Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells, a holder accommodating the plurality of battery cells therein, a connector connected to the plurality of battery cells, a case surrounding the holder, the case being flexible and including a first communication hole, and a support on the holder, the housing is engaged with the holder inserted therein and the connector pulled out from the housing, and the support includes a second communication hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One or more embodiments relate to a battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] Secondary batteries are designed to be rechargeable and can be used as an energy source for mobile devices, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, electric bicycles, and uninterruptible power supplies. Depending on the type of external device using the secondary battery, it can be used as a single cell or as a module or group of multiple cells connected and bundled into a single unit.

[0003] The information disclosed in the background of this disclosure is only for the purpose of understanding the background of this disclosure, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art. Utility Model Content

[0004] According to one or more embodiments, the battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells, a retainer therein housing the plurality of battery cells, a connector connected to the plurality of battery cells, a housing surrounding the retainer, and a support on the retainer, the housing being flexible and including a first communication hole, the housing being engaged when the retainer is inserted therein and the connector is pulled out of the housing, and the support including a second communication hole.

[0005] The housing may include a body surrounding the retainer, an opening at the top of the body and in fluid communication with the body, and wings on the outside of the body, the retainer being inserted into the body through the opening, the opening being engaged and having opposite sides connected to each other, the opening being engaged in a direction that spaced the wings apart from each other.

[0006] The opening can be joined in a direction that makes a pair of wings move away from each other.

[0007] A pair of wings can be formed to face each other on one side and the other side of the body, wherein the opening can include multiple edges and can be joined such that the edges not connected to the pair of wings are close to each other.

[0008] The housing may include a joint around the periphery of the body, and the housing may be engaged along the joint.

[0009] A pair of wings may not engage with each other, while multiple surfaces of the main body corresponding to the joints engage with each other.

[0010] In the joint, the portion of the joint through which the connector passes can be joined by using adhesive instead of heat fusion, and the rest of the joint is joined by heat fusion.

[0011] The support may include a main frame on the retainer, and a protrusion formed on the main frame and including a receiving portion communicating with a second communicating hole and an inlet opening communicating with the receiving portion.

[0012] The main frame can be located at the end of the retainer in the height direction, and the protrusion can extend from the center of the retainer in the longitudinal direction.

[0013] The inlet opening can be opened toward the edge of the retainer.

[0014] The length of the inlet opening can be greater than the length of the second connecting hole, and the depth of the receiving part can be greater than the height of the main frame.

[0015] The flow direction of the air flowing into the second connecting hole and the flow direction of the air flowing out of the receiving part can be different from each other.

[0016] The support may also include ribs extending from one surface of the retainer and connected to the main frame, wherein the ribs may define a receiving portion on both sides of the protrusion and together with the protrusion on the inner side.

[0017] The support may include an upper support mounted on one edge of the side of the retainer and a lower support including a second connecting hole.

[0018] With the housing surrounding the retainer, the first connecting hole and the second connecting hole can be in corresponding positions.

[0019] The center of the first connecting hole can be inside the second connecting hole, and the area of ​​the first connecting hole is smaller than the area of ​​the second connecting hole.

[0020] The second connecting hole may include multiple slits having an elongated hole shape.

[0021] Multiple slits can be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the retainer and can be spaced apart from each other in the height direction of the retainer.

[0022] The battery pack may also include a cover, which comprises a material that allows air to pass through and is waterproof and breathable, and is attached to the housing to correspond to the first communication hole.

[0023] The cover may include a small-diameter portion and a large-diameter portion, the small-diameter portion comprising a material that allows air to pass through and is waterproof and breathable, and the large-diameter portion being attached to the housing so as not to cover the first connecting hole. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Features will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a battery pack according to an embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the retainer inserted into the housing;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an exploded perspective view of a retainer according to an embodiment;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a side view of the retainer;

[0029] Figure 5 This is an enlarged view of the support member according to the embodiment;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the periphery of the first connecting hole in the support member;

[0031] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the engagement state of the housing;

[0032] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the partially folded state of the housing after it has been joined together;

[0033] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing a leak test of the battery pack; and

[0034] Figure 11 This diagram shows the state in which the leak-proof component is attached to the battery pack. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals always denote the same elements. In this respect, embodiments may take different forms and should not be construed as limited to the description set forth herein. Therefore, embodiments are described below only with reference to the accompanying drawings to explain various aspects of this specification. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as “at least one of…” if following a list of elements modify the entire list of elements, without modifying any individual element in the list.

[0036] Some embodiments of this disclosure and methods thereof can be understood by referring to the detailed description and accompanying drawings. The described embodiments may have various modifications and may be implemented in different forms, and are not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, some or all of the features of the various embodiments of this disclosure may be combined with each other. Each embodiment may be implemented independently or in combination with each other. The described embodiments are provided as examples to make this disclosure thorough and complete, and are also intended to fully convey the spirit of this disclosure to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains. This disclosure is subject to all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, processes, elements, and techniques not essential for a full understanding of the embodiments of this disclosure by those skilled in the art are not described.

[0037] Unless otherwise stated throughout the drawings and description, the same reference numerals, letters, or combinations thereof denote the same parts, and therefore repeated descriptions are omitted. Additionally, for clarity of interpretation, parts irrelevant to the description have been omitted.

