WO2025165008A1 - Battery pack - Google Patents

Abstract

A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a pack case having a first inner surface, a second inner surface facing the first inner surface, and an inner space between the first inner surface and the second inner surface; and multiple modules arranged in the inner space of the pack case and including multiple secondary batteries having a first end portion having a vent portion and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, wherein each secondary battery is arranged such that an imaginary center line passing through the first end portion and the second end portion is not parallel or orthogonal to the first inner surface and the second inner surface, and in each module, when at least one secondary battery is arranged to have the first end portion closer to the first inner surface than the second end portion, another secondary battery is arranged to have the first end portion closer to the second inner surface than the second end portion.

Description

battery pack

The present invention relates to a battery pack, and more particularly, to a battery pack including a plurality of cylindrical secondary batteries, wherein chain ignition within the battery pack can be prevented.

This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0014553, filed January 31, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Secondary batteries are rechargeable batteries that can be reused repeatedly. Depending on the capacity and output of the electronic device, secondary batteries can be manufactured in the form of battery modules and/or battery packs. A battery module consists of multiple secondary batteries connected in series and/or parallel. A battery pack consists of multiple battery modules connected in series and/or parallel.

Figure 1 is for explaining the direction of flame propagation when a secondary battery is ignited in a conventional battery pack.

Referring to Fig. 1, a battery pack (1) includes a plurality of battery modules (2, 3, 4). A conventional battery pack (1) adopts a structure in which a plurality of battery modules (2, 3, 4) are connected such that the positive terminal of one secondary battery and the negative terminal of another secondary battery adjacent thereto face each other.

For convenience of explanation, multiple battery modules (2, 3, 4) are referred to as the first module (2), the second module (3), and the third module (4) according to the arrangement order.

For example, when the first module (2) to the third module (4) are electrically connected in series, the positive terminal (21) of the first battery (20) of the first module (2) may be arranged to face the negative terminal (32) of the second battery (30) of the second module (3), and the positive terminal (31) of the second battery (30) of the second module (3) may be arranged to face the negative terminal (42) of the third battery (40) of the third module (4).

When the first battery (20) to the third battery (40) are cylindrical secondary batteries, the direction in which the flame is emitted when an internal ignition occurs is the direction in which each positive terminal (21, 31, 41) is opened to the outside.

For example, when the first battery (20) ignites, the internal pressure of the first battery (20) increases due to the flame (50). When the positive terminal (21) of the first battery (20) is separated from the first battery (20) due to the internal pressure, the flame (50) inside the first battery (20) is emitted in the direction in which the positive terminal (21) of the first battery (20) is opened.

In the conventional battery pack (1), when the first battery (20) catches fire internally, the positive terminal (21) of the first battery (20) opens toward the negative terminal (32) of the second battery (30), which may damage the negative terminal (32) of the second battery (30).

The flame (50) within the first battery (20) is transmitted in the direction in which the positive terminal (21) of the first battery (20) is opened, i.e., to the negative terminal (32) of the second battery (30), and can ignite the second battery (30).

When the second battery (30) is ignited, the positive terminal (31) of the second battery (30) is opened and the fire can be transmitted to the negative terminal (42) of the third battery (40). When the third battery (40) is ignited and the positive terminal (41) of the third battery (40) is opened, the flame (50) of the third battery (40) is transmitted to the surrounding area.

The flame (50) of the first battery (20) is sequentially transmitted from the first battery (20) to the second battery (30), and from the second battery (30) to the third battery (40), with the first battery (20) as the ignition starting point.

In a conventional battery pack (1), when an internal fire occurs in a secondary battery, the flame (50) may spread in the direction of the opening of the positive terminal, causing a chain reaction of fires. Chain reaction of secondary batteries (20, 30, 40) may cause the flame (50) to rapidly spread to the periphery of the battery pack (1), resulting in a large-scale fire.

The present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide a battery pack in which the negative terminals of two adjacent secondary batteries are arranged to face each other, so that when one of the secondary batteries catches fire, the flame can be prevented from spreading to another adjacent secondary battery.

In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a battery pack in which the vent portions of each secondary battery are not arranged to face adjacent secondary batteries, but are arranged obliquely to face the inner surface of the battery pack.

In addition, the purpose is to provide a battery pack in which the positive terminal of the secondary battery is arranged so as to face the inner surface of the pack case, so that when the secondary battery ignites, the flame is discharged to the inner surface of the pack case, thereby preventing the flame from being transmitted to adjacent secondary batteries and/or modules.

In addition, the purpose is to provide a battery pack capable of securing a flame escape space between the positive terminal of a secondary battery and the inner surface of a pack case.

