and the third opening (40) of the upper structure (4) may be formed at regular intervals along the edge of the upper structure (4). The third opening (40) may be formed at a position corresponding to the first opening (30). The width (L1) of the upper structure (4) may be smaller than the width (L2) of the lower structure (3).

[0040] The upper structure (4) and the lower structure (3) have excellent heat resistance and may not melt due to heat generated inside the battery pack. The upper structure (4) and the lower structure (3) may be cold-rolled steel plates manufactured by rolling steel plates at room temperature. For example, the upper structure (4) or the lower structure (3) may be SPCE. However, this is exemplary, and the material of the upper structure (4) or the lower structure (3) is not limited to the above example as long as the upper structure (4) and the lower structure (3) have excellent heat resistance.

[0041] The connecting structure (5) can connect the lower structure (3) and the upper structure (4) by penetrating the sides of the lower structure (3) and the upper structure (4). The connecting structure (5) may include a rubber connecting member (50), a bolt (51), and a nut (52).

[0042] 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 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 second opening (501) corresponding to the first opening (30) of the lower structure (3) may be formed in the ring shape of the rubber assembly (50). The first opening (30), the second opening (501), and the third opening (40) may overlap in one direction. For example, the first opening (30), the second opening (501), and the third opening (40) can overlap in a direction perpendicular to the spacing direction of the upper structure (4) and the lower structure (3).

[0043] The bolt (51) can sequentially penetrate the lower structure (3), the rubber assembly (50), and the upper structure (4), and the nut (52) can be placed inside 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 second opening (501) of the rubber assembly (50), and the third opening (40) of the upper structure (4) to be coupled with the nut (52).

[0044] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery pack (1a) when a bolt (51) according to one embodiment of the present invention is melted.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, if the temperature inside the battery pack rises and a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs, a flame may be generated inside the battery. The generated flame may propagate along the rubber assembly (or main gasket). According to the present invention, when the temperature inside the battery pack (1a) rises and the bolt (51) melts, the upper structure (4) can be accommodated in the lower structure (3). Specifically, since the width (L1) of the upper structure (4) is smaller than the width (L2) of the lower structure (3), the upper structure (4) can be accommodated in the lower structure (3) when the bolt (51) 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 the propagation of the flame generated from the battery pack (1a) can be prevented.

[0046] The melting point of the bolt (51) may be 200°C or higher and 1000°C or lower. If the melting point of the bolt (51) is less than 200°C, it may melt easily due to the rise in internal temperature of the battery pack. Also, if the melting point of the bolt (51) exceeds 1000°C, the bolt (51) may not melt easily, and thus the function / effect of the present invention, in which the upper structure (4) is accommodated in the lower structure (3), may not be realized. Therefore, the melting point of the bolt (51) may be 200°C or higher and 1000°C or lower.

[0047] In the first embodiment, the bolt (51) may comprise at least one of polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyetheretherketone (PEEK). In the first embodiment, the melting point of the bolt (51) may be 200°C or higher and 350°C or lower.

[0048] In the second embodiment, the bolt (51) may comprise at least one of an aluminum-zinc-magnesium-copper alloy and an aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy. The aluminum-zinc-magnesium-copper alloy may contain at least 85% aluminum, and the aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy may contain at least 93% aluminum. For example, the aluminum-zinc-magnesium-copper alloy may be an aluminum 7075 alloy, and the aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy may be an aluminum 6061 alloy. In the second embodiment, the melting point of the bolt (51) may be between 450°C and 700°C.

[0049] In the third embodiment, the bolt (51) may include a brass alloy. In the third embodiment, the melting point of the bolt (51) may be 850°C or higher and 1000°C or lower. However, the material of the bolt (51) according to the first to third embodiments is exemplary, and the type of bolt (51) is not limited thereto as long as it has a melting point of 200°C or higher and 1000°C or lower. In one embodiment, when the bolt (51) melts, the rubber composite (50) may melt and disappear, and the nut (52) may also melt. In another embodiment, when the bolt (51) melts, the rubber composite (50) may melt and disappear, and the nut (52) may not melt. In this case, the nut (52) may be accommodated together with the battery module (2) in the space formed by the upper structure (4) being accommodated in the lower structure (3).

[0050] 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.

[0051] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0052] 1, 1a: Battery pack

[0053] 2: Battery Module

[0054] 3: Substructure

[0055] 30: First opening

[0056] 31: Reception Department

[0057] 32: First space

[0058] 33: Second Space

[0059] 4: Superstructure

[0060] 40: Third opening

[0061] 5: Combined structure

[0062] 50: Rubber composite

[0063] 500: First inner opening

[0064] 501: Second opening

[0065] 51: Bolt

[0066] 52: Nut

[0067] L1: Width of the superstructure

[0068] L2: Width of the substructure

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 and covering the battery module; and A battery pack comprising a coupling structure that penetrates the side of the lower structure and the upper structure to connect the lower structure and the upper structure.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned bonding structure is, A rubber composite disposed between the lower structure and the upper structure and comprising a rubber material; and A battery pack comprising a bolt that sequentially penetrates the lower structure, the rubber assembly, and the upper structure.

3. In Paragraph 2, A battery pack in which the melting point of the above bolt is 200°C or higher and 1000°C or lower.

4. In Paragraph 2, The above bolt is a battery pack comprising at least one of polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

5. In Paragraph 2, The above bolt is a battery pack comprising at least one of an aluminum-zinc-magnesium-copper alloy and an aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy.

6. In Paragraph 2, The above bolt is a battery pack containing a brass alloy.

7. In Paragraph 2, When the above bolt melts, the above upper structure is a battery pack accommodated in the above lower structure.

8. In Paragraph 2, A battery pack comprising a nut that is positioned inside the upper structure and coupled with the bolt, wherein the above coupling structure further comprises the nut.

9. In Paragraph 8, 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 upper structure of the battery pack.

10. In Paragraph 9, A battery pack having a first opening formed at the end of the lower structure and a second opening corresponding to the first opening formed in the ring shape of the rubber assembly.

11. In Paragraph 10, A battery pack having a third opening corresponding to the first opening formed at the end of the upper structure.

12. In Paragraph 11, A battery pack in which the first opening, the second opening, and the third opening overlap in one direction, and the bolt penetrates the first to third openings and is coupled with the nut.

13. 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.

14. In Paragraph 13, A battery pack in which three battery modules are accommodated in the first space and three battery modules are accommodated in the second space.

15. In Paragraph 1, The above upper structure and the above lower structure are a battery pack made of cold-rolled steel sheets manufactured by rolling steel sheets at room temperature.

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

Images