Battery pack and energy storage system

Abstract

A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cell module assembly including a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a pack case for accommodating the cell module assembly; and a latch which can be attached to and detached from the pack case, and which can couple neighboring battery packs to each other.

Description

Battery packs and energy storage devices

[0001] Cross-citation with related application(s)

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0095855, filed July 19, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The present invention relates to a battery pack and an energy storage device, and more particularly, to a battery pack and an energy storage device that can be more easily combined and separated between stacked pack cases.

[0004] In modern society, the widespread use of portable devices like cell phones, laptops, camcorders, and digital cameras, as well as energy storage systems (ESS), has led to active development of related technologies. Furthermore, rechargeable secondary batteries are increasingly being used as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs) to address air pollution issues caused by conventional gasoline-powered vehicles, further fueling the growing need for secondary battery development.

[0005] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are receiving the most attention due to their advantages of free charging and discharging, low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0006] These secondary batteries are widely used not only in small devices like portable electronic devices, but also in medium- to large-sized devices like electric vehicles and power storage systems, and their use is rapidly increasing. Furthermore, the use of residential battery packs for power storage has been on the rise recently.

[0007] Meanwhile, a simpler method for joining and separating stacked battery packs is needed.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a battery pack and energy storage device that can be more easily combined and separated between stacked pack cases.

[0009] However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the problems described above and can be expanded in various ways within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention.

[0010] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include: a cell module assembly including a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a pack case that accommodates the cell module assembly; and a latch that is detachable from the pack case and capable of coupling adjacent battery packs.

[0011] The upper portion of the latch may include a pair of protrusions protruding to both sides, and the lower portion of the latch may include a central support extending vertically downward from between the pair of protrusions and a pair of wings extending to both sides from the lower end of the central support.

[0012] The latch further includes a detachable grip portion protruding from the front surface on the front area, and the latch can be detached horizontally from the outer surface toward the outside of the pack case.

[0013] The pack case includes a first latch engaging portion to which the upper portion of the latch can be engaged, the first latch engaging portion including: a pair of supporting portions that support the pair of protrusions of the upper portion of the latch; and a through-hole provided between the pair of supporting portions and through which the central support of the latch can pass, wherein the pair of supporting portions support at least the lower surface of the pair of protrusions of the latch so that the latch can be restricted from moving up and down.

[0014] The pair of support members of the first latch coupling portion may include a plate shape disposed below the lower surface of the pair of protrusions.

[0015] The through-hole of the first latch engaging portion may include a notch shape.

[0016] The first latch coupling portion further includes a pair of receiving grooves provided at both ends of the pair of support portions, and the ends of the pair of protrusions on the upper portion of the latch can be received so as to fit into the pair of receiving grooves, respectively.

[0017] The upper portion of the latch further includes a hook protruding from the rear surface, and the first latch engaging portion further includes a hook groove provided between the pair of supporting portions and around the through-hole, and the hook of the upper portion of the latch can be hook-engaged with the hook groove of the first latch engaging portion.

[0018] The pack case may include a second latch engaging portion to which the lower portion of the latch can be engaged, and the second latch engaging portion may include: an opening in which the upper surface of the second latch engaging portion is open so that the lower portion of the latch can pass through; a mounting portion communicating with the opening; and a pair of engaging portions disposed on both sides of the opening and having a shape protruding toward the opening.

[0019] The lower end of the pair of wing parts at the lower portion of the latch is fixed to the central support, and the remaining portion of the pair of wing parts is displaceable within a distance from the central support, and when the lower portion of the latch passes downward through the opening of the second latch engaging portion, when force is applied to the pair of wing parts of the latch by the pair of catching portions, the remaining portion of the pair of wing parts moves toward the central support, and when the pair of wing parts of the latch passes through the opening and is mounted within the mounting portion, the pair of wing parts can be restored to their original state by a restoring force and caught by the pair of catching portions of the second latch engaging portion.

[0020] Each of the pair of wing portions at the lower portion of the latch has an inclined surface that becomes narrower as it goes downward compared to the extension direction of the central support, and the pair of wing portions can slide into the opening between the pair of catch portions of the second latch engaging portion along the inclined surface and be inserted into the mounting portion.

[0021] The shape of the mounting portion of the second latch coupling portion may have a shape that becomes narrower as it goes downward so as to correspond to the outer shape of the pair of wing portions at the lower portion of the latch.

[0022] Before the latch is mounted on the second latch engaging portion or after the latch is mounted on the second latch engaging portion, the total width of the latch, including the pair of wing portions at the bottom, may be greater than the width of the opening of the second latch engaging portion.

[0023] The pack case includes a first latch engaging portion to which an upper portion of the latch can be engaged and a second latch engaging portion to which a lower portion of the latch can be engaged, wherein the first latch engaging portion is located at a lower portion of the pack case, and the second latch engaging portion is located at an upper portion of the pack case, wherein the first latch engaging portion and the second latch engaging portion are located on the same line in a vertical direction of the pack case, and the upper portion of the latch is engaged with the first latch engaging portion of the battery pack stacked on the upper portion, and the lower portion of the latch is engaged with the second latch engaging portion of the battery pack stacked on the lower portion, thereby enabling fixed engagement between the battery packs stacked vertically.

[0024] The pack case includes an upper protrusion at the upper portion and a lower receiving portion at the lower portion, and the upper protrusion of the battery pack stacked at the lower portion can be coupled to the lower receiving portion of the battery pack stacked at the upper portion so as to fit therein, and the first latch engaging portion can be provided at the lower receiving portion, and the second latch engaging portion can be provided at the upper protrusion.

