Connector and container module including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connector for coupling a plurality of container modules arranged along a first direction, the connector comprising: a pair of first blocks arranged to be spaced apart along the first direction; and a pair of second blocks arranged to be spaced apart along a second direction and coupled to the pair of first blocks, wherein the distance between the pair of first blocks varies as the pair of second blocks move along the second direction.

Description

Connector and container module including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector and a container module including the same.

[0002] This application is a priority application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0009040 filed on January 21, 2025, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of said application are incorporated into this application by reference.

[0003] Currently commercialized rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium, nickel-hydrogen, nickel-zinc, and lithium-ion batteries. Among these, lithium-ion batteries are gaining attention for their advantages, such as the ability to charge and discharge freely with almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based batteries, a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0004] Recently, as issues such as power shortages and eco-friendly energy have come to the forefront, Energy Storage Systems (ESS) designed to store generated electricity are receiving increased attention. For instance, the Smart Grid System is being proposed as a solution to regulate power supply and demand. The amount of electricity consumed by consumers is not always constant and can fluctuate frequently. A typical example is the sharp increase in electricity usage during the summer afternoon due to the use of air conditioning, followed by a sharp decrease at night. While power consumption is inconsistent and fluctuates frequently, it is realistically difficult for the power supply side to match such consumption levels, even if production is adjusted to some extent. Consequently, this imbalance between supply and consumption can lead to either a surplus or a shortage of power; the Smart Grid System aims to resolve this problem by flexibly storing and regulating electricity. The concept behind the Smart Grid System is to store electricity when there is a surplus in a specific location or time, and then supply that stored electricity to areas or times when there is a power shortage. One of the key components for building such a smart grid system is the energy storage system for storing electricity. Furthermore, with the recent full-scale commercialization of electric vehicles, energy storage systems can also be utilized in facilities for charging electric vehicles, such as charging stations.

[0005] Such energy storage systems may include multiple battery containers. The number and arrangement of battery containers may vary depending on various environments and requirements. To meet these requirements, it is necessary to improve energy density by configuring battery containers as a combination of small modules. Furthermore, there is a growing need to improve assemblability by configuring the battery containers with a structure that facilitates easy installation and assembly, and to configure them to be expandable in various forms.

[0006] Therefore, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a connector with improved assemblability and a container module including the same.

[0007] However, the problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0008] To solve the above problem, the present invention provides a connector for combining a plurality of container modules arranged along a first direction, comprising: a pair of first blocks spaced apart along the first direction; and a pair of second blocks spaced apart along a second direction and configured to be coupled to the pair of first blocks, wherein the spacing between the pair of first blocks is configured to change as the pair of second blocks move along the second direction.

[0009] A connector according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a fastening member configured to combine the pair of second blocks.

[0010] The above fastening member may be configured to penetrate the above pair of second blocks.

[0011] When the above-mentioned fastening member is rotated, the gap between the pair of second blocks changes, and accordingly, the gap between the pair of first blocks can be configured to change.

[0012] The above pair of first blocks can be configured to be slidably movable on the above pair of second blocks.

[0013] The above pair of first blocks may include a fastening portion configured to be coupled to the container module, a connecting portion configured to extend inwardly in the first direction from the fastening portion, and a contact portion having a tapered portion that extends inwardly in the first direction from the connecting portion and is configured to be coupled to the pair of second blocks on both sides of the second direction.

[0014] The above tapered portion may be configured so that its thickness gradually narrows as it extends outward in the second direction.

[0015] The above tapered portion may be configured to make sliding contact with the above pair of second blocks.

[0016] The above pair of second blocks may have a recess configured to allow the above pair of first blocks to be partially inserted into the inner side.

[0017] The above-mentioned concave portion may have an inclined surface configured to allow the above-mentioned pair of first blocks to slide.

[0018] In addition, the present invention provides a container module characterized by including a connector according to the present invention.

[0019] And, the present invention provides a container system characterized by including a container module according to the present invention.

[0020] In addition, the present invention provides an energy storage system characterized by including a container module according to the present invention.

[0021] According to one aspect of the present invention, the gap between adjacent container modules can be filled according to the phase change of the connector. By doing so, the assembly and fixing strength of the container modules can be improved.

[0022] Accordingly, according to the above aspect of the present invention, damage to the container module during transport or impact can be minimized, thereby ensuring safety and reliability.

[0023] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, since it can be assembled on the inner side of the container module, interference with external structures, such as the means of transport of the container module, can be minimized.

[0024] In addition to the above, the present invention may have various other effects, which are described in each embodiment, or effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art, etc., will be omitted.

[0025] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention mounted on a container module.

