Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack includes a battery module, an end plate located on one side of the battery module in a first direction, pressing the battery module, and defining an extension space extending in a second direction crossing the first direction inside the end plate, and a reinforcing member extending in the second direction, and is inserted into the extension space.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0181276, filed on December 13, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein for all purposes by this reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a battery pack. Background Art

[0004] Recently, as people's awareness of environmental crises and the depletion of oil resources has been increasing, the research and development of electric vehicles as environmentally friendly vehicles have been emphasized. Electric vehicles (hereinafter referred to as "vehicles") include plug - in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), battery - electric vehicles (BEVs), and fuel - cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).

[0005] An electric vehicle may include a battery module and a battery housing that supports the battery module. At the same time, the electric vehicle uses the battery cells in the battery module as a power source, and the battery cells may have a swelling problem caused by the evaporation of the electrolyte in the battery cells.

[0006] End plates for preventing the swelling of the battery cells may be provided on opposite sides of the battery module, and thus, there is a need to improve the end plates.

[0007] The information included in the background art section of the present invention is only intended to enhance the overall understanding of the present invention and should not be construed as an admission or any form of suggestion that this information constitutes prior art already known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Aspects of the present invention are directed to providing a battery pack in which the strength of an end plate provided on an opposite surface of a battery module is improved.

[0009] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above problems, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will clearly understand any other technical problems not mentioned herein through the following description.

[0010] According to an aspect of the present invention, a battery pack includes a battery module, an end plate, and a reinforcing member. The end plate is located on one side of the battery module in a first direction, configured to press the battery module, and an extension space extending in a second direction crossing the first direction is defined inside the end plate. The reinforcing member extends in the second direction and is inserted into the extension space.

[0011] The end plate may include a cover end plate and an intermediate end plate. The cover end plate includes a first side wall that supports one surface of the battery module facing the first direction. The intermediate end plate includes a second side wall that supports the opposite surface of the battery module facing the direction opposite to the first direction.

[0012] The cover end plate may define an upper extension space and a lower extension space that are spaced apart from each other in the upward and downward directions inside the cover end plate.

[0013] The cover end plate may include an upper partition wall and a lower partition wall. The upper partition wall is spaced apart from the first side wall and together with the first side wall defines the upper extension space. The lower partition wall is spaced apart from the first side wall below the upper partition wall and together with the first side wall defines the lower extension space.

[0014] The reinforcing member may include an upper reinforcing member and a lower reinforcing member. The upper reinforcing member is inserted into the upper extension space and is configured to contact the first side wall and the upper partition wall. The lower reinforcing member is inserted into the lower extension space and is configured to contact the first side wall and the lower partition wall.

[0015] Each of the upper reinforcing member and the lower reinforcing member may include: a first support portion, a second support portion, a third support portion, a first connection portion, and a second connection portion. The first support portion supports the first side wall. The second support portion supports the upper partition wall or the lower partition wall. The third support portion supports the first side wall below the first support portion. The first connection portion connects the first support portion and the second support portion. The second connection portion connects the second support portion and the third support portion.

[0016] The intermediate end plate may define an intermediate extension space inside the intermediate end plate. The intermediate extension space is set between the heights of the upper extension space and the lower extension space.

[0017] The intermediate end plate may further include an intermediate partition wall. The intermediate partition wall is spaced apart from the second side wall and together with the second side wall defines the intermediate extension space.

[0018] The reinforcing member may include an intermediate reinforcing member. The intermediate reinforcing member is inserted into the intermediate extension space and is configured to contact the second side wall and the intermediate partition wall.

[0019] The intermediate reinforcing member may include: a first intermediate support portion, a second intermediate support portion, a third intermediate support portion, a first intermediate connection portion, and a second intermediate connection portion. The first intermediate support portion supports the second sidewall, the second intermediate support portion supports the intermediate partition wall, the third intermediate support portion supports the second sidewall below the first intermediate support portion, the first intermediate connection portion connects the first intermediate support portion and the second intermediate support portion, and the second intermediate connection portion connects the second intermediate support portion and the third intermediate support portion.

[0020] The battery pack may further include a bottom plate and a fastening member. The bottom plate supports the battery module and defines a first fastening hole for fixing the intermediate end plate and a second fastening hole for fixing the cover end plate. The fastening member is configured to fix the cover end plate and the intermediate end plate and is inserted into the first fastening hole and the second fastening hole.

[0021] The cover end plate may define a cover hole configured to allow the fastening member to be inserted therein. When viewed from the top, the cover hole is disposed at a position corresponding to the second fastening hole. The intermediate end plate may define an intermediate hole configured to allow the fastening member to be inserted therein. When viewed from the top, the intermediate hole is formed at a position corresponding to the first fastening hole.

[0022] The cover end plate may further include an upper protruding wall and a lower protruding wall. The upper protruding wall protrudes from the upper and lower ends of the upper partition wall to extend to the first sidewall and, together with the first sidewall and the upper partition wall, defines an upper extension space. The lower protruding wall is spaced downward from the upper protruding wall, protrudes from the upper and lower ends of the lower partition wall to extend to the first sidewall, and, together with the first sidewall and the lower partition wall, defines a lower extension space. The cover hole may include an upper cover hole and a lower cover hole. The upper cover hole is formed in the upper protruding wall, and the lower cover hole is formed in the lower protruding wall. When viewed from the top, the size of the upper cover hole may be configured to be larger than the size of the lower cover hole.

[0023] The reinforcing member may include an upper reinforcing member and a lower reinforcing member. The upper reinforcing member is inserted into the upper extension space, and the lower reinforcing member is inserted into the lower extension space. The upper reinforcing member and the lower reinforcing member may define an upper reinforcing hole and a lower reinforcing hole, and the upper reinforcing hole and the lower reinforcing hole are configured to correspond to the positions of the upper cover hole and the lower cover hole respectively. The fastening member passes through the upper reinforcing hole and the lower reinforcing hole.