[0025] The upper protrusion of the pack case may be a carrying handle for the battery pack.

[0026] The above pack case may include a plastic having high heat resistance and rigidity.

[0027] An energy storage device including a battery pack according to the embodiments described above can be provided.

[0028]

[0029] According to the present invention, in a battery pack and an energy storage device, it is possible to connect and separate stacked battery packs in a simpler manner.

[0030] In addition, the latch that connects the stacked battery packs or the pack case of the battery pack can be connected and removed in a more convenient manner.

[0031] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figures 2 and 3 are each a use state diagram of the battery pack of Figure 1.

[0034] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of Figure 1.

[0035] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the cell module assembly of Figure 4.

[0036] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the cell module assembly of Figure 4.

[0037] Figure 7 illustrates the outer cover separated from the pack case of the battery pack of Figure 1.

[0038] Figure 8 illustrates the latch separated from the battery pack of Figure 7.

[0039] Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the handle of Figure 7.

[0040] Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the handle receiving portion of Figure 7.

[0041] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate situations before and after the handle and handle receiving portion of Figure 7 are interlocked with each other in a stacked battery pack, respectively.

[0042] Figure 13 is an enlarged view of the latch of Figure 8.

[0043] Figure 14 is an enlarged view of the latch joint of the latch and handle receiving portion indicated by the dotted line in Figure 8.

[0044] Figure 15 is an enlarged view of the latch joint of the handle.

[0045] Figure 16 is a side view of the perspective view of Figure 11 from a different angle.

[0046] Figure 17 is a reference drawing showing the connection between battery packs stacked vertically.

[0047] FIG. 18 is a reference diagram illustrating a process of attaching a latch to a modularly stacked battery pack according to each of the above-described embodiments.

[0048] FIG. 19 is a reference diagram illustrating a process of removing a latch from a modularly stacked battery pack according to each of the above-described embodiments.

[0049] FIG. 20 is a reference diagram schematically illustrating a case in which a plurality of modular battery packs according to the above-described embodiments of the present invention are stacked and a BPU is combined at the top.

[0050] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. The present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0051] In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not related to the description are omitted, and the same reference numerals are used for identical or similar components throughout the specification.

[0052] Furthermore, the sizes and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily indicated for convenience of explanation, and thus the present invention is not necessarily limited to the illustrated components. In the drawings, the thicknesses are enlarged to clearly represent various layers and regions. Furthermore, in the drawings, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for convenience of explanation.

[0053] Furthermore, when we say that a layer, membrane, region, plate, or other part is "on" or "over" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "directly on" the other part, but also cases where there are other parts in between. Conversely, when we say that a part is "directly on" another part, it means that there are no other parts in between. Furthermore, when we say that a part is "on" or "over" a reference part, it means that it is located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean that it is located "above" or "over" the direction opposite to gravity.

[0054] Additionally, throughout the specification, whenever a part is said to "include" a component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0055] Additionally, throughout the specification, when we say "in plan", we mean when the target portion is viewed from above, and when we say "in cross section", we mean when the target portion is viewed from the side in a cross-section cut vertically.

[0056] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0057] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a modular battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 2 and 3 are each a use state diagram of the battery pack (1) of Fig. 1.

[0058] First, as shown in Fig. 1, the battery pack (1) can be used alone.

[0059] In FIGS. 2 and 3, a case where a battery pack (1) is implemented as an energy storage device (ESS) is exemplarily illustrated. Referring to FIG. 2, a base (2) may be provided to protect the battery pack (1) from the ground, etc., and the battery pack (1) may be stacked on the base (2). Referring to FIG. 3, a plurality of battery packs (1) may be provided and stacked. A plurality of battery packs (1) may be stacked, for example, in a vertical direction. In addition, it goes without saying that a plurality of battery packs (1) may be freely combined through a series or parallel connection.

[0060] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack (1) of Figure 1.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 4, the battery pack (1) includes a cell module assembly (CMA, 100) and a pack case (200) that houses the cell module assembly (100) therein.

[0062] Additionally, the battery pack (1) may include an outer cover (300) that covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the pack case (200).

[0063] First, the cell module assembly (100) is stored in a space inside the pack case (200). If a power unit (400) is provided, the power unit (400) may also be stored inside the pack case (200) together with the cell module assembly (100). Other details regarding the cell module assembly (100) will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0064] The pack case (200) may be configured to have an empty space formed inside and store a cell module assembly (100) or the like in the internal space. For example, the pack case (200) may be configured in a box shape as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4.

[0065] The pack case (200) may be composed of, for example, an upper case (200-1) covering the front and rear, left and right sides, and the upper surface of the cell module assembly (100), and a lower case (200-2) covering the lower surface of the cell module assembly (100). However, with respect to the structure and shape of the pack case (200), the present invention is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 4, and any case capable of storing the cell module assembly (100) inside is sufficient. The structure and shape of the case may be variously modified and changed to suit the specifications of the present invention, the environment in which it is implemented, etc.

[0066] A description of the detailed components of the pack case (200) is provided in more detail below in FIG. 7.

[0067] Meanwhile, the pack case (200) may be manufactured from plastic having high heat resistance and rigidity. In this case, compared to manufacturing the pack case (200) from metal, manufacturing the pack case (200) is easier and manufacturing costs can be reduced. In other words, the structure and shape of the outer surface of the pack case (200) and the structure and shape of the interior can be manufactured in various ways to suit the specifications or design requirements of the battery pack (1).

