Battery pack

Abstract

The battery pack includes a housing including a plate portion, a plurality of battery devices arranged on an upper surface of the plate portion of the housing, a cover plate arranged on a lower surface of the plate portion of the housing, and a plurality of fastening members for fixing the cover plate to the housing, each of the plurality of fastening members including a head portion and a cylindrical portion (Shank) having a diameter smaller than the head portion, and the head portion of each of the plurality of fastening members contacts the cover plate.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0165822 dated December 1, 2022 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0029827 dated March 7, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent applications are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as energy sources for a variety of wireless devices such as handsets, laptops, and wireless vacuum cleaners. In recent years, the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has dramatically decreased due to improvements in energy density and economies of scale, and as the driving range of BEVs (battery electric vehicles) increases to a level comparable to that of fuel-powered vehicles, the main use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0004] The trend in technological development of secondary batteries for mobility is to improve energy density and safety. Here, the energy density of a secondary battery is the maximum electrical energy that can be stored in the secondary battery divided by the mass of the secondary battery. Since a high energy density of a secondary battery is directly linked to the driving efficiency and driving range of mobility, various researches are being conducted to improve the energy density of secondary batteries. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack having improved safety and energy density. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack includes a housing including a plate portion, a plurality of battery devices disposed on an upper surface of the plate portion of the housing, a cover plate disposed on a lower surface of the plate portion of the housing, and a plurality of fastening members for fixing the cover plate to the housing. Each of the plurality of fastening members includes a head portion and a cylindrical portion (Shank) having a diameter smaller than the head portion, and the head portion of each of the plurality of fastening members contacts the cover plate. The cylindrical portion of each of the plurality of fastening members contacts the housing. The housing includes a plurality of channels configured to allow a fluid to flow, and each of the plurality of channels extends along a first direction parallel to the upper surface of the plate portion. The plurality of fastening members are interposed between the plurality of channels. The housing includes a plurality of ribs interposed between the plurality of channels and extending along the first direction. The plurality of fastening members are coupled to the plurality of ribs. The width of each of the plurality of ribs is in the range of 5 mm to 20 mm.

[0007] The housing includes a plurality of cavities that are empty spaces interposed between the plurality of channels and the plurality of ribs and extend along the first direction.

[0008] The housing includes a plurality of first ribs and a plurality of second ribs interposed between the plurality of channels and extending along the first direction.

[0009] Each of the plurality of fastening members is coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of first ribs.

[0010] Each of the plurality of fastening members is spaced apart from the plurality of second ribs.

[0011] A width of each of the plurality of first ribs in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is the same as a width of each of the second ribs in the second direction.

[0012] A width of each of the plurality of first ribs in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is different from a width of each of the second ribs in the second direction.

[0013] A width of each of the first ribs in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is greater than a width of each of the second ribs in the second direction.

[0014] The housing extends along the first direction and includes a first plate and a second plate welded to each other.

[0015] Each of the plurality of fastening members is spaced apart from the welding surfaces of the first plate and the second plate.

[0016] The multiple fastening members are arranged in a matrix.

[0017] The multiple fastening members are arranged in a zigzag pattern.

[0018] The housing includes a plurality of thread-receiving portions that interface with the threads of the plurality of fasteners.

[0019] The housing includes a plurality of channels configured for fluid flow, each of the plurality of channels extending along a first direction parallel to the top surface of the plate portion, and the plurality of thread receiving portions being at the same height as the plurality of channels. Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of fastening members for fixing the cover plate and the housing may be inserted into the housing from the underside of the cover plate. This allows the cover plate and the housing to be fixed without additional elements such as brackets, thereby improving the energy density of the battery pack. In addition, the plurality of fastening members may be prevented from interfering with the battery cells mounted on the housing, thereby improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0021] Effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects accompanying the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure by a person having ordinary skill in the art. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a top view of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 3] 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2I-2I' in FIG. 2; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 5] 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4I-4I' in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6I-6I' in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9] 8I is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8I-8I' in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 10I-10I' in FIG. [Figure 12] The corresponding part in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Hereinafter, the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before that, the terms and words used in the specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that are consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to best describe his own invention.

[0024] Therefore, the embodiment described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0025] In addition, in the description of the present invention, if it is determined that a specific description of related publicly known configurations or functions may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0026] Since the embodiments of the present invention are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or illustrated roughly for clearer explanation. Therefore, the sizes and proportions of each component do not completely reflect the actual sizes and proportions.

[0027] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a top view of a battery pack 100 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0028] 2 is a bottom view of the battery pack 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. In FIG. 2, the cover plate 150 is omitted for a more complete understanding of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 2I-2I' of FIG.

[0030] 1 to 3, the battery pack 100 may include a housing 110, a plurality of battery devices 120, a center beam 131, a plurality of cross beams 133, a plurality of exhaust devices 140, a cover plate 150, a plurality of fastening members 160, and a TIM (Thermal Interface Material) 170. The battery pack 100 is the final form of a battery system to be mounted on a mobility device or the like.

[0031] The housing 110 may provide a space for mounting multiple battery devices 120. The housing 110 may include a first plate 111, a second plate 112, a third plate 113, a first side wall 114, a second side wall 115, a third side wall 116, and a fourth side wall 117.

[0032] The first to third plates 111, 112, and 113 may constitute a plate portion 110P. The plate portion 110P may include an upper surface 110U and a lower surface 110L that are substantially parallel to each other. Two directions that are substantially parallel to the upper surface 110U of the plate portion 110P are defined as the X direction and the Y direction, and a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the plate portion 110P of the housing 110 is defined as the Z direction. The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction may be substantially perpendicular to each other. Unless otherwise specified, the definitions of the directions are the same for the following drawings.

