Battery rack and energy storage system including the same

Abstract

A battery rack according to one embodiment of the present invention houses batteries and includes a first subrack comprising a first column positioned vertically upright and comprising a plurality of battery storage spaces formed along the first column, and a second subrack comprising a second column positioned vertically upright and comprising a plurality of battery storage spaces formed along the second column, wherein the first subrack and the second subrack are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the battery rack and the first subrack and the second subrack have an open upper end structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0123074 filed on September 15, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the document of the Korean Patent Application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery rack and an energy storage system including the same, and more specifically, to a battery rack having a simplified structure and an energy storage system including the same.

Background Art

[0003] In recent years, problems such as power shortages and environmental - friendly energy have emerged, and an energy storage system (ESS) for storing the generated electric power has attracted attention. Typically, by using such an ESS, it becomes easier to construct a power management system such as a smart grid system, and it becomes possible to easily adjust the power supply and demand in a specific area or city. In addition, as the commercialization of electric vehicles has become full - scale, such an ESS may also be applied to electric charging stations where electric vehicles can be charged.

[0004] The ESS can be configured in various forms, but typically, it can be configured in a form including one or more containers. At this time, the container can include a plurality of battery modules or battery packs (hereinafter referred to as batteries) connected in series and / or in parallel with each other in a shape. Here, the plurality of batteries can be housed inside the container via a rack frame or another fixed structure.

[0005] On the other hand, the rack frame on which the batteries are mounted is required to have sufficient rigidity and vibration resistance to maintain its own structure stably, support the weight of the batteries, and prevent the batteries from detaching. Conventionally, methods have been devised to enhance the durability of the rack frame by changing its material properties or increasing the thickness of the frame, and to supplement the rigidity and vibration resistance of the rack frame by adding beads to the top plate or base plate within the rack frame, as described in Patent Document 1. However, since the rack frame needs to have a simple structure to reduce the overall weight of the ESS and to prevent heat dissipation and fire from the batteries densely packed in a narrow space, the above structures have the limitation that they do not contribute to improving the overall performance of the ESS.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a new rack frame structure that minimizes weight and enclosure while ensuring the rigidity and vibration resistance of the rack frame. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Korean Published Patent Publication No. 2020-0089538 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a rack frame having a simplified structure while guaranteeing rigidity and vibration resistance, and an energy storage system including the same.

[0009] However, the problems that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve are not limited to those described above, and can be extended in various ways within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A battery rack according to one embodiment of the present invention houses batteries and includes a first subrack comprising a first column positioned vertically upright and comprising a plurality of battery storage spaces formed along the first column, and a second subrack comprising a second column positioned vertically upright and comprising a plurality of battery storage spaces formed along the second column, wherein the first subrack and the second subrack are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the battery rack and the first subrack and the second subrack have an open upper end structure.

[0011] The battery rack further includes a horizontal frame extending along the longitudinal direction of the battery rack, the horizontal frame being perpendicular to the first column and the second column, and the horizontal frame being able to be coupled to the ends of the first column and the ends of the second column.

[0012] The first column and the second column are located adjacent to each other, and the first column and the second column can be joined via a connecting block located between the first column and the second column.

[0013] One side of the connecting block can be connected to the first column, and the other side of the connecting block can be connected to the second column.

[0014] The connecting block has the shape of a rectangular tube and includes a front surface located in front of the battery rack, and one side and another side extending perpendicularly toward the rear of the battery rack from two opposing ends of the front surface, the one side being able to connect with the first column and the other side being able to connect with the second column.

[0015] The aforementioned front surface can be joined to the first column and the second column.

[0016] At least two front fastening holes are formed on the front surface of the connecting block, and one of the two front fastening holes located on one side may correspond to the first column, and the other of the two front fastening holes located on the other side may correspond to the second column.

[0017] Four front fastening holes are formed on the front surface of the connecting block, and the four front fastening holes are located at each vertex of a virtual rectangle. Two of the four front fastening holes located on one side correspond to the first column, and the two of the four front fastening holes located on the other side can correspond to the second column.

[0018] Side fastening holes are formed on one side and the other side of the connecting block. The side fastening holes formed on one side correspond to the first column, and the side fastening holes formed on the other side can correspond to the second column.

[0019] There may be two or more side fastening holes formed on one side and the other side of the connecting block.

[0020] The first column and the second column are located adjacent to each other, and the axial cross-sections of the first column and the axial cross-sections of the second column may have mutually symmetrical shapes.

[0021] The first column and the second column are located adjacent to each other, the first column includes a first outer bend that bends outward toward the first subrack and a first inner bend that bends inward toward the first subrack, the second column includes a second outer bend that bends outward toward the second subrack and a second inner bend that bends inward toward the second subrack, the first outer bend and the second outer bend are located adjacent to each other, and a separation space can be formed between the first inner bend and the second inner bend.

[0022] A connecting block is located in the separation space, and the first column and the second column can be connected through the connecting block.

[0023] An opening is formed on the rear surfaces of the first column and the second column, and the connecting block can enter the separation space through the opening.

[0024] The opening can be formed by deforming or removing a part of the first column and the second column.

[0025] The connecting block can be located adjacent to the end of the first column and the end of the second column.

[0026] There are two or more connecting blocks. One of the connecting blocks is located at one end of the first column and the second column, and the other one can be located at the other end of the first column and the second column.

[0027] The first column includes a front column located in front of the battery rack and a rear column located behind the battery rack. The second column includes a front column located in front of the battery rack and a rear column located behind the battery rack. There are two or more connecting blocks. One of the connecting blocks is located between the front column of the first column and the front column of the second column, and the other one of the connecting blocks can be located between the rear column of the first column and the rear column of the second column.

[0028] It can further include a third sub-rack located adjacent to the first sub-rack or the second sub-rack.

[0029] An energy storage system according to another embodiment of the present invention includes at least one of the battery racks described above.

Advantages of the Invention

[0030] According to the embodiment, the structural simplification of the rack frame can be achieved by omitting the plate-shaped members located at the upper and lower ends of the rack frame.

[0031] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the rack frame has a structure in which at least two subrack frames are interconnected, thereby improving the overall rigidity and structural stability of the rack frame. In addition, the size of the rack frame can be adjusted to match the size of the container to which the rack frame is fixed, thereby improving the compatibility of the rack frame.

