Battery pack including surface pressure maintaining structure

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery pack including a surface pressure maintaining structure. The battery pack of the present invention includes a battery cell; and a surface pressure maintaining portion disposed on one side of the battery cell to apply a surface pressure to the battery cell, the surface pressure maintaining portion including an inclined member having a space inside, disposed in a pair between the battery cells, and moved in a horizontal direction to pressurize the battery cells; and an insertion member having a space inside, inserted between the pair of inclined members to slide the inclined members.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack including a surface pressure holding structure that enables the battery cells to maintain appropriate surface pressure. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, a battery consists of battery cells, modules, and a battery pack. A battery cell, as the basic unit of a battery, is formed in cylindrical, pouch-shaped, or square shapes. A battery module is an assembly that holds multiple battery cells within a frame. In a battery pack, multiple battery modules are arranged within a frame and can be installed in electric vehicles and other applications requiring high-capacity batteries to serve as a power source.

[0003] In assembling such battery modules, it is crucial to apply appropriate surface pressure to the individual battery cells to maximize their lifespan. In particular, in pouch cells, the thickness changes with age and deterioration, increasing the surface pressure applied to the cell. Therefore, controlling the surface pressure at an appropriate level can extend battery life. Conventionally, this has been achieved by using plates between the cells to correct for varying cell thickness and maintain a uniform surface pressure.

[0004] However, due to the fixed size of existing module frames, the space available for placing individual battery cells within the module frame is limited. Furthermore, in conventional battery modules, the large tolerances of individual battery cells make it difficult to control their surface pressure. Additionally, the method of maintaining the surface pressure of battery cells by inserting plates between them is unsuitable for assembling a large number of battery cells. This is because, as described above, plates are required between each battery cell, necessitating a large number of plates and resulting in structural design difficulties. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention provide a battery pack including a surface pressure maintaining structure capable of appropriately maintaining the surface pressure of individual battery cells.

[0006] However, the technical problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Those skilled in the art to which the embodiments of the present invention pertain can clearly understand other technical problems not mentioned through the detailed description and other contents in the specification.

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention provides a battery pack including a battery cell; and a surface pressure holding part disposed on one side of the battery cell to apply surface pressure to the battery cell. The surface pressure holding part includes an inclined member having an internal space, which is arranged in a pair between the battery cells and moves in a horizontal direction to pressurize the battery cells and has an internal space; and an insertion member having an internal space is inserted between the pair of inclined members to allow the inclined members to slide.

[0008] The battery pack of this invention has the effect of maintaining appropriate surface pressure even when the volume of the individual battery cells changes. In the battery pack of this invention, the appropriate surface pressure of the individual battery cells can be maintained by configuring a surface pressure retaining part between the battery cells or the module housing.

[0009] In addition, the battery pack according to the embodiments of the present invention has the following features: by improving the utilization efficiency of the internal space of the battery pack, more battery cells can be configured per unit area, and the remaining space can be easily utilized when designing electrical components.

[0010] However, the technical effects obtained through the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand other technical effects not mentioned through the detailed description and other contents of the specification. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a simplified diagram of the battery pack before assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a simplified representation of the assembled battery pack.

[0013] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The enlarged view of the surface pressure holding part and the module housing shown in the figure.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack according to the second embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack according to the third embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack according to the fourth embodiment.

[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0018] 100: Battery pack; 110: Individual battery cell

[0019] 120: Module housing 121: Buffer initiation

[0020] 130: Surface pressure holding part; 131: Inclined component

[0021] 131-1: First page 131-2: Second page

[0022] 131a: Skeletal part; 131b: First fastening protrusion

[0023] 131c: Elastic protrusion

[0024] 132: Insertion component 132a: Skeleton part

[0025] 132b: Second fastening protrusion; 132c: Spring

[0026] 133: Sliding part; 133a: Support rod

[0027] 133a-1: Inner component; 133a-2: Outer component

[0028] 133b: Elastic part Detailed Implementation

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are provided to explain the present invention more completely to those skilled in the art. The embodiments described below are merely illustrative of the invention, and the technical concept of the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, detailed descriptions of structures that would obscure or be well-known to the present invention are omitted.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a simplified diagram of the battery pack before assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a simplified representation of the assembled battery pack.

