Battery pack housing, battery pack, and automobiles including the same

Abstract

The present invention provides a pack housing for a shared battery pack, a battery pack including the pack housing, and an automobile. A pack housing according to one aspect of the present invention includes a bottom cover on which a battery module is mounted, an outer frame formed on the outer circumference of the bottom cover, and a partition frame that divides the internal space formed by the bottom cover and the outer frame into a plurality of module spaces, wherein at least one of the outer frame and the partition frame is a variable structure with adjustable width.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pack housing, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle including the battery pack, and more particularly, to a pack housing, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same that can be commonly applied to battery modules of various sizes.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0014100 filed on January 30, 2024, and the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application are incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0003] With the significant increase in technology development and demand for various mobile devices, electric vehicles, energy storage systems (ESS), etc., the interest and demand for secondary batteries as an energy source have been continuously increasing.

[0004] As secondary batteries, lithium secondary batteries that hardly generate a memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, can be freely charged and discharged, have a very low self-discharge rate, and have a high energy density are widely used. Such lithium secondary batteries mainly use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive electrode active material and the 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 positive electrode active material and negative electrode active material are disposed with a separator interposed therebetween, and an exterior material, for example, a battery case, that hermetically stores the electrode assembly together with an electrolytic solution.

[0005] Generally, secondary batteries can be classified into can-type batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a metal can and pouch-type batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet according to the shape of the exterior material.

[0006] The operating voltage of such a unit secondary battery, i.e., a unit battery cell, is approximately 2.5V to 4.6V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells may be connected in series to form a battery pack. Also, depending on the required charge and discharge capacity of the battery pack, multiple battery cells may be connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Thus, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be set in various ways depending on the required output voltage or charge and discharge capacity. On the other hand, when forming a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, it is common to first form a battery module consisting of at least one battery cell, then use this battery module to add other components, and house them in a pack housing to form the battery pack.

[0007] Conventional battery pack housings are determined by the size of the battery module. For example, even within the same vehicle OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing), the size of the pack housing and its mounting position on the vehicle will all differ depending on the required energy.

[0008] Figure 1 shows that the pack housing of a conventional battery pack is determined according to the size of the battery module.

[0009] For example, if a vehicle OEM is to manufacture battery packs with 50kWh, 70kWh, and 90kWh of energy, using conventional methods, as shown in Figures 1(a), (b), and (c), the 50kWh battery pack 10, the 70kWh battery pack 20, and the 90kWh battery pack 30 will all have different pack housing sizes W1, W2, and W3 and vehicle mounting positions P1, P2, and P3 (W1≠W2≠W3, P1≠P2≠P3).

[0010] The 50kWh battery pack 10, the 70kWh battery pack 20, and the 90kWh battery pack 30 each contain battery modules 12, 22, and 32 of different sizes within pack housings 14, 24, and 34 of different sizes, respectively, but all have the same shaped center beam C and side beams S.

[0011] This situation necessitates manufacturing three different types of vehicle frames in addition to the battery packs, resulting in significant cost and time losses. If the same pack housing size and vehicle mounting position could be used regardless of energy type, sharing battery packs would reduce these costs and time losses. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a pack housing for a shared battery pack.

[0013] Another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a shared battery pack by including such a pack housing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] A pack housing according to one aspect of the present invention includes a bottom cover on which a battery module is mounted, an outer frame formed on the outer circumference of the bottom cover, and a partition frame that divides the internal space formed by the bottom cover and the outer frame into a plurality of module spaces, wherein at least one of the outer frame and the partition frame is a variable structure with adjustable width.

[0015] Preferably, the partition frame includes a center beam positioned in the front-to-back direction on the bottom cover, and the center beam has a variable structure that allows for width adjustment in the left-to-right direction.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the variable structure includes a main body, an expansion part, and a width adjustment member. The expansion part is slidably fitted onto the outer circumferential surface of the main body by forming a housing space corresponding to the cross-section of the main body. The expansion part expands in width by being pulled out from the main body. The width adjustment member fixes the expansion part in the pulled-out position from the main body and adjusts the expanded length of the expansion part.

[0017] In this case, the extension portion may include a first extension portion located on one side of the main body and a second extension portion located on the other side of the main body.