[0032] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a conventional battery rack. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a battery rack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows an XZ cross-sectional view taken along the AA incision line. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is a top view of the battery rack. [Figure 5] Figure 2 is an XY cross-sectional view taken along the BB incision line. [Figure 6] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the subrack included in the battery rack. [Figure 7] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the frame included in the battery rack. [Figure 8] Figure 2 illustrates the connection between the subrack, support frame, and connecting block included in the battery rack. [Figure 9] Figure 2 shows that the subrack and connecting block are located on the frame included in the battery rack. [Figure 10] Figure 2 illustrates the connection between the connecting blocks and columns in a battery rack. [Figure 11] Figure 2 shows a magnified view of the connection point between the subrack and the battery rack. [Figure 12] Figure 2 shows the axial cross-section of the battery rack column. [Figure 13] Figure 2 shows the axial cross-section of the battery rack column. [Figure 14] Figure 2 shows the axial cross-section of the battery rack column. [Figure 15] Figure 2 illustrates the connection between the battery rack columns and connecting blocks. [Figure 16] Figure 2 illustrates the connection between the battery rack columns and connecting blocks. [Figure 17] Figure 2 illustrates the connection between the battery rack columns and connecting blocks. [Figure 18] This figure shows another embodiment of a battery rack according to one example of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] 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 implemented in various other forms besides those described below, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0035] To clearly explain the present invention, irrelevant parts have been omitted, and the same or similar reference numerals have been used throughout the specification for identical or similar components.

[0036] Furthermore, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings have been arbitrarily enlarged or reduced for the sake of explanation, and it is obvious that the content of the present invention is not limited to what is shown in the drawings. In the following drawings, the thickness of each layer is shown enlarged in order to clearly represent multiple layers and regions. Also, in the following drawings, the thickness of some layers and regions is shown in an exaggerated manner for the sake of explanation.

[0037] Furthermore, when describing a layer, membrane, region, plate, or other part as being "above" or "on top of" another part, this should be interpreted to include not only cases where the layer, membrane, region, plate, or other part is "directly above" the other part, but also cases where there is another part in between. Conversely, when describing a layer, membrane, region, plate, or other part as being "directly above" another part, it can mean that there is no other part in between. Also, being "above" or "on top of" a reference part means being located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean being "above" or "on top of" in the opposite direction of gravity. On the other hand, just as describing something as being "above" or "on top of" another part can be understood by referring to the above.

[0038] Furthermore, when a specification as a whole states that a certain part "includes" a certain component, this means that, unless otherwise stated, it does not exclude other components, but rather that it may include other components.

[0039] Furthermore, throughout this specification, "on a plane" means as seen from above, and "on a cross-section" means as seen from the side of a cross-section of that part cut perpendicularly.

[0040] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a conventional battery rack.

[0041] Referring to Figure 1, a conventional battery rack 20 includes vertically extending columns 21 and 22, a bracket 23 that extends between the two columns 21 and 22 to form a housing space in which batteries are mounted, and two plate-shaped members 25 that are connected to the upper or lower ends of the two columns 21 and 22 to maintain the overall shape of the battery rack 20.

[0042] Here, "battery" refers to an energy storage unit provided to the battery rack 20, and can be a battery module or a battery pack.

[0043] Here, the plate-shaped members 25 are made of metal and can be positioned at the upper and lower ends of the battery rack 20, respectively. The plate-shaped member 25 located at the lower end supports the load of the battery rack 20, and the plate-shaped member 25 located at the upper end can fix the positions of each column 21, 22 so that the structure of the battery rack 20 is maintained stably.

[0044] Conventionally, the positions of columns 21 and 22 were fixed through the plate-shaped member 25, thereby forming the overall structure of the battery rack 20 and ensuring rigidity. However, because the plate-shaped member 25 had to be made of a highly rigid metal, it was heavy, and because it had a structure that sealed the upper and lower ends of the battery rack 20, it had the problem of hindering heat dissipation from the batteries mounted on the battery rack 20.

[0045] The following describes a battery rack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] The battery rack of this embodiment was devised to solve the above-mentioned problems and has a simpler structure than the conventional battery rack 20. Therefore, the battery rack of this embodiment, described below, has a simplified structure that promotes heat dissipation from the battery, reduces overall weight, and thereby has the effect of saving transportation costs and increasing energy density.

[0047] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a battery rack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is an XZ cross-sectional view taken along the AA cutting line in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a top view of the battery rack according to Figure 2. Figure 5 is an XY cross-sectional view taken along the BB cutting line in Figure 2. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a subrack included in the battery rack according to Figure 2.

[0048] Referring to Figures 2 to 6, the battery rack 2000 of this embodiment can have a structure with open upper and lower ends. Compared to the conventional battery rack 20 shown in Figure 1, the battery rack 2000 of this embodiment does not need to include a plate-shaped member 25 that closes the upper or lower end. In this way, having an open structure for the battery rack 2000 promotes heat dissipation from the batteries mounted on the battery rack 20, and the overall weight of the battery rack 2000 can be reduced.

[0049] The battery rack 2000 can be used in energy storage systems that include housings such as containers, and can be used in a fixed form inside the container. When energy storage systems are distributed or sold in container units, it is sometimes preferable to minimize the weight and volume of structures other than batteries in order to mount multiple batteries inside the container. Furthermore, even if the same number of batteries are loaded, if the volume or weight of structures other than batteries is reduced, effects such as savings in transportation costs can be achieved. The battery rack 2000 of this embodiment achieves structural simplification by omitting the conventional plate-shaped member 25, thereby improving the energy density of the energy storage system containing the battery rack 2000 and saving on transportation costs.

[0050] The battery rack 2000 may include two subracks 2001. The battery rack 2000 may have a structure in which the two subracks 2001 are integrated. By the interconnection of the two subracks 2001, the structural rigidity and vibration resistance of the battery rack 2000 can be improved. Thus, the battery rack 2000 of this embodiment can achieve the required rigidity and vibration resistance by omitting the conventional plate-shaped member 25 and having an integrated structure including at least two subracks 2001. On the other hand, as will be described later, the battery rack 2000 may also include three or more subracks 2001.

[0051] On the other hand, prior to the explanation, the battery rack 2000 can be described as having length, depth, and height.

[0052] Here, the length of the battery rack 2000 may be measured along the X-axis. The depth of the battery rack 2000 may be measured along the Y-axis. The height of the battery rack 2000 may be measured along the Z-axis. Here, the length, depth, and height of the subrack 2001 included in the battery rack 2000 can also be described in terms of the dimensions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, as described above.

[0053] Furthermore, both sides of the battery rack 2000 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) can be referred to as the left side (-X-axis direction) and the right side (+X-axis direction). Both sides of the battery rack 2000 in the depth direction can be referred to as the front side (-Y-axis direction) and the rear side (+Y-axis direction). Both sides of the battery rack 2000 in the height direction can be referred to as the upper side (+Z-axis direction) and the lower side (-Z-axis direction). Here, the left and right, front and back, and up and down of the subrack 2001 can also be described in this way.

[0054] The more subracks 2001 included in the battery rack 2000, the larger the length of the battery rack 2000 becomes. The height of the battery rack 2000 can correspond to the lengths of the columns 2100 and 2200 included in the subracks 2001. The height of the battery rack 2000 can correspond to the number of batteries that can be loaded onto the subracks 2001. Furthermore, the depth of the battery rack 2000 can correspond to the length of the brackets 2300 included in the subracks 2001, or to the size of the batteries mounted on the battery rack 2000.