In addition, the purpose is to provide a battery pack capable of reinforcing the rigidity of a pack case by mounting a reinforcing member in the empty space created between the inner surface of the pack case and two adjacent modules as a plurality of modules are arranged at an angle in the inner space of the pack case.

In addition, the purpose is to provide a battery pack that can guide flames to the inside of a pack case when a secondary battery ignites by providing a flame passage in the above-mentioned reinforcement part.

In addition, the purpose is to provide a battery pack that can prevent flames within a flame passage from being transmitted to adjacent modules by attaching a heat-resistant sheet to the above-mentioned reinforcement part.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack is provided, which includes a pack case having a first inner surface, a second inner surface facing the first inner surface, and an inner space between the first inner surface and the second inner surface, and a plurality of modules including a plurality of secondary batteries arranged in the inner space of the pack case, the first end having a vent portion, and the second end in the opposite direction of the first end.

Additionally, each secondary battery is arranged such that the imaginary center line passing through the first end and the second end is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the first inner surface and the second inner surface, respectively.

Additionally, in each module, at least one secondary battery is arranged such that the first end is closer to the first inner surface than the second end, and another secondary battery is arranged such that the first end is closer to the second inner surface than the second end.

Additionally, in each module, the plurality of secondary batteries may be arranged in multiple rows such that the first ends of the secondary batteries in the first row adjacent to the first side and the first ends of the secondary batteries in the second row adjacent to the second side face different directions.

Additionally, in each module, a plurality of secondary batteries may be arranged in parallel along a diagonal direction in which the virtual center lines are inclined with respect to the first inner surface and the second inner surface, respectively.

Additionally, in two adjacent modules, the secondary batteries of the first row of one module and the secondary batteries of the second row of the other module can be arranged so that their respective virtual center lines are coaxial.

Additionally, the second end of the secondary battery of the first row of one of the above modules may be arranged to face the second end of the secondary battery of the second row of the other module.

Additionally, the two adjacent modules may be arranged to form a first empty space between the first inner surface and a second empty space between the second inner surface.

Additionally, each module may be arranged so that when the secondary battery of the first row is ignited, the flame is emitted toward the first empty space, and when the secondary battery of the second row is ignited, the flame is emitted toward the second empty space.

Additionally, the battery pack may include a first reinforcing member having a first flame passage arranged in the first empty space and configured to receive a flame generated when the secondary battery of the first row is ignited, and a second reinforcing member having a second flame passage arranged in the second empty space and configured to receive a flame generated when the secondary battery of the second row is ignited.

Additionally, the first reinforcing member may be positioned such that the first flame passage faces the first end of the secondary battery of the first row of the adjacent module, and the second reinforcing member may be positioned such that the second flame passage faces the first end of the secondary battery of the second row of the adjacent module.

Additionally, the first reinforcing member may include a plurality of first flame passages partitioned by the first ribs. The first flame passages may provide a flame escape space.

Additionally, the first reinforcing member may include a first heat-resistant sheet disposed within the first flame passage.

Additionally, the first heat-resistant sheet may include a mica sheet having an alumina silicate component.

Additionally, the second reinforcement portion may include a plurality of second flame passages partitioned by second ribs.

Additionally, the second reinforcing member may include a second heat-resistant sheet disposed within the second flame passage.

Additionally, the second heat-resistant sheet may include a mica sheet having an alumina silicate component.

Additionally, the first end may include a positive terminal, and the second end may include a negative terminal.

In addition, a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a pack case having a first inner surface, a second inner surface facing the first inner surface, and an inner space between the first inner surface and the second inner surface, a plurality of modules including a plurality of secondary batteries arranged in the inner space of the pack case and having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, wherein each of the secondary batteries is arranged such that an imaginary center line passing through the positive terminal and the negative terminal is not parallel to or perpendicular to the first inner surface and the second inner surface, and in each of the modules, when at least one secondary battery is arranged such that the positive terminal is closer to the first inner surface than the negative terminal, another secondary battery may be arranged such that the positive terminal is closer to the second inner surface than the negative terminal.

As described above, the battery pack according to at least one embodiment of the present invention has the following effects.

The above battery pack is configured such that the negative terminals of two adjacent secondary batteries are arranged facing each other, so that when one of the secondary batteries catches fire, the flame can be prevented from spreading to the other adjacent secondary battery.

In addition, the battery pack is arranged so that the positive terminal of the secondary battery faces the inner surface of the pack case, so that when the secondary battery ignites, the flame is discharged to the inner surface of the pack case, thereby preventing the flame from being transmitted to adjacent secondary batteries and/or modules.

Since the vents of each secondary battery are not arranged to face the adjacent secondary battery, but are arranged obliquely to face the inner surface of the battery pack, when the secondary battery ignites, the flames discharged through the vents may be discharged to the inner surface of the pack case.

