Battery packs, electronic devices and automobiles containing them

Abstract

The objective is to provide a battery pack with enhanced safety against external impacts, as well as electronic devices and automobiles that include such a battery pack. [Solution] The battery pack of the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules, a base plate on which the plurality of battery modules are located at the top, a front frame comprising a front cover portion covering the front of the base plate and a front plate portion extending rearward from one side of the front cover portion, with the front cover portion and the front plate portion integrally formed, a rear frame comprising a rear cover portion covering the rear of the base plate and a rear plate portion extending forward from one side of the rear cover portion, with the rear cover portion and the rear plate portion integrally formed, a first side frame covering the left side of the base plate, and a second side frame covering the right side of the base plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack, an electronic device including the same, and a vehicle, and more particularly, to a battery pack having enhanced safety against external impacts, an electronic device including the same, and a vehicle.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0113233 filed on September 4, 2020, and all the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application are incorporated herein.

Background Art

[0003] In recent years, the demand for portable electronic products such as notebook computers, video cameras, and mobile phones has increased rapidly, and as the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, satellites, etc. has become full-scale, research on high-performance secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged has been actively conducted.

[0004] Currently, secondary batteries such as nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries are commercialized. Among them, lithium secondary batteries have attracted attention because they have almost no memory effect, can be freely charged and discharged, have a very low self-discharge rate, and have a high energy density compared to nickel-based secondary batteries.

[0005] Such lithium secondary batteries mainly use a lithium-based oxide and a carbon material as a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, respectively. Further, such a lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate coated with a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode plate coated with a negative electrode active material are arranged with a separator interposed therebetween, and an exterior material, for example, a battery case, that seals and houses such an electrode assembly together with an electrolytic solution.

[0006] And, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is housed in a metal can and pouch-type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is housed in a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet according to the shape of the exterior material.

[0007] In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for high-capacity battery packs used in electric vehicles and other applications. When a vehicle collides with an external object, the impact can be transmitted to the battery pack inside the vehicle. When a large impact is applied to the battery pack in this way, multiple battery modules may be damaged and short-circuit with external components or short-circuit with each other, posing a significant risk of explosion or fire in the battery module.

[0008] Therefore, technology capable of safely protecting the numerous battery modules attached to the battery pack from external impacts has emerged as a crucial element. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] This invention was devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a battery pack with enhanced safety against external impacts, an electronic device including the same, and an automobile.

[0010] Other objects and advantages of the present invention can be understood from the following description and will be more clearly evident from the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To achieve the above objective, a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention is: Multiple battery modules, A base plate with multiple battery modules positioned at the top, A front frame comprising a front cover portion that covers the front of the base plate and a front plate portion extending rearward from one side of the front cover portion, wherein the front cover portion and the front plate portion are integrally formed, A rear frame comprising a rear cover portion that covers the rear of the base plate and a rear plate portion extending forward from one side of the rear cover portion, wherein the rear cover portion and the rear plate portion are integrally formed, The first side frame covers the left side of the base plate, Includes a second side frame that covers the right side of the base plate.

[0012] Furthermore, the front frame may be provided with at least one reinforcing rib that is positioned to face the space between multiple battery modules and extends from the front plate to the front cover.

[0013] On the other hand, the rear frame may be provided with at least one reinforcing rib that is positioned to face the space between the multiple battery modules and extends from the rear plate to the rear cover.

[0014] Furthermore, a first stepped structure can be formed at both ends on the left and right sides of the front cover section, where the height gradually decreases outwards.

[0015] On the other hand, the front and rear ends of the first and second side frames may each have a second stepped structure that gradually decreases in height outwards so as to connect with the first stepped structure of the front cover section.

[0016] Furthermore, the front frame may be further provided with a first projection on the front surface of the front cover portion, the upper part of which protrudes relatively further forward than the lower part.

[0017] On the other hand, the rear frame may have a second projection on the rear surface of the rear cover portion, the upper part of which protrudes relatively further rearward than the lower part.

[0018] Furthermore, the front cover portion of the front frame may have plate-like structures that protrude forward from the front and extend in the left-right direction, and may be equipped with multiple horizontal ribs arranged in the vertical direction.

[0019] On one hand, among the plurality of horizontal ribs, the horizontal rib located at the lower part can be configured such that the protrusion length forward is shorter than that of the horizontal rib located at the upper part relatively.

[0020] And the battery pack may further include a BMS (Battery Management System).

[0021] On one hand, the front cover part or the rear cover part may have an accommodation space for accommodating at least a part of the BMS.

[0022] Furthermore, the battery pack may further include a cooling unit having a refrigerant flow path configured such that the refrigerant moves, an injection port configured to inject the refrigerant into the refrigerant flow path, and a discharge port configured to discharge the refrigerant from the refrigerant flow path.