[0027] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention mounted on a container module.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a front view of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a top view of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing that the spacing between a pair of first blocks in a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention has been changed.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a first block included in a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a second block included in a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, 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 present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0036] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0037] In addition, the present invention includes various embodiments. For each embodiment, redundant descriptions of substantially identical or similar configurations are omitted, and the focus is on the differences.

[0038] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used in the present invention, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the position of the object or the position of the observer, as is obvious to those skilled in the art of the present invention.

[0039] For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, the X-axis direction shown in the drawing may mean a first direction, the Y-axis direction may mean a second direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on a horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may mean a vertical direction perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0040]

[0041] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention mounted on a container module, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention mounted on a container module.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2, a connector (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention relates to a connector used for coupling a container module (1).

[0043] A plurality of container modules (1) may be arranged along at least one direction. For example, a plurality of container modules (1) may be arranged along a first direction. A plurality of container modules (1) may be physically or electrically connected.

[0044] The connector (10) may be configured to connect one container module (1) with another container module (1). The container module (1) may have a case and a connecting part (11). The connecting part (11) may be provided at each corner of the case. Accordingly, the container module (1) may be connected, connected, fastened, stacked, or fixed with another container module (1).

[0045] The container module (1) may include a plurality of battery packs. The battery packs may be provided inside a case. The battery packs may include a plurality of battery cells. In this case, the battery cells according to one embodiment of the present invention may be lithium-ion secondary batteries.

[0046]

[0047] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4, a connector (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a pair of first blocks (100) and a pair of second blocks (200).

[0049] A pair of first blocks (100) may be spaced apart along a first direction. A pair of first blocks (100) may be arranged to face each other in a symmetrical manner. A pair of first blocks (100) may each be coupled to a different container module (1). A first block (100) may be coupled to a coupling part (11) of a container module (1). A first block (100) may be configured to be inserted and fastened into a coupling hole of the coupling part (11).

[0050] A pair of second blocks (200) may be spaced apart along a second direction. The second direction may be a direction approximately perpendicular to the first direction. A pair of second blocks (200) may be arranged to face each other in a symmetrical manner. A pair of second blocks (200) may be configured to be coupled to a pair of first blocks (100). A pair of second blocks (200) may be configured to be coupled to both ends of the second direction of a pair of first blocks (100). A pair of first blocks (100) and a pair of second blocks (200) may be configured to interlock with each other.

[0051] A connector (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured such that the spacing between a pair of first blocks (100) is adjusted along a first direction. In particular, the spacing between a pair of first blocks (100) may be configured to change as a pair of second blocks (200) move along a second direction. That is, the position (phase) of a pair of first blocks (100) may change as a pair of second blocks (200) move, and accordingly, the spacing between a pair of first blocks (100) may change.

[0052] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, as the spacing between a pair of first blocks (100) coupled to a container module (1) changes, the gap between adjacent container modules (1) can be completely filled. At the same time, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, assembly and fixing strength between container modules (1) can be improved. Accordingly, damage to the container module (1) during transport or impact can be minimized, thereby ensuring safety and reliability.

[0053] Furthermore, the outermost surface of a pair of first blocks (100) may be provided on the inner side of the container module (1). According to the above embodiment of the present invention, interference with external structures, such as the connector (10) and the means of transport of the container module (1), can be minimized.

[0054]

[0055] FIG. 5 is a front view of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] More specifically, referring to FIG. 5, a portion of the first block (100) may be configured to be inserted into the inner side of the coupling portion (11) of the container module (1). Additionally, the remaining portion of the first block (100) may be configured to be exposed to the outside of the container module (1) and coupled to the second block (200).

[0057] Additionally, a pair of second blocks (200) may be provided between adjacent container modules (1). A pair of second blocks (200) may be configured to be supportable on the container modules (1). That is, the width of a pair of second blocks (200) may be configured to correspond to the gap (D) between adjacent container modules (1).

[0058] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, a minimum gap can be secured between adjacent container modules (1). Thus, when a container module (1) is transported or when an impact is applied to one container module (1), the impact on other container modules (1) can be minimized.

[0059] When a pair of first blocks (100) and a pair of second blocks (200) are coupled to a container module (1), the width of the portion of the connector (10) exposed to the outside of the container module (1) may be equal to or smaller than the gap (D) between adjacent container modules (1). Accordingly, the connector (10) may be fitted into the gap between adjacent container modules (1).

[0060]

[0061] FIG. 6 is a top view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a top view showing a change in the spacing between a pair of first blocks in a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Meanwhile, referring further to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 together with FIG. 4, a connector (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a fastening member (300). The fastening member (300) may be configured to combine a pair of second blocks (200). The fastening member (300) may be configured to be combined to a pair of second blocks (200) when a pair of first blocks (100) and a pair of second blocks (200) are combined.