[0068] If the pack case (200) including the detailed components described below in FIG. 7 is manufactured from a plastic having high heat resistance and rigidity, the manufacture of the pack case (200) becomes easier. In addition, the manufacture of the storage space for the cell module assembly (100) and / or the electric unit (400), which is the internal storage space of the pack case (200), also becomes easier.

[0069] In addition, in terms of manufacturing cost, the cost can be reduced when the pack case (200) is manufactured from plastic with high heat resistance and rigidity rather than when the entire pack case (200) is manufactured from metal.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 4, the outer cover (300) covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the pack case (200). In the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 4, an embodiment is shown in which the outer cover (300) covers the front surface and both side surfaces of the pack case (200). For example, the outer cover (300) may include a first outer cover (310), a second outer cover (320), and a third outer cover (330) that cover at least a portion of the outer surface of the pack case (200). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be implemented by modifying and changing in various ways, such as covering all surfaces of the pack case (200) or covering some surfaces among the front and rear surfaces and left and right sides of the pack case (200).

[0071] According to an embodiment of the present invention, while manufacturing the pack case (200) with a plastic having high heat resistance and rigidity, at least a portion of the outer surface of the pack case (200) is covered with an outer cover (300) as described below, so as to functionally protect and reinforce the battery pack (1) while additionally providing an aesthetic function to the exterior of the battery pack (1).

[0072] The outer cover (300) covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the pack case (200). In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the outer cover (300) is exemplarily shown to cover the front and left and right sides of the pack case (200). Which of the six sides of the front and back, left and right sides, and top and bottom of the pack case (200) the outer cover (300) covers can be variously modified and changed to suit the specifications of the present invention, the environment to be implemented, etc.

[0073] The outer cover (300) may be made of a metal material to maintain rigidity even during thermal events. Furthermore, as described below, the outer cover (300) may be made of a ferromagnetic material so that it can be magnetically coupled to a magnet (not shown) provided in the pack case (200). The outer cover (300) may be made of, for example, iron, nickel, cobalt, stainless steel, or an alloy or mixture thereof.

[0074] In addition, in some cases, the battery pack (1) may additionally include a power unit (400). The power unit (400) collects and transmits data sensed by the cell module assembly (100) and controls the cell module assembly (100). A description of the power unit (400) refers to a typical BMS, etc., and a detailed description is omitted.

[0075] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the cell module assembly (100) of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the cell module assembly (100) of Fig. 4.

[0076] The cell module assembly (100) may include one or more battery cells (110). Here, each battery cell (110) may be a secondary battery and include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a battery case. The battery cell (110) included in the cell module assembly (100) may be, for example, a pouch-type secondary battery. Alternatively, depending on the case, other forms of secondary batteries, such as cylindrical batteries or square batteries, may also be employed in the cell module assembly (100) of the present invention.

[0077] A plurality of battery cells (110) are stacked on each other to form a battery cell stack. In the battery cell stack, the plurality of battery cells (110) may be stacked in a horizontal direction (X-axis direction of the drawing) while standing upright in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction of the drawing). Each battery cell (110) may have an electrode lead, and the electrode lead may be located at both ends of each battery cell (110) or at one end. A secondary battery in which the electrode lead protrudes in both directions is called a bidirectional cell, and a secondary battery in which the electrode lead protrudes in one direction is called a unidirectional cell. A bidirectional cell is illustrated in FIG. 5. However, the present invention is not limited by a specific type or form of the secondary battery, and various forms of secondary batteries known at the time of filing of the present invention may be employed in the cell module assembly (100) of the present invention.

[0078] Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6, the cell module assembly (100) can be exemplarily configured as follows. End plates (120) are placed on both sides of a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells (110) are stacked. The battery cell stack and the end plates (120) are connected to the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack with straps (130). In addition, a bus bar housing assembly (140) is connected to each of the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack. However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and the cell module assembly (100) can be configured in various ways according to the specifications of the battery pack (1) according to the present invention and the environment in which the present invention is implemented.

[0079] Fig. 7 illustrates the outer cover (300) separated from the pack case (200) in the battery pack (1) of Fig. 1. Fig. 8 illustrates the latch (500) separated from the battery pack (1) of Fig. 7.

[0080] Referring to Fig. 7, detailed components of the pack case (200) will be described.

[0081] First, the pack case (200) includes an outer cover coupling portion (210) for coupling the outer cover (300). For example, a magnet is accommodated in the outer cover coupling portion (210) of the pack case (200). The outer cover (300) is attached and coupled to the outer surface of the pack case (200) by the magnetic force between the magnet and the outer cover (300) made of a ferromagnetic metal. However, the present invention is not limited to the coupling method between the pack case (200) and the outer cover (300) described above, and any method that can couple the pack case (200) and the outer cover (300) is applicable to the present invention.

[0082] The pack case (200) includes an upper protrusion (220) on the upper portion of the pack case (200). The upper protrusion (220) may be, for example, a handle for lifting and carrying the pack case (200). In addition, the pack case (200) includes a lower receiving portion (230) on the lower portion of the pack case (200). The upper protrusions (220) may be provided in a pair, and each upper protrusion (220) may be provided on each of the opposite sides of the pack case (200). Similarly, the lower receiving portions (230) may be provided in a pair, and each lower receiving portion (230) may be provided on each of the opposite sides of the pack case (200) on which the upper protrusions (220) are provided. When stacked between battery packs (1) vertically, the upper protrusion (220) of the battery pack (1) stacked lower can be joined to the lower receiving portion (230) of the battery pack (1) stacked upper so as to fit together.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a latch (500) is provided in the lower receiving portion (230). The latch (500) will be described in more detail later.

