Battery pack and energy storage system including same

Abstract

A battery pack according to the present disclosure may include: a plurality of battery cells; an outer container accommodating the plurality of battery cells and including a plurality of unit portions arranged to extend in a width direction of the plurality of battery cells; and a reinforcing member that interconnects the plurality of unit portions and is inserted into the unit portions such that a surface of the reinforcing member does not contact the battery cells.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery pack and an energy storage system including the same, and more particularly, to a battery pack having improved electrical insulation and structural safety and an energy storage system including the same.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0178749 filed on December 19, 2022, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0174669 filed on December 05, 2023, in Korea, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] With the recent rapid increase in demand for portable electronic products such as smart phones, smart pads, and wearable devices and the commercialization of robots, electric vehicles, and the like, active research on high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charge and discharge is underway.

[0004] Currently commercial secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Compared with nickel-based secondary batteries, lithium secondary batteries have attracted much attention due to their advantages of free charging and discharging due to almost no memory effect, very low self-discharge rate and high energy density.

[0005] Secondary batteries can be used alone, but in many cases, multiple secondary batteries are electrically connected to each other in series and / or in parallel and used. In particular, multiple secondary batteries can be stored in one module housing while being electrically connected to each other, thereby constructing one battery module. In addition, battery modules can be used alone, or two or more of them can be electrically connected to each other in series and / or in parallel to construct a higher-level device such as a battery pack. Here, battery module and battery pack can be used interchangeably.

[0006] As issues such as power shortage or eco-friendly energy are coming in the near future, energy storage systems (ESS) for storing generated power are receiving a lot of attention. In general, using such energy storage systems, it is easy to build power management systems such as smart grid systems, which makes it easy to control power supply and demand in a specific area or city. In addition, as the commercialization of electric vehicles becomes more widespread, the energy storage system can also be applied to charging stations that can charge electric vehicles. In addition, the commercialization of electric vehicles and the growing attention thereto have accelerated the technological development of battery packs used in electric vehicles.

[0007] The battery pack used in the above energy storage system or electric vehicle can be constructed by storing a plurality of battery cells in a housing that can correspond to the battery pack housing. Here, the housing of the battery pack can be made of a highly rigid metal material such as steel to support the heavy load of a plurality of battery cells.

[0008] However, this leads to the problem of electrical insulation between the housing and the electrical components, especially between the housing and the battery cells, so in order to solve this problem, it is necessary to apply an additional insulating structure or a separate insulating component between the housing and the battery cells. Therefore, there is a problem of increasing the manufacturing steps, production cycle time and production cost of the battery pack.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need to develop a technology for a housing structure with improved structural rigidity and safety to firmly support a plurality of battery cells while ensuring electrical insulation between the housing and electrical components. Summary of the invention

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] The present disclosure is designed to solve the problems of the prior art, and therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a battery pack with ensured electrical insulation and structural safety, and an energy storage system including the battery pack.

[0012] The technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above problems, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other problems not mentioned above from the following description of the present invention.

[0013] Technical Solution

[0014] In order to solve the above problems, a battery pack according to the present disclosure may include: a plurality of battery cells; a housing configured to store the plurality of battery cells and including a plurality of unit parts disposed to extend in a width direction of the plurality of battery cells; and a reinforcing member configured to interconnect the plurality of unit parts and be inserted into the unit parts so that a surface of the reinforcing member does not contact the battery cells.

[0015] Furthermore, preferably, each of the unit parts may include: a bottom plate on which the battery cells are seated; and a pair of protruding blocks provided at both sides of the bottom plate so as to protrude from a plate surface, and the reinforcing member may be placed to pass through the pair of protruding blocks.

[0016] Furthermore, preferably, the bottom plate and the pair of protruding blocks may be injection molded as one body.

[0017] Furthermore, preferably, the reinforcing member may be configured as a pair of unit steel pipes.

[0018] Furthermore, preferably, the battery pack may further include a fastening portion configured to fasten one of the unit portions to another adjacent unit portion.

[0019] Furthermore, preferably, the fastening portion may be provided to be exposed to the bottom surface of the bottom plate.

[0020] Furthermore, preferably, the fastening portion may include: at least one fastening protrusion provided on one side in the width direction of one unit portion; and at least one fastening recess provided adjacent to the fastening protrusion.

