Battery pack with fixation means using magnetic force, method of manufacturing the same, method of replacing battery cells of the battery pack

Abstract

This invention relates to a battery pack, a method of manufacturing the same, and a method for replacing battery cells in the battery pack. The battery pack includes: a battery pack housing; a plurality of battery cells disposed within the battery pack housing; and a fixing device arranged within the battery pack housing to fix the positions of the plurality of battery cells by means of magnetic force. It provides: a battery pack and a method of manufacturing the same, wherein a plurality of battery cells can be easily fixed in the battery pack housing by means of magnetic force; and a method for replacing battery cells in the battery pack.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery pack including a magnetic fixing device and a method for manufacturing the same, as well as a method for replacing battery cells in the battery pack. More specifically, it relates to a battery pack including a magnetic fixing device capable of easily fixing multiple battery cells in a battery pack housing, a method for manufacturing the same, and a method for replacing battery cells in the battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] Large and medium-sized devices, such as electric vehicles, require high-output and high-capacity power sources. Therefore, these devices typically use large and medium-sized battery packs, in which multiple battery cells are electrically connected, as their power source.

[0003] Multiple battery cells can be connected in series, in parallel, or in a hybrid of series and parallel connections, while maintaining a stable structure that resists external impacts during connection, enabling large and medium-sized battery packs to meet the high output and large capacity requirements of large and medium-sized equipment.

[0004] Therefore, typical large and medium-sized battery packs are electrically connected and structurally fixed by welding multiple battery cells to a busbar assembly. This welding process is extremely complex and precise, requiring a significant amount of time. Furthermore, once components are welded, they are difficult to separate from each other. That is, when part of a battery cell is damaged, it is difficult to simply separate and replace the damaged cell. In addition, depending on the weld strength, the welding process can cause deformation of the battery cell and can easily have adverse effects on its performance and safety.

[0005] The background technology of this invention is disclosed in the following patent documents.

[0006] (Patent Document 1) KR10-2008-0027505A

[0007] (Patent Document 2) KR10-2009-0011601A

[0008] (Patent Document 3) KR10-2018-0129115A Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] This disclosure provides a battery pack that can easily secure multiple battery cells in a battery pack housing using magnetic force.

[0011] This disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing a battery pack that can easily secure multiple battery cells in a battery pack housing using magnetic force.

[0012] This disclosure also provides a method for replacing battery cells in a battery pack, which allows for easy replacement of the battery cells that need to be replaced using magnetic force.

[0013] Technical solution

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment, a battery pack includes: a battery pack housing; a plurality of battery cells disposed in the battery pack housing; and a fixing device disposed in the battery pack housing to fix the positions of the plurality of battery cells by using magnetic force.

[0015] The fixing device may include: a plurality of first members, which are respectively magnetically attached and connected to the top surfaces of a plurality of battery cells; and a second member having dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the bottom surface of the battery pack housing cover, and being magnetically attached and connected to the plurality of first members.

[0016] The fixing device may include: a plurality of first components, which are respectively magnetically attached and connected to the bottom surface of a plurality of battery cells; and a second component having dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the bottom surface of the lower shell of the battery pack housing, and being magnetically attached and connected to the plurality of first components.

[0017] The fixing device may include: a plurality of first members that are magnetically attached and connected to the top and bottom surfaces of each of the plurality of battery cells; and a plurality of second members that are respectively disposed above and below the plurality of battery cells and magnetically attached and connected to the plurality of first members, and the plurality of second members may include a second member disposed above the plurality of battery cells whose dimensions correspond to the dimensions of the bottom surface of the battery pack housing cover, and a second member disposed below the plurality of battery cells whose dimensions correspond to the dimensions of the bottom surface of the battery pack housing lower shell.

[0018] The first component may have a size corresponding to the top or bottom surface of the battery cell and be connected to the battery cell in a one-to-one correspondence manner, or the first component may have a size larger than the top or bottom surface of the battery cell and be connected to multiple battery cells.

[0019] The first component can be a magnet, and the second component can be a magnetic material.

[0020] Each of the first and second components can be a magnet, and the first and second components can be polarized such that an attractive force is applied between the top surface of the first component and the bottom surface of the second component.

