Battery pack

Abstract

To provide a battery pack.SOLUTION: A battery pack includes: a plurality of battery cells; a holder which internally includes the plurality of battery cells; a connector connected to the plurality of battery cells; a flexible case which surrounds the holder and includes a first communication hole; and a support which is fitted to the holder and includes a second communication hole. The flexible case is bonded with the holder inserted in the flexible case. The connector may be drawn to the outside of the flexible case.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A secondary battery is a battery designed to be rechargeable and dischargeable, and can be used as an energy source for mobile devices, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, electric bicycles, uninterruptible power supplies, etc. Secondary batteries can be used in the form of a single battery cell depending on the type of external device to which they are applied, or in the form of a module or pack in which a plurality of battery cells are connected and bundled into one unit.

[0003] The above-described information disclosed in the technology that is the background of such an invention is only for improving the understanding of the background of the present invention, and may include information that does not constitute the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a battery pack that can improve the fixing force between a battery cell and a case.

[0005] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above-described problems, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the following description of the invention.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells, a holder containing the plurality of battery cells therein, a connector connected to the plurality of battery cells, a flexible case surrounding the holder and including a first communication hole, and a support attached to the holder and including a second communication hole. The flexible case is joined in a state where the holder is inserted into the flexible case, and the connector can be drawn out to the outside of the flexible case.

[0007] The flexible case may include a body surrounding the holder, an opening formed at an upper portion of the body, and a plurality of blade portions formed on an outer side of the body.

[0008] Of the plurality of blade portions, the opening can be joined in a direction in which a pair of blade portions move away from each other.

[0009] The pair of blade portions face each other, and the opening can be joined such that edges thereof not connected to the pair of blade portions are close to each other.

[0010] The case includes a joint portion located along the periphery of the body, and the case can be joined along the joint portion.

[0011] The pair of blade portions are not joined to each other, and a plurality of surfaces of the body corresponding to the joint portion can be joined to each other.

[0012] A portion of the joint portion through which the connector passes is joined by an adhesive without being heat-sealed, and the remaining portion of the joint portion can be heat-sealed.

[0013] The support may include a main frame located on the holder and a protruding portion formed on the main frame and including a pocket communicating with the second communication hole.

[0014] The main frame is located at an end portion of the holder in a height direction of the holder, and the protruding portion can extend toward a central portion in the height direction of the holder.

[0015] The opening may be open toward the edge of the holder.

[0016] The length of the opening may be longer than the length of the second communication hole, and the depth of the pocket may be higher than the height of the main frame.

[0017] The flow direction of the air flowing into the second communication hole and the flow direction of the air flowing out in the pocket may be different from each other.

[0018] The support may further include a rib extending from one surface of the holder, and the rib may, together with the protrusion, define the pocket inside.

[0019] The support may include an upper support attached to one edge of the side surface of the holder and a lower support including the second communication hole.

[0020] With the case surrounding the holder, the first communication hole and the second communication hole may be formed at corresponding positions to each other.

[0021] The center of the first communication hole may be inside the second communication hole, and the area of the first communication hole may be smaller than the area of the second communication hole.

[0022] The second communication hole may include a plurality of slits in a long hole shape.

[0023] The plurality of slits may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the holder and may be spaced apart from each other in the height direction of the holder.

[0024] It may further include a cover that allows air to pass through, includes a waterproof and moisture-permeable material, and is attached to the flexible case so as to correspond to the first communication hole.

[0025] The cover may include a small-diameter portion made of a waterproof and moisture-permeable material that allows air to pass through and a large-diameter portion attached to the flexible case so as not to cover the first communication hole.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] After inserting the holder into the flexible case, the battery pack can be joined to prevent the inflow of moisture, dust, etc. into the case. The battery pack can join the flexible case so that the blades do not overlap each other, improve the joining quality, and prevent the inflow of moisture from the outside into the flexible case. The battery pack can easily proceed with the leak inspection of the flexible case by using the first communication hole of the flexible case and the second communication hole in the support attached to the holder.

[0027] However, the effects obtained through the present invention are not limited to the above-described effects, and other technical effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate desirable embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description of the invention to be described later, are for helping the understanding of the technical idea of the present invention, and the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the matters described in the illustrated drawings.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Some embodiments of the present disclosure and the method according thereto can be understood with reference to the detailed description of the embodiments and the drawings. The described embodiments have various modifications and can be implemented in other forms and are not limited to the embodiments described herein. Also, the respective features of the various embodiments of the present disclosure can be partially or wholly combined with each other. Each embodiment can be implemented independently of each other or in relation to each other. The described embodiments are provided as examples to make the present disclosure thorough and complete, and to fully convey the idea of the present disclosure to those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains. The present disclosure can be replaced by all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Therefore, for a complete understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the description of processes, elements, and technologies that are unnecessary for an ordinary technician can be omitted.

