Battery pack and method for forming battery pack

Abstract

To provide a battery pack and a method for forming a battery pack.SOLUTION: A battery pack may include a stack cell including a plurality of battery cells, a holder that surrounds the stack cell and includes a communication hole that exposes at least a part of the stack cell, a case that surrounds the holder, and an adhesive that fixes the stack cell, the holder, and the case altogether.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and a method of forming a battery pack. [Background technology]

[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. Depending on the type of external device to which it is applied, a secondary battery can be used in the form of a single battery cell, or in the form of a module or pack in which multiple battery cells are connected together to form a single unit.

[0003] The above information disclosed in the Background of the Invention section is intended solely to enhance understanding of the background of the present invention and may therefore include information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention relates to a battery pack and a method for forming the battery pack, which can improve the fixing force between the battery cell and the case.

[0005] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention that follows. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack and a method for forming a battery pack may include a stack cell including a plurality of battery cells, a holder surrounding the stack cell and including a communication hole exposing at least a portion of the stack cell, a case surrounding the holder and the stack cell, and an adhesive for fixing the holder and the case together.

[0007] The adhesive may secure the stack cell, the holder, and the case together around the at least one communication hole.

[0008] The at least one communication hole may have an elongated hole shape that is longer in any one of the lengthwise direction, widthwise direction, and heightwise direction of the holder.

[0009] The at least one communication hole may include a side hole formed on a side surface of the holder and a corner hole formed on an upper surface of the holder at a position corresponding to the side hole.

[0010] The side holes may be spaced apart from the center in the lengthwise direction of the holder, adjacent to corners of the holder, and have an elongated hole shape that is long in the lengthwise direction of the holder.

[0011] The side holes may be aligned in a longitudinal direction of the holder and spaced apart in a height direction of the holder, and the holder may further include a plurality of ribs formed between the side holes.

[0012] The adhesive injected into the corner holes may flow into the side holes to fix the stack cell, the holder, and the case together on the inner and outer surfaces of the holder around the side holes.

[0013] The holder may include a coupling surface formed on a side surface of the holder, and a first protrusion formed on the coupling surface.

[0014] The holder may further include a second protrusion formed adjacent to a corner of the holder, and the side hole may be located between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

[0015] The adhesive injected into the corner holes may flow into the side holes and be applied between or around the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

[0016] The coupling surfaces may be formed in plural on both sides of the holder, and the first protrusions may be formed in plural on both sides of the coupling surfaces and on the inner side of the coupling surfaces.

[0017] The at least one communication hole may include a rear hole formed on a rear surface of the holder and a rear hole formed on an upper surface of the holder.

[0018] The rear hole may be formed at a rear edge of the upper surface of the holder adjacent to the rear hole and may communicate with the rear hole.

[0019] The adhesive injected into the rear hole may flow into the rear hole and fix the stack cell, the holder, and the case together on the inner and outer surfaces of the holder around the rear hole.

[0020] The at least one communication hole may include a front hole formed in an upper surface of the holder, and the holder may include a slit formed in a front surface thereof into which a tab portion of the battery cell is inserted.

[0021] A method for forming a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include injecting an adhesive into at least one communication hole formed in a holder surrounding a stack cell including a plurality of battery cells, and the adhesive may flow into the battery pack to fix together the stack cell, the holder, and a case surrounding the holder.

[0022] The at least one communication hole may include a corner hole formed on the top surface of the holder and a side hole formed on the side of the holder, and adhesive injected into the corner hole may flow into the side hole to fix the stack cell, the holder, and the case together on the inner and outer surfaces of the holder around the side hole.

[0023] The at least one communication hole may include a rear hole formed on the rear surface of the holder and a rear hole formed on the top surface of the holder, and adhesive injected into the rear hole may flow into the rear hole and fix the stack cell, the holder, and the case together on the inner and outer surfaces of the holder around the rear hole. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] The battery packs and methods of forming the battery packs according to embodiments of the present invention may reduce damage to the stack cells, holder, and case by securing the stack cells, holder, and case together with adhesive.

[0025] However, the effects obtained through the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention to be given later, are intended to aid in understanding the technical concept of the present invention, and the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the matters described in the illustrated drawings. [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a view showing a case and a cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing a stack cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a stack cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram illustrating a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a view showing a holder seen from one direction according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] 10 is a view showing a holder seen from another direction according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a side view of a holder according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] 1 is a view showing a rear surface of a holder according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 11] 1 is a view showing a top surface of a holder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 1 is a view illustrating a state in which an adhesive is injected into a holder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 1 is a view illustrating a state in which an adhesive is injected into a holder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 1 is a view illustrating a state in which an adhesive is injected into a holder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 1 is a view illustrating a state in which an adhesive is injected into a holder according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The embodiments of the present invention can be understood by referring to the description of the invention and the drawings. The described embodiments may have various modifications and be embodied in other forms, and are not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, the features of the various embodiments of the present invention may be combined in part or in whole with each other. The embodiments may be implemented independently of each other or in conjunction with each other. The described embodiments are provided as examples to ensure the completeness and completeness of the present invention, and are intended to fully convey the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art. The present invention is susceptible to all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the concept and technical scope of the present invention. Therefore, processes, elements, and techniques that are unnecessary for those of ordinary skill in the art to fully understand the embodiments of the present invention will not be described.