[0021] At least a portion of the second component can be embedded and connected to the bottom surface side of the battery pack housing cover.

[0022] At least a portion of the second component can be embedded and connected to the bottom surface side of the lower casing of the battery pack housing.

[0023] An anti-slip film may be applied to at least a portion of the surface of the first component, and the anti-slip film may have a predetermined thickness so that magnetic force can be transmitted through it.

[0024] There may be empty spaces between multiple battery cells, or at least one of spacers and filler materials may be provided.

[0025] A hole may be defined in each of the first and second components, allowing the busbar assembly to pass through the hole to contact the electrodes of the battery cell.

[0026] The battery pack may also include a busbar assembly disposed on opposite sides of the plurality of battery cells based on a second member, passing through holes defined in the first member and holes defined in the second member, and contacting and connecting to the electrodes of each of the plurality of battery cells.

[0027] The battery pack may also include a busbar assembly patterned on the surfaces of the first member and the second member, and in contact with and connected to the electrodes of each of the plurality of battery cells.

[0028] According to another exemplary embodiment, a method of manufacturing a battery pack including a fixing device using magnetic force includes: arranging a plurality of battery cells in a lower housing of a battery pack housing; contacting the plurality of battery cells and the fixing device with each other, and attaching and connecting the plurality of battery cells to the fixing device using the magnetic force of the fixing device; and sealing the lower housing of the battery pack housing by a top cover of the battery pack housing.

[0029] According to another exemplary embodiment, a method for replacing battery cells in a battery pack comprising multiple battery cells is provided. The method includes: separating a top cover of the battery pack housing from a bottom cover of the battery pack housing; separating a fixing device that is attached and connected to the multiple battery cells in the bottom cover of the battery pack housing by magnetic force from the multiple battery cells; replacing the battery cell to be replaced among the multiple battery cells with a new battery cell; attaching and connecting the fixing device to the multiple battery cells in which the battery cell to be replaced has been replaced with a new battery cell by using the magnetic force of the fixing device; and connecting the bottom cover of the battery pack housing to the top cover of the battery pack housing to complete the maintenance of the battery pack.

[0030] Beneficial effects

[0031] According to this exemplary embodiment, multiple battery cells can be easily secured within the battery pack housing using magnetic force. This simplifies the internal structure of the battery pack while ensuring its performance and safety.

[0032] Furthermore, various welding processes such as wire bonding, resistance welding, and laser welding can be omitted when manufacturing battery packs. Therefore, the time required to manufacture battery packs can be reduced, and manufacturing costs can be lowered.

[0033] Furthermore, because only damaged battery cells can be easily replaced when using the battery pack, the battery pack can be used semi-permanently. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is an exploded view showing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state in which a battery cell is fixed in a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a partially enlarged view showing the structure of electrically connected battery cells in a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a partially enlarged view showing the structure of the electrically connected battery cells in a battery pack according to a variant example.

[0039] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to another exemplary embodiment (second embodiment).

[0040] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to yet another exemplary embodiment (third embodiment).

[0041] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to yet another exemplary embodiment (fourth embodiment).

[0042] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to yet another exemplary embodiment (fifth embodiment). Detailed Implementation

[0043] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the invention may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make this disclosure thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the dimensions of layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals consistently denote the same elements.

[0044] In the following, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] 1. A battery pack including a fixing device using magnetic force according to an exemplary embodiment (first embodiment).

[0046] Figure 1 This is an exploded view showing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state in which a battery cell is fixed in a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 This is a partially enlarged view showing the structure of electrically connected battery cells in a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0048] A battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment includes: battery pack housings 10 and 20; a plurality of battery cells 30 disposed in the battery pack housings 10 and 20; and fixing devices 40 and 50 disposed in the battery pack housings 10 and 20 to fix the positions of the plurality of battery cells 30 by using magnetic force.

[0049] Furthermore, the battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment may also include busbar assemblies 60 and 61, which are disposed in the battery pack housings 10 and 20 to electrically connect a plurality of battery cells 30.

[0050] 1.1. Battery pack casings 10 and 20

[0051] The battery pack housings 10 and 20 may include a lower battery pack housing 10 and a top battery pack housing 20.

