Battery pack and method for assembling battery pack

Abstract

An exemplary embodiment of the present technology provides a battery pack. The battery pack includes a lower frame including a bottom plate, a first side plate connected to a first side portion of the bottom plate, and a second side plate connected to a second side portion of the bottom plate; and a first battery assembly and a second battery assembly, the first battery assembly and the second battery assembly being located on the bottom plate, each of the first battery assembly and the second battery assembly including a battery cell stack including a plurality of battery cells and a first cross beam coupled with a first side portion of the battery cell stack.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery pack and a method of assembling the battery pack, and more particularly, to a battery pack configured to be easily assembled to improve process convenience and a method of assembling the battery pack. This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0095119, filed on July 21, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0002] A secondary battery can be charged and discharged multiple times and is used as an energy source for various types of electronic devices. With technological advancements, secondary batteries are used in mobility such as electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and portable devices in the form of battery modules or battery packs.

[0003] A battery pack can be manufactured by assembling a plurality of battery components and various components surrounding the plurality of battery components. In this case, the quality stability and manufacturing speed may be significantly affected by whether the components are set in appropriate positions. For example, when the assemblability of the battery pack is low, processing errors are more likely to occur during the process, resulting in reduced quality. Therefore, various studies are being conducted to improve the assemblability of battery packs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical Problem

[0005] A first aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide a battery pack with improved assemblability. A second aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide a method of assembling a battery pack with improved assemblability.

[0006] Technical Solution

[0007] An exemplary embodiment of the first aspect of the present disclosure provides a battery pack. The battery pack includes a lower frame including a bottom plate, a first side plate connected to a first side portion of the bottom plate, and a second side plate connected to a second side portion of the bottom plate; and a first battery component and a second battery component located on the bottom plate, wherein each of the first battery component and the second battery component includes a battery cell stack having a plurality of battery cells, and a first cross member coupled to a first side portion of the battery cell stack, the first cross member having a first stepped structure including a first bonding surface, a second bonding surface, and a third bonding surface sequentially connected to each other, and the first cross member includes a first groove recessed inward from the second bonding surface.

[0008] In the exemplary embodiment, the second bonding surface may be parallel to the upper surface of the bottom plate, the first bonding surface may be perpendicular to the second bonding surface, and the third bonding surface may be perpendicular to the second bonding surface.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the first side plate may have a protruding structure inserted into the first groove, and the protruding structure may extend in a first direction parallel to the upper surface of the bottom plate.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first battery assembly and the second battery assembly may further include a second cross beam coupled to a second side of the battery cell stack, the second side being opposite to the first side. The second cross beam may have a second stepped structure including a fourth bonding surface, a fifth bonding surface, and a sixth bonding surface that are sequentially connected to each other. The fifth bonding surface may include a second groove that is recessed inward and a handle partially embedded in the second groove, and the handle may be configured to be rotatable.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, a rotation shaft of the handle is partially embedded in the second groove, and the rotation shaft is parallel to the first direction parallel to the upper surface of the bottom plate.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the rotation shaft of the handle may be parallel to the fourth bonding surface.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the fifth bonding surface may be parallel to the upper surface of the bottom plate, the fourth bonding surface may be perpendicular to the fifth bonding surface, and the sixth bonding surface may be perpendicular to the fifth bonding surface.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the fifth bonding surface of the second cross beam of the first battery assembly may contact the second bonding surface of the first cross beam of the second battery assembly.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the fourth bonding surface of the second cross beam of the first battery assembly may contact the first bonding surface of the first cross beam of the second battery assembly, and the sixth bonding surface of the second cross beam of the first battery assembly may contact the third bonding surface of the first cross beam of the second battery assembly.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the height of the handle of the second cross beam may be equal to or less than the depth of the first groove of the first cross beam.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the handle may be hinged to the second groove, and the depth of the second groove may be equal to or greater than the thickness of the handle.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the battery pack includes a lower frame having a bottom plate; and a first battery assembly and a second battery assembly located on the bottom plate. Each of the first battery assembly and the second battery assembly includes a battery cell stack having a plurality of battery cells, a first cross beam coupled to a first side of the battery cell stack, and a second cross beam coupled to a second side of the battery cell stack, the second side being opposite to the first side. The first cross beam includes a plurality of first grooves recessed inwardly, the second cross beam includes a plurality of second grooves recessed inwardly and a plurality of handles, and each of the plurality of handles is partially embedded in a corresponding one of the plurality of second grooves.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of handles of the second cross beam may be coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of first grooves of the first cross beam. The handle may be configured to rotate about a rotation axis, and the rotation axis is parallel to a first direction parallel to the upper surface of the bottom plate.