[0028] Unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals, characters, or combinations thereof throughout the accompanying drawings and the specification indicate the same components, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted. In addition, in order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not relevant to the explanation will be omitted.

[0029] In the drawings, the relative sizes of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. The use of hatching and / or shading in the accompanying drawings is generally provided to clarify boundaries between adjacent elements. Therefore, the presence or absence of hatching or shading does not indicate desired forms or requirements regarding specific materials, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalities between pictorial elements, and / or other properties, attributes, etc. of elements unless specified.

[0030] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Therefore, the shapes of the drawings may vary as a result of, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Furthermore, specific structural or functional descriptions disclosed herein are merely examples for describing embodiments according to the concepts of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limited to the shapes of the illustrated regions, and include, for example, deviations in shapes due to manufacturing.

[0031] The regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate or limit the actual shapes of device regions. Moreover, as one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, the illustrated embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

[0032] In this specification, numerous specific details are presented to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments. However, various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details, or with one or more of these details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various embodiments.

[0033] For convenience of description, spatially relative terms such as "below," "above," "lower," and "upper" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as illustrated in the drawings. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass the orientation depicted in the drawings as well as various orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings were inverted, other elements or features described as "below" or "lower" would be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary terms "below" and "lower" encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptions used herein should be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, when a first portion is described as being "above" a second portion, this means that the first portion is positioned above or below the second portion.

[0034] Furthermore, the term "plan view" means that an object is viewed from above, and the term "in schematic cross section" means that an object is cut vertically to form a schematic cross section. The term "side view" means that a first object is located above, below, or to the side of a second object, or vice versa. Furthermore, the terms "overlapping" and "superimposing" may include terms such as layer, laminate, surface, extension, covering, partially covering, or any other suitable term that can be understood and appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The term "not overlapping" may include meanings such as "apart from" or "spaced apart from" and any other suitable equivalents that can be recognized and understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The terms "surface" and "surface" mean that a first object may directly or indirectly face a second object. If a third object is present between the first and second objects, the first and second objects may also be understood as facing each other, but indirectly facing each other.

[0035] When an element, layer, region, or component is referred to as being "formed," "coupled," or "bonded" to another element, layer, region, or component, it can be directly formed on the element, layer, region, or component, formed on the other element, layer, region, or component, or indirectly formed, coupled, or bonded to the other element, layer, region, or component. Also, "formed," "coupled," or "bonded" can refer collectively to direct or indirect bonding or coupling of elements, layers, regions, or components, and integral or non-integral bonding or coupling, such that one or more elements, layers, regions, or components are present. For example, when an element, layer, region, or component is referred to as being "electrically coupled" or "electrically coupled" to another element, layer, region, or component, this means that the other element, layer, region, or component is directly electrically coupled or bonded to the other element, layer, region, or component, or the other element, layer, region, or component may be present. However, "directly coupled" or "directly bonded" means that one component is directly coupled or bonded to or on the other component, without intermediate components. Furthermore, in this specification, when a part of a layer, film, region, guide plate, etc. is formed on another part, the forming direction is not limited to above, but also includes forming the part on the side or bottom. Conversely, when a part of a layer, film, region, guide plate, etc. is formed "under" another part, it includes not only when the part is "directly below" the other part, but also when there is another part between the part and the other part. Meanwhile, other expressions describing the relationship between components, such as "between," "immediately between," "adjacent to," and "immediately adjacent to," can be interpreted similarly. Furthermore, when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, this may be the only element between the two elements or layers, or there may be other elements between them.

[0036] For purposes of this specification, phrases 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," or "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, phrases 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. As used herein, the term "and / or" generally includes all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, phrases such as "A and / or B" may include A, B, or A and B.

[0037] Terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, but such elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections are not limited by such terms. Such terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section described below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Describing an element as a “first” element does not require or imply the presence of a second element or other elements. Terms such as “first” and “second” may be used herein to distinguish between different categories or sets of elements. For clarity, terms such as “first” and “second” may refer to a “first category (or first set),” a “second category (or second set),” etc., respectively.

[0038] The terms used in this application are used only to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used in this specification, the singular term "a," "an," or "an" is intended to include the plural term, and the plural term is also intended to include the singular term, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. When used in this specification, the terms "comprise," "comprise," and "have" are meant to specify the presence of specified features, integers, or steps. These terms do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0039] When one or more embodiments are implemented differently, the order of certain processes may be performed differently than that described, for example, two steps described as successive may be performed substantially simultaneously or may be performed in the reverse order of that described.

[0040] The terms "substantially," "about," "approximately," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation, rather than terms of degree, and mean to satisfy a range of inherent variation (e.g., a range of variation due to the limitations of a measurement system) of a measured or calculated value. For example, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, or ±5% of a stated value.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and / or this specification, and should not be interpreted as idealized or overly formal unless explicitly defined herein.

