Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack is disclosed. The battery pack includes a frame portion forming an accommodation space, a plurality of battery modules located in the accommodation space of the frame portion, a lower cover covering a lower portion of the frame portion, and an upper cover covering an upper portion of the frame portion. Each of the battery modules includes a plurality of battery cells, a plurality of side plates including a bent portion coupled to the frame portion and supporting side surfaces of the battery cells, and a plurality of end plates connecting ends of each of the plurality of side plates to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery pack, in which a frame portion of a battery module has enhanced structural rigidity. Background Art

[0002] Secondary batteries (or rechargeable batteries) are widely used in mobile devices, auxiliary power devices, etc. In addition, secondary batteries are also attracting attention as the main power source for electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, etc., which are proposed as alternatives to conventional vehicles and diesel vehicles to solve various problems such as air pollution.

[0003] In electric vehicles, etc., since high output and large capacity batteries are required, battery modules in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked and then electrically connected in series and in parallel are used. The battery cells are stacked into a battery module, and terminals exposed at both ends of each battery cell are electrically connected to provide a high voltage.

[0004] Frames forming the outer wall of the battery module use aluminum or stainless steel (SUS) that can be welded and does not rust. The material of the side plate is determined according to the shape and material of the end plate, which has a surface on which the expansion force and compression force required for assembly act in one direction according to the direction in which the battery cells are arranged. If the end plate and the side plate are made of different materials, the same material may be included in the plate in special cases because the welding does not reach the required strength.

[0005] In a long battery module having a length equal to or greater than a predetermined length, the battery module may have a flange shape protruding from its side surface so as to be fixed to the frame portion of the battery pack at multiple positions. In a long battery module, the flange needs to have sufficient thickness and rigidity to fix the module having a relatively large volume. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a battery pack in which the structural rigidity of a frame supporting battery cells of a battery module is enhanced, and the space efficiency of the battery is improved by reducing the thickness when manufacturing the battery module using roll forming.

[0007] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a frame portion forming an accommodation space; a plurality of battery modules located in the accommodation space of the frame portion; a lower cover covering a lower portion of the frame portion; and an upper cover covering an upper portion of the frame portion. Each of the battery modules includes: a plurality of battery cells; a plurality of side plates including bent portions coupled to the frame portion and supporting side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells; and a plurality of end plates connecting ends of the side plates to each other.

[0008] Each of the side plates includes an inner surface that supports the side surface of the battery cell, and each of the side plates is bent along the upper edge to form a folded portion that contacts the outer surface of the side plate.

[0009] The folded portion can be welded to the surface of the side plate.

[0010] The end of the folded portion may include a bent portion protruding from the side plate.

[0011] The bent portion may include a plurality of threaded holes, and a plurality of cutout portions are formed between the plurality of threaded holes, and fastening members can be inserted into the threaded holes to fix the bent portion to the frame portion.

[0012] The cutout portion may be formed in a trapezoidal shape.

[0013] Each of the side plates may include a bent support portion that supports the lower surface of the battery cell and is formed at the lower portion of the side plate.

[0014] Each of the side plates may be roll-formed.

[0015] An insulating film may be attached to the surface of the side plate facing the battery cell.

[0016] Each of the side plates may include a side surface that supports the side surface of the battery cell, and the side surface may include a bent connecting portion that bends and protrudes in a direction away from the side surface of the battery cell.

[0017] Avoidance bent portions may be formed at the upper edge of each of the side plates, and the avoidance bent portions bend in a direction away from the side surface of the battery cell.

[0018] A part of one side surface of each of the side plates may be connected to the side surface of the battery cell using an adhesive, and each of the side plates may include an adhesive bent portion that is spaced apart from the side surface of the battery cell at the portion where the adhesive is applied to the side plate.

[0019] Each of the side plates may include a first side surface that supports the side surface of the battery cell and a second side surface that is coupled to a connection flange coupled to the frame portion, and the connection flange may include a connection plate coupled to the second side surface of the side plate and a connection protruding portion that protrudes in a direction away from the side plate to be coupled to the frame portion.

[0020] The portion of each of the side plates that is coupled to the connection plate may be bent such that a joining bent portion that is spaced apart from the side surface of the battery cell is formed.

[0021] An adhesive may be applied between the joining bent portion and the side surface of the battery cell.