[0020] An exemplary embodiment of a second aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for assembling a battery pack. The method includes: providing a first battery assembly and a second battery assembly each including a battery cell stack and a first cross beam and a second cross beam coupled to the battery cell stack; disposing the first battery assembly on the bottom plate of the lower frame; and disposing the second battery assembly on the bottom plate and coupling a handle of the second cross beam of the first battery assembly to a first groove of the first cross beam of the second battery assembly. In this case, the lower frame includes a bottom plate, a first side plate connected to a first side of the bottom plate, and a second side plate connected to a second side of the bottom plate. The first cross beam includes a first groove, and the second cross beam includes a second groove and a handle hinged to the second groove.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the first battery assembly may be disposed on the bottom plate by using the first groove of the first cross beam and the handle of the second cross beam.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the first side plate may have a protruding structure coupled to the first groove, and when the first battery assembly is disposed on the bottom plate of the lower frame, the first groove of the first cross beam and the protruding structure of the first side plate are coupled to each other.

[0023] Advantageous Effects

[0024] The battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first cross beam and a second cross beam coupled to a battery cell stack. The first cross beam includes a first groove, and the second cross beam includes a handle coupled to the first groove. The coupling property and mobility of the first cross beam and the second cross beam can be improved by the first groove and the handle. Therefore, the assemblability of the battery pack and the method for assembling the battery pack can be improved.

[0025] The effects achievable by the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above effects, and other effects not described herein will be clearly derived and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain from the following description. That is, those of ordinary skill in the art can deduce the unintended effects achieved when implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure based on the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 is along Figure 1 a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of.

[0028] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a first cross member according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0029] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a second cross member according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a handle received in the second cross member according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0031] Figure 6 is Figure 2 an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of part B of.

[0032] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] Figure 9 is a flowchart of an assembly method of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a first cross member and a second cross member according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Before describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms or expressions used in this specification and claims should not be construed as being limited to the terms or expressions commonly understood or defined in a common dictionary, but should be understood based on the principle that the inventors of this application can appropriately define the terms or expressions to best explain the present disclosure, according to the meanings and concepts corresponding and matching to the present disclosure.

[0037] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are only examples of the present disclosure and do not reflect all the technical concepts of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that replace this configuration have been made as of the filing date of this application.

[0038] When it is determined that well-known configurations or functions related to the description of the present disclosure obscure the subject matter of the present disclosure due to unnecessary details, these configurations or functions will not be described in detail.

[0039] Since the embodiments of the present disclosure are provided to more comprehensively illustrate the present disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art, for clarity, the shapes, sizes, etc. of the components shown in the drawings may be enlarged, omitted, or schematically shown. Therefore, it should not be understood that the dimensions or ratios of the components completely reflect their actual dimensions or ratios.

[0040] Battery pack

[0041] (First Embodiment)

[0042] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack 100 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0043] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Figure 1 A - A' of.

[0044] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the battery pack 100 may include a lower frame 110 and a plurality of battery assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4, 120_5, and 120_6. The lower frame 110 may support the components included in the battery pack 100. The lower frame 110 may provide a space for mounting the plurality of battery assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4, 120_5, and 120_6. The lower frame 110 may include a bottom plate 110B, a first side plate 110S1 connected to the first side portion of the bottom plate 110B, and a second side plate 110S2 connected to the second side portion of the bottom plate 110B. For example, the lower frame 110 may be integrally formed.

[0045] Two directions substantially parallel to the upper surface 110BU of the bottom plate 110B are defined as the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and a direction substantially perpendicular to the upper surface 110BU of the bottom plate 110B is defined as the Z-axis direction. The X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction may be substantially perpendicular to each other. The Y-axis direction may be referred to as the first direction. The X-axis direction may be referred to as the second direction. The Z-axis direction may be referred to as the third direction. Unless otherwise specified, the definition of the directions will be applied to the following drawings.

[0046] The bottom plate 110B can support a plurality of battery modules 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4, 120_5, and 120_6. The plurality of battery modules 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4, 120_5, and 120_6 can be located on the upper surface 110BU of the bottom plate 110B.

[0047] The bottom plate 110B can be configured to cool a plurality of battery modules 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4, 120_5, and 120_6. The bottom plate 110B can include a plurality of cooling channels. The plurality of cooling channels can extend in the Y-axis direction.