Additionally, a flame escape space can be secured between the positive terminal of the secondary battery and the inner surface of the pack case.

In addition, the battery pack can reinforce the rigidity of the pack case by installing a reinforcing member in the empty space created when a plurality of modules are arranged at an angle in the internal space of the pack case.

In addition, the battery pack may provide a flame passage coaxial with the virtual center line of the secondary battery adjacent to the reinforcement part, so that when the secondary battery ignites, the flame may be guided to the inner surface of the pack case connected to the flame passage, thereby preventing the flame from being transmitted to an adjacent module.

In addition, the battery pack can prevent flames within the flame passage from being transmitted to adjacent modules by attaching a heat-resistant sheet to either or both of the inner surface of the reinforcing portion including the flame passage and the outer surface of the reinforcing portion outside the flame passage.

Figure 1 is for explaining the direction of flame propagation when a secondary battery is ignited in a conventional battery pack.

FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which a reinforcing part is not mounted.

Figure 3(a) is a configuration diagram of a secondary battery, and Figure 3(b) is a drawing for explaining the process in which a vent part provided with a positive terminal is opened by flame when the secondary battery is ignited.

FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining the direction in which flames of a secondary battery ignited in a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention are transmitted.

FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of the first and second modules adjacent to each other and the arrangement of the first and second reinforcement parts in a battery pack according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of a plurality of secondary batteries provided in a first module according to a second embodiment of the present invention and the arrangement of first and second reinforcing parts for the first module.

FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the direction in which flames of a secondary battery ignited in a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention are transmitted.

Referring to the attached drawings below, a battery pack related to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In addition, regardless of the drawing symbol, identical or corresponding components are given identical or similar reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted, and for the convenience of explanation, the size and shape of each component depicted may be exaggerated or reduced.

FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which a reinforcing part is not mounted, FIG. 3(a) is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3(b) is a drawing for explaining a process in which a vent part provided with a positive terminal is opened by flame when the secondary battery is ignited.

Referring to FIG. 2, a battery pack (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a pack case (110) having a first inner surface (111), a second inner surface (112) facing the first inner surface (111), and an internal space (115) between the first inner surface (111) and the second inner surface (112). For example, the first inner surface (111) and the second inner surface (112) may be arranged in parallel.

In addition, the battery pack (100) is arranged in the internal space of the pack case (110) and includes a plurality of modules (200, 300) including a plurality of secondary batteries (210, 220, 310, 320). Each module (200, 300) includes a plurality of secondary batteries (210, 220, 310, 320). Referring to (a) of FIG. 3, each secondary battery (210) has a first end (210a) having a vent portion (215) and a second end (210b) opposite to the first end (210a).

Referring to FIG. 2, the direction from the first inner surface (111) of the pack case (110) toward the second inner surface (112) is the y-axis direction, and the x-axis direction orthogonal to the y-axis direction may indicate the arrangement direction of multiple modules within the pack case (110).

For example, the first end (210a) may include a positive terminal (211), and the second end (210b) may include a negative terminal (212). In this structure, the battery pack (100) may include a plurality of modules (200, 300) that are arranged in the internal space (115) of the pack case (110) and include a plurality of secondary batteries (210, 220, 310, 320) having positive terminals and negative terminals.

The above module (200, 300) may include a module case (201) and a plurality of secondary batteries (210, 220) arranged within the module case (201). The module case (201) may have a receiving space in which a plurality of secondary batteries (210, 220) can be received, and the module case (201) may have a structure in which both sides are open so as to expose a first end (210a) and a second end (210b) of each secondary battery (e.g., 210) to the outside.

Within each module (200, 300), a plurality of secondary batteries may be arranged in a plurality of rows. For example, the secondary batteries may be arranged in a first row adjacent to a first side (111) of the pack case (110), and the secondary batteries may be arranged in a second row adjacent to a second side (112) of the pack case (110). A plurality of secondary batteries may be arranged to form a plurality of rows along a direction from the first side (111) to the second side (112).

In addition, each of the secondary batteries (210, 220, 310, 320) may be arranged such that the imaginary center lines (L1, L2) passing through the positive terminal of the first end and the negative terminal of the second end are not parallel to or perpendicular to the first inner surface (111) and the second inner surface (112) of the pack case (110), respectively. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3(a), the secondary batteries (e.g., 210) may be arranged such that the imaginary center lines (L1) passing through the positive terminal (211) of the first end (210a) and the negative terminal (212) of the second end (210b) are not parallel to or perpendicular to the first inner surface (111) of the pack case (110), and may be arranged in a diagonal direction. In addition, the secondary battery (e.g., 210) may be arranged so that an imaginary center line (L1) passing through the positive terminal (211) of the first end (210a) and the negative terminal (212) of the second end (210b) is not parallel or orthogonal to the second inner surface (112) of the pack case (110), and may be arranged in a diagonal direction.

