battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a plurality of battery cells extending in one direction; a battery pack frame forming an internal space for accommodating the plurality of battery cells and having an open upper surface for accommodating the battery cells; and a pressing plate movable in a vertical direction within the internal space of the battery pack frame and supporting the plurality of battery cells, wherein the plurality of battery cells are accommodated side by side in the internal space of the battery pack frame such that the length direction of each of the plurality of battery cells is orthogonal to the vertical direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0063769, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on May 16, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] This disclosure relates to a battery pack, and more specifically, to a battery pack capable of replacing the cylindrical battery cells. Background Technology

[0004] In modern society, the daily use of portable devices (such as mobile phones, laptops, portable camcorders, and digital cameras) and energy storage systems (ESS) has spurred technological development in areas related to these mobile devices. Furthermore, rechargeable / dischargeable secondary batteries are being used as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs), attempting to address issues such as air pollution caused by existing fuel-powered vehicles using fossil fuels. Therefore, the need for developing secondary batteries is increasing.

[0005] Currently commercially available rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), nickel-zinc (NiZn), and lithium-ion batteries. Among these, lithium-ion batteries have attracted much attention due to their advantages, such as being freely chargeable and dischargeable, having a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0006] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the construction of stacked cylindrical battery cells in a conventional battery pack.

[0007] Reference Figure 1 A conventional battery pack 1 has a structure in which multiple cylindrical battery cells 2 are stacked together to form a battery cell stack 3. A wire connector 4 is provided on the upper part of the cylindrical battery cell stack 3, electrically connecting each cylindrical battery cell 2 and a busbar (not shown). Multiple cylindrical battery cells 2 can be electrically connected to each other via the wire connector 4 and can also be permanently fixed to a cell frame (not shown). Therefore, according to the conventional battery pack 1, it is not possible to replace some of the multiple cylindrical battery cells 2.

[0008] In a battery pack 1 comprising multiple cylindrical battery cells 2, if some of the cylindrical battery cells 2 malfunction, it may be necessary to replace those specific cylindrical battery cells 2. However, as mentioned above, in a conventional battery pack 1, it is not possible to replace only the malfunctioning specific cylindrical battery cells 2; the entire battery cell stack 3 must be replaced. Therefore, since even the normally functioning cylindrical battery cells 2 are replaced, there are issues of high economic and environmental costs associated with the replacement process. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a battery pack that allows for the replacement of cylindrical battery cells.

[0011] However, the technical objectives to be addressed by the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned objectives, and various extensions can be made within the scope of the technical ideas included in this disclosure.

[0012] Technical solution

[0013] A battery pack according to one aspect of this disclosure includes: a plurality of battery cells extending in one direction; a battery pack frame forming an internal space for accommodating the plurality of battery cells and open in its upper surface to accommodate the battery cells; and a pressing plate movable in a vertical direction within the internal space of the battery pack frame and supporting the plurality of battery cells, wherein the plurality of battery cells can be accommodated parallel to each other in the internal space of the battery pack frame such that the length direction of each of the plurality of battery cells is orthogonal to the vertical direction.

[0014] Two adjacent battery cells in the width direction orthogonal to the length direction can be housed in the internal space at different heights.

[0015] The length of the internal space in the width direction can be less than the sum of the diameters of the battery cells located on an imaginary line connecting the centers of two adjacent battery cells along the width direction.

[0016] The pressing plate may include a position determining portion for determining the arrangement of the plurality of battery cells housed in the internal space.

[0017] The position determining portion may include at least one of an inclined portion formed on the pressing plate and a stepped portion protruding on the pressing plate.

[0018] The battery pack may further include an elastic member disposed at the lower part of the pressing plate to apply pressure to the pressing plate in a direction from the lower surface to the upper surface of the battery pack frame.

[0019] The battery pack may also include a limiting member that allows the pressing plate to move between a fixed position spaced a predetermined distance from the lower surface of the battery pack frame and the upper surface of the battery pack frame.

[0020] The limiting member can protrude from the battery pack frame into the internal space to restrict the downward movement of the pressing plate.

[0021] The battery pack frame may include: a front frame and a rear frame, each of the front frame and the rear frame being closed in a direction orthogonal to the extension direction of the battery cell; and a pair of engaging portions extending from the ends of each of the front frame and the rear frame toward each other to close a portion of the open upper surface of the battery pack frame.

[0022] The gap between the pair of engaging portions can be greater than the diameter of the battery cell but less than twice the diameter of the battery cell.

[0023] The battery pack may also include at least one guide member that extends in a vertical direction to guide the vertical movement of the pressing plate.

[0024] The pressing plate may include at least one guide groove, and the at least one guide member is inserted into the at least one guide groove.

[0025] The battery pack may further include a first busbar and a second busbar, wherein the first busbar is in contact with a first electrode in the plurality of battery cells, and the second busbar is disposed opposite to the first busbar and is in contact with a second electrode in the plurality of battery cells.