[0023] Also, the first side frame may have a first connection port communicating with the injection port of the cooling unit, and a first refrigerant movement path extending in the front - rear direction along the main body of the first side frame and communicating with the first connection port.

[0024] On one hand, the second side frame may have a second connection port communicating with the discharge port of the cooling unit, and a second refrigerant movement path extending in the front - rear direction along the main body of the second side frame and communicating with the second connection port.

[0025] And to achieve the above object, an electronic device according to another aspect of the present invention includes at least one of the above - described battery packs.

[0026] Furthermore, to achieve the above object, an automobile according to still another aspect of the present invention includes at least one of the above - described battery packs.

Advantages of the Invention

[0027] According to one aspect of the present invention, a front frame, a rear frame, a first side frame, and a second side frame are provided to cover the front, rear, left, and right sides of the battery module, thereby safely protecting multiple mounted battery modules from external impacts.

[0028] Furthermore, since the front frame of the present invention comprises an integrally formed front cover portion and front plate portion, and the rear frame comprises an integrally formed rear cover portion and rear plate portion, the overall width of the front and rear frames in the front-to-rear direction is increased compared to the prior art, and the mechanical rigidity is high enough to protect the multiple battery modules mounted on the battery pack when it is subjected to external impact in the front-to-rear direction.

[0029] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, a first stepped structure is formed on the front cover portion and the rear cover portion, and a second stepped structure is also formed on the first side frame and the second side frame, thereby effectively increasing the bonding area between the front cover portion and the rear cover portion and the first side frame and the second side frame. As a result, compared to the prior art, the present invention effectively increases the bonding force between the front frame and the rear frame and the first side frame and the second side frame, so that when the battery pack is subjected to an external impact in the front-rear direction, the impact can be effectively transmitted to the first side frame and the second side frame, respectively, and the mechanical rigidity can be increased to a degree that can protect the multiple battery modules mounted on it.

[0030] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, since the front cover portion and the front plate portion are integrally formed, sealing between the front cover portion and the front plate portion is ensured, eliminating the need for additional welding in that area, thus increasing ease of manufacturing. Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, since the rear cover portion and the rear plate portion are integrally formed, sealing between the rear cover portion and the rear plate portion is ensured, eliminating the need for additional welding in that area, thus increasing ease of manufacturing.

[0031] Furthermore, the present invention produces a variety of other effects, which will be described in the respective embodiments, or we will omit explanations of effects that can be easily inferred by an ordinary person.

[0032] The following drawings accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to further illustrate the technical idea of ​​the invention; therefore, the invention should not be construed as being limited solely to what is shown in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic right side view showing the front frame of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic right side view showing the rear frame of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a schematic side view showing the front frame of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a schematic side view showing the rear frame of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a schematic front perspective view showing the front frame of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a schematic rear perspective view showing the rear frame of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a schematic front perspective view showing the front frame of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a schematic rear perspective view showing the rear frame of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a schematic perspective view showing a cooling unit and intermediate frame of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a schematic rear perspective view showing the first side frame of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a schematic rear perspective view showing the second side frame of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This diagram illustrates the relationship between the front frame, base plate, and cooling unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and in the claims should not be interpreted in a manner limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but rather in a manner corresponding to the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventor himself can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe the invention.

[0035] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings represent only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention. It should be understood that there are various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted for these at the time of filing this application.

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 is a schematic right side view of the front frame of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 is a schematic right side view of the rear frame of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, a battery pack 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules 110, a base plate 120, a front frame 130, a rear frame 140, a first side frame 150, and a second side frame 160.

[0038] Specifically, the battery module 110 may comprise a plurality of battery cells (not shown) and a module housing 111 that houses the plurality of battery cells. The battery cells may be lithium secondary batteries. The battery cells may be pouch-type battery cells comprising an electrode assembly (not shown), an electrolyte (not shown), and a pouch containing these. However, the battery pack 100 according to the present invention is not limited to the pouch-type battery cells described above; for example, the battery cells may be cylindrical battery cells. In other words, a variety of battery cells known at the time of filing of this application may be used.

[0039] The battery module 110 may include at least one busbar (not shown) configured to electrically connect multiple battery cells. Specifically, the busbar may contain a conductive metal, such as copper, aluminum, or nickel.

[0040] Furthermore, the module housing 111 may include an electrically insulating material. For example, the module housing 111 may be made of polyvinyl chloride material. The module housing 111 may have a space capable of housing multiple battery cells inside. The module housing 111 may be a rectangular box shape overall.