[0031] Reference Figures 1 to 2 The battery pack 100 of this embodiment contains multiple battery cells 110, which may swell due to repeated use. Even with this swelling, the battery pack 100 of this embodiment can maintain appropriate surface pressure on the battery cells 110. Specifically, the battery pack 100 may include battery cells 110; a module housing 120 containing multiple battery cells 110; and a surface pressure maintaining part 130 for maintaining appropriate surface pressure on the battery cells 110. Even with changes in the volume of the battery cells 110, the battery pack 100 of this embodiment can maintain appropriate surface pressure, thereby improving the lifespan of the battery cells 110.

[0032] The structural elements described above will now be explained in detail.

[0033] The battery cell 110 can be formed in a cylindrical, pouch-shaped, or square shape. Multiple battery cells 110 can be arranged inside the module housing 120 to form a battery pack 100. Alternatively, without the module housing 120, multiple battery cells 110 can be arranged in the battery pack 100, forming the battery pack 100 with a CTP (cell-to-pack) structure. To maintain capacity and lifespan, the battery cell 110 needs to be kept under appropriate pressure. At this time, the battery cell 110 undergoes expansion due to repeated use, thus changing the surface pressure applied to the battery cell 110, which may reduce capacity and lifespan.

[0034] The module housing 120 has an internal space in which multiple battery cells 110 can be configured. Specifically, the module housing 120 may include cushioning elements 121 capable of responding to the expansion of the battery cells 110. By configuring multiple module housings 120 in the battery pack 100, the battery pack 100 can be formed more simply than by configuring the battery cells 110 one by one in the battery pack 100.

[0035] on the other hand, Figure 3 for Figure 1 The enlarged view of the surface pressure holding part and the module housing shown in the figure.

[0036] Reference Figure 3 The buffer unit 121 is positioned around the module housing 120 to flexibly compress and relax the battery cell 110 in response to volume changes. (See reference...) Figure 3 In part (a), the cushioning protrusion 121 can be formed as a circular protrusion including a central hole inside. Preferably, the circular protrusion of the cushioning protrusion 121 can be continuously arranged around the periphery of the module housing 120. The cushioning protrusion 121 is disposed between the surface pressure holding part 130 and the battery cell 110, and can be compressed and relaxed in response to changes in the volume of the battery cell 110.

[0037] Figure 3 Part (b) is Figure 3 Another variation of the buffered collision 121 shown in part (a). Figure 3 In the cushioning protrusion 121 shown in part (b), a zigzag plate-like member that can be used as an elastic member may be disposed inside the curved member formed by protrusion from the outer or inner side. That is, in a modified example of the cushioning protrusion 121, a central hole is also disposed, so that the cushioning protrusion 121 is compressed in response to the volume change of the battery cell 110.

[0038] As needed, the buffer 121 may include a sensor unit 121a. The sensor unit 121a is disposed inside the buffer 121 to detect volume changes or temperature variations in the battery cell 110. The sensor unit 121a detects expansion or overheating of the battery cell 110 and transmits this information to a control unit (not shown), allowing the user to easily monitor the status of the battery cell 110. For example, when the battery cell 110 over-expands or overheats, the sensor unit 121a detects this and generates a notification inside the vehicle. In other words, by configuring the sensor unit 121a, the user can receive checks on the battery cell 110 at appropriate times.

[0039] On the other hand, the surface pressure holding portion 130 of this embodiment can be disposed on one side of the battery cell 110 or the module housing 120. By disposing of the surface pressure holding portion 130, the surface pressure of the battery cell 110 can be appropriately maintained even if the volume of the battery cell 110 changes. Preferably, the surface pressure holding portion 130 can be disposed inside the battery pack 100. The battery cell 110 or the module housing 120 is disposed between the surface pressure holding portion 130 and the housing (not shown) of the battery pack 100, making it easy to install the battery cell 110 inside the battery pack 100.

[0040] Specifically, the surface pressure holding portion 130 may include tilting members 131 that can slide horizontally; insertion members 132 that are inserted between the tilting members 131; and sliding portions 133 that guide the path of the tilting members 131. The surface pressure holding portion 130 can appropriately maintain the surface pressure of the battery cell 110 in response to the expansion of the battery cell 110. In addition, the surface pressure holding portion 130 is formed with a simple structure, so it does not occupy much space, and with the remaining space formed inside the battery pack 100, it has the feature of making good use of the remaining space.

[0041] The tilting member 131 can be configured as a pair between the battery cell 110 or the module housing 120. The tilting member 131 can be configured to move horizontally to pressurize the battery cell 110, giving the battery cell 110 appropriate surface pressure. Furthermore, the tilting member 131 has internal space, so electrical components can be arranged inside the tilting member 131 to utilize the remaining space.

