Battery container

Abstract

A battery container is disclosed. The battery container according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: battery cells; a case accommodating the battery cells and having an opening; a vent door pivotably coupled to the case and configured to open and close the opening; a first arm having a first coupling portion at one side thereof and a protrusion portion at the other side thereof, the first coupling portion being pivotably coupled to the interior of the case; and a second arm having a second coupling portion pivotably coupled to the vent door, a third coupling portion pivotably coupled between the protrusion portion and the first coupling portion, and a receiving portion formed between the second coupling portion and the third coupling portion.

Description

Battery container

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery container.

[0002] This application is a priority application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0016840 filed on February 10, 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 freely charge and discharge 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] A structure capable of properly venting gases or smoke is required in the event of a thermal event or fire inside the battery container. If venting gases or smoke are not properly vented, the risk of explosion of the battery container may increase.

[0006] Accordingly, the present invention is devised to solve the above-mentioned problems and may provide a structure capable of discharging venting gas or smoke generated inside a battery container.

[0007] Another objective of the present invention may be to provide a structure capable of continuously discharging venting gas or smoke by fixing the venting door in an open state.

[0008] Another objective of the present invention may be to provide a structure that improves the thermal safety of a battery container.

[0009] However, the technical 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.

[0010] A battery container according to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose may include: a battery cell; a case that accommodates the battery cell and has an opening; a vent door that is pivotally coupled to the case and opens and closes the opening; a first arm having a first coupling part that is pivotally coupled to the interior of the case on one side and a protrusion on the other side; and a second arm having a second coupling part that is pivotally coupled to the vent door, a third coupling part that is pivotally coupled between the protrusion and the first coupling part, and a receiving part formed between the second coupling part and the third coupling part.

[0011] In addition, the above protrusion can be received in the receiving portion as the vent door is opened.

[0012] In addition, when the above protrusion is received in the above receiving portion, the vent door can remain in an open state.

[0013] In addition, when the above protrusion is received in the above receiving portion, the first arm and the second arm may be arranged to extend along the same direction.

[0014] In addition, the first arm may be longer than the second arm.

[0015] In addition, the above case may include a top panel in which the opening is formed.

[0016] In addition, the first coupling part can be pivotally coupled with the opening.

[0017] Additionally, the battery container may further include a first bracket installed in the opening; and a first connecting pin penetrating the first connecting portion and the first bracket.

[0018] Additionally, the battery container may further include a second connecting pin penetrating the first arm and the second arm.

[0019] Additionally, the battery container may further include a second bracket installed on the vent door; and a third connecting pin penetrating the second connecting portion and the second bracket.

[0020] Additionally, the first arm further comprises a fourth coupling part coupled to the third coupling part, and the distance between the first coupling part and the fourth coupling part may be configured to be greater than twice and less than three times the distance between the second coupling part and the third coupling part.

[0021] An energy storage system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a battery container of the present invention.

[0022] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, venting gas or smoke generated inside a battery container can be discharged.

[0023] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the venting door of the battery container is fixed in an open state, thereby allowing venting gas or smoke to be continuously discharged.

[0024] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery container can be improved.

[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 drawing showing a battery container according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 is a drawing showing the vent door of the battery container of Figure 1 opened.

[0028] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery container of Figure 1 separated.

[0029] Figure 4 is a drawing showing the container module of Figure 3.

[0030] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the container module of Figure 3.

[0031] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Figure 5.

[0032] Figure 7 is a drawing showing a part of the configuration of Figure 6.

[0033] Figure 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of Figure 7 separated.

[0034] Figure 9 is a drawing showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' of Figure 8.

[0035] Figure 10 is a drawing showing the vent door of the container module of Figure 3 opened.

[0036] Figure 11 is a drawing showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line C-C' of Figure 10.

[0037] Figure 12 is a drawing showing the vent door of the container module of Figure 10 opened further.

[0038] Figure 13 is a drawing showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line D-D' of Figure 12.

[0039] Figure 14 is a drawing showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line E-E' of Figure 13.

[0040] Hereinafter, 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, and 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.

[0041] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely examples of the present invention and do not represent all aspects of the technical concept 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.

[0042] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery container (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the vent door (400) of the battery container (1000) of FIG. 1 opened. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a partial configuration of the battery container (1000) of FIG. 1 separated. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the container module (200) of FIG. 3.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the battery container (1000) may include container modules (200). The container modules (200) may be provided in plurality. The container modules (200) may have a rectangular shape. The container modules (200) may form the exterior of the battery container (1000). The plurality of container modules (200) may be arranged along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0044] The container module (200) may include a case (201) that provides space inside. The case (201) may have a rectangular shape. The case (201) may form the exterior of the container module (200).