The above-described virtual center lines (L1, L2) can be divided into a first virtual center line (L1) and a second virtual center line (L2). For example, the first virtual center line (L1) is a virtual center line connecting the centers of the positive terminals (211, 311) and the negative terminals (212, 312) of the secondary batteries (210, 310) in the first row, and the second virtual center line (L2) is a virtual center line connecting the centers of the positive terminals (221, 321) and the negative terminals (222, 322) of the secondary batteries (220, 320) in the second row.

The plurality of secondary batteries (210, 220, 310, 320) may be arranged in parallel along an inclined diagonal direction (F) with respect to the first inner surface (111) and the second inner surface (112), respectively. The inclined direction (F) may be a direction in which the virtual first center line (L1) and the virtual second center line (L2) are inclined with respect to the first inner surface (111) and the second inner surface (112), respectively.

In two adjacent modules (200, 300), the plurality of secondary batteries (210, 220, 310, 320) can be arranged in multiple rows such that the positive terminals (211, 311) of the first ends of the secondary batteries (210, 310) of the first row and the positive terminals (221, 321) of the first ends of the secondary batteries (220, 320) of the second row face different directions. For example, in two adjacent modules (200, 300), at least one secondary battery (210, 310) may be arranged such that the positive terminal (211, 311) is closer to the first inner surface (111) than the negative terminal (212, 312), while another secondary battery (220, 320) may be arranged such that the positive terminal (221, 321) is closer to the second inner surface (112) than the negative terminal (222, 322). That is, the plurality of secondary batteries (210, 220, 310, 320) may be arranged such that the positive terminals (211, 311) of the first ends of the secondary batteries (210, 310) of the first row are arranged adjacent to the first surface (111) in a direction toward the first surface (111), and the positive terminals (221, 321) of the first ends of the secondary batteries (220, 320) of the second row are arranged adjacent to the second surface (112) in a direction toward the second surface (112).

In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, two adjacent modules (200, 300) are referred to as a first module (200) and a second module (300) according to the arrangement order along the module arrangement direction (x-axis direction).

Referring to FIG. 2, the first module (200) refers to a module placed on the left side (also referred to as the front side in the longitudinal direction of the pack case) of the pack case (110). In addition, the secondary battery provided in the first module (200) is referred to as a "first secondary battery (210, 220)". In addition, the secondary battery provided in the first module (200) is referred to as a "first secondary battery (210, 220)". The first secondary battery (210, 220) may include a first secondary battery (210) in the first row and a first secondary battery (220) in the second row.

Meanwhile, the second module (300) refers to a module arranged on the right side of the pack case (110) (also referred to as the rear side in the longitudinal direction of the pack case) and is a module arranged at the rear end of the first module (200) adjacent to the first module (200). The second module (300) has the same structure as the first module (200). In addition, the secondary battery provided in the second module (300) is referred to as a "second secondary battery (310, 320)". The second secondary battery (310, 320) may include a second secondary battery (310) in the first row and a second secondary battery (320) in the second row.

When each module (200, 300) is arranged at an angle within the pack case (110), a plurality of empty spaces can be formed between each module (200, 300) and the first side (111) and the second side (112). The empty spaces can function as flame escape spaces when the secondary battery ignites.

In the first module (200), the positive terminal (211) of the first secondary battery (210) of the first row can be positioned adjacent to the first inner surface (111). In the internal space (115) of the pack case (110), the positive terminal (211) of the first secondary battery (210) of the first row is positioned to face the adjacent first empty space (120a).

The positive terminal (221) of the first secondary battery (220) of the second row can be positioned adjacent to the second inner surface (112). In the internal space (115) of the pack case (110), the positive terminal (221) of the first secondary battery (220) of the second row is positioned facing the adjacent second empty space (130a).

The second module (300) may be arranged so that the first secondary battery (210) of the first row of the first module (200) and the second secondary battery (320) of the second row of the second module (300) are positioned on a virtual coaxial line. For example, the second module (300) may be arranged at the rear end of the first module (200) so that a portion of the second module (300) is in contact with the first module (200).

For example, the first secondary battery (210) of the first row of the first module (200) and the second secondary battery (320) of the second row of the second module (300) may be arranged in a straight line along the diagonal direction (F).

Additionally, the negative terminal (212) of the first secondary battery (210) of the first row of the first module (200) may be arranged to face the negative terminal (322) of the second secondary battery (320) of the second row of the second module (300).