[0041] Furthermore, multiple battery modules 110 can be electrically connected to each other via power cables or busbars. Since generally known configurations can be applied to the detailed configuration of the battery modules 110, a specific description is omitted.

[0042] The base plate 120 may be a plate extending horizontally. The base plate 120 may contain a metal material with excellent mechanical rigidity. Multiple battery modules 110 may be located on top of the base plate 120. The base plate 120 may also be configured to be connected to the front frame 130, the rear frame 140, the first side frame 150, and the second side frame 160, respectively. The connection method may be, for example, friction stir welding. Here, horizontal direction means the direction of a flat ground surface.

[0043] Furthermore, when viewed from the front with respect to arrow F in Figure 1, the front frame 130 can be coupled to the front end of the base plate 120 so as to cover the front of the multiple battery modules 110. The front frame 130 may comprise a front cover portion 131 and a front plate portion 132. Here, the front frame 130 can be integrally formed with the front cover portion 131 and the front plate portion 132. For example, the front frame 130 can be manufactured by extrusion molding so that the front cover portion 131 and the front plate portion 132 are integrally formed. Therefore, according to the present invention, separate welding is not required in the front end region of the battery pack 100. Furthermore, since the front cover portion 131 and the front plate portion 132 are integrally formed, sealing of the front end of the battery pack 100 can be ensured.

[0044] Here, terms indicating directions such as front, back, left, right, up, and down may change depending on the observer's position and the form in which the object is placed. However, for the sake of explanation, in this specification, directions such as front, back, left, right, up, and down will be distinguished and shown based on the perspective viewed from the direction of arrow F in Figure 1.

[0045] Furthermore, the front cover portion 131 may be in a form that extends long in the left-right direction and stands upright. The lower surface of the front cover portion 131 may be connected to the upper surface of the base plate 120. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the front cover portion 131 may have a predetermined width in the front-rear direction and extend in the left-right direction so that both ends reach the first side frame 150 and the second side frame 160, respectively. Also, as shown in Figure 3, the front cover portion 131 may have an internal space enclosed by an outer wall with an open interior. Multiple ribs for reinforcing mechanical rigidity may be provided in the internal space at predetermined intervals.

[0046] The front plate portion 132 may be formed extending rearward from one side of the front cover portion 131. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the front plate portion 132 may be plate-shaped extending rearward from the lower rear side of the front cover portion 131. The front plate portion 132 may include a support structure 132a in the form of a substantially I-shaped beam extending downward from a horizontally extending body so as to be coupled with the upper surface of the base plate 120.

[0047] For example, referring to Figure 14, the front plate portion 132 may be provided with a support structure 132a that protrudes downward from the horizontally extending main body. The support structure 132a may be, for example, in the form of a substantially I-shaped beam. The lower surface of the support structure 132a may be coupled in contact with the base plate 120. That is, the support structure 132a may support the front plate portion 132 from above the base plate 120. On the other hand, the lower surface of the front cover portion 131 may also be coupled in contact with the base plate 120. In this case, the lower surface of the front cover portion 131 and the lower surface of the support structure 132a may be substantially on the same plane. Therefore, the lower surface of the front cover portion 131 and the lower surface of the support structure 132a may be simultaneously in contact with and coupled to the base plate 120.

[0048] On the other hand, the front plate portion 132 increases the overall width of the front frame 130 in the front-to-back direction, thereby increasing the mechanical rigidity to a degree that can protect the multiple battery modules 110 mounted on the battery pack 100 when it is subjected to external impact in the front-to-back direction.

[0049] The rear frame 140 may be configured to cover the rear of a plurality of battery modules 110. The rear frame 140 may be coupled to the rear end of the base plate 120. The rear frame 140 may comprise a rear cover portion 141 and a rear plate portion 142. Here, the rear frame 140 may be integrally formed with the rear cover portion 141 and the rear plate portion 142. For example, the rear frame 140 may be manufactured by extrusion molding so that the rear cover portion 141 and the rear plate portion 142 are integrally formed. Therefore, according to the present invention, separate welding is not required in the rear end region of the battery pack 100. Furthermore, since the rear cover portion 141 and the rear plate portion 142 are integrally formed, sealing of the rear end of the battery pack 100 can be ensured.

[0050] Furthermore, the rear cover portion 141 may be elongated in the left-right direction and positioned vertically upward. The lower surface of the rear cover portion 141 may be connected to the upper surface of the base plate 120. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the rear cover portion 141 may have a predetermined width in the front-rear direction and extend in the left-right direction so that both ends reach the first side frame 150 and the second side frame 160, respectively. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the rear cover portion 141 may have an internal space enclosed by an outer wall with an open interior. Multiple ribs may be provided in the internal space at predetermined intervals to reinforce mechanical rigidity.