[0024] The intermediate end plate may further include an intermediate protruding wall that protrudes from the upper and lower ends of the intermediate partition wall, extends to the second sidewall, and, together with the second sidewall and the intermediate partition wall, defines an intermediate extension space. The intermediate hole may be formed in the intermediate protruding wall.

[0025] The reinforcing member may include an intermediate reinforcing member inserted into the intermediate extension space. The intermediate reinforcing member may be defined with an intermediate reinforcing hole configured to correspond to the position of the intermediate hole, and the fastening member passes through the intermediate reinforcing hole.

[0026] When viewed in the second direction of the end plate, the thickness of the reinforcing member may be configured to be less than the thickness of the end plate.

[0027] The end plate may be formed of aluminum, and the reinforcing member may be formed of steel.

[0028] The battery module may include a first battery module and a second battery module spaced apart from the first battery module in a first direction. The end plate may include a cover end plate and an intermediate end plate. The cover end plate includes a first side wall, an upper partition wall, and a lower partition wall. The first side wall supports one surface of the first battery module facing the second battery module. The upper partition wall is spaced apart from the first side wall and defines an upper extension space with the first side wall. The lower partition wall is spaced apart from the first side wall and defines a lower extension space with the first side wall. Among them, the upper extension space and the lower extension space are spaced apart from each other in the upward and downward directions inside the battery pack. The intermediate end plate includes a second side wall and an intermediate partition wall. The second side wall supports one surface of the second battery module facing the first battery module. The intermediate partition wall is spaced apart from the second side wall and defines an intermediate extension space between the upper extension space and the lower extension space. The intermediate partition wall may be arranged to be inserted between the upper partition wall and the lower partition wall.

[0029] By incorporating the accompanying drawings herein and subsequently with the attached Figure 1 Specific embodiments used to illustrate certain principles of the present invention, other features and advantages of the method and apparatus of the present invention will become more specifically clear or be elucidated. Description of the Drawings

[0030] Figure 1 A perspective view of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 A perspective view of a battery module provided with a cover end plate and an intermediate end plate according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 A side view of a battery module provided with a cover end plate and an intermediate end plate according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5 is Figure 4 an enlarged schematic view of the cover end plate, upper reinforcing member, and lower reinforcing member shown in

[0035] Figure 6 is Figure 4 an enlarged schematic view of the intermediate reinforcing member of the intermediate end plate shown in

[0036] Figure 7 a side view exemplarily showing the arrangement of a plurality of battery modules according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 8 a schematic view exemplarily showing the cover end plate before inserting the upper reinforcing member and the lower reinforcing member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 9 a schematic view exemplarily showing the intermediate end plate before inserting the intermediate reinforcing member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 10 a schematic view of a battery module inserted between the cover end plate and the intermediate end plate mounted on the bottom plate according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0040] Figure 11 a schematic view of a battery module fixed to a lateral support member according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but show a slightly simplified drawing of various features illustrating the basic principles of the present invention. Specific design features of the present invention included herein (including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes) will be determined in part by the specific target application and the environment of use.

[0042] In these figures, throughout the several views of the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or equivalent parts of the present invention.

[0043] Description of Reference Numerals:

[0044] 100, 100-1: Battery pack

[0045] 110: Battery pack housing

[0046] 120: Bottom plate

[0047] 120a: Fastening hole

[0048] 120b: First fastening hole

[0049] 120c: Second fastening hole

[0050] 130: Side member

[0051] 130a: Module accommodation space

[0052] 131: First side member

[0053] 132: Second side member

[0054] 133: Third side member

[0055] 134: Fourth side member

[0056] 140: Longitudinal support member

[0057] 150: Battery pack cover

[0058] 160: Transverse support member

[0059] 161: First transverse support member

[0060] 162: Second transverse support member

[0061] 200, 200 - 1: Battery module

[0062] 200a: First battery module

[0063] 200b: Second battery module

[0064] 220: Module housing

[0065] 221: First side surface

[0066] 222: Second side surface

[0067] 223: Third side surface

[0068] 224: Fourth side surface

[0069] 240: End plate

[0070] 250: Cover end plate

[0071] 250a: Upper cover hole

[0072] 250b: Lower cover hole

[0073] 251: First side wall

[0074] 252: Upper extension space

[0075] 253: Upper protrusion

[0076] 254: Upper protruding wall

[0077] 255: Upper partition wall

[0078] 256: Lower extension space

[0079] 257: Lower protrusion

[0080] 258: Lower protruding wall

[0081] 259: Lower partition wall

[0082] 260: Intermediate end plate

[0083] 260a: Intermediate hole

[0084] 261: Second side wall

[0085] 262: Intermediate extension space

[0086] 263: Intermediate protrusion

[0087] 264: Intermediate protruding wall

[0088] 265: Intermediate partition wall

[0089] 340: Reinforcing member

[0090] 350: Upper reinforcing member

[0091] 350a: Upper reinforcing hole

[0092] 351: First support part

[0093] 352: Second support part

[0094] 353: Third support part

[0095] 354: First connection part

[0096] 355: Second connection part

[0097] 360: Intermediate reinforcing member

[0098] 360a: Intermediate reinforcing hole

[0099] 361: First intermediate support part

[0100] 362: Second intermediate support part

[0101] 363: Third intermediate support part

[0102] 364: First intermediate connection part

[0103] 365: Second intermediate connection part

[0104] 366: Fourth intermediate support part

[0105] 367: Fifth intermediate support part

[0106] 368: The third intermediate connecting part

[0107] 369: The fourth intermediate connecting part

[0108] 370: The lower strengthening member

[0109] 371: The first supporting part

[0110] 372: The second supporting part

[0111] 373: The third supporting part

[0112] 374: The first connecting part

[0113] 375: The second connecting part

[0114] 140 - 1: The longitudinal supporting member

[0115] 160 - 1: The transverse supporting member

[0116] 160a - 1: The transverse member space

[0117] 160b - 1: The transverse strengthening member

[0118] 230 - 1: The flange part

[0119] 230a - 1: The flange hole. Detailed implementation manners

[0120] Hereinafter, various specific implementation manners of the present invention will be described in detail. Examples of these specific implementation manners are shown in the accompanying drawings and described as follows. Although the present invention will be described in combination with the exemplary implementation manners of the present invention, it should be realized that this specification is not intended to limit the present invention to those exemplary implementation manners. On the other hand, the present invention aims to cover not only the exemplary implementation manners of the present invention, but also various alternative forms, modified forms, equivalent forms and other implementation manners that can be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims.

[0121] Hereinafter, various exemplary implementation manners of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. When adding reference numerals to the components in each drawing, it should be noted that even if they are shown in different drawings, the same components are preferably denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible. In addition, when describing the implementation manners of the present invention, when it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may impede the understanding of the exemplary implementation manners of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0122] In addition, when describing the components of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, "A", "B", (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish components, and the nature, order, and sequence of the corresponding components are not limited by these terms. Unless otherwise defined, all terms, including technical terms or scientific terms, include the same meanings as those commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Commonly used terms (such as terms defined in a dictionary) should be interpreted to be consistent with the context of the related art, and should not be interpreted as ideal or overly formal meanings unless explicitly defined in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0123] Hereinafter, various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 11

[0124] Figure 1 FIG. is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 FIG. is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the battery pack 100 may be a component installed inside an electric vehicle to transmit electrical energy of the electric vehicle. The battery pack 100 may include a battery module 200 and a battery pack housing 110 that covers the battery module 200.

[0126] The battery module 200 may include a plurality of battery cells. The battery cells may be lithium-ion batteries, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The plurality of battery cells may be used in the form of a battery module to protect them from external impacts, heat, vibrations, etc. or to provide high power. The plurality of battery modules 200 may be supported by the battery pack housing 110 while being spaced apart from each other in the forward / backward direction or the left / right direction.

[0127] The battery pack housing 110 may include a bottom plate 120 and side members 130. The bottom plate 120 is disposed on the lower side of the battery module 200 and supports the battery module 200, and the side members 130 are supported by the bottom plate 120 and extend along the periphery of the bottom plate 120. The battery pack housing 110 may further include a battery pack cover 150 that is coupled to the side members 130 and covers the upper side of the battery module 200.

[0128] The bottom plate 120 may be formed in a substantially rectangular shape such that the forward / backward direction is its longitudinal direction. The side members 130 may be coupled to the bottom plate 120 along the periphery of the bottom plate 120 to cover the front side, rear side, left side, and right side of the battery module 200.

[0129] The side member 130 may include a first side member 131 extending in a first direction toward the rear side to cover the left side of the battery module 200, and a second side member 132 disposed parallel to the first side member 131 to cover the right side of the battery module 200. The side member 130 may include a third side member 133 connecting the first side member 131 and the second side member 132 to cover the front side of the battery module 200, and a fourth side member 134 disposed parallel to the third side member 133 to cover the rear side of the battery module 200.

[0130] A module accommodation space 130a may be defined between the first side member 131, the second side member 132, the third side member 133, and the fourth side member 134. The module accommodation space 130a may be a space for accommodating a plurality of battery modules 200.

[0131] The battery pack housing 100 may include a longitudinal support member 140, which is supported by the bottom plate 120 and connects the third side member 133 and the fourth side member 134. The longitudinal support member 140 may extend from the central region of the bottom plate 120 in its first direction.

[0132] The battery pack housing 100 may further include a lateral support member 160, which is supported by the bottom plate 120 and extends in a second direction (e.g., the leftward direction) intersecting the first direction. The lateral support member 160 may include a first lateral support member 161 adjacent to the third side member 133 and a second lateral support member 162 adjacent to the fourth side member 134.

[0133] An end plate 240 may be disposed between the first lateral support member 161 and the second lateral support member 162, instead of a separate lateral member supported by the bottom plate 120. The end plate 240 may extend in the second direction between the first lateral support member 161 and the second lateral support member 162, and may be disposed parallel to each other in the first direction. In addition, the end plate 240 may be disposed at corresponding positions on the left and right sides of the longitudinal support member 140.

[0134] The end plate 240 may support one surface or the opposite surface of the battery module 200 in the first direction. The end plate 240 and the longitudinal support member 140 may partition the module accommodation space 130a defined by the side member 130. Accordingly, a plurality of battery modules 200 may be accommodated in the module accommodation space 130a.

[0135] Hereinafter, reference will be made to Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 to describe in detail the battery module 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0136] Figure 3 A perspective view of a battery module provided with a cover end plate and an intermediate end plate according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 A side view of a battery module provided with a cover end plate and an intermediate end plate according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is Figure 4 An enlarged schematic view of the cover end plate, the upper reinforcing member, and the lower reinforcing member shown in Figure 6 is Figure 4 An enlarged schematic view of the intermediate reinforcing member of the intermediate end plate shown in

[0137] Referring to Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the battery module 200 may further include a plurality of battery cells extending in its longitudinal direction. The plurality of battery cells may be arranged parallel to each other in their forward / backward directions.