[0042] FIG. 1 shows a battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 shows a case 300 and a cover 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 shows a stack cell 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 shows an exploded perspective view of the stack cell 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 shows a battery cell 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 shows a holder 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed from one direction, FIG. 8 shows a holder 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed from another direction, FIG. 9 shows a side view of the holder 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 shows a back view of the holder 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 shows a top view of the holder 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] The battery pack 10 refers to a battery assembly that supports a stack cell 100, which is a group of battery cells 110, to protect the battery cells 110 from external impact, heat, vibration, etc. The battery pack 10 may include a plurality of rectangular, pouch-shaped, or cylindrical battery cells 110. The following description focuses on a case where the battery pack 10 includes a stack cell 100 including a plurality of pouch-shaped battery cells 110. The battery pack 10 may be applied to large applications such as ESS or small applications such as power tools. Alternatively, the battery pack 10 may be applied to an electric vehicle. The battery pack 10 may be used alone or electrically connected to another battery pack 10. For example, the battery pack 10 may include a stack cell 100 including a plurality of battery cells 110, a holder 200 surrounding the stack cell 100 and including a communication hole 210 exposing at least a portion of the stack cell 100, a case 300 surrounding the holder 200, and an adhesive G fixing the stack cell 100, the holder 200, and the case 300 together. The adhesive G may fix the stack cell 100, the holder 200, and the case 300 together around the communication hole 210.

[0044] The battery pack 10 may include a stack cell 100 , a holder 200 , a case 300 , a cover 400 , a fixing tape 500 , and a support 600 .

[0045] The stack cell 100 may also be an assembly of a plurality of battery cells 110. The stack cell 100 may be supported on a holder 200 by an adhesive G. The stack cell 100 may include battery cells 110, tab portions 120, support members 130, spacing members 140, and fixing members 150.

[0046] The battery cells 110 may be pouch-shaped battery cells and may be stacked in the height direction of the battery pack 10 (e.g., the Z-axis direction in FIG. 4 ) to form the stack cell 100. A plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked individually in the height direction of the battery pack 10 while separated from each other. Alternatively, a plurality of battery cells 110 may be connected in one direction and be folded toward each other to be stacked in the height direction of the battery pack 10. Although FIG. 4 illustrates an example in which the stack cell 100 includes seven battery cells 110, the number of battery cells 110 is not limited to seven. For example, the number of battery cells 110 included in the stack cell 100 may be two to six or eight or more. The battery cells 110 may be formed by winding and / or stacking an electrode assembly in which a separator is disposed between a negative electrode layer and a positive electrode layer.

[0047] The battery cell 110 may include an electrode assembly 111 and a housing 112 .

[0048] The electrode assembly 111 may be manufactured in a jellyroll form by winding a separator 1113 disposed between a first electrode plate 1111 and a second electrode plate 1112. Alternatively, the electrode assembly 111 may be manufactured in a stack form by stacking a plurality of first electrode plates 1111 and second electrode plates 1112 with separators 1113 disposed between them. Alternatively, the electrode assembly 111 may be manufactured using both a jellyroll and a stack.

[0049] The first electrode plate 1111 includes a first active material coated portion formed by intermittently coating a first active material on a first substrate, which is a sheet-shaped conductive material, and a first uncoated portion where the first active material is not coated and the first substrate is exposed. For example, the first electrode plate 1111 can also be a negative electrode plate, and the first active material can be a carbon material such as crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, carbon composite, or carbon fiber, or a negative electrode active material including lithium metal or a lithium alloy.

[0050] The second electrode plate 1112 has a polarity different from that of the first electrode plate 1111 and includes a second active material coated portion formed by intermittently coating a second active material on a second substrate, which is a sheet-shaped conductive material, and a second uncoated portion where the second active material is not coated and the second substrate is exposed. For example, the second electrode plate 1112 can also be a positive electrode plate, and the second active material can be a lithium-containing positive electrode active material such as LiCoO2, LiNiO2, LiMnO2, LiMn2O4, LiNi1-x-yCoxMyO2 (where M is a metal) or LFP (LiFePO4).

[0051] The separator 1113 is disposed between the first electrode plate 1111 and the second electrode plate 1112. The separator 1113 insulates the first electrode plate 1111 and the second electrode plate 1112 and allows lithium ions to be exchanged between the first electrode plate 1111 and the second electrode plate 1112. The separator 1113 may have a length sufficient to completely insulate the first electrode plate 1111 and the second electrode plate 1112 even if the electrode assembly 111 contracts or expands during charging and discharging of the battery cell 110.

[0052] The tab portion 120 may include a cell tab 121 and a film portion 122 .

[0053] The cell tabs 121 may be disposed on the first electrode plate 1111 and the second electrode plate 1112, respectively, and may protrude from one side. For example, a pair of cell tabs 121 may be provided corresponding to the first electrode plate 1111 and the second electrode plate 1112. The cell tabs 121 may be electrically connected to one side of the first uncoated portion of the first electrode plate 1111 and extend toward the outside of the electrode assembly 111. The cell tabs 121 may also be electrically connected to one side of the second uncoated portion of the second electrode plate 1112 and extend toward the outside of the electrode assembly 111.

[0054] A film portion 122 may be disposed on the cell tab 121. The film portion 122 may be disposed on one side of the cell tab 121 or may be disposed to surround the cell tab 121. The film portion 122 may seal the cell tab 121 exposed to the outside of the electrode assembly 111. For example, to prevent the cell tab 121 from coming into contact with a metal layer exposed at an end of the sealing portion 1124 of the housing 112 and causing a short circuit, the film portion 122 may be heat-sealed to the sealing portion 1124 to tightly bond the cell tab 121 and the sealing portion 1124.