[0038] In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. It should also be understood that when a layer or element is referred to as being “on” another layer or substrate, it may be directly on that layer or substrate, or there may be intermediate layers. Furthermore, it should be understood that when a layer is referred to as being “between” two layers, it may be the only layer between the two layers, or there may be one or more intermediate layers.

[0039] Furthermore, the use of shaded lines and / or shading in the accompanying drawings is provided to clarify the boundaries between substantially adjacent elements. Therefore, the presence or absence of shaded lines or shading does not indicate specific materials, material properties, dimensions, scale, commonalities between elements and / or other characteristics or properties of an unspecified element, or the desired form or requirement of attributes, etc.

[0040] Various embodiments are described in this disclosure with reference to cross-sectional examples, which are schematic diagrams of embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Therefore, the appearance of the figures may vary, for example, due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Specific structural or functional descriptions disclosed in the specification are merely examples used to explain embodiments according to the concepts of this disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in this specification should not be construed as limited to the shape of the illustrated areas and include, for example, shape deviations due to manufacturing processes.

[0041] The areas shown in the accompanying drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, as those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure.

[0042] Numerous specific details are set forth in this specification to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. However, various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with one or more of them included. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various embodiments.

[0043] As illustrated in the accompanying drawings, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “above,” “lower,” “upper,” etc., may be used to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another. In addition to those shown in the drawings, spatial relative terms are intended to encompass various orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, other elements or features described as “below” or “lower” may face “above” other elements or features. Thus, as illustrative terms, “down” and “lower” can encompass both upward and downward directions. The device may be oriented in different directions (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other directions), and the spatial relative descriptions used in this disclosure should be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, if a first part is described as being positioned “above” a second part, this means that the first part is positioned above or below the second part.

[0044] The expression "viewed from a plane" means viewing an object from above, and the expression "in a schematic cross-sectional view" means a schematic cross-section taken by cutting the object perpendicularly. The term "viewed from the side" means that the first object may be above, below, or to the side of the second object, or vice versa. Furthermore, the terms "overlap" or "double" can include layers, stacks, surfaces, extensions, covers, or partial covers, or any other suitable terms that a person skilled in the art would understand. The expression "non-overlap" can include meanings such as "spaced apart from" or "separated from," and any other suitable equivalents recognized and understood by a person skilled in the art. The term "facing" can mean that the first object may face the second object directly or indirectly. If a third object exists between the first and second objects, the first and second objects face each other, but this can be understood as facing each other indirectly.

[0045] If an element, layer, region, or component is referred to as "forming," "connecting," or "bonding" to another element, it can be said that it is directly formed on the layer, region, or component; formed on another component, another layer, another region, or another part; or indirectly formed on, connected to, or bonded to another component. It can also be collectively referred to as a direct or indirect combination or connection, and a bulk or non-bulk combination or connection, of elements, layers, regions, or components, such that one or more elements, layers, regions, or components may be present. For example, if an element, layer, region, or component is referred to as "electrically connected" or "electrically bonded" to another element, layer, region, or component, this means that the element, layer, region, or component can be directly electrically connected or bonded, or that other elements, layers, regions, or components may be present. However, "direct connection" or "direct bond" means that one component is directly connected or combined with another component without intermediate components. Furthermore, in this specification, if a portion of a layer, film, region, plate, etc., is formed within another portion, the forming direction is not limited to the upward direction and includes the portion being formed on the side or bottom. Conversely, if a portion of a layer, film, region, plate, etc., is formed "below" another portion, this includes not only the case where the portion is directly "below" the other portion, but also the case where there is another portion between the two portions. Other expressions describing the relationship between components, such as "between," "directly between," "adjacent," and "immediately adjacent," can be interpreted similarly. Furthermore, if an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, it can be the only element between the two elements or layers, or there can be other elements between them.

[0046] For the purposes of this specification, expressions such as "at least one or more" or "any one" do not limit the order of the individual elements. For example, "at least one of X, Y, and Z," "at least one of X, Y, or Z," or "at least one selected from X, Y, and Z" can include a single X, a single Y, a single Z, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z. Similarly, expressions such as "at least one of A and B" and "at least one of A or B" can include A, B, or A and B. In this specification, the term "or" generally includes "and / or," and "and / or" includes any combination of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, expressions such as "A and / or B" can include A, B, or A and B.

[0047] Although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, such elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections are not limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. In this regard, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, the first element, component, region, layer, or section described below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section. Describing an element as a “first” element may not require or imply the existence of a second element or another element. Terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to distinguish elements of different categories or groups in this disclosure. For clarity, terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., may refer to “first category (or first group),” “second category (or second group),” etc., respectively.

[0048] The terminology used in this application is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, singular terms are intended to include plural terms, and plural terms are intended to include singular terms. The terms “comprising,” “providing,” and “having” are intended, as used herein, to indicate the presence of a specified feature, integer, or operation. These expressions do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other functions, steps, operations, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0049] If one or more implementation schemes can be implemented differently, a process sequence can be performed in a different order than that described. For example, two processes described consecutively can be performed substantially simultaneously, or they can be performed in the reverse order of that described.