[0021] Furthermore, preferably, the fastening recess of one unit portion may be disposed at a position corresponding to a fastening protrusion provided in another adjacent unit portion.

[0022] Furthermore, preferably, the fastening portion may further include a fastening member configured to fasten the fastening protrusion and the fastening recess to each other.

[0023] Furthermore, preferably, a plurality of fastening protrusions and a plurality of fastening recesses may be provided, and the fastening protrusions and the fastening recesses may be alternately disposed in each unit portion.

[0024] Furthermore, preferably, the reinforcement member may have an outer surface covered with an insulating coating.

[0025] Furthermore, preferably, the unit portion may be made of a plastic material, and the reinforcing member may be made of a metal material.

[0026] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, a vehicle including the above-mentioned battery pack may be provided.

[0027] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, an energy storage system including the above-mentioned battery pack may be provided.

[0028] Beneficial effects

[0029] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, since the case is manufactured by plastic injection molding, insulation from the battery cells can be ensured, and since the case is divided into unit parts interconnected using unit steel pipes, mechanical characteristics of the case can be improved, thereby ensuring structural stability.

[0030] In particular, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, since electrical insulation is obtained without an additional insulating structure or a separate insulating member, the manufacturing steps, tact time, and production cost of a battery pack may be reduced.

[0031] Furthermore, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, a rigid fastening configuration is obtained by the unit portion and the fastening portion between the adjacent unit portions, thereby improving resistance to bending or sagging.

[0032] Effects obtainable by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the present invention described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description of the present invention, are used to provide further understanding of the technical concept of the present disclosure, and therefore, the present disclosure is not to be construed as being limited to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Longitudinal cross-section of .

[0036] Figure 3 2 are diagrams for explaining an assembly configuration of respective unit parts of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 4 and Figure 5 are a perspective view and a bottom perspective view of a unit portion which is a part of an outer casing in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a combination state of respective unit parts in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a fastening portion between respective unit portions in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 8 is a bottom view illustrating a state in which respective unit portions of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are coupled.

[0041] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terms used in the specification and the appended claims should not be interpreted as limited to the general and dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure on the basis of the principle that the inventor is allowed to appropriately define the terms for the best interpretation.

[0043] Therefore, the configurations proposed in the embodiments and drawings of this specification only indicate the most preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than representing all technical concepts of the present disclosure, and therefore it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may be made thereto when the present application is filed.

[0044] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Longitudinal cross-section of .

[0045] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the battery pack 10 may include a plurality of battery cells 110 , a case 200 accommodating the plurality of battery cells 110 , and a reinforcement member 300 .

[0046] The plurality of battery cells 110 are secondary batteries and may be configured as pouch-type secondary batteries, prismatic secondary batteries, or cylindrical secondary batteries. For example, a plurality of pouch-type batteries may be arranged side by side in the horizontal direction (±X-axis direction, hereinafter referred to as the width direction) while standing upright in the vertical direction (±Z-axis direction). Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described assuming that the plurality of battery cells 110 are configured as pouch-type secondary batteries.

[0047] A predetermined number of battery cells 110 may be assembled to form one cell assembly 100. In addition, the battery pack 10 may be constructed of a plurality of cell assemblies 100. Here, the cell assembly indicates a grouped plurality of battery cells 110. Alternatively, the plurality of battery cells 110 may be directly disposed inside the housing 200 in the form of a group of battery cells 110, without being individually grouped into cell assemblies 100.

[0048] The housing 200 may store a plurality of battery cells 110. Although not shown in the drawings, the housing 200 may be a structure that supports the battery cells 110 at the bottom of the battery pack housing, and although not shown in the drawings, structures such as a battery pack cover, a tray, and a rack that cover the battery cells 110 at the top may also be provided. If the battery pack cover is coupled to the housing 200, an empty space that accommodates the battery cells 110 may be formed, and the cell assembly 100 may be stored in the empty space. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the structure of the housing 200 will be mainly described without including other structures of the battery pack housing.

[0049] The housing 200 may support at least one cell assembly 100 or a plurality of battery cells 110. The housing 200 may be mounted to a machine or device using the battery pack 10 as an energy source. For example, the housing 200 may be mounted to an energy storage system, an electric vehicle, and the like.