[0030] Unless otherwise mentioned separately throughout the accompanying drawings and the specification, the same reference numerals, characters, or combinations thereof refer to the same components, so duplicate descriptions are omitted. Also, parts not related to the description are omitted to clearly explain the present invention.

[0031] In the drawings, the relative sizes of elements, layers, and regions can be exaggerated for clarity. The use of hatching and / or shading in the accompanying drawings is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. Therefore, the presence or absence of hatching or shading does not indicate a desirable form or requirement related to specific materials, material properties, dimensions, ratios, commonality between drawing elements, and / or other characteristics and attributes of the elements, unless specified.

[0032] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of an embodiment and / or an intermediate structure. Thus, for example, the shape of the drawings can vary as a result of manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Also, the specific structural or functional descriptions disclosed herein are merely illustrative for the purpose of describing embodiments according to the concepts of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as being limited to the shape of the illustrated regions and include, for example, shape deviations due to manufacturing.

[0033] The regions shown are essentially schematic and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of the device regions nor to be limiting. Also, as would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways within the scope of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope thereof.

[0034] Numerous specific details are set forth in the specification in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. However, the various embodiments can be practiced without, or with one or more of, these specific details. On the other hand, well-known structures and devices are illustrated in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various embodiments.

[0035] In order to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature as illustrated in the drawings, for the sake of convenience of explanation, spatially relative terms such as "lower", "upper", "lower part", and "upper part" may be used herein. The spatially relative terms are intended to include additional directions shown in the drawings or various directions of the device in operation. For example, if the device in the drawing is inverted, other elements or features described as "lower" or "lower part" will be oriented "above" other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary terms "lower" and "lower part" can include both the up and down directions. The device may be oriented in other directions (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other directions), and the spatially relative descriptions used herein must be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, when it is described that the first part is disposed "above" the second part, this means that the first part is disposed above or below the second part.

[0036] Also, the expression "in plan view" means the case when an object part is viewed from above, and the expression "in a schematic cross-sectional view" means the case when an object part is vertically cut to take a schematic cross-section. The term "side view" means that the first object is above or below or on the side of the second object, and the opposite case is also possible. Further, the terms "overlap" or "superimpose" can include layers, laminations, surfaces, extensions, coverings, or partial coverings or any other suitable terms understood and understandable by a person skilled in the art. The expression "non-overlapping" can include meanings such as "separated from" or "spaced apart from" and any other suitable equivalents recognized and understood by a person skilled in the art. The terms "surface" and "face" can mean that the first object may face the second object directly or indirectly. When there is a third object between the first object and the second object, the first object and the second object are understood to face each other, but indirectly.

[0037] When an element, layer, region or component is referred to as being "formed on", "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, the layer, region or component can be directly formed on, formed on another component, layer, region or component, or indirectly formed on, connected to, or coupled to another component. Also, direct or indirect connections or couplings of elements, layers, regions or components, whether integral or non-integral, are collectively referred to so that one or more elements, layers, regions or components can exist. For example, when an element, layer, region or component is referred to as being "electrically connected to" or "electrically coupled to" another element, layer, region or component, this can be directly electrically connected or coupled to the other element, layer, region or component, or other elements, layers, regions or components can exist. However, "directly connected" or "directly coupled" means that one component directly connects or couples to another component without an intermediate component or is on top of another component. Also, in this specification, when a part of a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is formed on another part, the forming direction is not limited to the upward direction and includes the case where the part is formed on the side or bottom. Conversely, when a part of a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is formed "under" another part, this includes not only the case where the part is "immediately under" the other part, but also the case where there is another part between the part and the other part. On the other hand, other expressions for explaining the relationship with a component, such as "between", "immediately between" or "adjacent to" and "immediately adjacent to", can be interpreted in the same way. Also, when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, this can be the only element between the two elements or layers, or there can be other elements between them.

[0038] For the purposes of this specification, expressions such as "at least one or more" or "any one" do not limit the order of individual elements. For example, "at least one of X, Y, and Z", "at least one of X, Y, or Z", "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z" may include X alone, Y alone, Z alone, 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" may include A, B, or A and B. In this specification, "or" generally means "and / or", and the term "and / or" includes all combinations of one or more related list items. For example, an expression such as "A and / or B" may include A, B, or A and B.

[0039] Terms such as "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used in this application to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or cross-sections, but such elements, components, regions, layers, and / or cross-sections are not limited by such terms. Such terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or cross-section from another. Thus, the first element, component, region, layer, or cross-section described hereinafter may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or cross-section without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Describing an element as the "first" element does not require or imply the existence of a second element or other elements. Terms such as "first", "second", etc. may be used in this specification to distinguish different categories or sets of elements from each other. For the sake of clarity, the terms "first", "second", etc. may indicate "first category (or, first set)", "second category (or, second set)", etc., respectively.