[0042] Specifically, the inclined member 131 may include a first surface 131-1 that contacts the battery cell 110 or the module housing 120, and a second surface 131-2 that contacts the insertion member 132. The first surface 131-1 may be formed to correspond to the contact surface of the battery cell 110 or the module housing 120, or it may be formed as a plate-shaped member perpendicular to the ground. The second surface 131-2 may have an inclined portion with a gradually decreasing area facing downwards. Preferably, the second surface 131-2 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the inclined surface of the insertion member 132, such that the insertion member 132 is introduced between the pair of inclined members 131 along the inclined portion of the second surface 131-2.

[0043] Specifically, the tilting member 131 may include a skeleton portion 131a arranged horizontally inside the tilting member 131.

[0044] The frame portion 131a is arranged horizontally inside the tilting member 131 to support the tilting member 131 under pressure. The frame portion 131a is formed in the shape of a bar and is arranged in a mesh pattern inside the tilting member 131, thereby preventing the tilting member 131 from deforming due to the pressure of the battery cell 110. That is, by arranging the frame portion 131a, a space is formed inside the tilting member 131 to utilize the internal space, and it provides support without deforming under external pressure.

[0045] On the other hand, the insertion member 132 can be inserted between a pair of tilting members 131 to allow the tilting members 131 to slide. Also, like the tilting members 131, the insertion member 132 has internal space, so electrical components can be arranged inside the insertion member 132 to utilize the remaining space.

[0046] In detail, the insertion member 132 is formed in a columnar shape, and its upper end may be formed with an inclined surface that is the same as or similar to the second surface 131-2 of the inclined member 131. This insertion member 132 can support a pair of inclined members 131. On the other hand, the area of ​​the lower end of the insertion member 132 is smaller than the area of ​​the upper end, so as to easily insert it into a pair of inclined members 131. As needed, the upper and lower ends of the insertion member 132 can be configured in the opposite manner to the above description.

[0047] Preferably, the insertion member 132 may be disposed on its upper side with a pressure member (not shown) capable of pressurizing the insertion member 132, so that the insertion member 132 is disposed between the inclined members 131 without dislodging. Alternatively, the upper cover (not shown) of the battery pack 100 may be formed to contact the upper side of the insertion member 132 to pressurize the insertion member 132. By releasing the pressure on the insertion member 132 when the upper cover (not shown) is removed, the insertion member 132 formed as described above can be easily removed.

[0048] Specifically, the insertion member 132 may include a skeleton portion 132a arranged horizontally inside the insertion member 132.

[0049] The frame portion 132a is arranged horizontally inside the insertion member 132 to support the insertion member 132 under pressure. The frame portion 132a may be formed in the shape of a bar and arranged in a mesh pattern inside the insertion member 132. By configuring the frame portion 132a, deformation of the insertion member 132 due to pressure from the battery cell 110 is prevented. That is, by configuring the frame portion 132a, a space is formed inside the insertion member 132 to utilize the internal space and provide support without deformation under external pressure.

[0050] On the other hand, the sliding part 133 may be disposed on the lower side of the tilting member 131 to guide the movement path of the tilting member 131. Specifically, the sliding part 133 may include a support rod 133a connecting a pair of tilting members 131; and an elastic part 133b disposed on the outer side of the support rod 133a. When the tilting member 131 moves in the horizontal direction, the sliding part 133 can prevent the tilting member 131 from disengaging or misaligning in the other direction, and allow it to move smoothly in the horizontal direction within a predetermined path.

[0051] Preferably, when the insertion member 132 is pulled out from the pair of inclined members 131, the sliding part 133 can release the pair of inclined members 131 from contact with the battery cell 110 and separate them from each other. That is, by configuring the sliding part 133, maintenance work on the battery cell 110 can be easily performed.

[0052] The support rod 133a can be formed from a cylindrical component connecting a pair of inclined members 131. The support rod 133a is formed from a pair of cylindrical components configured such that the inner component 133a-1 is inserted into the interior of the outer component 133a-2. The support rod 133a can slide as the inclined members 131 move horizontally, allowing its length to increase or decrease. If necessary, the support rod 133a can have a protrusion formed on either the inner component 133a-1 or the outer component 133a-2, while a groove is formed on the other component where no protrusion is formed. That is, the support rod 133a can be slidably configured with the inner component 133a-1 and the outer component 133a-2 partially engaged. Through the configuration of the inner component 133a-1 and the outer component 133a-2, the support rod 133a can move smoothly horizontally without disengaging.