[0026] The first busbar may include multiple contact portions and multiple conductive members, the multiple contact portions being in contact with the first electrode, and the multiple conductive members being elastic to press the multiple contact portions toward the battery cell respectively.

[0027] The second busbar may include a plurality of protruding portions that are in contact with the second electrode.

[0028] The battery pack further includes a contact guide member connected to the first busbar plate. When connected to the first busbar plate, the contact guide member may include a plurality of ribs disposed in the space between the plurality of conductive members.

[0029] The battery pack further includes a contact guide member connected to the first busbar plate. The contact guide member may include a plurality of through holes formed at positions corresponding to the plurality of contact portions, such that the plurality of contact portions pass through when connected to the first busbar plate.

[0030] The battery pack further includes a blocking member disposed between the plurality of battery cells and the first busbar plate to prevent contact between the plurality of battery cells and the plurality of contact portions. The blocking member can be removed when all the plurality of battery cells are housed within the internal space of the battery pack frame.

[0031] The battery pack frame may include an insertion slot that extends vertically to guide the movement of the blocking member, and the blocking member can be inserted into the insertion slot to be movable vertically.

[0032] The first busbar can be detachably connected to the battery pack frame, and can be separated from the battery pack frame when at least one of the plurality of battery cells is replaced.

[0033] Beneficial effects

[0034] When it is necessary to replace the cylindrical battery cells, the battery pack according to the present disclosure embodiment can replace only some battery cells, instead of replacing all battery cells.

[0035] Furthermore, the battery pack according to the embodiments of this disclosure can accommodate cylindrical battery cells in a space-saving manner within the battery pack frame, thereby increasing the energy density of the battery pack.

[0036] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the description of the appended claims other effects not mentioned above. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the construction of stacked cylindrical battery cells in a conventional battery pack.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the state in which cylindrical battery cells are housed in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 3 It is shown that it is contained in Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the cylindrical battery cells in the battery pack.

[0040] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the electrode assembly in a cylindrical battery cell before it is wound up.

[0041] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 The image shows an exploded perspective view of the battery pack.

[0042] Figure 6 This is a perspective view illustrating the process of replacing battery cells in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 7 It shows from Figure 6 A perspective 3D view of the state after the blocking components have been removed.

[0044] Figure 8 By magnification Figure 6 The three-dimensional view of section A is used to illustrate an example of a pressing plate.

[0045] Figure 9 It is used for explanation Figure 8 A side view of another example of a press plate shown.

[0046] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 6 Enlarged 3D view of section B.

[0047] Figure 11 (a) is shown Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the first busbar plate and the contact guide member connected thereto, and Figure 11 (b) is Figure 11 The front view of (a).

[0048] Figure 12 (a) is shown Figure 11 An exploded perspective view of another example of the contact guide member shown, and Figure 12 (b) is Figure 12 The front view of (a). Detailed Implementation

[0049] In the following, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to readily implement these embodiments. The present disclosure can be modified in various ways and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0050] For clarity in describing this disclosure, parts irrelevant to the description will be omitted, and throughout the description, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar elements.

[0051] Because the dimensions and thicknesses of each component are arbitrarily shown in the accompanying drawings for ease of description, this disclosure is not necessarily limited to what is shown. The drawings depict thicknesses at an enlarged scale to clearly show different layers and regions. Furthermore, the thickness of a particular layer or region is exaggerated in the drawings for ease of description.

[0052] When layers, films, regions, plates, etc., are disposed "on" a specific component, this description includes not only cases where the layers, films, regions, plates, etc., are disposed "directly" on the specific component, but also cases where the layers, films, regions, plates, etc., are disposed on the specific component via another component. When one component is disposed "directly" on another component, it means that there is no new component between the two components. Furthermore, when a component is disposed "on" a reference component, it means that the component exists on top of or below the reference component, and does not necessarily mean that the component is disposed only on top of the reference component opposite to the direction of gravity.

[0053] In the above embodiments, directional terms (e.g., "front", "back", "left", "right", "up", and "down") have been used. These terms are used only for ease of description and may vary, for example, depending on the position of the target object or the observer.

[0054] Throughout this description, unless otherwise defined, when a particular part “includes” a component, it does not mean that the part excludes other components, but rather that the part may include other components.

[0055] Throughout this description, the term "plan view" refers to an object viewed from above, and the term "section view" refers to a vertical cross-section of an object viewed from the side.

[0056] Specific embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the state in which cylindrical battery cells are housed in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 It is shown that it is contained in Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the cylindrical battery cells in the battery pack. Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the electrode assembly in a cylindrical battery cell before it is wound up. Figure 5 yes Figure 2 The image shows an exploded perspective view of the battery pack.

[0058] Reference Figures 2 to 5 According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery pack 10 may include a plurality of battery cells 100 extending in one direction and a battery pack frame 200 that houses the plurality of battery cells 100.

[0059] The battery cell 100 is formed as an elongated strip extending in one direction, and in this embodiment, a cylindrical battery cell 100 is exemplified. However, for ease of explanation, the cylindrical battery cell 100 will be referred to as battery cell 100. Multiple battery cells 100 can be housed within the battery pack frame 200. Details of the cylindrical battery cell 100 will be described later.