[0050] As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used in terms of approximation rather than degree and are intended to account for inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” encompass the value and indicate a range of permissible deviations (e.g., a range of deviations due to limitations of the measurement system) of a particular value determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, taking into account the corresponding measurement and associated errors. For example, the term “about” may mean within one or more standard deviations or within ±30%, 20%, 10%, or 5% of a specified value.

[0051] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as they have in the context of the relevant technology and / or this specification, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0052] Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the battery pack 10 according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 2 A perspective view of the retainer 100 in the housing 200 of the battery pack 10 is shown. Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the retainer 100 is shown, and Figure 4 A side view of the retainer 100 is shown. Figure 5 An enlarged view of the support member 300 of the retainer 100 is shown. Figure 6 The periphery of the second connecting hole 330 of the support member 300 is shown. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The engagement state of housing 200 is shown. Figure 9 The diagram shows a partially folded state of housing 200 after it has been engaged. Figure 10 A leakage test of battery pack 10 is shown, and Figure 11 The state of cover 600 attached to battery pack 10 is shown.

[0053] refer to Figure 1 The battery pack 10 may be an assembly of multiple battery cells 500 connected in series or parallel, and may be included in large applications (e.g., energy storage systems (ESS)) or small to medium-sized applications (e.g., power tools and other electronic devices). The battery pack 10 may include waterproof and dustproof features to prevent moisture or foreign matter from entering from the outside, thereby increasing its reliability and durability.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery pack 10 may include a retainer 100, a housing 200, a support 300, a connector 400, and at least one battery cell 500 (e.g., multiple battery cells 500).

[0055] The retainer 100 can hold and support the battery cell 500. For example, as Figure 1 As shown, multiple battery cells 500 can be inserted into and housed within the retainer 100. The retainer 100 may include openings 110 corresponding to the size and shape of the battery cells 500. For example, as Figure 3As shown, the retainer 100 may include an opening 110 having a circular shape corresponding to the cylindrical shape of the battery cell 500. The openings 110 may have the same number as the battery cells 500.

[0056] The retainer 100 may include an upper retainer 100a and a lower retainer 100b. For example, as Figure 3 As shown, the retainer 100 may be included in the height direction of the retainer 100 (e.g., Figure 3 The upper retainer 100a is located above the lower retainer 100 in the Z-axis direction, and the lower retainer 100b is located below the upper retainer 100 in the height direction. The upper retainer 100a and the lower retainer 100b have corresponding dimensions and shapes, and each of the upper retainer 100a and the lower retainer 100b may include an opening 110. The upper retainer 100a and the lower retainer 100b can be separated from each other and joined together, and each opening 110 can be joined together to allow a battery cell 500 to be inserted therein.

[0057] The support member 300 can be mounted on the retainer 100. For example, the retainer 100 can have an overall cuboid shape, and the support member 300 can be mounted on at least one of the opposite sides of the retainer 100 (e.g., Figure 3 (The side portion in the Y-axis direction). Additionally, a connector 400 for connecting the battery pack 10 to another device may extend from the retainer 100. For example, the connector 400 may extend from the side of the retainer 100 other than the side on which the support 300 is mounted.

[0058] The housing 200 can perform waterproof and dustproof functions for the battery pack 10. For example, the housing 200 can surround the retainer 100 to prevent moisture or foreign matter from penetrating from the outside into the retainer 100 and the battery cells 500 inside the retainer 100. The housing 200 can have a larger size than the retainer 100 (e.g., a larger width and / or length) and can include an internal space therein to house the retainer 100. Furthermore, the portion of the housing 200 where the retainer 100 is inserted and removed is open (e.g., the retainer 100 can be opened by its side when inserted into and removed from the housing 200), and the rest can be completely closed.

[0059] The housing 200 may include a flexible material. For example, the housing 200 may include a textile material. For example, the housing 200 may include one or more materials selected from polyamide, ceramic fiber, cellulose fiber, woven fabric, and nonwoven fabric. In some embodiments, the housing 200 may include a resin material. For example, the housing 200 may include one or more materials selected from polyimide, polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In some embodiments, the housing 200 may include both fibrous and resin materials, or one material may be coated onto another. For example, the housing 200 may include polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0060] The housing 200 can be partially engaged around the retainer 100. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, the open portion of the housing 200 can be engaged when the retainer 100 is housed within the housing 200. In other words, refer to... Figure 2 and Figure 7 The opposite sides of the top of the housing 200 (e.g., the portion above the inserted retainer 100) can be pushed toward each other (e.g., in Figure 2 (in the Y-axis direction) to engage with each other (e.g., as Figure 7 As shown, they are completely flat and flush with each other. For example, the open portion of housing 200 can be joined by heat fusion or adhesive, and when housing 200 is joined, connector 400 can be pulled out from housing 200.

[0061] The housing 200 may comprise a flexible material and may be bent or folded. For example, if the housing 200 is engaged, the portion of the housing 200 other than the portion corresponding to (e.g., housing) the retainer 100, i.e., the portion of the housing 200 above the retainer 100 (with the retainer 100 inserted into the housing 200), may fold toward another portion (e.g., the tops of opposite sides of the housing 200 may be pushed or folded toward each other to engage or connect). In this state, the folded portion may be secured by a fastening member (e.g., tape).