[0048] The side plates 110S1 and 110S2 can be connected to the bottom plate 110B. The side plates 110S1 and 110S2 can extend from the upper surface 110BU of the bottom plate 110B in the Z-axis direction. The side plates 110S1 and 110S2 can be substantially perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. The side plates 110S1 and 110S2 and the bottom plate 110B can provide a space for mounting a plurality of battery modules 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4, 120_5, and 120_6. The side plate 110S1 can be referred to as the first side plate, and the side plate 110S2 can be referred to as the second side plate.

[0049] The first side plate 110S1 can be connected to the first side portion of the bottom plate 110B. The second side plate 110S2 can be connected to the second side portion of the bottom plate 110B. The first side plate 110S1 and the second side plate 110S2 can be parallel to each other. The first side plate 110S1 and the second side plate 110S2 can be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0050] The battery pack 100 can be the final form of a battery system installed in an automobile or the like. According to an exemplary embodiment, the battery pack 100 can be a module type, and in this case, each of the plurality of battery modules 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4, 120_5, and 120_6 can include a module frame. According to an exemplary embodiment, the battery pack 100 can be a non-module type, and in this case, each of the plurality of battery modules 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4, 120_5, and 120_6 can not include a module frame.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of battery assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4, 120_5, and 120_6 may include a battery cell stack 121 having a plurality of battery cells and a first cross member 122. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of battery assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4, 120_5, and 120_6 may include a battery cell stack 121 having a plurality of battery cells, a first cross member 122, and a second cross member 123. Here, the plurality of battery cells are the basic units of lithium-ion batteries (i.e., secondary batteries). Each of the plurality of battery cells includes an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a housing. Depending on the configuration of the electrode assembly and the electrolyte, each of the plurality of battery cells may be classified as a lithium-ion battery, a lithium-ion polymer battery, a lithium polymer battery, etc. Each of the plurality of battery cells may be a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, or a pouch-type battery cell.

[0052] The plurality of battery assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4, 120_5, and 120_6 may be arranged in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. In Figure 1 , the lower frame 110 may provide a space for arranging three battery assemblies in the X-axis direction and two battery assemblies in the Y-axis direction (i.e., a 3×2 array). Additionally, the number of the plurality of battery assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4, 120_5, and 120_6 is not limited to six, and the plurality of battery assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4, 120_5, and 120_6 may be arranged in an M×N (where M and N are each integers greater than or equal to 2) array as well as a 3×2 array.

[0053] The battery assembly 120_1 may be referred to as the first battery assembly, the battery assembly 120_2 may be referred to as the second battery assembly, the battery assembly 120_3 may be referred to as the third battery assembly, the battery assembly 120_4 may be referred to as the fourth battery assembly, the battery assembly 120_5 may be referred to as the fifth battery assembly, and the battery assembly 120_6 may be referred to as the sixth battery assembly.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, the first battery assembly 120_1, the second battery assembly 120_2, and the third battery assembly 120-3 may be arranged in the X-axis direction, and the fourth battery assembly 120_4, the fifth battery assembly 120_5, and the sixth battery assembly 120_6 may be arranged in the X-axis direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the first battery assembly 120_1 and the fourth battery assembly 120_4 may be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction, the second battery assembly 120_2 and the fifth battery assembly 120_5 may be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction, and the third battery assembly 120_3 and the sixth battery assembly 120_6 may be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first battery assembly 120_1, the second battery assembly 120_2, the fourth battery assembly 120_4, and the fifth battery assembly 120_5 may include a battery cell stack 121 having a plurality of battery cells and a first cross beam 122 coupled to a first side portion 121S1 of the battery cell stack 121. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first battery assembly 120_1 and the second battery assembly 120_2 may include a battery cell stack 121, a first cross beam 122 coupled to a first side portion 121S1 of the battery cell stack 121, and a second cross beam 123 coupled to a second side portion 121S2 of the battery cell stack 121.

[0056] The first cross beam 122 and the second cross beam 123 may be located on the bottom plate 110B of the lower frame 110. The first cross beam 122 and the second cross beam 123 may extend in the Y-axis direction. The first cross beam 122 and the second cross beam 123 may be coupled to the bottom plate 110B.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, the first cross beam 122 may be located on the first side portion 121S1 of the battery cell stack 121, and the second cross beam 123 may be located on the second side portion 121S2 of the battery cell stack 121. Accordingly, the first cross beam 122 and the second cross beam 123 may be used to transfer the battery cell stack 121 without directly grasping the battery cell stack 121. Accordingly, damage to the battery cell stack 121 during the assembly process of the battery pack 100 may be prevented, thereby improving the yield and safety of the battery pack 100.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, the first cross beam 122 of the first battery assembly 120_1 may be inserted between the first side plate 110S1 and the battery cell stack 121. In an exemplary embodiment, the first cross beam 122 of the second battery assembly 120_2 may be inserted between the second cross beam 123 of the first battery assembly 120_1 and the battery cell stack 121 of the second battery assembly 120_2. The second cross beam 123 of the second battery assembly 120_2 may be inserted between the first cross beam 122 of the third battery assembly 120_3 and the battery cell stack 121 of the second battery assembly 120_2.

