Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack is disclosed. A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a base plate; an outer side wall coupled to an upper surface of the bottom plate; a plurality of battery cells positioned on the base plate and forming an array; and an inner side wall coupled to an upper surface of the base plate and positioned between the plurality of battery cells and the outer side wall.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery pack.

[0002] This application is based on and claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0120713 filed on September 11, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] With the dramatic increase in demand for portable electronic products such as notebook computers, video cameras, and mobile phones, and the widespread use of robots and electric vehicles, much research has been conducted on high-performance secondary batteries that can be recharged repeatedly.

[0004] Currently, commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among them, lithium secondary batteries have almost no memory effect. Therefore, lithium secondary batteries are more popular than nickel-based secondary batteries because they can be charged at a convenient time, have a very low self-discharge rate and high energy density.

[0005] Lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative active materials, respectively. These batteries consist of an electrode assembly, which includes a positive plate coated with a positive active material and a negative plate coated with a negative active material, with a separator interposed between the positive and negative plates. The outer packaging, or battery casing, houses the electrode assembly and electrolyte in an airtight manner.

[0006] Generally, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is included in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is included in a pouch of an aluminum laminate, according to the shape of an outer packaging material.

[0007] Recently, secondary batteries have become widely used not only for small devices such as mobile electronic devices, but also for power supply or energy storage in medium-sized or large devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). Multiple secondary batteries can be electrically connected and housed in a module housing to form a battery module. In addition, multiple battery modules can be connected to form a battery pack.

[0008] Because a medium or large-sized battery pack for an electric vehicle includes a large number of battery cells and battery modules to increase output and / or capacity, the weight may be greatly increased. Therefore, a structure for increasing the rigidity and energy density of the battery pack is required. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] The present disclosure aims to address these and other problems.

[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a battery pack with improved assembly efficiency.

[0012] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a battery pack with improved energy density.

[0013] Technical Solution

[0014] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a base plate; an outer side wall, which is connected to the upper surface of the base plate; a plurality of battery cells, which are located on the base plate and form an array; and an inner side wall, which is connected to the upper surface of the base plate and is located between the plurality of battery cells and the outer side wall.

[0015] The battery pack may further include a fastening member configured to fasten the bottom plate to the inner sidewall.

[0016] In addition, the bottom plate may include: a flat portion; and a curved portion protruding upward from the flat portion, and the inner sidewall may be coupled to the curved portion.

[0017] In addition, the bent portion may be located inside the outer side wall.

[0018] In addition, the bent portion and the inner side wall may extend along an edge of the bottom plate.

[0019] Additionally, the battery pack may further include a fastening member passing through the bent portion and configured to fasten the bottom plate to the inner sidewall.

[0020] Additionally, at least some of the plurality of battery cells may be secured to the inner sidewall.

[0021] In addition, a gap may be formed between the battery cell fixed to the inner side wall and the flat portion.

[0022] In addition, the inner sidewall may include a guide protruding outward, and the guide may be installed on the outer sidewall.

[0023] In addition, the outer side wall may include a receiving groove at a top portion, and the guide member may be received in the receiving groove.

[0024] Additionally, the outer side wall may include a pair of protrusions at a top portion, and the guide may be located between the pair of protrusions.

[0025] A vehicle according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the battery pack of the present disclosure.

[0026] Beneficial effects

[0027] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the rigidity of a battery pack can be improved.

[0028] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the energy density of a battery pack can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the following detailed description, serve to provide a better understanding of the technical aspects of the present disclosure, and thus the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 2 is an exploded view showing some components of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an inner side wall of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an inner side wall and battery cells of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 5 is shown along Figure 4 A perspective view of a cross section taken along line AA' in FIG.

[0035] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an inner side wall and battery cells of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 7 is an exploded view showing some components of a cell array structure of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating a cell array structure of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 9 is a perspective view illustrating a bottom plate of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating a bottom plate of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from the bottom.

[0040] Figure 11 is a perspective view illustrating a bottom plate and outer side walls of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 12 is a diagram showing some components of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing some components of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from the bottom.

[0043] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 Schematic cross-sectional view taken along line BB'.

[0044] Figure 15 is shown along Figure 12 A perspective view of a cross section taken along line CC' in FIG.

[0045] Figure 16 is shown along Figure 12 A perspective view of a cross section taken along line DD' in FIG.

[0046] Figure 17 It shows Figure 16 A variant diagram.