[0062] For example, such as Figure 2As shown, the housing 200 can have a hexagonal prism shape larger than that of the retainer 100, and can also have a length greater than that of the retainer 100. Therefore, with the retainer 100 inserted into the housing 200, the housing 200 can have a free space above the retainer 100 (e.g., the housing 200 can have an empty space above the retainer 100). The housing 200 can have various shapes because it comprises a flexible material, and it is sufficient if a free space can be formed when the retainer 100 is inserted into the housing 200. The free space of the housing 200 above the retainer 100 can be joined or folded (e.g., opposite sides of the housing 200 in the empty space above the retainer 100 can be connected to or folded to each other).

[0063] The housing 200 may include a main body 210, a wing 220, an opening 230, a joint 240, and a first connecting hole 250.

[0064] The body 210 may include an internal space in which the retainer 100 is inserted and may surround the retainer 100. The body 210 may include an opening 230 on one side, through which the retainer 100 is inserted and removed, and the remainder of the body 210, except for the opening 230, may be closed. The body 210 may have a larger dimension (e.g., length and / or width) than the retainer 100 and may have a shape corresponding to (e.g., surrounding or accommodating) the retainer 100.

[0065] The wing 220 may be formed on the outer side of the body 210. The wing 220 may extend from a face or edge of the body 210 (e.g., the wing 220 may extend away from the edge of the body 210 toward the outside of the body 210). For example, the wing 220 may run along the entire length of the body 210 (e.g., along...). Figure 1 (in the X-axis direction) are formed continuously, for example. The wing 220 can extend outward from the edge of the body 210 and can have a width smaller than the surface area of ​​the body 210. For example, a pair of wings 220 can be positioned facing each other (e.g., a pair of wings 220 can be positioned on opposite sides of the body 210 and opposite sides of the opening 230, while being aligned with each other). For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, a pair of wings 220 may be symmetrically positioned in the height direction of the retainer 100 (e.g., in the Z-axis direction). In another example, the wings 220 may have a greater length than the retainer 100 (e.g., in the X-axis direction).

[0066] like Figure 2 and Figure 7As shown, the joint 240 is the area in the body 210 that is pushed toward and engages with each other. If the joints 240 engage with each other (e.g., if the joints 240 on opposite sides of the housing 200 above the retainer 100 are pushed toward and engage with each other), the plurality of wings 220 can be pushed further away from each other. For example, as Figure 7 As shown, when the joints 240 are engaged with each other, the pair of wings 220 can be positioned in a direction facing each other (e.g., in...). Figure 7 (spaced apart along the Z-axis).

[0067] An opening 230 may be formed in the housing 200 and may be the inlet / outlet through which the retainer 100 is inserted and removed. The opening 230 may be a region defined on the inner side of the body 210 by the upper edge of the body 210. For example, the opening 230 may be formed in the upper portion of the housing 200 above the engagement 240, for example, between the closed bottom of the housing 200 and the opening 230. Additionally, when the retainer 100 is inserted into the housing 200, the connector 400 can be pulled out of the housing 200 through the opening 230. If the retainer 100 is inserted into the housing 200, the opening 230 may be above the retainer 100, for example, relative to the closed bottom of the housing 200. The opening 230 may include a first edge 231 and a second edge 232.

[0068] Reference Figure 2 The first edge 231 can be the edge that contacts the wing 220. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, the first edge 231 can be an edge adjacent to each wing 220, and two first edges 231 can correspond to one wing 220. In this respect, the first end of each of the two first edges 231 can be connected to one wing 220. And, the second end of each of the two first edges 231 can be connected to a second edge 232. If the housing 200 includes a pair of wings 220, there can be four first edges 231. Two first edges 231 adjacent to any one wing 220 can face two first edges 231 adjacent to the other wing 220. If the joints 240 are engaged with each other, the first edges 231 adjacent to the same wing 220 can contact each other or can be close to each other.

[0069] The second edge 232 does not contact the wing 220 and can be connected to the first edge 231. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, the first and second ends of the second edge 232 can be connected to the two first edges 231 respectively, and can be between the two first edges 231. Except for the edge that contacts the wing 220 (e.g., the first edge 231), all edges of the opening 230 can be the second edge 232. For example, as... Figure 2As shown, a pair of second edges 232 can be in one direction (e.g., Figure 2 They face each other in the Y-axis direction. If the joints 240 engage with each other, the second edges 232 facing each other can touch or approach each other.

[0070] For example, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, if the joints 240 engage with each other, the first edge 231 and the second edge 232 can be arranged in a line between a pair of wings 220 (e.g., in the Z-axis direction). Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, each of the two first edges 231 can be connected to the same wing 220, and thus, the four first edges 231 can overlap between the two wings 220. Furthermore, the two second edges 232 can be positioned between the first edges 231 by overlapping each other.

