Battery pack

Abstract

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack is provided, the battery pack including: a housing including a center plate including a cooling plate and a lower center beam, a first battery assembly and a second battery assembly disposed on the cooling plate, and a reinforcement component coupled to the lower center beam.

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. 10-2022-0165809 dated December 1, 2022 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0035272 dated March 17, 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 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 center plate including a cooling plate with a cooling channel and a lower center beam, a first battery assembly and a second battery assembly disposed on the cooling plate, and a reinforcing component coupled to the lower center beam, the first battery assembly and the second battery assembly each include a cell stack and a first cross beam and a second cross beam spaced apart from each other with the cell stack interposed therebetween, the shapes of the first cross beam and the second cross beam are different and complementary to each other, and the first cross beam of the second battery assembly is coupled to the reinforcing component.

[0007] The second cross beam of the first battery assembly is coupled to the reinforcing component.

[0008] The battery pack further includes an upper center beam coupled to the lower center beam and partially covering the reinforcing part.

[0009] The reinforcement component includes a center groove, and the upper center beam is partially inserted into the center groove.

[0010] The battery pack further includes a first embedded fastener coupled to the lower center beam and configured to fasten the reinforcing component.

[0011] The first cross beam of each of the first and second battery assemblies includes a first plate covering a first side of the cell stack, a second plate spaced apart from the cell stack with the first plate interposed therebetween, and a first rib and a second rib connected to each of the first and second plates and interposed between the first and second plates.

[0012] The second cross beam of each of the first and second battery assemblies includes a third plate covering a second side of the cell stack, the second side being opposite to the first side, a fourth plate spaced apart from the cell stack with the third plate therebetween, and a third rib and a fourth rib connected to the third and fourth plates, respectively, and interposed between the third and fourth plates.

[0013] The second rib contacts a side surface of the reinforcing component.

[0014] The first rib contacts the lower surface of the reinforcing component.

[0015] The length of the first rib is greater than the length of the second rib.

[0016] The battery pack further includes a second embedded fastener that fastens the reinforcing component to the first cross beam of the second battery assembly.

[0017] The second embedded fixator is embedded in the first rib.

[0018] The second embedded fixator is embedded in the third rib.

[0019] The second embedded fixator passes through the first rib and the reinforcing component.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment, a battery pack is provided, the battery pack includes a housing including a support plate, a lower center beam extending across a center of the housing and disposed on the support plate, the lower center beam extending in a first direction, a first battery assembly and a second battery assembly disposed on the support plate, and a reinforcement component coupled to the lower center beam, each of the first battery assembly and the second battery assembly including a cell stack and a first cross beam and a second cross beam spaced apart from each other with the cell stack therebetween, each of the first cross beam and the second cross beam extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the second cross beam of the first battery assembly coupled to the reinforcement component.

[0021] The first cross beam of the second battery assembly is coupled to the reinforcing component. Effect of the Invention

[0022] The battery pack according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a reinforcing part that can secure the cross beam to the center beam and provide mechanical strength to the battery pack.

[0023] 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]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining the battery assembly of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the first cross beam. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3I-3I' of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the second cross beam. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5I-5I' in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial plan view of a portion of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7I-7I' of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a reinforcing part of the battery pack of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] The corresponding portion of FIG. 8 is shown. [Figure 11] The corresponding portion of FIG. 8 is shown. [Figure 12] The corresponding portion of FIG. 8 is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a battery pack 100 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] 1, the battery pack 100 may include a housing 110, a plurality of battery assemblies 120, an upper center beam 130, and a plurality of exhaust devices 140. The battery pack 100 is the final form of a battery system to be installed in a mobility device or the like.

[0031] The housing 110 may provide a space for disposing multiple battery assemblies 120. The housing 110 may include a support plate 110P and a side wall 110S.

[0032] The support plate 110P may include an upper surface 110U (see FIG. 8) and a lower surface 110L (see FIG. 8) that are substantially parallel to each other. Two directions that are substantially parallel to the upper surface 110U (see FIG. 8) of the support plate 110P are defined as the X direction and the Y direction, and a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the upper surface 110U (see FIG. 8) of the support plate 110P 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. In addition, in the description of the multiple battery assemblies 120, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are defined based on the case where the multiple battery assemblies 120 are mounted in the battery pack 100.