[0018] Furthermore, the extension portion may include a support portion arranged to be in contact with the side surface of the main body portion, and an upper extension portion and a lower extension portion formed extending from both ends of the support portion in the height direction to the upper and lower surfaces of the main body portion, respectively.

[0019] Furthermore, the extension portion may include a front extension portion and a rear extension portion formed extending from both longitudinal ends of the support portion to the front and rear surfaces of the main body portion, respectively.

[0020] In this case, the width adjustment member may include: an expansion fastening hole formed in the front and rear extension portions, which is formed in an elongated hole shape along the width direction of the expansion portion and allows movement of the expansion portion; a fastening projection formed on the main body portion so as to be able to protrude from the expansion fastening hole; and a fastening member fastened to the fastening projection via the expansion fastening hole to fix the expansion portion in a moved state.

[0021] In another embodiment of the present invention, the expansion portion may include a slide hole formed through the interior along the width direction, or a slide groove that is closed on the outside and recessed on the inside.

[0022] In this case, the width adjustment member may be formed in an elongated hole shape along the width direction of the extension portion, and may include an extension portion fastening hole that allows movement of the extension portion, at least one main body portion fastening hole formed in the main body portion and communicating with the extension portion fastening hole, and a fixing member that is fastened to the main body portion fastening hole through the extension portion fastening hole and fixes the extension portion in a moved state.

[0023] In still another embodiment of the present invention, the variable structure includes a main body portion, an extension portion, and a width adjustment member. The main body portion has a slide hole formed therethrough along the width direction inside. The extension portion is provided so as to be slidable within the slide hole. The width adjustment member may fix the extension portion in a state of being pulled out from the main body portion and adjust the extension length of the extension portion.

[0024] In the present invention, at least one of the outer frame and the partition frame may be a beam manufactured by extruding aluminum such that a space and ribs are mixed inside.

[0025] In the present invention, a flow path through which a fluid can flow may be provided inside at least one of the outer frame and the partition frame.

[0026] At this time, one or more communication holes for communicating the module space and the flow path may be formed in at least one of the outer frame and the partition frame.

[0027] The flow path may have a multilayer structure in which a plurality of unit flow paths are stacked in the height direction.

[0028] Here, the fluid may include a gas generated during thermal runaway of the battery module.

[0029] In the present invention, at least one of the outer frame and the partition frame has a pipe shape with a hollow structure, the interior has a hollow shape, and one or more separation walls that divide the hollow interior space into an upper space and a lower space are provided in the height direction, and the hollow interior space can be partitioned into a plurality in the height direction.

[0030] A battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention includes such a pack housing of the present invention and battery modules mounted in a plurality of module spaces.

[0031] Here, the battery module can be fixed to at least one of the outer frame and the partition frame.

[0032] In particular, the battery module includes a battery cell assembly and a module case for fixing the battery cell assembly, and the battery module has a fastening block that protrudes from the module case and is provided so that a bolt can be inserted in the vertical direction. By fastening the bolt to the fastening block, it can be fixed to at least one of the outer frame and the partition frame.

[0033] The present invention also provides an automobile including such a battery pack.

Advantages of the Invention

[0034] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack having the same pack housing size and vehicle mounting position can be assembled regardless of the battery module size (width dimension).

[0035] According to one aspect of the present invention, battery packs of various energies having the same pack housing size and vehicle mounting position can be manufactured. Such a battery pack includes a pack housing including an outer frame or a partition frame having a variable structure.

[0036] The present invention proposes a center beam technology with a variable structure for its pack housing. By employing a variable structure for the center beam, it has the structural characteristic of being assembleable regardless of the width (energy) of the battery module. According to the present invention, the center beam does not have a single structure, but its shape changes variably according to the size of the battery module. Therefore, even if different battery module sizes are applied, battery packs of the same size can be manufactured. According to the present invention, cost reduction is possible by ensuring a center beam technology with a variable structure.

[0037] According to one aspect of the present invention, customer requirements for battery pack sharing can be met. Shared battery packs with the same pack housing size and vehicle mounting position can be manufactured regardless of energy. That is, according to the present invention, battery packs of the same size can be manufactured regardless of the battery module size applied. The shared battery packs provided by the present invention can save costs and time. There is also no need to modify the vehicle frame.