[0084] Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of the upper protrusion (220) of Fig. 7. Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of the lower receiving portion (230) of Fig. 7. Figs. 11 and 12 respectively illustrate situations before and after the upper protrusion (220) and the lower receiving portion (230) of Fig. 7 are interlocked in a stacked battery pack (1).

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 9, the upper protrusion (220) protrudes upward from the top of the pack case (200). The structure and shape of the upper protrusion (220) are not limited to those illustrated in the present invention, and any structure and shape that can protrude upward from the top of the pack case (200) to lift the pack case (200) and to which a latch (500) to be described later can be coupled is sufficient.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 10, the lower receiving portion (230) is provided at the lower portion of the pack case (200). Referring to FIG. 11, the lower receiving portion (230) has a concave shape that fits into the protruding shape of the upper protrusion (220). In addition, the width and height of the upper protrusion (220) and the lower receiving portion (230) are generally identical.

[0087] Accordingly, as illustrated in Fig. 12, the upper protrusion (220) provided in the pack case (200) of the battery pack (1) stacked on the lower side is accommodated in the lower receiving portion (230) provided in the pack case (200) of the battery pack (1) stacked on the upper side. The upper protrusion (220) of the battery pack (1) stacked on the lower side and the lower receiving portion (230) of the battery pack (1) stacked on the upper side are interlocked with each other.

[0088] At this time, referring again to FIGS. 7, 8, and 11, a latch (500) is provided in the lower receiving portion (230). As illustrated in FIG. 12, when the upper protrusion (220) of the battery pack (1) stacked on the lower portion and the lower receiving portion (230) of the battery pack (1) stacked on the upper portion are engaged with each other, a part of the latch (500) (upper portion; 500a, see FIG. 13) is coupled to the lower receiving portion (230) of the battery pack (1) stacked on the upper portion, and the remaining part of the latch (500) (lower portion; 500b, see FIG. 13) is coupled to the upper protrusion (220) of the battery pack (1) stacked on the lower portion. That is, the upper protrusion (220) of the battery pack (1) and the lower receiving portion (230) of the battery pack (1) stacked on the upper portion are fastened to each other via the latch (500). Accordingly, the battery packs (1) stacked on the upper and lower portions do not separate from each other. For each set of the upper protrusion (220) of the battery pack (1) stacked on the lower portion and the lower receiving portion (230) of the battery pack (1) stacked on the upper portion, one latch (500) may be provided, or two, as illustrated in the present invention. Alternatively, in some cases, when the size of the battery pack (1) becomes larger, three or more latches (500) may be provided.

[0089]

[0090] Hereinafter, a more detailed structure of the latch (500) and the detailed structures of the first latch coupling portion (230a) and the second latch coupling portion (220a) to which the latch (500) is coupled will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 14.

[0091] The first latch coupling portion (230a) is provided at the lower portion of the pack case (200), and the second latch coupling portion (220a) is provided at the upper portion of the pack case (200).

[0092] First, it should be noted that in the embodiment of the present invention, as an example, the first latch engaging portion (230a) is provided in the lower receiving portion (230) and the second latch engaging portion (220a) is provided in the upper protrusion (220). However, the present invention is not limited to what is illustrated, and it is sufficient if the first latch engaging portion (230a) of the pack case (200) of the battery pack (1) stacked on the upper portion and the second latch engaging portion (220a) of the pack case (200) of the battery pack (1) stacked on the lower portion are connected to each other so as to have a structure capable of receiving and engaging the latch (500). For example, although not illustrated in the present invention, the first latch engaging portion (230a) may be provided on the upper portion of the pack case (200), and the second latch engaging portion (220a) may be provided on the lower portion of the pack case (200), and various modifications and changes are possible.

[0093] In detail, the first latch coupling portion (230a) is provided at the lower portion of the pack case (200), and the second latch coupling portion (220a) is provided at the upper portion of the pack case (200). However, the first latch coupling portion (230a) and the second latch coupling portion (220a) may be positioned on the same line in the vertical direction of the pack case (200), so that the first latch coupling portion (230a) and the second latch coupling portion (220a) may be structured to communicate between the battery packs (1) stacked vertically.

[0094] Fig. 13 is an enlarged view of the latch (500) of Fig. 8. Fig. 14 is an enlarged view of the latch (500) and the first latch engaging portion (230a) of the lower receiving portion (230) indicated by the dotted line in Fig. 8. Fig. 15 is an enlarged view of the second latch engaging portion (220a) of the upper protrusion (220). Fig. 16 is a side view of the perspective view of Fig. 11 from a different angle. Fig. 17 is a reference drawing showing the state of engaging between battery packs (1) that are stacked vertically.

[0095] Figure 13 (a) is a front perspective view of the latch (500), and Figure 13 (b) is a rear perspective view of the latch (500).

[0096] Also, referring to FIGS. 9, 10, 14 to 16, the upper protrusion (220) includes a second latch engaging portion (220a) in which the lower portion (500b) of the latch (500) is received, and the lower receiving portion (230) includes a first latch engaging portion (230a) in which the upper portion (500a) of the latch (500) is received.