[0047] Figure 18 It shows Figure 16 Another variation of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terms or words used in the specification and the appended claims should not be interpreted as limited to the general and dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure on the basis of the principle that the inventor is allowed to appropriately define the terms for the best interpretation.

[0049] Therefore, the description provided herein and the illustrations in the accompanying drawings are for describing some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than for fully describing the technical aspects of the present disclosure, and it should be understood that various other equivalent schemes and modifications may have been made when a patent application is filed.

[0050] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is an exploded view showing some components of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a bottom plate 100 , an outer sidewall 200 , a plurality of battery cells 310 , and an inner sidewall 330 .

[0051] The bottom plate 100 may have a flat plate shape. The bottom plate 100 may be substantially rectangular in shape.

[0052] The outer sidewall 200 may be fastened, coupled, fixed, or attached to the upper surface of the bottom plate 100. The outer sidewall 200 and the bottom plate 100 may form an inner space.

[0053] A plurality of battery cells 310 may be housed in the internal space. The plurality of battery cells 310 may be arranged to form an array. The plurality of battery cells 310 may be located on the base plate 100. In this case, the battery cells 310 may be secondary batteries. Alternatively, the battery cells 310 may be cylindrical secondary batteries.

[0054] The inner sidewall 330 may be fastened, coupled, fixed, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate 100. The inner sidewall 330 may be located between the plurality of battery cells 310 and the outer sidewall 200.

[0055] With this configuration of the present disclosure, the battery pack can stably accommodate the plurality of battery cells 310. The inner side wall 330 can stably support the plurality of battery cells 310. Therefore, the rigidity of the battery pack can be improved.

[0056] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a bus bar assembly 400 and a battery pack cover 500. The battery pack cover 500 may cover the interior space of the battery pack. The battery pack cover 500 may have a plate shape. The battery pack cover 500 may have a shape similar to that of the base plate 100. The battery pack cover 500 may be fastened, coupled, fixed, or attached to the outer sidewall 200.

[0057] The bus bar assembly 400 may be located between the plurality of battery cells 310 and the battery pack cover 500. The bus bar assembly 400 may be physically connected to the tops of the plurality of battery cells 310. Additionally, the bus bar assembly 400 may be electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells 310.

[0058] The exhaust device 600 may be provided in the outer surface of the outer sidewall 200. The exhaust device 600 may discharge gas when the pressure inside the battery pack increases.

[0059] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an inner sidewall 330 of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an inner sidewall 330 and a battery cell 310 of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 is shown along Figure 4 A perspective view of a cross section taken along line AA' in FIG. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an inner sidewall 330 and a battery cell 310 of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] refer to Figures 3 to 6In a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least some of the multiple battery cells 310 may be fixed to an inner sidewall 330. The inner sidewall 330 may extend along the X-axis direction. The inner sidewall 330 may include wall heads 332 at both ends in the X-axis direction. The wall heads 332 may have slots 337. The inner sidewall 330 may include inwardly protruding bottom ribs 333. In addition, the inner sidewall 330 may include inwardly protruding top ribs 334. The top ribs 334 may be located at a higher position than the bottom ribs 333. The multiple battery cells 310 may be fixed between the bottom ribs 333 and the top ribs 334. The inner sidewall 330 may include a curved portion 336 formed on the inside. The curved portion 336 may be curved along the side of the battery cell 310. The curved portion 336 may support the side of the battery cell 310. The inner sidewall 330 may include a plurality of inwardly protruding partitions 335. Each of the partitions 335 may protrude between the plurality of battery cells 310 .

[0061] Through such a configuration of the present disclosure, the plurality of battery cells 310 can be stably fixed and supported by the inner sidewall 330. Therefore, the rigidity of the battery pack can be improved.

[0062] Figure 7 is an exploded view showing some components of a battery cell array structure 300 of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a cell array structure 300 of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cell array structure 300. The cell array structure 300 may include a pair of inner sidewalls 330, a plurality of side structures 320, a plurality of cooling units 340, and a plurality of battery cells 310.

[0063] The side structure 320 may extend along the X-axis direction. The side structure 320 may fix and support the plurality of battery cells 310. The side structure 320 may include a plurality of side structures.

[0064] The cooling unit 340 may extend along the X-axis direction. The cooling unit 340 may contact the plurality of battery cells 310. The cooling unit 340 may include a plurality of cooling units. A cooling liquid or a cooling gas may flow through the cooling unit 340.