[0033] The sidewall 110S may be coupled to the support plate 110P. The sidewall 110S may extend in the Z direction. The sidewall 110S may include an internal empty space, which may reduce the weight of the sidewall 110S.

[0034] The multiple battery assemblies 120 may be disposed on a support plate 110P of the housing 110. The support plate 110P may support the multiple battery assemblies 120. The side wall 110S may surround the multiple battery assemblies 120 horizontally.

[0035] The first cross beams 125a of the battery assemblies 120 arranged at both ends in the X direction may be coupled to the first support beams 116a arranged on the support plate 110P of the housing 110. The first cross beams 125a and the first support beams 116a may be fixed to the support plate 110P of the housing 110 by mechanical means such as bolts.

[0036] The second cross beams 125b of the battery assemblies 120 arranged at both ends in the X direction may be coupled to the second support beams 116b. The second support beams 116b may be arranged on the second cross beams 125b. The second cross beams 125b and the second support beams 116b may be fixed to the support plate 110P of the housing 110 by mechanical means such as bolts.

[0037] The battery assemblies 120 may be arranged in the X and Y directions. In FIG. 1, the number of the battery assemblies 120 arranged in the X direction is three, and the number of the battery assemblies 120 arranged in the Y direction is two. Therefore, such an arrangement of the battery assemblies 120 can be said to be a 3*2 arrangement. Those skilled in the art can easily arrive at a plurality of battery assemblies 120 arranged in M*N based on what is described herein, where M and N are each an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0038] The upper center beam 130 may extend between the opposing side walls 110S. The upper center beam 130 may extend in the X direction. The upper center beam 130 may contact any one of the side walls 110S. The upper center beam 130 may isolate the multiple battery assemblies 120 from each other. The upper center beam 130 may be interposed between the multiple battery assemblies 120.

[0039] A plurality of exhaust devices 140 may be coupled to a portion of the side wall 110S. The side wall 110S may include an exhaust path connected to the plurality of exhaust devices 140. The plurality of exhaust devices 140 may be configured to retard thermal propagation by releasing high-temperature gas inside the battery pack 100 to the outside when at least one of the plurality of battery assemblies 120 is in a thermal runway state.

[0040] Here, thermal runaway of the battery assemblies 120 is a state in which the temperature change of the battery assemblies 120 accelerates the temperature change, and is an uncontrollable positive feedback. The battery assemblies 120 in the thermal runaway state exhibit a rapid temperature rise and emit a large amount of high-pressure gas and combustion debris.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the battery assembly 120 of FIG.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a front view showing the first cross beam 125a.

[0043] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 3I-3I' in Fig. 3. In Fig. 4, the dashed lines are imaginary boundaries dividing the plates Pa1, Pa2 and the ribs Ra1, Ra2, Ra3, Ra4.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a front view showing the second cross beam 125b.

[0045] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 5I-5I' in Fig. 5. In Fig. 6, the dashed lines are imaginary boundary lines dividing the plates Pb1, Pb2 and the ribs Rb1, Rb2, Rb3.

[0046] 2 to 6, the battery assembly 120 may include a cell stack 121, a bus bar plate 122, a flat flexible cable (FFC) assembly 123, a first cross beam 125a, and a second cross beam 125b.

[0047] The cell stack 121 may include a plurality of battery cells. A battery cell is a basic unit of a lithium ion battery, i.e., a secondary battery. The battery cell includes an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a case. Battery cells are classified into lithium ion batteries, lithium ion polymer batteries, lithium polymer batteries, etc., depending on the configuration of the electrode assembly and electrolyte. Lithium ion polymer batteries are easy to manufacture with less possibility of electrolyte leakage, and increase the occupancy rate within a secondary battery.

[0048] The battery cell 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] According to an exemplary embodiment, the battery cells of the cell stack 121 may be connected in series and / or parallel. As an example, the battery cells may be connected in series to each other. As another example, the battery cells may be connected in parallel to each other. As another example, the cell stack 121 may include a plurality of banks connected in series to each other in parallel, and each of the plurality of banks may include a plurality of battery cells connected in parallel to each other.