[0055] The subrack 2001 included in the battery rack 2000 of this embodiment will be described below.

[0056] Each subrack 2001 may include vertically extending columns 2100, 2200 and brackets 2300 that are coupled to columns 2100, 2200 to form a housing space on which batteries are placed. Each subrack 2001 may further include fixing posts 2400 for securely fixing batteries inserted into the battery rack 2000.

[0057] Columns 2100 and 2200 may be frame structures extending in the height direction (Z-axis direction). Columns 2100 and 2200 may also be frame structures extending vertically. By arranging columns 2100 and 2200 vertically, they can form the overall shape of the subrack 2001. Columns 2100 and 2200 may also be referred to as vertical frames, vertical beams, etc. Furthermore, columns 2100 and 2200 may also be referred to as the main frame.

[0058] In the subrack 2001 of this embodiment, multiple storage spaces can be located along the longitudinal direction of columns 2100 and 2200, and a battery can be installed in each storage space. Thus, a subrack 2001 that stacks batteries vertically can be called a tower-type structure. Here, the longitudinal direction of columns 2100 and 2200 may be the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the subrack 2001.

[0059] Columns 2100 and 2200 may include a front column 2100 located at the front of the subrack 2001 and a rear column 2200 located at the rear of the battery rack 2000. The front column 2100 and the rear column 2200 may be spaced apart in the depth direction (Y-axis direction) of the subrack 2001. The front column 2100 and the rear column 2200 may be positioned corresponding to each other.

[0060] There may be two front columns 2100. There may be two rear columns 2200. A pair of front columns 2100 can be positioned spaced apart along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the subrack 2001. A pair of rear columns 2200 can be positioned spaced apart along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the subrack 2001. The distance between a pair of front columns 2100 and a pair of rear columns 2200 can be the same. A pair of front columns 2100 and a pair of rear columns 2200 can be positioned corresponding to each other. As a result, on the cross-section of the subrack 2001 shown in Figure 5, the two front columns 2100 and the two rear columns 2200 can be positioned at the vertices of a rectangle overall.

[0061] Bracket 2300 may be a frame structure extending horizontally. Bracket 2300 may be a frame structure extending along the depth direction (Y-axis direction) of subrack 2001. Bracket 2300 may extend between the front column 2100 and the rear column 2200.

[0062] The bracket 2300 may be a shelf-type structure on which the battery is mounted. The axial cross-section of the bracket 2300 may be L-shaped. An L-shaped bracket 2300 may include a horizontal surface 2310 and a vertical surface 2320 extending perpendicularly from one end of the horizontal surface 2310. The horizontal surface 2310 of the bracket 2300 can support the lower surface of the battery from above. The vertical surface 2320 of the bracket 2300, by being positioned on the side of the battery, can prevent the battery from detaching from the bracket 2300. Here, the axial cross-section may refer to a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the structure. The longitudinal direction of the bracket 2300 may be the depth direction (Y-axis direction) of the subrack 2001.

[0063] A pair of brackets 2300 can form a battery housing space. A battery can be mounted in the pair of brackets 2300, and the pair of brackets 2300, positioned on both sides of the battery, can support the battery and prevent it from coming loose. Each horizontal surface 2310 of the symmetrically shaped pair of brackets 2300 supports the underside of the battery from both sides, and each vertical surface 2320 can prevent the battery from separating on its sides. Here, the battery to be mounted in the subrack 2001 can be inserted from front to rear along the depth direction of the subrack 2001 on the brackets 2300.

[0064] A pair of brackets 2300 can extend between a pair of front columns 2100 and a pair of rear columns 2200. A pair of brackets 2300 can be positioned between a pair of front columns 2100 and a pair of rear columns 2200. A pair of brackets 2300 can be positioned on the same plane (XY plane). A pair of brackets 2300 can have mutually symmetrical shapes. A pair of brackets 2300 can have left-right symmetrical shapes. That is, one axial cross-section of a pair of brackets 2300 can have an L-shape, and the other axial cross-section can have an inverted L-shape.

[0065] Specifically, the front column 2100 may include a first front column 2110 and a second front column 2120. The rear column 2200 may include a first rear column 2210 and a second rear column 2220. One of the pair of brackets 2300 may extend between the first front column 2110 and the first rear column 2210, and the other may extend between the second front column 2120 and the second rear column 2220.

[0066] There may be multiple brackets 2300 extending between the front column 2100 and the rear column 2200. Multiple brackets 2300 can be positioned at intervals along the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the columns 2100 and 2200. By positioning multiple brackets 2300 continuously along the height direction, multiple battery housing spaces can be formed in the subrack 2001 along the columns 2100 and 2200. Here, the spacing between the multiple brackets 2300 may be greater than the height of the battery. The spacing between the multiple brackets 2300 may also be the same.

[0067] Referring to Figure 6, the bracket 2300 and the columns 2100 and 2200 can be connected via a locking structure. The longitudinal end of the bracket 2300 may be provided with a projection 2330. The projection 2330 can be formed at both longitudinal ends of the bracket 2300. The projection 2330 can be formed on the vertical surface 2320. The projection 2330 can be formed to extend from the rear surface of the vertical surface 2320 and project downward.

[0068] The front column 2100 or the rear column 2200 may be provided with a groove 2101 corresponding to the aforementioned protrusion. The protrusion 2330 formed at the end of the bracket 2300 connects to the groove 2101 formed in the front column 2100 or the rear column 2200, thereby enabling the bracket 2300 to be stably connected to the columns 2100 and 2200. Here, the protrusion 2330 can be inserted into the groove 2101 in a downward direction (-Z axis direction), thereby enabling the protrusion 2330 of the bracket 2300 to be inserted and connected to the groove 2101. With this structure, the bracket 2300 can be fixed more firmly to the columns 2100 and 2200 as the load on the lower side increases. This prevents the bracket 2300 from detaching from the subrack 2001 structure even after the battery has been placed on the bracket 2300.

[0069] The fixing post 2400 may be for securely fixing the battery to the subrack 2001. The fixing post 2400 can be located on the rear side of the subrack 2001. The fixing post 2400 can be located between a pair of rear columns 2200. The fixing post 2400 can correspond to the rear surface of a battery inserted from the front to the rear. The fixing post 2400 can be fixed to the rear surface of the battery.

[0070] The fixed post 2400 may be a frame structure extending in the height direction (Z-axis direction). The fixed post 2400 may be a frame structure extending in the vertical direction. The fixed post 2400 is positioned vertically along the battery loading direction and can correspond to the rear surface of each battery.