[0059] The first cross beam 122 of each of the battery assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4, 120_5, and 120_6 may be coupled to the second cross beam 123 of the previous battery assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the second cross beam 123 of the first battery assembly 120_1 may be coupled to the first cross beam 122 of the adjacent second battery assembly 120_2. In an exemplary embodiment, the second cross beam 123 of the second battery assembly 120_2 may be coupled to the first cross beam 122 of the adjacent third battery assembly 120_3. In an exemplary embodiment, the second cross beam 123 of the fourth battery assembly 120_4 may be coupled to the first cross beam 122 of the adjacent fifth battery assembly 120_5. In an exemplary embodiment, the second cross beam 123 of the fifth battery assembly 120_5 may be coupled to the first cross beam 122 of the adjacent sixth battery assembly 120_6. The first cross beam 122 and the second cross beam 123 may connect adjacent battery assemblies among the plurality of battery assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4, 120_5, and 120_6. Accordingly, the plurality of battery assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4, 120_5, and 120_6 may be sequentially arranged on the bottom plate 110B, thereby improving the assemblability of the plurality of battery assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4, 120_5, and 120_6 with respect to the lower frame 110.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment, the third battery assembly 120_3 and the sixth battery assembly 120_6 may include a first cross beam 122 coupled to the first side portion 121S1 of the battery cell stack 121. The second side portion 121S2 of the battery cell stack 121 of each of the third battery assembly 120_3 and the sixth battery assembly 120_6 may contact the second side plate 110S2. Accordingly, the first cross beam 122 of the third battery assembly 120_3 may be coupled to the second cross beam 123 of the second battery assembly 120_2. The first cross beam 122 of the sixth battery assembly 120_6 may be coupled to the second cross beam 123 of the fifth battery assembly 120_5. Accordingly, the stability and space utilization rate of the battery pack 100 may be improved.

[0061] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a first cross beam 122 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0062] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a second cross beam 123 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0063] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a handle 123H folded in the second cross beam 123 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0064] Referring to Figures 2 to 5 , the first cross beam 122 may include a first upper surface 122U and a first lower surface 122D. The first upper surface 122U and the first lower surface 122D may be substantially parallel to the upper surface 110BU of the bottom plate 110B. The first lower surface 122D may be in contact with the bottom plate 110B, and the first upper surface 122U may be opposite to the first lower surface 122D.

[0065] The first lower surface 122D may have a first stepped structure 122C including a first engaging surface 122C1, a second engaging surface 122C2, and a third engaging surface 122C3 that are sequentially connected to each other. For example, the first upper surface 122U may be connected to the first engaging surface 122C1, and the first engaging surface 122C1 may be connected to the second engaging surface 122C2. The second engaging surface 122C2 may be connected to the third engaging surface 122C3, and the third engaging surface 122C3 may be connected to the first lower surface 122D.

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, the first cross beam 122 may include at least one first groove 122G that is recessed inward from the second engaging surface 122C2. The handle 123H of the second cross beam 123 may be inserted into the first groove 122G of the first cross beam 122.

[0067] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the length of the first lower surface 122D in the X-axis direction may be less than the length of the first upper surface 122U in the X-axis direction. The length of the first lower surface 122D in the Y-axis direction may be substantially the same as the length of the first upper surface 122U in the Y-axis direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the second engaging surface 122C2 may be parallel to the upper surface 110BU of the bottom plate 110B, and the first engaging surface 122C1 and the third engaging surface 122C3 may be perpendicular to the upper surface 110BU of the bottom plate 110B.

[0068] In an exemplary embodiment, the first bonding surface 122C1 may be substantially perpendicular to the second bonding surface 122C2. The first bonding surface may extend from the second bonding surface 122C2 in the Z-axis direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the third bonding surface 122C3 may be substantially perpendicular to the second bonding surface 122C2. The third bonding surface 122C3 may extend from the second bonding surface 122C2 in a direction opposite to the Z-axis direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the first groove 122G of the second bonding surface 122C2 may be formed to be away from the bottom plate 110B.