Additionally, the positive terminal (211) of the first secondary battery (210) of the first row of the first module (200) may be placed on the opposite side to the positive terminal (321) of the second secondary battery (320) of the second row of the second module (300).

The positive terminal (311) of the second secondary battery (310) of the first row may be positioned to face the adjacent first empty space (120b). In addition, the positive terminal (321) of the second secondary battery (320) of the second row may be positioned to face the adjacent second empty space (130b). In this document, the plurality of first empty spaces (120a, 120b) refer to a space positioned between the first surface (111) of the pack case (110) and each module (200, 300), and the plurality of second empty spaces (130a, 130b) refer to a space positioned between the second surface (112) of the pack case (110) and each module (200, 300).

A plurality of first empty spaces (120a, 120b) may be provided in the inner space of the pack case (110) as the first and second modules (200, 300) are arranged at an angle with respect to the first inner surface (111). At this time, each of the first empty spaces (120a, 120b) may be an individual space that can be divided into different areas of the first inner surface (111). Each of the first empty spaces (120a, 120b) may be a closed space separated along the module arrangement direction.

One of the first empty spaces (120a) may be a space adjacent to the positive terminal (211) of the first secondary battery (210) of the first row of the first module (200). The other of the first empty spaces (120b) may be a space adjacent to the positive terminal (311) of the second secondary battery (310) of the first row of the second module (300). Referring to Fig. 4, the first empty spaces (120a, 120b) may have a triangular cross-section that includes a portion of the first inner surface (111).

A plurality of second empty spaces (130a, 130b) may be provided in the inner space of the pack case (110) as the first and second modules (200, 300) are arranged at an angle with respect to the second inner surface (112). At this time, each of the second empty spaces (130a, 130b) may be an individual space that can be divided into different areas of the second inner surface (112). Each of the second empty spaces (130a, 130b) may be a closed space separated along the module arrangement direction.

Each second empty space (130a, 130b) can be spaced apart from each first empty space (120a, 120b) along the diagonal direction (F).

One of the second empty spaces (130a) may be a space adjacent to the positive terminal (221) of the first secondary battery (220) of the second row of the first module (200). In addition, the other of the second empty spaces (130b) may be a space adjacent to the positive terminal (321) of the second secondary battery (320) of the second row of the second module (300). Referring to Fig. 4, the second empty spaces (130a, 130b) may have a triangular cross-section that includes a portion of the second inner surface (112).

The battery pack (100) may include a plurality of first bus bars (410) for electrically connecting the secondary batteries (210, 310) arranged in the first row in each module, and a plurality of second bus bars (420) for electrically connecting the secondary batteries (220, 320) arranged in the second row. The first and second bus bars (410, 420) have the same structure.

The first and second modules (200, 300) may be arranged so that the secondary batteries are electrically connected in series.

For example, the first bus bar (410) may have a positive electrode connection portion (411) that is electrically connected to the positive terminal of one secondary battery disposed in the same column of the first module and the second module, and a negative electrode connection portion (412) that is electrically connected to the negative terminal of another secondary battery adjacent thereto.

The first bus bar (410) may have a bending portion (413) provided between the positive electrode connection portion (411) and the negative electrode connection portion (412).

The first bus bar (410) has the negative terminal (412) bent at a predetermined angle relative to the positive terminal (411), and can electrically connect the negative terminal (212) of the first secondary battery (210) of the first row of the first module (200) and the positive terminal (311) of the secondary battery (310) of the first row of the second module (300).

The second bus bar (420) can electrically connect the positive terminal (221) of the second secondary battery (220) of the second row of the first module (200) and the negative terminal (322) of the second secondary battery (320) of the second row of the second module (300).

FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining the direction in which flames of a secondary battery ignited in a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention are transmitted. FIG. 4 is a drawing of the battery pack (100) of FIG. 2 with the first bus bar (410) and the second bus bar (420) omitted, and illustrates the direction in which flames are emitted.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the direction of emission of the flame (50) of the first secondary battery (210, 220) is the direction in which the positive terminal (211, 221) is opened.

In the first module (200), the positive terminal (211) of the first secondary battery (210) of the first row is positioned to face the adjacent first empty space (120a). When the first secondary battery (210) of the first row is ignited, the flame (50) can be discharged along the first direction (F1) to any one of the first empty spaces (120a).

The above first direction (F1) is a direction inclined toward the front side of the pack case (110) on the first inner surface (111).

When the first secondary battery (210) of the first row of the first module (200) ignites, the flame (50) of the first secondary battery (210) of the first row can be discharged along the first direction (F1) into any one of the first empty spaces (120a). For example, the flame (50) can be discharged to the outside of the pack case (110) by damaging a portion of the first inner surface (111) of the pack case (110).

