Battery pack

Abstract

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack includes a housing including a plate portion and side walls, a plurality of battery assemblies disposed on the plate portion of the housing, a plurality of first embedded guides disposed on corners of the upper surface of the side walls and partially embedded in the side walls, and a sealing member covering the upper surface of the side walls, and each of the plurality of first embedded guides includes a first flange protruding from the upper surface of the side wall and a body having a diameter smaller than that of the first flange.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack. This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2022-0168164, filed on December 5, 2022, and Korean Application No. 10-2023-0029129, filed on March 6, 2023, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Background Art

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as an energy source for various wireless devices such as handsets, notebook computers, and wireless vacuum cleaners. In recent years, due to the improvement of energy density and economies of scale, the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has decreased dramatically, and as the driving range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to a level comparable to that of fuel vehicles, the main application of secondary batteries has shifted from mobile devices to mobility.

[0003] The trend in the technological development of secondary batteries for mobility is the improvement of energy density and safety. Here, the energy density of a secondary battery is the value obtained by dividing the maximum electrical energy that the secondary battery can store by the mass of the secondary battery. Since a high energy density of a secondary battery is directly related to the driving efficiency and driving range of mobility, various studies have been conducted to improve the energy density of secondary batteries.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the technical idea of the present invention is to provide a battery pack with improved safety and energy density.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problems, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack includes a housing including a plate portion and side walls, a plurality of battery assemblies disposed on the plate portion of the housing, a plurality of first embedded guides disposed on the upper surface of the side walls and partially embedded in the side walls, and a sealing member covering the upper surface of the side walls. Each of the plurality of first embedded guides includes a first flange protruding from the upper surface of the side wall and a body having a diameter smaller than that of the first flange.

[0006] The body is spaced apart from the side wall with the first flange therebetween.

[0007] The sealing member includes a plurality of holes, and the plurality of holes surround the first flange of each of the plurality of first embedded guides.

[0008] The height of the sealing member is even higher than the height of the first flange.

[0009] The height of the first flange is in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm.

[0010] The body includes a concavo-convex surface.

[0011] The plurality of embedded guides are disposed on the corners of the upper surface of the side wall.

[0012] The battery pack further includes a plurality of second embedded guides disposed on the upper surface of the side wall and partially embedded in the side wall.

[0013] Each of the plurality of second embedded guides includes a second flange protruding from the upper surface of the side wall.

[0014] Each of the plurality of second embedded guides is interposed between the corners of the upper surface of the side wall.

[0015] Each of the plurality of second embedded guides includes an inner wall that defines a receiving groove, and the inner wall includes a concavo-convex surface.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack includes a housing including a plate portion and side walls, a plurality of battery assemblies disposed on the plate portion of the housing, a sealing member covering an upper surface of the side walls, and a lead plate coupled to the housing, and the side walls include a plurality of guide protrusions protruding from the upper surface of the side walls, and the sealing member is interposed between the plurality of guide protrusions.

[0017] The plurality of guide protrusions are disposed at both ends of the side walls.

[0018] The height of each of the plurality of guide protrusions is in the range of 25% to 75% of the height of the sealing member.

[0019] Each of the plurality of guide protrusions is spaced apart from a corner of the upper surface of the side wall.

[0020] The battery pack further includes a plurality of corner brackets coupled to any one of the side walls of the housing and the lead plate and covering a portion of the sealing member disposed on a corner of the upper surface of the side wall.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] The battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a first embedded guide and a second embedded guide. The first embedded guide and the second embedded guide can be pressure stoppers for sealing the battery pack in addition to fixing the ribs to the housing of the battery pack. Thereby, a separate stopper coupled to the sealing member can be omitted, and the productivity and energy density of the battery pack can be improved.

[0022] The 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 those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects associated with implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before that, the terms and words used in this specification and the claims should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be construed as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms in order to explain his own invention in the best way.

[0025] Therefore, the embodiments 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 all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Thus, there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0026] Also, in the description of the present invention, when it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to an ordinary technician. Therefore, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for clearer explanation. Thus, the sizes and ratios of each component do not fully reflect the actual sizes and ratios.