[0052] The lower housing 10 of the battery pack may include a base plate with a predetermined area and side wall plates extending upward from the edge of the base plate to a predetermined height. Here, the lower housing 10 of the battery pack may include a rectangular container with an opening in the upper portion. Alternatively, the lower housing 10 of the battery pack may have various shapes.

[0053] The battery pack housing cover 20 can be a plate with a predetermined area. The battery pack housing cover 20 can mate and connect with the upper opening of the lower battery pack housing 10. Alternatively, the battery pack housing cover 20 can have various connection structures. Here, the battery pack housing cover 20 can have a rectangular plate shape. Alternatively, the battery pack housing cover 20 can have various shapes.

[0054] An internal space for accommodating multiple battery cells 30 can be defined between the lower casing 10 and the upper cover 20 of the battery pack housing.

[0055] 1.2. Multiple battery cells 30

[0056] For example, the multiple battery cells 30 can be multiple cylindrical can-type secondary batteries. The multiple battery cells 30 can be housed within the internal space of the battery pack housings 10 and 20. Each of the multiple battery cells 30 may include a positive terminal located at its upper part and a negative terminal located at its lower part.

[0057] For example, each of the plurality of battery cells 30 may include a cylindrical battery can with an open upper portion, a roll-shaped electrode assembly, a top cover mounted to the upper opening of the battery can, and a positive terminal supported by the top cover and connected to the electrode assembly. Here, the negative terminal may form the bottom surface of the battery can.

[0058] The cover may include a magnetic body. For example, the cover may be magnetized by a magnet and attached to and connected to the magnet by magnetic force. The cover may be made of various materials such as steel, aluminum, and stainless steel.

[0059] An empty space S may exist between the plurality of battery cells 30. Here, the plurality of first members 40 that are in contact with the plurality of battery cells 30 respectively can be sufficiently separated from each other by the empty space S. In addition, at least one of a spacer (not shown) and a filler material (not shown) may be provided between the plurality of battery cells 30.

[0060] 1.3. Fixing devices 40 and 50

[0061] The fixing devices 40 and 50 may include: a plurality of first members 40, each having dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the top surface of each of the plurality of battery cells 30, and being magnetically attached and connected to the top surface of the battery cell 30; and a second member 50, having dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the bottom surface of the battery pack housing cover 20, and being magnetically attached and connected to the plurality of first members 40. That is, the fixing devices 40 and 50 may be disposed on the plurality of battery cells 30 and connected to the plurality of battery cells 30 by magnetic force. Therefore, the plurality of battery cells 30 can be easily and quickly attached to and detached from the fixing devices 40 and 50. Furthermore, the plurality of battery cells 30 can be securely constrained to the fixing devices 40 and 50.

[0062] Here, the corresponding dimensions mentioned above indicate that the size of the first component 40 is not greater than the area of ​​the top or bottom surface of the battery cell.

[0063] Furthermore, the aforementioned corresponding dimensions indicate that even if the size of the first component 40 is larger than the area of ​​the top or bottom surface of the battery cell 30, the size of the first component 40 does not intrude into the area of ​​the adjacent battery cell.

[0064] In addition, the fixing devices 40 and 50 can be electrically insulated from the battery pack housings 10 and 20 and each of the plurality of battery cells 30.

[0065] 1.4. First component 40

[0066] The first component 40 may have, for example, a circular plate shape. Alternatively, the first component 40 may have various shapes. The size of the first component 40 may be equal to or smaller than the area of ​​the top surface of the battery cell 30 within a predetermined range. Here, the predetermined range may be a systematic error range.

[0067] Alternatively, within a range where the first member 40 contacts the battery cell 30 with sufficient area and does not intrude into the area of ​​adjacent battery cells, the size of the first member 40 may be larger than the area of ​​the top surface of the battery cell 30 by a predetermined margin. Therefore, adjacent first members 40 may not contact each other.

[0068] The first component 40 may be a magnet. More specifically, the first component 40 may be a permanent magnet. The first component 40 may have a predetermined magnetic force capable of strongly attaching to the battery cell 30.