[0097] Referring to Fig. 13, the latch (500) is largely divided into two parts. The upper part (500a) of the latch (500) is coupled to the lower receiving part (230) of the battery pack (1) stacked on the upper part, and the lower part (500b) of the latch (500) is coupled to the upper protrusion (220) of the battery pack (1) stacked on the lower part.

[0098]

[0099] The upper part (500a) of the latch (500) includes a pair of protrusions (510) that protrude horizontally to both sides. The lower part (500b) of the latch (500) includes a central support (520) that extends vertically downward from between the pair of protrusions (510) and a pair of wing portions (530) that extend to both sides from the lower end of the central support (520). The lower end of the central support (520) and the lower end of each of the pair of wing portions (530) are connected to each other, but the lower end of the central support (520) and each of the pair of wing portions (530) are spaced apart from each other except for the connecting portion. Accordingly, the lower end of each of the pair of wing portions (530) is fixed to the lower end of the central support (520), but the remaining portions of the pair of wing portions (530) except for the fixed lower end are displaceable within the spaced distance.

[0100] First, the connection between the upper portion (500a) of the latch (500) and the first latch connection portion (230a) of the lower receiving portion (230) of the pack case (200) will be described.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 16, when the upper portion (500a) of the latch (500) is coupled to the first latch engaging portion (230a) of the lower receiving portion (230) of the pack case (200), the lower surface of a pair of protrusions (510) of the upper portion (500a) of the latch (500) is supported by the support portion (231) of the lower receiving portion (230) illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 16. The support portion (231) of the lower receiving portion (230) includes a plate shape that is positioned below the lower surface of the pair of protrusions (510) of the upper portion (500a) of the latch (500). The support portion (231) of the lower receiving portion (230) restricts the positional movement of the lower surface of the pair of protrusions (510) of the latch (500). The support portion (231) of the lower receiving portion (230) is provided on both sides corresponding to the lower surface of a pair of protrusions (510) of the latch (500). The upper portion (500a) of the latch (500) may additionally be provided with a rigidity supplementary portion (511) on the upper portion of the pair of protrusions (510) to supplement rigidity. Meanwhile, the latch (500) of the present invention is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 13, and can of course be implemented without the rigidity supplementary portion (511).

[0102] Between a pair of support members (231), a through groove (232) is provided so that the central support member (520) of the lower portion (500b) of the latch (500) can pass through. The through groove (232) has a notch shape with a concave groove in the horizontal direction so that the latch (500) coupled to the lower receiving portion (230) can be removed horizontally.

[0103] The width of the through-hole (232) is equal to or larger than the width of the central support (520) of the lower portion (500b) of the latch (500), which will be described later, but smaller than the combined width of the wing portions (530) on both sides of the lower portion (500b) of the latch (500). Accordingly, even if the latch (500) receives an upwardly pulling load, the latch (500) is prevented from being pulled upward by passing through the through-hole (232).

[0104] The ends of a pair of protrusions (510) of a latch (500) are received in a manner such that they fit into a pair of receiving grooves (233) provided at both ends of the support portion (231) of the lower receiving portion (230).

[0105] Accordingly, the support portion (231) of the first latch engaging portion (230a) of the lower receiving portion (230) limits the vertical movement of the pair of protrusions (510) of the latch (500). In addition, the pair of receiving grooves (233) of the first latch engaging portion (230a) of the lower receiving portion (230) limits the vertical and lateral movement (lateral direction along the surface of the pack case (200)) of the pair of protrusions (510) of the latch (500). Accordingly, even if an external force such as an unintended impact is applied from the outside, the battery packs (1) stacked vertically are prevented from being separated from each other.

[0106] The method of coupling the upper part (500a) of the latch (500) to the first latch coupling part (230a) of the lower receiving part (230) is as follows. First, the upper part (500a) of the latch (500) illustrated in FIG. 14 is pushed in a horizontal direction (inward of the pack case (200)) to align with the first latch coupling part (230a) of the lower receiving part (230). At this time, the hook (550, see (b) of FIG. 13) provided on the rear side of the upper part (500a) of the latch (500) is caught in the hook groove (234) provided in the first latch coupling part (230a) of the lower receiving part (230), thereby completing the coupling (hook coupling) of the latch (500) to the first latch coupling part (230a) of the lower receiving part (230).

[0107] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 11 and 16 and 17, when the upper portion (500a) of the latch (500) is coupled to the first latch engaging portion (230a) of the lower receiving portion (230) of the pack case (200), the lower portion (500b) of the latch (500) protrudes downward through the through groove (232). When the battery pack (1) of FIGS. 11 and 16 and 17 is stacked on top of another battery pack (1) positioned downward, as shown in FIG. 12, the lower portion (500b) of the latch (500) is coupled to the upper protrusion (220) (more specifically, the second latch engaging portion (220a) of the upper protrusion (220)) of the battery pack (1) stacked downward.

[0108] In this regard, the coupling between the lower portion (500b) of the latch (500) and the second latch coupling portion (220a) of the upper protrusion (220) of the pack case (200) will be described.

[0109] Referring to FIGS. 13, 15, and 16, the second latch engaging portion (220a) of the upper protrusion (220) of the pack case (200) has an open upper surface. The lower portion (500b) of the latch (500) is inserted through the opening (222) of the upper surface of the second latch engaging portion (220a) of the upper protrusion (220). Next, the lower portion (500b) of the latch (500) is mounted on the mounting portion (224) of the second latch engaging portion (220a).