[0071] On the other hand, the fixed post 2400 can be connected to the rear column 2200 via the bridge 2410. Here, the fixed post 2400 can be provided as including multiple subposts, each of which can be connected to the rear column 2200 via the bridge 2410.

[0072] Although not specifically shown in the diagram, the fixing post 2400 has locking structures formed on it at intervals, and another structure corresponding to the locking structures can be located on the rear surface of the battery. By connecting the rear surface of the battery and the fixing post 2400 via the locking structures, the battery mounted on the battery rack 2000 or subrack 2001 can be stably fixed.

[0073] The stiffening post 2500 can be used to improve the overall rigidity and vibration resistance of the subrack 2001 or battery rack 2000.

[0074] The stiffening post 2500 can be positioned parallel to columns 2100 and 2200. The stiffening post 2500 can be positioned between the front column 2100 and the rear column 2200. The stiffening post 2500 can be positioned between the first front column 2110 and the first rear column 2210. The stiffening post 2500 can be positioned between the second front column 2120 and the second rear column 2220. The stiffening post 2500 may be a frame structure extending in the height direction (Z-axis direction). The stiffening post 2500 may be a frame structure extending in the vertical direction.

[0075] The stiffening post 2500 can be positioned across the center of multiple brackets 2300 and can correspond to each bracket 2300. By connecting with the brackets 2300, the stiffening post 2500 can stably fix the brackets 2300 and prevent them from detaching or being damaged.

[0076] Here, the connection between the stiffening post 2500 and the bracket 2300 can be similar to that shown in Figure 6. Thus, the bracket 2300 may include a projection 2330 located in the center of the bracket 2300 in its longitudinal direction, and a corresponding groove may be formed in the stiffening post 2500. The projection 2330 may have a downward-projecting shape and can be inserted into the groove of the stiffening post 2500 in a downward direction (-Z axis direction). This allows the projection 2330 to be stably connected to the stiffening post 2500 even when the battery is positioned on the bracket 2300.

[0077] The following describes the structure for connecting the two subracks 2001 included in the battery rack 2000 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the overall rigidity and vibration resistance of the battery rack 2000 can be improved by the mutual connection of the two subracks 2001. Although the battery rack 2000 of this embodiment has an open structure at the upper and lower ends, the overall rigidity of the battery rack 2000 can be enhanced and vibration resistance improved by the connection and mutual support of two or more subracks 2001.

[0078] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the frame included in the battery rack according to Figure 2.

[0079] A support frame 2600 may be provided for the battery rack 2000. The support frame 2600 may be for maintaining the overall shape of the battery rack 2000.

[0080] The support frame 2600 can be positioned at the upper and lower ends of the battery rack 2000, respectively. By being positioned at the upper and lower ends of the battery rack 2000 and connecting with the subracks 2001, at least two subracks 2001 can be connected.

[0081] For the sake of explanation, the two subracks 2001 included in the battery rack 2000 will be referred to below as the first subrack 2001a and the second subrack 2001b, respectively. Here, the first subrack 2001a and the second subrack 2001b can be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the battery rack 2000.

[0082] The support frame 2600 may include a pair of horizontal frames 2610 extending along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the battery rack 2000, and beams 2620, 2630 perpendicular to the pair of horizontal frames 2610 and extending between the pair of horizontal frames 2610. Here, the beams 2620, 2630 may include side beams 2620 and middle beams 2630. The side beams 2620 may correspond to the ends of the pair of horizontal frames 2610. The middle beams 2630 may not correspond to the ends of the pair of horizontal frames 2610.

[0083] Conventionally, since the battery rack 2000 included a plate-shaped member 25, columns 21 and 22 were fixed to the plate-shaped member 25 for structural stability. However, in this embodiment, instead of the plate-shaped member 25, the positions of columns 2100 and 2200 can be fixed via a support frame 2600.

[0084] More specifically, the subrack 2001 may include a pair of front columns 2100 and a pair of rear columns 2200. In order for the pair of front columns 2100 and the pair of rear columns 2200 to be stably fixed, a structure is needed to fix the columns 2100 and 2200 in the depth direction (Y-axis direction) and the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). In this embodiment, columns 2100 and 2200 spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) can be fixed by a horizontal frame 2610, and columns 2100 and 2200 spaced apart in the depth direction (Y-axis direction) can be fixed by beams 2620 and 2630. Furthermore, beams 2620 and 2630 can be supported by a stiffening frame 2500. In this way, even if the plate-shaped member 25 is omitted, the overall structure of the subrack 2001 or battery rack 2000 can be maintained by the stiffening frame 2500 and the support frame 2600.

[0085] The horizontal frame 2610 may be for forming the overall shape of each subrack 2001. The horizontal frame 2610 may be a frame structure that extends along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the subrack 2001 or battery rack 2000.

[0086] The horizontal frame 2610 can be used to connect columns 2100 and 2200 included in the subrack 2001. The horizontal frame 2610 can be positioned to cross two columns 2100 and 2200 that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the subrack 2001. The horizontal frame 2610 can extend between a pair of front columns 2100 that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). The horizontal frame 2610 can extend between a pair of rear columns 2200 that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). By fixing a pair of front columns 2100 or a pair of rear columns 2200 to the horizontal frame 2610, the overall shape of the subrack 2001 can be maintained.

[0087] There may be multiple horizontal frames 2610. The horizontal frames 2610 are provided on the front and rear or upper and lower ends of the subrack 2001, thereby maintaining the overall shape of the subrack 2001.

[0088] In the support frame 2600 located at the upper end of the battery rack 2000, horizontal frames 2610 can be positioned on the front and rear sides of the subrack 2001, respectively. One of the pair of horizontal frames 2610 can be connected to one end of a pair of front columns 2100 of the subrack 2001, and the other can be connected to one end of a pair of rear columns 2200 of the subrack 2001. In addition, in the support frame 2600 located at the lower end, the pair of horizontal frames 2610 can be connected to the other ends of the pair of front columns 2100 and the pair of rear columns 2200.

[0089] The horizontal frame 2610 can be connected to at least two subracks 2001. The first subrack 2001a and the second subrack 2001b can be connected via the horizontal frame 2610. That is, the horizontal frame 2610 does not have to be provided for each subrack 2001, but may be provided as a unit of the battery rack 2000. The first subrack 2001a and the second subrack 2001b can share the horizontal frame 2610 provided to the battery rack 2000.

[0090] Therefore, in the support frame 2600 located at the upper end of the battery rack 2000, one of the pair of horizontal frames 2610 can be connected to one end of the pair of front columns 2100 of the first subrack 2001a and the second subrack 2001b. The other of the pair of horizontal frames 2610 can be connected to one end of the pair of rear columns 2200 of the first subrack 2001a and the second subrack 2001b.

