Battery packs and devices containing them

Abstract

A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery module, which includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells including electrode leads are stacked, and a module frame in which the battery cell stack is housed; a pack frame, which houses the module frame in which the battery cell stack is housed and has an open top; a pack cover, which covers the open top of the pack frame; and a cross member, which sets the position of the module frame in which the battery cell stack is housed. The side surface of the module frame is provided with at least one flange that connects to the cross member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and a device including the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a battery pack and a device including the same, in which the space utilization rate is improved.

[0002] Cross-reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0068575, filed on May 27, 2024, and all the contents disclosed in the document of the Korean Patent Application are incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0003] In modern society, as the use of portable devices such as mobile phones, laptops, video cameras, and digital cameras has become common, the development of technologies related to such mobile devices has been actively carried out. In addition, rechargeable secondary batteries are used as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs), etc. in order to solve problems such as air pollution caused by existing gasoline vehicles using fossil fuels. Therefore, the need for the development of secondary batteries is increasing.

[0004] Currently, commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among these, lithium secondary batteries have advantages such as almost no memory effect, free charge and discharge, very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, and are in the spotlight.

[0005] Such lithium secondary batteries mainly use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, respectively. A lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with such a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material are arranged with a separator interposed therebetween, and a battery case for hermetically storing the electrode assembly together with an electrolytic solution.

[0006] Generally, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into two types based on the shape of their casing: can-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in an aluminum laminate sheet pouch.

[0007] For secondary batteries used in small devices, two to three battery cells are typically arranged. For secondary batteries used in medium to large devices such as automobiles, a battery module is used, which consists of numerous electrically connected battery cells. Such battery modules improve capacity and output by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, forming a battery cell stack. Furthermore, one or more battery modules can be mounted together with various control and protection systems, such as a BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit), a BMS (Battery Management System), and a cooling system, to form a battery pack.

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional battery pack 10. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional battery module 1 and battery pack 10. Figure 3 is a partial perspective view showing a conventional battery module 1 and battery pack 10. Figure 4 is a plan view of a conventional battery module 1 and battery pack 10.

[0009] A conventional battery pack 10 may include a crossbeam 11 that positions the battery module 1. The crossbeam 11 prevents the battery module 1 attached to the battery pack 10 from becoming detached.

[0010] However, the space occupied by the crossbeam 11 within the battery pack 10 reduces the space utilization rate of the battery pack 10. This causes a decrease in the energy density of the battery pack 10. In addition, the introduction of the crossbeam 11 increases the mass of the battery pack 10. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to increase the space utilization rate of a battery pack and reduce its mass and unit cost. Specifically, it aims to provide a battery pack and a device including the same that can increase the space utilization rate of a battery pack and reduce its mass and unit cost by introducing a cross member that replaces the existing cross beam.

[0012] However, the problems that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve are not limited to those described above, and can be broadly expanded within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery module including a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells including electrode leads are stacked and a module frame in which the battery cell stack is housed; a pack frame in which the module frame with the battery cell stack housed is housed and the top is open; a pack cover that covers the open top of the pack frame; and a cross member that sets the position of the module frame with the battery cell stack housed. At least one flange is provided on the side of the module frame that connects to the cross member.

[0014] The flange may include fastening holes for connecting with the cross member.

[0015] The cross member may be a strip-shaped member.

[0016] The cross member may include a connecting portion that connects to the flange.

[0017] The cross member and the flange can be connected by a hook.

[0018] The cross member may be parallel to the direction in which the electrode lead protrudes.

[0019] The pack frame may include a bottom frame on which the module frame with the battery cell stack housed therein is placed, and side frames arranged along the periphery of the bottom frame. The cross member may include a placement portion coupled to the upper stage of the side frame.

[0020] The placement portion may be bolted to the pack frame.

[0021] The cross member may be coupled to the pack cover.

[0022] The cross member may include screws for coupling to the pack cover.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a device including the battery pack is provided.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, by introducing a cross member that replaces an existing cross beam and a module frame coupled to the cross member, the space utilization rate of the battery pack can be increased. Thereby, the mass and unit price of the battery pack can be reduced.