[0038] According to another aspect of the present invention, if gas is generated inside the battery pack, it can be discharged to the outside while delaying or preventing its impact on adjacent battery modules. Without significantly altering the overall structure of the battery pack, the direction of discharge of vent gas generated inside the battery pack can be effectively controlled and discharged quickly, thereby preventing fires or slowing the rate of fire spread.

[0039] The following drawings accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention described later, serve to more effectively convey the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be construed as being limited solely to the matters described in these drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0040] [Figure 1]This diagram shows that the pack housing of conventional battery packs is determined according to the battery module size. [Figure 2] This figure shows that the battery pack housing according to the present invention is applicable to battery modules of various sizes. [Figure 3] Another figure shows that the pack housing of the battery pack according to the present invention is applicable to battery modules of various sizes. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of a disassembled battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a top view of the pack housing included in the battery pack. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing some of the components of the battery pack to illustrate the variable structure of the center beam. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view. [Figure 8] Figure 6 illustrates how the center beam can be applied to battery modules of various sizes. [Figure 9] This is a diagram illustrating another example of a variable structure center beam. [Figure 10] This is a diagram illustrating yet another example of a variable structure center beam. [Figure 11] This diagram schematically shows the configuration of an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0041] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and in the claims should not be interpreted in a manner limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but rather in a manner consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that inventors may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings represent only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entirety of the technical idea of ​​the present invention; and that there may be a variety of equivalents and modifications that can be substituted thereat the time of filing.

[0042] In the figures, the size of each component or specific part of that component is exaggerated, omitted, or schematically represented for the sake of clarity and ease of explanation. Therefore, the size of each component does not fully reflect its actual size. Detailed descriptions of related known functions or configurations are omitted if it is deemed that such descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 2 shows that the pack housing of the battery pack according to the present invention is applicable to battery modules of various sizes. Figure 3 is another figure showing that the pack housing of the battery pack according to the present invention is applicable to battery modules of various sizes.

[0044] Similar to the example shown in Figure 1, when manufacturing 50kWh, 70kWh, and 90kWh battery packs, referring to Figures 2 and 3(a), (b), and (c), the 50kWh battery pack 10', 70kWh battery pack 20', and 90kWh battery pack 30' according to the present invention will all have the same pack housing size W and vehicle mounting position P. Therefore, there is no need to change the vehicle frame. The 50kWh battery pack 10', the 70kWh battery pack 20', and the 90kWh battery pack 30' can all be manufactured using the same size pack housing 34' according to the present invention, even if they include battery modules 12, 22, and 32 of different sizes, as in the example shown in Figure 1.

[0045] This is possible because at least one of the side beams and center beams included in the pack housing 34' has a variable structure that allows for width adjustment.

[0046] Figure 2 shows an example in which the pack housing 34' has a variable center beam C' and a non-variable side beam S, and Figure 3 shows an example in which the pack housing 34' has a variable side beam S' and a non-variable center beam C. Of course, the pack housing 34' may also have a variable center beam C' and a variable side beam S'.

[0047] Looking further at the assembly state of each battery pack 10', 20', and 30' using the pack housing 34', Figure 2 shows that among the 50kWh battery pack 10', the 70kWh battery pack 20', and the 90kWh battery pack 30', the 90kWh battery pack 30' contains the largest battery module 32, and the 90kWh battery pack 30' is configured to accommodate the battery module 32 by setting the width of the center beam C' to L3. In the 70kWh battery pack 20', which contains a battery module 22 smaller than the battery module 32, the width of the center beam C' is expanded to L2, which is larger than L3, during assembly. In the 50kWh battery pack 10', which contains a battery module 12 smaller than the battery module 22, the width of the center beam C' is expanded to L1, which is larger than L2, during assembly (L1 > L2 > L3).

[0048] Similarly, in Figure 3, the 90kWh battery pack 30', which includes the largest battery module 32, is assembled with a side beam S' width of D3, while the 70kWh battery pack 20', which includes a smaller battery module 22 than the 90kWh battery pack 30', is assembled with a side beam S' width expanded to D2, which is larger than D3. Furthermore, the 50kWh battery pack 10', which includes a smaller battery module 12 than the 70kWh battery pack 20', is assembled with a side beam S' width expanded to D1, which is larger than D2 (D1 > D2 > D3).