[0055] The housing 112 forms the exterior of the battery cell 110, and the electrode assembly 111 is disposed inside. The shape and size of the housing 112 are not particularly limited, and the housing 112 has a shape and size corresponding to that of the electrode assembly 111. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the housing 112 may have a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape. Alternatively, the housing 112 may have a polyhedron or a cylindrical shape.

[0056] The housing 112 may include a cover 1121 , a lower housing 1122 , an interior space 1123 , and a sealing portion 1124 .

[0057] The lower housing 1122 has an internal space 1123 having a dimension larger than that of the electrode assembly 111, and the electrode assembly 111 can be inserted into the internal space 1123. The cover 1121 can be openably connected to the upper surface of the lower housing 1122 to cover the electrode assembly 111 when it is inserted into the internal space 1123.

[0058] The sealing portion 1124 may be disposed along an upper edge of the lower housing 1122. When the electrode assembly 111 is housed inside the lower housing 1122, a portion of the tab portion 120 may be exposed to the outside of the housing 112. The film portion 122 provided on the tab portion 120 may be disposed between the cover 1121 and the lower housing 1122 at a position corresponding to the sealing portion 1124. As a result, a battery cell 110 in which the electrode assembly 111 is housed in the lower housing 1122 may be formed.

[0059] Each battery cell 110 may include one or more tab portions 120. The tab portions 120 may extend from the battery cell 110 and be connected to a board tab of a protection circuit module or the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, one battery cell 110 may include two tab portions 120. The two tab portions 120 may be connected to a first electrode plate 1111 and a second electrode plate 1112 of the battery cell 110, respectively.

[0060] The support member 130 may be located on one side of the battery cell 110 to support the tab portion 120. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the support member 130 may be located on a terrace on one surface of the battery cell 110 (e.g., the front surface in the X-axis direction in FIG. 4). One support member 130 may be located for every two battery cells 110 adjacent in the height direction of the battery pack 10 to support the tab portion 120 of each battery cell 110. The support member 130 has a rod shape and may support the tab portion 120 to prevent it from being excessively bent or damaged.

[0061] One or more spacing members 140 may be included in the stack cell 100. For example, one spacing member 140 may be located for every two battery cells 110. The spacing members 140 may separate adjacent battery cells 110 from each other to prevent expansion of one battery cell 110 from pressurizing or damaging the other battery cells 110. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , the spacing members 140 may include openings on their inside. The openings of the spacing members 140 may be located at the centers of the battery cells 110 to form empty spaces between adjacent battery cells 110. Therefore, even if the center of one battery cell 110 expands, the center of the battery cell 110 may not come into contact with the other battery cells 110, or the force applying pressure to the other battery cells 110 may be reduced.

[0062] The fixing member 150 may be positioned between two adjacent battery cells 110 to fix the two battery cells 110 to each other. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , one side of the fixing member 150 may be attached to the upper or lower surface of one battery cell 110 and the other side may be attached to the upper or lower surface of the opposing battery cell 110 to fix the two battery cells 110 adjacent in the height direction to each other. The fixing member 150 may be positioned at the center of the battery cell 110 and may be smaller in size than the battery cell 110. For example, the fixing member 150 may be positioned inside the battery cell 110 in the length direction (e.g., the X-axis direction in FIG. 4 ) and / or the width direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction in FIG. 4 ) of the stack cell 100. The fixing member 150 may have a polygonal shape, such as a triangle or a rectangle, or may be circular or elliptical. The fixing member 150 may have an adhesive material applied to both sides.

[0063] For example, the stack cell 100 may include a plurality of (e.g., seven) battery cells 110. The plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked in the height direction of the battery pack 10 (e.g., the Z-axis direction in FIG. 4), and each battery cell 110 may include a plurality of (e.g., two) tab portions 120. One support member 130 may be located on each terrace of two battery cells 110 adjacent in the height direction, and each support member 130 may support a plurality of tab portions 120. A spacing member 140 and a fixing member 150 may be located between the battery cells 110. For example, the spacing member 140 and the fixing member 150 may be located at different levels. That is, the spacing member 140 and the fixing member 150 may be alternately located and may not be located between two equal battery cells 110. For example, if a spacing member 140 is positioned between any one battery cell 110 and a battery cell 110 adjacent to the battery cell 110 in one direction, a fixing member 150 may be positioned between the battery cell 110 and a battery cell 110 adjacent to the battery cell 110 in the other direction.

[0064] The holder 200 may be connected to the case 300 and support the stack cell 100. The holder 200 prevents the stack cell 100 from colliding with the case 300 and being damaged. The holder 200 may be accommodated in the accommodation space 310 of the case 300 with the stack cell 100 accommodated therein. One side of the holder 200 (e.g., the bottom surface facing the inner bottom surface of the case 300) may be open. Therefore, when the stack cell 100 is accommodated in the holder 200, the fixing tape 500 attached to the bottom surface of the stack cell 100 may come into contact with the inner bottom surface of the case 300. The holder 200 may be connected to the stack cell 100 and the case 300 by an adhesive G.

[0065] The holder 200 may include a communication hole 210 , a front slit 220 , a rib 230 , a coupling surface 240 , a first protrusion 250 , and a second protrusion 260 .