[0033] The first plate 111 may be in contact with the second plate 112, and the second plate 112 may be in contact with the third plate 113. The first to third plates 111, 112, and 113 may be joined together by, for example, friction stir welding. The first plate 111 may be welded to the second plate 112, and the second plate 112 may be welded to the third plate 113. As a result, the plate portion 110P may include a first welding surface JS1 that is an interface between the first plate 111 and the second plate 112, and a second welding surface JS2 that is an interface between the second plate 112 and the third plate 113.

[0034] The first plate 111 may include a plurality of channels 111CH, a plurality of cavities 111C, and a plurality of ribs 111R. Each of the plurality of channels 111CH, the plurality of cavities 111C, and the plurality of ribs 111R may extend in the X direction.

[0035] According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of channels 111CH may provide a path for a fluid to flow for cooling the battery pack 100. The plurality of channels may be spaced apart in the Y direction. The plurality of channels may be arranged along the Y direction.

[0036] The cavities 111C are empty spaces formed inside the first plate 111. The formation of the cavities 111C may reduce the mass of the first plate 111, thereby improving the energy density of the battery pack 100. The cavities 111C may be interposed between the channels 111CH and the ribs 111R.

[0037] The plurality of ribs 111R may be interposed between the plurality of channels 111CH. The plurality of ribs 111R may be arranged alternately with the plurality of channels 111CH in the Y direction. The plurality of ribs 111R are a lattice that maintains the rigidity of the first plate 111. The width of the plurality of ribs 111R may be in the range of about 5 mm to about 20 mm.

[0038] The second plate 112 may include a plurality of channels 112CH, a plurality of cavities 112C, and a plurality of ribs 112R. Each of the plurality of channels 112CH, the plurality of cavities 112C, and the plurality of ribs 112R may extend in the X direction.

[0039] According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of channels 112CH may provide a path for a fluid to flow for cooling the battery pack 100. The plurality of channels may be spaced apart in the Y direction. The plurality of channels may be arranged along the Y direction.

[0040] The cavities 112C are empty spaces formed inside the second plate 112. The formation of the cavities 112C may reduce the mass of the second plate 112, thereby improving the energy density of the battery pack 100. The cavities 112C may be interposed between the channels 112CH and the ribs 112R.

[0041] The ribs 112R may be interposed between the channels 112CH. The ribs 112R may be arranged alternately with the channels 112CH in the Y direction. The ribs 112R are a lattice that maintains the rigidity of the second plate 112. The width of the ribs 112R may be in the range of about 5 mm to about 20 mm.

[0042] The third plate 113 may include a plurality of channels 113CH, a plurality of cavities 113C, and a plurality of ribs 113R. Each of the plurality of channels 113CH, the plurality of cavities 113C, and the plurality of ribs 113R may extend in the X direction.

[0043] According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of channels 113CH may provide a path for a fluid to flow for cooling the battery pack 100. The plurality of channels may be spaced apart in the Y direction. The plurality of channels may be arranged along the Y direction.

[0044] The cavities 113C are empty spaces formed inside the third plate 113. The formation of the cavities 113C may reduce the mass of the third plate 113, thereby improving the energy density of the battery pack 100. The cavities 113C may be interposed between the channels 113CH and the ribs 113R.

[0045] The plurality of ribs 113R may be interposed between the plurality of channels 113CH. The plurality of ribs 113R may be arranged alternately with the plurality of channels 113CH in the Y direction. The plurality of ribs 113R are a lattice that maintains the rigidity of the third plate 113. The width of the plurality of ribs 113R may be in the range of about 5 mm to about 20 mm.

[0046] A plurality of battery devices 120 may be disposed on an upper surface 110U of a plate portion 110P of the housing 110. The plate portion 110P may support the plurality of battery devices 120. The first to fourth side walls 114, 115, 116, and 117 may horizontally surround the plurality of battery devices 120. The first to fourth side walls 114, 115, 116, and 117 may protect the plurality of battery devices 120.

[0047] The first sidewall 114 and the second sidewall 115 may be substantially perpendicular to the Y direction. The third sidewall 116 and the fourth sidewall 117 may each be substantially perpendicular to the X direction. The lower surfaces of the first sidewall 114 and the second sidewall 115 may be coplanar with the lower surface 110L of the plate portion 110P. The third sidewall 116 and the fourth sidewall 117 may be disposed on the plate portion 110P.

[0048] Hereinafter, the technical idea of ​​the present invention will be described with reference to an embodiment in which the battery pack 100 is of a moduleless type and each of the plurality of battery devices 120 does not include a module frame. However, this is a non-limiting example and does not limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention in any way. Those skilled in the art can easily arrive at a plurality of battery devices including a module frame and a module-type battery pack including the same based on what is described herein.

[0049] Each of the plurality of battery devices 120 may include a plurality of battery cells 121. The plurality of battery cells 121 may be connected to each other in series or parallel to configure a battery assembly. Each of the plurality of battery devices 120 may further include a bus bar plate and an end plate.

[0050] The battery cells 121 are the basic units of a lithium ion battery, i.e., a secondary battery. Each of the battery cells 121 includes an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a case. The battery cells 121 are classified into lithium ion batteries, lithium ion polymer batteries, lithium polymer batteries, etc., depending on the configuration of the electrode assembly and electrolyte. The lithium ion polymer battery is easy to manufacture with less possibility of electrolyte leakage, and increases its occupancy rate in the secondary battery.