[0138] The battery module 200 may further include a module housing 220 that covers the plurality of battery cells. The module housing 220 may include a first side surface 221 facing a first direction (example: backward direction) of the plurality of battery cells and a second side surface 222 facing a direction opposite to the first direction (example: forward direction) of the plurality of battery cells. The first side surface 221 and the second side surface 222 of the module housing 220 may face opposite directions, and the first side surface 221 and the second side surface 222 may be referred to as one surface 221 and the opposite surface 222 of the battery module 200.

[0139] The module housing 220 may include a third side surface 223 that connects the first side surface 221 and the second side surface 222 and covers the left side of the plurality of battery cells, and a fourth side surface 224 that is arranged parallel to the third side surface 223 and covers the right side of the plurality of battery cells.

[0140] The battery pack 100 (see Figure 1 ) may include an end plate 240 that is provided at the sides of the battery module 200 in a first direction (example: backward direction) and a direction opposite to the first direction (example: forward direction).

[0141] Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The structures shown in Figure 2 are for convenience only, and the battery module 200 is not inserted into the module accommodation space 130a while being connected to the end plate 240 (see

[0142] The end plates 240 can be disposed on the first side surface 221 and the second side surface 222 of the battery module 200 to prevent the expansion of the plurality of battery cells by pressing the battery module 200. The end plates 240 can extend in the second direction (e.g., the left direction), which is the longitudinal direction of the battery module 200. The second direction can be a direction intersecting the first direction, and more specifically, the second direction can be a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0143] The end plates 240 can include a cover end plate 250 and an intermediate end plate 260. The cover end plate 250 is configured to support the first side surface 221 of the battery module 200, and the intermediate end plate 260 is configured to support the second side surface 222 of the battery module 200.

[0144] The cover end plate 250 and the intermediate end plate 260 can be configured to press the first side surface 221 and the second side surface 222 of the battery module 200, respectively. The cover end plate 250 can include a first side wall 251 that supports the first side surface 221 of the battery module 200, and the intermediate end plate 260 can include a second side wall 261 that supports the second side surface 222 of the battery module 200. The first side wall 251 and the second side wall 261 can be arranged parallel to each other.

[0145] In the current manner, the cover end plate 250 and the intermediate end plate 260 can extend parallel to each other in the second direction of the battery module 200. Both the cover end plate 250 and the intermediate end plate 260 can be extruded in the second direction. Both the cover end plate 250 and the intermediate end plate 260 can be formed of aluminum (Al).

[0146] Each of the cover end plate 250 and the intermediate end plate 260 can be defined with extension spaces 252, 256, and 262 extending in their second directions. More specifically, the cover end plate 250 can be defined with an upper extension space 252 and a lower extension space 256 spaced apart from each other in the upward and downward directions inside thereof. In addition, the intermediate end plate 260 can be defined with an intermediate extension space 262 disposed between the heights of the upper extension space 252 and the lower extension space 256 inside thereof.

[0147] The cover end plate 250 can include a first side wall 251 extending in the upward and downward directions, and an upper protrusion 253 extending from the first side wall 251 to define the upper extension space 252 together with the first side wall 251.

[0148] The upper protrusion 253 may include an upper partition wall 255 and an upper protruding wall 254. The upper partition wall 255 is spaced apart from the first side wall 251 and, together with the first side wall 251, defines an upper extension space 252. The upper protruding wall 254 protrudes from the upper and lower ends of the upper partition wall 255 to extend to the first side wall 251 and, together with the first side wall 251 and the upper partition wall 255, defines the upper extension space 252. The upper partition wall 255 may be arranged parallel to the first side wall 251, and the upper partition wall 255 and the first side wall 251 may be connected to each other through the upper protruding wall 254.

[0149] The cover end plate 250 may include a lower protrusion 257. The lower protrusion 257 extends from the first side wall 251 on the lower side of the upper protrusion 253 and, together with the first side wall 251, defines a lower extension space 256.

[0150] The lower protrusion 257 may include a lower partition wall 259 and a lower protruding wall 258. The lower partition wall 259 is spaced apart from the first side wall 251 on the lower side of the upper partition wall 255 and, together with the first side wall 251, defines the lower extension space 256. The lower protruding wall 258, which is spaced downward from the upper protruding wall 254, protrudes from the upper and lower ends of the lower partition wall 259, extends to the first side wall 251, and, together with the first side wall 251 and the lower partition wall 259, defines the lower extension space 256. The lower partition wall 259 may be arranged parallel to the first side wall 251, and the lower partition wall 259 and the first side wall 251 may be connected to each other through the lower protruding wall 258.

[0151] Meanwhile, the intermediate end plate 260 may include a second side wall 261 arranged parallel to the first side wall 251, and an intermediate protrusion 263 extending from the second side wall 261 to define an intermediate extension space 262 together with the second side wall 261.

[0152] The intermediate protrusion 263 may include an intermediate partition wall 265 and an intermediate protruding wall 264. The intermediate partition wall 265 is spaced apart from the second side wall 261 and, together with the second side wall 261, defines the intermediate extension space 262. The intermediate protruding wall 264 protrudes from the upper and lower ends of the intermediate partition wall 265, extends to the second side wall 261, and, together with the second side wall 261 and the intermediate partition wall 265, defines the intermediate extension space 262. The intermediate partition wall 265 may be arranged parallel to the second side wall 261, and the intermediate partition wall 265 and the second side wall 261 may be connected to each other through the intermediate protruding wall 264.

[0153] According to the current structure, the upper extension space 252 and the lower extension space 256 of the cover end plate 250 and the intermediate extension space 262 of the intermediate end plate 260 may all extend along their second direction. Meanwhile, as the battery module 200 is pressed, the durability of the cover end plate 250 and the intermediate end plate 260 may weaken over time.