[0091] In this way, each horizontal frame 2610 is connected to the end of the front column 2100 or the end of the rear column 2200 of the first subrack 2001a and the second subrack 2001b, thereby enabling the first subrack 2001a and the second subrack 2001b to be joined together.

[0092] Beams 2620 and 2630 are perpendicular to a pair of horizontal frames 2610 and can extend between the pair of horizontal frames 2610. Beams 2620 and 2630 may include side beams 2620 corresponding to the ends of the horizontal frames 2610 and middle beams 2630 that do not correspond to the ends of the horizontal frames 2610.

[0093] The end of the side beam 2620 can correspond to the end of the horizontal frame 2610.

[0094] The side beams 2620 can be supplied in pairs. One end of the pair of side beams 2620 can correspond to one end of the pair of horizontal frames 2610, and the other end of the pair of side beams 2620 can correspond to the other end of the pair of horizontal frames 2610. The pair of side beams 2620 and the pair of horizontal frames 2610 can be mutually orthogonal. The pair of side beams 2620 and the pair of horizontal frames 2610 can form a quadrilateral by joining their respective ends. In this way, the overall structure of the support frame 2600 can be formed via the horizontal frames 2610 and the side beams 2620.

[0095] The middle beam 2630 can be positioned between a pair of side beams 2620. The middle beam 2630 can be positioned between subracks 2001 connected to the horizontal frame 2610. More specifically, when two subracks 2001 are connected to the horizontal frame 2610, the middle beam 2630 can be positioned where each subrack 2001 touches. The middle beam 2630 can simultaneously correspond to two adjacent subracks 2001. Also, when three subracks 2001 are connected to the horizontal frame 2610, two middle beams 2630 can be provided so as to be positioned between two adjacent subracks 2001. Therefore, the thickness value of the middle beam 2630 may be greater than the thickness value of the side beams 2620.

[0096] On the other hand, although the middle beam 2630 was described in the above explanation as being in a separate configuration from the side beam 2620, the design may also provide the middle beam 2630 in a configuration in which two side beams 2620 are joined together.

[0097] In this case, the two side beams 2620 included in the middle beam 2630 can correspond to the first subrack 2001a and the second subrack 2001b, respectively. Furthermore, in this configuration, the side beams 2620 can be described as being provided in a total of four units, with two of the four side beams 2620 corresponding to the first subrack 2001a and the other two corresponding to the second subrack 2001b. Therefore, in this case, the side beams 2620 can be described as being located at the upper and lower ends of the left and right sides of the subrack 2001, respectively. In this case, the side beams 2620 can be described as components individually included in the subrack 2001.

[0098] Beams 2620 and 2630 can maintain the overall shape of the subrack 2001 by fixing two columns 2100 and 2200 that are spaced apart in the depth direction (Y-axis direction) of the subrack 2001. Beams 2620 and 2630 may also be frame structures extending horizontally. Beams 2620 and 2630 may also be frame structures extending in the depth direction (Y-axis direction) of the subrack 2001.

[0099] Beams 2620 and 2630 can extend between the front column 2100 and the rear column 2200. The ends of beams 2620 and 2630 can be coupled to the ends of the front column 2100 and the rear column 2200.

[0100] Beams 2620 and 2630 may be parallel to bracket 2300. Beams 2620 and 2630 can fix both ends of the front column 2100 and rear column 2200 to which bracket 2300 is connected, thereby preventing twisting of the front column 2100 and rear column 2200 and detachment of bracket 2300.

[0101] Beams 2620 and 2630 can be connected to stiffening posts 2500. Support frames 2600 can be located at the upper and lower ends of the battery rack 2000, respectively. The upper and lower support frames 2600 can be arranged side by side in the height direction. One end of the stiffening frame 2500 can be connected to beams 2620 and 2630 included in the upper support frame 2600, and the other end can be connected to beams 2620 and 2630 included in the lower support frame 2600. The support frames 2600 located at the upper and lower ends of the battery rack 2000 are further connected via the stiffening frame 2500, and the stress applied to the support frames 2600 can be distributed.

[0102] Here, the stiffening frame 2500 can be connected to the central parts of the beams 2620 and 2630. By connecting the stiffening frame 2500 to the central parts of the beams 2620 and 2630, the forces applied to the battery rack 2000 can be uniformly distributed.

[0103] On the other hand, a stiffening frame 2500 can be connected between the upper side beam 2620 and the lower side beam 2620. For example, a side beam 2620 located on the left side of the support frame 2600 can be connected to a stiffening frame 2500 located between the first front column 2110 and the first rear column 2210 of the first subrack 2001a. A side beam 2620 located on the right side can be connected to a stiffening frame 2500 located between the second front column 2120 and the second rear column 2220 of the second subrack 2001b.

[0104] On the other hand, two stiffening frames 2500 can be connected between the upper middle beam 2630 and the lower middle beam 2630. The middle beam 2630 can be located between the first subrack 2001a and the second subrack 2001b. The middle beam 2630 can be connected to a stiffening frame 2500 located between the second front column 2120 and the second rear column 2220 of the first subrack 2001a, and to a stiffening frame 2500 located between the first front column 2110 and the first rear column 2210 of the second subrack 2001b. This can be more clearly explained through the cross-sectional view in Figure 5. However, as mentioned above, if the middle beam 2630 is provided in a form in which two side beams 2620 are connected, it can be described as connecting one stiffening frame 2500 to each side beam 2620 included in the middle beam 2630.

[0105] On the other hand, the battery rack 2000 of this embodiment may include a connecting block 2700 for the stable coupling of the first subrack 2001a and the second subrack 2001b.

[0106] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the connection of the subrack, support frame, and connecting block included in the battery rack according to Figure 2. Figure 9 shows the subrack and connecting block positioned on the support frame included in the battery rack according to Figure 2. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the connection between the connecting block and the column in the battery rack according to Figure 2. Figure 11 is a magnified view of the connection portion of the subrack in the battery rack according to Figure 2. Figures 12 to 14 are axial cross-sections of the column in the battery rack according to Figure 2.

[0107] Referring to Figures 8 to 14, the connecting block 2700 included in the battery rack 2000 of this embodiment can be positioned between the first subrack 2001a and the second subrack 2001b.

[0108] The connecting block 2700 can be connected to the first subrack 2001a and the second subrack 2001b. One side of the connecting block 2700 can correspond to the first subrack 2001a. The other side of the connecting block 2700 can correspond to the second subrack 2001b. Here, if the first subrack 2001a is located to the left of the second subrack 2001b, one side can be described as the left side and the other side as the right side. Also, if the first subrack 2001a is located to the right of the second subrack 2001b, one side can be described as the right side and the other side as the left side.