[0060] The battery pack frame 200 may include a front frame 201, a rear frame 202 facing the front frame 201, and a lower frame 203 connected to the lower ends of the front frame 201 and the rear frame 202 respectively, to form an internal space for accommodating a plurality of battery cells 100.

[0061] The front frame 201 and rear frame 202 can cover the front and rear portions (x-axis and -x-axis directions) of the battery pack frame 200, and the lower frame 203 can cover the lower portion (-z-axis direction) of the battery pack frame 200 to support multiple battery cells 100 housed inside the battery pack frame 200. Here, the lower frame 203 can be connected to the front frame 201 and rear frame 202 by methods such as welding. As another example, the front frame 201, rear frame 202, and lower frame 203 can be integrally formed. For example, the front frame 201, rear frame 202, and lower frame 203 can be an integrally formed U-shaped frame.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery pack frame 200 may have a configuration in which the upper surface is open to accommodate a plurality of battery cells 100. For example, the opening in the battery pack frame 200 may be a receiving opening 205 for accommodating the battery cells 100.

[0063] However, the upper surface of the battery pack frame 200 may not be entirely open. For example, a portion of the upper surface of the battery pack frame 200 may be closed, while the remaining portion may be open. To this end, the battery pack frame 200 may include engaging portions 204 extending from the ends of each of the front frame 201 and the rear frame 202 toward each other. For example, the engaging portion 204 formed on the front frame 201 may extend in a direction (-x-axis direction) from the end of the front frame 201 toward the rear frame 202, and the engaging portion 204 formed on the rear frame 202 may extend in a direction (x-axis direction) from the end of the rear frame 202 toward the front frame 201. Therefore, an accommodating opening 205 may be formed between the engaging portions 204 formed in the front frame 201 and the engaging portions 204 formed in the rear frame 202.

[0064] The side frame 206 can cover the two side surfaces of the battery pack frame 200 (along the y-axis and -y-axis directions), and the upper frame 207 can cover the upper part of the battery pack frame 200 (along the z-axis direction). The side frame 206 and the upper frame 207 can be plate-like members used to cover the upper part and the two side surfaces of the battery pack frame 200, respectively.

[0065] The side frame 206 and the upper frame 207 can be connected to the corresponding front frame 201, rear frame 202, and lower frame 203, respectively. However, at least a portion of the side frame 206 and the upper frame 207 can be detachably connected. For example, as described below, the side frame 206, located in the direction where the first electrode 120 of the battery cell 100 is disposed, can be detachably connected to the front frame 201, rear frame 202, and lower frame 203, and the upper frame 207 can be detachably connected to the front frame 201 and rear frame 202. On the other hand, the side frame 206, located in the direction where the second electrode 130 of the battery cell 100 is disposed, can be connected to the front frame 201, rear frame 202, and lower frame 203 by welding or the like.

[0066] Therefore, the battery pack frame 200 can be formed into a structure that accommodates multiple battery cells 100, and this structure covers all directions. Thus, the battery pack frame 200 can physically protect the multiple battery cells 100. For this purpose, the battery pack frame 200 can include a metallic material with a predetermined strength.

[0067] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a cylindrical battery cell 100 includes an electrode assembly 110, a cylindrical housing 160 configured to house the electrode assembly 110 and open at the top, and a cap assembly 170 connected to the open top of the cylindrical housing 160.

[0068] First, the electrode assembly 110 according to this embodiment may include a first electrode 120, a second electrode 130, and a diaphragm 140. The first electrode 120, the second electrode 130, and the diaphragm 140 may be wound together to form a wound electrode assembly 110. The diaphragm 140 may be inserted between the first electrode 120 and the second electrode 130. Furthermore, when wound into a wound shape, it is preferable to further provide a diaphragm 150 below the second electrode 130 to prevent the first electrode 120 and the second electrode 130 from contacting each other.

[0069] The first electrode 120 includes a first electrode current collector 121 and a first active material layer 122 formed by applying an electrode active material to the first electrode current collector 121. Specifically, the electrode active material is applied to the first electrode current collector 121 to form the first active material layer 122, and the first electrode tab 123 can be bonded to the portion of the first electrode current collector 121 where no electrode active material is applied by means such as welding, thereby exposing the first electrode current collector 121.

[0070] The second electrode 130 includes a second electrode current collector 131 and a second active material layer 132 formed by applying an electrode active material to the second electrode current collector 131. Specifically, the electrode active material is applied to the second electrode current collector 131 to form the second active material layer 132, and the second electrode tab 133 can be joined to the portion of the second electrode current collector 131 where no electrode active material is applied by means such as welding, thereby exposing the second electrode current collector 131.