[0065] The side structures 320 , the plurality of battery cells 310 , and the cooling units 340 may be arranged alternately. A pair of inner sidewalls 330 may be provided at the outermost side of the battery cell array structure 300 .

[0066] The cell array structure 300 may be filled with resin. The resin may connect, fix, or attach components of the cell array structure 300. In addition, the resin may increase the rigidity of the cell array structure 300.

[0067] Figure 9is a perspective view illustrating a bottom plate 100 of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 1 is a diagram showing a bottom plate 100 of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from the bottom. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The bottom plate 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a flat portion 110 and a curved portion 120. The curved portion 120 may be formed by bending at least a portion of the flat portion 110. The curved portion 120 may be curved in the +Z-axis direction. The curved portion 120 may extend along the X-axis direction. The curved portion 120 may include a pair of curved portions.

[0068] Through such a configuration of the present disclosure, the bent portion 120 may improve the rigidity of the base plate 100 .

[0069] Figure 11 is a perspective view illustrating a bottom plate 100 and an outer sidewall 200 of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 is a diagram showing some components of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 and Figure 12 The bent portion 120 of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be located inside the outer sidewall 200. The outer sidewall 200 may extend along the periphery of the bottom plate 100. The bent portion 120 may be located adjacent to the outer sidewall 200. Alternatively, the bent portion 120 may contact the outer sidewall 200.

[0070] Each of the bent portion 120 and the inner sidewall 330 may extend along an edge of the bottom plate 100 .

[0071] With this configuration of the present disclosure, the bent portion 120 can improve the rigidity of the bottom plate 100. In addition, the bent portion 120 can support the cell array structure 300 and prevent the bottom plate 100 from sagging.

[0072] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing some components of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from the bottom. Figure 14 yes Figure 12 Schematic cross-sectional view taken along line BB'. Figure 15 is shown along Figure 12 A perspective view of a cross section taken along line CC' in FIG. Figure 16 is shown along Figure 12 A perspective view of a cross section taken along line DD' in FIG.

[0073] refer to Figures 12 to 16The battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a fastening member S to fasten the bottom plate 100 to the inner sidewall 330. The fastening member S may be fastened to the bottom of the bottom plate 100 and the inner sidewall 330. The fastening member S may pass through the bottom plate 100. The fastening member S may include a plurality of fastening members. In addition, the fastening member S may be arranged along the X-axis direction.

[0074] The cell array structure 300 can be fastened, fixed, coupled, or attached to the base plate 100 or the outer sidewall 200. When the inner sidewall 330 is fastened to the outer sidewall 200 in the X-axis or Y-axis directions, a fastening structure is required. Furthermore, the empty space between the inner sidewall 330 and the outer sidewall 200 may increase. Consequently, the energy density of the battery pack may decrease.

[0075] In contrast, with this configuration of the present disclosure, since the inner sidewall 330 is fastened to the bottom plate 100 in the Z-axis direction, the empty space between the inner sidewall 330 and the outer sidewall 200 can be reduced. Therefore, the energy density of the battery pack can be improved.

[0076] refer to Figures 12 to 16 , the inner sidewall 330 of the battery pack according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be coupled to the bent portion 120 . Therefore, the battery cell array structure 300 may be located on the bent portion 120 .

[0077] With this configuration of the present disclosure, a space can be formed between the flat portion 110 and the battery cell array structure 300. Therefore, it is possible to easily control the exhaust of the battery cells 310. In addition, it is possible to easily cool the battery cells 310.

[0078] refer to Figures 12 to 16 The battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a fastening member S passing through the bent portion 120 and configured to fasten the bottom plate 100 to the inner sidewall 330. At least a portion of the fastening member S may be inserted into the inner sidewall 330. In addition, at least a portion of the fastening member S may be located in a space formed by the bent portion 120. In addition, the fastening member may pass through the bent portion 120.

[0079] With this configuration of the present disclosure, the fastening member S may not protrude beyond the flat portion 110. Therefore, the assembly efficiency of the battery pack may be improved. In addition, the space efficiency of the battery pack may be improved.

[0080] refer to Figures 12 to 16 The inner sidewall 330 of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a guide member 338 protruding outward. The guide member 338 may be formed on the outer surface of the inner sidewall 330. In addition, the guide member 338 may protrude toward the outer sidewall 200. The guide member 338 may include a plurality of guide members. The guide members 338 may be arranged along the X-axis direction.