[0071] The joint 240 is the area where the main bodies 210 are joined, and can be formed continuously or discontinuously along the circumference of the main bodies 210. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, the engagement 240 may be positioned below the opening 230 (e.g., the engagement 240 may be between the top of the retainer 100 and the opening 230) and may have a strip shape extending circumferentially over the body 210. The engagement 240 may be formed on or replace the wing 220. With the retainer 100 inserted into the housing 200, the opening 230 may be closed by engaging the engagement 240, for example, using an adhesive, welding, or thermal fusion. The engagement 240 may comprise the same or different material as the body 210. For example, different surfaces of the body 210 corresponding to the engagement 240 may be engaged along the engagement 240 with the different surfaces in contact with each other (e.g., direct contact). If the retainer 100 is inserted into the housing 200, the top of the retainer 100 may be positioned below the engagement 240. The connector 400 may be pulled out of the housing 200 through the engaged engagement 240. The engagement 240 may comprise a first portion 241 and a second portion 242.

[0072] The first part 241 can be a part joined by means of heat fusion or the like. For example, such as Figure 8 As shown, the first portion 241 may be adjacent to one of the wings 220. Moreover, the first portion 241 may have a length corresponding to a portion of the first edge 231 and a second edge 232 adjacent to one of the wings 220.

[0073] The second part 242 may be the portion of the joint 240 corresponding to the connector 400. For example, as Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, with the engagement portion 240 engaged, the connector 400 is pulled out of the housing 200, and a portion of the connector 400 (e.g., wire 420) can pass through the second portion 242. The second portion 242 can be engaged in the same manner as the first portion 241, or it can be engaged in a different manner. For example, the second portion 242 can be joined with an adhesive to prevent damage to the connector 400. In some embodiments, the portions of the second portion 242 that do not overlap with the connector 400 can be joined by thermal fusion, and the portions that overlap with the connector 400 can be joined by an adhesive. The second portion 242 can have a length less than that of the first portion 241 (e.g., in the Z-axis direction). For example, as... Figure 8 As shown, the second portion 242 may be adjacent to a wing 220 that is not adjacent to the first portion 241. Additionally, the second portion 242 may have a length corresponding to a portion of the first edge 231 adjacent to one of the wing portions 220.

[0074] The first connecting hole 250 is a hole formed in the housing 200, and can allow air to flow through the nozzle N during a leak test. Figure 10 The first connecting hole 250 may be located below the joint 240 (e.g., in...). Figure 2 (In the X-axis direction, below the longitudinal direction of the housing 200). If the retainer 100 is inserted into the housing 200, the first connecting hole 250 can be positioned to correspond to the second connecting hole 330.

[0075] Support members 300 are mounted on retainer 100 and can mitigate external impacts applied to retainer 100. For example, one or more support members 300 may be formed on at least one side of retainer 100 (e.g., Figure 3 On the side portion in the Y-axis direction. A support 300 may be on each of the upper retainer 100a and the lower retainer 100b. The support 300 may be adjacent to the edge of the retainer 100. For example, the support 300 may be in the height direction of the retainer 100 (e.g., on the side portion in the Y-axis direction). Figure 3 The support 300 is adjacent to the upper and lower edges of the retainer 100 along the Z-axis direction. The support 300 can be positioned adjacent to the upper edge of the upper retainer 100a and the lower edge of the lower retainer 100b, respectively. The support 300 can protrude further than the side of the retainer 100, so as to protect the retainer 100 by first absorbing external impacts applied to the retainer 100.

[0076] The support member 300 may include a main frame 310, a protrusion 320, a second connecting hole 330, and a rib 340.

[0077] The main frame 310 can hold and support other components of the support 300 (e.g., protrusion 320, second connecting hole 330, and rib 340). The main frame 310 can be attached to a side of the retainer 100 and can have a length corresponding to (e.g., equal to) the side of the retainer 100. The main frame 310 can contact the retainer 100. The main frame 310 can be located at the end of the retainer 100 in the height direction of the retainer 100 (e.g., in the Z-axis direction).

[0078] The protrusion 320 may extend from the main frame 310, and the second connecting hole 330 may be formed on one surface of the protrusion 320. For example, as Figure 4 As shown, the protrusion 320 can be extended from the main frame 310 in the longitudinal direction of the retainer 100 (e.g., in...). Figure 4 The center of the protrusion 320 (in the X-axis direction) protrudes upward in the height direction of the retainer 100 (e.g., in the Z-axis direction). For example, the protrusion 320 may be on the lower support 300b and may protrude toward the upper support 300a. The protrusion 320 may have a center formed on one of its surfaces (e.g., Figure 3 The second connecting hole 330 is on the surface in the Y-axis direction. The protrusion 320 may be spaced apart from the side of the retainer 100.

[0079] The protrusion 320 may include a pocket 321 and an opening 322.

[0080] The receiving portion 321 can be an empty space between the protrusion 320 and the side of the retainer 100. For example, as Figure 6 As shown, the receiving portion 321 is the region separated between the two ribs 340 and the protrusion 320, and can communicate with the second connecting hole 330 (e.g., the receiving portion 321 and the second connecting hole 330 can be in fluid communication with each other). An opening 322 can be formed on the inlet side of the receiving portion 321. For example, the opening 322 can be defined between the two ribs 340 and the protrusion 320. The opening 322 can be a channel through which air in the receiving portion 321 can flow. For example, air injected into the receiving portion 321 through the second connecting hole 330 can flow out of the receiving portion 321 through the opening 322.