[0045] The case (201) may include a frame (210). The frame (210) may include an outer frame (211). The outer frame (211) may form the exterior of the case (201). A bottom panel (220) may be fastened, coupled, installed, fixed, or attached to the lower surface of the outer frame (211). The bottom panel (220) may form the exterior of the case (201). A side panel (230) may be fastened, coupled, installed, fixed, or attached to the side of the outer frame (211). The side panel (230) may form the exterior of the case (201). The side panels (230) may be provided as a pair. A pair of side panels (230) may face each other. A rear panel (260) may be fastened, coupled, installed, fixed, or attached to the rear surface of the outer frame (211). The rear panel (260) can form the exterior of the case (201). The top panel (250) can be fastened, coupled, installed, fixed, or attached to the upper surface of the outer frame (211). The top panel (250) can form the exterior of the case (201). The top panel (250) and the bottom panel (220) can face each other. The door panel (240) can be fastened, coupled, installed, fixed, or attached to the front of the outer frame (211). The door panel (240) can form the exterior of the case (201). The door panel (240) and the rear panel (260) can face each other. The door panel (240) can open and close the interior of the case (201). The door panel (240) can be hinge-coupled to the frame (210).

[0046] A battery pack (270) can be housed inside a case (201). The battery pack (270) may include a plurality of battery cells (271). In this case, the battery cell (271) may refer to a secondary battery. The battery pack (270) may be provided in multiple quantities. In particular, the battery cell (271) may be a pouch-type secondary battery. However, the shape of the battery cell (271) is not limited to a pouch shape and may have various shapes, such as a cylindrical shape or a rectangular shape.

[0047] The frame (210) may include an inner frame (212). The inner frame (212) may be provided inside the case (201). The inner frame (212) may extend along the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. A pack bracket (280) may be provided inside the case (201). The pack bracket (280) may be fastened, coupled, installed, fixed, or attached to the inner frame (212). A battery pack (270) may be fastened, coupled, installed, fixed, or attached to the pack bracket (280). A plurality of battery packs (270) may be arranged along the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. A plurality of battery packs (270) may be arranged along the horizontal direction or the Y-axis direction. A plurality of battery packs (270) may be arranged along the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. The battery pack (270) may also be referred to as a battery module (270), a battery assembly (270), or a battery stack (270).

[0048] The base panel assembly (100) may have a rectangular shape. The base panel assembly (100) may provide space inside. A container module (200) may be installed, fastened, joined, or fixed on top of the base panel assembly (100). A plurality of container modules (200) may be installed, fastened, joined, or fixed on top of the base panel assembly (100).

[0049] The base panel assembly (100) may include a base frame (110). The base frame (110) may form the exterior of the base panel assembly (100). An upper panel (130) may be installed, fastened, joined, or fixed to the base frame (110).

[0050] The base panel assembly (100) may include a tank (140). The tank (140) may be connected to a container module (200). The tank (140) may be accommodated, installed, coupled, fastened, or fixed inside the base panel assembly (100). The tank (140) may be connected to a pipe (150) to discharge liquid inside the tank (140) to the outside.

[0051] The control module (300) can be installed, fastened, coupled, or fixed on top of the base panel assembly (100). The control module (300) can be electrically connected to the container module (200). The control module (300) can be electrically connected to each of the plurality of container modules (200). The control module (300) can control the charging, discharging, or temperature, etc., of the container module (200).

[0052] The top panel (250) may have an opening (250a). A vent door (400) may be provided on the top panel (250). The vent door (400) may open and close the opening (250a). The left side of the vent door (400) may be pivotably connected to the top panel (250). The left side of the vent door (400) may be pivotably connected to the opening (250a). The left side of the vent door (400) may be hinged to the top panel (250). The left side of the vent door (400) may be hinged to the opening (250a).

[0053] The vent door (400) can be opened and closed by an actuator. The actuator may be a motor, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, etc. The container module (200) may include a smoke sensor or a hydrogen gas sensor inside. When the container module (200) detects the generation of smoke or hydrogen gas inside, it can drive the actuator to open the vent door (400). The container module (200) can discharge the smoke or hydrogen gas to the outside through the vent door (400).

[0054] The container module (200) may include a temperature sensor inside. The container module (200) can open the vent door (400) by driving an actuator when the internal temperature exceeds a preset value. The container module (200) can lower the temperature inside the container module (200) through the vent door (400).

[0055] The container module (200) may include a pressure sensor inside. The container module (200) can open the vent door (400) by driving an actuator when the internal pressure exceeds a preset value. The container module (200) can lower the pressure inside the container module (200) through the vent door (400).

[0056] When a thermal event occurs, the vent door (400) can be opened by an actuator. The container module (200) can vent the venting gas (G) to the outside through the vent door (400).