[0051] According to an exemplary embodiment, the cell stack 121 may further include a plurality of separators. The plurality of separators may prevent swelling of the plurality of battery cells by supporting the plurality of battery cells horizontally. According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of separators may be thermal barriers. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of separators may have a high melting temperature and a low thermal conductivity. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of separators may include a fire-retardant material, such as a ceramic and a coated glass material. According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of separators may also be configured to release a fire retarding material and a fire extinguishing agent in the event of a thermal runaway event.

[0052] The FFC assembly 123 may be disposed on the cell stack 121. The FFC assembly 123 may provide a path for transmitting a sensing signal, such as a voltage value of a plurality of nodes inside the cell stack 121.

[0053] The first cross beam 125a and the second cross beam 125b of the battery assembly 120 may be spaced apart from each other with the cell stack 121 therebetween. The first cross beam 125a and the second cross beam 125b may cover the cell stack 121. The first cross beam 125a and the second cross beam 125b may be fixed to the cell stack 121 by an adhesive or the like.

[0054] The first cross beam 125a of the battery assembly 120 may include plates Pa1 and Pa2 and ribs Ra1, Ra2, Ra3, and Ra4. The plates Pa1 and Pa2 may be substantially perpendicular to the X direction. The plates Pa1 and Pa2 may be spaced apart from each other in the X direction. The plate Pa1 may contact the cell stack 121. The plate Pa1 may cover a first side surface 121S1 of the cell stack 121. The plate Pa2 may be spaced apart from the cell stack 121 with the plate Pa1 therebetween. The length of the plate Pa1 in the Z direction may be greater than the length of the plate Pa2 in the Z direction.

[0055] The ribs Ra1, Ra2, Ra3, Ra4 may be substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. The ribs Ra1, Ra2, Ra3, Ra4 may be spaced apart from one another in the Z direction. The ribs Ra1, Ra2, Ra3, Ra4 may be interposed between the plates Pa1, Pa2. The ribs Ra1, Ra2, Ra3, Ra4 may be connected to the plates Pa1, Pa2. The ribs Ra2, Ra3 may be interposed between the ribs Ra1, Ra4.

[0056] The distance in the Z direction between the FFC assembly 123 and the rib Ra1 may be greater than the distance in the Z direction between the FFC assembly 123 and the rib Ra2. The distance in the Z direction between the FFC assembly 123 and the rib Ra2 may be greater than the distance in the Z direction between the FFC assembly 123 and the rib Ra3. The distance in the Z direction between the FFC assembly 123 and the rib Ra3 may be greater than the distance in the Z direction between the FFC assembly 123 and the rib Ra4.

[0057] There may be an empty space 125aC between the plates Pa1, Pa2 and the ribs Ra1, Ra2, Ra3, and Ra4. This may reduce the weight of the first cross beam 125a and improve the energy density of the battery pack 100. The plate Pa1 may be referred to as a first plate, the plate Pa2 may be referred to as a second plate, the rib Ra1 may be referred to as a first rib, and the rib Ra2 may be referred to as a second rib.

[0058] The first cross beam 125a may include a connecting portion 125aM. The connecting portion 125aM is a portion of the first cross beam 125a that contacts a reinforcing component 150 (see FIG. 9) described below. As a result, the Y-direction length of the rib Ra1 may be different from the Y-direction lengths of the ribs Ra2, Ra3, and Ra4. The Y-direction length of the rib Ra1 may be even greater than the Y-direction lengths of the ribs Ra2, Ra3, and Ra4. The Y-direction lengths of the ribs Ra2, Ra3, and Ra4 may be substantially the same.

[0059] The second cross beam 125b of the battery assembly 120 may include plates Pb1, Pb2 and ribs Rb1, Rb2, Rb3. The plates Pb1, Pb2 may be substantially perpendicular to the X direction. The plates Pb1, Pb2 may be spaced apart from each other in the X direction. The plate Pb1 may contact the cell stack 121. The plate Pb1 may cover a second side 121S2 of the cell stack 121. The second side 121S2 may be opposite to the first side 121S1. The plate Pb2 may be spaced apart from the cell stack 121 with the plate Pb1 therebetween. The length of the plate Pb1 in the Z direction may be greater than the length of the plate Pb2 in the Z direction.