[0109] The linking block 2700 can be positioned between columns 2100 and 2200 of the first subrack 2001a and columns 2100 and 2200 of the second subrack 2001b. The linking block 2700 can be joined to columns 2100 and 2200 of the first subrack 2001a and columns 2100 and 2200 of the second subrack 2001b. Here, columns 2100 and 2200 of the first subrack 2001a can be referred to as the first column, and columns 2100 and 2200 of the second subrack 2001b can be referred to as the second column.

[0110] The linking block 2700 can be linked to the first column and the second column. One side of the linking block 2700 can correspond to the first column, and the other side can correspond to the second column. One side of the linking block 2700 can be joined to the first column. The other side of the linking block 2700 can be joined to the second column.

[0111] On the other hand, referring to Figures 9 and 10, the first column may be the second front column 2120 of the first subrack 2001a, and the second column may be the first front column 2110 of the second subrack 2001b. However, it should be made clear in advance that the first and second columns in this specification refer to the columns adjacent to each other in the first subrack 2001a and the second subrack 2001b, and may also refer to columns 2100 and 2200 at positions different from those shown.

[0112] On the other hand, referring to Figure 8, the connecting block 2700 can be provided not only at the connection position between the first subrack 2001a and the second subrack 2001b, but also at the columns 2100 and 2200 of the first subrack 2001a and the second subrack 2001b located on the outer casing of the battery rack 2000. Here, each connecting block 2700 can correspond to one column 2100 or 2200, and its size can be about half that of the connecting block 2700 provided at the connection position.

[0113] As shown in Figure 8, the connecting block 2700 can have an overall rectangular tube shape. The connecting block 2700 may include a front surface 2710 located on the front side of the battery rack 2000, and two side surfaces 2720 extending perpendicularly from the front surface 2710 from opposite ends of the front surface 2710. Here, the side surfaces 2720 may be two surfaces facing each other in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the battery rack 2000.

[0114] Referring to Figures 8 to 11, one side of the front surface 2710 corresponds to the first column of the first subrack 2001a (2120 in Figure 10), and the other side corresponds to the second column of the second subrack 2001b (2110 in Figure 10).

[0115] The front surface 2710 may include front fastening holes 2712. Front fastening holes 2712 located on one side of the front surface 2710 can correspond to the first column (2120 in Figure 10) of the first subrack 2001a. Front fastening holes 2712 located on the other side of the front surface 2710 can correspond to the second column (2110 in Figure 10) of the second subrack 2001b. Holes (2120h and 2110h in Figure 10) can be formed in the first subrack 2001a and the second subrack 2001b at positions corresponding to the front fastening holes 2712. The subrack 2001 and the connecting block 2700 can be joined by inserting the fastening member 2800 with the holes 2120h and 2110h formed in the subrack 2001 corresponding to the front fastening holes 2712.

[0116] More specifically, there are four front fastening holes 2712, and these four front fastening holes 2712 can be located at each vertex of a virtual rectangle. Of these, the two front fastening holes 2712 located on one side can correspond to the first column of the first subrack 2001a (2120 in Figure 10), and the two front fastening holes 2712 located on the other side can correspond to the second column of the second subrack 2001b (2110 in Figure 10).

[0117] On the other hand, contrary to the above, there may be two front fastening holes 2712. One of the front fastening holes 2712, spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction), may correspond to the first column of the first subrack 2001a (2120 in Figure 10), and the other may correspond to the second column of the second subrack 2001b (2110 in Figure 10). However, for stable connection between the subrack 2001 and the connecting block 2700, it may be preferable to connect at least two or more fastening members, and thus it may be preferable to provide four or more front fastening holes 2712.

[0118] Side 2720 may include side fastening holes 2722. Of two opposing side 2720s, one side 2720 can correspond to the first column of the first subrack 2001a (2120 in Figure 10), and the other side 2720 can correspond to the second column of the second subrack 2001b (2110 in Figure 10). One or more side fastening holes 2722 can be formed on each side 2720, and holes 2120h and 2110h can be formed in each subrack 2001 at positions corresponding to the side fastening holes 2722. The subrack 2001 and the connecting block 2700 can be joined by inserting the fastening member 2800 with the holes 2120h and 2110h formed in the subrack 2001 corresponding to the side fastening holes 2722. There is no limit to the number of side fastening holes 2722, but it is preferable to have two or more on each side 2720 for stable connection with the subrack 2001. Here, the fastening member 2800 can be a bolt, nut, or washer.

[0119] On the other hand, in Figure 10, there are two side fastening holes 2722, but there are three holes 2120h and 2110h of the subrack 2001 and three fastening members 2800. Here, two of the three holes 2120h and 2110h correspond to the side fastening holes 2722, and the remaining one can be used for connection to other structures. Specifically, the other hole 2120h, 2110h and one fastening member 2800 can be used for connection to beams 2620 and 2630.

[0120] The rear surface of the connecting block 2700 may have a shape that protrudes partially toward the rear, which may be for stable connection with beams 2620 and 2630. The rear surface of the connecting block 2700 may be positioned in contact with beams 2620 and 2630. Of the three holes 2120h and 2110h formed in the subrack 2001, two may correspond to the connecting block 2700, and the remaining one may correspond to beams 2620 and 2630. In this way, the first column of the first subrack 2001a (2120 in Figure 10) and the second column of the second subrack 2001b (2110 in Figure 10) can be coupled with the connecting block 2700 and beams 2620 and 2630.

[0121] The above explanation, as shown in Figures 8 to 11, describes how the connecting block 2700 is located between the second front column 2120 of the first subrack 2001a and the first front column 2110 of the second subrack 2001b, and how they are joined. However, this explanation can also be applied to the joining of the second rear column 2220 of the first subrack 2001a and the first rear column 2210 of the second subrack 2001b. Furthermore, if the battery rack 2000 of this embodiment includes a third subrack, this explanation can also be applied to the joining of the first subrack 2001a or the second subrack 2001b with the third subrack. Therefore, a detailed explanation of this will be omitted.

[0122] As shown in Figures 12 to 14, columns 2100 and 2200 can be provided in a form in which a plate-shaped material is continuously bent in the front-to-back (Y-axis direction) or left-to-right (X-axis direction), thereby allowing the axial cross-section of columns 2100 and 2200 to have a shape that includes multiple bends. By forming columns 2100 and 2200 to include multiple corners in this way, the weight per unit volume occupied by columns 2100 and 2200 can be minimized, and structural rigidity can be ensured. The cross-sectional shape of columns 2100 and 2200 can also be described as an S-shape or an inverted S-shape.

[0123] Referring to Figures 12 and 13, the pair of front columns 2100 can have a symmetrical shape.

[0124] More specifically, the front column 2100 can include a first front column 2110 and a second front column 2120. As shown in Figure 12, the first front column 2110 can include an outer bent portion 2110a that bends outward from the subrack 2001 and an inner bent portion 2110b that bends inward from the subrack 2001. In this case, the outer bent portion 2110a can be positioned relatively in front of the inner bent portion 2110b. As shown in Figure 13, the second front column 2120 can include an outer bent portion 2120a that bends outward from the subrack 2001 and an inner bent portion 2120b that bends inward from the subrack 2001. In this case, the outer bent portion 2120a can be positioned relatively in front of the inner bent portion 2120b.