[0049] Thus, according to the present invention, by adjusting the width of the side beam S' or the center beam C', it is possible to manufacture battery packs 10', 20', and 30' of various energies using the same pack housing 34' regardless of the battery module size (width dimension). Battery packs 10', 20', and 30' with different energies may have the same pack housing size W and the same vehicle mounting position P, thus making them compatible battery packs. Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to manufacture battery packs of various energies having the same pack housing size and vehicle mounting position.

[0050] The present invention employs a variable structure in the center beam or side beam of the pack housing that allows for width adjustment, and has a structural feature that enables assembly regardless of the width (energy) of the battery module. According to the present invention, the center beam or side beam is not a single fixed structure, but its shape changes variably according to the battery module size and its width is adjusted. Therefore, even if different battery module sizes are applied, battery packs of the same size can be manufactured.

[0051] According to the present invention, customer requirements regarding the sharing of battery packs can be satisfied. The shared battery pack provided by the present invention contributes to cost and time reductions.

[0052] The following describes in detail various pack housings and battery packs including them according to embodiments of the present invention. Since the pack housing according to embodiments of the present invention employs a variable structure to accommodate battery modules of various sizes, this variable structure will be described in detail.

[0053] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 5 is a top view of the pack housing included in the battery pack of Figure 4.

[0054] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, a battery pack 40 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a pack housing 50 and a battery module 60 unique to the present invention.

[0055] First, the pack housing 50 is a container for securely housing the battery module 60 and can be installed in a predetermined location inside the automobile. The pack housing 50 may be broadly composed of a bottom cover 100, an outer frame 200, and a partition frame 300.

[0056] The bottom cover 100 provides a space on which the battery modules 60 are placed, and may be configured as a flat plate with a substantially large area, positioned below the battery modules 60 and covering the lower part of each battery module 60.

[0057] The outer frame 200 and partition frame 300 are connected perpendicularly to the bottom cover 100 and can also be connected to each other. The outer frame 200 and partition frame 300 may each be made of aluminum extruded profiles and the pack housing 50 can be formed by welding and / or bolting. For example, by extruding aluminum so that it contains a mixture of spaces and ribs to produce the outer frame 200 and partition frame 300 respectively, and then welding them together to form the pack housing 50, the weight of the pack housing 50 can be reduced and the mechanical rigidity can be maintained at a reliable level or higher. Furthermore, the spaces contribute to reducing the weight of the frames (outer frame 200, partition frame 300) and also function as passages for releasing accumulated heat. That is, the hot air from the pack housing 50 is released through the spaces, lowering the temperature of the pack housing 50, and this reduction allows for smoother absorption of the heat generated by the battery module 60.

[0058] The outer frame 200 is formed on the outer casing of the bottom cover 100 at a predetermined height, and the outer frame 200 may have a roughly beam-like shape with a hollow interior. For example, the outer frame 200 may consist of a pair of side beams 210 arranged on both sides in the left-right direction (X direction in Figures 4 and 5) on the bottom cover 100, and a front beam 220 and a rear beam 230 arranged on both sides in the front-rear direction (Y direction in Figures 4 and 5), respectively, which are arranged on the sides, front, and rear of the bottom cover 100 to cover the sides of the battery module 60. The side beams 210, front beam 220, and rear beam 230 may be assembled from separate parts that are separated from each other, or they may be a single integrated part that is connected to each other. Assembly can be carried out by various methods such as fitting, bolting, bonding, and welding. The outer frame 200 is vertically connected along the periphery of the bottom cover 100 to form a wall. In the pack housing 50, the front beam 220 forms the front wall, the rear beam 230 forms the rear wall, and the side beams 210 can form the left side wall and the right side wall, respectively.

[0059] The partition frame 300 divides the internal space formed by the bottom cover 100 and the outer frame 200, that is, the internal space limited to a box shape by the bottom cover 100 and the outer frame 200, into multiple sections. The partition frame 300 may also have a hollow, substantially beam-like shape. The partition frame 300 may be constructed by arranging one or more center beams 310 and cross beams 390 in a grid pattern. The center beam 310 may mean a partition frame arranged in the front-rear direction on the bottom cover 100, and the cross beam 390 may mean a partition frame arranged in the left-right direction on the bottom cover 100. The ends of the center beam 310 may be connected to the front beam 220 and the rear beam 230. The ends of the cross beam 390 may be connected to the left and right side beams 210.