[0110] When the upper protrusion (220) of the battery pack (1) stacked on the lower side is accommodated in the lower receiving portion (230) of the battery pack (1) stacked on the upper side, the through groove (232) of the first latch engaging portion (230a) of the lower receiving portion (230) of the battery pack (1) stacked on the upper side and the opening (222) of the upper surface of the second latch engaging portion (220a) of the upper protrusion (220) of the battery pack (1) stacked on the lower side are connected to each other.

[0111] Accordingly, based on the through-hole (232) of the first latch engaging portion (230a) of the lower receiving portion (230) of the battery pack (1) stacked on the upper portion and the opening (222) of the upper surface of the second latch engaging portion (220a) of the upper protrusion (220) of the battery pack (1) stacked on the lower portion, the upper portion (500a) of the latch (500) fixes the battery pack (1) stacked on the upper portion, and the lower portion (500b) of the latch (500) fixes the battery pack (1) stacked on the lower portion (see FIG. 12).

[0112] Meanwhile, a pair of catches (221) are provided on both sides of the opening (222) on the upper surface of the second latch engaging portion (220a). Each of the pair of catches (221) has a shape that protrudes toward the opening (222). When the battery pack (1) stacked on the upper surface and the battery pack (1) stacked on the lower surface are combined by the latch (500) as described above, the upper ends of the pair of wing parts (530) provided on the lower portion (500b) of the latch (500) are each caught by the pair of catches (221) on the upper surface of the second latch engaging portion (220a) of the upper protrusion (220). Additionally, a pair of receiving grooves (223) are provided below each of the pair of catches (221) so that the ends of a pair of wing parts (530) of the lower portion (500b) of the latch (500) can be received and engaged.

[0113] Accordingly, a pair of catches (221) of the second latch engaging portion (220a) of the upper protrusion (220) restricts the vertical movement of a pair of wing portions (530) of the lower portion (500b) of the latch (500). In addition, a pair of receiving grooves (223) of the second latch engaging portion (220a) of the upper protrusion (220) engage with the ends of a pair of wing portions (530) of the lower portion (500b) of the latch (500), thereby restricting the vertical and lateral movement (lateral direction along the surface of the pack case (200)) of the pair of wing portions (530) of the latch (500). Accordingly, even if an external force such as an unintended impact is applied from the outside, the battery packs (1) stacked vertically are prevented from being separated from each other.

[0114] A part of the central support (520) of the lower portion (500b) of the latch (500) and a pair of wing portions (530) are mounted in the empty space of the mounting portion (224) of the second latch engaging portion (220a) of the upper protrusion (220). The mounting portion (224) communicates with the opening (222), and a pair of catch portions (221) are positioned on both upper sides of the mounting portion (224). The structure and shape of the mounting portion (224) of the second latch engaging portion (220a) of the upper protrusion (220) are not limited to those illustrated in the present invention, and it is sufficient if the lower portion (500b) of the latch (500) can be mounted (accommodated) in the empty space of the mounting portion (224) of the second latch engaging portion (220a) without being detached.

[0115] To elaborate, as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 16, the mounting portion (224) of the second latch engaging portion (220a) may be narrower toward the bottom so as to be substantially aligned with the outer periphery of the lower portion (500b) including a pair of wing portions (530) of the latch (500). However, in some cases, the mounting portion (224) may be implemented in a manner in which the width is constant toward the bottom or in various other ways.

[0116] For reference, in the case where the mounting portion (224) becomes narrower towards the bottom, the width of the mounting portion (224) becomes narrower than the width including the wing portions (530) on both sides of the lower portion (500b) of the latch (500), so that the lower portion (500b) of the latch (500) itself does not unintentionally come off through the opening (222) on the upper surface of the second latch engaging portion (220a), which is sufficient.

[0117] The width of the opening (222) on the upper surface of the second latch engaging portion (220a) of the upper protrusion (220) is smaller than the normal width including the wing portions (530) on both sides of the lower portion (500b) of the latch (500).

[0118] However, as described above, the wing parts (530) on both sides of the lower part (500b) of the latch (500) are spaced apart from the central support (520), but each of the wing parts (530) on both sides can move (displace) toward the central support (520) when force is applied. When the wing parts (530) on both sides of the lower part (500b) of the latch (500) are forced to move toward the central support (520), the width of the lower part (500b) of the latch (500) is reduced. The width of the opening (222) on the upper surface of the second latch engaging part (220a) of the upper protrusion (220) is equal to or greater than the width of the lower part (500b) of the latch (500) at this time.

[0119] The movement (displacement) of the wing parts (530) on both sides of the latch (500) is described in more detail as follows. As illustrated in FIG. 16, when another battery pack (1) (including the latch (500)) is stacked on top of a battery pack (1) to be stacked on the lower side, the wing parts (530) on both sides of the latch (500) that are first coupled to the upper battery pack (1) are inserted into the opening (222) of the second latch engaging part (220a) of the upper protrusion (220) of the lower battery pack (1), and are slid into the opening (222) between the engaging parts (221) on both sides along the inclined surface of the wing parts (530) of the latch (500). The wing portion (530) of the latch (500) is formed to be inclined so that it becomes narrower as it goes downward compared to the vertical direction (compared to the extension direction of the central support (520)).