[0028] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack 100 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing some elements of the battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery pack 100 may include a housing 110, a plurality of battery assemblies 120, a center beam 130, a plurality of exhaust devices 140, a plurality of first embedded guides 151, a plurality of second embedded guides 153, a sealing member 160, and a lead plate 170. The battery pack 100 is the final form of a battery system mounted on mobility or the like.

[0031] The housing 110 can provide a space for mounting a plurality of battery assemblies 120. The housing 110 may include a plate portion 110P and side walls 110S. Two directions substantially parallel to the plate portion 110P of the housing 110 are defined as the X direction and the Y direction, and a direction substantially perpendicular to the plate portion 110P of the housing 110 is defined as the Z direction. Each of the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction may be substantially perpendicular to each other. Unless otherwise specified, the definition of the directions is the same for the following drawings.

[0032] A plurality of battery assemblies 120 may be arranged on the plate portion 110P of the housing 110. The plate portion 110P can support a plurality of battery assemblies 120. The plate portion 110P may include a substantially parallel upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface of the plate portion 110P may face a plurality of battery assemblies 120. The lower surface of the plate portion 110P is opposite to the upper surface of the plate portion 110P.

[0033] The side walls 110S can horizontally surround a plurality of battery assemblies 120. The side walls 110S can protect a plurality of battery assemblies 120. The side walls 110S may include a first side wall 111, a second side wall 112, a third side wall 113, and a fourth side wall 114. The first to fourth side walls 111, 112, 113, 114 can be fixed to each other by methods such as friction stir welding and spot welding.

[0034] The first side wall 111 and the second side wall 112 may be substantially perpendicular to the Y direction. Each of the third side wall 113 and the fourth side wall 114 may be substantially perpendicular to the X direction. The first side wall 111 and the second side wall 112 can cover the side surfaces of the plate portion 110P. The third side wall 113 and the fourth side wall 114 may be arranged on the plate portion 110P.

[0035] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first to fourth side walls 111, 112, 113, 114 can be provided by an extrusion process. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first to fourth side walls 111, 112, 113, 114 can include internal empty spaces such as the empty space 113H in FIG. 4, whereby the side wall 110S can be lightened. According to an exemplary embodiment, the empty space of the first to fourth side walls 111, 112, 113, 114 can be either a gas venting path or a coolant channel.

[0036] Hereinafter, the technical idea of the present invention will be described with reference to an embodiment in which the battery pack 100 is a module - less type and each of the plurality of battery assemblies 120 does not include a module frame. However, this is a non - restrictive example and does not limit the technical idea of the present invention in any sense. A person of ordinary skill in the art can easily arrive at a plurality of battery assemblies including a module frame and a module - type battery pack including the same based on what is described herein.

[0037] The center beam 130 can isolate elements mounted on the housing 110 from each other. Thereby, the center beam 130 can protect the plurality of battery assemblies 120 and at the same time prevent unnecessary short - circuits between them.

[0038] The center beam 130 can extend between the third side wall 113 and the fourth side wall 114. The center beam 130 can extend in the X direction. The center beam 130 can be in contact with the third side wall 113 and the fourth side wall 114. The center beam 130 can isolate the plurality of battery assemblies 120 from each other. The center beam 130 can be interposed between the plurality of battery assemblies 120.

[0039] The arrangement of the center beam 130 and the plurality of battery assemblies 120 disclosed in FIG. 1, as a non-limiting example, does not limit the technical idea of the present invention in any sense. Based on what is described herein, an ordinary technician in the art can easily arrive at a battery pack including various arrangements and numbers of center beams and battery assemblies.

[0040] A plurality of exhaust devices 140 may be coupled to the third side wall 113. The third side wall 113 may include a plurality of exhaust holes connected to the plurality of exhaust devices 140. The plurality of exhaust holes may be configured to provide a path for discharging gas and heat inside the battery pack 100.

[0041] The plurality of exhaust devices 140 may be configured to delay thermal propagation by discharging 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 runaway state.