[0154] To prevent the current problem, the battery pack 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include a reinforcing member 340 that extends in a second direction and is inserted into the extension spaces 252, 256, and 262.

[0155] The reinforcing member 340 may be formed of steel. When viewed from the second direction, the thickness of the reinforcing member 340 may be less than the thicknesses of the cover end plate 250 and the intermediate end plate 260. In other words, the thickness of the reinforcing member 340 may be approximately half of the thickness of the end plate 240.

[0156] The reinforcing member 340 may include an upper reinforcing member 350 inserted into the upper extension space 252, an intermediate reinforcing member 360 inserted into the intermediate extension space 262, and a lower reinforcing member 370 inserted into the lower extension space 256.

[0157] The upper reinforcing member 350 may be a component inserted into the upper extension space 252 to reinforce the upper portion of the cover end plate 250. The upper reinforcing member 350 may be configured to contact the first sidewall 251 and the upper spacer wall 255.

[0158] More specifically, the upper reinforcing member 350 may include a first support portion 351 that supports the first sidewall 251, a second support portion 352 that supports the upper spacer wall 255, and a third support portion 353 that supports the first sidewall 251 on the lower side of the support portion 351. The upper reinforcing member 350 may include a first connection portion 354 that connects the first support portion 351 and the second support portion 352, and a second connection portion 355 that connects the second support portion 352 and the third support portion 353. It can be understood that the upper reinforcing member 350 includes a generally corrugated cross-section.

[0159] The lower reinforcing member 370 may be a component inserted into the lower extension space 256 to reinforce the lower portion of the cover end plate 250. The lower reinforcing member 370 may be configured to contact the first sidewall 251 and the lower spacer wall 259.

[0160] In addition, the lower reinforcing member 370 may include a first support portion 371 that supports the first sidewall 251, a second support portion 372 that supports the lower spacer wall 259, and a third support portion 373 that supports the first sidewall 251 on the lower side of the first support portion 371. The lower reinforcing member 370 may include a first connection portion 374 that connects the first support portion 371 and the second support portion 372, and a second connection portion 375 that connects the second support portion 372 and the third support portion 373. It can be understood that the lower reinforcing member 370 includes a generally corrugated cross-section.

[0161] According to the current structure, the upper reinforcing member 350 can be inserted into the upper extension space 252 to support the first side wall 251 and the upper partition wall 255, and the lower reinforcing member 370 can be inserted into the lower extension space 252 to support the first side wall 251 and the lower partition wall 259. Therefore, the strength of the cover end plate 250 can be increased at its upper and lower parts.

[0162] Similarly, the middle reinforcing member 360 can be a component inserted into the middle extension space 262 to strengthen the middle end plate 260. The middle reinforcing member 360 can be configured to contact the second side wall 261 and the middle partition wall 265.

[0163] The middle reinforcing member 360 includes a first middle support portion 361 that supports the second side wall 261, a second middle support portion 362 that supports the middle partition wall 265, and a third middle support portion 363 that supports the second side wall 261 on the lower side of the first middle support portion 361. The middle reinforcing member 360 can include a fourth middle support portion 366 that supports the middle partition wall 265 on the lower side of the second middle support portion 362 and a fifth middle support portion 367 that supports the second side wall 261 on the lower side of the third middle support portion 363.

[0164] The middle reinforcing member 360 can include a first middle connection portion 364 that connects the first middle support portion 361 and the second middle support portion 362, a second middle connection portion 365 that connects the second middle support portion 362 and the third middle support portion 363, a third middle connection portion 368 that connects the third middle support portion 363 and the fourth middle support portion 366, and a fourth middle connection portion 369 that connects the fourth middle support portion 366 and the fifth middle support portion 367. It can be understood that the middle reinforcing member 360 includes a substantially corrugated cross-section.

[0165] The middle reinforcing member 360 can be longer than the upper reinforcing member 350 or the lower reinforcing member 370 in the upward and downward directions, can support the second side wall 261 at three positions, and can support the middle partition wall 265 at two positions. This may be because the length of the middle accommodation space 262 in the upward and downward directions is longer than the length of the upper extension space 252 or the lower extension space 256 in their upward and downward directions.

[0166] According to the current structure, the middle reinforcing member 360 can be inserted into the middle accommodation space 262 to increase the strength of the middle end plate 260.

[0167] That is to say, the strength of the cover end plate 250 can be improved by the upper reinforcing member 350 and the lower reinforcing member 370, and the strength of the intermediate end plate 260 can be improved by the intermediate reinforcing member 360. As a result, the force applied to the first side surface 221 and the second side surface 222 of the battery module 200 can be increased, and the durability of the cover end plate 250 and the intermediate end plate 260 can be improved.

[0168] Figure 7 A side view exemplarily showing the arrangement of a plurality of battery modules according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0169] Referring to Figure 7 , a plurality of battery modules 200 may be arranged in a first direction (example: backward direction). The plurality of battery modules 200 may be arranged to be spaced apart between two adjacent battery modules 200. The plurality of battery modules 200 may include a first battery module 200a and a second battery module 200b disposed on a side portion of the first battery module 200a in the first direction.

[0170] The cover end plate 250 may be disposed on the first side surface 221 of the first battery module 200a facing the second battery module 200b. The intermediate end plate 260 may be disposed on the second side surface 222 of the second battery module 200b facing the first battery module 200a. Here, the shapes of the cover end plate 250 and the intermediate end plate 260 are the same as the above structure.

[0171] The intermediate protrusion 263 of the intermediate end plate 260 (see Figure 6 ) may be inserted into the space between the upper protrusion 253 of the cover end plate 250 (see Figure 5 ). In other words, the intermediate partition wall 265 of the intermediate end plate 260 may be inserted and disposed in the gap through the gap, and the gap is provided between the upper partition wall 255 and the lower partition wall 259 of the cover end plate 250.