[0057] The vent door (400) can be opened by pressure. When the pressure inside the container module (200) increases, the vent door (400) can be opened by pressure. At this time, the opening of the vent door (400) can be achieved without using power or electricity. The container module (200) can lower the pressure inside the container module (200) through the vent door (400).

[0058] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the container module (200) of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line A-A' of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a partial view of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a separate view of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line B-B' of FIG. 8.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 5 through 9, the vent door (400) may be in a closed state. The first arm (510) may have a long, extended shape.

[0060] The first arm (510) may be pivotally coupled, connected, or fastened to the interior of the case (201). The first arm (510) may have a first coupling part (511) on one side. The first coupling part (511) may be pivotally coupled, connected, or fastened to the interior of the case (201). The first coupling part (511) may be pivotally coupled, connected, or fastened to the opening (250a). The first coupling part (511) may be pivotally coupled, connected, or fastened to the top panel (250).

[0061] The first arm (510) may have a protrusion (513) on the other side. The protrusion (513) and the first connecting part (511) may be spaced apart from each other.

[0062] The second arm (520) may have an elongated shape. The second arm (520) may be pivotally coupled, connected, or fastened to the vent door (400). The second arm (520) may have a second coupling part (521) on one side. The second coupling part (521) may be pivotally coupled, connected, or fastened to the vent door (400). The second coupling part (521) may be pivotally coupled, connected, or fastened to the inner surface of the vent door (400).

[0063] The second arm (520) may be pivotably coupled, connected, or fastened between the protrusion (513) and the first coupling part (511). The second arm (520) may be provided with a third coupling part (522). The third coupling part (522) may be pivotably coupled, connected, or fastened between the protrusion (513) and the first coupling part (511).

[0064] The first arm (510) may include a fourth coupling part (512). The fourth coupling part (512) may be pivotally coupled, connected, or fastened to the second arm (520). The fourth coupling part (512) may be pivotally coupled, connected, or fastened to the third coupling part (522).

[0065] The second arm (520) may be provided with a receiving portion (523). The receiving portion (523) may be formed between the second connecting portion (521) and the third connecting portion (522). The receiving portion (523) may provide a space inside. The receiving portion (523) may be a groove or a hole.

[0066] The first bracket (530) can be installed, fastened, joined, or fixed to the opening (250a). The first bracket (530) can be installed, fastened, joined, or fixed to the top panel (250).

[0067] The first connecting pin (551) can penetrate the first arm (510). The first connecting pin (551) can penetrate the first connecting part (511). The first connecting pin (551) can penetrate the first bracket (530). The first connecting pin (551) can pivotally connect, link, or fasten the first connecting part (511) and the first bracket (530). The first connecting pin (551) may be formed integrally with the first bracket (530). The first connecting pin (551) may be formed integrally with the first connecting part (511).

[0068] The second connecting pin (552) can penetrate the first arm (510). The second connecting pin (552) can penetrate the fourth connecting part (512). The second connecting pin (552) can penetrate the second arm (520). The second connecting pin (552) can penetrate the third connecting part (522). The second connecting pin (552) can pivotally connect, link, or fasten the first arm (510) and the second arm (520). The second connecting pin (552) can pivotally connect, link, or fasten the third connecting part (522) and the fourth connecting part (512). The second connecting pin (552) may be formed integrally with the first arm (510). The second connecting pin (552) may be formed integrally with the second arm (520).

[0069] The second bracket (540) can be installed, fastened, coupled, or fixed to the vent door (400). The second bracket (540) can be installed, fastened, coupled, or fixed to the inner surface of the vent door (400).

[0070] The third connecting pin (553) can penetrate the second connecting portion (521). The third connecting pin (553) can penetrate the second bracket (540). The third connecting pin (553) can pivotally connect, link, or fasten the second connecting portion (521) and the second bracket (540). The third connecting pin (553) may be formed integrally with the second bracket (540). The third connecting pin (553) may also be formed integrally with the second connecting portion (521).

[0071] The first arm (510) may be configured to be longer than the second arm (520). The distance (L1) between the first connecting part (511) and the fourth connecting part (512) may be configured to be longer than the distance between the second connecting part (521) and the third connecting part (522). For example, the distance (L1) between the first connecting part (511) and the fourth connecting part (512) may be configured to be greater than twice and less than three times the distance (L2) between the second connecting part (521) and the third connecting part (522).

[0072] The distance (L1) between the first coupling pin (551) and the second coupling pin (552) may be configured to be longer than the distance (L2) between the second coupling pin (552) and the third coupling pin (553). For example, the distance (L1) between the first coupling pin (551) and the second coupling pin (552) may be configured to be greater than twice and less than three times the distance (L2) between the second coupling pin (552) and the third coupling pin (553).

[0073] The second arm (520) may be composed of a pair of plates. The pair of plates may face each other. The pair of plates may be connected. The pair of plates may be formed integrally.