[0053] The elastic portion 133b can be disposed on the outside of the support rod 133a. When the insertion member 132 is inserted between a pair of inclined members 131, causing the support rod 133a to extend, the elastic portion 133b can extend along with it. Conversely, when the insertion member 132 is pulled out from between the pair of inclined members 131, the elastic portion 133b can elastically contract. At this time, the elastic portion 133b can shorten the length of the support rod 133a, thereby shortening the distance between the pair of inclined members 131 connected to the support rod 133a. That is, when the insertion member 132 is pulled out from the inclined members 131, the elastic portion 133b keeps the inclined members 131 separated from the battery cell 110 without contact. This elastic portion 133b can easily perform operations related to the battery cell 110 without interference by keeping the inclined members 131 separated from the battery cell 110.

[0054] To illustrate the method of assembling the battery pack 100 as described above, firstly, the battery cell 110 or module housing 120 is disposed between the outer casing (not shown) of the battery pack 100 and the surface pressure holding portion 130. After the battery cell 110 or module housing 120 is disposed inside the battery pack 100, the insertion member 132 is inserted between a pair of inclined members 131 to provide appropriate surface pressure to the battery cell 110. Next, the upper end cover (not shown) of the battery pack 100 can be assembled, and pressure is applied to the upper end of the insertion member 132, thereby securing the insertion member 132 and preventing it from detaching.

[0055] on the other hand, Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack according to the second embodiment.

[0056] Reference Figure 4 The surface pressure holding part 130 in this embodiment may include a first fastening protrusion 131b and a second fastening protrusion 132b. When the insertion member 132 is inserted into the tilting member 131, the arrangement of the first fastening protrusion 131b and the second fastening protrusion 132b ensures that the insertion member 132 does not detach even without a separate pressure-applying member. That is, after the insertion member 132 is inserted between a pair of tilting members 131, it is difficult to remove it again using the first fastening protrusion 131b and the second fastening protrusion 132b. Therefore, the first fastening protrusion 131b can be configured without easily removing or altering the battery cell 110 after initial setup.

[0057] The first fastening protrusion 131b is formed by a plurality of protrusions and can be disposed on the second surface 131-2 of the inclined member 131. The first fastening protrusion 131b can be disposed in a manner corresponding to the second fastening protrusion 132b disposed on the insertion member 132.

[0058] The second fastening protrusion 132b is formed by a plurality of protrusions and can be disposed on the upper or lower side of the insertion member 132. Preferably, the second fastening protrusion 132b is disposed on the inclined surface of the insertion member 132, which has an inclined surface corresponding to the second surface 131-2 of the inclined member 131, so that it can be fastened to the first fastening protrusion 131b.

[0059] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack according to the third embodiment.

[0060] Reference Figure 5 In this embodiment, the tilting member 131 may include an elastic protrusion 131c. The elastic protrusion 131c is disposed on the first surface 131-1 of the tilting member 131 and can deform as the volume of the battery cell 110 changes. Preferably, the elastic protrusion 131c can protrude and be curved along the direction in which the battery cell 110 is disposed, and can be introduced inward when the volume of the battery cell 110 expands. The elastic protrusion 131c is formed of an elastic material, and can also provide appropriate surface pressure to the battery cell 110 when the volume of the battery cell 110 expands.

[0061] As needed, the second surface 131-2 of this embodiment may have grooves formed along the central direction on the upper and lower sides. In detail, the second surface 131-2 may be formed by introducing elastic protrusions 131c with raised portions into the grooves formed on the upper and lower sides in an assembly manner.

[0062] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack according to the fourth embodiment.

[0063] Reference Figure 6 In this embodiment, the insertion member 132 may include a spring 132c. The spring 132c is disposed around the insertion member 132 and can provide stronger surface pressure when the battery cell 110 expands. Preferably, the upper end of the insertion member 132 in this embodiment may be formed into a cylindrical shape perpendicular to the ground, and the lower end may be formed into a conical column that gradually tapers downwards.

[0064] At this time, the spring 132c of this embodiment can be introduced and disposed at the upper end of the insertion member 132, so that the insertion member 132 is inserted between a pair of inclined members 131. Then, when the inclined member 131 is pushed in the central direction due to the expansion of the battery cell 110, the spring 132c is further compressed, thereby providing stronger surface pressure to the battery cell 110.