[0025] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned should be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a conventional battery pack. [Figure 2] It is an exploded perspective view of a conventional battery module and a battery pack. [Figure 3] It is a partial perspective view showing a conventional battery module and a battery pack. [Figure 4]This is a plan view of a conventional battery module and battery pack. [Figure 5] This is a partial perspective view showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a partially exploded perspective view of a battery module and battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a partial perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing a module frame relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view showing a cross member related to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a magnified view of section "A" in Figure 11. [Figure 13] This is a partial perspective view showing a cross member and a module frame according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is an exploded perspective view showing a side frame and cross member according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, so that those with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily implement them. The present invention can be realized in a variety of different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0028] To clearly explain the present invention, unnecessary explanatory parts have been omitted, and the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0029] Furthermore, the dimensions and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrary and provided for illustrative purposes only, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those shown. Thicknesses are shown enlarged in the drawings to clearly represent multiple layers and regions. Additionally, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated in the drawings for illustrative purposes.

[0030] Furthermore, when a part such as a layer, membrane, region, or plate is said to be "on top of" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly above" the other part, but also the case where the other part is located in between. Conversely, when one part is said to be "directly above" another part, it means that there is no other part in between. Also, being "on top of" a reference part means being located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean being located "up" in the opposite direction to gravity.

[0031] Furthermore, when the specification as a whole states that a certain part "includes" a certain component, unless otherwise specified, this does not mean that other components are excluded, but rather that other components may be further included.

[0032] Furthermore, throughout the specification, "on a plane" means when the subject is viewed from above, and "on a cross-section" means when the cross-section obtained by cutting the subject perpendicularly is viewed from the side.

[0033] Figure 5 is a partial perspective view showing a battery pack 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 5 shows the battery pack 1000 with the battery module 100 and pack cover 1400 removed. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a partial exploded perspective view of the battery module 100 and battery pack 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a partial perspective view of the battery pack 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 8 shows the battery pack 1000 with the pack cover 1400 removed. Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 shows the battery pack 1000 with the pack cover 1400 included.

[0034] Referring to Figures 5 to 9, a battery pack 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery module 100 including a battery cell stack 120 in which a plurality of battery cells 110 including electrode leads 111 are stacked, and a module frame 130 in which the battery cell stack 120 is housed, a pack frame 1200 in which the module frame 130 with the battery cell stack 120 housed is housed and the top is open, a pack cover 1400 that covers the open top of the pack frame 1200, and a cross member 1100 that sets the position of the module frame 130 with the battery cell stack 120 housed.

[0035] A battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells 110. The battery cells 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be of various forms, for example, pouch-type battery cells, prismatic battery cells, or cylindrical battery cells. As an example, as shown in Figure 6, the battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a pouch-type battery cell 110. The following description will focus on the pouch-type battery cell 110, but the battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various types of battery cells can be applied.

[0036] Within the battery module 100, the battery cells 110 may consist of multiple cells. For example, multiple battery cells 110 may be stacked along one direction so as to be electrically connected to each other, forming a battery cell stack 120. For example, multiple battery cells 110 may be stacked upright along a direction parallel to the x-axis in Figure 6. With one face of each battery cell 110 parallel to the side of the module frame 130, the battery cells 110 may be stacked from one side of the module frame 130 to the other. For this purpose, the electrode leads 111 may protrude perpendicular to the direction in which the battery cells 110 are stacked. In a battery cell 110, one electrode lead 111 may protrude in the direction of the +y axis in Figure 6, and the other electrode lead 111 may protrude in the direction of the -y axis in Figure 6. If the electrode leads 111 of a battery cell 110 protrude in only one direction, the electrode leads 111 may protrude in the direction of the y axis or the -y axis in Figure 6.

[0037] A module frame 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be intended to protect the battery cell stack 120 and the electrical components connected thereto from external physical shocks. The module frame 130 can house the battery cell stack 120 and the electrical components connected thereto within its internal space.