[0051] Each of the plurality of battery cells 121 may be any one of a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, and a pouch-type battery cell. The electrode assembly of the cylindrical battery cell is housed in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of the prismatic battery cell is housed in a prismatic metal can. The electrode assembly of the pouch-type battery cell is housed in a pouch case including an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0052] The electrode assembly housed in the battery case includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes. Electrode assemblies are classified into a jelly roll type and a stack type according to the assembly form. The jelly roll type is formed by winding up a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between them. The stack type includes a plurality of positive electrodes, a plurality of negative electrodes, and a plurality of separators interposed between them, which are stacked in sequence.

[0053] According to an exemplary embodiment, the battery cells 121 may be connected in series and / or in parallel. As an example, the battery cells 121 may be connected in series. As another example, the battery cells 121 may be connected in parallel. As another example, the battery cells 121 connected in parallel may form a group, and the group of the battery cells 121 may be connected in series.

[0054] Each of the negative electrode leads of the battery cells 121 connected in series may be coupled to the positive electrode lead of the following battery cell 121. Each of the negative electrode leads of the battery cells 121 connected in series may be welded to the positive electrode lead of the following battery cell 121.

[0055] The positive leads of the multiple battery cells 121 connected in parallel may be bonded together and the negative leads of the multiple battery cells 121 connected in parallel may be bonded together. The positive leads of the multiple battery cells 121 connected in parallel may be welded together and the negative leads of the multiple battery cells 121 connected in parallel may be welded together.

[0056] The multiple battery devices 120 may be arranged in the X direction and the Y direction. In Fig. 1, the number of the multiple battery devices 120 arranged in the X direction is three, and the number of the multiple battery devices 120 arranged in the Y direction is two. Therefore, such an arrangement of the multiple battery devices 120 can be said to be a 3*2 arrangement. A person of ordinary skill in the art can easily arrive at an arrangement of M*N (wherein M and N are each an integer equal to or greater than two) multiple battery devices 120 based on what is described herein.

[0057] A TIM 170 may be interposed between the battery cell 121 and the upper surface 110U of the plate portion 110P. The TIM 170 may be configured to mediate heat between the battery cell 121 and the plate portion 110P. The TIM 170 may prevent an air layer from being formed between the battery cell 121 and the plate portion 110P. The TIM 170 may fix the battery cell 121 and the plate portion 110P to each other. The TIM 170 may include any one of polyurethane and silicone.

[0058] The center beam 131 and the multiple cross beams 133 can isolate elements mounted on the housing 110 from each other. In this way, the center beam 131 and the multiple cross beams 133 can protect the multiple battery devices 120 while preventing unwanted short circuits between them.

[0059] The center beam 131 may extend between the opposing third side wall 116 and fourth side wall 117. The center beam 131 may extend in the X direction. The center beam 131 may be in contact with the third side wall 116 and spaced apart from the fourth side wall 117. The center beam 131 may isolate the multiple battery devices 120 from each other. The center beam 131 may be interposed between the multiple battery devices 120.

[0060] According to an exemplary embodiment, the multiple cross beams 133 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the center beam 131 (e.g., Y direction). According to an exemplary embodiment, the multiple cross beams 133 may extend between the first side wall 114 and the center beam 131, or between the second side wall 115 and the center beam 131. According to an exemplary embodiment, the multiple cross beams 133 may contact any one of the first side wall 114 and the second side wall 115 and the center beam 131. The multiple cross beams 133 may isolate the multiple battery devices 120 from each other. The multiple cross beams 133 may be interposed between the multiple battery devices 120.

[0061] 1 is a non-limiting example, and does not limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention in any way. Based on what is described herein, a person skilled in the art can easily arrive at a battery pack including a center beam, a cross beam, and a battery device having various arrangements and numbers.

[0062] A plurality of exhaust devices 140 may be coupled to the fourth side wall 117. The fourth side wall 117 may include a plurality of exhaust holes coupled to the plurality of exhaust devices 140. The plurality of exhaust holes may be configured to provide a path for exhausting gas and heat inside the battery pack 100.

[0063] The multiple exhaust devices 140 may be configured to slow thermal propagation by releasing high-temperature gas inside the battery pack 100 to the outside when at least one of the multiple battery devices 120 is in a thermal runway state.

[0064] Here, thermal runaway of the multiple battery devices 120 is a state in which the temperature change of the multiple battery devices 120 accelerates the temperature change, and is an uncontrollable positive feedback. The multiple battery devices 120 in the thermal runaway state show a rapid temperature rise and emit a large amount of high-pressure gas and combustion debris.

[0065] The cover plate 150 may be disposed on the lower surface 110L of the plate portion 110P of the housing 110. As a non-limiting example, the cover plate 150 may include, for example, aluminum. The cover plate 150 may protect the plate portion 110P. The cover plate 150 may provide stiffness to the plate portion 110P.

[0066] According to an exemplary embodiment, the cover plate 150 may be fixed to the plate portion 110P by a plurality of fastening members 160. According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of fastening members 160 may be arranged in a matrix when viewed from the bottom. The plurality of fastening members 160 arranged in the X direction may form an array extending in the X direction. The plurality of arrays formed by the plurality of fastening members 160 may be arranged in the Y direction.

[0067] According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the fastening members 160 may be a bolt. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the fastening members 160 may include a head portion 160H and a cylindrical portion (Shank) 160S. The cylindrical portion 160S of each of the fastening members 160 may include a first portion having a screw thread 160T formed thereon, and a second portion interposed between the first portion and the head portion 160H.

[0068] According to another exemplary embodiment, the plate portion 110P of the housing 110 may further include an insert nut, such as a helical insert, between them. The insert nut may include an embedded flange that is fixed to the plate portion 110P of the housing, formed by a blind insert process or the like, and embedded within the plate portion 110P. In this way, each of the multiple fastening members 160 may be coupled to the plate portion 110P of the housing 110 by the insert nut, and the mechanical reliability of the battery pack 100 may be improved.