[0069] The number of first components 40 can be equal to the number of battery cells 30. The first components 40 can be attached and connected to the battery cells 30 in a one-to-one correspondence. Here, the bottom surface of the first component 40 can be magnetically attached and connected to the top surface of the battery cell 30. That is, an attractive force F can be formed between the bottom surface of the first component 40 and the top surface of the battery cell 30.

[0070] 1.5. Second component 50

[0071] The second component 50 may be a predetermined plate. The second component 50 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the battery pack housing cover 20. Furthermore, the second component 50 may have dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the bottom surface of the battery pack housing cover 20. More specifically, the second component 50 may have the same shape as the battery pack housing cover 20 and the same dimensions as the bottom surface of the battery pack housing cover 20. Therefore, the second component 50 may have an edge that contacts and is supported by the inner surface of the lower battery pack housing 10 in the battery pack housings 10 and 20. Therefore, the second component 50 may not move horizontally within the battery pack housings 10 and 20.

[0072] The second component 50 may have a top surface that contacts the bottom surface of the battery pack housing cover 20 and a bottom surface that is attached to and connected to the top surface of the first component 40. Therefore, the second component 50 may not move vertically within the battery pack housings 10 and 20. Consequently, the first component 40 may not move horizontally or vertically within the battery pack housings 10 and 20, and the plurality of battery cells 30 may be securely fixed within the battery pack housings 10 and 20.

[0073] The second component 50 can be a magnet or a magnetic material. When the second component 50 is a magnet, the first component 40 and the second component 50 can have polarities, such that an attractive force F is applied between the top surface of the first component 40 and the bottom surface of the second component 50. Specifically, different polarities can be formed on the mutually facing surfaces of the second component 50 and the first component 40.

[0074] For example, when the bottom surface of the second component 50 is the N pole, the top surface of the first component 40 can be the S pole. Here, the top surface of the second component 50 can be the S pole, and the bottom surface of the first component 40 can be the N pole.

[0075] Furthermore, when the bottom surface of the second component 50 is the S pole, the top surface of the first component 40 can be the N pole. Here, the top surface of the second component 50 can be the N pole, and the bottom surface of the first component 40 can be the S pole.

[0076] When the second component 50 is a magnetic body, the second component 50 can be made of a predetermined material that is magnetized by the magnet and is attached and connected to the magnet by magnetic force. The second component 50 can be made of various materials such as steel, aluminum and stainless steel.

[0077] 1.6. Busbar assemblies 60 and 61

[0078] Busbar assemblies 60 and 61 may be formed on opposite sides of the plurality of battery cells 30 based on the second member 50, arranged to pass through the holes defined in the first member 40 and the second member 50, and to contact and connect with the positive terminal of each of the plurality of battery cells.

[0079] Busbar assemblies 60 and 61 may include: a base busbar 60 extending in a predetermined pattern and disposed between the battery pack housing cover 20 and the second member 50, and an electrode contact terminal 61 extending downward from the base busbar 60 and resiliently contacting and electrically connecting to the positive terminal of each of the plurality of battery cells 30.

[0080] The base busbar 60 may have a predetermined pattern shape and be made of plate-shaped metal material. Furthermore, an insulating layer (not shown) may be provided between the base busbar 60 and each of the battery pack housing cover 20 and the second component 50. The base busbar 60 may be connected to the external input / output terminals (not shown) of the battery pack.

[0081] Each of the plurality of electrode contact terminals 61 may be made of a conductive and elastic metallic material. The plurality of electrode contact terminals 61 may respectively contact and electrically connect to the positive terminals of the plurality of battery cells 30. That is, each of the plurality of electrode contact terminals 61 may function like a leaf spring and make stable, elastic contact with each of the positive terminals.

[0082] Here, the first hole H1 can pass through the first member 40, allowing the busbar to contact the terminal of the battery cell 30 through the first hole H1. The first hole H1 can be formed in the region corresponding to the positive electrode of the battery cell 30. The positive electrode of the battery cell 30 can be exposed upward through the first hole H1.

[0083] Here, multiple second holes H2 can pass through the second member 50, allowing the busbar to contact the terminals of the battery cell 30 through the second holes H2. Multiple second holes H2 can be formed in the region corresponding to the positive electrode of the battery cell 30. The positive electrodes of the multiple battery cells 30 can be exposed upwards through the multiple second holes H2.