[0071] At this time, the first electrode 120 can be a positive electrode, and the second electrode 130 can be a negative electrode. Therefore, the first electrode tab 123 can be a positive electrode tab, and the second electrode tab 133 can be a negative electrode tab. Simultaneously, the first electrode tab 123 and the second electrode tab 133 can protrude in opposite directions relative to the wound electrode assembly 110. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the first electrode tab 123 can protrude along the direction of the cap assembly 170, and the second electrode tab 133 can protrude toward the bottom of the cylindrical housing 160.

[0072] Meanwhile, the cylindrical housing 160 is a structure that houses the electrode assembly 110 impregnated with the electrolyte solution, and may include a metallic material.

[0073] The cap assembly 170 according to this embodiment may include an upper cap 171, a safety vent 172, and a current interruption device (CID) 173. The upper cap 171 and the safety vent 172 may form a structure in close contact with each other. The safety vent 172 may be located on the current interruption device 173 and may be electrically connected to the current interruption device 173. Specifically, the center of the safety vent 172 and the center of the current interruption device 173 may be physically and electrically connected to each other. A first electrode tab 123 protruding from the first electrode 120 may be connected to the lower end of the current interruption device 173.

[0074] The safety vent 172 is a thin-film structure through which current flows, and its center may be formed to protrude downwards (i.e., in the direction of the current interruption device 173). The current interruption device 173 is a plate member through which current flows, and may be formed with multiple through holes for venting gas.

[0075] The upper cap 171, safety vent 172, current interruption device 173 and first electrode tab 123 are connected in sequence, so that the upper cap 171 can be used as an electrode terminal for guiding the electrical connection of the electrode assembly 110.

[0076] The sealing gasket 175 can increase the sealing force between the cap assembly 170 and the cylindrical housing 160. That is, the sealing gasket 175 can be disposed between the cylindrical housing 160 and the cap assembly 170 to seal the cylindrical battery cell 100. For example, the cylindrical battery cell 100 is provided with a sealing gasket 175 to prevent leakage of the internal electrolyte solution.

[0077] Refer again Figure 2 and Figure 5 The battery pack 10 may include a pressing plate 230 that is movable in the vertical direction inside the battery pack frame 200, an elastic member 231 disposed at the lower part of the pressing plate 230, and at least one guide member 240 extending in the vertical direction.

[0078] The pressing plate 230 may be a flat member that supports multiple battery cells 100 housed within the internal space. The pressing plate 230 is movable between the open upper surface of the battery pack frame 200 and the lower surface facing the upper surface. For example, the pressing plate 230 may be located on the upper surface of the battery pack frame 200 before the battery cells 100 are housed within the internal space. Furthermore, when the multiple battery cells 100 are housed within the internal space, the pressing plate 230 may move towards the lower surface of the battery pack frame 200.

[0079] The elastic member 231 is disposed at the lower part of the pressing plate 230, thereby enabling pressure to be applied to the pressing plate 230 in the direction from the lower surface to the upper surface of the battery pack frame 200 (i.e., upward direction). Therefore, even when accommodating multiple battery cells 100, the pressing plate 230 can support multiple battery cells 100 by the pressing force provided by the elastic member 231.

[0080] Multiple elastic members 231 may be provided. At least one elastic member 231 may have an elastic coefficient capable of supporting the load of all battery cells 100 that can be accommodated in the internal space. Therefore, even if only some of the battery cells 100 that can be accommodated in the internal space are accommodated in the internal space, the pressing plate 230 can support the battery cells 100 accommodated in the internal space at a predetermined position.

[0081] The guide member 240 can guide the up-and-down movement of the pressing plate 230. Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the guide member 240 is shown as a columnar member extending vertically from the four corners of the lower frame 203, but its shape, position, and number are not limited to these embodiments. Figure 5 As shown. For example, two guide members 240 can be provided, and they can be provided on the front frame 201 and the rear frame 202 respectively.

[0082] At this time, the pressing plate 230 may include at least one guide groove 232 into which at least one guide member 240 is inserted. The shape of the guide groove 232 may correspond to the shape of the guide member 240. Therefore, the guide groove 232 can be inserted into the guide member 240, thereby guiding the pressing plate 230 to move up and down in the vertical direction along which the guide member 240 extends.

[0083] The guide groove 232 of the pressing plate 230 can be inserted into the guide member 240 to guide its vertical movement, thereby preventing the pressing plate 230 from tilting to one side when the battery cell 100 is housed in the internal space of the battery pack frame. Therefore, when multiple battery cells 100 are housed, the contact between the busbar and the battery cells 100 can always remain consistent.

[0084] In addition, the battery pack 10 may include a first busbar 300 that contacts the first electrode 120 of a plurality of battery cells 100, a second busbar 360 that is disposed opposite to the first busbar 300 and contacts the second electrode 130 of the plurality of battery cells 100, and a blocking member 400 disposed between the plurality of battery cells 100 and the first busbar 300.

[0085] The first busbar 300 may include a plurality of contact portions 301 for contacting the first electrode 120 of the battery cell 100, and a plurality of conductive members 302 having elasticity to press the plurality of contact portions 301 toward the battery cell 100.