[0081] In addition, the guide member 338 may be installed on the outer sidewall 200. The guide member 338 may contact the top of the outer sidewall 200. In addition, the outer sidewall 200 may support the guide member 338.

[0082] With this configuration of the present disclosure, the load of the cell array structure 300 can be transferred to the outer sidewall 200 via the guide 338. Alternatively, the outer sidewall 200 can support the guide 338, thereby supporting the cell array structure 300. The load of the cell array structure 300 can be distributed via the bottom plate 100 and the guide 338. Therefore, the cell array structure 300 can be stably supported.

[0083] refer to Figures 12 to 16 In the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a gap may be formed between the battery cells 310 fixed to the inner sidewall 330 and the flat portion 110. The bottom plate 100 may be made of a conductive metal. The inner sidewall 330 located on the curved portion 120 may keep the battery cells 310 spaced apart from the flat portion 110.

[0084] Through this configuration of the present disclosure, the battery cells 310 and the base plate 100 can be electrically isolated from each other.

[0085] In addition, since a space is formed between the flat portion 110 and the cell array structure 300, it is possible to easily control the exhaust of the battery cells 310. In addition, the battery cells 310 can be easily cooled.

[0086] Figure 17 It shows Figure 16 Figure 1. Figure 17 The outer sidewall 200 of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a receiving groove 201 at the top. The receiving groove 201 may be stepped downward from the top of the sidewall. The receiving groove 201 may include a plurality of receiving grooves. The receiving grooves 201 may be arranged and positioned in a one-to-one correspondence with the guide members 338. The guide members 338 may be received in the receiving grooves 201.

[0087] Through the configuration disclosed herein, the receiving groove 201 can stably align the position of the battery cell array structure 300. Therefore, the assembly efficiency of the battery pack can be improved.

[0088] Figure 18 It shows Figure 16 Another variation of FIG. Figure 18 The outer sidewall 200 of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a pair of protrusions 202 at the top. The pair of protrusions 202 may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the X-axis direction. The pair of protrusions 202 may include a plurality of protrusions. The pair of protrusions 202 may be arranged and positioned in a one-to-one correspondence with the guide member 338. The guide member 338 may be located between the pair of protrusions 202.

[0089] With this configuration of the present disclosure, the protrusion 202 can stably align the position of the battery cell array structure 300. Therefore, the assembly efficiency of the battery pack can be improved.

[0090] The vehicle according to the present disclosure may include the battery pack described above. The battery pack according to the present disclosure may be used in vehicle applications, such as electric vehicles or hybrid electric vehicles. In addition, in addition to the battery pack, the vehicle according to the present disclosure may also include various other components included in the vehicle. For example, the vehicle according to the present disclosure may also include a vehicle body, an electric motor, a controller such as an electronic control unit (ECU), and the like.

[0091] For convenience of description, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, back, inside, and outside are used, but it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms may vary depending on the position of the elements or observers.

[0092] Although the present disclosure has been described above with respect to a limited number of embodiments and drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made thereto within the technical aspects of the present disclosure and the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A battery pack, comprising: base plate; an outer sidewall coupled to an upper surface of the bottom plate; a plurality of battery cells, the plurality of battery cells being located on the bottom plate and forming an array; as well as An inner sidewall is coupled to an upper surface of the bottom plate and is located between the plurality of battery cells and the outer sidewall.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising: A fastening member is configured to fasten the bottom plate to the inner sidewall.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The bottom plate comprises: a flat portion; and a curved portion protruding upward from the flat portion, and Wherein, the inner side wall is connected to the curved portion.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein: The bent portion is located on the inner side of the outer side wall.

5. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein: The bent portion and the inner side wall extend along one edge of the bottom plate.

6. The battery pack according to claim 3, further comprising: A fastening member passes through the bent portion and is configured to fasten the bottom plate to the inner sidewall.

7. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein: At least some of the plurality of battery cells are secured to the inner sidewall.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein: A gap is formed between the battery cell fixed to the inner side wall and the flat portion.

9. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The inner side wall includes a guide protruding outward, and Wherein, the guide member is installed on the outer side wall.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein: The outer side wall includes a receiving groove at the top, and Wherein, the guide member is accommodated in the accommodation groove.

11. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein: The outer side wall includes a pair of protrusions at the top, and Wherein, the guide is located between the pair of protrusions. 12 . A vehicle comprising the battery pack according to claim 1 .

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