[0125] Here, the inside can be the direction toward the interior of the subrack 2001 containing the front column 2100, and the outside can be the direction toward the exterior of the subrack 2001. The first front column 2110 can be located to the left (-X axis direction) of the second front column 2120. In one subrack 2001, the inside of the first front column 2110 may be in the +X axis direction, and the inside of the second front column 2120 may be in the -X axis direction. In this way, the inside and outside of the first front column 2110 and the second front column 2120 can be opposite to each other, thereby allowing the first front column 2110 and the second front column 2120 to have a mutually symmetrical shape.

[0126] On the other hand, although not specifically shown, the rear column 2200 can have a shape that is front-to-back symmetrical with respect to the front column 2100. The first rear column 2210 can have a shape that is front-to-back symmetrical with respect to the first front column 2110. The second rear column 2220 can have a shape that is front-to-back symmetrical with respect to the second front column 2120. As a result, in the rear column 2200, the inner bend can be positioned relatively in front of the outer bend. On the other hand, a pair of rear columns 2200 can have shapes that are left-to-right symmetrical with respect to each other. The cross-sectional shape of the rear column 2200 can be understood from Figures 12 and 13, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0127] The columns 2100 and 2200 in this embodiment may include multiple faces separated by the corners at the bending positions.

[0128] As shown in Figure 12, the first front column 2110 can include the first to fifth faces 2111 to 2115. The first to fifth faces 2111 to 2115 are positioned perpendicular to adjacent faces and can be bent in the same direction as or opposite to the bending direction of adjacent faces. As a result, the first face 2111, the second face 2112 and the third face 2113 can form an outer bent portion 2110a that curves outward (-X axis direction) and have an open shape that faces inward (+X axis direction). In addition, the third face 2113, the fourth face 2114 and the fifth face 2115 can form an inner bent portion 2110b that curves inward (+X axis direction) and have an open shape that faces outward (-X axis direction).

[0129] The first surface 2111 is located in front of the battery rack 2000 and can provide a connection surface with the battery. A space is formed on the rear side of the first surface 2111 by the outer bent portion 2110a, so that even when the battery and the first surface 2111 are connected by bolts or the like, an operator can easily access the connection point. The first surface 2111 can also be referred to as the front surface of the first front column 2110.

[0130] As shown in Figure 13, the second front column 2120 may include the first to fifth faces 2121 to 2125. The first face 2121, the second face 2122, and the third face 2123 can form an outer bent portion 2120a that curves outward (+X axis direction) and have an open shape that faces inward (-X axis direction). The third face 2123, the fourth face 2124, and the fifth face 2125 can form an inner bent portion 2120b that curves inward (-X axis direction) and have an open shape that faces outward (+X axis direction). The structure of the second front column 2120 can be explained through Figure 13 and the above description, so a detailed explanation is omitted. Similarly, the structure of the rear column 2200 can be explained through Figures 12 and 13, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0131] On the other hand, referring to Figure 14, columns 2100 and 2200 in this embodiment may also include a sixth surface 2116. When columns 2100 and 2200 include a sixth surface 2116, the structural rigidity of columns 2100 and 2200 can be further enhanced.

[0132] Figures 15 to 17 are diagrams illustrating the connection between the battery rack columns and connecting blocks as shown in Figure 2.

[0133] Referring to Figure 15, a connecting block 2700 can be positioned between the inner bend portion 2120b of the second front column 2120 and the inner bend portion 2110b of the first front column 2110. Here, the second front column 2120 may be included in the first subrack 2001a, and the first front column 2110 may be included in the second subrack 2001b. The second front column 2120 may be the first column, and the first front column 2110 may be the second column.

[0134] More specifically, the front surface 2710 of the connecting block 2700 is located adjacent to the third surface 2123 of the second front column 2120 and the third surface 2113 of the first front column 2110, and the front surface 2710 of the connecting block 2700 can be joined to the third surface 2123 of the second front column 2120 and the third surface 2113 of the first front column 2110 by inserting the fastening member 2800 into the front fastening hole 2712 formed in the front surface 2710.

[0135] Furthermore, both sides 2720 of the connecting block are located adjacent to the fourth surface 2124 of the second front column 2120 and the fourth surface 2114 of the first front column 2110, respectively, and by inserting the fastening member 2800 into the side fastening hole 2722 formed in the side 2720, both sides 2720 of the connecting block can be joined to the fourth surface 2124 of the second front column 2120 and the fourth surface 2114 of the first front column 2110.

[0136] Thus, the connecting block 2700 is positioned between the second front column 2120 of the first subrack 2001a and the first front column 2110 of the second subrack 2001b, and the connecting block 2700 connects to the second front column 2120 and the first front column 2110 respectively, thereby enabling the connection of the first subrack 2001a and the second subrack 2001b. Furthermore, this stabilizes the overall structure of the battery rack 2000, and the vibration resistance can be improved by the mutual support between the first subrack 2001a and the second subrack 2001b.

[0137] On the other hand, Figure 15 shows that the second front column 2120 and the first front column 2110 are joined by moving closer to each other with the connecting block 2700 in between. However, it is a difficult task to move the heavier and larger columns 2100 and 2200 while placing the relatively small connecting block 2700.

[0138] Therefore, after positioning the second front column 2120 of the first subrack 2001a and the first front column 2110 of the second subrack 2001b in their respective locations, it is easier to insert the connecting block 2700 between the second front column 2120 and the first front column 2110.

[0139] Referring to Figures 16 and 17, a portion of the front column 2100 can be removed or deformed to facilitate the insertion of the connecting block 2700.

[0140] As shown in Figure 16, the fifth surface 2115 of the first front column 2110 can be partially removed or deformed. Here, the fifth surface 2115 can also be referred to as the rear surface of the first front column 2110. As shown in Figure 17, by partially removing or deforming the fifth surface 2115, an opening (E1) can be formed on the rear surface of the first front column 2110, allowing access to the inner bend 2110b. The fifth surface 2125 of the second front column 2120 can also be partially removed or deformed, thereby forming an opening (E2) that allows access to the inner bend 2120b of the second front column 2120. The connecting block 2700 can be positioned between the first subrack 2001a and the second subrack 2001b via the openings (E1, E2) formed in the first front column 2110 and the second front column 2120.