[0086] Both the multiple contact portions 301 and the multiple conductive components 302 may comprise metallic materials with excellent electrical conductivity. For example, the multiple contact portions 301 and the multiple conductive components 302 may comprise silver (Ag), copper (Cu), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), or alloys of one or more of these metals.

[0087] Specifically, the multiple conductive members 302 can be made of materials with excellent conductivity and elasticity. When the battery cell 100 is housed within the internal space of the battery pack frame 200, the multiple contact portions 301 can be pressed against the battery cell 100 by the multiple conductive members 302. Therefore, the multiple contact portions 301 can stably contact the first electrode 120 of each battery cell 100. Simultaneously, the multiple contact portions 301 can press each battery cell 100 by the multiple conductive members 302, and the second electrode of each battery cell 100 can stably contact the multiple protrusions 361 of the second busbar 360 described below.

[0088] The second busbar 360 may include a plurality of protrusions 361 for contacting the second electrode 130 of the battery cell 100. The plurality of protrusions 361 may include a metallic material with excellent conductivity. For example, the plurality of protrusions 361 may include silver (Ag), copper (Cu), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), or an alloy of one or more of these metals.

[0089] Furthermore, both the first busbar 300 and the second busbar 360 may comprise metallic materials with excellent electrical conductivity. For example, the first busbar 300 and the second busbar 360 may comprise silver (Ag), copper (Cu), gold (Au), aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), or alloys of one or more of these metals.

[0090] The first busbar 300 and the second busbar 360 may each be a plate made of metal. As another example, the first busbar 300 and the second busbar 360 may each have electrical wiring formed on a plate made of a component with electrical insulating properties (e.g., plastic). That is, the respective conductive members 302 of the first busbar 300 may be electrically connected to each other, and the respective protrusions 361 of the second busbar 360 may be electrically connected to each other. In this case, the electrical wiring may be formed of metal wire or metal patterns with excellent conductivity, but is not limited to the above, and can be modified or changed in various ways depending on the environment in which the invention is implemented.

[0091] A blocking member 400 can be disposed between the plurality of battery cells 100 and the first busbar 300 to prevent contact between the plurality of battery cells 100 and the plurality of contact portions 301. The blocking member 400 can have electrical insulating properties. Therefore, the electrical connection between the plurality of battery cells 100 and the first busbar 300 can be electrically interrupted by the blocking member 400. As described below, when all the plurality of battery cells 100 are housed within the internal space of the battery pack frame 200, the blocking member 400 can be removed from the battery pack frame 200.

[0092] Figure 6 This is a perspective view illustrating the process of replacing battery cells in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 It shows from Figure 6 A perspective 3D view of the state after the blocking components have been removed.

[0093] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7Multiple battery cells 100 can be accommodated parallel to each other within the internal space of the battery pack frame 200, such that the length direction of each battery cell 100 is orthogonal to the vertical direction. More specifically, when the direction in which the multiple battery cells 100 accommodated within the internal space of the battery pack frame 200 extend is referred to as the length direction (y-axis direction), the direction orthogonal to the length direction is referred to as the width direction (x-axis direction), and the direction orthogonal to both the length direction and the width direction is referred to as the vertical direction (z-axis direction). Two battery cells 100 adjacent to each other along the width direction can be accommodated within the internal space at different heights. A method for accommodating and arranging multiple battery cells 100 within the internal space of the battery pack frame 200 will be described later.

[0094] As described above, the battery pack frame 200 may include a pair of engaging portions 204 extending from the ends of each of the front frame 201 and the rear frame 202 toward each other to close a portion of an open upper surface, and a receiving opening 205 opening between the pair of engaging portions 204. The gap G between the pair of engaging portions 204 may be greater than the diameter of the battery cell 100 and less than twice the diameter of the battery cell 100.

[0095] Therefore, since the gap G between the pair of engaging portions 204 is greater than the diameter of the battery cell 100, the battery cell 100 can be inserted into the internal space of the battery pack frame 200 through the receiving opening 205. Furthermore, since the pair of engaging portions 204 extend towards each other from the ends of each of the front frame 201 and the rear frame 202, even when the battery cell 100 is pressed upward by the pressing plate 230 while being housed within the internal space of the battery pack frame 200, the engaging portions 204 prevent the battery cell 100 from being discharged outside the battery pack frame 200.

[0096] As described above, when all the battery cells 100 are housed within the internal space of the battery pack frame 200, the blocking member 400 can be removed. A method for removing the blocking member 400 from the battery pack frame 200 will be described later.

[0097] like Figure 6As shown in the embodiment, while multiple battery cells 100 are housed within the internal space of the battery pack frame 200, a blocking member 400 can be disposed between the multiple battery cells 100 and the first busbar plate 300. When the blocking member 400 is disposed between the multiple battery cells 100 and the first busbar plate 300, multiple conductive members 302 can be compressed by the blocking member 400, and multiple contact portions 301 can be electrically insulated from the first electrodes 120 of the multiple battery cells 100 through the blocking member 400. Therefore, during the process of housing multiple battery cells 100 within the internal space of the battery pack frame 200, problems such as misalignment of the multiple battery cells 100 caused by the multiple contact portions 301 potentially interfering with the multiple battery cells 100 are prevented.