[0038] The structure of the module frame 130 can be diverse. According to embodiments of the present invention, the structure of the module frame 130 can be a monoframe structure. Here, the monoframe may be in the form of a metal sheet material in which the top surface, bottom surface, and both sides are integrated. The monoframe may be manufactured by extrusion molding.

[0039] However, the structure of the module frame 130 is not limited to this. As another example, the module frame 130 may have a structure in which a U-shaped frame and an upper plate are joined together. In this case, the U-shaped frame may be formed by joining or integrating the bottom surface and both sides of the module frame 130. At this time, each frame or plate constituting the U-shaped frame may be manufactured by press molding. Furthermore, the structure of the module frame 130 may be provided as an L-shaped frame structure, in addition to a monoframe or a U-shaped frame, and may be provided as a variety of structures not described in the examples above.

[0040] The module frame 130 may be provided in a configuration in which the front and rear surfaces are open along the length direction (y-axis direction in Figure 6). Here, the length direction may be the direction in which the electrode leads 111 protrude from the battery cell 110. The length direction may also be perpendicular to the width direction of the aforementioned battery cell stack 120. In other words, the length direction may be parallel to the y-axis in Figure 6, and the width direction may be parallel to the x-axis in Figure 6.

[0041] A pack frame 1200 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be for protecting a battery module 100 and connected electrical components from external physical shocks. As will be described later, the pack frame 1200 may include a bottom frame 1200b on which a module frame 130 containing a stack of battery cells 120 is placed, and side frames 1200a arranged around the bottom frame 1200b. After the battery module 100 is placed in the internal space of the bottom frame 1200b, the pack cover 1400 can be sealed by connecting to the corners of the side frames 1200a.

[0042] The pack frame 1200 may include portions with high thermal conductivity to rapidly dissipate heat generated in the internal space to the outside. For example, at least a portion of the pack frame 1200 may be made of a metal with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, gold, silver, copper, platinum, or alloys containing these. The pack frame 1200 may also be partially electrically insulating, and an insulating film may be provided or an insulating coating applied to locations where insulation is required. The portion of the pack frame 1200 to which an insulating film or insulating coating is applied may be referred to as the insulating portion.

[0043] The battery modules 100 can be mounted at positions set by the cross member 1100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the battery modules 100 can be arranged in two rows inside the pack frame 1200, and the cross member 1100 can be positioned across the central portion of the pack frame 1200 so as to separate the battery modules 100 arranged in two rows. One side of the module frame 130 can be positioned corresponding to one side of the cross member 1100, and the opposite side of the module frame 130 can be positioned opposite the cross member 1100. However, this is merely an example of the internal structure of the battery pack 1000, and the structure of the battery pack 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above example.

[0044] As will be described later, the connection between the cross member 1100 and the module frame 130 prevents the battery module 100 from detaching from the battery pack 1000. By minimizing the movement of the battery module 100 in the forward, backward, left, and right directions (+x axis, -x axis, +y axis, and -y axis direction in Figure 8) through the connection between the cross member 1100 and the module frame 130, damage to the battery module 100 due to external vibrations and shocks can be prevented.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the existing crossbeam 11 (see Figure 3) occupies the space between the battery modules 1. By applying the cross member 1100 according to an embodiment of the present invention instead of the existing crossbeam 11 (see Figure 3), the space between the battery modules 100 can be minimized. Specifically, in order to connect the existing crossbeam 11 (see Figure 3) to the battery modules 1, the existing crossbeam is required to have a width of a certain level or more along the direction in which the battery cells are stacked (the x-axis direction in Figure 4). However, as will be described later, the cross member 1100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be sufficient with an even smaller width than the width required for the existing crossbeam 11 when connecting to the battery modules 100. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5, 7, and 8, in the battery pack 1000 to which the cross member 1100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied, unlike the existing battery pack 10 to which the cross beam 11 (see Figure 3) is applied, a space is created between the cross member 1100 and the bottom frame 1200b, so the space utilization rate can be increased compared to the existing battery pack 10 (Figure 3).

[0046] For example, energy density can be increased by adding battery cells 110 to the space occupied by the existing crossbeam 11 (see Figure 3). As another example, cooling performance can be improved by adding cooling materials to the space occupied by the existing crossbeam 11 (see Figure 3). As yet another example, the swelling phenomenon of the battery module 100 can be controlled by adding insulating pads to the space occupied by the existing crossbeam 11 (see Figure 3).