[0022] The side plate may include: a first side portion including a side surface that supports a side surface of a battery cell, wherein an upper end of the first side portion includes a first outwardly curved portion that curves outward in a direction away from the battery cell; and a second side portion coupled to the upper end of the first side portion, wherein a lower end of the second side portion includes a second outwardly curved portion that curves outward in a direction away from the battery cell and is coupled to the first outwardly curved portion.

[0023] The first side portion and the second side portion may be roll-formed.

[0024] The battery pack may further include an insulating plate including a first end connected to a side surface of one of the end plates, a second end connected to a side surface of the other of the end plates, and a side surface that supports a side surface of the battery cell.

[0025] The insulating plate may include: a first insulating plate including an end connected to a side surface of the end plate to support a side surface of the battery cell; and a second insulating plate including a portion welded to a side surface of the first insulating plate and an end connected to a side surface of the end plate to support a side surface of the battery cell.

[0026] The first insulating plate may be bent along its lower edge to form a first bent support portion that supports a lower surface of the battery module, and the second insulating plate may be bent along its lower edge to form a second bent support portion that supports a lower surface of the battery module.

[0027] A first upper bent portion may be formed at an upper portion of the first insulating plate, and a first lower bent portion may be formed at a lower portion of the first insulating plate. A second upper bent portion may be formed at an upper portion of the second insulating plate, and a second lower bent portion may be formed at a lower portion of the second insulating plate. The first upper bent portion and the second upper bent portion may be welded to each other, and the first lower bent portion and the second lower bent portion may be welded to each other.

[0028] The first insulating plate and the second insulating plate may be roll-formed.

[0029] The side plate may be made of stainless steel.

[0030] An insulating film may be attached to an inner surface of the side plate.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the side plate that supports the battery cell may be formed of a SUS material or a steel material, and may improve the rigidity of a plate portion to which the battery module is connected to a frame portion, thereby improving its durability.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the side plate that supports the battery module may be manufactured using a roll-forming method. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an increase in cost due to the enlargement of facilities required for the battery module, thereby preventing an increase in facility investment cost. Description of the Drawings

[0033] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 2 is schematically showing Figure 1 an exploded perspective view of the battery pack.

[0035] Figure 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 4 is schematically showing Figure 3 a perspective view of a state where side plates and end plates of the battery module are combined with each other.

[0037] Figure 5 is a perspective view schematically showing a side plate according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 6 is schematically showing Figure 5 a main part perspective view of a part of the side plate.

[0039] Figure 7 is schematically showing Figure 5 a cross-sectional view of the side plate.

[0040] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an insulating plate according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a side plate according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a side plate according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a side plate according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a side plate according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a side plate according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a side plate according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 15is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a side plate according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a side plate according to a ninth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 17 is a plan view of a battery module in a state where a cutout portion is formed at a side plate according to a tenth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 18 is schematically showing the installation of Figure 17 of a main part perspective view of the state of the side plate with a cutout portion. Detailed Description

[0051] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily implement these embodiments. The present disclosure can be modified in various different ways, all of which do not depart from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. To clearly describe the present disclosure, components or parts irrelevant to the description are omitted in the drawings, and throughout the specification, the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0052] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 is schematically showing Figure 1 of an exploded perspective view of the battery pack.

[0053] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the battery pack 300 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure may include a frame portion 100 in which a plurality of frames are coupled to each other and an accommodation space is formed therein. A plurality of battery modules 200 are inserted into the accommodation space of the frame portion 100, a lower cover 50 covers the lower portion of the frame portion 100, and an upper cover 60 covers the upper portion of the frame portion 100.

[0054] The frame portion 100 may include a first side frame 10 and a second side frame 20. A first end frame 30 and a second end frame 40 connect the first side frame 10 and the second side frame 20 to each other. The first side frame 10 may be coupled to one edge of the lower cover 50 and may be installed to support one side of the plurality of battery modules 200. The second side frame 20 may be coupled to the other edge of the lower cover 50 opposite to the one edge and may be installed to support the other side of the plurality of battery modules 200.

[0055] The first end frame 30 can be installed to connect one end of the first side frame 10 and one end of the second side frame 20. For example, one end of the first end frame 30 can be connected to one end of the first side frame 10 through a fastening member 11, and the other end of the first end frame 30 can be connected to one end of the second side frame 20 through the fastening member 11.