[0069] According to an exemplary embodiment, the fastening members 160 may be inserted from the cover plate 150 to the plate portion 110P of the housing 110. This allows the cover plate 150 and the housing 110 to be fixed together without an additional element such as a bracket, thereby improving the energy density of the battery pack 100. In addition, the fastening members 160 may be prevented from interfering with the battery cells 121, thereby improving the safety of the battery pack 100.

[0070] According to an exemplary embodiment, head portions 160H of the plurality of fasteners 160 may contact cover plate 150. According to an exemplary embodiment, head portions 160H of the plurality of fasteners 160 may contact the underside of cover plate 150. The upper surface of cover plate 150 faces plate portion 110P, and the underside of cover plate 150 is opposite the upper surface.

[0071] According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the cylindrical portions 160S of the fastening members 160 may be coupled to a plurality of ribs 111R, 112R, 113R of any one of the first to third plates 111, 112, 113. According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of ribs 111R, 112R, 113R may include a receiving groove for receiving the cylindrical portion 160S. Each of the plurality of receiving grooves may include a thread receiving portion having a shape complementary to the thread 160T of the cylindrical portion 160S. The thread receiving portion may overlap the plurality of channels 111CH, 112CH, 113CH horizontally (i.e., in the Y direction). The thread receiving portion may be at the same height as the plurality of channels 111CH, 112CH, 113CH.

[0072] According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of fastening members 160 coupled to the first plate 111 may be arranged in an alternating manner with the plurality of channels 111CH. A plurality of cavities 111C may be interposed between the plurality of fastening members 160 coupled to the first plate 111 and the plurality of channels 111CH.

[0073] According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of fastening members 160 coupled to the second plate 112 may be arranged in an alternating manner with the plurality of channels 112CH. A plurality of cavities 112C may be interposed between the plurality of fastening members 160 coupled to the second plate 112 and the plurality of channels 112CH.

[0074] According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of fastening members 160 coupled to the third plate 113 may be arranged in an alternating manner with the plurality of channels 113CH. A plurality of cavities 113C may be interposed between the plurality of fastening members 160 coupled to the third plate 113 and the plurality of channels 113CH.

[0075] According to an exemplary embodiment, the multiple fastening members 160 may be horizontally (e.g., in the Y direction) spaced apart from the first welding surface JS1 and the second welding surface JS2. The first welding surface JS1 and the second welding surface JS2 have a strength weaker than the first to third plates 111, 112, and 113. According to an exemplary embodiment, by not coupling the multiple fastening members 160 to the first welding surface JS1 and the second welding surface JS2, the mechanical reliability of the battery pack 100 may be improved.

[0076] The battery pack 100 may further include electrical components. The electrical components may be mounted on the housing 110. The electrical components may be disposed between a fourth side wall 117 on which the exhaust device 140 is installed and the plurality of battery devices 120. The electrical components may include any electronic elements necessary to operate the battery pack.

[0077] The electrical components may include, for example, a BMS (Battery Management System). The BMS may be configured to monitor, balance, and control the battery pack. Monitoring the battery pack 100 may include measuring the voltage and current of a specific node inside the multiple battery devices 120 and measuring the temperature at a set position inside the battery pack 100. The battery pack 100 may include instruments for measuring the voltage, current, and temperature described above.

[0078] Balancing the battery pack 100 is an operation to reduce the deviation between the multiple battery devices 120. Controlling the battery pack 100 includes preventing the occurrence of overcharging, over-discharging and overcurrent. Through monitoring, balancing and control, the battery pack 100 can operate under optimal conditions, thereby preventing the shortening of the life span of each of the multiple battery devices 120.

[0079] The electrical components may further include a cooling device, a power relay assembly (PRA), a safety plug, and the like. The cooling device may include a cooling fan. The cooling fan may prevent overheating of each of the multiple battery devices 120 by circulating air inside the battery pack 100. The PRA may be configured to supply or cut off power from the high-voltage battery to an external load (e.g., a vehicle motor). The PRA may protect the multiple battery devices 120 and the external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) by cutting off the power supply to the external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) in a situation where an abnormal voltage such as a voltage surge occurs.

[0080] The battery pack 100 may further include a plurality of bus bars configured to electrically couple the plurality of battery devices 120. The plurality of battery devices 120 may be coupled in series by the plurality of bus bars. This allows the battery pack 100 to be configured to output a high voltage to an external load (e.g., a vehicle motor).

[0081] The battery pack 100 may further include lead plates coupled to the first to fourth side walls 114, 115, 116, and 117. The lead plates may cover elements mounted inside the battery pack 100, such as the battery device 120 and electrical components. The lead plates may be fixed to the battery pack 100 by mechanical coupling means, such as fastening members.

[0082] Second embodiment 4 is a bottom view of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment, in which the cover plate 150 is omitted for a more complete understanding of the present invention.

[0083] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 4I-4I' of FIG.

[0084] 4 and 5, the battery pack 100a may include a housing 110a, a plurality of battery devices 120, a center beam 131, a plurality of cross beams 133 (see FIG. 1), a plurality of exhaust devices 140, a cover plate 150, a plurality of fastening members 160, and a TIM 170. The battery pack 100a is the final form of a battery system to be mounted on a mobility device or the like.