[0047] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a module frame 130 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Referring to Figure 10, the side surface of the module frame 130 according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided with at least one flange 131 that connects to a cross member 1100.

[0049] The flange 131 may extend and protrude perpendicular to the direction in which the cross member 1100 extends (the x-axis direction in Figure 10). In other words, the flange 131 may protrude outward from one side of the module frame 130 (in the +x-axis direction or -x-axis direction in Figure 10). Specifically, some flanges 131 may protrude in the +x-axis direction from one side of the module frame 130 located in the +x-axis direction, and other flanges 131 may protrude in the -x-axis direction from another side of the module frame 130 located in the -x-axis direction. There may be multiple flanges 131, and the number may be determined by the bonding force between the flanges 131 and the cross member 1100, etc.

[0050] By providing flanges 131 on the sides of the module frame 130 and connecting the battery module 100 and the cross member 1100 through the flanges 131, the usable space inside the battery pack 1000 can be increased.

[0051] Continuing with Figure 10, the flange 131 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include fastening holes 131a that connect to the cross member 1100.

[0052] The connection between the flange 131 and the cross member 1100 prevents the battery module 100 from becoming detached. In other words, the connection between the flange 131 and the cross member 1100 minimizes the movement of the battery module 100 in the forward, backward, left, and right directions (in the +x, -x, +y, and -y axis directions in Figure 8), thereby preventing damage to the battery module 100 due to external vibrations and shocks.

[0053] The connection between the flange 131 and the cross member 1100 is a hook connection, as described later. Other possible connections include a pressure fit, bolt connection, or riveted connection. The connection method between the flange 131 and the cross member 1100 can be determined by the rigidity of the battery pack 1000, which is determined from conditions such as external vibration and shock.

[0054] Figure 10 shows that each flange 131 contains two fastening holes 131a, but the shape, size, and number of fastening holes 131a can be determined by the method of connection between the flange 131 and the cross member 1100.

[0055] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a cross member 1100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Referring to Figure 11, the cross member 1100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be a strip-shaped member.

[0057] The cross member 1100 can be formed as a linear strip member or a curved strip member. The thickness, material, length, and width of the cross member 1100 can be designed based on the size of the battery pack 1000 and battery module 100, the required rigidity, etc.

[0058] By forming the cross member 1100 into a strip-shaped member, the mass of the battery pack 1000 can be reduced compared to the existing battery pack 1000 to which the cross beam 11 (see Figure 3) is applied. In addition, the unit cost of the battery pack 1000 can be reduced.

[0059] Figure 12 is a partial drawing showing an enlarged view of the "A" portion of Figure 11. Figure 13 is a partial perspective view showing a cross member 1100 and a module frame 130 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 13 is a partial perspective view showing the coupling relationship between the cross member 1100 and the module frame 130.

[0060] Referring to Figures 11 to 13, the cross member 1100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a connecting portion 1100a that connects to the flange 131.

[0061] Figure 11 shows that the joint portion 1100a has a shape that protrudes in the +z axis direction of Figure 11, but the shape of the joint portion 1100a can be determined by the method of joining the cross member 1100 and the flange 131. The joining of the flange 131 and the cross member 1100 is a hook joint, which will be described later, and as mentioned above, it can be an interlocking joint, a bolted joint, or a riveted joint. If a hook joint is adopted, the joint portion 1100a may be hook-shaped. If an interlocking joint is adopted, the joint portion 1100a may be shaped to be suitable for interlocking with the fastening hole 131a of the flange 131. For example, the joint portion 1100a may have a protruding shape that interlocks with the fastening hole 131a. If a bolted joint is adopted, the joint portion 1100a may be a hole through which a bolt passes. For example, the flange 131 and the cross member 1100 can be joined in a manner in which the bolt passes through the hole and the fastening hole 131a and is fastened with a nut. The joining method between the flange 131 and the cross member 1100 can be determined by the rigidity of the battery pack 1000, which can be determined from conditions such as external vibration and shock.