[0081] The receiving portion 321 can be located in the height direction of the battery pack 10 (e.g., in the height direction). Figure 6 The opening 322 can have a depth D2 in the Z-axis direction of the battery pack 10. The depth D2 can be greater than the height of the main frame 310. Furthermore, the opening 322 can be in the longitudinal direction of the battery pack 10 (e.g., in the direction of the Z-axis). Figure 6 In the X-axis direction, it has a length L2, and can be in the width direction of the battery pack 10 (e.g., in the direction of the X-axis). Figure 6 It has a width W2 in the Y-axis direction. The length L2 can be greater than the length L1 of the slit 331.

[0082] The second connecting hole 330 can be formed on one surface of the protrusion 320 and can communicate with the receiving portion 321. The second connecting hole 330 can be an inlet through which air is ejected from the nozzle N if a leakage test of the battery pack 10 is performed. For example, as Figure 10 As shown, a leak test of the battery pack 10 can be performed by injecting air into the nozzle N with the first connecting hole 250 of the housing 200 and the second connecting hole 330 of the support 300 positioned corresponding to each other (e.g., overlapping). The injected air can pass through the first connecting hole 250 and the second connecting hole 330 ( Figure 10 ), moved to the receiving section 321 ( Figure 6 ), and then through opening 322 ( Figure 6 The contents are introduced into the housing 200. In this state, after a certain period of time, the internal pressure of the housing 200 can be measured to confirm whether the housing 200 is properly sealed, and a leakage test of the battery pack 10 can be performed.

[0083] The second connecting hole 330 may include a slit 331. One or more slits 331 may be formed on one surface of the protrusion 320. For example, as Figure 5 As shown, each of the slits 331 can be in the longitudinal direction of the battery pack 10 (e.g., in...). Figure 5 In the X-axis direction, it has an elongated hole shape. Multiple slits 331 can be in the height direction of the battery pack 10 (e.g., in the X-axis direction). Figure 5 The slits 331 are spaced apart along the Z-axis. Each slit 331 may have a length L1 and a height h. A region extending along the contour of the plurality of slits 331 may form a second connecting hole 330 (e.g., the second connecting hole 330 may include a region or area encompassing all the plurality of slits 331). The second connecting hole 330 may have a length L1 and a height H. For example, as shown... Figure 5 As shown, five slits 331 can be formed. In another example, any suitable number of slits 331 can be formed, for example, four or fewer, or six or more.

[0084] The area of ​​the second connecting hole 330 can be larger than the area of ​​the first connecting hole 250. For example, the area of ​​the first connecting hole 250 can be in the range of about 30% to about 80% of the area of ​​the second connecting hole 330. If the area ratio is less than 30%, it may be impossible to inject a sufficient amount of air from the first connecting hole 250 to the second connecting hole 330, and if the first connecting hole 250 and the second connecting hole 330 are not properly connected, the air may not flow smoothly into the housing 200. If the area ratio is greater than 80%, the amount of air leaving the first connecting hole 250 from the second connecting hole 330 during a leak test is large, so a smooth leak test may be difficult.

[0085] With the housing 200 surrounding the retainer 100, the first connecting hole 250 and the second connecting hole 330 can be in corresponding (e.g., overlapping) positions (see [reference]). Figure 2 For example, at least a portion of the first connecting hole 250 may overlap with the second connecting hole 330. For example, the center of the first connecting hole 250 may be inside the second connecting hole 330 (e.g., it may overlap with the center of the second connecting hole 330).

[0086] The direction of airflow through the second connecting hole 330 and the direction of airflow through the receiving portion 321 can be different. For example, as Figure 6 As shown, the direction of air flowing in from the second connecting hole 330 and the direction of air flowing out from the receiving portion 321 can be different. The direction of air flowing in from the second connecting hole 330 can be substantially the thickness direction of the receiving portion 321 or substantially the thickness direction of the battery pack 10 (e.g., in...). Figure 6 (in the Y-axis direction). The direction of air flowing out of the housing 321 can be substantially in the depth direction of the housing 321 or substantially in the height direction of the battery pack 10 (e.g., in the Y-axis direction). Figure 6 (In the Z-axis direction). The expression "substantially" can include not only cases where air moves strictly in this direction, but also cases where the amount of air moving in this direction is relatively large. The direction of air flowing in from the second connecting hole 330 and the direction of air flowing out from the receiving part 321 may intersect each other (e.g., they may be perpendicular to each other).

[0087] Ribs 340 may be located on opposite sides (e.g., both sides) of the protrusion 320 to separate the receiving portion 321. For example, as Figure 6 As shown, ribs 340 may be formed on the surface of the protrusion 320 facing the retainer 100. The two ribs 340 together with the protrusion 320 may define a receiving portion 321 therein. An opening 322 communicating with the receiving portion 321 may be formed between the two ribs 340.

[0088] The support member 300 may include an upper support member 300a and a lower support member 300b. The upper support member 300a may be on the upper retainer 100a, and the lower support member 300b may be on the lower retainer 100b. For example, as Figure 4 As shown, the upper support 300a may be adjacent to the upper edge of the upper retainer 100a, and the lower support 300b may be adjacent to the lower edge of the lower retainer 100b. Figure 4 As shown, the protrusion 320 and the second connecting hole 330 can be formed in the lower support member 300b. In some embodiments, the protrusion 320 and the second connecting hole 330 can also be formed on the upper support member 300a or only on the upper support member 300a.