[0069] In an exemplary embodiment, the first cross beam 122 may include a plurality of first grooves 122G. The plurality of first grooves 122G may be provided at regular intervals in the Y-axis direction. The plurality of first grooves 122G may be provided at regular intervals in a first direction parallel to the upper surface 110BU of the bottom plate 110B.

[0070] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 4 , the second cross beam 123 may include a second upper surface 123U and a second lower surface 123D. The second upper surface 123U and the second lower surface 123D may be substantially parallel to the upper surface 110BU of the bottom plate 110B. The second lower surface 123D may be in contact with the bottom plate 110B, and the second upper surface 123U may be opposite to the second lower surface 123D. In an embodiment, the length of the second lower surface 123D in the X-axis direction may be greater than the length of the second upper surface 123U in the X-axis direction. The length of the second lower surface 123D in the Y-axis direction may be substantially the same as the length of the second upper surface 123U in the Y-axis direction.

[0071] The second cross beam 123 may have a second stepped structure 123C including a fourth bonding surface 123C1, a fifth bonding surface 123C2, and a sixth bonding surface 123C3 that are sequentially connected to each other. The second upper surface 123U may be connected to the fourth bonding surface 123C1, and the fourth bonding surface 123C1 may be connected to the fifth bonding surface 123C2. The fifth bonding surface 123C2 may be connected to the sixth bonding surface 123C3, and the sixth bonding surface 123C3 may be connected to the first lower surface 123D.

[0072] In an exemplary embodiment, referring to Figure 2 and Figure 4, the fifth engaging surface 123C2 may be parallel to the upper surface 110BU of the base plate 110B, and the fourth engaging surface 123C1 and the sixth engaging surface 123C3 may be perpendicular to the upper surface 110BU of the base plate 110B. In an exemplary embodiment, the fourth engaging surface 123C1 may be perpendicular to the fifth engaging surface 123C2 and extend away from the base plate 110B from the fifth engaging surface 123C2. In an exemplary embodiment, the sixth engaging surface 123C3 may be perpendicular to the fifth engaging surface 123C2, and the sixth engaging surface 123C3 may extend from the fifth engaging surface 123C2 toward the base plate 110B.

[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, the fifth engaging surface 123C2 may include at least one second groove 123G that is recessed inwardly and at least one handle 123H embedded in each of the at least one second groove 123G. The second groove 123G may be formed to be away from the fifth engaging surface 123C2.

[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, the handle 123H may be configured to be rotatable. The rotation axis of the handle 123H may be generally parallel to the first direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction). The rotation axis of the handle 123H may be generally parallel to the second direction (i.e., the X-axis direction). The rotation axis of the handle 123H may be embedded in the second groove 123G, and the handle 123H may be partially embedded in the second groove 123G. When fully folded, the handle 123H may be parallel to the fifth engaging surface 123G and disposed in the second groove 123G.

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, the rotation axis of the handle 123H may be generally parallel to the fourth engaging surface 123C1. In an exemplary embodiment, the rotation axis of the handle 123H may be generally parallel to the corner of the fourth engaging surface 123C1 in the Y-axis direction (i.e., the first direction). In an exemplary embodiment, the rotation axis of the handle 123H may be generally parallel to the sixth engaging surface 123C3. In an exemplary embodiment, the rotation axis of the handle 123H may be generally parallel to the corner of the sixth engaging surface 123C3 in the Y-axis direction (i.e., the first direction).

[0076] In an exemplary embodiment, as Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the rotation axis of the handle 123H may be closer to the fourth engaging surface 123C1 than to the sixth engaging surface 123C3. In this case, when unfolded, the handle 123H may be generally perpendicular to the fifth engaging surface 123C2, and the unfolded handle 123H may be rotated clockwise to be received in the second groove 123G.

[0077] In an exemplary embodiment, the rotation axis of the handle 123H may be closer to the sixth coupling surface 123C3 than to the fourth coupling surface 123C1. In this case, the deployed handle 123H may be substantially perpendicular to the fifth coupling surface 123C2. The deployed handle 123H may be rotated counterclockwise to be received in the second groove 123G.

[0078] The handle 123H may be parallel or perpendicular to the first lower surface 123D during rotation. In an exemplary embodiment, the handle 123H may be parallel or perpendicular to the bottom plate 110B.