[0051] The rear plate portion 142 may be formed extending forward from one side of the rear cover portion 141. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the rear plate portion 142 may be a plate-like structure extending forward from the front lower part of the rear cover portion 141. The rear plate portion 142 may include an I-shaped beam-like support structure 142a extending downward from a horizontally extending body so as to be coupled to the upper surface of the base plate 120.

[0052] For example, although not shown in the figures, a support structure 142a may be provided that protrudes downward from the horizontally extending main body of the rear plate portion 142. The support structure 142a may be, for example, a substantially I-shaped beam. The lower surface of the support structure 142a may be connected in contact with the base plate 120. That is, the support structure 142a can support the rear plate portion 142 from above the base plate 120. On the other hand, the lower surface of the rear cover portion 141 may also be connected in contact with the base plate 120. In this case, the lower surface of the rear cover portion 141 and the lower surface of the support structure 142a may be substantially on the same plane. Therefore, the lower surface of the rear cover portion 141 and the lower surface of the support structure 142a may simultaneously be in contact with and connected to the base plate 120.

[0053] On the other hand, the rear plate portion 142 increases the front-to-rear width of the rear frame 140, thereby increasing the mechanical rigidity to a degree that can protect the multiple battery modules 110 mounted on the battery pack 100 when it is subjected to external impact in the front-to-rear direction.

[0054] The first side frame 150 may have a form that extends long in the front-rear direction (parallel to the Y-axis). A portion of the first side frame 150 may be coupled to the left end of the base plate 120 so as to cover the left side of a plurality of battery modules 110. The first side frame 150 may be configured to be coupled to the left ends of the front frame 130 and the rear frame 140, respectively.

[0055] Furthermore, the second side frame 160 may have a form that extends long in the front-to-back direction (parallel to the Y-axis). A portion of the second side frame 160 may be connected to the right end of the base plate 120 so as to cover the right side of the multiple battery modules 110. The second side frame 160 may be connected to the right ends of the front frame 130 and the rear frame 140, respectively.

[0056] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, since the front frame 130, rear frame 140, first side frame 150, and second side frame 160 are provided to cover the front, rear, left, and right sides of the battery module 110, the multiple battery modules 110 mounted can be safely protected from external impacts.

[0057] Furthermore, since the front frame 130 of the present invention comprises an integrally formed front cover portion 131 and a front plate portion 132, and the rear frame 140 comprises an integrally formed rear cover portion 141 and a rear plate portion 142, the overall width in the front-rear direction of the front frame 130 and the rear frame 140 is increased compared to the prior art, and the mechanical rigidity is high enough to protect the multiple battery modules 110 mounted on the battery pack 100 when it is subjected to external impact in the front-rear direction.

[0058] Figure 5 is a schematic side view showing the front frame of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Referring to Figure 5 in conjunction with Figures 1 and 2, the front frame 130A of the battery pack 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include at least one reinforcing rib R1. The reinforcing rib R1 may be configured to extend diagonally from the upper surface of the front plate portion 132 to the rear surface of the front cover portion 131. The reinforcing rib R1 may be positioned to face the space between the multiple battery modules 110. That is, the reinforcing rib R1 may be positioned so as not to face the multiple battery modules 110 in the front-rear direction. Alternatively, the reinforcing rib R1 may be configured to extend so that a portion of it is inserted between the multiple battery modules 110.

[0060] Figure 6 is a schematic side view showing the rear frame of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Referring to Figure 6 in conjunction with Figure 1, the rear frame 140A of the battery pack 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include at least one reinforcing rib R1. The reinforcing rib R1 may be in a configuration that extends diagonally from the rear plate portion 142 to the rear cover portion 141. The reinforcing rib R1 may be positioned to face the space between the multiple battery modules 110. That is, the reinforcing rib R1 may be positioned so as not to face the multiple battery modules 110 in the front-rear direction. Alternatively, the reinforcing rib R1 may be in a configuration that extends so as to be partially inserted between the multiple battery modules 110.

[0062] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the mechanical rigidity of the front frame 130A and / or rear frame 140A can be increased to the extent that the reinforcing rib R1 is provided on the front frame 130A and / or rear frame 140A, so as to protect the multiple battery modules 110 mounted on the battery pack 100 when it is subjected to external impact in the front-rear direction.

[0063] Furthermore, since the reinforcing rib R1 of the present invention is located between multiple battery modules 110, it can serve to guide the mounting position of each of the multiple battery modules 110. This effectively increases the manufacturing efficiency of the battery modules 110.