[0060] The ribs Rb1, Rb2, Rb3 may be substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. The ribs Rb1, Rb2, Rb3 may be spaced apart from one another in the Z direction. The ribs Rb1, Rb2, Rb3 may be interposed between the plates Pb1, Pb2. The ribs Rb1, Rb2, Rb3 may be connected to the plates Pb1, Pb2. The rib Rb2 may be interposed between the ribs Rb1, Rb3.

[0061] The distance in the Z direction between the FFC assembly 123 and the rib Rb1 may be smaller than the distance in the Z direction between the FFC assembly 123 and the rib Rb2. The distance in the Z direction between the FFC assembly 123 and the rib Rb2 may be larger than the distance in the Z direction between the FFC assembly 123 and the rib Rb3.

[0062] There may be an empty space 125bC between the plates Pb1, Pb2 and the ribs Rb1, Rb2, Rb3, and Rb4. This may reduce the weight of the second cross beam 125b and improve the energy density of the battery pack 100. The plate Pb1 may be referred to as a third plate, the plate Pb2 may be referred to as a fourth plate, the rib Rb1 may be referred to as a third rib, and the rib Rb2 may be referred to as a fourth rib.

[0063] The second cross beam 125b may include a connecting portion 125bM. The connecting portion 125bM may provide a space for an embedded fixator 165 (see FIG. 8) for fixing a reinforcing part 150 (see FIG. 9) described later. This allows the thickness of the rib Rb1 in the Z direction to be variable. More specifically, the thickness of the rib Rb1 in the Z direction at the connecting portion 125bM may be smaller than the thickness of the rib Rb1 in the Z direction away from the connecting portion 125bM.

[0064] According to an exemplary embodiment, the second cross beam 125b of each battery assembly 120 may be coupled to the first cross beam 125a of the subsequent battery assembly 120. In this case, the lower part of the plate Pa1 may face the plate Pb2, the upper part of the plate Pb1 may face the plate Pa2, and the rib Ra1 may face the rib Rb1.

[0065] 1 and 2, the first cross beam 125a and the second cross beam 125b may constitute a cross beam assembly CBA (see FIG. 1). The cross beam assembly CBA may extend in a direction perpendicular to the upper center beam 130 (i.e., the Y direction). The cross beam assembly CBA may isolate the cell stacks 121 in the X direction. The cross beam assembly CBA may be interposed between adjacent cell stacks 121.

[0066] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first cross beam 125a and the second cross beam 125b may have different and complementary shapes. The second cross beam 125b of each of the plurality of battery assemblies 120 may be coupled with the first cross beam 125a of the subsequent battery assembly 120. The first cross beam 125a and the second cross beam 125b of each of the cross beam assemblies CBA may be interdigitated with each other.

[0067] FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial plan view of the partial POR of FIG.

[0068] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 7I-7I' in Fig. 7. In Fig. 8, the dashed line is an imaginary boundary line dividing plate portion 112P and lower center beam 112B.

[0069] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the reinforcing part 150 of the battery pack 100 of FIG.

[0070] 1 and 7 to 9, the battery pack 100 may further include a reinforcing part 150, first to fourth embedded fixators 161, 163, 165, and 167, nuts 162 and 164, and a long bolt 170.

[0071] According to an exemplary embodiment, the support plate 110P may include a cooling plate 111 and a center plate 112 welded together by friction stir welding. When the cooling plate 111 and the center plate 112 are joined by friction stir welding, a weld surface JS may be formed as an interface between the cooling plate 111 and the center plate 112. According to an exemplary embodiment, the support plate 110P may include only a single plate.

[0072] The cooling plate 111 may include a plurality of cooling channels 111CH which are flow paths for a cooling fluid. The cooling plate 111 may include a plurality of cavities 111C which may reduce the weight of the cooling plate 111. Each of the plurality of cooling channels 111CH and the plurality of cavities 111C may extend in the X direction.

[0073] The center plate 112 may be disposed at the center of the housing 110 (more specifically, at the center in the Y direction). The center plate 112 may include a plate portion 112P and a lower center beam 112B. The lower center beam 112B may protrude in the Z direction from the plate portion 112P. The lower center beam 112B may overlap with the upper center beam 130. The upper center beam 130 may be fixed to the lower center beam 112B by mechanical means such as bolts.