The positive terminal (221) of the first secondary battery (220) of the second row of the first module (200) is positioned to face the adjacent second empty space (130a). When the first secondary battery (220) of the second row is ignited, the flame (50) may be discharged to any one of the second empty spaces (130a) along the second direction (F2). For example, the flame (50) may damage a portion of the second inner surface (112) of the pack case (110) in any one of the second empty spaces (130a) and be discharged to the outside of the pack case (110).

The above second direction (F2) may be the opposite direction to the above first direction (F1).

The direction of emission of the flame (50) of the second secondary battery (310, 320) of the second module (300) is the direction in which the positive terminal (311, 321) is opened.

The positive terminal (311) of the second secondary battery (310) of the first row of the second module (300) is positioned to face the adjacent first empty space (120b). When the second secondary battery (310) of the first row of the second module (300) ignites, the flame (50) of the second secondary battery (310) of the first row can be discharged to the other first empty space (120b) along the first direction (F1). For example, it can be discharged to the outside of the pack case (110) by damaging a part of the first inner surface (111) of the pack case (110).

The positive terminal (321) of the second secondary battery (320) of the second row of the second module (300) is positioned to face the adjacent second empty space (130b). When the second secondary battery (320) of the second row is ignited, the flame (50) can be discharged to another second empty space (130b) along the second direction (F2). For example, the flame (50) can be discharged to the outside of the pack case (110) by damaging a portion of the second inner surface (112) of the pack case (110) in the other second empty space (130b).

Through the structure as described above, the battery pack (100) can prevent the flame (50) from being transmitted to other secondary batteries adjacent to the ignited secondary battery by allowing the flame (50) to be discharged to different areas of the first inner surface (111) and the second inner surface (112) of the pack case when the secondary battery ignites.

In addition, the battery pack (100) is arranged so that the positive terminal (211, 221) of the first secondary battery (210, 220) and the negative terminal (312, 322) of the second secondary battery (310, 320) do not face each other, thereby preventing a flame (50) ignited in the first secondary battery (210, 220) from being transmitted to the second secondary battery (310, 320).

In this document, all secondary batteries may have the same structure.

For example, referring to FIG. 3(a), the first secondary battery (210) may include a battery can (213), an electrode assembly (214), an electrolyte (not shown), a positive terminal (211), and a negative terminal (212).

The above electrode assembly (214) is formed by rolling a positive electrode (not shown) and a negative electrode (not shown) with a separator (not shown) as a medium. The electrode assembly (214) is accommodated in the internal space (115) of the battery can (213) together with the electrolyte (not shown).

The battery can (213) has a cylindrical shape with an opening (218). The negative terminal (212) may be provided on the bottom surface of the battery can (213). The negative terminal (212) is electrically connected to the negative electrode (not shown) of the electrode assembly (214).

A vent part (215) having the positive electrode terminal (211) is mounted in the opening (218) of the battery can (213). The vent part (215) is provided to seal the opening (218) of the battery can (213). The vent part (215) is provided as an integral part with the positive electrode terminal (211). The positive electrode terminal (211) is electrically connected to the positive electrode (not shown) of the electrode assembly (214).

Referring to Fig. 3(b), when the first secondary battery (210) catches fire internally, the pressure in the internal space of the battery can (213) increases due to the flame (50). The high-pressure internal pressure pressurizes the vent part (215) provided with the positive terminal (211). The vent part (215) provided with the positive terminal (211) can be separated from the battery can (213) by the high-pressure internal pressure.

The flame (50) inside the battery can (213) is discharged to the outside through the open portion of the vent section (215) provided with the positive terminal (211), i.e., the opening (218) of the battery can (213). The flame (50) can be discharged from the battery can (213) in the direction in which the high-pressure internal pressure presses the vent section (215) provided with the positive terminal (211).

FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of adjacent first and second modules and the arrangement of first and second reinforcing members in a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of a plurality of secondary batteries provided in a first module according to a second embodiment of the present invention and the arrangement of the first and second reinforcing members for the first module. FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the direction in which flames of secondary batteries ignited in a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention are transmitted.

Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described as follows.

This embodiment is an embodiment in which first and second reinforcing members (600, 700) are additionally installed in the battery pack (100) illustrated in FIG. 2 to reinforce the rigidity of the pack case (110).

In this document, in order to clearly explain the first and second reinforcement members (600, 700) and the direction of flame emission, the drawing representation of the busbars that electrically connect the secondary batteries in FIGS. 5 and 7 is omitted.

Below, the first and second reinforcement parts (600, 700) will be described.

Referring to Fig. 6, the first module (200) includes a plurality of first secondary batteries (210, 220) and a module case (201). The first secondary batteries (210, 220) include one or more first secondary batteries (210) in a first row and one or more first secondary batteries (220) in a second row. The module case (201) is for protecting the plurality of first secondary batteries (210, 220).