[0066] One or more communication holes 210 may be formed in the holder 200 to communicate the inside and outside of the holder 200. Adhesive G may be injected through the communication holes 210, or the injected adhesive G may migrate to the stack cell 100 and the case 300. The stack cell 100, the holder 200, and the case 300 may be fixed to one another by the adhesive G around the communication holes 210. One or more communication holes 210 may be formed in at least one of the top surface 200a, the side surface 200b, the front surface 200c, and the rear surface 200d of the holder 200. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 , based on the four corner portions C of the holder 200, one surface in the X-axis direction is the front surface 200c, and two surfaces connected to both sides of the front surface 200c are the side surfaces 200b. Furthermore, the surface opposite the front surface 200c is the rear surface 200d, and one surface in the Z-axis direction is the top surface 200a. The communication hole 210 has an elongated hole shape that is longer in any one of the longitudinal direction, width direction, and height direction of the holder 200 .

[0067] The communication holes 210 may include side holes 211 , rear holes 212 , rear holes 213 , corner holes 214 , and front holes 215 .

[0068] The side holes 211 may be formed on one side of the holder 200. For example, the side holes 211 may be formed on at least one of the two side surfaces 200b of the holder 200. The side holes 211 may be formed adjacent to a corner portion C of the holder 200. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the side holes 211 may extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the holder 200 (e.g., the X-axis direction in FIG. 7) and be spaced apart in the height direction of the holder 200 (e.g., the Z-axis direction in FIG. 7). Each side hole 211 may have an elongated hole shape that is long in the longitudinal direction of the holder 200 and may be located between the first protrusion 250 and the second protrusion 260. The side holes 211 may also be formed at positions corresponding to the corner holes 214. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, in a side view of the holder 200, an imaginary line extending through the centers of the side holes 211 adjacent to any one of the corner portions C passes through the corresponding corner hole 214. Alternatively, the plurality of side holes 211 adjacent to any one corner portion C may be positioned inward relative to the corresponding corner hole 214 in the longitudinal direction of the holder 200 (e.g., the X-axis direction in FIG. 7). Alternatively, the plurality of side holes 211 adjacent to any one corner portion C may overlap the corresponding corner hole 214 in the height direction of the holder 200 (e.g., the Z-axis direction in FIG. 7). Therefore, when adhesive G is injected into the corner hole 214, the injected adhesive G may move downward due to its own weight and be applied to the inside and outside of the plurality of side holes 211. Then, the stack cell 100, the holder 200, and the case 300 may be fixed together on the inner and outer surfaces of the holder 200 around the side holes 211.

[0069] The side holes 211 may have a length L1 in the longitudinal direction of the holder 200 (e.g., the X-axis direction in FIG. 9) and a height H1 in the height direction of the holder 200 (e.g., the Z-axis direction in FIG. 9). The length L1 of the side holes 211 may be equal to or shorter than the length of the corner holes 214. This may prevent the adhesive G that moves through the side holes 211 from being applied to an excessively wide area. Although the number of side holes 211 is shown as six in the drawings, the number may be five or less or seven or more. The side holes 211 are spaced from the center in the longitudinal direction of the holder 200, formed adjacent to corner portions C of the holder 200, and have an oblong shape that is long in the longitudinal direction of the holder 200.

[0070] The side hole 211 is located between the first protrusion 250 and the second protrusion 260, and therefore can prevent the adhesive G that flows in through the side hole 211 and spills onto the side surface 200b of the holder 200 from flowing to other areas of the side surface 200b. This prevents other areas of the holder 200 from being contaminated by the adhesive G, and can firmly secure the stack cell 100, the holder 200, and the case 300 at the position where the side hole 211 is formed.

[0071] One or more rear holes 212 may be formed in the rear surface 200d of the holder 200. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, two rear holes 212 may be formed in the rear surface 200d of the holder 200, and the two rear holes 212 may be spaced apart in the width direction of the holder 200 (e.g., the Y-axis direction in FIG. 8). The rear holes 212 are also regions where the stack cell 100, the holder 200, and the case 300 are fixed together with adhesive G. For example, the rear holes 212 are connected to the rear holes 213, and adhesive G injected from the rear holes 213 flows into the rear holes 212, so that the stack cell 100, the holder 200, and the case 300 are fixed together with adhesive G on the inner and outer surfaces of the holder 200 around the rear holes 212. The rear holes 212 may be located between two adjacent corner portions C.

[0072] The rear hole 212 may have a width W2 in the width direction of the holder 200 (e.g., the Y-axis direction in FIG. 10) and a height H2 in the height direction of the holder 200 (e.g., the Z-axis direction in FIG. 10). Although the drawing shows two rear holes 212, the number may be one or three or more.

[0073] One or more rear holes 213 may be formed in the holder 200 to communicate with the rear holes 212. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the rear holes 213 may be formed on the upper surface 200a of the holder 200 at positions corresponding to the respective rear holes 212. For example, two rear holes 213 may be formed on the rear edge of the upper surface 200a. The rear holes 213 are inlets through which adhesive G is injected, and the injected adhesive G may move to the rear holes 212 to connect the stack cell 100 and the holder 200 and connect the holder 200 and the case 300. The rear edges of the rear holes 213 may be connected to the rear holes 212.