[0060] The number of center beams 310 and cross beams 390 included in the pack housing 50 may differ from the examples shown in Figures 4 and 5. There may be one or more center beams 310 and cross beams 390, and there may be multiple of each in order to accommodate multiple battery modules 60. In this way, the partition frame 300, i.e., the center beams 310 and cross beams 390, can divide the internal space of the pack housing 50 into multiple compartments, and battery modules 60 can be individually mounted in each of these compartments. In this case, each of these compartments may be defined as a module space M in this invention. Battery modules 60 can be individually mounted in each of the multiple module spaces M. The battery modules 60 have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and can be neatly arranged within the pack housing 50, and each battery module 60 can be connected in such a way that it can secure the power necessary for the vehicle to run. Of course, it is also possible to have only cross beams 390 without a center beam 310, or to have only a center beam 310 without a cross beam 390.

[0061] In this case, the pack housing 50 is characterized in that at least one of the outer frame 200 and the partition frame 300 has a variable structure that allows for width adjustment.

[0062] As mentioned above, the pack housing of conventional battery packs has been determined by the size of the battery module. Conventionally, battery packs have been manufactured with different pack housing sizes and vehicle mounting positions depending on the size of the battery module. In this case, all of them had the same shape center beam and side beams. The present invention provides a pack housing 50 that can appropriately accommodate battery modules of various sizes by making the outer frame 200 or partition frame 300 constituting the pack housing 50 a variable structure with adjustable width, thereby changing the width of the outer frame 200 or partition frame 300 to match the size of the battery module housed inside, even when the size of the pack housing does not change. Therefore, at least one of the outer frame 200 and the partition frame 300 is configured as a variable structure with adjustable width.

[0063] Preferably, the outer frame 200 is width-adjusted on only one side toward the battery module 60, so as not to change the apparent dimensions of the pack housing 50. The partition frame 300 can be width-adjusted on both sides toward the battery module 60.

[0064] As shown in the examples in Figures 4 and 5, in a battery pack 40 including a battery module 60 in a 2x2 arrangement, it is possible to make the side beams 210 on both sides, the center beam 310, the cross beam 390, the front beam 220, and the rear beam 230 variable. If only the length in the width direction (X direction in Figures 4 and 5) of the battery module 60 changes, it is very convenient because only the center beam 310 can be made variable to accommodate the change in size of the battery module 60.

[0065] Next, the battery module 60 may include a battery cell assembly (not shown) and a module case 62 for fixing the battery cell assembly.

[0066] A battery cell assembly may be formed by stacking or integrating multiple battery cells (not shown). For example, pouch-type batteries may be used as the battery cells, and these pouch-type batteries may be arranged with their wide surfaces upright in the vertical direction and stacked in one direction to form a battery cell assembly. However, other types of secondary batteries, such as cylindrical or rectangular can-type batteries, may also be used as battery cells included in the battery module 60. For example, if cylindrical batteries are used, these cylindrical batteries may be upright in the vertical direction and densely arranged in multiple columns and rows, and manufactured as a single battery cell assembly with a frame and porting resin to maintain this dense arrangement. As an example, the battery cell may be a 4680 type battery cell. Here, 4680 indicates the form factor. In the form factor, the first two digits indicate the diameter of the secondary battery, and the remaining digits indicate the height of the secondary battery. The 4680 cell is more efficient and larger in size than conventional 18650 cells and 21700 cells.

[0067] The module case 62 houses such a battery cell assembly inside. The module case 62 may be configured as a rectangular box shape surrounding the outer periphery of the battery cell assembly so that the battery cell assembly is held inside. To adequately protect the battery cell assembly from the swelling phenomenon and external impacts of pouch-type batteries, the module case 62 may preferably be made of a metal material with high mechanical strength. When can-type batteries are used, the module case 62 may be made of a plastic material to reduce weight.