[0063] The fastening member (300) may be configured to penetrate a pair of second blocks (200). Accordingly, a through hole (H) may be formed in the second block (200) to allow the fastening member (300) to pass through (see FIG. 9). The fastening member (300) may be configured to extend along the second direction through the through hole (H). The length of the fastening member (300) may be configured to be longer than the gap between the pair of second blocks (200).

[0064] For example, the fastening member (300) may be provided as a bolt. Specifically, the fastening member (300) may be provided with a head portion (310) and a screw thread (320). The head portion (310) may be configured to protrude outward from one of the second blocks (200). The head portion (310) may be provided larger than the through hole (H). The screw thread (320) may be configured to be coupled to another second block (200).

[0065] As the fastening member (300) rotates, the second block (200) coupled to the screw thread (320) can move outward or inward along the second direction (see solid arrow shown in FIG. 6). Accordingly, when the fastening member (300) rotates, the gap (l) between a pair of second blocks (200) changes, and the gap (d) between a pair of first blocks (100) can be configured to change accordingly (see dashed arrow shown in FIG. 6).

[0066] A pair of first blocks (100) can be configured to be slidably movable on a pair of second blocks (200). Accordingly, when the fastening member (300) is rotated so that the pair of second blocks (200) move along a second direction, the pair of first blocks (100) can be configured to slide along the inner surface of the pair of second blocks (200). Thus, the pair of first blocks (100) can be moved along a first direction.

[0067] For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the gap (l) between a pair of second blocks (200) and the gap (d) between a pair of first blocks (100) when the fastening member (300) begins to be fastened to the second block (200) may be larger than the gap (l) between a pair of second blocks (200) and the gap (d) between a pair of first blocks (100) when the fastening member (300) is rotated in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0068] That is, when the fastening member (300) is rotated so that the gap (l) between a pair of second blocks (200) becomes smaller, the gap (d) between a pair of first blocks (100) can be narrowed.

[0069] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, when the connector (10) is coupled to the container module (1), the fastening member (300) can be rotated until the gap between adjacent container modules (1) is minimized to adjust the spacing (d) between a pair of first blocks (100) coupled to the container module (1). By doing so, the gap between adjacent container modules (1) can be completely filled.

[0070] In addition, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, the assembly and fixing strength between container modules (1) can be improved. Accordingly, damage to the container modules (1) during transportation or impact can be minimized, thereby ensuring safety and reliability.

[0071]

[0072] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a first block included in a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] The structure of the first block (100) is described in more detail with further reference to FIG. 8 in conjunction with FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. Referring to FIG. 8, a pair of first blocks (100) may include a fastening portion (110), a connecting portion (120), and a contact portion (130).

[0074] The connecting portion (110) can be configured to be coupled to the container module (1). The coupling portion (11) can be configured to be inserted into the mounting hole of the coupling portion (11) of the container module (1). The coupling portion (11) can be configured in an elliptical shape. The coupling portion (11) can be provided to be larger than the width of the mounting hole.

[0075] The connecting portion (120) may be configured to extend inward in a first direction from the fastening portion (110). The connecting portion (120) may be configured to be seated on the coupling portion (11) when the fastening portion (110) is inserted and fastened to the coupling portion (11).

[0076] The contact portion (130) may be configured to extend inward in the first direction from the connecting portion (120). The contact portion (130) may be configured to be coupled to a pair of second blocks (200). The length of the contact portion (130) may be configured to roughly correspond to the gap between a pair of second blocks (200).

[0077] The contact portion (130) may include a tapered shape at both ends of the second direction. The contact portion (130) may have a tapered portion (130A). The tapered portion (130A) may be provided on both sides of the second direction of the contact portion (130). The tapered portion (130A) may be configured so that its thickness (width) gradually narrows as it extends outward in the second direction. The tapered portion (130A) may be configured to be coupled to a pair of second blocks (200).

[0078] The tapered portion (130A) can be configured to make sliding contact with a pair of second blocks (200). Accordingly, when the fastening member (300) is rotated so that a pair of second blocks (200) move along a second direction, a pair of first blocks (100) can be configured so that the outer surface of the tapered portion (130A) slides along the inner surface of a pair of second blocks (200). Thus, a pair of first blocks (100) can be moved along a first direction.

[0079] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, when the connector (10) is coupled to the container module (1) by the structure of the first block (100), the gap (d) between the pair of first blocks (100) can be configured to change as the pair of second blocks (200) move along the second direction. Accordingly, the gap between adjacent container modules (1) can be minimized, and the gap between adjacent container modules (1) can be completely filled.