[0085] The multiple battery devices 120, the center beam 131, the multiple cross beams 133 (see FIG. 1), the multiple exhaust devices 140, and the cover plate 150 are substantially the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, and therefore redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0086] According to an exemplary embodiment, the housing 110a may provide a space for mounting a plurality of battery devices 120. The housing 110a may include a first plate 111a, a second plate 112a, a third plate 113a, a first side wall 114, a second side wall 115, a third side wall 116, and a fourth side wall 117. The first to fourth side walls 114, 115, 116, and 117 are substantially the same as those described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, and therefore a duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

[0087] The first to third plates 111a, 112a, and 113a may constitute a plate portion 110aP. The first plate 111a may be in contact with the second plate 112a, and the second plate 112a may be in contact with the third plate 113a. The first plate 111a may be welded to the second plate 112a, and the second plate 112a may be welded to the third plate 113a. The plate portion 110aP may include a first welding surface JS1a that is an interface between the first plate 111a and the second plate 112a, and a second welding surface JS2a that is an interface between the second plate 112a and the third plate 113a.

[0088] The first plate 111a may include a plurality of channels 111aCH, a plurality of cavities 111aC, a first rib 111aR1, and a second rib 111aR2. Each of the plurality of channels 111aCH, the plurality of cavities 111aC, the first rib 111aR1, and the second rib 111aR2 may extend in the X direction. According to an exemplary embodiment, the width (e.g., Y direction width) of the first rib 111aR1 may be substantially the same as the width (e.g., Y direction width) of the second rib 111aR2.

[0089] The second plate 112a may include a plurality of channels 112aCH, a plurality of cavities 112aC, a first rib 112aR1, and a second rib 112aR2. Each of the plurality of channels 112aCH, the plurality of cavities 112aC, the first rib 112aR1, and the second rib 112aR2 may extend in the X direction. According to an exemplary embodiment, the width (e.g., Y direction width) of the first rib 112aR1 may be substantially the same as the width (e.g., Y direction width) of the second rib 112aR2.

[0090] The third plate 113 may include a plurality of channels 113CH, a plurality of cavities 113C, a first rib 113aR1, and a second rib 113aR2. Each of the plurality of channels 113CH, the plurality of cavities 113C, and the first rib 113aR1 and the second rib 113aR2 may extend in the X direction. According to an exemplary embodiment, the width (e.g., Y direction width) of the first rib 113aR1 may be substantially the same as the width (e.g., Y direction width) of the second rib 113aR2.

[0091] The shapes, functions and arrangements of the multiple channels 111aCH, 112aCH, 113aCH, the multiple cavities 111aC, 112aC, 113aC, and the first ribs 111aR1, 112aR1, 113aR1 and the second ribs 111aR2, 112aR2, 113aR2 are substantially the same as those described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, so duplicated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0092] According to an exemplary embodiment, the cover plate 150 may be fixed to the plate portion 110aP by a plurality of fastening members 160. According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of fastening members 160 may be arranged in a matrix when viewed from the bottom. The plurality of fastening members 160 arranged in the X direction may form an array extending in the X direction. The plurality of arrays formed by the plurality of fastening members 160 may be arranged in the Y direction.

[0093] According to an exemplary embodiment, the cylindrical portion 160S of each of the fastening members 160 may be coupled to any one of the first ribs 111aR1, 112aR1, and 113aR1. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cylindrical portion 160S of each of the fastening members 160 may not be coupled to the second ribs 111aR2, 112aR2, and 113aR2. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cylindrical portion 160S of each of the fastening members 160 may be spaced apart from the second ribs 111aR2, 112aR2, and 113aR2. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cylindrical portion 160S of each of the fastening members 160 may be spaced apart from the first welding surface JS1a and the second welding surface JS2a.

[0094] According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the first ribs 111aR1, 112aR1, 113aR1 may include a plurality of receiving grooves for receiving the cylindrical portion 160S. Each of the plurality of receiving grooves may include a thread receiving portion having a shape complementary to the threads 160T of the cylindrical portion 160S. The second ribs 111aR2, 112aR2, 113aR2 may not include a receiving groove for receiving the cylindrical portion 160S.

[0095] According to an exemplary embodiment, the fastening members 160 are only coupled to the first ribs 111aR1, 112aR1, and 113aR1, and are not coupled to the second ribs 111aR2, 112aR2, and 113aR2, which may reliably fasten the housing 110a and the cover plate 150 together, and may improve the energy density of the battery pack 100a.

[0096] Third embodiment 6 is a bottom view of a battery pack 100b according to an exemplary embodiment, in which the cover plate 150 is omitted for a more complete understanding of the present invention.

[0097] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 6I-6I' of FIG.

[0098] 6 and 7, the battery pack 100b may include a housing 110b, a plurality of battery devices 120, a center beam 131, a plurality of cross beams 133 (see FIG. 1), a plurality of exhaust devices 140, a cover plate 150, a plurality of fastening members 160, and a TIM 170. The battery pack 100b is the final form of the battery system to be mounted on a mobility device or the like.

[0099] The multiple battery devices 120, the center beam 131, the multiple cross beams 133 (see FIG. 1), the multiple exhaust devices 140, and the cover plate 150 are substantially the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, and therefore redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0100] According to an exemplary embodiment, the housing 110b may provide a space for mounting a plurality of battery devices 120. The housing 110b may include a first plate 111b, a second plate 112b, a third plate 113b, a first side wall 114, a second side wall 115, a third side wall 116, and a fourth side wall 117. The first to fourth side walls 114, 115, 116, and 117 are substantially the same as those described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, and therefore repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0101] The first to third plates 111b, 112b, and 113b may constitute a plate portion 110bP. The first plate 111b may contact the second plate 112b, and the second plate 112b may contact the third plate 113b. The first plate 111b may be welded to the second plate 112b, and the second plate 112b may be welded to the third plate 113b. The plate portion 110bP may include a first welding surface JS1b that is an interface between the first plate 111b and the second plate 112b, and a second welding surface JS2b that is an interface between the second plate 112b and the third plate 113b.