[0040] The terms used in this application are used only to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions, and plural expressions are also intended to include singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having," when used herein, mean specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps. These expressions do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, components and / or groups thereof.

[0041] If one or more embodiments can be implemented differently, the specific process order can be performed differently from the described order. For example, two steps described consecutively can be performed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order of the described order.

[0042] The terms "substantially," "about," and similar terms used herein are used as terms of approximation rather than terms of degree, and are for explaining the inherent variations in measured or calculated values recognizable by a person of ordinary skill in the art. "About" or "approximately" as used herein includes the recited value and means within an acceptable deviation range for a particular value determined by a person of ordinary skill in the art considering the measurement and related errors (e.g., the deviation range due to the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations or within ±30%, 20%, 10%, 5% of the stated value.

[0043] Unless otherwise defined specifically, all terms, including technical and scientific terms, used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries shall be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology and / or this specification, and here, unless explicitly defined otherwise, shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0044] FIG. 1 shows the battery pack 10, FIG. 2 shows a state where the holder 100 is inserted into the case 200, FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the holder 100, FIG. 4 shows a side surface of the holder 100, FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of the support 300, FIG. 6 shows a periphery of the second communication hole 330 of the support 300, FIGS. 7 and 8 show a state where the case 200 is joined, FIG. 9 shows a state where a part is folded after the case 200 is joined, FIG. 10 shows a leak inspection for the battery pack 10, and FIG. 11 shows a state where the cover 600 is attached to the battery pack 10.

[0045] The battery pack 10 is an assembly of a plurality of battery cells 500 connected in series / parallel and can be included in large applications such as an ESS (Energy Storage System) or small and medium-sized applications such as power tools and other electronic devices. By including waterproof and dustproof functions, the battery pack 10 can prevent the inflow of moisture or foreign substances from the outside and enhance reliability and durability.

[0046] The battery pack 10 may include a holder 100, a case 200, a support 300, a connector 400, and battery cells 500.

[0047] The holder 100 can hold and support the battery cells 500. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of battery cells 500 can be inserted into the holder 100 and accommodated inside the holder 100. The holder 100 may include an opening 110 corresponding to the size and shape of the battery cells 500. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the holder 100 may include a circular opening 110 corresponding to the cylindrical battery cells 500. The number of openings 110 is the same as the number of battery cells 500.

[0048] The holder 100 may include an upper holder 100a and a lower holder 100b. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the holder 100 may include an upper holder 100a located at the upper part in the height direction of the holder 100 (for example, the Z-axis direction in FIG. 3) and a lower holder 100b located at the lower part in the height direction of the holder 100. The upper holder 100a and the lower holder 100b have corresponding sizes and shapes and may each include an opening 110. The upper holder 100a and the lower holder 100b are separable and connectable, and the respective openings 110 can be connected to each other so that one battery cell 500 can be inserted therein.

[0049] A support 300 may be mounted on the holder 100. For example, the holder 100 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole, and the support 300 may be mounted on at least one of both side surfaces (for example, the surfaces in the Y-axis direction in FIG. 3). Also, a connector 400 for connecting the battery pack 10 to other devices may extend from the holder 100. For example, the connector 400 may extend from a surface other than the side surface of the holder 100 where the support 300 is mounted.

[0050] The case 200 may provide a waterproof and dustproof function for the battery pack 10. For example, the case 200 surrounds the holder 100 and can prevent moisture, foreign matter, etc. from flowing into the holder 100 and the battery cell 500 inside the holder 100 from the outside. The case 200 is larger than the holder 100 and may include an internal space in which the holder 100 is accommodated. Also, a portion where the holder 100 is inserted and removed is open in the case 200 (for example, one side of the case 200 where the holder 100 is inserted into and removed from the case 200 is open), and the remaining sides of the case 200 are completely closed.

[0051] The case 200 can be made of a flexible material. For example, the case 200 can include a fiber material. For example, the case 200 can include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of polyamide, ceramic fibers, cellulose fibers, woven fabrics, and non-woven fabrics. Alternatively, the case 200 can include a resin material. For example, the case 200 can include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of polyimide, polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytetrafluoroethylene, and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. Alternatively, the case 200 can include both a fiber material and a resin material, or one of the materials can be coated on the other material. For example, the case 200 can be made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0052] The case 200 can be partially joined in a state of surrounding the holder 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the open portion of the case 200 can be joined in a state where the holder 100 is accommodated in the case 200. That is, referring to FIGS. 2 and 7, the opposite sides of the upper part of the case 200 (for example, the upper part of the inserted holder 100) can be pressed toward each other (for example, in the Y-axis direction in FIG. 2) and joined (for example, so as to be completely flat with respect to each other as shown in FIG. 7). For example, the open portion of the case 200 is joined by heat fusion or an adhesive, and in a state where the case 200 is joined, the connector 400 can be pulled out to the outside of the case 200.