[0042] Here, the thermal runaway of the plurality of battery assemblies 120 is a state in which the temperature change of the plurality of battery assemblies 120 further accelerates the temperature change, which is an uncontrollable positive feedback. The plurality of battery assemblies 120 in the thermal runaway state show a rapid temperature rise and discharge a large amount of high-pressure gas and combustion residues.

[0043] The plurality of first embedded guides 151 may be disposed on the side wall 110S. The plurality of first embedded guides 151 may be disposed on the corner 110C of the upper surface 110SU (see FIG. 4) of the side wall 110S. The plurality of first embedded guides 151 may be coupled to the corner 110C of the upper surface 110SU (see FIG. 4) of the side wall 110S. The plurality of first embedded guides 151 may be partially embedded in the side wall 110S. The plurality of first embedded guides 151 may partially protrude from the side wall 110S.

[0044] The plurality of second embedded guides 153 can be arranged on the side wall 110S. The plurality of second embedded guides 153 can be arranged on the upper surface 110SU of the side wall 110S (see FIG. 4). The plurality of second embedded guides 153 can be interposed between the corners 110C of the side wall 110S. The plurality of second embedded guides 153 can be interposed between the plurality of first embedded guides 151. The plurality of second embedded guides 153 can be coupled to the upper surface 110SU of the side wall 110S (see FIG. 4). The plurality of second embedded guides 153 can be partially embedded in the side wall 110S. The plurality of second embedded guides 153 can partially protrude from the side wall 110S.

[0045] Each of the plurality of first embedded guides 151 and second embedded guides 153 can include a metallic material. Each of the plurality of first embedded guides 151 and second embedded guides 153 can include, for example, aluminum. Each of the plurality of first embedded guides 151 and second embedded guides 153 can also include steels such as carbon steel, nickel steel, chromium steel, nickel chromium steel, and manganese steel.

[0046] The battery pack 100 can further include electrical components. The electrical components can be mounted on the housing 110. The electrical components can be arranged between the fourth side wall 114 where the exhaust device 140 is installed and the plurality of battery assemblies 120. The electrical components can include any electronic elements necessary to drive the battery pack.

[0047] The electrical components can include, for example, a BMS (Battery Management System). The BMS can be configured to perform monitoring, balancing, and control of the battery pack. The monitoring of the battery pack 100 can include measurement of the voltage and current of specific nodes inside the plurality of battery assemblies 120 and measurement of the temperature at a set position inside the battery pack 100. The battery pack 100 can include measuring instruments for measuring the above-mentioned voltage, current, and temperature.

[0048] Balancing the battery pack 100 is an operation to reduce the deviation among a plurality of battery assemblies 120. The control of the battery pack 100 includes preventing overcharging, over-discharging, and overcurrent generation. Through monitoring, balancing, and control, the battery pack 100 can operate under optimal conditions, thereby preventing the shortening of the life of each of the plurality of battery assemblies 120.

[0049] The electrical components may further include a cooling device, a PRA (Power Relay Assembly), a safety plug, etc. The cooling device may include a cooling fan. The cooling fan can prevent overheating of each of the plurality of battery assemblies 120 by circulating the air inside the battery pack 100. The PRA may be configured to supply or cut off the power of the high-voltage battery to an external load (e.g., the motor of a vehicle). The PRA can protect the plurality of battery assemblies 120 and the external load (e.g., the motor of a vehicle) by cutting off the power supply to the external load (e.g., the motor of a vehicle) when an abnormal voltage such as a voltage surge occurs.

[0050] The battery pack 100 may further include a plurality of busbars configured to electrically connect the plurality of battery assemblies 120. The plurality of battery assemblies 120 can be connected in series by the plurality of busbars. Thereby, the battery pack 100 can be configured to output a high voltage to an external load (e.g., the motor of a vehicle).

[0051] The sealing member 160 may contain an elastic substance. The sealing member 160 may contain, for example, rubber such as EPDM (Ethylene-Propylene Diene Monomer). When the housing 110 and the lead plate are coupled, the sealing member 160 may be interposed between the housing 110 and the lead plate. The housing 110 and the lead plate 170 may press the sealing member 160 so that deformation occurs in the sealing member 160. Thereby, the battery pack 100 can be sealed, and external fluid can be blocked from the internal space of the battery pack 100.