[0084] The electrode contact terminal 61 can contact and be electrically connected to the positive terminal through the first hole H1 and the second hole H2. Here, the base busbar 60 connected to the electrode contact terminal 61 can extend to the regions of different battery cells (i.e., adjacent battery cells) and connect the electrode contact terminals 61 to the regions of adjacent battery cells. The above-described busbar assemblies 60 and 61 can be referred to as busbars or positive busbars.

[0085] A battery pack according to one exemplary embodiment may include a negative busbar (not shown). The negative busbar may be disposed below a plurality of battery cells 30 and connected to the negative terminal of each of the plurality of battery cells 30. The negative busbar may have various structures.

[0086] 1.7. Busbar assemblies 60 and 61 according to a variant example

[0087] According to a variant, the busbar assembly may have a different structure than the busbar assemblies 60 and 61 described above according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0088] Figure 5 This is a partially enlarged view showing the structure of the electrically connected battery cells in a battery pack according to a variant example.

[0089] A busbar assembly according to a variant may include: a base busbar 70 patterned in a predetermined shape on the surfaces of a first member 40 and a second member 50; and a plurality of electrode contact terminals 71 patterned on the bottom surface of each of the plurality of first members 40, contacting and connecting to the positive terminal of each of the plurality of battery cells 30, and connected to the base busbar 70. Therefore, compared to busbar assemblies 60 and 61 according to an exemplary embodiment, the busbar assembly according to a variant can more stably connect to the positive terminal of each of the plurality of battery cells 30.

[0090] 1.8. Busbar assembly according to another variant

[0091] According to another variation, only the second component 50 may be electrically insulated, while the first component 40 is not electrically insulated.

[0092] In this case, the first component 40 may be both magnetic and conductive, each of the first components 40 having a size corresponding to the electrode of each of the battery cells, and the first component 40 being in contact with the electrode of each of the battery cells.

[0093] Therefore, the busbar assembly may include only the basic busbar 60, without including those from... Figure 4 The additional electrode contact terminal 61 of the busbar assembly can be disposed between the first member 40 and the second member 50 to electrically connect the first member 40, which is respectively connected to the electrodes of the battery cell.

[0094] As described above, according to another variation, since only the second component 50 is electrically insulated while the first component 40 is not electrically insulated, the busbar assembly can have a simplified structure.

[0095] 2. A battery pack including a fixing device using magnetic force according to another exemplary embodiment (second embodiment).

[0096] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0097] The battery pack according to another exemplary embodiment may differ in the structure of the mounting device from that according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0098] According to another exemplary embodiment, the battery pack fixing devices 40 and 50 may include: a plurality of first members 40, each having a size corresponding to the size of the bottom surface of each of the plurality of battery cells, and being magnetically attached and connected to the bottom surface of each of the plurality of battery cells; and a second member 50, having a size corresponding to the size of the bottom surface of the lower shell 10 of the battery pack housing, and being magnetically attached and connected to the plurality of first members 40.

[0099] In other words, according to another exemplary embodiment, the battery pack fixing devices 40 and 50 can be magnetically connected to the lower part of the battery cell to fix the battery cell.

[0100] Because the weight is biased towards the lower part of the battery pack in this structure, the battery pack can have a more stable structure. Furthermore, the battery pack can dissipate heat more smoothly to the upper part.

[0101] 3. A battery pack including a fixing device using magnetic force according to yet another exemplary embodiment (third embodiment).

[0102] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to yet another exemplary embodiment.

[0103] The battery pack according to yet another exemplary embodiment may differ in the structure of the mounting device from the battery pack according to one exemplary embodiment and the battery pack according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0104] According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the battery pack fixing devices 40 and 50 may include: a plurality of first members 40, each having dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the top surface and bottom surface of each of the plurality of battery cells, and being magnetically attached and connected to the top surface and bottom surface of each of the plurality of battery cells; and a plurality of second members 50, respectively disposed above and below the plurality of battery cells, and being magnetically attached and connected to the plurality of first members 40.