[0079] In an exemplary embodiment, the handle 123H is hinged to the second groove 123G, and the depth d2 of the second groove 123G may be equal to or greater than the thickness t of the handle 123H. Thus, when the handle 123H is folded to be parallel to the first lower surface 123D, the handle 123H may be received in the second groove 123G, and the storability of the second cross member 123 may be improved.

[0080] In an exemplary embodiment, the second cross member 123 may include a plurality of second grooves 123G and a plurality of handles 123H. In an exemplary embodiment, the fifth coupling surface 123C2 may include a plurality of second grooves 123G and a plurality of handles 123H. The second grooves 123G and the handles 123H may be provided at regular intervals in the Y-axis direction. Each handle 123H of the second cross member 123 may be coupled to a corresponding one of the first grooves 122G of the first cross member 122. For example, each handle 123H may be coupled to a corresponding one of the first grooves 122G that overlaps the handle 123H in the Z-axis.

[0081] Figure 6 is Figure 2 an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of part B.

[0082] Refer to Figure 2 and Figure 6, the first cross beam 122 and the second cross beam 123 can overlap each other in the Z-axis direction. The handle 123H of the second cross beam 123 can be inserted into the first groove 122G of the first cross beam 122. In an exemplary embodiment, the height of the handle 123H can be generally equal to or less than the depth d1 of the first groove 122G. The height h of the handle 123H can be understood as representing the length of the handle 123H from the fifth joint surface 123C2 in the Z-axis direction. By inserting the handle 123H into the first groove 122G, the first cross beam 122 and the second cross beam 123 can be joined to each other. As described above, the first cross beam 122 and the second cross beam 123 can be different from each other and have complementary shapes. Therefore, the first cross beam 122 and the second cross beam 123 can be firmly joined to each other without components for fixing the first cross beam 122 and the second cross beam 123. Thus, the assemblability of the battery pack 100 can be improved.

[0083] The first joint surface 122C1 to the third joint surface 122C3 of the first cross beam 122 can be joined to the fourth joint surface 123C1 to the sixth joint surface 123C3 of the second cross beam 123. For example, the first joint surface 122C1 can be in contact with the fourth joint surface 123C1, the second joint surface 122C2 can be in contact with the fifth joint surface 123C2, and the third joint surface 122C3 can be in contact with the sixth joint surface 123C3.

[0084] (Second Embodiment)

[0085] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack 101 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0086] Referring to Figure 7 , the battery pack 101 can include a lower frame 110' and a plurality of battery modules 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4, 120_5, and 120_6. The lower frame 110' can include a bottom plate 110'B, a first side plate 110'S1 connected to the first side of the bottom plate 110'B, and a second side plate 110'S2 connected to the second side of the bottom plate 110'B. For example, the lower frame 110' can be integrally formed.

[0087] In an exemplary embodiment, a first side plate 110'S1 of a lower frame 110' may include a protruding structure 111 that can be inserted into a first groove 122G. The protruding structure 111 may extend in a second direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction) parallel to an upper surface 110'BU of a bottom plate 110'B. In the exemplary embodiment, a length of the protruding structure 111 in the Z-axis direction may be substantially the same as a length of the first groove 122G in the Z-axis direction. In the exemplary embodiment, a length of the protruding structure 111 in the X-axis direction may be substantially the same as a length of the first groove 122G in the X-axis direction. Accordingly, the protruding structure 111 of the first side plate 110'S1 may be inserted into the first groove 122G of a first battery assembly 120_1 on the bottom plate 110'B. Accordingly, the first battery assembly 120_1 may be easily placed on the lower frame 110'. Additionally, the protruding structure 111 may be inspected during an assembly of the battery pack 101 to increase visibility, thereby improving the assemblability of the battery pack 101.

[0088] In the exemplary embodiment, the protruding structure 111 may have substantially the same shape as a handle 123H. For example, a thickness of the protruding structure 111 may be substantially the same as a thickness of the handle 123H. In the exemplary embodiment, a length of the protruding structure 111 in the Z-axis direction may be substantially the same as a length of the handle 123H in the Z-axis direction.

[0089] In the exemplary embodiment, the first side plate 110'S1 of the lower frame 110' may be coupled to a first cross beam 122 of the first battery assembly 120_1, and a second cross beam 123 of the first battery assembly 120_1 may be coupled to the first cross beam 122 of a second battery assembly 120_2. The second cross beam 123 of the second battery assembly 120_2 may be coupled to the first cross beam 123 of a third battery assembly 120_3. That is, the lower frame 110', the first battery assembly 120_1, the second battery assembly 120_2, and the third battery assembly 120_3 may be sequentially joined to each other. Accordingly, the battery assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4, 120_5, and 120_6 may be easily fixed to the lower frame 110', thereby improving the assemblability of the battery pack 101.