[0052] The lead plate 170 may be coupled to the housing 110. The lead plate 170 may include a main surface and an edge. The main surface may cover elements mounted on the battery pack 100 such as a plurality of battery assemblies 120 and electrical components. The edge is a surface that contacts the housing 110 and may horizontally surround the main surface. As a non-limiting exemplary illustration, the main surface may be elevated compared to the edge, and the edge and the main surface may be connected by a bent portion.

[0053] The lead plate may be coupled to the side wall 110S of the housing 110 by a plurality of first embedded guides 151 and second embedded guides 153. According to an exemplary embodiment, the battery pack 100 may further include an element coupled to the plurality of first embedded guides 151 and second embedded guides 153 to fix the lead plate to the side wall 110S of the housing 110. The above elements may include, but are not limited to, bolts and nuts.

[0054] Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of an enlarged 2A portion of Figure 2.

[0055] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 3I-3I' of Figure 3. More specifically, in Figure 4, the sealing member 160 before being pressed by the lead plate 170 (see Figure 1) is shown.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, each of the plurality of first embedding guides 151 may include a first flange 151F, a body 151B, a connecting portion 151C, a first embedded flange 151EF, and an extension portion 151E. In FIG. 4, the dashed lines are virtual lines for distinguishing the first flange 151F, the body 151B, the connecting portion 151C, the first embedded flange 151EF, and the extension portion 151E of each of the plurality of first embedding guides 151 from each other. According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of first embedding guides 151 may be configured to guide the assembly of the sealing member 160.

[0057] As a non-limiting example, the first flange 151F may have a substantially cylindrical shape. However, without being limited thereto, the first flange 151F may also have various shapes such as a triangular prism, a quadrangular prism, a pentagonal prism, a hexagonal prism, a cross prism, and a star-shaped prism. The height of the cylindrical shape of the first flange 151F may be substantially parallel to the Z direction. The first flange 151F may protrude from the upper surface 110SU of the side wall 110S. The first flange 151F may be disposed on the upper surface 110SU of the side wall 110S.

[0058] The body 151B may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The body 151B may extend in the Z direction. The height of the cylindrical shape of the body 151B may be substantially parallel to the Z direction. The width W2 of the body 151B may be even smaller than the width W1 of the first flange 151F. The body 151B may be connected to the first flange 151F. The body 151B may be spaced apart from the upper surface 110SU of the side wall 110S with the first flange 151F interposed therebetween.

[0059] The connecting portion 151C may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The height of the cylindrical shape of the connecting portion 151C may be substantially parallel to the Z direction. The connecting portion 151C may be connected to the first flange 151F and the first embedded flange 151EF. The width W3 of the connecting portion 151C may be even smaller than the width W1 of the first flange 151F.

[0060] The connecting portion 151C can face a portion of the side wall 110S that defines the first hole 110H1. According to an exemplary embodiment, the width WI2 of the first hole 110H1 may be even greater than the width W3 of the connecting portion 151C. According to an exemplary embodiment, the width WI2 of the first hole 110H1 may be substantially the same as the width W3 of the connecting portion 151C.

[0061] The first embedded flange 151EF can be interposed between the connecting portion 151C and the extension portion 151E. The width W4 of the first embedded flange 151EF may be even greater than the width W3 of the connecting portion 151C and the width W5 of the extension portion 151E. The first embedded flange 151EF can be embedded within the side wall 110S. Each of the plurality of first embedded guides 151 can be fixed to the side wall 110S by the first embedded flange 151EF and the first flange 151F.

[0062] The extension portion 151E can have a substantially cylindrical shape. The height of the cylindrical shape of the extension portion 151E can be substantially parallel to the Z direction. The extension portion 151E can extend in the Z direction. The width W5 of the extension portion 151E can be substantially the same as the width W3 of the connecting portion 151C.