[0050] The housing 200 may be made of a plastic material. The housing 200 may be made entirely of a plastic material. In particular, the housing 200 may be constructed by plastic injection molding. As described above, if the housing 200 is manufactured by plastic injection molding, insulation from the battery cell 110 may be ensured.

[0051] However, when plastic injection molding is applied, there may be problems with the structural safety of the housing 200. In addition, as the size of the housing 200 increases, the structure of the housing 200 made of plastic injection molding may be more susceptible to bending or sagging, and may have lower strength or rigidity, thereby failing to provide firm support, compared to the housing 200 made of steel.

[0052] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the housing 200 may have a reinforcing member 300 disposed therein. The reinforcing member 300 may be inserted into the housing 200. A pair of reinforcing members 300 may be placed to be inserted into the protruding structures on both sides of the housing 200. In particular, the reinforcing member 300 may be configured in the form of a rod extending long in one direction so as to be inserted into the housing 200. For example, a steel pipe may be configured in the form of a round rod, as shown in the figure. The reinforcing member 300 may improve the mechanical properties of the housing.

[0053] Figure 3 2 are diagrams for explaining an assembly configuration of respective unit parts of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] refer to Figure 3 , the housing 200 may be constructed by coupling a plurality of unit parts 210 rather than as a single structure, which are separate units. The housing 200 may include a plurality of unit parts 210 disposed to extend in the width direction (±X-axis direction) of the plurality of battery cells 110. In this embodiment, the housing 200 may include two unit parts 210 separated in the forward and rearward directions. Each unit part 210 may have a predetermined width in the width direction of the battery cell 110, and in this embodiment, has a width capable of accommodating two cell assemblies 100.

[0055] In addition, the reinforcing member 300 may be configured to interconnect the plurality of unit parts 210. A pair of reinforcing members 300 may be disposed to be respectively inserted into the protruding structures on both sides of the unit part 210 and continuously inserted into another adjacent unit part 210 disposed in the width direction of the unit part 210, thereby connecting the plurality of unit parts 210 to each other. The reinforcing member may be configured as a pair of unit steel pipes. The reinforcing member 300 may have an insulating coating 310 disposed on its outer surface.

[0056] According to the battery pack 10 having the above-described configuration, since the outer shell 200 is made of a plastic material, electrical insulation of the battery pack 10 can be ensured. In addition, the insulating coating 310 on the outer surface of the reinforcing member 300 can further improve insulation. In addition, since a steel pipe used for a mechanical structure is applied to the plastic outer shell 200, structural stability of the outer shell 200 can be ensured. In particular, in the case where the outer shell 200 of the battery pack 10 is set to a large size, the above-described configuration also enables such a large outer shell 200 to be reinforced in terms of its structural safety, which will be described later.

[0057] Hereinafter, each unit portion 210 will be described in detail.

[0058] Figure 4 and Figure 5 are a perspective view and a bottom perspective view of a unit portion which is a part of an outer casing in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 as well as Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the unit portion 210 may include a bottom plate 220 and a pair of protruding blocks 230 disposed on both sides of the bottom plate 220 .

[0060] The unit portion 210 may include a bottom plate 220. The bottom plate 220 may be configured in a plate shape and may be located below the battery cell 110. Therefore, the battery cell 110 may be placed on the upper surface of the bottom plate 220. The bottom plate 220 may be configured as a plate and may contact and support one side surface of the battery cell 110 stacked in the width direction while standing vertically. As described above, since the side surface of the battery cell 110 is supported by contact, the insulation structure of the housing 200 (especially the bottom plate 220) may be important.

[0061] The protruding blocks 230 may be provided at both sides of the bottom plate 220 so as to protrude upward from the surface of the bottom plate 220. Therefore, the battery cells 110 may be stably mounted and stored. An insertion hole 231 into which the reinforcing member 300 is inserted may be formed in the protruding blocks 230. The insertion hole 231 of the unit portion 210 and the insertion hole 231 of the adjacent unit portion 210 may be placed to communicate with each other, and the reinforcing member 300 may be inserted into the insertion hole 231.

[0062] The unit portion 210 having the above-described configuration may provide a space for storing the cell assembly 100 and the plurality of battery cells 110. That is, the plurality of battery cells 110 may be seated and supported on the unit portion 210 and may be accommodated in an inner space of the corresponding unit portion 210 of the housing 200.