[0090] (Third Embodiment)

[0091] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack 102 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0092] Referring to Figure 8, the battery pack 102 may include a lower frame 110" and a plurality of battery components 120_1, 120_2, 120_3′, 120_4, 120_5 and 120_6′. In the lower frame 110", the first side plate 110"S1 and the second side plate 110″S2 may include a protruding structure 111.

[0093] In an exemplary embodiment, the third battery component 120_3′ may include a first cross beam 122 coupled to the first side portion 121S1 of the battery cell stack 121 and a second cross beam 123 coupled to the second side portion 121S2 of the battery cell stack 121. The second side plate 110″S2 of the lower frame 110" may include a protruding structure 111 that can be inserted into the first groove 122G. Accordingly, the third battery component 120_3′ can be coupled to the second battery component 120_2 and the second side plate 110″S2, thereby improving the coupling performance of the battery pack 100.

[0094] The sixth battery component 120_6′ has substantially the same structure as the third battery component 120_3′, and thus redundant description thereof is omitted herein.

[0095] The protruding structure 111 of the second side plate 110″S2 has substantially the same shape as the protruding structure 111 of the first side plate 110"S1, and thus redundant description thereof is omitted herein.

[0096] Assembly method of the battery pack

[0097] Figure 9 is a flowchart of an assembly method of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0098] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the first cross beam 122 and the second cross beam 123 according to an exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Figure 10 of (a) is a cross-sectional view of the first cross beam 122 into which the annular wire 200 is inserted, taken along the line C-C' of Figure 3 . Figure 10 of (b) is a cross-sectional view of the second cross beam 123 into which the annular wire 200 is inserted, taken along the line D-D' of Figure 4 .

[0099] Referring to Figure 9 and Figure 10 , in the assembly method of the battery pack, in P110, a first battery component and a second battery component are provided, wherein each of the first battery component and the second battery component may include a battery cell stack and a first cross beam and a second cross beam coupled to the battery cell stack.

[0100] In an exemplary embodiment, a method of assembling a battery pack may include assembling a first battery assembly 120_1 and a second battery assembly 120_2 (P110); disposing the first battery assembly 120_1 on a bottom plate 110B of a lower frame 110 (P120); and disposing the second battery assembly 120_2 on the bottom plate 110B and coupling a handle 123H of a second cross member 123 of the first battery assembly 120_1 to a first groove 122G of a first cross member 122 of the second battery assembly 120_2 (P130). The lower frame 110 may include a bottom plate 110B, a first side plate 110S1 connected to a first side portion of the bottom plate 110B, and a second side plate 110S2 connected to a second side portion of the bottom plate 110B. The first cross member 122 may have a first stepped structure 122C including a first coupling surface 122C1, a second coupling surface 122C2, and a third coupling surface 122C3 that are sequentially connected to each other. The first cross member 122 may include a first groove 122G that is recessed inward from the second coupling surface 122C2.

[0101] In an exemplary embodiment, the assembly of the first battery assembly and the second battery assembly (P110) may include transferring the first cross member 122 by using the first groove 122G, transferring the second cross member 123 by using the handle 123H, and coupling the first cross member 122 and the second cross member 123 to a battery cell stack 121. For example, the first cross member 122 may be transferred by hooking a ring-shaped wire 200 on the first groove 122G. In an exemplary embodiment, referring to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 10 , the handle 123H of the second cross member 123 may rotate about a rotation axis 123R. The handle 123H may be folded parallel to a fifth coupling surface 123C1 or unfolded perpendicular to the fifth coupling surface 123C1. The second cross member 123 may be transferred by hooking the ring-shaped wire 200 on the unfolded handle 123H. Accordingly, the mobility of the first cross member 122 and the second cross member 1223 may be improved to increase the assemblability of the battery pack. A third battery assembly 120_3, a fourth battery assembly 120_4, a fifth battery assembly 120_5, and a sixth battery assembly 120_6 may also be assembled as described above.

[0102] The first side plate 110S1 may include a protruding structure 111 that is coupled to the first groove 122G. The first battery assembly 120_1 may be disposed on the bottom plate 110B such that the protruding structure 111 of the first side plate 110S1 is inserted into the first groove 122G of the first cross member 122.