[0068] Preferably, the outer frame 200 and partition frame 300 of the pack housing 50 can be used as components for fixing the battery module 60. The battery module 60 can be fastened to the outer frame 200 and partition frame 300 with bolts B. For example, the battery module 60 may include a fastening block 64 that protrudes from the module case 62 and is provided to allow bolts B to be inserted vertically. The fastening block 64 may be provided in the battery module 60 at a height that allows it to be placed on the upper surface of the outer frame 200 or partition frame 300. The battery module 60 can be fixed to the pack housing 50 by fastening bolts B to the fastening block 64 which is placed on the outer frame 200 or partition frame 300. In the illustrated example, the battery module 60 is fixed to the side beam 210 and center beam 310, and the side beam 210 and center beam 310 may have holes for fastening bolts B.

[0069] In addition, the battery pack 40 may further include an electrical component assembly (not shown) and a top cover 400. The electrical component assembly may include a relay device, a current sensor, a fuse, a battery management system (BMS), a manual service disconnector (MSD), etc. The relay device is a switching component that selectively opens and closes the charge and discharge path through which current flows, and can interrupt the flow of charge and discharge current if an abnormality occurs in the battery pack 40. The battery management system (BMS) refers to a battery management device that controls the charge and discharge operation of the battery module 60 overall, and can be said to be a component that is usually included in the battery pack 40. The battery management system (BMS) estimates the state of the battery cells in the battery pack 40 and manages the battery pack 40 using the estimated state information. For example, it estimates and manages state information of the battery pack 40 such as the charge state (SOC), health state (SOH, degradation state), maximum input / output power capacity, and output voltage of the battery pack 40. Using this status information, the charging or discharging of the battery pack 40 can be controlled, and the timing of battery pack 40 replacement can also be estimated. The battery management system (BMS) manages and monitors the status of the battery cells, such as voltage, current, and temperature, and based on this, maintains the battery pack 40 in an optimal state. In other words, the battery management system (BMS) can efficiently manage the battery pack 40 of an electric vehicle, ensuring that the electric vehicle can run stably, predict when the battery pack 40 needs to be replaced, and detect abnormal conditions in the battery pack 40 in advance to prevent car accidents. The manual service disconnector (MSD) is a system that selectively shuts off the power to the high-voltage battery in a physical manner, and is a component that shuts off the power by removing the service plug as needed. Such electrical components can be packaged together with the battery module 60 so as not to be exposed to the outside by the pack housing 50 and top cover 400.A sealing member (not shown), such as a gasket, may be placed between the pack housing 50 and the top cover 400 to provide a seal. For example, the sealing member may be in the form of a band provided along the edge shape of the pack housing 50. The sealing member may be made of a material that exhibits a predetermined elasticity so as to be able to stably exert a desired sealing force by the pressure applied when the pack housing 50 and the top cover 400 are joined, and may be compressible or deformable in the vertical direction by the pressure. The sealing member may be made of a rubber material, for example, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM).

[0070] The battery pack 40 may have a roughly rectangular shape due to the combination of the pack housing 50 and the top cover 400. When the battery pack 40 is installed in an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), the installation space is limited by the highly integrated on-board components within the vehicle. Therefore, it is desirable for the battery pack 40 to have a rectangular shape so that it can be installed in a narrow space such as between the driver's seat and the passenger seat.

[0071] In the illustrated example, the top cover 400 is represented as a substantially planar shape, but the top cover 400 may have an internal storage space and a flat, box-like lid shape with an open bottom. The top cover 400 may be made of insulating resin for electrical insulation. For example, the top cover 400 may be manufactured as a plastic injection molded product. By adopting such a top cover 400, in addition to the advantage of ensuring insulation from the battery module 60, ease of processing can also be ensured, and manufacturing man-hours can be reduced.

[0072] The pack housing 50 provides space to house the battery module 60 and the electrical component assembly, and may be further provided with brackets or mounting structures (not shown) to connect to the vehicle body and frame. The pack housing 50 is preferably made of a highly rigid metal material because it provides mechanical support to the battery module 60 and the electrical component assembly and protects them from external impacts. If the pack housing 50 is made of metal, it may further include an insulating sheet (not shown) on the bottom cover 100 to provide insulation. For example, the insulating sheet may be a polycarbonate sheet. Alternatively, an insulating coating layer may be provided on the upper surface of the bottom cover 100. The insulating coating layer may be a coating, application, or attachment of an insulating material such as silicone resin, polyamide, or rubber. Such an insulating coating layer configuration allows for maximizing the insulating coating effect with a minimal amount of coating. Furthermore, the application of the insulating coating layer to the upper surface of the bottom cover 100 can enhance the insulation between the battery module 60 and the bottom cover 100. As another example, the pack housing 50 may be manufactured as a plastic injection molded product, at least some of its components. For example, it may be formed from a plastic material (e.g., polycarbonate) that has both insulating and flame-retardant properties.