For example, when the first module (200) includes four first secondary batteries (210, 220) arranged in a 2×2 configuration, the four first secondary batteries (210, 220) may be housed in the module case (201) such that two positive terminals (211) are positioned on the front side (200a) of the first module (200) facing the first side (211), and two positive terminals (221) are positioned on the rear side (200b) of the first module (200) facing the second side (112). However, the number of first secondary batteries (210, 220) used may vary depending on the capacity of the first module (200), and is not limited to the structure illustrated in this document.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the first reinforcing member (600) is mounted on the first inner surface (111) in each of the first empty spaces (120a, 120b), thereby reinforcing the rigidity of the pack case (110) on the first inner surface (111).

The above first reinforcing member (600) has a first flame passage (610) provided to guide the flame (50) discharged along the first direction (F1) to the first inner surface (111).

The first reinforcing member (600) may be positioned in the first empty space (120a, 120b) so that the first flame passage (610) is positioned coaxially with the imaginary first center line (L1) of the secondary battery (210, 310) of the first row of adjacent modules.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the first flame passage (610) can be arranged to face the positive terminal (211) of the front end (200a) of the first module (200).

The first reinforcing member (600) includes a plurality of first flame passages (610) partitioned by first ribs (630), and each first flame passage (610) can be arranged coaxially with an imaginary first center line (L1) of each secondary battery arranged in the first row of the adjacent module.

The above first rib (630) is intended to reinforce the rigidity of the first flame passage (610). A plurality of first flame passages (610) partitioned by the first rib (630) may be arranged to face the secondary batteries arranged in the first row, respectively.

Additionally, the first reinforcing member (600) may include a first heat-resistant sheet (620) to block the flame (50) within the first flame passage (610) from being transmitted to an adjacent module.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the first heat-resistant sheet (620) may be mounted on the outer surface of the first reinforcing member (600) exposed to the first empty space (120a, 120b). The first heat-resistant sheet (620) may also be mounted on the inner surface of the first flame passage (610).

The first heat-resistant sheet (620) has a heat resistance sufficient to withstand a flame (50). The first heat-resistant sheet (620) may be a mica sheet. The mica sheet is a heat-resistant sheet containing an alumina silicate component. The mica sheet has a mica material.

For example, referring to FIG. 7, in the first module (200), when the first secondary battery (210) of the first row is ignited, the positive terminal (211) of the first secondary battery (210) of the first row is opened in the first direction (F1) due to the flame (50).

When the positive terminal (211) of the first secondary battery (210) of the first row is opened, the flame (50) can be discharged into the first flame passage (610) along the first direction (F1).

The first reinforcing member (600) is arranged so that the first flame passage (610) is positioned in a straight line with the imaginary first center line (L1) of the first secondary battery (210) of the first row, so that when the first secondary battery (210) of the first row ignites, the flame (50) can be guided to the first inner surface (111) of the pack case (110). The first flame passage (610) can be blocked from heat transfer to an adjacent module (200 or 300) by the first heat-resistant sheet (620).

Below, the second reinforcement part (700) is described as follows.

Referring to FIG. 5, the second reinforcing member (700) is mounted on the second inner surface (112) in the second empty space (130a, 130b), thereby reinforcing the rigidity of the pack case (110) on the second inner surface (112).

The second reinforcing member (700) has a second flame passage (710) provided to guide the flame (50) discharged along the second direction (F2) to the second inner surface (112).

The second reinforcing member (700) may be positioned in the second empty space (130a, 130b) such that the second flame passage (710) is positioned coaxially with the imaginary second center line (L2) of the secondary batteries (220, 320) of the second row of adjacent modules. For example, the second reinforcing member (700) may have the same structure as the first reinforcing member (600).

The second reinforcing member (700) includes a plurality of second flame passages (710) partitioned by second ribs (730), and each second flame passage (710) can be arranged so as to be coaxial with an imaginary second center line (L2) of each secondary battery arranged in the second row of the adjacent module. The number of second flame passages (710) can vary depending on the number of secondary batteries in the second row of each module.

Additionally, the second reinforcing member (700) may include a second heat-resistant sheet (720) to block the flame (50) within the second flame passage (710) from being transmitted to an adjacent module.

The second heat-resistant sheet (720) has a heat resistance sufficient to withstand a flame (50). A mica sheet may be used as the second heat-resistant sheet (720). The mica sheet is a heat-resistant sheet containing an alumina silicate component. The mica sheet has a mica material.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the second heat-resistant sheet (720) may be mounted on the outer surface of the second reinforcing member (700) exposed to the second empty space (130a, 130b). In addition, the second heat-resistant sheet (720) may be mounted on the inner surface of the second flame passage (710). The second heat-resistant sheet (720) may prevent the flame (50) moving along the second flame passage (710) from being transmitted to the surrounding area.