[0056] The second end frame 40 can be installed to connect the other end of the first side frame 10 and the other end of the second side frame 20. For example, one end of the second end frame 40 can be connected to the other end of the first side frame 10 through a fastening member 11, and the other end of the second end frame 40 can be connected to the other end of the second side frame 20 through the fastening member 11.

[0057] An accommodation space can be formed inside the frame part 100 so that the battery module 200 can be installed inside the accommodation space. The lower cover 50 can be coupled to the lower part of the frame part 100, and the upper cover 60 can be coupled to the upper part of the frame part 100 to support the battery cells 111 accommodated inside the frame part 100.

[0058] Figure 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 4 is schematically showing Figure 3 a perspective view of the state in which the side plates and end plates of the battery module are joined to each other.

[0059] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown in, the battery module 200 can include a plurality of battery cells 111, a plurality of side plates 120, and a plurality of end plates 130. The plurality of side plates 120 support the side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 111 and are bent so that a part of the side surfaces of the plurality of side plates 120 is joined to the frame part 100. The plurality of end plates 130 connect the two ends of each of the plurality of side plates 120 to each other. A plurality of side plates 120 can be installed to support the side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 111. The plurality of side plates 120 can include a first side plate and a second side plate that respectively support two opposite sides of the plurality of battery cells 111. In the first embodiment, the side plate, the first side plate, and the second side plate use the same reference numeral 120. That is, the first side plate 120 and the second side plate 120 can be installed in the same size and shape, and hereinafter, the first side plate and the second side plate use the same reference numeral 120.

[0060] The end plate 130 can be installed to connect the two ends of each of the first side plate 120 and the second side plate 120 to each other. The end plate can include a first end plate 130 and a second end plate 130. The first end plate and the second end plate can be installed in the same size and shape, and hereinafter, the first end plate and the second end plate use the same reference numeral 130.

[0061] A part of the edge of the side plate 120 along the length direction can be folded in the direction of one side surface. The side plate 120 can be installed to ensure structural rigidity. In some embodiments, a part of the side plate 120 can be folded to achieve an overlapping structure of the plates, thereby ensuring structural rigidity. In the present embodiment, the side plate 120 can be formed of SUS material or steel material.

[0062] Figure 5 is a perspective view schematically showing a side plate according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 6 is schematically showing Figure 5 a main part perspective view of a part of the side plate of Figure 7 is schematically showing Figure 5 a cross-sectional view of the side plate of

[0063] Referring to Figures 5 to 7 , the side plate 120 can have an inner surface of the side surface supporting a plurality of battery cells 111, and the side plate 120 can include a folding portion 121, and the folding portion 121 includes a portion folded along the upper edge to make surface contact with its outer surface. A part of the side plate 120 can be bent so that the folding portion 121 is formed, and the folding portion 121 can be formed to increase the thickness of the side plate 120 along the width direction. The folding portion 121 can be formed to have a length corresponding to approximately half of the height of the side plate 120 in the z-axis direction.

[0064] The bent portion 121a can protrude from the end of the folding portion 121 so as to protrude in the direction of the side surface of the side plate 120. Specifically, a part of the folding portion 121 formed outside the side plate 120 can be bent so that the bent portion 121a can protrude from the side plate.

[0065] The side plate 120 where the folding portion 121 and the bent portion 121a are formed can be formed by roll forming. Specifically, the side plate made of SUS material or steel material can be processed by roll forming. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an increase in cost due to the enlargement of the facilities required for a long battery module and to prevent an increase in facility investment cost.

[0066] One reason for the bent portion 121a to protrude from the side surface of the side plate 120 is to allow the battery module 200 to be coupled to the frame portion 100 by fastening members, thereby stably fixing the battery module 200 to the frame portion 100. For this purpose, a plurality of threaded holes 121b can be formed in the bent portion 121a for coupling fastening members such as bolt members.

[0067] The bent support portion 121c may be formed at the lower portion of the side plate 120. The bent support portion 121c may be bent at the lower edge of the side plate 120 and may be formed at the lower portion of the side plate 120 to support the lower portion of the battery cell 111.

[0068] Accordingly, in a state where the battery cell 111 is received inside the frame portion 100, the battery cell 111 may be stably fixed.

[0069] As Figure 7 shown, the insulating film 123 may be attached to the side surface of the side plate 120 that contacts the battery cell 111. A portion of the insulating film 123 may protrude upward from the side plate 120 in a state where the insulating film 123 is attached to the entire surface where the battery cell 111 contacts the side plate 120.