[0053] The case 200 is made of a flexible material and can be bent or folded. For example, in the state where the case 200 is joined, the remaining part of the case 200 excluding the part corresponding to the holder 100, that is, the part of the case 200 located above the holder 100 in the state where the holder 100 is inserted into the case 200, can be folded toward other parts (for example, the upper parts on the opposite sides of the case 200 can be pressed toward each other or folded and joined or connected). In that state, the folded part can be fixed through a fixing member such as a tape.

[0054] For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the case 200 has a hexagonal prism shape larger than the holder 100, has a length longer than the holder 100, and in the state where the holder 100 is inserted, a part may have a surplus part located above the holder 100. Since the case 200 is made of a flexible material, it has various shapes, and it is sufficient if a surplus space can be formed in the state where the holder 100 is inserted inside. The surplus part located on the holder 100 can be joined or folded.

[0055] The case 200 may include a body 210, a blade part 220, an opening 230, a joint part 240, and a first communication hole 250.

[0056] The body 210 includes an internal space into which the holder 100 is inserted and can surround the holder 100. The body 210 includes an opening 230 that is open on one side so that the holder 100 can be inserted and removed, and the remaining part excluding the opening 230 is closed. The body 210 has a size larger than the holder 100 and may have a shape corresponding to the holder 100.

[0057] The blade portions 220 can be formed outside the body 210. The blade portions 220 can extend from the surface or edge of the body 210 (for example, the blade portions 220 can extend away from the edge of the body 210 toward the outside of the body 210). For example, the blade portions 220 can be formed over the entire longitudinal direction of the body 210 (for example, the X-axis direction in FIG. 1). The blade portions 220 can extend outward from the edge of the body 210 and have a width narrower than the surface of the body 210. For example, a pair of blade portions 220 can be positioned to face each other (for example, the pair of blade portions 220 are on opposite sides of the body 210 and on opposite sides of the opening 230 and can be aligned with each other). FIG. 2 shows a pair of blade portions 220 positioned symmetrically in the height direction of the holder 100 (for example, the Z-axis direction), but the positions of the pair of blade portions 220 are not limited. For example, the blade portions 220 can have a length longer than the holder 100.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, the joint portion 240 is also a region where the bodies 210 are pressed against each other and joined to each other. When the joint portion 240 is joined, the plurality of blade portions 220 can move away from each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when the joint portion 240 is joined, a pair of blade portions 220 can be separated in the direction facing each other (for example, the Z-axis direction in FIG. 7).

[0059] The opening 230 is formed in the case 200 and can be an entrance / exit through which the holder 100 is inserted and removed. The opening 230 is also a region defined inside by the upper edge portion of the body 210. For example, the opening 230 can be formed in the upper part of the case 200 above the joint portion 240. Also, with the holder 100 inserted into the case 200, the connector 400 can be pulled out of the case 200 through the opening 230. With the holder 100 inserted into the case 200, the opening 230 can be located above the holder 100.

[0060] The opening 230 can include a first edge portion 231 and a second edge portion 232.

[0061] The first edge portion 231 is also an edge portion that contacts the blade portion 220. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the first edge portion 231 is an edge portion adjacent to each blade portion 220, and two first edge portions 231 can be positioned with respect to one blade portion 220. That is, one end portion of each of the first edge portions 231 can be connected to the blade portion 220. Also, the other end portion of each of the first edge portions 231 can be connected to the second edge portion 232. When the case 200 includes a pair of blade portions 220, the number of the first edge portions 231 is four. The two first edge portions 231 adjacent to any one blade portion 220 can face the two first edge portions 231 adjacent to the other one blade portion 220. When the joint portion 240 is joined, the first edge portions 231 adjacent to the respective blade portions 220 can contact each other or be close to each other.

[0062] The second edge portion 232 can be connected to the first edge portion 231 without contacting the blade portion 220. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the second edge portion 232 has one end portion and the other end portion connected to the first edge portion 231 respectively, and can be positioned between two adjacent first edge portions 231. The edge portion that contacts the blade portion 220, that is, the edge portion of the opening 230 excluding the first edge portion 231, is all the second edge portion 232. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a pair of second edge portions 232 can face each other in one direction (for example, the Y-axis direction in FIG. 2). When the joint portion 240 is joined, the second edge portions 232 facing each other can contact each other or be close to each other.

[0063] For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, with the joint portion 240 joined, the first edge portion 231 and the second edge portion 232 can be arranged in a row between a pair of blade portions 220. Two first edge portions 231 are respectively connected to one blade portion 220, and four first edge portions 231 can overlap and be positioned between the two blade portions 220 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. And two second edge portions 232 can overlap and be positioned between the first edge portions 231.