[0098] like Figure 7 As shown in the embodiment, when the blocking member 400 is removed, the plurality of conductive members 302 compressed by the blocking member 400 are released from the compressed state, and the plurality of contact portions 301 can be pressed against the battery cell 100 by the plurality of conductive members 302. The first electrode 120 and the second electrode 130 of each battery cell 100 can be stably contacted by the plurality of contact portions 301 of the first busbar 300 and the plurality of protrusions 361 of the second busbar 360 through the plurality of conductive members 302, respectively.

[0099] When the blocking member 400 is removed, the first busbar 300 and the second busbar 360 can be electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells 100, respectively. In addition, the first busbar 300 can be electrically connected to the outside via the first wiring 250, and the second busbar 360 can be electrically connected to the outside via the second wiring 251.

[0100] Figure 8 By magnification Figure 6 The three-dimensional view of section A is used to illustrate an example of a pressing plate. Figure 9 It is used for explanation Figure 8 A side view of another example of a press plate shown.

[0101] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 The pressing plate 230 may include position determining portions 233, 234 for determining the arrangement of a plurality of battery cells 100 housed in the internal space of the battery pack frame 200.

[0102] exist Figure 8In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning portion can be formed as an inclined portion 233 located on the pressing plate 230. The inclined portion 233 can be tilted to determine the position of the first battery cell 100 housed in the internal space of the battery pack frame 200. For example, in order to position the first battery cell 100 housed in the internal space of the battery pack frame 200 along the x-axis direction, the inclined portion 233 can have a shape that slopes downward from the -x-axis direction to the x-axis direction. At the same time, the tilt direction and tilt angle of the inclined portion 233 can be modified or changed in various ways depending on the formation position of the contact portion 301 and the protrusion 361 in the first busbar plate 300 and the second busbar plate 360, the size of the battery cell 100, etc.

[0103] In addition, Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning portion can be formed as a stepped portion 234 protruding from the pressing plate 230. The stepped portion 234 can be formed to protrude from the pressing plate 230 at a predetermined height to determine the position of the first battery cell 100 housed in the internal space of the battery pack frame 200. For example, in order to position the first battery cell 100 housed in the internal space of the battery pack frame 200 along the x-axis direction, the stepped portion 234 can have a form that protrudes upward along the -x direction. At the same time, the direction and height of forming the stepped portion 234 can be modified or changed in various ways depending on the formation position of the contact portion 301 and the protruding portion 361 in the first busbar plate 300 and the second busbar plate 360, the size of the battery cell 100, etc.

[0104] The position of the first battery cell 100 housed within the internal space of the battery pack frame 200 is determined by the aforementioned position determination portions 233 and 234, and subsequently housed battery cells 100 can be positioned adjacent to the first housed battery cell 100. At this time, the first housed battery cell 100 and the subsequently housed battery cells 100 can be housed at different heights within the internal space of the battery pack frame 100 via the position determination portions 233 and 234. Subsequently, multiple battery cells 100 can be sequentially housed within the internal space of the battery pack frame 200 and stacked sequentially on top of the previously housed battery cells 100.

[0105] Therefore, as Figure 9As shown in the embodiments, the length of the internal space of the battery pack frame 200 in the width direction can be less than the sum of the diameters of the battery cells 100 located on an imaginary line connecting the centers of two adjacent battery cells 100 along the width direction. In this way, since the multiple battery cells 100 housed in the internal space of the battery pack frame 200 are arranged such that two adjacent battery cells 100 are arranged to intersect each other along the width direction, the ratio of the volume occupied by the multiple battery cells 100 in the internal space volume of the battery pack frame 200 can be increased. Therefore, the battery pack 10 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can house cylindrical battery cells 100 in the battery pack frame 200 in a space-saving manner, thereby increasing the energy density of the battery pack 10.

[0106] Furthermore, the battery pack 10 may include a limiting member 235, which allows the pressing plate 230 to move between a fixed position spaced a predetermined distance from the lower surface of the battery pack frame 200 and the upper surface of the battery pack frame 200. Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the limiting member 235 can protrude from the lower frame 203 of the battery pack frame 200 into the internal space to restrict the downward movement of the pressing plate 230. Therefore, the housing height of the battery cell 100 housed in the internal space of the battery pack frame 200 can be determined based on the protrusion height of the limiting member 235. At this time, the housing height of the battery cell 100 can be modified or changed in various ways based on the formation positions of the contact portion 301 and the protruding portion 361 in the first busbar plate 300 and the second busbar plate 360, the size of the battery cell 100, etc.