[0074] One or more corner holes 214 may be formed to correspond to the corner portions C of the holder 200. The corner holes 214 are inlets through which adhesive G is injected, and the injected adhesive G may flow into the side holes 211. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, one corner hole 214 may be formed at each of the four corner portions C of the holder 200. The corner holes 214 may be formed across the top surface 200a, the side surface 200b, and the front surface 200c around the corner portion C, or across the top surface 200a, the side surface 200b, and the rear surface 200d around the corner portion C. The corner holes 214 may be located outward in the width direction of the holder 200 from the rear hole 213 and higher in the height direction of the holder 200 from the side holes 211. The corner holes 214 may be formed on the top surface 200a of the holder 200 at positions corresponding to the side holes 211.

[0075] The corner hole 214 may have a length L3 in the longitudinal direction of the holder 200 (e.g., the X-axis direction in FIG. 11) and a width W3 in the width direction of the holder 200 (e.g., the Y-axis direction in FIG. 11). The length L3 of the corner hole 214 is the same as or longer than the length L1 of the side hole 211.

[0076] One or more front holes 215 may be formed on one side of the holder 200. For example, one front hole 215 may be formed on the top side of the holder 200 adjacent to the front slit 220. If necessary, the front hole 215 may also serve as an inlet through which adhesive G is injected. The injected adhesive G may fix the support member 130 to the front side of the stack cell 100, for example, the terrace of the stack cell 100 or the tab portion 120 of the stack cell 100, to the front side of the holder 200 or around the front slit 220. Alternatively, if necessary, wiring connected to the stack cell 100 may pass through the front hole 215. The front hole 215 may be located between two side holes 211 adjacent to each other in the width direction of the holder 200.

[0077] One or more front slits 220 may be formed on the front surface 200c of the holder 200 to correspond to the front opening 320 of the case 300. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the front slits 220 may extend in the width direction of the holder 200 (e.g., the Y-axis direction in FIG. 7) on the front surface 200c of the holder 200. The tab portions 120 of the battery cells 110 may protrude from each front slit 220 to the outside of the holder 200 and the case 300.

[0078] One or more ribs 230 may be formed on both side surfaces 200b of the holder 200 and positioned adjacent to the side holes 211. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 , the rib 230 may be formed between two adjacent side holes 211. When the adhesive G injected into the corner holes 214 flows into or out of the holder 200 through the side holes 211, the ribs 230 may distribute the adhesive G evenly around the side holes 211, thereby preventing excessive adhesive G from leaking out of the holder 200. In addition, the ribs 230 may increase the rigidity of the side surfaces 200b of the holder 200 in which the side holes 211 are formed. The ribs 230 may be formed adjacent to the corner portions C and positioned between the first protrusions 250 and the second protrusions 260.

[0079] The coupling surface 240 is formed on one or more of both side surfaces 200b of the holder 200 and is also a region where the holder 200 and the case 300 are coupled together. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 , the coupling surface 240 is a region defined on the side surface 200b of the holder 200 by a plurality of first protrusions 250, and two coupling surfaces 240 may be formed on one side surface 200b. The protrusions 330 of the case 300 may be coupled to the coupling surfaces 240. For example, when the holder 200 is inserted into the case 300 from above to below, the protrusions 330 slide and are inserted into the respective coupling surfaces 240, and the first protrusions 250 are positioned between the two protrusions 330, thereby coupling the holder 200 and the case 300 together.

[0080] The first protrusions 250 may be formed on both side surfaces 200b of the holder 200. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of first protrusions 250 may be formed on both sides of the coupling surface 240 and on the inside of the coupling surface 240. The first protrusions 250 may extend in the height direction on the side surfaces 200b of the holder 200 to define and separate the coupling surface 240. The first protrusions 250 may also be inserted into the insertion grooves 340 to couple the holder 200 to the case 300. For example, three first protrusions 250 may be formed on one side surface 200b. The coupling surface 240 may be defined between two first protrusions 250 located at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the holder 200 (e.g., the X-axis direction in FIG. 7), and the first protrusion 250 located in the middle may separate the coupling surface 240 into two parts. In addition, the first protrusion 250 located in the middle may be inserted into the insertion groove 340 to connect the holder 200 and the case 300. On each coupling surface 240, two first protrusions 250 may be located at both ends, and one first protrusion 250 may be located between the two first protrusions 250.

[0081] One or more second protrusions 260 may be formed adjacent to corner portions C of the holder 200. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, one second protrusion 260 may be formed adjacent to each corner portion C. The second protrusions 260 may extend in the height direction of the holder 200 (e.g., the Z-axis direction in FIG. 7). The second protrusions 260, together with the first protrusions 250, define the area where the side holes 211 are formed, and act as a partition to prevent the adhesive G flowing through the side holes 211 from flowing excessively into other areas.

[0082] The case 300 may support other components of the battery pack 10 (e.g., the stack cell 100, the holder 200, the cover 400, the fixing tape 500, and the support 600). The stack cell 100 and the holder 200 may be positioned in the internal space of the case 300, and the fixing tape 500 may be positioned on the inner lower surface of the case 300 to fix the stack cell 100 to the case 300. In addition, the cover 400 may be detachably positioned on the case 300. With the stack cell 100 and the holder 200 positioned in the case 300, the fixing tape 500 may be positioned on the upper surface of the stack cell 100, and the cover 400 may cover the upper part of the case 300, and the fixing tape 500 may be attached to the cover 400. The case 300 may be connected to the holder 200 with adhesive G.

[0083] The case 300 may include an accommodating space 310 , a front opening 320 , a protrusion 330 , and an insertion groove 340 .