[0064] On the other hand, referring further to Figures 1 and 2, in a battery pack 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, a first stepped structure D1 may be formed at both the left and right ends of the front cover portion 131. The first stepped structure D1 may be provided at the ends of the front cover portion 131 in a manner in which the height decreases in stages outward. For example, as shown in Figure 2, a first stepped structure D1 may be formed at the left end of the front cover portion 131, in which the height decreases in stages toward the left. A first stepped structure D1 may be formed at the right end of the front cover portion 131, in which the height decreases in stages toward the right.

[0065] Furthermore, a second stepped structure D2 may be formed at the front and / or rear ends of the first side frame 150 and the second side frame 160, respectively. For example, the second stepped structure D2 may be configured to be connected to the first stepped structure D1 of the front cover portion 131. That is, the second stepped structure D2 may have a shape corresponding to the first stepped structure D1 formed on the front cover portion 131. The second stepped structure D2 of the first side frame 150 and the second side frame 160 may have a form in which the height decreases in stages outward with respect to the center of the battery pack 100.

[0066] Therefore, with this configuration of the present invention, a first stepped structure D1 is formed on the front cover portion 131, and a second stepped structure D2 is formed on the first side frame 150 and the second side frame 160, respectively, thereby effectively increasing the bonding area between the front cover portion 131 and the rear cover portion 141 and the first side frame 150 and the second side frame 160. As a result, compared to the prior art, the present invention effectively increases the bonding force between the front frame 130 and the rear frame 140 and the first side frame 150 and the second side frame 160, so that when the battery pack 100 is subjected to an external impact in the front-rear direction, the impact can be effectively transmitted to the first side frame 150 and the second side frame 160, respectively, and the mechanical rigidity can be increased to a degree that can protect the multiple battery modules 110 mounted on it.

[0067] Figure 7 is a schematic front perspective view showing the front frame of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Referring to Figure 7, the front frame 130B of the battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention may further include a first projection 133 compared to the front frame 130B of Figure 2. The first projection 133 may be formed to project forward from the front surface of the front cover portion 131. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the first projection 133 may be located at the bottom of the front surface of the front cover portion 131 with respect to the center, and may project forward from the front surface. The first projection 133 may also have a shape in which the length of the projection forward decreases as it goes downward.

[0069] In other words, the first projection 133 may have a portion that extends horizontally and a portion that extends downward so as to be inclined backward.

[0070] Therefore, with this configuration of the present invention, the front frame 130B further includes the first protrusion 133, so that when an external object collides with the front of the battery pack 100, the external object collides with the first protrusion 133 first, and the impact force is concentrated on the front plate portion 132 of the front frame 130B. The front frame 130B with the front plate portion 132 has a larger cross-sectional area in the front-rear direction at the bottom than at the top, so the bottom has greater resistance to impact in the front-rear direction. This effectively prevents damage to the multiple battery modules 110 mounted on the battery pack 100.

[0071] Figure 8 is a schematic rear perspective view showing the rear frame of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Referring to Figure 8, the rear frame 140B of the battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention may further include a second protrusion 143 compared to the rear frame 140 of Figure 2. The second protrusion 143 may be located at the bottom of the rear surface of the rear cover portion 141 with respect to the center. Furthermore, the second protrusion 143 may have a shape in which it protrudes further rearward than the rear surface of the rear cover portion 141. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the upper part of the second protrusion 143 may protrude further rearward than the lower part. That is, the second protrusion 143 may have a shape in which the length of the protrusion toward the rear decreases toward the bottom.

[0073] In other words, the second projection 143 may have a portion that extends horizontally and a portion that extends downward so as to be inclined backward.

[0074] Therefore, with this configuration of the present invention, the rear frame 140B further includes a second protrusion 143, so that when an external object collides with the rear of the battery pack 100, the external object collides with the second protrusion 143 first, and the impact force is effectively concentrated on the rear plate portion 142 located at the bottom of the rear frame 140B. In other words, the rear frame 140B with the rear plate portion 142 has a larger cross-sectional area in the front-rear direction at the bottom than at the top, so the bottom has greater resistance to impact in the front-rear direction. This effectively prevents damage to the multiple battery modules 110 mounted on the battery pack 100.

[0075] Figure 9 is a schematic front perspective view showing the front frame of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Referring to Figure 9, the front frame 130C of the battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention may further include a plurality of horizontal ribs R2 compared to the front frame 130 of Figure 2. Specifically, each of the plurality of horizontal ribs R2 may be in the form of a plate projecting forward from the front surface of the front cover portion 131. The plurality of horizontal ribs R2 may be located at the bottom of the front surface of the front frame 130 with respect to the center. Each of the plurality of horizontal ribs R2 may have a plate shape extending in the left-right direction to the end of the front cover portion 131. The plurality of horizontal ribs R2 may be arranged vertically separated from each other at predetermined intervals.