[0107] However, the shape and structure of the limiting member are not limited to the above. For example, since the upward movement of the pressing plate 230 may be restricted by the engaging portion 204, the engaging portion 204 can be a limiting member that restricts upward movement. Furthermore, the limiting member can be formed on the guide member 240 to restrict the vertical movement of the pressing plate 230. For example, the limiting member can protrude from a predetermined position on the guide member 240, thereby restricting the vertical movement of the pressing plate 230. In other words, the formation and structure of the limiting member are not limited to the above and can be modified or changed in various ways depending on the environment in which the present invention is implemented.

[0108] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 6 Enlarged 3D view of section B.

[0109] Reference Figure 10The battery pack frame 200 may include an insertion slot 210 extending vertically to guide the movement of the blocking member 400. The blocking member 400 can be inserted into the insertion slot 210 to be movable vertically. Therefore, when all of the battery cells 100 are housed within the internal space of the battery pack frame 200, the blocking member 400 can move upward along the insertion slot 210 and be removed from the battery pack frame 200. Conversely, the blocking member 400 can be inserted into the insertion slot 210 and move downward along the insertion slot 210 to be coupled to the battery pack frame 200.

[0110] The first busbar 300 can be detachably connected to the battery pack frame 200. For example, the first busbar 300 can be detached from the battery pack frame 200 when replacing at least one of the multiple battery cells 100. Specifically, the first busbar 300 may include a connecting unit 310 fixed to the front frame 201. Since the connecting unit 310 is fixed to the front frame 201, the first busbar 300 can be detachably connected to the front frame 201. For example, the connecting unit 310 may have a hook structure. The first busbar 300 can be connected to the front frame 201 in such a way that the hook portion extending from the first busbar 300 engages with the front frame 201. However, the connection method of the connecting unit 310 is not limited to the above and can be modified or changed in various ways depending on the environment in which the present invention is implemented.

[0111] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for replacing a battery cell 100 in a battery pack 10 involves first removing a first busbar plate 300 from a battery pack frame 200. Next, the battery cell 100 to be replaced is removed from a plurality of battery cells 100 housed in the battery pack frame 200. Then, a blocking member 400 is inserted into an insertion slot 210 to connect to the battery pack frame 200. Next, the first busbar plate 300 is connected to the battery pack frame 200, and a new battery cell 100 is housed within the internal space of the battery pack frame 200. Finally, the blocking member 400 is removed from the battery pack frame 200, thereby allowing the replacement of the battery cell 100. Furthermore, in the above method for replacing the battery cell 100, the attachment / removal of the side frame 206 and the upper frame 207 is omitted, and the attachment / removal of the side frame 206 and the upper frame 207 can be appropriately performed depending on the environment in which the present disclosure is implemented.

[0112] Figure 11 (a) is shown Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the first busbar plate and the contact guide member connected thereto, and Figure 11 (b) is Figure 11 The front view of (a). Figure 12 (a) is shown Figure 11An exploded perspective view of another example of the contact guide member shown, and Figure 12 (b) is Figure 12 The front view of (a).

[0113] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 The battery pack 10 may include a contact guide member 240 connected to the first busbar 300.

[0114] exist Figure 11 In the illustrated embodiment, when connected to the first busbar plate 300, the contact guide member 240 may include a plurality of ribs 321 disposed in the space between the plurality of conductive members 302. Corresponding to the positions where the plurality of conductive members 302 are connected to the first busbar plate 300, the plurality of ribs 321 may be inclined downward in one direction.

[0115] With the blocking member 400 connected to the battery pack frame 200, the plurality of contact portions 301 press against the blocking member 400. Therefore, when the blocking member 400 is removed from the battery pack frame 200, due to friction between the blocking member 400 and the plurality of contact portions 301, the plurality of contact portions 301 also receive force in the direction of removal of the blocking member 400, causing the plurality of contact portions 301 and the plurality of conductive members 302 to oscillate. This oscillation of the plurality of contact portions 301 and the plurality of conductive members 302 can cause problems such as electrical connection failures. Therefore, a plurality of ribs 321 are provided in the space between the plurality of conductive members 302, thereby reducing the oscillation of the plurality of contact portions 301 and the plurality of conductive members 302.

[0116] exist Figure 12 In the illustrated embodiment, the contact guide member 240 may include a plurality of through holes 322 formed at positions corresponding to the plurality of contact portions 301, such that when connected to the first busbar plate 300, the plurality of contact portions 301 can pass through the plurality of through holes 322. Figure 12 As shown in (b), when the contact guide member 240 is connected to the first busbar plate 300, the plurality of contact portions 301 can pass through the plurality of through holes 322, allowing the contact guide member 240 to cover the plurality of conductive members 302. Specifically, when the plurality of conductive members 302 are compressed by the blocking member 400, at least a portion of the plurality of contact portions 301 can be located inside the plurality of through holes 322. Thus, the contact guide member 240 can further reduce the swaying of the plurality of contact portions 301 and the plurality of conductive members 302.