[0074] The lower center beam 112B may be elongated in the X-direction. By way of non-limiting example, the length of the lower center beam 112B in the X-direction may be substantially the same as the length of the upper center beam 130 in the X-direction. According to an example embodiment, each of the upper center beam 130 and the lower center beam 112B may include an internal open space, which may reduce the weight of the upper center beam 130 and the lower center beam 112B.

[0075] The multiple battery assemblies 120 may be mounted on the cooling plate 111. An area of ​​each of the multiple battery assemblies 120 may mainly face the cooling plate 111. Thus, the center plate 112 faces a small area of ​​each of the multiple battery assemblies 120, but the center plate 112 may not include a cooling channel. The center plate 112 may include a groove 112G formed on a lower surface of the support plate 110P and overlapping with the lower center beam 112B in the Z direction. The groove 112G may be extended in the X direction.

[0076] The reinforcing piece 150 may have a generally rod-like shape. The reinforcing piece 150 may include a groove 150G. The upper center beam 130 may be partially inserted into the groove 150G. The groove 150G may have a shape complementary to a portion of the upper center beam 130. For example, the cross section of the upper center beam 130 may be T-shaped and the groove 150G may have a shape complementary to the cross section of the upper center beam 130.

[0077] According to an exemplary embodiment, the reinforcing parts 150 may be disposed at intersections CP2 and CP3 between the cross beam assembly CBA and the lower center beam 112B. According to an exemplary embodiment, the reinforcing parts 150 may be disposed at intersections CP1 and CP4 between the first and second cross beams 125a and 125b and the lower center beam 112B. In this case, the battery pack 100 may include four intersections CP1, CP2, CP3, and CP4, and the same number of reinforcing parts.

[0078] In another example, the reinforcing parts 150 may be disposed only at the intersections CP1, CP2, and CP3. This may prevent delay in assembly of the battery pack 100 due to interference between the side wall 110S and the reinforcing parts 150. In this case, the battery pack 100 may include four intersections CP1, CP2, CP3, and CP4, and three reinforcing parts 150. That is, the number of reinforcing parts 150 may be one less than the number of intersections CP1, CP2, CP3, and CP4.

[0079] The reinforcing parts 150 may be disposed only at intersections CP2 and CP3 between the cross beam assembly CBA and the lower center beam 112B. In this case, the battery pack 100 may include four intersections CP1, CP2, CP3, and CP4 and include two reinforcing parts 150. That is, the number of reinforcing parts 150 may be two less than the number of intersections CP1, CP2, CP3, and CP4.

[0080] The reinforcing part 150 may be disposed on the first cross beam 125a and the lower center beam 112B. The reinforcing part 150 may contact the first cross beam 125a and the lower center beam 112B. The lower center beam 112B may contact the lower surface 150B of the reinforcing part 150. The first cross beam 125a may contact the lower surface 150B and the side surface 150S of the reinforcing part 150. The rib Ra1 of the first cross beam 125a may contact the lower surface 150B of the reinforcing part 150. The ribs Ra2 and Ra3 of the first cross beam 125a may contact the side surface 150S of the reinforcing part 150.

[0081] According to an exemplary embodiment, the reinforcement component 150 may be secured to the lower center beam 112B by a first embedded fastener 161. The first embedded fastener 161 may be partially embedded in the lower center beam 112B. The lower center beam 112B may include a plurality of holes 112H for installing the first embedded fastener 161. A nut 162 may be coupled to the first embedded fastener 161, thereby securing the reinforcement component 150 and the lower center beam 112B to one another.

[0082] According to an exemplary embodiment, the reinforcing part 150 may be fixed to the first cross beam 125a by a second embedded fastener 163. The second embedded fastener 163 may be partially embedded in the rib Ra1 of the first cross beam 125a. The first cross beam 125a may include a plurality of holes 125aH for installing the second embedded fastener 163. A nut 164 may be coupled to the second embedded fastener 163, thereby fixing the reinforcing part 150 and the first cross beam 125a to each other.

[0083] The reinforcing part 150 may include a first hole 150H1 through which the first embedded fixator 161 is inserted and a second hole 150H2 through which the second embedded fixator 163 is inserted. The slot 150SL may be located between the first hole 150H1 and the second hole 150H2. The length of each of the slots 150SL in the X direction may be greater than the length of each of the slots 150SL in the Y direction, but is not limited thereto. The first hole 150H1, the second hole 150H2 and the slot 150SL may each be formed on the lower surface of the reinforcing part 150.