[0080]

[0081] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a second block included in a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] The structure of the second block (200) is described in more detail with further reference to FIG. 9, together with FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. Referring to FIG. 9, a pair of second blocks (200) may have a concave portion (G). The concave portion (G) may be provided on the inner side of the second block (200). The concave portion (G) may be configured in a form where the inner surface of the second block (200) is partially sunken. The concave portion (G) may be configured so that a pair of first blocks (100) are partially inserted. For example, the tapered portion (130A) of a pair of first blocks (100) may be configured to be inserted and coupled into the concave portion (G).

[0083] The concave portion (G) may be provided with an inclined surface (S). The inclined surface (S) may be provided on both sides of the first direction in the concave portion (G). The inclined surface (S) may be configured to slope toward the outer side of the concave portion (G). As the inclined surface (S) is provided, when viewing the connector (10) from above, the width of the concave portion (G) may be configured to gradually increase toward the outer side.

[0084] The inclined surface (S) can be configured so that a pair of first blocks (100) can slide. As a pair of second blocks (200) move, the tapered portion (130A) of the first block (100) can be configured to slide in contact with the inclined surface (S).

[0085] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, when the connector (10) is coupled to the container module (1) by the structure of the second block (200), the tapered portion (130A) can be configured to slide along the inclined surface (S) as the pair of second blocks (200) move along the second direction, thereby changing the gap (d) between the pair of first blocks (100). Accordingly, the gap between adjacent container modules (1) can be minimized, and the gap between adjacent container modules (1) can be completely filled.

[0086]

[0087] Meanwhile, a container module (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a connector (10) according to the present invention. The container module (1) may be configured to be stacked along at least one direction. The connector (10) may be configured to connect adjacent container modules (1).

[0088] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the gap between adjacent container modules (1) can be filled according to the phase change of the connector (10). As a result, the assembly and fixing strength of the container module (1) can be improved. Accordingly, damage to the container module (1) during transport or impact can be minimized, thereby ensuring safety and reliability.

[0089]

[0090] Also, referring to FIG. 1, a container system (3) according to one embodiment of the invention may include a container module (1) according to the present invention. A plurality of container modules (1) may be included.

[0091] The container system (3) may further include a control module. The control module may be fastened, coupled, connected, stacked, or fixed to the case or coupling part (11) of the container module (1).

[0092] The control module can be electrically connected to a plurality of container modules (1) included in the container system (3). The control module can control the charging and discharging of the plurality of container modules (1). In addition, the control module can obtain status information of the plurality of container modules (1).

[0093] In addition, the container system (3) may be configured to additionally include a firefighting module for controlling thermal events.

[0094]

[0095] An energy storage system (ESS) according to the present invention may include a container module (1) according to the present invention. The energy storage system may include a plurality of container systems (3). And the container system (3) may include a plurality of container modules (1). Such an energy storage system may form a link group with a combination of a certain number of container modules (1) and control modules.

[0096]

[0097] Although the present invention has been described above by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations 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.

Claims

1. As a connector for combining a plurality of container modules arranged along a first direction, A pair of first blocks spaced apart along the first direction; and A pair of second blocks spaced apart along a second direction and configured to be coupled to the pair of first blocks; comprising A connector characterized in that the spacing between the first pair of blocks is configured to change as the second pair of blocks move along the second direction.

2. In Paragraph 1, A connector characterized by further including a fastening member configured to combine the above pair of second blocks.

3. In Paragraph 2, A connector characterized in that the above-mentioned fastening member is configured to penetrate the above-mentioned pair of second blocks.

4. In Paragraph 2, A connector characterized by being configured such that when the above-mentioned fastening member is rotated, the gap between the pair of second blocks changes, and accordingly, the gap between the pair of first blocks changes.

5. In Paragraph 1, A connector characterized in that the above pair of first blocks are configured to be slidably movable on the above pair of second blocks.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above pair of first blocks is A fastening part configured to be connectable to the above container module, A connecting part configured to extend inwardly in the first direction from the above-mentioned connecting part, and A connector characterized by including a contact portion having a tapered portion that extends inwardly in the first direction from the connection portion and is configured to be coupled to the pair of second blocks on both sides of the second direction.

7. In Paragraph 6, A connector characterized in that the tapered portion is configured such that its thickness gradually narrows as it extends outward in the second direction.

8. In Paragraph 6, A connector characterized in that the tapered portion is configured to make sliding contact with the pair of second blocks.

9. In Paragraph 1, A connector characterized in that the pair of second blocks above have a recess configured to partially insert the pair of first blocks into the inside.

10. In Paragraph 9, A connector characterized in that the above-mentioned concave portion has an inclined surface configured to allow the above-mentioned pair of first blocks to slide.

11. A plurality of container modules including a connector according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A container system including a container module according to paragraph 11.

13. An energy storage system comprising a container module according to paragraph 11.

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