[0172] According to the current structure, the cover end plate 250 disposed on the first side surface 221 of the first battery module 200a facing the second battery module 200b can press the second battery module 200b in the first direction and can press the first battery module 200a in a direction opposite to the first direction.

[0173] In addition, the intermediate end plate 260 disposed on the second side surface 222 of the second battery module 200b facing the first battery module 200a can press the first battery module 200a in a direction opposite to the first direction and can press the second battery module 200b in the first direction.

[0174] Meanwhile, disposed in the battery pack housing 110 (see Figure 1The separate horizontal members inside () may not be provided between two adjacent battery modules 200.

[0175] Figure 8 FIG. is a schematic view of a cover end plate before inserting an upper reinforcing member and a lower reinforcing member into the cover end plate, exemplarily showing an exemplary embodiment according to the present invention. Figure 9 FIG. is a schematic view of an intermediate end plate before inserting an intermediate reinforcing member into the intermediate end plate, exemplarily showing an exemplary embodiment according to the present invention. Figure 10 FIG. is a schematic view of a battery module inserted between a cover end plate and an intermediate end plate mounted on a bottom plate, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0176] Referring to Figure 8 、 Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the cover end plate 250 may be defined with cover holes 250a and 250b. The cover holes 250a and 250b may include an upper cover hole 250a formed in the upper protruding portion 253 and a lower cover hole 250b formed in the lower protruding wall 258.

[0177] The upper cover hole 250a may be formed in the upper protruding wall 254 and the upper spacer wall 255 of the upper protruding portion 253. The upper cover hole 250a may be configured to be in fluid communication with the upper protruding wall 254 and the upper spacer wall 255, and may be formed in the upper protruding wall 254 and the upper spacer wall 255 respectively. A plurality of upper cover holes 250a may be provided to be spaced apart from each other along the second direction (example: left direction).

[0178] The lower cover hole 250b may be formed in the lower protruding wall 258. The lower cover hole 250b may be formed in the lower protruding wall 258 and the lower spacer wall 259. A plurality of lower cover holes 250b may be provided to correspond to the positions of the upper cover holes 250a along the second direction (example: left direction).

[0179] The upper cover hole 250a may be a part into which the head portion of a fastening member is inserted. The lower cover hole 250b may be a part into which the thread of a fastening member is inserted. Therefore, when viewed from the top, the size of the upper cover hole 250a may be larger than the size of the lower cover hole 250b. The upper reinforcing member 350 may include an upper reinforcing hole 350a, and as the upper reinforcing member is inserted into the cover end plate 250, the fastening member passes through the upper reinforcing hole 350a. The lower reinforcing member 370 may include a lower reinforcing hole 370a, and as the lower reinforcing member is inserted into the cover end plate 250, the fastening member passes through the lower reinforcing hole 370a. The upper reinforcing hole 350a and the lower reinforcing hole 370a may be provided to correspond to the positions of the upper cover hole 250a and the lower cover hole 250b respectively.

[0180] The intermediate end plate 260 may be defined with an intermediate hole 260a. The intermediate hole 260a may be formed in an intermediate protruding wall 264 of an intermediate protrusion 263. The intermediate hole 260a may be set to correspond to the positions of an upper cover hole 250a and a lower cover hole 250b between the upper cover hole 250a and the lower cover hole 250b at corresponding positions provided on the cover end plate 250. A plurality of intermediate holes 260a may also be set to be spaced apart from each other along a second direction, and may be configured such that fastening members are inserted therein.

[0181] An intermediate reinforcing member 360 may be inserted into the intermediate end plate 260 to be defined with an intermediate reinforcing hole 360a, and a fastening member passes through the intermediate reinforcing hole 360a. When viewed from the top, the intermediate reinforcing hole 360a may be configured to correspond to the position of the intermediate hole 260a.

[0182] However, components such as studs may be inserted into the upper cover hole 250a, the lower cover hole 250b, and the intermediate hole 260a, instead of components such as screws. In addition, instead of the structure forming the upper cover hole 250a, the lower cover hole 250b, and the intermediate hole 260a, the cover end plate 250 and the intermediate end plate 260 may be welded to the bottom plate 120 or press-fitted with the bottom plate 120.

[0183] Meanwhile, the bottom plate 120 may be defined with fastening holes 120a for fixing the cover end plate 250 and the intermediate end plate 260. The fastening holes 120a may be configured to be spaced apart from each other in a row along a second direction (example: left direction) of the bottom plate 120.

[0184] The fastening holes 120a may include a first fastening hole 120b for fixing the intermediate end plate 260 provided on a second side surface 222 (see Figure 7 ) of the first battery module 200a, and a second fastening hole 120c for fixing the cover end plate 250 provided on a first side surface 221 of the first battery module 200a.

[0185] The second fastening hole 120c may be a hole for fixing the cover end plate 250 of the first battery module 200a and the intermediate end plate 260 provided on a second side surface 222 of a second battery module 200b, and the second side surface 222 of the second battery module 200b faces the first battery module 200a.

[0186] The second fastening hole 120c may be provided on one side of the first fastening hole 120b in a first direction (example: backward direction). The battery pack 100 (see Figure 1 ) may include fastening members, which are configured to respectively fix the cover end plate 250 and the intermediate end plate 260, and are respectively inserted into the first fastening hole 120b and the second fastening hole 120c.

[0187] According to the current structure, when viewed from the top, the upper cover hole 250a formed in the cover end plate 250 of the first battery module 200a can be formed at a position corresponding to the second fastening hole 120c. In addition, when viewed from the top, the middle hole 260a formed in the middle end plate 260 of the first battery module 200a can be formed at a position corresponding to the first fastening hole 120b.