[0077] Furthermore, among the multiple horizontal ribs R2, the lower horizontal ribs R2 may be configured to have a relatively shorter forward projection length compared to the upper horizontal ribs R2. In other words, the multiple horizontal ribs R2 may be formed to have different forward projection lengths. That is, the multiple horizontal ribs R2 may be configured so that the forward projection length gradually decreases as they are located relatively lower.

[0078] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, by providing a front frame 130C equipped with multiple horizontal ribs R2, the battery pack 100 can be effectively protected from frontal impacts. That is, when an external object collides with the front of the battery pack 100, the external object first collides with the multiple horizontal ribs R2, and the impact is concentrated on the front plate portion 132 located at the bottom of the front frame 130C. In other words, because the front frame 130C equipped with the front plate portion 132 has a larger cross-sectional area in the front-to-back direction at the bottom than at the top, the bottom has greater resistance to impacts in the front-to-back direction. This effectively prevents damage to the multiple battery modules 110 mounted on the battery pack 100.

[0079] Figure 10 is a schematic rear perspective view showing the rear frame of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Referring to Figure 10, a battery pack 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a BMS 172. The front cover portion 131 or the rear cover portion 141 may be partially open to accommodate at least a portion of the BMS 172. For example, the front cover portion 131 or the rear cover portion 141 may have an opening K formed in part to accommodate a portion of the BMS 172. A portion of the BMS 172 can be inserted into the interior through the opening K. The rear cover portion 141 may be provided with an interior empty space S that communicates with the opening K to accommodate a portion of the BMS 172.

[0081] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, by providing a housing space S capable of housing at least a portion of the BMS 172, the BMS that performs safety control against abnormal operation of the battery pack 100 can be housed more safely, and the safety of the battery pack 100 can be maximized. Furthermore, the housing space S can protect some components of the BMS 172 from electromagnetic waves generated from the multiple battery modules 110. For example, the BMS 172 may include a control board, relays, fuses, cables, and the like.

[0082] Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a cooling unit and intermediate frame of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. For convenience of explanation, the direction of coolant movement is indicated by arrows in Figure 11.

[0083] Referring to Figure 11 along with Figure 2, a battery pack 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a cooling unit 180. The cooling unit 180 may be plate-shaped with a horizontal extension on its upper surface to mount a plurality of battery modules 110. Referring to Figure 14, the lower surface of the cooling unit 180 may be coupled to a base plate 120. In addition, one side of the cooling unit 180 may abut against a front plate portion 132. With such a structure, the side of the front plate portion 132 can abut against and support the cooling unit 180. Therefore, when the front frame 130 is subjected to a front-to-back impact, the front plate portion 132 is supported by the side of the cooling unit 180, reducing the risk of damage to the coupling portion between the front plate portion 132 and the base plate 120. Furthermore, if the front-to-back impact applied to the front frame 130 is very large, the front plate portion 132 can absorb the impact by being crushed in the front-to-back direction while being supported by the side of the cooling unit 180.

[0084] Although not shown in the diagram, the other side of the cooling unit 180 may abut against the rear plate portion 142. With this structure, the side of the rear plate portion 142 can abut against and be supported by the cooling unit 180. Therefore, when the rear frame 140 is subjected to an impact in the front-rear direction, the rear plate portion 142 is supported by the side of the cooling unit 180, reducing the risk of damage to the joint between the rear plate portion 142 and the base plate 120. Furthermore, if the front-rear impact applied to the rear frame 140 is very large, the rear plate portion 142 can absorb the impact by being crushed in the front-rear direction while being supported by the side of the cooling unit 180.

[0085] The cooling unit 180 may include a refrigerant flow path (not shown), an inlet 182, and an outlet 183.

[0086] Furthermore, the refrigerant flow path may be provided inside the cooling unit 180. The refrigerant flow path may be provided with partitions to allow the refrigerant to move. The refrigerant may be, for example, air, water, insulating oil, etc.

[0087] Furthermore, the inlet 182 may be configured to communicate with the refrigerant flow path. The inlet 182 may be configured to allow refrigerant to be injected. That is, the inlet 182 may be configured to inject refrigerant into the refrigerant flow path. The outlet 183 may be configured to discharge the refrigerant that has passed through the refrigerant flow path to the outside. That is, the outlet 183 may be configured to communicate with the refrigerant flow path.

[0088] For example, as shown in Figure 11, the battery pack 100 may have three cooling units 180. Each of the three cooling units 180 may have two inlets 182 and two outlets 183. The refrigerant injected into the two inlets 182 can move along the internal refrigerant flow path in the direction of the arrows and be discharged from the two outlets 183.