[0105] In other words, according to yet another exemplary embodiment, the battery pack fixing devices 40 and 50 can be magnetically connected to both the upper and lower parts of the battery cell to fix the battery cell. Therefore, multiple battery cells 30 can be fixed more stably.

[0106] 4. A battery pack including a fixing device using magnetic force according to yet another exemplary embodiment (fourth embodiment).

[0107] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to yet another exemplary embodiment.

[0108] The battery pack according to yet another exemplary embodiment may differ in the location of the second component from that according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0109] In other words, according to another exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the second component 50 can be embedded in the bottom surface of the battery pack housing cover 20. Therefore, during battery pack manufacturing, the second component 50 can be magnetically connected to the first component 40, while the battery pack housing cover 20 is connected to the battery pack housing lower shell 10. This reduces the manufacturing process of the battery pack.

[0110] 5. A battery pack including a fixing device using magnetic force according to another further exemplary embodiment (fifth embodiment).

[0111] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to another further exemplary embodiment.

[0112] The battery pack according to another exemplary embodiment may differ in the position of the second component from that according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0113] According to another exemplary embodiment, the first member 40 may have a width corresponding to the size of the top surface of the battery cell and a length greater than the width. In this structure, one first member 40 may be coupled to multiple battery cells. Therefore, the time required to coupled multiple first members 40 and multiple battery cells 30 can be reduced.

[0114] 6. A battery pack including a fixing device using magnetic force according to a further exemplary embodiment (sixth embodiment).

[0115] The battery pack according to a further exemplary embodiment may differ in the location of the second component from that according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0116] In other words, according to a further exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the second member 50 can be embedded in the bottom surface of the lower casing 10 of the battery pack housing. Therefore, when manufacturing the battery pack, the second member 50 can be quickly connected to the first member 40 while the plurality of battery cells 30 to which the first member 40 is attached are arranged on the bottom surface of the lower casing 10 of the battery pack housing.

[0117] 7. A battery pack including a fixing device using magnetic force, according to yet another exemplary embodiment (seventh embodiment).

[0118] According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the battery pack may also include an anti-slip film.

[0119] An anti-slip film (not shown) may be applied to at least a portion of the surface of the first member 40. Furthermore, the anti-slip film may have a predetermined thickness allowing magnetic force to be transmitted through it. The anti-slip film may increase the friction between the first member 40 and the battery cell 30. The anti-slip film may be made of a predetermined resin material. Alternatively, the anti-slip film may be made of various materials.

[0120] 8. A method for manufacturing a battery pack including a fixing device using magnetic force according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0121] A method of manufacturing a battery pack including a fixing device using magnetic force according to an exemplary embodiment includes: a process of arranging a plurality of battery cells 30 in a lower casing 10 of a battery pack housing; a process of contacting the plurality of battery cells 30 and fixing devices 40 and 50 with each other, and attaching and connecting the plurality of battery cells 30 and fixing devices 40 and 50 by using magnetic force; and a process of sealing the lower casing 10 of the battery pack housing by a top cover 20 of the battery pack housing.

[0122] 8.1. Process for arranging multiple battery cells in the lower casing of the battery pack

[0123] The process of arranging multiple battery cells 30 in the lower shell 10 of the battery pack housing involves lowering multiple battery cells 30 into the lower shell 10 of the battery pack housing through the upper opening of the lower shell 10, and placing multiple battery cells 30 on the bottom surface of the lower shell 10 of the battery pack housing.

[0124] Here, the fixing devices 40 and 50 can be arranged on the bottom surface of the lower shell 10 of the battery pack housing, and then a plurality of battery cells 30 can be arranged thereon.

[0125] 8.2. Process for attaching and connecting multiple battery cells and mounting devices

[0126] The process of attaching and connecting multiple battery cells and fixing devices involves contacting the upper part of the first component 40 with the first component 30 and contacting the first component 40 with the second component 50. In this process, the multiple battery cells 30 are connected to the first component 40 by using the magnetic force of the first component 40, and the first component 40 and the second component 50 are connected by using the magnetic force of the first component 40 and the second component 50.

[0127] Alternatively, the lower part of each of the plurality of battery cells 30 may contact the first member 40 that contacts the second member 50.