[0064] The joint portion 240 is an area where the body 210 is joined and can be formed continuously or discontinuously along the circumferential direction of the body 210. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the joint portion 240 is at the lower part of the opening 230 and can have a strip shape extending along the circumferential direction of the body 210. The joint portion 240 can be formed on the blade portion 220 or can replace the blade portion 220. With the holder 100 inserted into the case 200, the opening 230 is closed by joining the joint portion 240 by means such as an adhesive, welding, or heat fusion. The joint portion 240 can be made of the same or different material as the body 210. For example, different surfaces of the body 210 corresponding to the joint portion 240 can be joined along the joint portion 240 in a state of being in contact with each other. With the holder 100 inserted into the case 200, the upper end of the holder 100 can be located at the lower part of the joint portion 240. The connector 400 can be drawn out to the outside of the case 200 through the joined joint portion 240.

[0065] The joint portion 240 can include a first portion 241 and a second portion 242.

[0066] The first portion 241 is also a portion joined by means such as heat fusion. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the first portion 241 can be adjacent to any one of the blade portions 220. Also, the first portion 241 can have a length corresponding to a first edge portion 231 adjacent to any one of the blade portions 220 and a part of the second edge portion 232.

[0067] The second part 242 is also the part of the joint 240 corresponding to the connector 400. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, with the joint 240 joined, the connector 400 is pulled out of the case 200, and a part of the connector 400 (for example, a part of the wire 420) can pass through the second part 242. The second part 242 can be joined in the same way as the first part 241 or in a different way. For example, the second part 242 can be joined with an adhesive to prevent damage to the connector 400. Alternatively, the part of the second part 242 that does not overlap with the connector 400 can be heat-sealed, and the part that overlaps with the connector 400 can be joined with an adhesive. The second part 242 can have a length shorter than that of the first part 241. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the second part 242 can be adjacent to one blade part 220 that is not adjacent to the first part 241. Also, the second part 242 can have a length corresponding to a first edge part 231 adjacent to any one blade part 220 and a part of a second edge part 232.

[0068] The first communication hole 250 is a hole formed in the case 200 and is also an inlet through which air flows in during a leak inspection via the nozzle N. The first communication hole 250 can be located below the joint 240 (for example, lower in the longitudinal direction of the case 200). With the holder 100 inserted into the case 200, the first communication hole 250 can be positioned to correspond to the second communication hole 330.

[0069] The support 300 is attached to the holder 100 and can mitigate the external impact applied to the holder 100. For example, the support 300 can be formed in one or more locations on at least one of both side surfaces of the holder 100 (for example, the surfaces in the Y-axis direction in FIG. 3). The support 300 can be located one by one on the upper holder 100a and the lower holder 100b respectively. Also, the support 300 can be located adjacent to the edge of the holder 100. For example, the support 300 can be adjacent to the upper edge and the lower edge in the height direction of the holder 100 (for example, the Z-axis direction in FIG. 3). The support 300 can be located adjacent to the upper edge of the upper holder 100a and the lower edge of the lower holder 100b respectively. The support 300 can protrude further than the side surface of the holder 100, absorb the external impact applied to the holder 100 first, and protect the holder 100.

[0070] The support 300 can include a main frame 310, a protrusion 320, a second communication hole 330, and a rib 340.

[0071] The main frame 310 can hold and support other components of the support 300 (for example, the protrusion 320, the second communication hole 330, and the rib 340). The main frame 310 is attached to the side surface of the holder 100 and can have a length corresponding to the side surface of the holder 100. The main frame 310 can be in contact with the holder 100.

[0072] The protrusion 320 extends from the main frame 310, and the second communication hole 330 can be formed. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the protrusion 320 can protrude upward in the height direction from the center in the longitudinal direction of the main frame 310 (for example, the X-axis direction in FIG. 4). For example, the protrusion 320 can be located on the lower support 300b and protrude toward the upper support 300a. The second communication hole 330 can be formed on one surface (for example, the surface in the Y-axis direction in FIG. 3) of the protrusion 320. The protrusion 320 can be spaced apart from the side surface of the holder 100.

[0073] The protrusion 320 can include a pocket 321 and an opening 322.

[0074] The pocket 321 is also an empty space between the protruding portion 320 and the side surface of the holder 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the pocket 321 is an area defined by the two ribs 340 and the protruding portion 320, and can communicate with the second communication hole 330. An opening 322 can be formed on the inlet side of the pocket 321. For example, the opening 322 can be defined between the two ribs 340 and the protruding portion 320. The opening 322 is also a passage through which the air in the pocket 321 flows. For example, the air injected into the pocket 321 through the second communication hole 330 can flow out of the pocket 321 through the opening 322.