[0188] To achieve the current structure, the bottom plate 120 can be an extruded member. In other words, the bottom plate 120 can be formed of an extruded member to facilitate the insertion of the fastening member.

[0189] In the current manner, multiple battery modules 200 can pass through the cover end plate 250 and the middle end plate 260 simultaneously without a separate lateral member of the battery pack 100, and can be fixedly attached to the fastening member fixed to the bottom plate 120. According to the current structure, the density of the battery modules 200 provided in the limited battery pack 100 (see Figure 1 ) can be increased.

[0190] In addition, instead of Figure 2 the configuration of the lateral support member 160 shown in, in the multiple battery modules 200 formed with the end plate 240 and arranged in the first direction, the front surface of the battery module 200 provided on the front side and the rear surface of the battery module 200 provided on the rear side can be supported by the end plate 240.

[0191] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of a battery module fixed to a lateral support member according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0192] Referring to Figure 11 , the battery module 200-1 can be supported by the bottom plate 120. The side member 130 extending along the periphery of the bottom plate 120 can be coupled to the front edge portion, rear edge portion, left edge portion, and right edge portion of the bottom plate 120.

[0193] The side member 130 can define a module accommodation space 130a therein. The module accommodation space 130a can be a space for accommodating the battery module 200-1. The module accommodation space 130a can be separated by a longitudinal support member 140-1 extending in a first direction (example: backward direction) and a lateral support member 160-1 extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction (example: left direction). Multiple battery modules 200-1 can be accommodated in each separated module accommodation space 130a.

[0194] Meanwhile, according to the current structure, the battery module 200-1 can be arranged such that the second direction is its longitudinal direction, and the battery module 200-1 can be fixed to the lateral support member 160-1 by a flange portion 230-1 protruding from the battery module 200-1 in the second direction or in the direction opposite to its second direction.

[0195] Correspondingly, the bottom plate 120 can be arranged on the lower side of the lateral support member 160-1, and the flange portion 230-1 can be arranged on the upper side of the lateral support member 160-1. A flange hole 230a-1 can be provided in the flange portion 230-1. The battery module 200-1 can be fixed to the interior of the battery pack housing 110 by a fastening member passing through the flange hole 230a-1.

[0196] Meanwhile, a lateral member space 160a-1 extending in the second direction can be defined inside the lateral support member 160-1. Since the lateral support member 160-1 can also be configured to press the battery module 200-1, the strength of the lateral support member 160-1 can be increased by a lateral reinforcing member 160b-1 inserted into the lateral member space 160a-1. Due to the structure of the lateral reinforcing member 160b-1, the lateral support member 160-1 can support the battery module 200-1 with a stronger force, and thus, even in the battery pack according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the battery module 200-1 can be prevented from swelling.

[0197] In addition, the current structure is not limited thereto, and a longitudinal reinforcing member is also inserted into the interior of the longitudinal support member 140-1, so that the strength of the longitudinal support member 140-1 can also be increased.

[0198] According to the current technology, since the reinforcing member is inserted into the accommodation space of the end plate provided on the opposite side surfaces of the battery module, the strength of the end plate can be increased, and thus the swelling of the battery cells can be effectively prevented.

[0199] In addition, according to the current technology, the end plates provided on the opposite side surfaces of the battery module can be directly connected to the bottom plate, and thus, the density of the battery modules provided in the battery pack can be increased.

[0200] In addition, according to the current technology, the cover end plate and the intermediate end plate provided on the opposite side surfaces of the battery module are joined to each other, and thus, the density of the battery modules provided in the battery pack can be increased, and the structural stability of the battery module can be improved.

[0201] In addition, various effects that can be directly or indirectly recognized through the present invention can be provided.

[0202] The above description is a simple exemplary description of the technical spirit of the present invention, and those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can make various corrections and modifications without departing from the essential features of the present invention.

[0203] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle can be referred to based on a concept including various transportation means. In some cases, a vehicle can be interpreted based on such a concept that includes not only various land transportation means traveling on roads, such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses, but also various transportation means such as airplanes, drones, ships, etc.

[0204] For the convenience of explanation and to precisely define the appended claims, the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "above", "below", "upward", "downward", "front", "rear", "back", "inner side", "outer side", "inwardly", "outwardly", "interior", "exterior", "internal", "external", "forward", "backward" are used to describe the features of the exemplary specific embodiments with reference to the positions of these features shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be further understood that the term "connected" or its derivatives refer to both direct connection and indirect connection.

[0205] The term "and / or" can include combinations of multiple related listed items or any one of the multiple related listed items. For example, "A and / or B" includes all three cases, namely "A", "B", and "A and B".

[0206] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, "at least one of A and B" can refer to "at least one of A or B" or "at least one of a combination of at least one of A and B". In addition, "one or more of A and B" can refer to "one or more of A or B" or "one or more of a combination of one or more of A and B".

[0207] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, singular expressions include plural expressions, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0208] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it should be understood that terms such as "including" or "having" are intended to specify the presence of the features, numerical values, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not exclude the possibility of adding or the presence of one or more other features, numerical values, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0209] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, components can be combined with each other to be realized as one, or some components can be omitted.