[0070] A pair of side plates 120 may be connected to each other by a pair of end plates 130. A plurality of battery modules 200 may be inserted into the frame portion 100, and the plurality of battery modules 200 may be arranged in two rows. Although the present embodiment describes the plurality of battery modules 200 as being arranged in two rows and inserted into the frame portion 100, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the battery module 200 may be inserted into the frame portion 100 in a single row in a state where the insulating plate 140 (described below) is removed.

[0071] The insulating plate 140 may be installed at a position between the rows of the plurality of battery modules 200. Both ends of the insulating plate 140 may be connected to the pair of end plates 130 at a position between the pair of side plates 120.

[0072] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an insulating plate according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] As Figure 8 shown, the insulating plate 140 may include a first insulating plate 141 and a second insulating plate 143. Both ends of the first insulating plate 141 and both ends of the second insulating plate 143 may be connected to the pair of end plates 130. In a state where the first insulating plate 141 and the second insulating plate 143 are connected to the pair of end plates 130, the first insulating plate 141 and the second insulating plate 143 may be welded and joined to each other.

[0074] The insulating plate 140 may include a first insulating plate 141 whose both ends are connected to the side surfaces of the plurality of end plates 130 to support the side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells. A portion of the second insulating plate 143 is welded to the side surface of the first insulating plate 141, and both ends of the second insulating plate 143 are connected to the side surfaces of the plurality of end plates 130 to support the side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells.

[0075] The first insulating plate 141 may be installed to support the side surfaces of a plurality of battery cells 111 disposed in the first row among the battery cells 111 arranged in two rows. With both ends of the first insulating plate 141 connected to a pair of end plates 130, a portion of the first insulating plate 141 along the length direction may be formed to be curved. One reason for the portion of the first insulating plate 141 along the length direction being curved is to bond the curved portion to the second insulating plate 143 by bringing the curved portion into contact with the second insulating plate 143. Another reason for the portion of the first insulating plate 141 along the length direction being curved is to apply an adhesive to the space formed between the curved portion of the first insulating plate 141 and the side surface of the battery cell 111.

[0076] In some embodiments, the side surface of the first insulating plate 141 may support the side surface of the battery cell 111, a first upper curved portion 141a may be formed at the upper portion of the first insulating plate 141, and a first lower curved portion 141b may be formed at the lower portion of the first insulating plate 141. The first upper curved portion 141a and the first lower curved portion 141b may be curved such that a space is formed between the first upper curved portion 141a and the first lower curved portion 141b and the side surface of the battery cell 111.

[0077] The second insulating plate 143 may be installed to support the side surfaces of a plurality of battery cells 111 disposed in the second row among the battery cells 111 arranged in two rows. With both ends of the second insulating plate 143 connected to a pair of end plates 130, a portion of the second insulating plate 143 along the length direction may be formed to be curved.

[0078] The side surface of the second insulating plate 143 may support the side surface of the battery cell 111, a second upper curved portion 143a may be formed at the upper portion of the second insulating plate 143, and a second lower curved portion 143b may be formed at the lower portion of the second insulating plate 143.

[0079] With the first insulating plate 141 and the second insulating plate 143 disposed adjacent to each other, the first upper curved portion 141a and the second upper curved portion 143a may be in surface contact with each other, and the first lower curved portion 141b and the second lower curved portion 143b may be in surface contact with each other. The portions of the first upper curved portion 141a and the second upper curved portion 143a in surface contact with each other may be welded and bonded to each other, and the portions of the first lower curved portion 141b and the second lower curved portion 143b in surface contact with each other may be welded and bonded to each other.

[0080] The first upper bending portion 141a, the second upper bending portion 143a, the first lower bending portion 141b, and the second lower bending portion 143b can each be formed to retract from the position on the side surfaces of the first insulating plate 141 and the second insulating plate 143 that contacts the battery cell 111. Therefore, during the process of welding the first upper bending portion 141a and the second upper bending portion 143a to each other and welding the first lower bending portion 141b and the second lower bending portion 143b to each other, the welding heat does not transfer to the side surfaces of the first insulating plate 141 and the second insulating plate 143, thereby improving the durability of the first insulating plate 141 and the second insulating plate 143.