[0089] Furthermore, the cooling unit 180 may be configured to mount multiple battery modules 110 on its upper part. The cooling unit 180 may further include a thermal conductive pad 184. The thermal conductive pad 184 may be interposed between the battery modules 110 and the cooling unit 180.

[0090] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the cooling unit 180 can be used to effectively cool the multiple battery modules 110 that are mounted. Furthermore, the cooling unit 180 is configured to be coupled with the base plate 120, thereby playing a role in resisting external shocks.

[0091] On the other hand, referring further to Figures 2 and 11, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include at least one intermediate frame 190. The intermediate frame 190 may be positioned between cooling units. The intermediate frame 190 may comprise an intermediate cover 191 and an intermediate plate portion 192. The intermediate cover 191 may have a predetermined thickness in the front-rear direction and extend in the left-right direction. The intermediate cover 191 may be positioned upright. The intermediate plate portion 192 may extend in the horizontal direction. The intermediate plate may be integrally coupled to the lower part of the intermediate cover 191. For example, the intermediate frame 190 may be integrally formed by extrusion molding.

[0092] Furthermore, both ends of the intermediate frame 190 can be connected to the sides of the first side frame 150 and the second side frame 160, respectively. The lower surface of the intermediate frame 190 may be configured to be connected to the upper surface of the base plate 120.

[0093] Figure 12 is a schematic rear perspective view of the first side frame of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. For convenience of explanation, the flow of refrigerant is indicated by arrows in Figure 12.

[0094] Referring to Figure 12, the first side frame 150 of the battery pack 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first connection port 151 and a first refrigerant transfer passage 152. The first connection port 151 may be connected to the inlet 182 of the cooling unit 180 so as to communicate with the inlet 182. That is, the first connection port 151 may have a size corresponding to the inlet 182. The first connection port 151 may be located in close contact with the inlet 182. The first connection port 151 may also be formed by opening a portion of the first refrigerant transfer passage 152 so as to communicate with the first refrigerant transfer passage 152. The first refrigerant transfer passage 152 may extend in the front-rear direction along the body of the first side frame 150.

[0095] For example, as shown in Figure 12, the first side frame 150 may be provided with six first connecting ports 151. The six first connecting ports 151 may be arranged in the front-to-back direction and spaced apart at predetermined intervals. The first refrigerant transport path 152 of the first side frame 150 may extend in the front-to-back direction along the main body. The first refrigerant transport path 152 may be formed as a tubular extension in the front-to-back direction (Y direction) when the first side frame 150 is extruded, without the provision of a separate tube. Each of the six first connecting ports 151 may communicate with the first refrigerant transport path 152. Each of the six first connecting ports 151 may be configured to connect to an inlet 182 of the cooling unit 180.

[0096] In other words, the refrigerant injected from the rear end of the first refrigerant transport passage 152 of the first side frame 150 can move rearward along the first refrigerant transport passage 152 and move to the cooling unit 180 through each of the six first connecting ports 151.

[0097] Figure 13 is a schematic rear perspective view of the second side frame of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. For convenience of explanation, the flow of refrigerant is indicated by arrows in Figure 13.

[0098] Referring to Figure 13, the second side frame 160 of the battery pack 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a second connecting port 161 and a second refrigerant transport passage 162. The second connecting port 161 may be connected to the exhaust port 183 of the cooling unit 180 so as to communicate with the exhaust port 183. That is, the second connecting port 161 may have a size corresponding to the exhaust port 183 and may be positioned in close contact with the exhaust port 183. The second connecting port 161 may also be formed by opening a portion of the second refrigerant transport passage 162 so as to communicate with the second refrigerant transport passage 162. The second refrigerant transport passage 162 may extend in the front-rear direction (Y direction) along the body of the second side frame 160.

[0099] For example, as shown in Figure 13, the second side frame 160 may be provided with six second connecting ports 161. The six second connecting ports 161 may be arranged in the front-to-back direction and spaced apart at predetermined intervals. The second refrigerant transport path 162 of the second side frame 160 may extend along the main body in the front-to-back direction (Y direction). The second refrigerant transport path 162 may be formed as a tubular structure extending in the front-to-back direction when the second side frame 160 is extruded, without the provision of a separate tube. Each of the six second connecting ports 161 may communicate with the second refrigerant transport path 162. Each of the six second connecting ports 161 may be configured to connect to the outlet 183 of the cooling unit 180.

[0100] In other words, the second refrigerant transfer passage 162 of the second side frame 160 allows refrigerant from the cooling unit 180 to flow in through each of the six second connecting ports 161, and the refrigerant can move to the rear end of the second refrigerant transfer passage 162 and be discharged to the outside.