[0210] The foregoing description of the specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive nor to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary specific embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain specific principles of the invention and its practical application so that others skilled in the art may realize and utilize the various exemplary specific embodiments of the invention and its various alternative forms and modifications. The scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A battery pack comprising: Battery modules; an end plate located at one side of the battery module in a first direction, configured to press the battery module, and defining an extension space extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction inside the end plate; as well as A reinforcing member extends in the second direction and is inserted into the extension space.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The end plate comprises: a cover end plate including a first side wall, the first side wall supporting a surface of the battery module facing a first direction; and The intermediate end plate includes a second side wall that supports an opposite surface of the battery module that faces in a direction opposite to the first direction.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein: The cover end plate defines an upper extension space and a lower extension space spaced apart from each other in upward and downward directions inside the cover end plate.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein: The cover end plate comprises: an upper partition wall spaced apart from the first side wall and defining the upper extension space together with the first side wall; and A lower partition wall is spaced apart from the first side wall at a lower side of the upper partition wall and defines the lower extension space together with the first side wall.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein: The reinforcing member comprises: an upper reinforcement member inserted into the upper extension space and configured to contact the first side wall and the upper partition wall; and A lower reinforcement member is inserted into the lower extension space and is configured to contact the first side wall and the lower partition wall.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein: Each of the upper reinforcement member and the lower reinforcement member comprises: a first supporting portion supporting the first side wall; a second supporting portion, which supports the upper partition wall or the lower partition wall; a third supporting portion supporting the first side wall at a lower side of the first supporting portion; a first connecting portion connecting the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion; and A second connecting portion connects the second supporting portion and the third supporting portion.

7. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein: The intermediate end plate defines an intermediate extension space inside the intermediate end plate, and the intermediate extension space is arranged between the heights of the upper extension space and the lower extension space.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein: The intermediate end plate further comprises: An intermediate partition wall is spaced apart from the second side wall and defines the intermediate extension space together with the second side wall.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein: The reinforcing member comprises: An intermediate reinforcement member is inserted into the intermediate extension space and is configured to contact the second side wall and the intermediate partition wall.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein: The intermediate reinforcement member comprises: a first intermediate support portion supporting the second side wall; a second intermediate support portion supporting the intermediate partition wall; a third intermediate support portion supporting the second side wall at a lower side of the first intermediate support portion; a first intermediate connecting portion connecting the first intermediate supporting portion and the second intermediate supporting portion; and A second intermediate connecting portion connects the second intermediate supporting portion and the third intermediate supporting portion.

11. The battery pack according to claim 8, further comprising: a bottom plate supporting the battery module and defining a first fastening hole for fixing the middle end plate and a second fastening hole for fixing the cover end plate; and A fastening member is configured to fix the cover end plate and the intermediate end plate and is inserted into the first fastening hole and the second fastening hole.

12. The battery pack according to claim 11, wherein: The cover end plate defines a cover hole configured to allow a fastening member to be inserted therein, the cover hole being configured at a position corresponding to the second fastening hole when viewed from the top, The intermediate end plate defines an intermediate hole configured to allow a fastening member to be inserted therein, the intermediate hole being formed at a position corresponding to the first fastening hole when viewed from the top.

13. The battery pack according to claim 12, in, The cover end plate further comprises: an upper protruding wall which protrudes from the upper end and the lower end of the upper partition wall to extend to the first side wall, and defines an upper extension space together with the first side wall and the upper partition wall; and a lower protruding wall spaced downward from the upper protruding wall, protruding from the upper and lower ends of the lower partition wall to extend to the first side wall, and defining a lower extension space together with the first side wall and the lower partition wall, Wherein, the cover hole comprises: an upper cover hole formed in the upper protruding wall; and a lower cover hole formed in the lower protruding wall; Wherein, when viewed from the top, the size of the upper cover hole is larger than the size of the lower cover hole.

14. The battery pack according to claim 13, in, The reinforcing member comprises: an upper reinforcement member inserted into the upper extension space; and a lower reinforcement member inserted into the lower extension space; The upper reinforcement member and the lower reinforcement member define an upper reinforcement hole and a lower reinforcement hole, the upper reinforcement hole and the lower reinforcement hole are configured to correspond to the positions of the upper cover hole and the lower cover hole respectively, and the fastening member passes through the upper reinforcement hole and the lower reinforcement hole.

15. The battery pack according to claim 12, in, The intermediate end plate further comprises: an intermediate protruding wall, which protrudes from the upper end and the lower end of the intermediate partition wall, extends to the second side wall, and defines an intermediate extension space together with the second side wall and the intermediate partition wall, Wherein, the middle hole is formed in the middle protruding wall.

16. The battery pack according to claim 15, wherein: The reinforcing member includes an intermediate reinforcing member inserted into the intermediate extension space, The intermediate reinforcement member defines an intermediate reinforcement hole that is arranged to correspond to the position of the intermediate hole, and the fastening member passes through the intermediate reinforcement hole.

17. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: When viewed in the second direction, the thickness of the reinforcing member is smaller than the thickness of the end plate.

18. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The end plates are formed of aluminum, The reinforcement member is formed of steel.

19. The battery pack according to claim 2, in, The battery module includes: a first battery module; and a second battery module spaced apart from the first battery module in a first direction, wherein the end plate comprises: a cover end plate comprising a first side wall and an upper partition wall and a lower partition wall, wherein the first side wall supports a surface of the first battery module facing the second battery module, the upper partition wall is spaced apart from the first side wall and defines an upper extension space with the first side wall, and the lower partition wall is spaced apart from the first side wall and defines a lower extension space with the first side wall, wherein the upper extension space and the lower extension space are spaced apart from each other in an upward and downward direction inside the battery pack; and an intermediate end plate, comprising a second side wall and an intermediate partition wall, wherein the second side wall supports a surface of the second battery module facing the first battery module, and the intermediate partition wall is spaced apart from the second side wall and defines an intermediate extension space between the upper extension space and the lower extension space with the second side wall, Wherein, the middle partition wall is arranged to be inserted between the upper partition wall and the lower partition wall.

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