[0081] The first bending support portion 141c that supports the lower surface of the battery module can be formed at the lower part of the first insulating plate 141. In some embodiments, the second bending support portion 143c that supports the lower surface of the battery module can be formed at the lower part of the second insulating plate 143. The first bending support portion 141c and the second bending support portion 143c can protrude in opposite directions and are formed to support the lower parts of the battery cells 111 in different rows.

[0082] The insulating film 123 can be attached to the side surfaces of the first insulating plate 141 and the second insulating plate 143.

[0083] As described above, in the battery pack 300 of the present embodiment, the side plate 120 that supports the battery cell 111 can be formed of a SUS material or a steel material, and the rigidity of the plate portion where the battery module 200 is connected to the frame portion 100 can be further improved, thereby improving its durability. In addition, since the side plate 120 is manufactured using a roll forming method, the facilities required for manufacturing the battery pack can be minimized, thereby minimizing the manufacturing cost.

[0084] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a side plate according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those in Figures 1 to 8 denote the same or similar components having the same or similar functions. Therefore, the detailed description of each of the same reference numerals in the following-described other embodiments will be omitted.

[0085] As Figure 9As shown, the side plate 220 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure may have a side surface that supports the side surfaces of a plurality of battery cells 111, and the side plate 220 may include a bent connection portion 221 that protrudes in the direction of another side surface by bending a part of the side surface of the side plate 220. The bent connection portion 221 may have a portion that protrudes outward between the upper edge and the lower edge of the side plate 220. The bent connection portion 221 may protrude in the outer direction of the side plate 220 in an approximate flange shape without welding. The bent connection portion 221 may protrude outward such that a part of the side plate 220 overlaps, and the bent connection portion 211 may protrude to have a thickness approximately twice or more the thickness of the side plate 220.

[0086] A plurality of threaded holes (not shown) may be formed at the bent connection portion 221. A fastening member such as a bolt member may be inserted into the threaded holes to fix the bent connection portion to Figure 2 the frame portion 100 shown in

[0087] A bent support portion 121c may be formed at the lower portion of the bent connection portion 221. The bent support portion 121c may be formed at the lower edge of the side plate 220. That is, the bent support portion 121c may be formed at the lower portion of the side plate 220 to support the lower portion of the battery cell 111.

[0088] The side plate 220 formed with the bent connection portion 221 and the bent support portion 121c may be formed by roll forming. The height of the side plate 220 may be determined according to the height of the battery cell. In addition, the height of the bent connection portion 221 may be determined according to the height of the bolt member fastened to the frame portion 100. In some embodiments, the protruding length of the bent connection portion 221 may be determined according to the size of the head of the bolt member.

[0089] An insulating film (not shown) may be attached to the surface of the side plate 220 that contacts the battery cell 111.

[0090] As described above, through the protruding shape of the two-layer overlap of the bent connection portion 221, the side plate 220 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure may be more stably fixed to the frame portion 100. Therefore, the durability of the side plate 220 is improved.

[0091] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a side plate according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. In the following description, the same reference numerals as Figures 1 to 9 those in the

[0092] figures denote the same or similar components having the same or similar functions. In the following, detailed descriptions of the same reference numerals are omitted. Figure 10As shown in [the figure], an avoidance bending portion 321 that bends in the direction of the bending connection portion 221 may be formed at the upper edge of the side plate 320 of the third embodiment. The avoidance bending portion 321 may be formed to bend outside the side plate 320 (i.e., in the direction of the side surface to which the bending connection portion 221 is connected).

[0093] The avoidance bending portion 321 may be formed by bending a part of the upper edge of the side plate 320 in the outer direction of the side plate 320. The avoidance bending portion 321 may prevent damage caused by interference between an insulating film (not shown) attached to the inner surface of the side plate 320 and the upper edge portion of the side plate 320.

[0094] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a side plate according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those in Figures 1 to 10 denote the same or similar components having the same or similar functions. In the following, detailed descriptions of the same reference numerals are omitted.

[0095] As Figure 11 shown in [the figure], the side plate 420 according to the fourth embodiment may include a folding portion 421 in which a part of the upper edge of the side plate 420 is folded in the outer direction of the side plate 420. The folding portion 421 of the fourth embodiment may prevent damage caused by interference between an insulating film (not shown) attached to the inner surface of the side plate 420 and the upper edge portion of the side plate 420.