[0120] At this time, the non-fixed upper ends of the wing portions (530) on both sides of the latch (500) are forced toward the center by the protruding catch portion (221) of the second latch engaging portion (220a) of the upper protrusion (220) of the lower battery pack (1) and are moved (displaced) toward the central support (520). Accordingly, the width of the lower portion (500b) of the latch (500) becomes narrower than in the case illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 16, and is thus easily inserted into the opening (222) of the second latch engaging portion (220a) of the upper protrusion (220).

[0121] Meanwhile, when the lower part (500b) of the latch (500) is mounted on the mounting part (224) of the second latch engaging part (220a) of the upper protrusion (220), that is, when the wing part (530) of the latch (500) completely passes through the opening (222) of the second latch engaging part (220a) of the upper protrusion (220), the wing part (530) is restored to its original state by the restoring force, so that the width of the lower part (500b) of the latch (500) becomes larger than the width of the opening (222) again, and as described above, the upper end of the wing part (530) is engaged with the engaging part (221) of the second latch engaging part (220a) of the upper protrusion (220).

[0122] Meanwhile, the outer surface of the pack case (200) may additionally include a reinforcing member (240) having a grid-shaped protrusion shape to reinforce rigidity.

[0123] Hereinafter, a method for removing (separating) a latch (500) coupled to a battery pack (1) stacked vertically will be described. The latch (500) can be removed in the outward direction (horizontal direction) of the battery pack (1).

[0124] First, a removal grip portion (540, see (a) of FIG. 13) having a shape protruding from the front surface of the upper portion (500a) of the latch (500) is provided on the front surface. By holding the removal grip portion (540) and slightly tilting the latch (500), the hook (550) provided on the rear surface of the upper portion (500a) of the latch (500) is separated from the hook groove (234) provided in the first latch engaging portion (230a) of the lower receiving portion (230). Next, by holding the removal grip portion (540), the latch (500) is pulled in a horizontal direction (outwardly of the pack case (200). Then, the latch (500) that was connected to the first latch engaging portion (230a) of the lower receiving portion (230) of the upper battery pack (1) and the second latch engaging portion (220a) of the upper protrusion (220) of the lower battery pack (1) is easily removed (separated).

[0125] FIG. 18 is a reference drawing illustrating a process of attaching a latch (500) to a modularly stacked battery pack (1) according to each of the above-described embodiments.

[0126] First, the latch (500) is attached to the upper battery pack (1) (see (a) of FIG. 18). Next, the upper battery pack (1) is stacked on the lower battery pack (1), and at this time, the latch (500) of the upper battery pack (1) is also attached to the lower battery pack (1) (see (b) of FIG. 18). Next, the outer cover (300) is attached to the outer surface of the pack case (200) of each of the upper battery pack (1) and the lower battery pack (1), respectively (see (c) of FIG. 18). FIG. 18 (d) illustrates the completed attachment of the latch (500) and the outer cover (300). Since other more detailed descriptions overlap with those described above in FIGS. 1 to 17, refer to the above.

[0127] Meanwhile, although not illustrated in Fig. 18, the latch (500) and the outer cover (300) are coupled in the same manner as described above with respect to (a) to (d) of Fig. 18 on the side (right side) facing the side (left side) on which the latch (500) illustrated in Fig. 18 is coupled. In some cases, the above-described method may be applied to either the front or back of the battery pack (1) or to both front and back sides.

[0128] FIG. 19 is a reference drawing illustrating a process of removing a latch (500) from a modularly stacked battery pack (1) according to each of the above-described embodiments.

[0129] First, (a) of Fig. 19 is a case where the battery packs (1) are stacked vertically, and is the same as (d) of Fig. 18. Next, the outer cover (300) is separated from the outer surface of the pack case (200) of each of the upper battery pack (1) and the lower battery pack (1) (see (b) of Fig. 19). Next, the latch (500) connecting the upper battery pack (1) and the lower battery pack (1) is pulled and removed (see (c) of Fig. 19). Next, the upper battery pack (1) is lifted (see (d) of Fig. 19). Since other more detailed descriptions overlap with those described above in Figs. 1 to 17, refer to the above.

[0130] Meanwhile, although not illustrated in FIG. 19, the latch (500) and the outer cover (300) are separated in the same manner as described above with respect to (a) to (d) of FIG. 19 on the side (right side) facing the side (left side) where the latch (500) is coupled, as illustrated in FIG. 19. In some cases, the above-described method may be applied to either one of the front and rear sides of the battery pack (1) or both the front and rear sides.

[0131] FIG. 20 is a reference drawing schematically illustrating a case in which a plurality of modular battery packs (1) according to the above-described embodiments of the present invention are stacked and a BPU (3) is combined at the top.

[0132] The battery pack according to the above-described embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as an energy storage system (ESS) as described above, may be implemented as a battery rack, and may be applied to various other devices. As such devices, they may be applied to means of transportation such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and / or energy storage devices for homes. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be applied to various devices that can use battery modules and battery packs including the same, which also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0133] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0134] [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 1: Battery pack

[0136] 2: Bass section

[0137] 3: BPU

[0138] 100: Cell module assembly

[0139] 110: Battery cell

[0140] 120: End Plate

[0141] 130: Strap

[0142] 140: Busbar housing assembly

[0143] 200: Pack Case

[0144] 200-1: Upper case

[0145] 200-2: Lower case

[0146] 210: Outer cover joint

[0147] 220: Upper protrusion

[0148] 220a: Second latch joint

[0149] 221: Hook

[0150] 222: Aperture

[0151] 223: Reception Home

[0152] 224: Mounting part

[0153] 230: Lower receiving area

[0154] 230a: First latch joint

[0155] 231: Support

[0156] 232: Through groove

[0157] 233: Reception Home

[0158] 234: Hook Home

[0159] 240: Reinforcement

[0160] 300: Outer cover

[0161] 400: Battlefield Unit

[0162] 500: Latch

[0163] 510: Protrusion

[0164] 520: Central support

[0165] 530: Wings

[0166] 540: Grip for removal

[0167] 550: Hook

Claims

1. A cell module assembly including a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; A pack case for storing the above cell module assembly; and A battery pack comprising a latch that is detachable from the pack case and capable of connecting adjacent battery packs.