[0063] The widths W1, W2, W3, W4, W5, WI1, WI2 described above are referred to as widths in the broadest sense. When one of the first flange 151F, the body 151B, the connecting portion 151C, the first embedded flange 151EF, and the extension portion 151E has circular symmetry, among the widths W1, W2, W3, W4, W5, WI1, WI2, the one corresponding to the one having circular symmetry can also be referred to as a diameter alternatively.

[0064] As a non-limiting example, each of the plurality of first embedded guides 151 can be an insert bolt such as a rivet stud. In this case, each of the first flanges 151F can be the head of the insert bolt. The body 151B can be the shank of the insert bolt and can include uneven surfaces such as threads for coupling with a nut. Further, by the embedding and fixing operations of each of the plurality of first embedded guides 151, the portion between the connecting portion 151C and the extending portion 151E can be deformed, and a first embedded flange 151EF having a width larger than that of the connecting portion 151C and the extending portion 151E can be formed.

[0065] The sealing member 160 can be disposed on the upper surface of the side wall 110S. According to an exemplary embodiment, the sealing member 160 can include a plurality of first holes 160H1. The plurality of first holes 160H1 can be penetrated by the plurality of first embedded guides 151. The sealing member 160 can horizontally surround the first flanges 151F of each of the plurality of first embedded guides 151.

[0066] According to an exemplary embodiment, the height of the first flange 151F can be in the range of about 25% to about 75% of the height of the sealing member 160. Here, the height means the length in the Z direction. As an example, when the height of the sealing member 160 is about 4 mm, the height of the first flange 151F can be in the range of about 1 mm to about 3 mm. Before being pressed by the lead plate 170 (see FIG. 1), the sealing member 160 can horizontally surround the lower part of the body 151B of each of the plurality of first embedded guides 151. When the lead plate 170 (see FIG. 1) is coupled to the housing 110, the height of the sealing member 160 can be substantially the same as the height of the first embedded flange 151EF.

[0067] Before being pressed by the lead plate 170 (see FIG. 1), the width WI1 of each of the plurality of first holes 160H1 of the sealing member 160 may be even larger than the width W1 of the first flange 151F. Before being pressed by the lead plate 170 (see FIG. 1), the width WI1 of each of the plurality of first holes 160H1 of the sealing member 160 may be the same as the width W1 of the first flange 151F. When the lead plate 170 (see FIG. 1) is coupled to the housing 110, the width WI1 of the plurality of first holes 160H1 of the sealing member 160 may be the same as the width W1 of the first flange 151F.

[0068] FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the 2B portion of FIG. 2.

[0069] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 5I-5I' of FIG. 5. More specifically, in FIG. 6, the sealing member 160 before being pressed by the lead plate 170 (see FIG. 1) is shown.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 2, 5, and 6, each of the plurality of second embedding guides 153 may include a second flange 153F, a connecting portion 153C, a second embedded flange 153EF, and an extension portion 153E. In FIG. 6, the dashed lines are virtual lines for distinguishing the second flange 153F, the connecting portion 153C, the second embedded flange 153EF, and the extension portion 153E of each of the plurality of second embedding guides 153 from each other. The plurality of second embedding guides 153 may be configured to guide the assembly of the sealing member 160.

[0071] As a non-limiting example, the second flange 153F may have a substantially cylindrical shape. However, without being limited thereto, the second flange 153F may also have various shapes such as a triangular prism, a quadrangular prism, a pentagonal prism, a hexagonal prism, a cross-shaped prism, and a star-shaped prism. The height of the cylindrical shape of the second flange 153F may be substantially parallel to the Z direction. The second flange 153F may protrude from the upper surface 110SU of the side wall 110S. The second flange 153F may be disposed on the upper surface 110SU of the side wall 110S.

[0072] The connecting portion 153C may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The height of the cylindrical shape of the connecting portion 153C may be substantially parallel to the Z direction. The connecting portion 153C may be connected to the second flange 153F and the second embedded flange 153EF. The width W7 of the connecting portion 153C may be even smaller than the width W6 of the second flange 153F.