[0074] The receiving portion (523) may be formed by bending a portion of the plate outward. The receiving portion (523) may be formed by protruding a portion of the plate outward. The receiving portion (523) may provide an internal space. The receiving portion (523) may be formed on each of a pair of plates. A pair of receiving portions (523) may protrude in opposite directions from each other. The receiving portion (523) may extend along the longitudinal direction of the second arm (520).

[0075] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the vent door (400) of the container module (200) of FIG. 3 in an open state. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line C-C' of FIG. 10.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the vent door (400) of the container module (200) can be opened. As the vent door (400) is opened, the first arm (510) can be pivoted counterclockwise (P1). As the vent door (400) is opened, the second arm (520) can be pivoted clockwise (P2) relative to the vent door (400). As the vent door (400) is opened, the first arm (510) and the second arm (520) can be pivoted in opposite directions. As the vent door (400) is opened, the protrusion (513) can be pivoted toward the receiving portion (523). As the vent door (400) is opened, the protrusion (513) and the receiving portion (523) can be brought closer together.

[0077] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing the vent door (400) of the container module (200) of FIG. 10 being further opened. FIG. 13 is a drawing showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line D-D' of FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a drawing showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line E-E' of FIG. 13.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 14, the protrusion (513) can be received in the receiving portion (523) as the vent door (400) opens. When the protrusion (513) is received in the receiving portion (523), the first arm (510) and the second arm (520) can remain in a fixed state without moving. When the protrusion (513) is received in the receiving portion (523), the vent door (400) can remain in an open state. When the protrusion (513) is received in the receiving portion (523), the vent door (400) can be fixed in an open state. At this time, the vent door (400) may be in a maximally open state. A pair of protrusions (513) can each be received in a pair of receiving portions (523).

[0079] When the protrusion (513) is received in the receiving portion (523), the first arm (510) and the second arm (520) can be arranged to extend along the same direction. The first arm (510) and the second arm (520) can be arranged in a straight line.

[0080] By fixing the vent door (400) in an open state, the vent door (400) can be prevented from closing due to the weight of the vent door (400).

[0081] When a thermal event occurs, the sensor inside the container module (200) may malfunction. At this time, the vent door (400) can be kept open to vent the venting gas (G).

[0082] When a thermal event occurs, the actuator driving the vent door (400) may fail. At this time, the vent door (400) can discharge the venting gas (G) by maintaining an open state.

[0083] In the event of a fire, the sensor inside the container module (200) may malfunction. At this time, the vent door (400) can be kept open to vent smoke.

[0084] In the event of a fire, the actuator driving the vent door (400) may malfunction. At this time, the vent door (400) can discharge smoke by maintaining an open state.

[0085] An energy storage system (ESS) according to the present invention may include a plurality of battery containers (1000) according to the present invention. Such an energy storage system may form a link group with a combination of a certain number of battery containers (1000) and a control container.

[0086] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back have been used in this specification, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that they may vary depending on the location of the object or the position of the observer.

[0087] As described above, although the present invention has been explained 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. Battery cell; A case that accommodates the above battery cell and has an opening; A vent door pivotably coupled to the above case and opening and closing the above opening; A first arm having a first coupling portion pivotably coupled to the interior of the case on one side and a protrusion on the other side; and, A battery container comprising a second connecting part pivotably coupled to the vent door, a third connecting part pivotably coupled between the protrusion and the first connecting part, and a second arm having a receiving part formed between the second connecting part and the third connecting part.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above protrusion is, A battery container accommodated in the receiving portion as the above vent door is opened.

3. In Paragraph 2, A battery container in which the vent door remains open when the above-mentioned protrusion is received in the above-mentioned receiving portion.

4. In Paragraph 2, A battery container in which, when the above-mentioned protrusion is received in the above-mentioned receiving portion, the first arm and the second arm are arranged to extend along the same direction.

5. In Paragraph 1, The first cancer is, A battery container configured to be longer than the second arm.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above case is, A battery container including a top panel having the above-mentioned opening.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above first coupling part is, A battery container pivotably coupled to the above-mentioned opening.

8. In Paragraph 7, A first bracket installed in the above-mentioned opening; and, A battery container further comprising a first coupling pin penetrating the first coupling portion and the first bracket.

9. In Paragraph 1, A battery container further comprising a second connecting pin penetrating the first arm and the second arm.

10. In Paragraph 1, A second bracket installed on the above-mentioned vent door; and, A battery container further comprising a third connecting pin penetrating the second connecting portion and the second bracket.

11. In Paragraph 1, The above first arm is, Further comprising a fourth coupling part coupled to the third coupling part, and The distance between the first coupling part and the fourth coupling part is, A battery container configured such that the distance between the second coupling part and the third coupling part is greater than twice and less than three times.

12. An energy storage system comprising a battery container according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

Images