2. In paragraph 1, The upper portion of the above latch includes a pair of protrusions protruding on both sides, A battery pack, wherein the lower portion of the latch comprises a central support extending vertically downward from between the pair of protrusions and a pair of wings extending on both sides from the lower end of the central support.

3. In paragraph 2, The above latch further includes a removal grip portion protruding from the front in the front area, A battery pack, wherein the latch is detachable horizontally from the outer surface toward the outside of the pack case.

4. In paragraph 2, The above pack case includes a first latch engaging portion to which the upper portion of the latch can be engaged, The above first latch coupling portion: A pair of supports supporting the pair of protrusions on the upper part of the above latch; and It is provided between the pair of supports and includes a through-hole through which the central support of the latch can pass, A battery pack, wherein the pair of supporting members supports at least the lower surface of the pair of protrusions of the latch, thereby limiting the vertical positional movement of the latch.

5. In paragraph 4, A battery pack, wherein the pair of support portions of the first latch coupling portion include a plate shape disposed below the lower surface of the pair of protrusions.

6. In paragraph 4, A battery pack, wherein the through-hole of the first latch engaging portion includes a notch shape.

7. In paragraph 4, The above first latch coupling portion: Further comprising a pair of receiving grooves provided at both ends of the above pair of supports, A battery pack, each of which is accommodated so that the ends of the pair of protrusions on the upper portion of the latch fit into the pair of accommodation grooves.

8. In paragraph 4, The upper portion of the latch further includes a hook protruding from the rear surface, The first latch coupling portion further includes a hook groove provided between the pair of support portions and around the through groove, A battery pack, wherein the hook on the upper portion of the latch can be hook-coupled to the hook groove of the first latch engaging portion.

9. In paragraph 2, The above pack case includes a second latch engaging portion to which the lower portion of the latch can be engaged, The above second latch coupling portion: An opening in the upper surface of the second latch engaging portion so that the lower portion of the latch can pass through; a mounting portion communicating with the above opening; and A battery pack comprising a pair of catches arranged on both sides of the opening and having a shape protruding toward the opening.

10. In paragraph 9, The lower portion of the pair of wing portions at the bottom of the latch is fixed to the central support, and the remaining portion of the pair of wing portions is displaceable within a distance from the central support, When the lower portion of the latch penetrates downward through the opening of the second latch engaging portion, force is applied to the pair of wing portions of the latch by the pair of engaging portions, and the remaining portion of the pair of wing portions moves toward the central support, A battery pack in which, when the pair of wing portions of the latch are installed through the opening and into the mounting portion, the pair of wing portions are restored to their original state by a restoring force and are caught in the pair of catch portions of the second latch engaging portion.

11. In paragraph 9, Each of the pair of wing portions at the bottom of the latch has a slope that becomes narrower as it goes downward compared to the extension direction of the central support, A battery pack, wherein the pair of wing portions slides into the opening between the pair of catch portions of the second latch coupling portion along the inclined surface and is inserted into the mounting portion.

12. In paragraph 11, A battery pack, wherein the shape of the mounting portion of the second latch coupling portion has a shape that becomes narrower as it goes downward so as to correspond to the outer shape of the pair of wing portions at the bottom of the latch.

13. In paragraph 9, A battery pack, wherein the total width of the latch, including the pair of wings at the bottom of the latch, is greater than the width of the opening of the second latch coupling portion before the latch is mounted on the second latch coupling portion or after the latch is mounted on the second latch coupling portion.

14. In paragraph 2, The pack case includes a first latch engaging portion to which the upper portion of the latch can be engaged and a second latch engaging portion to which the lower portion of the latch can be engaged, The first latch engaging portion is located at the bottom of the pack case, and the second latch engaging portion is located at the top of the pack case, wherein the first latch engaging portion and the second latch engaging portion are located on the same line in the vertical direction of the pack case, A battery pack, wherein the upper portion of the latch is coupled to the first latch engaging portion of the battery pack stacked on the upper portion, and the lower portion of the latch is coupled to the second latch engaging portion of the battery pack stacked on the lower portion, thereby enabling fixed coupling between the battery packs stacked on the upper portion.

15. In paragraph 14, The pack case includes an upper protrusion on the upper side and a lower receiving portion on the lower side, and the upper protrusion of the battery pack stacked on the lower side can be combined to fit into the lower receiving portion of the battery pack stacked on the upper side. A battery pack, wherein the first latch engaging portion is provided in the lower receiving portion, and the second latch engaging portion is provided in the upper protrusion.

16. In paragraph 15, A battery pack, wherein the upper protrusion of the pack case is a carrying handle for the battery pack.

17. In paragraph 1, A battery pack, wherein the pack case comprises plastic having high heat resistance and rigidity.

18. An energy storage device comprising a battery pack according to paragraph 1.

Images