[0089] Connector 400 can connect retainer 100 to an external device. For example, connector 400 may include wire 420 and terminal 410. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, wire 420 can extend from one side (e.g., the bottom) of retainer 100 and can be connected to the control board or battery management system (BMS) of battery pack 10. Furthermore, wire 420 can be connected to terminal 410, and terminal 410 can be connected to an external device.

[0090] The battery pack 10 may also include a cover 600. The cover 600 is attachable to and detachable from the housing 200, and may cover the first communication hole 250 of the housing 200. For example, as Figure 11 As shown, if the housing 200 is confirmed to be properly sealed after a leak test, the cover 600 can be attached to the first communication hole 250. The cover 600 may include an adhesive on one side and may have dimensions larger than the first communication hole 250 (e.g., a larger width and length); for example, the cover 600 may cover and overlap the entire first communication hole 250. The cover 600 may include a material that allows air to pass through but not moisture. For example, the cover 600 may include a waterproof and breathable material that allows air to pass through. The portion of the cover 600 corresponding to (e.g., overlapping) the first communication hole 250 may include a material that allows air to pass through but not moisture. Therefore, the cover 600 can prevent condensation inside the housing 200 by allowing air to flow through the first communication hole 250 while the housing 200 is engaged, and can block moisture from entering from the outside.

[0091] The cover 600 may include a large-diameter portion 610 and a small-diameter portion 620. For example, as... Figure 11 As shown, the large-diameter portion 610 can completely surround the small-diameter portion 620 and can be concentric with the small-diameter portion 620.

[0092] The large-diameter portion 610 is the area attached to the housing 200 and may include an adhesive on one side thereon. The large-diameter portion 610 may have an outer radius R1 and an inner radius R2 (the outer radius R1 may be larger than the inner radius R2), and may have an annular shape (e.g., a circular ring shape) including an opening on its inner side (e.g., the opening in the large-diameter portion 610 may be the center of the annular shape and may have an inner radius R2). The small-diameter portion 620 may be in the opening of the large-diameter portion 610, and the inner radius R2 of the large-diameter portion 610 may be larger than the radius of the first connecting hole 250. When the cover 600 is attached to the housing 200 to correspond to (e.g., cover or overlap) the first connecting hole 250, the large-diameter portion 610 may not cover the first connecting hole 250 (e.g., the large-diameter portion 610 may be attached to the area of ​​the housing 200 surrounding the first connecting hole 250). The large-diameter portion 610 may include a material that does not allow the passage of both moisture and air.

[0093] The small diameter portion 620 corresponds to (e.g., covers or overlaps) the area of ​​the first connecting hole 250 and may not include an adhesive. The small diameter portion 620 may include a waterproof and breathable material that allows air to pass through. The small diameter portion 620 may have an inner radius R2 and may be located at the opening of the large diameter portion 610. With the cover 600 attached to the housing 200, the center of the small diameter portion 620 may be at the center of the first connecting hole 250 (e.g., the center of the small diameter portion 620 and the center of the first connecting hole 250 may be aligned and overlap).

[0094] For example, the sealing and leakage tests of battery pack 10 can be performed as follows.

[0095] First, the retainer 100, which houses the battery cell 500, can be inserted into the housing 200 (see...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The retainer 100 can be in a state where the support 300 is mounted thereon. For example, the retainer 100 can be inserted into the housing 200 such that the first connecting hole 250 of the housing 200 corresponds to the second connecting hole 330 of the support 300. The expression "corresponds" means that the first connecting hole 250 and the second connecting hole 330 overlap each other, for example, the center of the first connecting hole 250 can be inside the second connecting hole 330.

[0096] Next, the housing 200 can be joined. With the connector 400 pulled out from the opening 230 of the housing 200, the joint portions 240 can come into contact with each other and then engage. For example, the joint portions 240 can be joined by heat fusion. For example, the second portion 242 of the joint portion 240 corresponding to the connector 400 (e.g., the wire 420 of the connector 400) can be joined by applying an adhesive without heat fusion. Alternatively, heat fusion can be performed on the first portion 241 of the joint portion 240.

[0097] The joining can be performed with the pair of wings 220 not overlapping each other (see...). Figure 7 For example, a pair of wings 220 can be spaced apart in the folded state, allowing the joint 240 to contact each other. At this time, the edges of the opening 230 can also contact or become close together. For example, when the housing 200 is folded in the direction in which a pair of second edges 232 become closer to each other, the joint 240 can contact each other.

[0098] Next, the housing 200 can be folded and secured (see...). Figure 9 For example, the wing 220 can be folded and secured to the side of the housing 200, and the remaining portion of the housing 200 at the joint 240 can be folded and secured. The housing 200 can be secured using tape or the like. Furthermore, the joint 240 can be secured in a folded state. For example, the joint 240 can be secured in a folded state such that a portion of the joint 240 is on the side of the retainer 100, while another portion is on the upper and lower surfaces of the retainer 100.