[0084] The third embedded fixator 165 may be partially embedded in the upper center beam 130. The fourth embedded fixator 167 may be partially embedded in the rib Ra4 of the first cross beam 125a. The third embedded fixator 165 and the fourth embedded fixator 167 may be used to fix a lead plate, which will be described later, to the first cross beam 125a.

[0085] The long bolts 170 may penetrate the first cross beam 125a and the second cross beam 125b in the Z direction and be coupled to the support plate 110P, thereby fixing the first cross beam 125a and the second cross beam 125b to the support plate 110P.

[0086] The battery pack 100 may further include electrical components. The electrical components may be disposed on the housing 110. The electrical components may be disposed between a side wall 110S on which the exhaust device 140 is installed and the plurality of battery assemblies 120. The electrical components may include any electronic elements necessary to operate the battery pack.

[0087] 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 assemblies 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.

[0088] Balancing the battery pack 100 is an operation that reduces the deviation between the multiple battery assemblies 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 a shortened life span of each of the multiple battery assemblies 120.

[0089] 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 assemblies 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 assemblies 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.

[0090] The battery pack 100 may further include a plurality of inter-bus bars configured to electrically connect the plurality of battery assemblies 120. The plurality of battery assemblies 120 may be connected in series by the plurality of inter-bus bars. Thus, the battery pack 100 may be configured to output a high voltage to an external load (e.g., a vehicle motor).

[0091] The battery pack 100 may further include a lead plate coupled to the side wall 110S. The lead plate may cover elements disposed inside the battery pack 100, such as the battery assembly 120 and electrical components. The lead plate may be fixed to the battery pack 100 by a mechanical coupling means, such as a third embedded fixator 165 and a fourth embedded fixator 167.

[0092] Second embodiment Figure 10 shows a portion corresponding to Figure 8. For ease of explanation, the following description will focus on the differences from Figure 8. In Figure 10, the dashed line is an imaginary boundary line that divides the plate portion 112P and the lower center beam 112B.

[0093] In this embodiment, the second embedded fixator 163' is embedded in the second cross beam 125b. This allows the reinforcing part 150 to be fixed to the first cross beam 125a and the second cross beam 125b. The second embedded fixator 163' may penetrate the reinforcing part 150 and the first cross beam 125a. The second cross beam 125b may include a hole 125bH into which the second embedded fixator 163' is embedded.

[0094] Third embodiment Fig. 11 shows a portion corresponding to Fig. 8. In Fig. 11, the dashed line is an imaginary boundary line dividing the plate portion 113P and the lower center beam 113LB.

[0095] In this embodiment, the center plate 113 may include a plate portion 113P, a lower center beam 113LB, and an upper center beam 113UB. That is, the upper center beam 113UB and the lower center beam 113LB are provided integrally. The reinforcing part 150 may be assembled through an opening 113OP between the upper center beam 113UB and the lower center beam 113LB. The plate portion 113P and the lower center beam 113LB are substantially identical to the plate portion 112P and the lower center beam 112B of FIG. 8. The lower center beam 113LB may include a plurality of holes 113H for installing the first embedded fixator 161.

[0096] (Fourth embodiment) Figure 12 shows a portion corresponding to Figure 8. In this embodiment, the lower center beam 131 is a separate element from the center plate 114. The center plate 114 is substantially identical to the plate portion 112P of the center plate 112 in Figure 8. The lower center beam 131 may be disposed on the center plate 114.

[0097] The lower center beam 131 is similar to the lower center beam 112B of FIG. 8. The lower center beam 131 may be extended in the X direction. The lower center beam 131 may overlap with the upper center beam 130. The length of the lower center beam 131 in the X direction may be substantially the same as the length of the upper center beam 130 in the X direction. The lower center beam 131 may include an empty space extending in the X direction, which may reduce the weight of the lower center beam 131. The lower center beam 131 may include a hole 131H for embedding a first embedded fixator.