[0063] As described above, the housing 200 may be made of a plastic material, and specifically, the unit portion 210 constructed of the bottom plate 220 and the protruding block 230 may be made of a plastic material. Specifically, the bottom plate 220 and the pair of protruding blocks 230 may be injection molded as one piece. As described above, by manufacturing each unit portion 210 by plastic injection molding, the convenience of processing and insulation from the battery cell 110 may be ensured, and the manufacturing steps may be reduced. Similarly, manufacturing the housing 200 by plastic injection molding makes it possible to obtain electrical insulation without an additional insulating structure or a separate insulating component, thereby reducing the production cycle time and production cost of the battery pack 10.

[0064] In addition, the housing 200 may be composed of a plurality of unit parts 210 coupled to each other, so that a predetermined load of the battery cell 110 may be supported by the separated unit parts 210 of the housing, thereby ensuring structural stability. In addition, the unit parts 210 may be connected to each other by unit steel pipes, thereby improving the mechanical properties of the housing 200 and ensuring structural stability.

[0065] The unit portion 210 may include a fastening portion 400. The fastening portion 400 may fasten one unit portion 210 and another adjacent unit portion 210 to each other. A configuration in which one unit portion 210 is fastened and securely fixed to an adjacent unit portion 210 will be described later.

[0066] Hereinafter, the reinforcing member 300 and the fastening portion 400 which improve the structural stability of the housing 200 will be described in detail.

[0067] Figure 6 is a diagram showing a combination state of respective unit parts in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a fastening portion between respective unit portions in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 8 is a bottom view illustrating a state in which respective unit portions of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are coupled.

[0068] The battery pack 10 according to the present embodiment may provide a configuration in which the respective unit parts 210 are connected to each other. In this embodiment, a reinforcing member 300 and a fastening part 400 may be provided.

[0069] refer to Figures 6 to 8 , the battery pack 10 may include a reinforcement member 300 interconnecting the plurality of unit parts 210. The reinforcement member 300 may be configured to interconnect the plurality of unit parts 210 and be inserted into the unit parts 210 such that a surface thereof does not contact the battery cells 110.

[0070] Specifically, the reinforcing member 300 may be placed to pass through a pair of protruding blocks 230. The reinforcing member 300 may be configured as a pair of unit steel pipes. The reinforcing member 300 may be a steel pipe for a mechanical structure. Thus, both sides of each unit portion 210 may be firmly supported. As described above, although the housing 200 is manufactured by plastic injection molding, they are interconnected by the unit steel pipes to improve the mechanical properties of the housing 200 and ensure its structural stability. In addition, the outer surface of the reinforcing member 300 may be covered with an insulating coating 310 to further improve insulation.

[0071] Although the respective unit parts 210 are interconnected by the reinforcing member 300 to ensure the mechanical characteristics of each unit part 210, the movement of the reinforcing member 300 in the longitudinal direction (width direction of the battery cell or ±X axis direction) cannot be restricted. Slight movement is possible. Therefore, a fastening part 400 may be provided in this embodiment.

[0072] The fastening portion 400 may fasten one unit portion 210 and another adjacent unit portion 210 to each other. The fastening portion 400 may be provided to be exposed to the bottom surface of the bottom plate 220.

[0073] The fastening portion 400 may include at least one fastening protrusion 410 disposed on one side in the width direction of the unit portion 210 , at least one fastening recess 420 disposed adjacent to the fastening protrusion 410 , and a fastening member 430 fastening the fastening protrusion 410 and the fastening recess 420 to each other.

[0074] The fastening recess 420 of one unit portion 210 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the fastening protrusion 410 provided in another adjacent unit portion 210 .

[0075] The fastening protrusion 410 may be provided to protrude in a triangular shape when viewed from above, and the fastening recess 420 may be formed to be recessed inwardly corresponding to the shape of the fastening protrusion 410 .

[0076] A plurality of fastening protrusions 410 and a plurality of fastening recesses 420 may be provided and may be alternately disposed in each unit portion 210. Although two fastening protrusions 410 and two fastening recesses 420 are provided in the unit portion 210 of the present embodiment, their number and positions are not limited.