[0075] The pocket 321 can have a depth D2 in the height direction of the battery pack 10 (for example, the Z-axis direction in FIG. 6). The depth D2 is greater than the height of the main frame 310. Also, the opening 322 can have a length L2 in the longitudinal direction of the battery pack 10 (for example, the X-axis direction in FIG. 6) and a width W2 in the width direction of the battery pack 10 (for example, the Y-axis direction in FIG. 6). The length L2 is greater than the length L1 of the slit 331.

[0076] The second communication hole 330 is formed on one surface of the protruding portion 320 and can communicate with the pocket 321. The second communication hole 330 is also an inlet through which air is injected from the nozzle N when performing a leak inspection of the battery pack 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the leak inspection of the battery pack 10 can be performed by injecting air into the nozzle N in a state where the first communication hole 250 of the case 200 and the second communication hole 330 of the support 300 are positioned to correspond to each other. The injected air passes through the first communication hole 250 and the second communication hole 330 and moves to the pocket 321, and then can flow into the case 200 through the opening 322. After a certain period of time has elapsed in that state, the internal pressure of the case 200 is measured to check whether the case 200 is well sealed, and a leak inspection of the battery pack 10 can be performed.

[0077] The second communication hole 330 may include a slit 331. The slit 331 may be formed in one or more places on one surface of the protrusion 320. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the slit 331 may have an elongated hole shape that is long in the longitudinal direction of the battery pack 10 (for example, the X-axis direction in FIG. 5). A plurality of slits 331 may be spaced apart in the height direction of the battery pack 10 (for example, the Z-axis direction in FIG. 5). Each slit 331 may have a length L1 and a height h. A region extending along the outer contour line of the plurality of slits 331 may form the second communication hole 330. The second communication hole 330 may have a length L1 and a height h. The number of slits 331 is not limited to the five shown in the drawing, and the number of slits 331 may be four or less or six or more.

[0078] The area of the second communication hole 330 is larger than the area of the first communication hole 250. For example, the area of the first communication hole 250 may be 30% or more and 80% or less of the area of the second communication hole 330. When the area ratio is less than 30%, it is difficult to inject a sufficient amount of air from the first communication hole 250 into the second communication hole 330. When the first communication hole 250 and the second communication hole 330 are not properly aligned, it is difficult for air to flow smoothly into the case 200. When the area ratio exceeds 80%, during the leak inspection, the amount of air leaking from the second communication hole 330 to the first communication hole 250 is large, and it is also difficult to perform a smooth leak inspection.

[0079] With the case 200 surrounding the holder 100, the first communication hole 250 and the second communication hole 330 may be formed at corresponding positions with respect to each other (see FIG. 2). For example, at least a part of the first communication hole 250 may overlap with the second communication hole 330. For example, the center of the first communication hole 250 may be located inside the second communication hole 330.

[0080] The flow direction of air through the second communication hole 330 and the flow direction of air through the pocket 321 can be different from each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the direction of air flowing in from the second communication hole 330 and the direction of air flowing out from the pocket 321 can be different from each other. The direction of air flowing into the second communication hole 330 is also substantially in the thickness direction of the pocket 321 or substantially in the thickness direction of the battery pack 10 (for example, the Y-axis direction in FIG. 6). The direction of air flowing out from the pocket 321 is also substantially in the depth direction of the pocket 321 or substantially in the height direction of the battery pack 10 (for example, the Z-axis direction in FIG. 6). Here, "substantially" can include not only the case where air strictly moves in the said direction, but also the case where the amount of air moving relatively in the said direction is larger. The direction of air flowing in from the second communication hole 330 and the direction of air flowing out from the pocket 321 can intersect (for example, be perpendicular) to each other.

[0081] The ribs 340 can be located on both sides of the protrusion 320 to define the pocket 321. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the ribs 340 can be respectively located on both sides of the surface of the protrusion 320 facing the holder 100. The two ribs 340 and the protrusion 320 can define the pocket 321 inside. An opening 322 communicating with the pocket 321 can be formed between the two ribs 340.

[0082] The support 300 can include an upper support 300a and a lower support 300b.

[0083] The upper support 300a can be located on the upper holder 100a, and the lower support 300b can be located on the lower holder 100b. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the upper support 300a can be located adjacent to the upper edge of the upper holder 100a, and the lower support 300b can be located adjacent to the lower edge of the lower holder 100b. As shown in FIG. 4, the protrusion 320 and the second communication hole 330 can be formed in the lower support 300b. Or, the protrusion 320 and the second communication hole 330 can also be formed in the upper support 300a or can be formed only in the upper support 300a.

[0084] Connector 400 can connect holder 100 to an external device. For example, connector 400 may include wire 410 and terminal 420. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, wire 410 extends from one side (e.g., the bottom surface) of holder 100 and can be connected to the control board or BMS of battery pack 10. Also, wire 410 is connected to terminal 420, and terminal 420 can be connected to an external device.