[0084] The accommodating space 310 is a space formed inside the case 300, and may accommodate the stack cell 100, the holder 200, etc. When the stack cell 100 is accommodated in the accommodating space 310, a portion of the stack cell 100 (e.g., the tab portion 120) may protrude outside the accommodating space 310. The accommodating space 310 may be opened and closed by a cover 400.

[0085] The front opening 320 may be formed on the front surface of the case 300 (e.g., one surface in the X-axis direction in FIG. 3). When the stack cell 100 is positioned in the receiving space 310, the tab portion 120 may protrude outward from the front opening 320. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, two front openings 320 may be formed to correspond to the tab portions 120 of the respective battery cells 110.

[0086] One or more protrusions 330 are formed on the case 300 to aid in coupling of the holder 200 and the case 300. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the protrusions 330 are formed on the inner side of the case 300 and extend toward the receiving space 310. The protrusions 330 may further protrude from the inner side of the case 300 toward the receiving space 310, and a plurality of protrusions (e.g., two) may be formed on each side. The protrusions 330 may be inserted into the coupling surface 240 of the holder 200 to support the holder 200 and the case 300.

[0087] One or more insertion grooves 340 may be formed in the case 300 to facilitate coupling of the holder 200 and the case 300. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the insertion groove 340 may be formed on an inner side surface of the case 300 and extend toward the receiving space 310. The insertion groove 340 may protrude further from the inner side surface of the case 300 toward the receiving space 310, with one insertion groove 340 formed on each side surface. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the insertion groove 340 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the battery pack 10 (e.g., the Z-axis direction in FIG. 3) between two protrusions 330. One of the first protrusions 250 of the holder 200 may be inserted into the insertion groove 340, thereby fixing the holder 200 to the case 300.

[0088] The cover 400 opens and closes the receiving space 310 of the case 300 and may be attached to and detached from the case 300. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the cover 400 may cover the top of the case 300 when the stack cell 100 and the holder 200 are positioned in the case 300. Alternatively, the cover 400 may be rotatably connected to the case 300 via a hinge or the like.

[0089] The fixing tape 500 may fix the stack cell 100 to the holder 200 and the case 300. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , the fixing tape 500 may be located on the upper and lower surfaces of the stack cell 100, respectively, to fix the upper surface of the stack cell 100 to the inner upper surface of the holder 200 and fix the lower surface of the stack cell 100 to the inner bottom surface of the case 300. The fixing tape 500 may be located on the center of the stack cell 100. Although the drawing shows a case where two fixing tapes 500 are provided, two or more fixing tapes 500 may be provided on each of the upper and lower surfaces of the stack cell 100.

[0090] The support 600 may prevent the stack cell 100 from coming into contact with the holder 200 and being damaged when the battery pack 10 is vibrated or broken. For example, the support 600 may be located between the stack cell 100 and the holder 200. One support 600 is located corresponding to each side of the stack cell 100, with one side facing the side of the stack cell 100 and the other side facing the inner side of the holder 200. The height of the support 600 is the same as or lower than the height of the stack cell 100.

[0091] 12 to 15 show the holder 200 in a state where the adhesive G has been injected.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 12 , adhesive G is injected into the corner holes 214, and the injected adhesive G may move downward due to its own weight. As the adhesive G moves along the inside of the side surface 200b of the holder 200, some of the adhesive G may flow to the outside of the side surface 200b through the side holes 211, and the remaining part of the adhesive G may flow to the inside of the side surface 200b. Adhesive G having a certain degree of viscosity may remain applied around a plurality of side surfaces 211 as shown in FIG. 12 . For example, as shown in FIG. 13 , adhesive G may be applied to the inside and outside of the holder 200 based on the corner holes 214. Therefore, the stack cell 100 positioned inside the holder 200 may be fixed to the holder 200, and the holder 200 may be fixed to the case 300 positioned outside the holder 200. The stack cell 100, the holder 200, and the case 300 may be fixed around the side surfaces 211 by the adhesive G. Therefore, even if the battery pack 10 shakes or receives an external impact, the stack cell 100, the holder 200, and the case 300 are fixed to each other, preventing the stack cell 100 from colliding with the holder 200 or the holder 200 from colliding with the case 300.

[0093] The adhesive G injected into the corner hole 214 may be applied to the region between the first protrusion 250 and the second protrusion 260 or the region therearound. For example, as shown in FIG. 13 , the adhesive G injected into the corner hole 214 may partially flow out of the holder 200 through the side holes 211 and be applied between the first protrusion 250 and the second protrusion 260 or the region therearound. For example, FIG. 12 may show a state in which the adhesive G injected into the corner hole 214 is applied to the region between the first protrusion 250 and the second protrusion 260. Here, the "region between the first protrusion 250 and the second protrusion 260" may include the first protrusion 250 and the second protrusion 260. For example, FIG. 13 may show a state in which the adhesive G injected into the corner hole 214 is applied to the region around the first protrusion 250 and the second protrusion 260. Here, the "area surrounding the first protrusion 250 and the second protrusion 260" may include the ends of the first protrusion 250 and the second protrusion 260 on the outer side in the longitudinal direction of the holder 200 or the area surrounding them.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 14, adhesive G is injected into the rear holes 213, and the injected adhesive G may move downward due to its own weight. Some of the adhesive G may flow to the outside of the rear surface 200d through the rear holes 212, and the remaining part may flow to the inside of the rear surface 200d. Adhesive G having a certain degree of viscosity may remain applied around a plurality of rear holes 212 as shown in FIG. 14. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, adhesive G may be applied to the inside and outside of the holder 200 based on the rear holes 212. Therefore, the stack cell 100 positioned inside the holder 200 may be fixed to the holder 200, and the holder 200 may be fixed to the case 300 positioned outside the holder 200. The stack cell 100, holder 200, and case 300 may be fixed around the rear holes 212 by adhesive G. Therefore, even if the battery pack 10 shakes or receives an external impact, the stack cell 100, the holder 200, and the case 300 are fixed to each other, preventing the stack cell 100 from colliding with the holder 200 or the holder 200 from colliding with the case 300.