[0099] Next, a leak test can be performed (see...). Figure 10 With the first connecting hole 250 and the second connecting hole 330 corresponding to each other, the nozzle N for injecting air can be positioned in the first connecting hole 250. Air can then be injected through the nozzle N. A leak test (e.g., to check for air leakage) can be performed by injecting air at a certain pressure and then measuring the internal pressure of the housing 200 after a certain period of time. If the measured internal pressure of the housing 200 meets the target range, the leak test can be determined to have passed.

[0100] Next, attach the cover 600 to the housing 200 (see...) Figure 11 The small-diameter portion 620 of the cover 600 can be positioned corresponding to the first connecting hole 250, and the large-diameter portion 610 of the cover 600 can be attached to the housing 200 around the first connecting hole 250. Because the cover 600 (i.e., the small-diameter portion 620 of the cover 600) allows air to pass through and includes a waterproof and breathable material, the cover 600 can prevent external moisture or foreign matter from flowing into the housing 200 through the cover 600. Moreover, because air can pass through the cover 600, condensation inside the housing 200 can be prevented.

[0101] By summarizing and reviewing, one or more embodiments include a battery pack that can improve the fixation between the battery cells and the housing. The battery pack 10 can be engaged after the retainer 100 is inserted into the housing 200, thus preventing moisture or dust from entering the housing 200. In the battery pack 10, the housing 200 is engaged such that the wings 220 do not overlap, thereby improving the quality of engagement and preventing moisture from flowing into the housing 200 from the outside. Leakage testing of the housing 200 can be easily performed using the battery pack 10 using a first communication hole 250 in the housing 200 and a second communication hole 330 formed in the support 300 attached to the retainer 100.

[0102] However, the effects that can be achieved through this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand from the description of this disclosure other technical effects not mentioned.

[0103] Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specific terminology has been used, it is used and interpreted in a general and descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes. In some instances, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon filing this application, unless specifically stated otherwise, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with particular embodiments may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with other embodiments. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0104] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0008930, filed on January 19, 2024, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A battery pack, characterized in that, The battery pack includes: Multiple battery cells; A retainer that houses the plurality of battery cells; Connectors are used to connect to the plurality of battery cells; A housing surrounding the retainer, the housing being flexible and including a first communicating hole, and the housing being engaged when the retainer is inserted therein and the connector is pulled out of the housing; and The support on the retainer includes a second communicating hole.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing includes: The body surrounding the retainer; An opening at the top of the body and in fluid communication with the body, through which the retainer is inserted into the body, the opening being engaged and having opposing sides connected to each other; and The openings on the outer side of the body are joined in a direction that spaces the wings apart from each other.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that, The opening is joined in a direction that causes the wings to move away from each other.

4. The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that: The wing includes a pair of wings that face each other on one side and the other side of the body, and The opening includes multiple edges, which are joined such that the edges not connected to the pair of wings are close to each other.

5. The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that, The housing includes a joint along the periphery of the body, and the housing is engaged along the joint.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, characterized in that, The wings do not engage with each other, and the multiple surfaces of the body corresponding to the joints engage with each other.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support member includes: The main frame, on the retainer; and A protrusion on the main frame includes a second communicating hole on its surface, a receiving portion in fluid communication with the second communicating hole, and an inlet opening in fluid communication with the receiving portion.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, characterized in that: The main frame is located at the end of the retainer in the height direction of the retainer, and The protrusion extends from the center of the holder in the longitudinal direction.

9. The battery pack according to claim 7, characterized in that, The inlet opening is open toward the edge of the retainer.

10. The battery pack according to claim 7, characterized in that: The length of the inlet opening is greater than the length of the second connecting hole, and The depth of the receiving part is greater than the height of the main frame.

11. The battery pack according to claim 7, characterized in that, The airflow direction of the air flowing into the second connecting hole and the airflow direction of the air flowing out of the receiving part are different from each other.

12. The battery pack according to claim 7, characterized in that, The support further includes a rib extending from one surface of the retainer and connected to the main frame, the rib being on the opposite side of the protrusion and defining the receiving portion on the inner side together with the protrusion.

13. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support member includes: The upper support is mounted on one edge of the side of the retainer; and A lower support member, located on the other edge of the side portion of the retainer, is spaced apart from the upper support member and includes the second communicating hole.

14. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, With the housing surrounding the retainer, the first connecting hole and the second connecting hole overlap each other.

15. The battery pack according to claim 14, characterized in that: The center of the first connecting hole is inside the second connecting hole, and The area of ​​the first connecting hole is smaller than the area of ​​the second connecting hole.

16. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second connecting hole includes a plurality of slits having an elongated hole shape.

17. The battery pack according to claim 16, characterized in that, The plurality of slits are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the retainer and are spaced apart from each other in the height direction of the retainer.

18. The battery pack according to claim 14, characterized in that, It further includes a cover that is attached to the housing and overlaps with the first communicating hole.

19. The battery pack according to claim 18, characterized in that, The cover includes: The small-diameter portion, the center of which overlaps with the center of the first connecting hole; and The large-diameter portion includes the small-diameter portion on its inner side and is attached to the housing so as not to cover the first connecting hole.

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