[0128] Furthermore, the lower part of each of the plurality of battery cells 30 may contact the first member 40 that contacts the second member 50, and then the first member 40 may contact the upper part of each of the plurality of battery cells 30, and the first member 40 may contact the second member 50.

[0129] Through the above process, multiple battery cells 30 can be stably fixed in the lower shell 10 of the battery pack housing.

[0130] In this process, busbar assemblies 60 and 61, mounted at predetermined positions in each of the first component 40 and the second component 50, can be electrically connected to each other with a plurality of battery cells 30. Alternatively, busbar assemblies 70 and 71, patterned at predetermined positions in each of the first component 40 and the second component 50, can be electrically connected to each other with a plurality of battery cells 30.

[0131] Furthermore, while performing the process of arranging a plurality of battery cells 30 in the lower casing 10 of the battery pack housing, or performing the process of bringing the plurality of battery cells 30 and fixing devices 40 and 50 into contact with each other and connecting the plurality of battery cells 30 and fixing devices 40 and 50 by means of magnetic attachment, a negative terminal busbar (not shown) may be connected to the negative terminal of each of the plurality of battery cells 30.

[0132] 8.3. Process of sealing the lower casing of the battery pack with the upper casing cover

[0133] The process of sealing the lower battery housing with the upper battery housing cover enables the upper battery housing cover 20 to mate and connect with the upper opening of the lower battery housing cover 10. Here, the bottom surface of the upper battery housing cover 20 can press the second member 50 and the plurality of battery cells 30 in a downward direction with a predetermined pressure.

[0134] 9. A method for replacing battery cells in a battery pack including a magnetic fixing device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0135] A method for replacing battery cells in a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment is a method for replacing battery cells in a battery pack comprising a plurality of battery cells 30, the method comprising: a process of separating a lower casing 10 of the battery pack housing from a top cover 20; a process of separating fixing devices 40 and 50, which are magnetically attached and connected to the plurality of battery cells 30, from the plurality of battery cells 30 in the lower casing 10 of the battery pack housing; a process of replacing the battery cells to be replaced in the plurality of battery cells 30 with new battery cells; a process of attaching and connecting the fixing devices 40 and 50 to the plurality of battery cells as new battery cells replacing the battery cells to be replaced using the magnetic force of the fixing devices 40 and 50; and a process of connecting the lower casing 10 of the battery pack housing to the top cover 20 to complete battery pack maintenance.

[0136] In other words, when a portion of the battery cells is damaged while using the battery pack, the damaged battery cells can be replaced with new battery cells by performing the above process.

[0137] Specifically, when damage to a battery cell is detected, the lower casing 10 of the battery pack housing separates from the upper cover 20, and the second component 50 and the first component 40 separate from the plurality of battery cells 30.

[0138] Alternatively, the connectors that connect multiple battery cells 30 to the second component 50 and the first component 40 are removed from the lower casing 10 of the battery pack housing.

[0139] Subsequently, the problematic battery cell is released from contact with each of the second component 50 and the first component 40 to break the magnetic connection therebetween. Using the method described above, the fixing devices 40 and 50, which are magnetically attached and connected to the multiple battery cells, are separated from the multiple battery cells 30. Thereafter, the battery cell to be replaced in the multiple battery cells 30 is replaced with a new battery cell, and the multiple battery cells, which are the new battery cells replacing the replacement battery cells, are attached and connected to the fixing devices 40 and 50 using the magnetism of the fixing devices 40 and 50. Afterward, the lower casing 10 and the upper cover 20 of the battery pack housing can be connected to complete the maintenance of the battery pack.