[0102] The first plate 111a may include a plurality of channels 111bCH, a plurality of cavities 111bC, a first rib 111bR1, and a second rib 111bR2. Each of the plurality of channels 111bCH, the plurality of cavities 111bC, the first rib 111bR1, and the second rib 111bR2 may extend in the X direction. According to an exemplary embodiment, the width (e.g., Y-direction width) of the first rib 111bR1 may be different from the width (e.g., Y-direction width) of the second rib 111bR2. According to an exemplary embodiment, the width (e.g., Y-direction width) of the first rib 111bR1 may be even larger than the width (e.g., Y-direction width) of the second rib 111bR2.

[0103] The second plate 112b may include a plurality of channels 112bCH, a plurality of cavities 112bC, a first rib 112bR1, and a second rib 112bR2. Each of the plurality of channels 112bCH, the plurality of cavities 112bC, the first rib 112bR1, and the second rib 112bR2 may extend in the X direction. According to an exemplary embodiment, the width (e.g., Y-direction width) of the first rib 112bR1 may be different from the width (e.g., Y-direction width) of the second rib 112bR2. According to an exemplary embodiment, the width (e.g., Y-direction width) of the first rib 112bR1 may be greater than the width (e.g., Y-direction width) of the second rib 112bR2.

[0104] The third plate 113 may include a plurality of channels 113bCH, a plurality of cavities 113bC, a first rib 113bR1, and a second rib 113bR2. Each of the plurality of channels 113CH, the plurality of cavities 113C, and the first rib 113bR1 and the second rib 113bR2 may extend in the X direction. According to an exemplary embodiment, the width (e.g., Y-direction width) of the first rib 113bR1 may be different from the width (e.g., Y-direction width) of the second rib 113bR2. According to an exemplary embodiment, the width (e.g., Y-direction width) of the first rib 113bR1 may be even larger than the width (e.g., Y-direction width) of the second rib 113bR2.

[0105] The shapes, functions and arrangements of the multiple channels 111bCH, 112bCH, 113bCH, the multiple cavities 111bC, 112bC, 113bC, and the first ribs 111bR1, 112bR1, 113bR1 and the second ribs 111bR2, 112bR2, 113bR2 are substantially the same as those described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, except for the widths of the first ribs 111bR1, 112bR1, 113bR1 and the second ribs 111bR2, 112bR2, 113bR2, and therefore duplicated explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0106] According to an exemplary embodiment, the cover plate 150 may be fixed to the plate portion 110bP by a plurality of fastening members 160. According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of fastening members 160 may be arranged in a matrix when viewed from the bottom. The plurality of fastening members 160 arranged in the X direction may form an array extending in the X direction. The plurality of arrays formed by the plurality of fastening members 160 may be arranged in the Y direction.

[0107] According to an exemplary embodiment, the cylindrical portion 160S of each of the fastening members 160 may be coupled to any one of the first ribs 111bR1, 112bR1, and 113bR1. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cylindrical portion 160S of each of the fastening members 160 may not be coupled to the second ribs 111bR2, 112bR2, and 113bR2. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cylindrical portion 160S of each of the fastening members 160 may be spaced apart from the second ribs 111bR2, 112bR2, and 113bR2. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cylindrical portion 160S of each of the fastening members 160 may be spaced apart from the first welding surface JS1b and the second welding surface JS2b.

[0108] According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the first ribs 111bR1, 112bR1, 113bR1 may include a plurality of receiving grooves for receiving the cylindrical portion 160S. Each of the plurality of receiving grooves may include a thread receiving portion having a shape complementary to the threads 160T of the cylindrical portion 160S. The second ribs 111bR2, 112bR2, 113bR2 may not include a receiving groove for receiving the cylindrical portion 160S.

[0109] According to the exemplary embodiment, the width of the second ribs 111bR2, 112bR2, and 113bR2 to which the multiple fastening members 160 are not coupled is smaller than the width of the first ribs 111bR1, 112bR1, and 113bR1 to which the multiple fastening members 160 are coupled, which may reduce the weight of the housing 110b and improve the energy density of the battery pack 100b.

[0110] (Fourth embodiment) 8 is a bottom view of a battery pack 100c according to an exemplary embodiment, in which the cover plate 150 is omitted for a more complete understanding of the present invention.

[0111] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 8I-8I' of FIG.

[0112] 8 and 9, the battery pack 100c may include a housing 110c, a plurality of battery devices 120, a center beam 131, a plurality of cross beams 133 (see FIG. 1), a plurality of exhaust devices 140, a cover plate 150, a plurality of fastening members 160, and a TIM 170. The battery pack 100c is the final form of the battery system to be mounted on a mobility device or the like.

[0113] The multiple battery devices 120, the center beam 131, the multiple cross beams 133 (see FIG. 1), the multiple exhaust devices 140, and the cover plate 150 are substantially the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, and therefore redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0114] According to an exemplary embodiment, the housing 110c may provide a space for mounting a plurality of battery devices 120. The housing 110c may include a first plate 111c, a second plate 112c, a third plate 113c, a first side wall 114, a second side wall 115, a third side wall 116, and a fourth side wall 117. The first to fourth side walls 114, 115, 116, and 117 are substantially the same as those described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, and therefore repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0115] The first to third plates 111c, 112c, and 113c may constitute a plate portion 110cP. The first plate 111c may contact the second plate 112c, and the second plate 112c may contact the third plate 113c. The first plate 111c may be welded to the second plate 112c, and the second plate 112c may be welded to the third plate 113c. The plate portion 110cP may include a first welding surface JS1c that is an interface between the first plate 111c and the second plate 112c, and a second welding surface JS2c that is an interface between the second plate 112c and the third plate 113c.