[0065] Depending on the requirements, the battery pack 100 of the first embodiment can be used simultaneously with the battery packs 100 of the second, third, and fourth embodiments, respectively. Alternatively, the battery pack 100 of the first embodiment can be used simultaneously with the battery packs 100 of the second and third embodiments, and the battery pack 100 of the first embodiment can be used simultaneously with the battery packs 100 of the third and fourth embodiments.

[0066] As described above, the battery pack 100 of the present invention has the effect of maintaining appropriate surface pressure even if the volume of the battery cell 110 changes. In the battery pack 100 of the present invention, the surface pressure holding part 130 is disposed between the battery cell 110 and the module housing 120, thereby maintaining appropriate surface pressure on the battery cell 110.

[0067] Furthermore, the battery pack 100 of this embodiment has the following feature: by improving the utilization efficiency of the internal space of the battery pack 100, more battery cells 110 can be configured per unit area, making it easier to utilize the remaining space when designing electrical components. Previously, because surface pressure holding structures for the battery cells 110 needed to be configured inside the battery pack 100, the utilization efficiency of the internal space of the battery pack 100 was reduced, resulting in many difficulties in structural design.

[0068] However, the battery pack 100 of this embodiment includes a surface pressure holding section 130 inside the battery pack 100 to maintain the surface pressure of the battery cells 110. Therefore, the battery pack 100 of this invention can complete the battery pack 100 including the surface pressure holding structure while arranging the battery cells 110 inside. That is, the battery pack 100 of this embodiment does not require the introduction of a separate structure inside the battery pack 100, thereby allowing for a simple construction of the battery pack 100 and facilitating the utilization of the remaining space inside the battery pack 100.

[0069] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains can make various modifications or alterations to the present invention by adding, changing, deleting, or supplementing structural elements without departing from the technical concept of the present invention as described in the claims. These modifications or alterations are also included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery pack, characterized in that, include: Battery cell (110). as well as A surface pressure holding part (130) is disposed on one side of the battery cell (110) to apply surface pressure to the battery cell (110). The aforementioned surface pressure holding part (130) includes: An inclined member (131) having an internal space is arranged in a pair between the aforementioned battery cells (110) and moves horizontally to pressurize the aforementioned battery cells (110); and An inserting member (132) with internal space is inserted between a pair of the aforementioned inclined members (131) to allow the inclined members (131) to slide. The aforementioned tilting member (131) and the aforementioned insertion member (132) include: The skeleton (131a, 132a) is arranged horizontally inside the inclined member (131) and the insertion member (132) to support the inclined member (131) and the insertion member (132) under pressure. The aforementioned tilting component (131) includes: The first surface (131-1) is disposed on the surface that contacts the aforementioned battery cell (110) or the module housing (120) in which the aforementioned battery cell (110) is disposed, and is formed in a shape corresponding to the contact surface of the aforementioned battery cell (110) or the aforementioned module housing (120); and The second surface (131-2) is arranged on the surface that contacts the aforementioned insertion member (132) and is formed as an inclined portion with a shape that gradually decreases in area downwards; The surface pressure holding part (130) includes a first fastening protrusion (131b) and a second fastening protrusion (132b). The first fastening protrusion (131b) is formed by a plurality of protrusions and can be disposed on the second surface (131-2) of the inclined member (131). The first fastening protrusion (131b) can be disposed in a manner corresponding to the second fastening protrusion (132b) disposed on the insertion member (132). The tilting member (131) further includes an elastic protrusion (131c), which is disposed on the first surface (131-1) of the tilting member (131). The elastic protrusion (131c) is capable of protruding along the direction in which the battery cell (110) is disposed and is formed in a curved shape.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The module housing (120) contains multiple of the aforementioned battery cells (110). The aforementioned module housing (120) includes: The buffer (121) is disposed around the module housing (120) and is flexibly compressed and relaxed according to the volume change of the battery cell (110) through the central hole inside.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that, The aforementioned conflict mitigation (121) also includes: The sensing unit (121a) is used to detect the volume change of the battery cell (110) or the temperature of the battery cell (110) and transmit it to the user.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned surface pressure holding part (130) further includes: The sliding part (133) is disposed on the lower side of the tilting member (131), guides the movement path of the tilting member (131), and supports the tilting member (131) from leaving the movement path.

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