[0073] The connecting portion 153C may face a portion of the side wall 110S that defines the second hole 110H2. According to an exemplary embodiment, the width WI4 of the second hole 110H2 may be even larger than the width W7 of the connecting portion 153C. According to an exemplary embodiment, the width WI4 of the second hole 110H2 may be substantially the same as the width W7 of the connecting portion 153C.

[0074] The second embedded flange 153EF may be interposed between the connecting portion 153C and the extension portion 153E. The width W8 of the second embedded flange 153EF may be even larger than the width W7 of the connecting portion 153C and the width W9 of the extension portion 153E. The second embedded flange 153EF may be embedded within the side wall 110S. Each of the plurality of second embedded guides 153 may be fixed to the side wall 110S by the second embedded flange 153EF and the second flange 153F.

[0075] The extension portion 153E may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The height of the cylindrical shape of the extension portion 153E may be substantially parallel to the Z direction. The extension portion 153E may extend in the Z direction. The width W9 of the extension portion 153E may be substantially the same as the width W7 of the connecting portion 153C.

[0076] Each of the plurality of second embedded guides 153 may further include a receiving groove 153G. The receiving groove 153G may be configured to receive elements for fixing the housing 110 and the lead plate 170 (see FIG. 1).

[0077] The above widths W6, W7, W8, W9, WI3, WI4 are referred to as widths in the broadest sense. When any one of the second flange 153F, the connecting portion 153C, the second embedded flange 153EF, and the extension portion 153E has circular symmetry, among the widths W6, W7, W8, W9, WI3, WI4, the one corresponding to the one having circular symmetry can also be referred to as a diameter as an alternative.

[0078] As a non-limiting example, each of the plurality of second embedded guides 153 can be, for example, an insert nut such as a rivet nut. In this case, each of the second flanges 153F can be a flange of the insert nut. The accommodation groove 153G can include uneven surfaces such as threads for coupling with a bolt. Also, by the embedding and fixing operations of each of the plurality of second embedded guides 153, the portion between the connecting portion 153C and the extension portion 153E is deformed, and a second embedded flange 153EF having a width larger than that of the connecting portion 153C and the extension portion 153E can be formed.

[0079] According to an exemplary embodiment, the sealing member 160 can include a plurality of second holes 160H2. The plurality of second holes 160H2 can be penetrated by the plurality of second embedded guides 153. The sealing member 160 can horizontally surround each of the second flanges 153F of the plurality of second embedded guides 153.

[0080] According to an exemplary embodiment, the height of the second flange 153F can be in the range of about 25% to about 75% of the height of the sealing member 160. As an example, when the height of the sealing member 160 is about 4 mm, the height of the second flange 153F can be in the range of about 1 mm to about 3 mm. When the lead plate 170 (see FIG. 1) is coupled to the housing 110, the sealing member 160 can have substantially the same height as the second embedded flange 153EF.

[0081] Before being pressed by the lead plate 170 (see FIG. 1), the width WI3 of the plurality of second holes 160H2 of the sealing member 160 may be even larger than the width W6 of the second flange 153F. Before being pressed by the lead plate 170 (see FIG. 1), the width WI3 of each of the plurality of second holes 160H2 of the sealing member 160 may be the same as the width W6 of the second flange 153F. When the lead plate 170 (see FIG. 1) is coupled to the housing 110, the width WI3 of the plurality of second holes 160H2 of the sealing member 160 may be the same as the width W6 of the second flange 153F.

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, the sealing member 160 may be guided by the plurality of first embedding guides 151 and the second embedding guides 153 in the assembly of the battery pack 100. Also, when the lead plate 170 (see FIG. 1) is coupled to the housing 110, the plurality of first embedding guides 151 and the second embedding guides 153 may be stoppers that limit the distance between the lead plate 170 (see FIG. 1) and the side wall 110S of the housing 110. Thereby, an additional stopper element between the lead plate 170 (see FIG. 1) and the housing 110 may be omitted, and the productivity and energy density of the battery pack 100 may be improved.