[0073] Preferably, at least one of the outer frame 200 and the partition frame 300 is provided with a flow channel through which fluid can flow. The detailed structure of the flow channel will be explained in more detail in the following explanatory section based on Figures 6 to 8, but here we will mainly explain the advantages of providing the flow channel.

[0074] The battery module 60 may experience thermal runaway conditions, such as overcharging, which can cause battery cells to ignite. In such cases, high-temperature, high-pressure gases, flames, and metal particles may be generated from the trigger cell or the battery module containing it. The present invention proposes providing a flow path inside the outer frame 200 or partition frame 300 that constitutes the pack housing 50, so that the gases (vent gases) and flames generated in such thermal runaway conditions can flow, and to guide the gases and flames through the flow path and discharge them to the outside. A vent device (not shown) may be further included at the point connecting the flow path to the outside, and configured to effectively discharge the gases and flames.

[0075] Each module space M may be configured with a structure in which its sides are enclosed by a partition frame 300, or with a structure in which its sides are enclosed by an outer frame 200 and a partition frame 300. In this case, at least one of the frames (outer frame 200, partition frame 300) surrounding each module space M may have one or more communication holes 203 formed on one side to connect each module space M with a flow path. The location of the communication holes 203 may be configured in various ways different from those shown in the diagram, as needed. If a problem occurs in the battery module 60 mounted in each module space M, the generated gas, flames, etc., may flow into the flow path formed inside the frame (outer frame 200, partition frame 300) via the communication holes 203.

[0076] In this case, each module space M is enclosed by a bottom cover 100 and frames (outer frame 200, partition frame 300) surrounding the sides of each module space M, as well as a top cover 400, so that each module space can be spatially separated from other module spaces.

[0077] As a result, according to the present invention, if a problem occurs in a specific battery module mounted within a module space, gases, flames, etc., generated in the relevant trigger module can be discharged to the outside through communication holes provided in the module space and through flow paths provided in the frame, without entering other module spaces. This blocks heat transfer to other normal modules and minimizes adverse effects on normal modules.

[0078] In this way, if gas is generated inside the battery pack 40, it can be vented to the outside while delaying or preventing it from affecting adjacent battery modules. Without significantly altering the overall structure of the battery pack 40, the direction of vent gas generated inside the battery pack 40 can be effectively controlled and rapidly vented, preventing fires or slowing the spread of fire.

[0079] The outer frame 200 and partition frame 300 have a variable structure that allows for width adjustment. In particular, as mentioned above, if the center beam 310 has a variable structure that allows for width adjustment in the left-right direction, it is desirable because it can more easily accommodate a variety of battery module sizes than if each of the pair of side beams 210 were to have a variable structure.

[0080] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing some of the components of the battery pack to illustrate the variable structure of the center beam, and Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 6.

[0081] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the center beam 310 has a variable structure with adjustable width and includes a main body 320, an extension 330, and a width adjustment member 340.

[0082] The main body portion 320 is the base portion of the center beam 310. The extension portion 330 has a housing space formed therein that corresponds to the cross-section of the main body portion 320, and is slidably fitted onto the outer surface of the main body portion 320. The extension portion 330 expands in width by being pulled out from the main body portion 320. The width adjustment member 340 fixes the extension portion 330 in the pulled-out position from the main body portion 320 and adjusts the extended length of the extension portion 330.

[0083] The extension 330 may include a first extension 330 located on one side of the main body 320 and a second extension 330 located on the other side of the main body 320. The first extension 330 and the second extension 330 are the same component. That is, the extension 330 may be provided in pairs. This is intended to create a symmetrical structure, taking into account that the center beam 310 is placed in the center and the battery modules 60 are housed on both sides, and it is also possible to provide the extension 330 on only one side of the main body 320.