[0062] The cross member 1100 and the flange 131 can be connected by a hook. Although not shown in the figures, the connecting portion 1100a of the cross member 1100 has a hook structure, and this hook structure can be detachably connected to the flange 131. The hook structure fixes the cross member 1100 in the correct position on the flange 131, and allows for easy assembly and disassembly using a one-touch method.

[0063] Referring again to Figures 6 to 8, the cross member 1100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be parallel to the direction in which the electrode lead 111 protrudes.

[0064] As described above, the battery cells 110 are stacked in one direction within the battery module 100, but the cross member 1100 may be positioned on one side of the battery module 100 in the stacking direction of the battery cells 110. The cross member 1100 may be connected in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the battery cells 110. More specifically, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the battery cells 110 may be stacked within the battery module 100 in a direction parallel to the x-axis in Figure 6, perpendicular to one side of the bottom frame 1200b of the pack frame 1200. The cross member 1100 is positioned on one side of a particular battery module 100 in the x-axis direction in Figure 8. The cross member 1100 may also be connected in a direction parallel to the y-axis in Figure 8.

[0065] By positioning the cross member 1100 parallel to the direction in which the electrode lead 111 protrudes (the y-axis direction in Figure 6), the bonding force between the flange 131 and the cross member 1100 can be maximized. This prevents the battery module 100 from becoming detached. The bonding between the flange 131 and the cross member 1100 minimizes the movement of the battery module 100 in the front, back, left, and right directions (the +x, -x, +y, and -y axis directions in Figure 8), thereby preventing damage to the battery module 100 due to external vibrations and shocks.

[0066] Furthermore, by arranging the cross member 1100 parallel to the direction in which the electrode lead 111 protrudes (the y-axis direction in Figure 6), the utilization rate of space inside the battery pack 1000 can be increased, thereby increasing the energy density.

[0067] Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view showing a side frame 1200a and a cross member 1100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view showing the connection relationship between the side frame 1200a and the cross member 1100.

[0068] Referring to Figures 7, 8, 11, and 14, a pack frame 1200 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a bottom frame 1200b on which a module frame 130 containing a battery cell stack 120 is placed, and side frames 1200a arranged around the bottom frame 1200b. The cross member 1100 may include a mounting portion 1100c that is coupled to the upper part of the side frame 1200a.

[0069] The side frame 1200a may extend perpendicularly to one side of the bottom frame 1200b. The bottom frame 1200b and the side frame 1200a provide an internal space with an open top, in which at least one battery module 100 can be housed.

[0070] As will be described later, the mechanical rigidity of the battery pack 1000 can be ensured through the connection between the mounting section 1100c and the pack frame 1200, even under conditions such as external vibrations and shocks to the battery pack 1000.

[0071] Furthermore, referring to Figure 14, the mounting section 1100c according to one embodiment of the present invention can be bolted to the pack frame 1200.

[0072] The mounting portion 1100c may include a through hole 1100ca that penetrates in the z-axis direction in Figure 14. The pack frame 1200 may also include a pack frame fastening hole 1200aa at a position corresponding to the through hole 1100ca. The cross member 1100 can be fixed to the pack frame 1200 by fastening a bolt 1300 that passes through the through hole 1100ca and the pack frame fastening hole 1200aa when they are aligned. For example, a screw thread may be formed on the inner wall of the pack frame fastening hole 1200aa, and the bolt 1300 can be directly connected to such a pack frame fastening hole 1200aa.

[0073] Through the connection between the cross member 1100 and the pack frame 1200, the mechanical rigidity of the battery pack 1000 can be ensured against external vibrations and shocks. Furthermore, by minimizing the movement of the battery module 100 in the forward, backward, left, and right directions (+x axis, -x axis, +y axis, and -y axis direction in Figure 8), damage to the battery module 100 due to external vibrations and shocks can be prevented.

[0074] Referring to Figure 9, a cross member 1100 according to one embodiment of the present invention can be coupled to a pack cover 1400. For example, the cross member 1100 may include a protruding shape (not shown) that is coupled to the pack cover, and the pack cover 1400 may include an insertion portion (not shown) at a position corresponding to the protruding shape into which the protruding shape can be inserted. By inserting the protruding shape into the insertion portion, the cross member 1100 can be coupled to the pack cover 1400.