[0116] The first plate 111c may include a plurality of channels 111cCH, a plurality of cavities 111cC, and a plurality of ribs 111cR. The second plate 112c may include a plurality of channels 112cCH, a plurality of cavities 112cC, and a plurality of ribs 112cR. The third plate 113c may include a plurality of channels 113cCH, a plurality of cavities 113cC, and a plurality of ribs 113cR.

[0117] The shapes, functions and arrangements of the multiple channels 111cCH, 112cCH, 113cCH, the multiple cavities 111cC, 112cC, 113cC, and the multiple ribs 111cR, 112cR, 113cR are substantially the same as those described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, so duplicated explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0118] According to an exemplary embodiment, the cover plate 150 may be secured to the plate portion 110cP by a plurality of fastening members 160. According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of fastening members 160 may be arranged in a zigzag pattern when viewed from the bottom.

[0119] According to an exemplary embodiment, the cylindrical portion 160S of each of the fastening members 160 may be coupled to any one of the ribs 111cR, 112cR, and 113cR. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cylindrical portion 160S of each of the fastening members 160 may be spaced apart from the first welding surface JS1c and the second welding surface JS2c.

[0120] According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of ribs 111cR, 112cR, 113cR may include a plurality of receiving grooves for receiving the cylindrical portion 160S. Each of the plurality of receiving grooves may include a thread receiving portion having a shape complementary to the thread 160T of the cylindrical portion 160S.

[0121] According to an exemplary embodiment, the fastening members 160 may be arranged in a staggered pattern to reliably fasten the housing 110c and the cover plate 150 while reducing the number of fastening members 160 required, thereby improving the energy density of the battery pack 100c.

[0122] Fifth embodiment 10 is a bottom view of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment, in which the cover plate 150 is omitted for a more complete understanding of the present invention.

[0123] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10I-10I' of FIG.

[0124] 10 and 11, the battery pack 100d may include a housing 110d, a plurality of battery devices 120, a center beam 131, a plurality of cross beams 133 (see FIG. 1), a plurality of exhaust devices 140, a cover plate 150, a plurality of fastening members 160, and a TIM 170. The battery pack 100d is the final form of the battery system to be mounted on a mobility device or the like.

[0125] The multiple battery devices 120, the center beam 131, the multiple cross beams 133 (see FIG. 1), the multiple exhaust devices 140, and the cover plate 150 are substantially the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, and therefore redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0126] According to an exemplary embodiment, the housing 110d may provide a space for mounting a plurality of battery devices 120. The housing 110d may include a first plate 111d, a second plate 112d, a third plate 113d, a first side wall 114, a second side wall 115, a third side wall 116, and a fourth side wall 117. The first to fourth side walls 114, 115, 116, and 117 are substantially the same as those described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, and therefore a duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

[0127] The first to third plates 111d, 112d, and 113d may constitute a plate portion 110dP. The first plate 111d may be in contact with the second plate 112d, and the second plate 112d may be in contact with the third plate 113d. The first plate 111d may be welded to the second plate 112d, and the second plate 112d may be welded to the third plate 113d. The plate portion 110dP may include a first welding surface JS1d that is an interface between the first plate 111d and the second plate 112d, and a second welding surface JS2d that is an interface between the second plate 112d and the third plate 113d.

[0128] The first plate 111d may include a plurality of channels 111dCH and a plurality of ribs 111dR. The second plate 112d may include a plurality of channels 112dCH and a plurality of ribs 112dR. The third plate 113d may include a plurality of channels 113dCH and a plurality of ribs 113dR. The shapes, functions and arrangements of the plurality of channels 111dCH, 112dCH, 113dCH and the plurality of ribs 111dR, 112dR, 113dR are substantially the same as those described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, and therefore will not be described again.

[0129] According to the exemplary embodiment, the first to third plates 111d, 112d, and 113d do not include any cavities. This may improve the mechanical strength of the housing 110d. In addition, the positions of the plate portions 110dP to which the multiple fastening members 160 are coupled may be freely determined, which may improve the design freedom of the battery pack 100d.

[0130] According to an exemplary embodiment, the cover plate 150 may be fixed to the plate portion 110dP by a plurality of fastening members 160. According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of fastening members 160 may be arranged in a matrix when viewed from the bottom.

[0131] According to an exemplary embodiment, the cylindrical portion 160S of each of the fastening members 160 may be coupled to any one of the first to third plates 111d, 112d, and 113d. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cylindrical portion 160S of each of the fastening members 160 may be spaced apart from the first welding surface JS1d and the second welding surface JS2d.

[0132] According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the first to third plates 111d, 112d, and 113d may include a plurality of receiving grooves for receiving the cylindrical portion 160S. Each of the plurality of receiving grooves may include a thread receiving portion having a shape complementary to the threads 160T of the cylindrical portion 160S.