For example, referring to FIG. 7, in the second module (300), when the second secondary battery (320) of the second row is ignited, the positive terminal (321) of the second secondary battery (320) of the second row is opened in the second direction (F2) due to the flame (50).

When the positive terminal (321) of the second secondary battery (320) of the second row is opened, the flame (50) can be discharged to the second flame passage (710) along the second direction (F2).

The second reinforcing member (700) is positioned so that the second flame passage (710) is positioned in a straight line with the virtual second center line (L2) of the second secondary battery (320) of the second row, so that when the second secondary battery (320) of the second row is ignited, the flame (50) can be guided to the second inner surface (112) of the pack case (110).

Through the structure as described above, the battery pack (100) has a first reinforcing member (600) provided in each of the first empty spaces (120a, 120b) and a second reinforcing member (700) provided in each of the second empty spaces (130a, 130b), so that the rigidity of the pack case (110) can be reinforced.

In addition, the battery pack (100) can prevent flames (50) from being transmitted to surrounding secondary batteries and surrounding modules by providing a first flame passage (610) and a second flame passage (710) in the direction in which the positive terminal is opened. The first flame passage (610) and the second flame passage (710) are spaced apart from each other in a diagonal direction.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention described above are disclosed for illustrative purposes. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, variations, and additions can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications, variations, and additions should be considered to fall within the scope of the following claims.

According to a battery pack according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, when one secondary battery catches fire, the flame can be prevented from spreading to another adjacent secondary battery.

Claims (15)

A pack case having a first inner surface, a second inner surface facing the first inner surface, and an inner space between the first inner surface and the second inner surface; and A plurality of modules including a plurality of secondary batteries arranged in the inner space of the pack case and having a first end having a vent portion and a second end opposite to the first end, Each secondary battery is arranged such that the imaginary center line passing through the first end and the second end is not parallel or perpendicular to the first inner surface and the second inner surface, respectively. In each module, at least one secondary battery is arranged such that the first end is closer to the first inner surface than the second end, and another secondary battery is arranged such that the first end is closer to the second inner surface than the second end. In the first paragraph, In each module, the plurality of secondary batteries are arranged in multiple rows such that the first ends of the secondary batteries in the first row adjacent to the first side and the first ends of the secondary batteries in the second row adjacent to the second side face different directions, In each module, a plurality of secondary batteries are arranged in parallel along a diagonal direction with respect to the first inner surface and the second inner surface, respectively, along a virtual center line of the battery pack. In the second paragraph, A battery pack in which the secondary batteries of the first row of one module and the secondary batteries of the second row of the other module are arranged so that their respective virtual center lines are coaxial. In the second paragraph, A battery pack in which the second end of the secondary battery of the first row of one of the above modules is arranged to face the second end of the secondary battery of the second row of the other module. In the second paragraph, A battery pack wherein the two adjacent modules form a first empty space between the first inner surface and a second empty space between the second inner surface. In the fifth paragraph, each module, When the secondary battery of the first row ignites, the flame is emitted toward the first empty space, A battery pack arranged so that when the secondary battery of the second row ignites, the flame is emitted toward the second empty space. In paragraph 6, A first reinforcing member having a first flame passage arranged in the first empty space and configured to receive a flame generated when the secondary battery of the first row is ignited; and A battery pack further comprising a second reinforcing member having a second flame passage arranged in the second empty space and configured to receive a flame generated when the secondary battery of the second row is ignited. In paragraph 7, The first reinforcing member is positioned so that the first flame passage faces the first end of the secondary battery of the first row of the adjacent module, A battery pack wherein the second reinforcing member is positioned so that the second flame passage faces the first end of the secondary battery of the second row of adjacent modules. In paragraph 8, A battery pack wherein the first reinforcement portion includes a plurality of first flame passages partitioned by first ribs. In paragraph 8, A battery pack wherein the first reinforcing member further includes a first heat-resistant sheet disposed within the first flame passage. In paragraph 10, A battery pack wherein the first heat-resistant sheet includes a mica sheet having an alumina silicate component. In paragraph 8, A battery pack wherein the second reinforcing member includes a plurality of second flame passages partitioned by second ribs. In paragraph 8, A battery pack wherein the second reinforcing member further includes a second heat-resistant sheet disposed within the second flame passage. In paragraph 13, A battery pack wherein the second heat-resistant sheet includes a mica sheet having an alumina silicate component. In the first paragraph, A battery pack wherein the first end includes a positive terminal and the second end includes a negative terminal.