[0096] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a side plate according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those in Figures 1 to 11 denote the same or similar components having the same or similar functions. In the following, detailed descriptions of the same reference numerals are omitted.

[0097] As Figure 12 shown in [the figure], a part of one side surface of the side plate 520 according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure may be connected to the side surfaces of a plurality of battery cells by an adhesive (not shown). For this purpose, a curved adhesive bending portion 521 may be formed at the portion of the side plate 520 where the adhesive is applied. The adhesive bending portion 521 refers to a portion of the side plate 520 that bends outward to form a space for applying the adhesive between the adhesive bending portion 521 and the side surface of the battery cell 111. The adhesive bending portion 521 may be formed at the lower part where the curved support portion 121c is connected and at the portion where the curved connection portion 221 is formed.

[0098] Since the adhesive is applied to the adhesive bending portion 521, the side plate 520 can be stably fixed to the battery cell 111 to stably support the battery cell 111 in an insulated state. The adhesive can be applied to the upper, lower, and middle portions of the side plate 520 as well as the adhesive bending portion 521, thereby providing stable adhesive fixation of the side plate 520 to the battery cell 111. The adhesive can be a structural adhesive, can be a fast-curing polyurethane-based adhesive, and can be applied to the surface of the adhesive bending portion 521 with a thickness of 0.2 mm to 1 mm.

[0099] The side plate 520 formed with the adhesive bending portion 521 can be formed by roll forming.

[0100] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a side plate according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those Figures 1 to 12 in the drawings denote the same or similar components having the same or similar functions. Hereinafter, detailed descriptions of the same reference numerals are omitted.

[0101] As Figure 13 shown, the side plate 620 according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure can have one side surface that supports the side surfaces of a plurality of battery cells 111, and the side plate 620 can have an outer surface coupled to a connection flange 621 that is coupled to the frame portion 100.

[0102] The connection flange 621 can protrude from the side plate 620 and make surface contact with the outer surface of the side plate 620. In addition, the connection flange 621 can be detachably coupled to the frame portion 100 by a fastening member.

[0103] The connection flange 621 can include a connection plate 621a coupled to the outer surface of the side plate 620 and a connection protrusion portion 621b protruding to the outside of the connection plate 621a to be connected to the frame portion 100. The connection plate 621a can be welded in a state where the connection plate makes surface contact with the side surface of the side plate 620. That is, the connection plate 621a can be welded to a part of the side surface of the side plate 620.

[0104] In the case where the connection protrusion portion 621b protrudes from the side surface of the connection plate 621a, a plurality of threaded holes (not shown) can be formed so that the connection protrusion portion can be detachably coupled to the frame portion 100 by a bolt member.

[0105] The side plate 620 can be formed by roll forming.

[0106] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a side plate according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. In the following description, the same as Figures 1 to 13Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like or similar components having like or similar functions. In the following description, detailed descriptions of like reference numerals are omitted.

[0107] As Figure 14 shown in [the figure], in the side plate 720 according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure, a portion of the side plate that is combined with the connection plate 621a may be bent to form a joining bent portion 721 that is spaced apart from the outer surface of the battery cell. The joining bent portion 721 may form a space in which an adhesive may be applied between the joining bent portion 721 and the outer surface of the battery cell 111, so that the side plate 720 can be used to stably support the battery cell 111 in an insulated state.

[0108] The side plate 720 formed with the joining bent portion 721 may be formed by roll forming.

[0109] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a side plate according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure. In the following description, like reference numerals Figures 1 to 14 in [the figure] denote like or similar components having like or similar functions. In the following description, detailed descriptions of like reference numerals are omitted.

[0110] As Figure 15 shown in [the figure], the side plate 820 according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure may have one side surface that supports the side surfaces of a plurality of battery cells 111, and the side plate 820 may have an outer surface that is joined to a bent flange 821 that is joined to the frame portion 100.

[0111] One side of the bent flange 821 may be joined to the side surface of the side plate 820, and in a state where a portion of the bent flange is bent at an approximate 90-degree angle, this portion of the bent flange 821 may protrude from the side surface of the side plate 820. The bent flange 821 may be detachably joined to the frame portion 100 by a bolt member. A joining bent portion 822 may be formed at the portion where the bent flange 821 is joined to the side plate 820. Thus, an adhesive may be applied between the battery cell 111 and the joining bent portion 822, so that the battery cell 111 and the side plate 820 can be joined to each other.