[0083] (Second Embodiment) FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a battery pack 101 according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0084] FIGS. 8 and 9 are partial perspective views showing parts of the battery pack 101.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, the battery pack 101 may include a housing 110', a plurality of battery assemblies 120 (see FIG. 1), a center beam 130 (see FIG. 1), a plurality of exhaust devices 140, a sealing member 160, a lead plate 170, and a plurality of corner brackets 180.

[0086] The plurality of battery assemblies 120 (see FIG. 1), the center beam 130 (see FIG. 1), the plurality of exhaust devices 140, the sealing member 160, and the lead plate 170 are substantially the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, and thus redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0087] The lead plate 170 can be coupled to the housing 110'. The lead plate 170 can contact the guide protrusions 113F, 114F, 115F protruding from the upper surface 110SU' of the side wall 110S'. Each of the guide protrusions 113F, 114F, 115F can be a continuous element integrated with the second to fourth side walls 113', 114', 115'.

[0088] The height of each of the guide protrusions 113F, 114F, 115F can be in the range of about 1 mm to about 3 mm. According to an exemplary embodiment, the height of each of the guide protrusions 113F, 114F, 115F can be in the range of about 25% to about 75% of the height of the sealing member 160.

[0089] Each of the guide protrusions 113F, 114F, 115F can include the same material as the second to fourth side walls 113', 114', 115'. Each of the guide protrusions 113F, 114F, 115F can include a metallic material. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the guide protrusions 113F, 114F, 115F can include steels such as carbon steel, nickel steel, chromium steel, nickel chromium steel, and manganese steel. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the guide protrusions 113F, 114F, 115F can include, for example, aluminum.

[0090] According to an exemplary embodiment, the guide protrusions 113F, 114F, 115F may be disposed at both ends of the upper surface 110SU of the side wall 110S. More specifically, when the first side wall 112' and the second side wall 113' are perpendicular to the Y direction and the third side wall 114' and the fourth side wall 115' are perpendicular to the X direction, the guide protrusion 113F may be disposed at both ends of the side wall 113' in the Y direction, the guide protrusion 114F may be disposed at both ends of the side wall 114' in the X direction, and the guide protrusion 115F may be disposed at both ends of the side wall 115' in the X direction.

[0091] The first portion of the sealing member 160 may be interposed between the guide protrusions 113F. The first portion of the sealing member 160 may contact the guide protrusions 113F, the upper surface 110SU' of the side wall 110S, and the edge of the lead plate 170. The second portion of the sealing member 160 may be interposed between the guide protrusions 114F. The second portion of the sealing member 160 may contact the guide protrusions 114F, the upper surface 110SU' of the side wall 110S, and the edge of the lead plate 170. The third portion of the sealing member 160 may be interposed between the guide protrusions 115F. The third portion of the sealing member 160 may contact the guide protrusions 115F, the upper surface 110SU of the side wall 110S, and the edge of the lead plate 170.

[0092] Although not clearly shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the first side wall 112' may also include guide protrusions. Since the shape and arrangement of the guide protrusions of the first side wall 112' are similar to the shape and arrangement of the guide protrusion 113F of the second side wall 113', the overlapping description thereof will be omitted.

[0093] According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the guide protrusions 113F, 114F, 115F may extend between the corner portions 110C' of the upper surface 110SU' of the side wall 110S'. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the guide protrusions 113F, 114F, 115F may extend from one of the corner portions 110C' to another one of the corner portions 110C'. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the guide protrusions 113F, 114F, 115F may not be formed on the corner portion 110C'. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the guide protrusions 113F, 114F, 115F may be spaced apart from the corner portion 110C'. Thereby, when machining the first to fourth side walls 112', 113', 114', 115', the machining tool can be prevented from being interfered by the guide protrusions 113F, 114F, 115F, and the productivity of manufacturing the battery pack 101 can be improved.

[0094] According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of corner brackets 180 may be installed on either the inside of the lead plate 170 or the inside of the side wall 110S'. As described above, each of the guide protrusions 113F, 114F, 115F is not formed on the corner portion 110C', and the sealing member 160 on the corner portion 110C' may be exposed.

[0095] According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of corner brackets 180 may be configured to protect the sealing member 160. Each of the plurality of corner brackets 180 may prevent the sealing member 160 from being damaged by the flame and high-temperature gas inside the battery pack 101. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of corner brackets 180 may cover the sealing member 160 on the corner portion 110C'.