[0103] In an exemplary embodiment, when the first battery assembly 120_1 is disposed on the bottom plate 110B of the lower frame 110 (P120), the first battery assembly can be transferred using the first groove 122G of the first cross member 122 and the handle 123H of the second cross member 123. For example, the first battery assembly 120_1 can be disposed on the bottom plate 110B by hooking the annular wire 200 in each of the first groove 122G and the handle 123H of the first battery assembly 120_1. The second battery assembly 120_2, the fourth battery assembly 120_4, and the fifth battery assembly 120_5 can also be transferred as described above.

Claims

1. A battery pack comprising: a lower frame, the lower frame comprising a bottom plate, a first side plate connected to a first side portion of the bottom plate, and a second side plate connected to a second side portion of the bottom plate; as well as a first battery assembly and a second battery assembly, wherein the first battery assembly and the second battery assembly are located on the bottom plate, Each of the first battery assembly and the second battery assembly includes a battery cell stack having a plurality of battery cells, and a first crossbeam coupled to a first side of the battery cell stack. The first beam has a first step structure including a first bonding surface, a second bonding surface and a third bonding surface sequentially connected to each other, and The first beam includes a first groove recessed inwardly from the second bonding surface.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The second bonding surface is parallel to the upper surface of the bottom plate, The first bonding surface is perpendicular to the second bonding surface, and The third bonding surface is perpendicular to the second bonding surface.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The first side plate includes a protruding structure inserted into the first groove, Wherein, the protruding structure extends in a first direction parallel to the upper surface of the bottom plate.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first battery assembly and the second battery assembly further includes a second cross beam coupled to the second side of the battery cell stack, The second side is opposite to the first side, The second beam has a second step structure, the second step structure includes a fourth bonding surface, a fifth bonding surface and a sixth bonding surface connected to each other in sequence, The fifth combining surface includes a second groove recessed inwardly and a handle partially embedded in the second groove, and The handle is configured to be rotatable.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein: The fifth bonding surface is parallel to the upper surface of the bottom plate, The fourth bonding surface is perpendicular to the fifth bonding surface, and The sixth bonding surface is perpendicular to the fifth bonding surface.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein: The rotation axis of the handle is parallel to the fourth coupling surface.

7. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein: The fifth bonding surface of the second beam of the first battery assembly contacts the second bonding surface of the first beam of the second battery assembly.

8. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein: The fourth bonding surface of the second beam of the first battery assembly contacts the first bonding surface of the first beam of the second battery assembly, and The sixth bonding surface of the second beam of the first battery assembly contacts the third bonding surface of the first beam of the second battery assembly.

9. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein: The height of the handle of the second cross beam is equal to or less than the depth of the first groove of the first cross beam.

10. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein: The handle is hinged to the second groove, and The depth of the second groove is equal to or greater than the thickness of the handle.

11. A battery pack comprising: A lower frame having a bottom plate; as well as The first battery assembly and the second battery assembly are located on the bottom plate, Each of the first battery assembly and the second battery assembly includes a battery cell stack having a plurality of battery cells, a first crossbeam coupled to a first side of the battery cell stack, and a second crossbeam coupled to a second side of the battery cell stack. The second side is opposite to the first side, The first crossbeam includes a plurality of first grooves recessed inwardly, The second cross beam includes a plurality of second grooves recessed inwardly and a plurality of handles, and Each of the plurality of handles is partially embedded in a corresponding one of the plurality of second grooves.

12. The battery pack according to claim 11, wherein: The plurality of handles of the second beam are each combined with a corresponding one of the plurality of first grooves of the first beam, The handle is configured to rotate by means of a rotation axis, and The rotation axis is parallel to a first direction parallel to an upper surface of the bottom plate.

13. A method for assembling a battery pack, the method comprising: providing a first battery assembly and a second battery assembly each including a battery cell stack and a first beam and a second beam coupled to the battery cell stack; The first battery assembly is arranged on the bottom plate of the lower frame; as well as The second battery assembly is arranged on the bottom plate, and the handle of the second cross beam of the first battery assembly is combined with the first groove of the first cross beam of the second battery assembly. The lower frame includes a bottom plate, a first side plate connected to a first side portion of the bottom plate, and a second side plate connected to a second side portion of the bottom plate, and The first cross beam includes a first groove, and the second cross beam includes a second groove and a handle hinged to the second groove.

14. The method for assembling a battery pack according to claim 13, wherein: The first battery assembly is disposed on the bottom plate by using the first groove of the first crossbeam and the handle of the second crossbeam.

15. The method for assembling a battery pack according to claim 13, wherein: The first battery assembly is disposed on the bottom plate, and the protruding structure of the first side plate is inserted into the first groove of the first crossbeam.

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