[0077] As described above, the fastening recess 420 of one unit portion 210 can be firmly fixed to another adjacent unit portion 210 by the fastening portion 400. Therefore, the movement of the battery cell 110 in the width direction can be restricted. Figure 7As shown, the fastening protrusion 410 and the fastening recess 420 may be provided as a double-layer structure in the connection portion between the fastening portion 400 disposed on the bottom plate 220, thereby improving structural rigidity and anti-bending or anti-sagging properties in the thickness direction (±Z-axis direction).

[0078] According to this implementation configuration, since the housing 200 is divided into the unit parts 210 to be interconnected using the unit steel pipes, the mechanical characteristics of the housing 200 may be improved, thereby ensuring structural stability.

[0079] The energy storage system according to the present disclosure may include one or more battery packs 10 according to the present disclosure. In particular, in order to provide a large energy capacity, the energy storage system according to the present disclosure may include a plurality of battery packs 10 electrically connected to each other. In addition, the energy storage system according to the present disclosure may also include various other elements of energy storage systems known at the time of filing the present disclosure. In addition, the energy storage system may be used in various places or devices, such as a smart grid system or a charging station.

[0080] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] refer to Fig. 9 , the vehicle according to the present disclosure may include one or more battery packs 10 according to the present disclosure. As an example, the vehicle V according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to include at least one of the battery packs 10 described above.

[0082] In addition, the vehicle V according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include various other elements included in the vehicle in addition to the battery pack 10. For example, the vehicle V according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a vehicle body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), etc. in addition to the battery pack 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] According to the various embodiments described above, there can be provided: a battery pack 10 in which a casing is manufactured by plastic injection molding to ensure insulation from the battery cells, and in which the casing is divided into unit parts to be interconnected by unit steel pipes to improve the mechanical properties of the casing to ensure structural stability; and a vehicle V including the battery pack 10.

[0084] Although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, forward, and backward are used in this specification, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are only for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the position of the target object or the position of the observer.

[0085] As described above, although the present disclosure has been described with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications and changes are possible to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs within the technical concept of the present disclosure and the equivalent scope of the claims to be described below.

[0086] Although the description of the present disclosure and the drawings showing its embodiments may be slightly exaggerated in order to emphasize or highlight the technical concepts of the present disclosure, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various types of modifications are possible in view of the contents previously described and shown in the drawings.

Claims

1. A battery pack comprising: Multiple battery cells; a housing configured to store the plurality of battery cells and including a plurality of unit portions disposed to extend in a width direction of the plurality of battery cells; as well as A reinforcing member is configured to interconnect the plurality of unit portions and is inserted into the unit portions such that a surface of the reinforcing member does not contact the battery cells.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, Each of the unit parts comprises: a bottom plate on which the battery cells are mounted; and a pair of protruding blocks, the pair of protruding blocks being provided on both sides of the bottom plate so as to protrude from the plate surface, and Wherein, the reinforcing member is placed to pass through the pair of protruding blocks.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, in, The bottom plate and the pair of protruding blocks are injection molded as one body.

4. The battery pack according to claim 2, in, The reinforcement member is constructed as a pair of unit steel pipes.

5. The battery pack according to claim 2, A fastening portion configured to fasten one of the unit portions to another adjacent unit portion is further included.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, in, The fastening portion is disposed to be exposed to a bottom surface of the bottom plate.

7. The battery pack according to claim 5, in, The fastening part comprises: at least one fastening protrusion provided on one side in a width direction of one unit portion; and At least one fastening recess is disposed adjacent to the fastening protrusion.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, in, The fastening recess of one unit portion is disposed at a position corresponding to the fastening protrusion provided in another adjacent unit portion.

9. The battery pack according to claim 7, in, The fastening portion further includes a fastening member configured to fasten the fastening protrusion and the fastening recess to each other.

10. The battery pack according to claim 7, in, A plurality of fastening protrusions and a plurality of fastening recesses are provided, and Wherein, the fastening protrusions and the fastening recesses are alternately arranged in each unit portion.

11. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The reinforcement member has an outer surface covered with an insulating coating.

12. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The unit part is made of plastic material, and Wherein, the reinforcing member is made of metal material.

13. A vehicle comprising at least one battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. An energy storage system comprising at least one battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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