[0117] On the other hand, the battery packs according to specific embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to a variety of devices. These devices can be applied to a variety of vehicles (e.g., electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles) and / or energy storage systems (ESS). However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and can be applied to a variety of devices capable of using battery packs, such applications also fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0118] While this disclosure has been illustrated and described above with reference to its preferred embodiments, the technical scope of this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, but also includes various modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art using the concepts defined in the appended claims.

[0119] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0120] 10: Battery Pack

[0121] 100: Cylindrical battery cell

[0122] 200: Battery pack frame

[0123] 201: Front Frame

[0124] 202: Post-frame

[0125] 203: Lower Frame

[0126] 204: Connecting part

[0127] 205: Accommodation opening

[0128] 206: Side frame

[0129] 207: Upper Frame

[0130] 210: Insertion slot

[0131] 230: Press plate

[0132] 231: Elastic Component

[0133] 232: Guide groove

[0134] 233: Inclined section

[0135] 234: Steps

[0136] 235: Limiting component

[0137] 240: Guide component

[0138] 300: First busbar

[0139] 301: Multiple contact parts

[0140] 302: Multiple conductive components

[0141] 310: Connection Unit

[0142] 320: Contact guide component

[0143] 321: Multiple ribs

[0144] 322: Multiple through holes

[0145] 360: Second busbar

[0146] 361: Multiple Prominent Features

[0147] 400: Blocking component

Claims

1. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: Multiple battery cells, wherein the multiple battery cells extend in one direction; A battery pack frame that forms an internal space for accommodating the plurality of battery cells and is open on its upper surface to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; as well as A pressing plate, which is movable vertically within the internal space of the battery pack frame and supports the plurality of battery cells, The plurality of battery cells are housed parallel to each other in the internal space of the battery pack frame, such that the length direction of each of the plurality of battery cells is orthogonal to the vertical direction.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, Two adjacent battery cells in the width direction, which is orthogonal to the length direction, are housed in the internal space at different heights.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, The length of the internal space in the width direction is less than the sum of the diameters of the battery cells located on an imaginary line connecting the centers of two adjacent battery cells along the width direction.

4. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, The pressing plate includes a position determining portion for determining the arrangement of the plurality of battery cells housed in the internal space.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein, The position determining portion includes at least one of an inclined portion formed on the pressing plate and a stepped portion protruding on the pressing plate.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1, The battery pack also includes an elastic member disposed below the pressing plate to apply pressure to the pressing plate in a direction from the lower surface to the upper surface of the battery pack frame.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, The battery pack also includes a limiting member that allows the pressing plate to move between a fixed position spaced a predetermined distance from the lower surface of the battery pack frame and the upper surface of the battery pack frame.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein, The limiting member protrudes from the battery pack frame into the internal space to restrict the downward movement of the pressing plate.

9. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The battery pack frame includes a front frame and a rear frame, each of which is closed along a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the battery cells. A pair of engaging portions extending from the ends of each of the front and rear frames toward each other to close a portion of the open upper surface of the battery pack frame.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein, The gap between the pair of engaging portions is greater than the diameter of the battery cell but less than twice the diameter of the battery cell.

11. The battery pack according to claim 1, The battery pack also includes at least one guide member that extends along the vertical direction to guide the vertical movement of the pressing plate.

12. The battery pack according to claim 11, wherein, The pressing plate includes at least one guide groove, and the at least one guide member is inserted into the at least one guide groove.

13. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising: The first busbar plate is in contact with the first electrode of the plurality of battery cells; as well as The second busbar is arranged opposite to the first busbar and is in contact with the second electrode of the plurality of battery cells.

14. The battery pack according to claim 13, wherein, The first busbar includes: Multiple contact portions, said multiple contact portions being used to contact the first electrode; and Multiple conductive members, the multiple conductive members being elastic to press the multiple contact portions toward the battery cell respectively.

15. The battery pack according to claim 14, wherein, The second busbar includes a plurality of protruding portions for contacting the second electrode.

16. The battery pack according to claim 14, The battery pack also includes a contact guide member connected to the first busbar plate. in, When connected to the first busbar, the contact guide member includes a plurality of ribs arranged in the space between the plurality of conductive members.

17. The battery pack according to claim 14, The battery pack also includes a contact guide member connected to the first busbar plate. in, The contact guide member includes a plurality of through holes formed at positions corresponding to the plurality of contact portions, such that the plurality of contact portions pass through when connected to the first busbar plate.

18. The battery pack according to claim 13, The battery pack further includes a blocking member disposed between the plurality of battery cells and the first busbar plate to prevent contact between the plurality of battery cells and the plurality of contact portions. in, When all of the multiple battery cells are housed within the internal space of the battery pack frame, the blocking member is removed.

19. The battery pack according to claim 18, wherein, The battery pack frame includes an insertion slot that extends along the vertical direction to guide the movement of the blocking member. The blocking member is inserted into the insertion slot so that it can move along the vertical direction.

20. The battery pack according to claim 13, wherein, The first busbar plate is detachably connected to the battery pack frame, and When replacing at least one of the plurality of battery cells, the first busbar plate is separated from the battery pack frame.

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