[0096] Each of the plurality of corner brackets 180 may include any one of the substances described above in relation to the guide protrusions 113F, 114F, 115F. Each of the plurality of corner brackets 180 may be coupled to either the lead plate 170 or one of the side walls by spot welding.

[0097] Each of the plurality of corner brackets 180 may include a first surface 181 coupled to the lead plate, a second surface 182 and a third surface 183 coupled to the side wall 110S'. According to an exemplary embodiment, when the lead plate 170 includes a bent portion, each of the plurality of corner brackets 180 may include a bent portion. Thereby, the corner bracket 180 and the lead plate 170 can be reliably coupled.

[0098] As described above, the present invention has been described in more detail through the drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described in this specification are only one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace these at the time of this application.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0099] 100 Battery Pack 101 Battery Pack 110 Housing 110’ Housing 110C Corner 110C’ Corner Portion 110H1 First Hole 110H2 Second Hole 110P Plate Portion 110S Side Wall 110S’ Side Wall 110SU Upper Surface 110SU’ Upper Surface 111 First Side Wall 112 Second Side Wall 112’ First Side Wall 113 Third Side Wall 113’ Second Side Wall 113F Guide Projection 114 Fourth Side Wall 114’ Third Side Wall 114F Guide Projection 115’ Fourth Side Wall 115F Guide Protrusion 120 Battery Assembly 130 Center Beam 140 Exhaust Device 151 Guide 151B Body 151C Connecting Part 151E Extension 151EF Flange 151F First Flange 153 Guide 153C Connecting Part 153E Extension 153EF Flange 153F Second Flange 153G Receiving Groove 160 Sealing Member 160H1 First Hole 160H2 Second Hole 170 Lead Plate 180 Corner Bracket 181 First Surface 182 Second Surface 183 Third Surface

Claims

1. A battery pack including a housing including a plate portion and side walls, a plurality of battery assemblies disposed on the plate portion of the housing, a plurality of first embedded guides disposed on the upper surface of the side walls and partially embedded in the side walls, and a sealing member covering the upper surface of the side walls, wherein each of the plurality of first embedded guides includes a first flange protruding from the upper surface of the side wall, and a body having a diameter smaller than that of the first flange.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the body is spaced apart from the side wall with the first flange therebetween.

3. The sealing member includes a plurality of holes, and the plurality of holes surround the first flange of each of the plurality of first embedded guides. The battery pack according to claim 1.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the height of the sealing member is further higher than the height of the first flange.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the height of the first flange is in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the body includes a concavo-convex surface.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first embedded guides are disposed on corners of the upper surface of the side wall.

8. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further including a plurality of second embedded guides disposed on the upper surface of the side walls and partially embedded in the side walls, and each of the plurality of second embedded guides includes a second flange protruding from the upper surface of the side wall.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of second embedded guides is interposed between corners of the upper surface of the side wall.

10. Each of the plurality of second embedded guides includes an inner wall defining a receiving groove, and the inner wall includes a concavo-convex surface. The battery pack according to claim 8.

11. A battery pack including a housing including a plate portion and side walls, a plurality of battery assemblies disposed on the plate portion of the housing, a sealing member covering the upper surface of the side walls, and a lead plate coupled to the housing, and the side walls include a plurality of guide protrusions protruding from the upper surface of the side walls, and The sealing member is a battery pack interposed between the plurality of guide protrusions.

12. The plurality of guide protrusions are arranged at both ends of the side wall, and the battery pack according to claim 11.

13. The height of each of the plurality of guide protrusions is in the range of 25% to 75% of the height of the sealing member, and the battery pack according to claim 11.

14. Each of the plurality of guide protrusions is separated from the corner of the upper surface of the side wall, and the battery pack according to claim 11.

15. The battery pack according to claim 11, further comprising a plurality of corner brackets coupled to any one of the side wall of the housing and the lead plate and covering a portion of the sealing member disposed on the corner of the upper surface of the side wall.

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