[0095] While the present invention has been described based on the embodiments shown in the drawings, these are merely examples. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible from the embodiments. Therefore, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined based on the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 10 Battery pack 100 stack cells 110 battery cells 111 Electrode assembly 112 Housing 1111 1st plate 1112 2nd plate 1113 Separator 1121 Cover 1122 Lower housing 1123 Interior Space 1124 Sealing part 120 Tab section 121 Cell Tab 122 Film Section 130 Support member 140 Separation member 150 Fixing member 200 holder 200a top 200b side 200c front 200d back 210 Connecting Hole 211 Side Hall 212 Back Hall 213 Rear Hall 214 Corner Hole 215 Front Hall 220 Front slit 230 Ribs 240 Bonding surface 250 1st protrusion 260 2nd protrusion 300 cases 310 Containment Space 320 Front opening 330 Protrusion 340 Insertion groove 400 Cover 500 Fixing Tape 600 Support C corner part G. Adhesive

Claims

1. a stack cell including a plurality of battery cells; a holder surrounding the stack cell and including at least one communication hole exposing at least a portion of the stack cell; a case surrounding the holder; an adhesive that secures the stack cell, the holder, and the case together.

2. The battery pack of claim 1 , wherein the adhesive secures the stack cell, the holder, and the case together around the at least one communication hole.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one communication hole has an elongated shape that is longer in any one of a lengthwise direction, a widthwise direction, and a heightwise direction of the holder.

4. The at least one communication hole is a side hole formed in a side surface of the holder; The battery pack of claim 1 , further comprising: corner holes formed on the upper surface of the holder at positions corresponding to the side holes.

5. The battery pack of claim 4 , wherein the side hole is spaced from the center in the longitudinal direction of the holder, is formed adjacent to a corner of the holder, and has an elongated hole shape that is long in the longitudinal direction of the holder.

6. The plurality of side holes are formed in parallel in the longitudinal direction of the holder and spaced apart in the height direction of the holder, the holder further includes a plurality of ribs formed between the plurality of side holes; The battery pack according to claim 5 , wherein the corner holes have a length equal to or longer than a length of the side holes.

7. 5. The battery pack of claim 4, wherein the adhesive injected into the corner holes flows into the side holes to fix the stack cells, the holder, and the case together on inner and outer surfaces of the holder around the side holes.

8. The holder is a coupling surface formed on a side surface of the holder; a first protrusion formed on the bonding surface, The battery pack according to claim 4 , wherein the side hole is positioned outward of the first protrusion in the longitudinal direction of the holder.

9. The holder further includes a second protrusion formed adjacent to a corner portion of the holder, The battery pack according to claim 8 , wherein the side hole is located between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

10. The battery pack of claim 9 , wherein the adhesive injected into the corner holes flows into the side holes and is applied between or around the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

11. The coupling surfaces are formed in plural on both sides of the holder, The first protrusions are formed in plurality on both sides of the coupling surface and on an inner side of the coupling surface, The case has a protrusion on an inner surface thereof that is connected to the coupling surface; The battery pack of claim 8 , further comprising: an insertion groove formed on an inner side of the coupling surface, into which the first protrusion is inserted.

12. The at least one communication hole is a rear hole formed on the rear surface of the holder; The battery pack of claim 1 , further comprising: a rear hole formed in an upper surface of the holder.

13. The battery pack according to claim 12 , wherein the rear hole is formed in a rear edge of the upper surface of the holder adjacent to the rear hole and communicates with the rear hole.

14. The battery pack of claim 12, wherein the adhesive injected into the rear hole flows into the rear hole and fixes the stack cell, the holder, and the case together on the inner and outer surfaces of the holder around the rear hole.

15. the at least one communication hole includes a front hole formed in an upper surface of the holder; The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the holder includes a slit formed on a front surface thereof into which the tab portion of the battery cell is inserted.

16. 1. A method for forming a battery pack including a holder surrounding a stack cell including a plurality of battery cells, the method comprising: injecting an adhesive into at least one communication hole formed in the holder; The adhesive is flowed into the battery pack to secure together the stacked cells, the holder, and a case surrounding the holder.

17. the at least one communication hole includes a corner hole formed on an upper surface of the holder and a side hole formed on a side surface of the holder, 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the adhesive injected into the corner holes flows into the side holes to fix the stack cells, the holder, and the case together on inner and outer surfaces of the holder around the side holes.

18. the at least one communication hole includes a rear hole formed on a rear surface of the holder and a rear hole formed on an upper surface of the holder; 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the adhesive injected into the rear hole flows into the back hole and fixes the stack cell, the holder, and the case together on the inner and outer surfaces of the holder around the back hole.

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