[0133] Sixth embodiment Fig. 12 shows a portion corresponding to Fig. 3. In Fig. 12, elements other than the cover plate 151 are the same as those in Fig. 3, so duplicated descriptions thereof will be omitted. The cover plate 151 in Fig. 12 can replace the cover plate 150 in the battery pack 100 in Fig. 1, the battery pack 100a in Fig. 4, the battery pack 100b in Fig. 6, the battery pack 100c in Fig. 8, and the battery pack 100d in Fig. 10 described above.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 12, the cover plate 151 may include a bottom portion 151B and a groove 151G. The groove 151G is a portion for coupling the multiple fastening members 160. The groove 151G may be closer to the plate portion 111P than the bottom portion 151B. The head portion 160H of each of the multiple fastening members 160 may contact the groove 151G. The multiple fastening members 160 may be spaced apart from the bottom portion 151B. The groove 151G may extend according to the design of the position where the multiple fastening members 160 are to be fastened, and may have various planar shapes such as a line shape, a cross shape, a lattice shape, etc. By forming the groove 151G, the head portion 160H of each of the multiple fastening members 160 is above the bottom portion 151B, so that the stability of the battery pack may be improved.

[0135] The present invention has been described in more detail above through the drawings and embodiments, etc. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not fully represent the technical ideas of the present invention, and therefore there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of filing this application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 100 Battery Packs 100a battery pack 100b battery pack 100c battery pack 100d battery pack 110 Housing 110a Housing 110aP Plate section 110b Housing 110bP Plate section 110c housing 110cP Plate section 110d Housing 110dP Plate section 110L bottom 110P Plate part 110U top 111 First Plate 111a 1st Plate 111aC Cavity 111aCH Channel 111aR1 1st Rib 111aR2 2nd Rib 111b 1st plate 111bC Cavity 111bCH channel 111bR1 1st rib 111bR2 2nd Rib 111c 1st Plate 111C Cavity 111cC cavity 111cCH Channel Channel 111CH 111cR Rib 111d 1st Plate 111dCH Channel 111dR Rib 111P Plate part 111R Rib 112 Second Plate 112a 2nd Plate 112aC Cavity 112aCH Channel 112aR1 1st Rib 112aR2 2nd Rib 112b 2nd Plate 112bC cavity 112bCH channel 112bR1 1st rib 112bR2 2nd Rib 112c 2nd Plate 112C Cavity 112cC cavity 112cCH Channel 112CH Channel 112cR Rib 112d 2nd Plate 112dCH channel 112dR Rib 112R Rib 113 3rd Plate 113a 3rd Plate 113aC Cavity 113aCH Channel 113aR1 1st Rib 113aR2 2nd Rib 113b 3rd Plate 113bC Cavity 113bCH channel 113bR1 1st rib 113bR2 2nd Rib 113c 3rd Plate 113C Cavity 113cC cavity 113cCH Channel Channel 113 113cR Rib 113d 3rd Plate 113dCH channel 113dR Rib 113R Rib 114 First side wall 115 Second side wall 116 Third Side Wall 117 4th side wall 120 Battery Equipment 121 Battery Cell 131 Center Beam 133 Crossbeam 140 Exhaust system 150 cover plate 151 Cover plate 151B Bottom 151G Groove 160 Fastening members 160H Head 160S Cylinder 160T thread JS1 No. 1 welding mask JS1a No. 1 welding mask JS1b No. 1 welding mask JS1c No. 1 welding mask JS1d No.1 welding surface JS2 No. 2 welding mask JS2a No. 2 welding mask JS2b No. 2 welding mask JS2c No. 2 welding mask JS2d No. 2 welding surface

Claims

1. A battery pack including: a housing including a plate portion; a plurality of battery devices disposed on an upper surface of the plate portion of the housing; a cover plate disposed on a lower surface of the plate portion of the housing; and a plurality of fastening members that fasten the cover plate and the housing, a battery pack, wherein each of the plurality of fastening members includes a head portion and a cylindrical portion having a diameter smaller than the head portion, the head portion of each of the plurality of fastening members contacting the cover plate.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the cylindrical portion of each of the plurality of fastening members contacts the housing.

3. The housing includes a plurality of channels configured to allow a fluid to flow therethrough, each of the plurality of channels extending along a first direction parallel to the top surface of the plate portion; The battery pack of claim 1 , wherein the fastening members are interposed between the channels.

4. The housing includes a plurality of ribs interposed between the plurality of channels and extending along the first direction, The battery pack according to claim 3 , wherein the plurality of fastening members are coupled to the plurality of ribs.

5. 5. The battery pack of claim 4, wherein a width of each of the plurality of ribs is in the range of 5 mm to 20 mm.

6. The battery pack according to claim 4 , wherein the housing includes a plurality of cavities that are empty spaces interposed between the plurality of channels and the plurality of ribs and extend along the first direction.

7. the housing includes a plurality of first ribs and a plurality of second ribs interposed between the plurality of channels and extending along the first direction; each of the plurality of fastening members is coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of first ribs; The battery pack according to claim 3 , wherein each of the plurality of fastening members is spaced apart from the plurality of second ribs.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7 , wherein a width of each of the first ribs in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is the same as a width of each of the second ribs in the second direction.

9. The battery pack of claim 7 , wherein a width of each of the first ribs in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is different from a width of each of the second ribs in the second direction.

10. The battery pack of claim 7 , wherein a width of each of the first ribs in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is greater than a width of each of the second ribs in the second direction.

11. the housing includes a first plate and a second plate that extend along a first direction parallel to the upper surface of the plate portion and are welded to each other; The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein each of the fastening members is spaced apart from a welding surface of the first plate and the second plate.

12. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of fastening members are arranged in a matrix.

13. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the fastening members are arranged in a zigzag pattern.

14. The battery pack of claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing includes a plurality of thread receiving portions that contact threads of the plurality of fasteners.

15. The housing includes a plurality of channels configured to allow a fluid to flow therethrough, each of the plurality of channels extending along a first direction parallel to the top surface of the plate portion; 15. The battery pack of claim 14, wherein the plurality of thread receiving portions are flush with the plurality of channels.

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