[0112] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a side plate according to the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure. In the following description, like reference numerals Figures 1 to 15 in [the figure] denote like or similar components having like or similar functions. In the following description, detailed descriptions of like reference numerals are omitted.

[0113] As Figure 16As shown in [reference], in the side plate 920 according to the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure, the first side portion 922 and the second side portion 924 can be welded and joined to each other. The first side portion 922 can have a side surface that supports the side surfaces of a plurality of battery cells 111, and the first side portion 922 can have an upper end edge that can include a first bent portion 922a that bends outward. The bent support portion 121c can be bent at the lower portion of the first side portion 922 to support the lower portion of the battery cell 111.

[0114] The second side portion 924 can be joined to the upper portion of the first side portion 922, and the lower end edge of the second side portion 924 can be bent outward. The second side portion 924 can include a second bent portion 924a that is joined to the first bent portion 922a.

[0115] The first bent portion 922a and the second bent portion 924a can be formed to have the same length and can be welded and joined. The first bent portion 922a and the second bent portion 924a can protrude from one side of the side plate 920 to be joined to the frame portion 100. For this purpose, the first bent portion 922a and the second bent portion 924a can include a plurality of threaded holes (not shown) formed in a state where the first bent portion 922a and the second bent portion 924a are welded. Accordingly, the first bent portion 922a and the second bent portion 924a can be detachably joined to the frame portion 100 by fastening members inserted into the threaded holes.

[0116] The first side portion 922 and the second side portion 924 can be formed by roll forming.

[0117] Figure 17 FIG. [reference] is a plan view schematically showing a battery module in a state where a cutout portion is formed in a side plate according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 18 FIG. [reference] is a perspective view of a main portion schematically showing a state of a side plate with a cutout portion on which [reference] is mounted. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those in [reference] denote the same or similar components having the same or similar functions. Hereinafter, detailed descriptions of the same reference numerals are omitted. Figure 17 As shown in [reference] and [reference], in the side plate 1220 of the battery module 1300 according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure, a cutout portion 1222 can be formed between a plurality of threaded holes 121b in a bent portion 1221. Figures 1 to 16

[0118] Figure 17 As Figure 18 and

[0119] ​​The cut portion 1222 can be cut into a trapezoidal shape between a plurality of threaded holes 121b. However, the cut portion 1222 is not necessarily limited to the trapezoidal shape, and the cut portion 122 can be changed into various polygonal shapes.

[0120] The cutting width of the cut portion 1222 can be greater than the width of the bent portion 1221 forming the threaded hole 121b. Therefore, if a pair of battery modules 1300 are arranged inside the frame portion 100 as Figure 17 shown, then the paired bent portions 1221 adjacent to each other of the pair of battery modules 1300 can be arranged in a state where the paired bent portions are spaced apart between a plurality of cut portions 1222. Therefore, in a pair of battery modules 1300, a plurality of bent portions 1221 can be inserted into a plurality of cut portions 1222 in a zigzag arrangement. Therefore, the installation space can be optimized by minimizing the separation distance between the pair of battery modules 1300.

[0121] Although the present disclosure has been described in connection with what is currently considered to be practical embodiments, it will be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, the disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.

[0122] <Description of Reference Numerals> 10: First side frame 11: Fastening member 20: Second side frame 30: First end frame 40: Second end frame 50: Lower cover 60: Upper cover 100: Frame portion 111: Battery cell 120: Side plate 121: Folding portion 121a: Bent portion 121b: Threaded hole 121c: Bent support portion 123: Insulating film 130: End plate 140: Insulating plate 141: First insulating plate 141a: First upper bent portion 141b: First lower bent portion 141c: First bent support portion 143: Second insulating plate 143a: Second upper bent portion 143b: Second lower bent portion 143c: Second bent support portion 220: Side plate 221: Bent connection portion 320: Side plate 321: Avoidance bent portion 420: Side plate 421: Folding portion 520: Side plate 521: Adhesive bent portion 620: Side plate 621: Connecting flange 720: Side plate 721: Joining bent portion 820: Side plate 821: Bent flange 920: Side plate 922: First side portion 922a: First bent portion 924: Second side portion 924a: Second bent portion 1200: Side plate 1300: Battery module 1221: Bent portion 1222: Cutout portion 300: Battery pack.