[0101] Therefore, with this configuration of the present invention, by forming refrigerant transfer paths inside the first side frame 150 and the second side frame 160, without the need for separate pipes or tubes, the number of components in the battery pack can be reduced, material costs can be lowered, and the manufacturing process can be simplified. As a result, the present invention can significantly reduce manufacturing costs while increasing the cooling efficiency of multiple battery modules.

[0102] On the other hand, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one battery module 110 and a BMS (Battery Management System) electrically connected to the battery module 110. The BMS may include various circuits and elements for controlling the charging and discharging of multiple battery cells.

[0103] On the other hand, an automobile (not shown) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one battery module 110 and a vehicle body having a housing space for housing the battery module 110. For example, the automobile may be an electric vehicle, an electric scooter, an electric wheelchair, or an electric motorcycle.

[0104] On the other hand, an electronic device (not shown) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one battery module 110 and an outer case having a housing space for housing the battery module 110. For example, the electronic device may be a computer or a power storage device.

[0105] In this specification, terms indicating direction such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used, but these terms are for the sake of convenience of explanation only, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the direction can change depending on the position of the object in question, the position of the observer, etc.

[0106] As described above, the present invention has been explained with limited embodiments and drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto, and that various modifications and variations are possible within the equivalent scope of the technical concept and claims of the present invention by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 100 Battery Packs 110 Battery Modules 111 Module Housing 120 Base Plate 130 Front frame 130A Front Frame 130B Front Frame 130C Front Frame 131 Front cover section 132 Front plate section 132a Support structure 133 1st protrusion 140 Rear frame 140A Rear Frame 140B Rear Frame 141 Rear cover section 142 Rear plate section 142a Support structure 143 Second protrusion 150 First side frame 151 1st connection port 152 First Refrigerant Transfer Channel 160 Second side frame 161 2nd connection port 162 Second Refrigerant Transfer Channel 180 Cooling Unit 182 Inlet 183 Outlet 184 Thermal Conducting Pad 190 intermediate frames 191 Intermediate cover 192 Intermediate plate section D1 First-stage structure D2 2nd step structure R1 Reinforced Rib R2 Horizontal Rib S Containment space

Claims

1. Multiple battery modules, A base plate on which the multiple battery modules are located at the top, A front frame comprising a front cover portion that covers the front of the base plate and a front plate portion extending rearward from one side of the front cover portion, wherein the front cover portion and the front plate portion are integrally formed, A rear frame comprising a rear cover portion that covers the rear of the base plate and a rear plate portion extending forward from one side of the rear cover portion, wherein the rear cover portion and the rear plate portion are integrally formed, A first side frame covering the left side of the base plate, A second side frame covering the right side of the base plate, A battery pack, including the battery pack.

2. The aforementioned front frame includes: It is positioned to face the space between the plurality of battery modules and is provided with at least one reinforcing rib extending from the front plate portion to the front cover portion, The aforementioned rear frame includes: The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein at least one reinforcing rib is provided that is positioned to face the space between the plurality of battery modules and extends from the rear plate portion to the rear cover portion.

3. At both ends of the front cover section on the left and right sides, a first stepped structure is formed in which the height gradually decreases outwards. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the front and rear ends of the first side frame and the second side frame are each formed with a second stepped structure that gradually decreases in height outward so as to be connected to the first stepped structure of the front cover portion.

4. The front frame further includes a first projection on the front surface of the front cover portion, the upper part of which protrudes relatively further forward than the lower part. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rear frame is provided with a second projection on the rear surface of the rear cover portion, the upper part of which protrudes relatively further rearward than the lower part.

5. The front cover portion of the front frame has a plate-like shape that protrudes forward from the front and extends in the left-right direction, and is equipped with a plurality of horizontal ribs arranged in the vertical direction. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the horizontal ribs located at the bottom of the plurality of horizontal ribs are configured such that their relative forward projection length is shorter than that of the horizontal ribs located at the top.

6. The aforementioned battery pack further includes a BMS, The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the front cover portion or the rear cover portion is provided with a housing space for housing at least a part of the BMS.

7. The aforementioned battery pack is The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a cooling unit having a refrigerant channel configured for the movement of a refrigerant, an inlet configured for injecting a refrigerant into the refrigerant channel, and an outlet configured for discharging a refrigerant from the refrigerant channel.

8. The first side frame is provided with a first connecting port that communicates with the inlet, and a first refrigerant transport path that communicates with the first connecting port and extends in the front-rear direction along the main body of the first side frame. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein the second side frame is provided with a second connecting port that communicates with the discharge port, and a second refrigerant transport path that communicates with the second connecting port and extends in the front-rear direction along the main body of the second side frame.

9. An electronic device comprising at least one battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. An automobile comprising at least one battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images