[0140] Although embodiments of the invention have been described, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations as defined in the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. In other words, those skilled in the art will readily understand that various modifications and variations can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0141] (Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram)

[0142] 10: Lower casing of battery pack; 20: Upper cover of battery pack; 30: Battery cell; 40: First component; 50: Second component; 60, 70: Basic busbar; 61, 71: Electrode contact terminals

Claims

1. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: Battery pack casing; Multiple battery cells are disposed in the battery pack housing; A fixing device is disposed in the battery pack housing to fix the position of the plurality of battery cells by using magnetic force; as well as A busbar assembly configured to connect to the electrodes of each of the plurality of battery cells. The battery pack housing includes a lower battery pack housing and a upper battery pack housing cover. The lower shell of the battery pack housing includes a bottom plate with a predetermined area and side wall plates extending upward from the edge of the bottom plate at a predetermined height. The fixing device is electrically insulated from the battery pack housing and the plurality of battery cells, and the fixing device includes: A plurality of first components, said plurality of first components being magnetically attached to said plurality of battery cells; and The second component contacts the bottom surface of the upper cover of the battery pack housing or the bottom surface of the lower shell of the battery pack housing, and is magnetically attached and connected to the plurality of first components, thereby fixing the position of the battery cell.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of first components are respectively magnetically attached and connected to the top surface of the plurality of battery cells; and The second component has dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the bottom surface of the battery pack housing cover.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of first components are respectively magnetically attached and connected to the bottom surface of the plurality of battery cells; and The second component has dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the bottom surface of the lower shell of the battery pack housing.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of first components are magnetically attached and connected to the top and bottom surfaces of each of the plurality of battery cells; and Multiple second components are respectively disposed above and below the multiple battery cells. in, The plurality of second components include a second component disposed above the plurality of battery cells and having a size corresponding to the size of the bottom surface of the upper cover of the battery pack housing, and a second component disposed below the plurality of battery cells and having a size corresponding to the size of the bottom surface of the lower shell of the battery pack housing.

5. The battery pack according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The first component has a size corresponding to the top or bottom surface of the battery cell and is connected to the battery cell in a one-to-one correspondence manner, or the first component has a size larger than the top or bottom surface of the battery cell and is connected to multiple battery cells.

6. The battery pack according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The first component is a magnet, and the second component is a magnetic material.

7. The battery pack according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, Each of the first and second components is a magnet, and The first and second components are polarized such that an attractive force is applied between the top surface of the first component and the bottom surface of the second component.

8. The battery pack according to claim 2 or 4, wherein, At least a portion of the second component is embedded in and attached to the bottom surface side of the battery pack housing cover.

9. The battery pack according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, At least a portion of the second component is embedded in and connected to the bottom surface side of the lower shell of the battery pack housing.

10. The battery pack according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, An anti-slip film is applied to at least a portion of the surface of the first component, and The anti-slip film has a predetermined thickness so that magnetic force can be transmitted through the anti-slip film.

11. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, There is an empty space between the plurality of battery cells, or at least one of a spacer and a filler material is provided between the plurality of battery cells.

12. The battery pack according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, A hole is defined in each of the first and second components, such that the busbar assembly passes through the hole to contact the electrodes of the battery cell.

13. The battery pack of claim 12, further comprising the busbar assembly disposed on opposite sides of the plurality of battery cells based on the second member, passing through a hole defined in the first member and a hole defined in the second member, and contacting the electrode of each of the plurality of battery cells.

14. The battery pack according to any one of claims 2 to 4, the battery pack further comprising a busbar assembly patterned on the surfaces of the first member and the second member, and in contact with an electrode of each of the plurality of battery cells.

15. A method for manufacturing a battery pack including a fixing device using magnetic force, the method comprising the following steps: Multiple battery cells are arranged in the lower shell of the battery pack housing; The plurality of battery cells and the fixing device are brought into contact with each other, and the plurality of battery cells are attached and connected to the fixing device by using the magnetic force of the fixing device; and The lower casing of the battery pack is sealed by the upper cover of the battery pack casing. The battery pack is the battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A method for replacing battery cells in a battery pack, the method replacing battery cells in a battery pack comprising a plurality of battery cells, the method comprising the following steps: Separate the top cover of the battery pack housing from the bottom cover of the battery pack housing; The fixing device that is magnetically attached and connected to the multiple battery cells in the lower shell of the battery pack housing is separated from the multiple battery cells; Replace the battery cell to be replaced among the plurality of battery cells using a new battery cell; By using the magnetic force of the fixing device, the fixing device is attached and connected to the plurality of battery cells in which the battery cell to be replaced has been replaced with the new battery cell; and Connect the lower casing of the battery pack to the upper cover of the battery pack to complete the maintenance of the battery pack. The battery pack is the battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images