Claims

1. A battery pack, comprising: The frame part forms a receiving space; A plurality of battery modules are located in the accommodation space of the frame portion; A lower cover covering the lower portion of the frame portion; as well as an upper cover, covering the upper portion of the frame portion, Wherein, each of the plurality of battery modules comprises: Multiple battery cells; a plurality of side plates including a plurality of bent portions coupled to the frame portion and supporting a plurality of side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells; and A plurality of end plates connect the plurality of end portions of the plurality of side plates to each other.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of side plates includes an inner surface supporting the plurality of side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells, and each of the plurality of side plates is bent along an upper edge to form a folded portion contacting an outer surface of the side plate.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein: An end portion of the folded portion includes a bent portion protruding from the side panel.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein: The bent portion includes a plurality of threaded holes, and a plurality of cutout portions are formed between the plurality of threaded holes, and wherein a plurality of fastening members are inserted into the plurality of threaded holes to fix the bent portion to the frame portion.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein: The plurality of cutout portions are each formed in a trapezoidal shape in a plan view.

6. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein: Each of the plurality of side plates includes a curved support portion formed at a lower portion of the side plate to support lower surfaces of the plurality of battery cells.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, wherein: Each side panel of the plurality of side panels is roll formed.

8. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of side plates includes a side surface supporting the plurality of side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells, and the side surface includes a bent connection portion bent and protruding in a direction away from the side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein: An avoidance bent portion is formed at an upper edge of each of the plurality of side plates, and the avoidance bent portion is bent in the direction away from the plurality of side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells.

10. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: A portion of one side surface of each of the plurality of side plates is connected to the plurality of side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells using an adhesive, and Each of the plurality of side plates includes an adhesive bent portion spaced apart from the plurality of side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells at a portion of the side plate where the adhesive is applied.

11. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of side plates includes a first side surface supporting the plurality of side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells and a second side surface coupled to a connection flange coupled to the frame portion, and The connecting flange includes a connecting plate coupled to the second side surface of the side plate and a connecting protruding portion protruding in a direction away from the side plate to be coupled to the frame portion.

12. The battery pack according to claim 11, wherein: A portion of each of the plurality of side plates coupled to the connection plate is bent so as to form a joining bent portion spaced apart from the plurality of side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells.

13. The battery pack according to claim 12, wherein: An adhesive is applied between the joining bent portion and the plurality of side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells.

14. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of side panels comprises: a first side portion including a side surface supporting the plurality of side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells, wherein an upper end of the first side portion includes a first outwardly bent portion bent outwardly in a direction away from the plurality of battery cells; and A second side portion coupled to an upper end of the first side portion, wherein a lower end of the second side portion includes a second outwardly bent portion that is bent outwardly in the direction away from the plurality of battery cells and coupled to the first outwardly bent portion.

15. The battery pack according to claim 14, wherein: The first side portion and the second side portion are roll formed.

16. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising an insulating plate comprising a first end connected to a side surface of one of the plurality of end plates, a second end connected to a side surface of another end plate of the plurality of end plates, and a side surface supporting the plurality of side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells.

17. The battery pack according to claim 16, wherein: The insulating plate comprises: a first insulating plate including a plurality of end portions connected to a plurality of side surfaces of the plurality of end plates to support the plurality of side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells; and A second insulating plate includes a portion welded to a side surface of the first insulating plate and a plurality of end portions connected to the plurality of side surfaces of the plurality of end plates to support the plurality of side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells.

18. The battery pack according to claim 17, wherein: The first insulating plate is bent along a lower edge of the first insulating plate to form a first curved supporting portion supporting a lower surface of the battery module, and the second insulating plate is bent along a lower edge of the second insulating plate to form a second curved supporting portion supporting the lower surface of the battery module.

19. The battery pack according to claim 18, wherein: A first upper bent portion is formed at an upper portion of the first insulating plate, and a first lower bent portion is formed at a lower portion of the first insulating plate, a second upper bent portion is formed at an upper portion of the second insulating plate, and a second lower bent portion is formed at a lower portion of the second insulating plate, and The first upper curved portion and the second upper curved portion are welded to each other, and the first lower curved portion and the second lower curved portion are welded to each other.

20. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: An insulating film is attached to an inner surface of each of the plurality of side plates.

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