[0098] The present invention has been described in more detail above with reference to the drawings and embodiments, etc. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments, etc. 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]

[0099] 100 Battery Packs 110 Housing 110L bottom 110P Support Plate 110S side wall 110U top 111 Cooling plate 111C Cooling Channel 112 Center Plate 112B Lower Center Beam 112G Groove Hall 112H 112P Plate part 113 Center Plate Hall 113H 113LB Lower center beam 113OP opening 113P Plate part 113UB Upper center beam 114 Center Plate 116a First support beam 116b Second Support Beam 120 Battery Assembly 121 Cell Stack 121S1 1st side 121S2 2nd side 122 Busbar Plate 123 FFC Assembly 125a 1st Cross Beam 125aC space 125aH Hole 125aM Joint 125b 2nd cross beam 125bH Hall 125bC space 125bM junction 130 Upper center beam 131 Lower center beam Hall 131H 140 Exhaust system 150 Reinforcement parts 150H1 1st Hall 150H2 2nd Hall 150B Bottom 150G groove 150S side 150SL Slot 161 First Implant Fixator 162 Nut 163, 163' Second embedded fixator 164 Nut 165 Third Implant Fixator 167 4th Implant Fixator 170 Long Bolt CBA Cross Beam Assembly CP1, CP2, CP3, CP4 intersections JS Welding Mask Pa1, Pa2, Pb1, Pb2 plates Ra1, Ra2, Ra3, Ra4, Rb1, Rb2, Rb3, Rb4 Ribs

Claims

1. a housing including a cooling plate including cooling channels and a center plate including a lower center beam; a first battery assembly and a second battery assembly disposed on the cooling plate; a reinforcing piece coupled to the lower center beam; and Each of the first battery assembly and the second battery assembly includes a cell stack and a first cross beam and a second cross beam spaced apart from each other with the cell stack therebetween; the first cross beam shape and the second cross beam shape are different and complementary to each other; and The first cross beam of the second battery assembly is coupled to the reinforcement component.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the second cross beam of the first battery assembly is coupled to the reinforcement component.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1 , further comprising an upper center beam coupled to the lower center beam and partially covering the reinforcement component.

4. The reinforcing component includes a center groove; and The battery pack according to claim 3 , wherein the upper center beam is partially inserted into the center groove.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1 , further comprising a first embedded fastener coupled to the lower center beam and fastening the reinforcing component.

6. The first cross beam of each of the first battery assembly and the second battery assembly includes: a first plate covering a first side of the cell stack; a second plate spaced apart from the cell stack with the first plate therebetween; a first rib and a second rib connected to the first plate and the second plate, respectively, and interposed between the first plate and the second plate; and The second cross beam of each of the first battery assembly and the second battery assembly includes: a third plate covering a second side of the cell stack, the second side being opposite the first side; and a fourth plate spaced apart from the cell stack with the third plate therebetween; 2. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising: a third rib and a fourth rib coupled to the third plate and the fourth plate, respectively, and interposed between the third plate and the fourth plate.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6 , wherein the second rib contacts a side surface of the reinforcing component.

8. The battery pack according to claim 6 , wherein the first rib contacts a lower surface of the reinforcing component.

9. The battery pack according to claim 6 , wherein a length of the first rib is longer than a length of the second rib.

10. 9. The battery pack according to claim 8, further comprising a second embedded fastener that fastens the reinforcing component to the first cross beam of the second battery assembly.

11. The battery pack according to claim 10 , wherein the second embedded fixator is embedded in the first rib.

12. The battery pack according to claim 10 , wherein the second embedded fixator is embedded in the third rib.

13. The battery pack according to claim 12 , wherein the second embedded fastener penetrates the first rib and the reinforcing component.

14. a housing including a support plate; a lower center beam extending across a center of the housing and disposed on the support plate, the lower center beam extending in a first direction; a first battery assembly and a second battery assembly disposed on the support plate; a reinforcing piece coupled to the lower center beam; and Each of the first battery assembly and the second battery assembly includes a cell stack and a first cross beam and a second cross beam spaced apart from each other with the cell stack therebetween; Each of the first cross beam and the second cross beam extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and The second cross beam of the first battery assembly is coupled to the reinforcement component.

15. The battery pack according to claim 14 , wherein a first cross beam of the second battery assembly is coupled to the reinforcement component.

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