[0085] Battery pack 10 may further include cover 600.

[0086] Cover 600 is detachable from case 200 and can cover the first communication hole 250 of case 200. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, after the leak inspection is completed, if it is confirmed that case 200 is properly sealed, cover 600 can be attached to the first communication hole 250. Cover 600 may include an adhesive on one side and have a size larger than that of the first communication hole 250. Cover 600 may include a material that allows air to pass through but does not allow moisture to pass through. For example, cover 600 may include a waterproof and moisture-permeable material through which air can pass. The portion of cover 600 corresponding to the first communication hole 250 may be made of a material that allows air to pass through but does not allow moisture to pass through. Therefore, cover 600 can allow air to flow through the first communication hole 250 in a state where case 200 is joined, prevent condensation from occurring inside case 200, and block moisture flowing in from the outside.

[0087] Cover 600 may include a large-diameter portion 610 and a small-diameter portion 620.

[0088] The large-diameter portion 610 is an area that adheres to the case 200 and may contain an adhesive on one side. The large-diameter portion 610 has an outer radius R1 and an inner radius R2 and is also in the shape of a donut with an opening on the inside. The small-diameter portion 620 is located in the inner opening of the large-diameter portion 610, and the inner radius R2 of the large-diameter portion 610 is larger than the radius of the first communication hole 250. In a state where the cover 600 is attached to the case 200 so as to correspond to the first communication hole 250, the large-diameter portion 610 does not cover the first communication hole 250. The large-diameter portion 610 is also made of a material through which neither moisture nor air can pass.

[0089] The small-diameter portion 620 is an area that corresponds to the first communication hole 250 and does not contain an adhesive. The small-diameter portion 620 is also made of a waterproof and moisture-permeable material through which air can pass. The small-diameter portion 620 has a radius R2 and can be located in the opening of the large-diameter portion 610. In a state where the cover 600 is attached to the case 200, the center of the small-diameter portion 620 can be located on the center of the first communication hole 250.

[0090] For example, the sealing and leak inspection of the battery pack 10 can be carried out as follows.

[0091] First, the holder 100 containing the battery cell 500 is placed in the case 200 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The support 300 is also attached to the holder 100. For example, the holder 100 is placed in the case 200 such that the first communication hole 250 of the case 200 corresponds to the second communication hole 330 of the support 300. Here, "correspond" means a state where the first communication hole 250 and the second communication hole 330 overlap each other, and for example, a state where the center of the first communication hole 250 is located inside the second communication hole 330.

[0092] Next, the case 200 is joined. After bringing the joint portions 240 into contact with each other with the connector 400 drawn out outside the opening 230 of the case 200, they can be joined. For example, the joint portions 240 can be joined via heat fusion. For example, with respect to the second portion 242 of the joint portion 240 corresponding to the connector 400 (the wire 420 of the connector 400), instead of heat fusion, an adhesive can be applied for joining. Also, heat fusion is possible with respect to the first portion 241 of the joint portion 240.

[0093] The joining can be carried out in a state where the pair of blade portions 220 do not overlap each other (see FIG. 7). For example, with the pair of blade portions 220 folded and separated from each other, the joint portions 240 can be brought into contact. At this time, the edges of the opening 230 can also come into contact with each other or become close. For example, while the case 200 is being folded in a direction in which the pair of second edges 232 come closer to each other, the joint portions 240 can be brought into contact.

[0094] Next, the case 200 is folded and fixed (see FIG. 9). For example, the blade portions 220 can be folded and fixed to the side surface of the case 200, and the remaining portion of the case 200 above the joint portion 240 can be folded and fixed. The fixing of the case 200 can be made of a tape or the like. Also, the joint portion 240 can be fixed in a folded state. For example, a part of the joint portion 240 can be located on the side surface of the holder 100, and the joint portion 240 can be fixed in a folded state such that the other part is located on the upper and lower surfaces of the holder 100.

[0095] Next, a leak inspection is carried out (see FIG. 10). With the first communication hole 250 and the second communication hole 330 corresponding, a nozzle N for injecting air is positioned at the first communication hole 250. Then, air can be injected into the nozzle N. The leak inspection can confirm the presence or absence of air leakage by measuring the internal pressure of the case 200 after a certain time has passed after injecting air at a certain level of pressure. If the measured internal pressure of the case 200 satisfies within the target range, it can be determined that the leak inspection has passed.

[0096] Next, attach the cover 600 to the case 200 (see Fig. 11). Position the small-diameter portion 620 of the cover 600 to correspond to the first communication hole 250, and the large-diameter portion 610 can be attached to the case 200 around the first communication hole 250. Since the cover 600 (the small-diameter portion 620 of the cover 600) allows air to pass through and includes a waterproof and moisture-permeable material, it can prevent the inflow of external moisture and foreign matter into the case 200 through the cover 600. Also, since air can pass through the cover 600, it can prevent the occurrence of condensation inside the case 200.