[0141] Here, the fifth surface 2115 can have an elongated shape extending in one direction. Since the connecting block 2700 corresponds to the end of the first front column 2110, it is not necessary for the entire fifth surface 2115 to be deformed or removed, and it may be preferable that only the portion of the fifth surface 2115 corresponding to the connecting block 2700 is partially deformed or removed. Referring to Figure 10 above, protruding structures can be seen at both ends of the first front column 2110, and these protruding portions can correspond to the deformed fifth surface 2115 in Figures 16 and 17. Here, three holes are formed in the deformed surface, two of which can correspond to the side fastening holes 2722 of the connecting block 2700. In addition, one of the three holes can be used for connection with beams 2620 and 2630.

[0142] On the other hand, in Figures 16 and 17, openings (E1, E2) into which the connecting block 2700 can be inserted are formed by positioning a part of the fifth surface 2115 on the same plane as the fourth surface 2114. However, it is also possible to remove a part of the fifth surface 2115.

[0143] Furthermore, multiple connecting blocks 2700 can be provided to the battery rack 2000. Connecting blocks 2700 can be provided at both ends of the front column 2100 and at both ends of the rear column 2200, respectively. By providing connecting blocks 2700 front and rear and top and bottom at the position where the first subrack 2001a and the second subrack 2001b are in contact, the first subrack 2001a and the second subrack 2001b can be stably fixed, thereby improving the rigidity and vibration resistance of the battery rack 2000.

[0144] Figure 18 shows another embodiment of the battery rack according to one example of the present invention.

[0145] Referring to Figure 18, the battery rack 2000 of this embodiment may include a first subrack 2001a, a second subrack 2001b, and a third subrack 2001c. The battery rack 2000 can improve rigidity and vibration resistance by including three or more subracks 2001.

[0146] The third subrack 2001c can be positioned adjacent to the second subrack 2001b along the direction from the first subrack 2001a to the second subrack 2001b. The first subrack 2001a, the second subrack 2001b, and the third subrack 2001c can be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the battery rack 2000.

[0147] The third subrack 2001c may have a structure similar to the first subrack 2001a and the second subrack 2001b. The connection between the second subrack 2001b and the third subrack 2001c can be explained through the connection between the first subrack 2001a and the second subrack 2001b described above. Furthermore, the battery rack 2000 in Figure 14 can be explained through the contents of the battery rack 2000 in Figure 2 described above, except for the connection of the columns 2100 and 2200 of the first subrack 2001a, the second subrack 2001b, and the third subrack 2001c to their respective support frames 2600, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0148] On the other hand, the battery rack of this embodiment can be applied to an energy storage system. The energy storage system may include a battery rack inside a housing such as a container, and batteries may be stored in the storage space of the battery rack. Thus, the energy storage system may include at least one of the battery racks of this embodiment.

[0149] 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, utilizing 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]

[0150] 2000 Battery Rack 2100 Front column 2110 First front column 2120 Second forward column 2200 Rear column 2210 First rear column 2220 Second rear column 2300 bracket 2400 Fixed Post 2500 Stiffening Post, Stiffening Frame 2600 Support Frame 2700 Connecting Blocks 2800 Fastening Member

Claims

1. In a battery rack that houses batteries, A first subrack including a first column positioned vertically, and including a plurality of battery storage spaces formed along the first column, and A second subrack includes a second column positioned vertically, and a plurality of battery storage spaces formed along the second column, The first subrack and the second subrack are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the battery rack, The first subrack and the second subrack are battery racks having an open upper end.

2. The battery rack further includes a horizontal frame extending along the longitudinal direction of the battery rack, The horizontal frame is perpendicular to the first and second columns, The battery rack according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal frame is connected to the end of the first column and the end of the second column.

3. The first column and the second column are located adjacent to each other. The battery rack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first column and the second column are connected via a connecting block located between the first column and the second column.

4. One side of the aforementioned connecting block is coupled to the first column, The battery rack according to claim 3, wherein the other side of the connecting block is coupled to the second column.

5. The aforementioned connecting block has the shape of a square tube, The connecting block includes a front surface located in front of the battery rack, and one side and the other side extending perpendicularly toward the rear of the battery rack from two opposing ends of the front surface. The aforementioned one side is bonded to the first column, The battery rack according to claim 3, wherein the other side is coupled to the second column.

6. The battery rack according to claim 5, wherein the front surface is coupled with the first column and the second column.

7. At least two front fastening holes are formed on the front surface of the connecting block. One of the two front fastening holes, located on one side, corresponds to the first column. The battery rack according to claim 6, wherein the other of the two front fastening holes, located on the other side, corresponds to the second column.

8. Four front fastening holes are formed on the front surface of the aforementioned connecting block. The four front fastening holes are located at each vertex of the virtual rectangle. Of the four front fastening holes, the two located on one side correspond to the first column, The battery rack according to claim 6, wherein two of the four front fastening holes located on the other side correspond to the second column.

9. Side fastening holes are formed on one side and the other side of the connecting block. The side fastening hole formed on the aforementioned side corresponds to the first column, The battery rack according to claim 5, wherein the side fastening holes formed on the other side correspond to the second column.

10. The battery rack according to claim 9, wherein there are two or more side fastening holes formed on one side and the other side of the connecting block.

11. The first column and the second column are located adjacent to each other. The battery rack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the axial cross-sections of the first column and the axial cross-sections of the second column have mutually symmetrical shapes.

12. The first column and the second column are located adjacent to each other. The first column includes a first outer bend that bends outward toward the outside of the first subrack and a first inner bend that bends inward toward the inside of the first subrack. The second column includes a second outer bend that bends outward toward the outside of the second subrack and a second inner bend that bends inward toward the inside of the second subrack. The first outer bent portion and the second outer bent portion are located adjacent to each other, A battery rack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a separation space is formed between the first inner bent portion and the second inner bent portion.

13. The connecting block is located in the aforementioned separation space, The battery rack according to claim 12, wherein the first column and the second column are joined via the connecting block.

14. The battery rack according to claim 13, wherein openings are formed in the rear surfaces of the first column and the second column, and the connecting block enters the separation space through the openings.

15. The battery rack according to claim 14, wherein the opening is formed by deforming or removing a portion of the first column and the second column.

16. The battery rack according to claim 3, wherein the connecting block is located adjacent to the end of the first column and the end of the second column.

17. The aforementioned connecting block consists of two or more units. The battery rack according to claim 3, wherein one of the connecting blocks is located at one end of the first column and the second column, and the other is located at the other end of the first column and the second column.

18. The first column includes a front column located in front of the battery rack and a rear column located behind the battery rack. The second column includes a front column located in front of the battery rack and a rear column located behind the battery rack. The aforementioned connecting block consists of two or more units. One of the connecting blocks is located between the front column of the first column and the front column of the second column, The battery rack according to claim 3, wherein one of the connecting blocks is located between the rear column of the first column and the rear column of the second column.

19. The battery rack according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a third subrack located adjacent to the first subrack or the second subrack.

20. An energy storage system comprising a battery rack according to claim 1 or 2.

Images