[0075] As another example, the cross member 1100 may be provided with a separate nut member (not shown). The pack cover 1400 may include a hole (not shown) in the pack cover 1400 at a position corresponding to the nut member. The cross member 1100 can be joined to the pack cover 1400 by fastening a bolt (not shown) that passes through them while the nut member and the hole in the pack cover 1400 are aligned.

[0076] The connection between the cross member 1100 and the pack cover 1400 ensures the mechanical rigidity of the battery pack 1000 against external vibrations and shocks. Furthermore, by minimizing the movement of the battery module 100 in the forward, backward, left, and right directions (+x axis, -x axis, +y axis, and -y axis directions in Figure 8), damage to the battery module 100 due to external vibrations and shocks can be prevented.

[0077] Referring to Figures 9 and 12, the cross member 1100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a screw 1100b that is coupled to the pack cover 1400. The screw 1100b may protrude in the +z axis direction in Figure 9, i.e., toward the pack cover 1400, as shown in Figure 9. The pack cover 1400 may include a hole (not shown) at a position corresponding to the screw 1100b. The cross member 1100 and the pack cover 1400 can be coupled by fastening a nut to the screw 1100b after the screw 1100b has passed through the hole. For effective fastening, it is preferable that there are multiple screws 1100b applied to each cross member 1100.

[0078] Through this type of coupling, the mechanical rigidity of the battery pack 1000 can be ensured against external vibrations and shocks. Furthermore, by minimizing the movement of the battery module 100 in the forward, backward, left, and right directions (+x axis, -x axis, +y axis, and -y axis directions in Figure 8), damage to the battery module 100 due to external vibrations and shocks can be prevented.

[0079] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a device including a battery pack 1000 is provided. The battery pack 1000 can be applied to a variety of devices. Specifically, it can be applied to means of transport such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrids, or to ESS (Energy Storage Systems), but is not limited thereto, and is applicable to a variety of devices that use secondary batteries.

[0080] In the embodiments of this invention, terms indicating directions such as front, back, left, right, up, and down were used, but such terms are merely for the convenience of explanation and may change depending on the position of the object in question, the position of the observer, etc.

[0081] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Various modifications and improvements by those skilled in the art using the basic concepts of the present invention as defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 100 Battery Modules 110 battery cells 111 Electrode Leads 120 Battery Cell Stack 130 Module Frames 131 Flange 1000 Battery Pack 1100 Cross member 1100a Joint 1100b Screw 1100c mounting section 1200 Pack Frame 1200a Side frame 1200b bottom frame 1300 volts 1400 Pack Cover

Claims

1. It is a battery pack, A battery module comprising a battery cell stack in which multiple battery cells including electrode leads are stacked, and a module frame in which the battery cell stack is housed, A pack frame, in which the module frame containing the battery cell stack is housed, has an open top, A pack cover that covers the open top of the pack frame, Includes a cross member for setting the position of the module frame in which the battery cell stack is housed, The side surface of the module frame is provided with at least one flange that connects to the cross member. Battery pack.

2. The flange includes fastening holes for connecting with the cross member. The battery pack according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned cross member is a strip-shaped member. The battery pack according to claim 1.

4. The cross member includes a connecting portion that connects to the flange, The battery pack according to claim 1.

5. The cross member and the flange are connected by a hook. The battery pack according to claim 1.

6. The cross member is parallel to the direction in which the electrode lead protrudes. The battery pack according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned pack frame is A base frame on which the module frame containing the battery cell stack is placed, Includes side frames arranged around the bottom frame, The cross member has a mounting portion that is connected to the upper part of the side frame. The battery pack according to claim 1.

8. The mounting section is bolted to the pack frame. The battery pack according to claim 7.

9. The cross member is connected to the pack cover. The battery pack according to claim 1.

10. The cross member includes a screw that connects to the pack cover. The battery pack according to claim 1.

11. A battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 10, device.

Images