[0097] After inserting the holder 100 into the case 200, the battery pack 10 can be joined to prevent the inflow of moisture, dust, etc. into the case 200. The battery pack 10 joins the case 200 so that the blade portions 220 do not overlap each other, improving the joining quality and preventing the inflow of moisture from the outside into the case 200. The battery pack 10 can easily proceed with the leak inspection of the case 200 by using the first communication hole 250 of the case 200 and the second communication hole 330 formed in the support 300 attached to the holder 100.

[0098] Although the present invention has been described based on the illustrated embodiments, this is merely an example. Those with ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field will fully understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible from the embodiments. Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention must be determined based on the scope of the claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0099] 10 Battery pack 100 Holder 100a Upper holder 100b Lower holder 110 Opening 200 Case 210 Body 220 Blade portion 230 Opening 231 First edge 232 Second edge 240 Joint portion 241 Part 1 242 Part 2 250 First communication hole 300 Support 300a Upper support 300b and lower support 310 Main frame 320 Protrusion 321 Pocket 322 Opening 330 Second communication hole 340 Rib 400 Connector 410 Wire 420 Terminal 500 Battery cell 600 Cover 610 Large-diameter part 620 Small-diameter part

Claims

1. A plurality of battery cells, a holder that houses the plurality of battery cells therein, a connector connected to the plurality of battery cells, a flexible case that surrounds the holder and includes a first communication hole, a support attached to the holder and including a second communication hole, and a battery pack in which the flexible case is joined with the holder inserted therein, and the connector is drawn out to the outside of the flexible case.

2. The flexible case includes a body that surrounds the holder, an opening formed at an upper portion of the body through which the holder is inserted and removed, and a plurality of blade portions located outside the body, and the opening communicates with the body and is formed at an upper portion of the body, the battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the opening is joined such that a pair of the blade portions do not overlap each other.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein the opening is joined in a direction in which the pair of blade portions move away from each other.

4. The pair of blade portions are formed on one side and the other side of the body so as to face each other, the battery pack according to claim 2, wherein the opening includes a plurality of edges, and the edges not connected to the pair of blade portions are joined such that they are close to each other.

5. The flexible case includes a joint portion located along the periphery of the body, and the flexible case is joined along the joint portion, the battery pack according to claim 2.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the pair of blade portions are not joined to each other, and a plurality of surfaces of the body corresponding to the joint portion are joined to each other.

7. A portion of the joint portion through which the connector passes is not heat-sealed but joined by an adhesive, and the remaining portion of the joint portion is heat-sealed, the battery pack according to claim 5.

8. The support includes a main frame located on the holder, and a protrusion formed on the main frame, having the second communication hole formed on one surface thereof, and including a pocket communicating with the second communication hole and an opening defining an entrance of the pocket, the battery pack according to claim 1.

9. The main frame is located at an end portion of the holder in a height direction of the holder, the battery pack according to claim 8, wherein the protrusion extends toward a central portion in the height direction of the holder.

10. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein the opening is open toward an edge of the holder.

11. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein the length of the opening is longer than the length of the second communication hole, and the depth of the pocket is higher than the height of the main frame.

12. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein a flow direction of air flowing into the second communication hole and a flow direction of air flowing out of the pocket are different from each other.

13. The support extends from one surface of the holder and further includes a rib connected to the main frame, the rib is respectively located on both sides of the protrusion, and together with the protrusion, defines the pocket inside. The battery pack according to claim 8.

14. The support is an upper support mounted on one edge of a side surface of the holder, and a lower support mounted on the other edge of the side surface of the holder, spaced from the upper support, and including the second communication hole. The battery pack according to claim 1.

15. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the first communication hole and the second communication hole are in corresponding positions with the flexible case surrounding the holder.

16. The center of the first communication hole is inside the second communication hole, and the area of the first communication hole is smaller than the area of the second communication hole. The battery pack according to claim 15.

17. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the second communication hole includes a plurality of slits in a long hole shape.

18. The battery pack according to claim 17, wherein the plurality of slits are parallel to a longitudinal direction of the holder and are spaced from each other in a height direction of the holder.

19. The battery pack according to claim 15, further including a cover that allows air to pass through, includes a waterproof and moisture-permeable material, and is attached to the flexible case so as to correspond to the first communication hole.

20. The cover is a small-diameter portion that allows air to pass through, is made of a waterproof and moisture-permeable material, and is positioned such that the center corresponds to the center of the first communication hole, and a large-diameter portion that is located inside the small-diameter portion and is attached to the flexible case so as not to cover the first communication hole. The battery pack according to claim 19.

Images