[0084] A detailed view of the configuration of the extension 330 reveals that it may include a support portion 331 positioned adjacent to the side surface of the main body portion 320, and an upper extension portion 332 and a lower extension portion 333 formed extending from both ends of the support portion 331 in the height direction to the upper and lower surfaces of the main body portion 320, respectively. The support portion 331, the upper extension portion 332, and the lower extension portion 333 can be connected to each other. The extension 330 can be constructed by cutting a single metal plate into a predetermined shape and bending both ends.

[0085] Furthermore, the extension portion 330 may include a front extension portion 334 and a rear extension portion 335 that extend from both ends of the support portion 331 in the longitudinal direction (Y direction in Figures 6 and 7) to the front and rear surfaces of the main body portion 320, respectively. By including the front extension portion 334 and the rear extension portion 335, the extension portion 330 is restricted from moving in the front-rear direction of the main body portion 320 and can only move in the left-right direction, which is advantageous when adjusting the width.

[0086] The support portion 331, the upper extension portion 332, the lower extension portion 333, the front extension portion 334, and the rear extension portion 35 are connected to each other and can form a roughly rectangular box shape with one side facing the main body portion 320 open. For example, the extension portion 330 can be considered as a structure including five small plates lacking one face of a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Such an extension portion 330 can be said to include a sliding groove that is closed on the outside and recessed on the inside. Furthermore, the support portion 331 extends in the longitudinal direction, and the extension portion 330 may have a U-shaped cross section (XZ cross section) along the width direction. With the main body portion 320 fixed to the bottom cover (see 100 in Figure 4) by welding or the like, the extension portion 330 can slide left and right along the width direction between a position in close contact with the main body portion 320 and a position separated from the main body portion 320 at one end of the main body portion 320.

[0087] In this case, the width adjustment member 340 may include expansion fastening holes 336 provided in the front extension portion 334 and the rear extension portion 335, such that the elongated hole shape formed along the width direction of the expansion portion 330 allows movement of the expansion portion 330. The expansion fastening holes 336 may be variable fastening holes.

[0088] Furthermore, the width adjustment member 340 may include a fastening projection 323 formed on the main body 320 so as to be able to protrude from the expansion fastening hole 336, and a fastening member 324 that is connected to the fastening projection 323 via the expansion fastening hole 336 and fixes the expansion 330 in a moved state. For example, the fastening projection 323 may have screw threads, and the fastening member 324 may be a nut.

[0089] The main body portion 320 is fitted into the expansion portion 330 such that the fastening projection 323 can protrude from the expansion portion fastening hole 336. The width of the center beam 310 is greatest when the fastening projection 323 is located at the outer end of the expansion portion fastening hole 336, and the width of the center beam 310 is smallest when the fastening projection 323 is located at the inner end of the expansion portion fastening hole 336.

[0090] The fastening projection 323 may be provided to protrude elastically, for example, like a spring pin. In this case, after pushing the expansion part 330 into the main body 320 while pressing the fastening projection 323, when the force pressing the fastening projection 323 is removed, the fastening projection 323 can elastically protrude from the expansion part fastening hole 336. In this way, the connection between the main body 320 and the expansion part 330 can be easily achieved without requiring much force, and once connected, the expansion part 330 remains stable without falling off the main body 320. Even if it is necessary to remove the expansion part 330 from the main body 320, if an operator applies force instantaneously in the width direction while the fastening projection 323 is protruding from the expansion part fastening hole 336, the expansion part 330 will slide, the elastically protruding fastening projection 323 will retract, and it will detach from the expansion part fastening hole 336, allowing the expansion part 330 and the main body 320 to be easily separated.

[0091] The position of the fastening projection 323 within the fastening hole 336 of the expansion section can be adjusted until the mounting position of the expansion section 330 is determined. Although the fastening projection 323 is fixed in a predetermined position, the main body section 320 can move left and right because of the presence of the fastening hole 336, thereby adjusting the position of the support portion 331 of the main body section 320 from the end of the expansion section 330. Once the mounting position is determined, the fastening member 324 can be tightened onto the fastening projection 323 to prevent further movement and fix it in place.

[0092] Referring to Figures 4 to 7, the method for assembling the battery module 60 into the pack housing 50 including the center beam 310 in Figure 6 can be as follows. First, the pack housing 50 is prepared by welding or other means to the bottom cover 100 and the frame (outer frame 200, partition frame 300). At this time, the main body 320 of the center beam 310 is welded and fixed to the bottom cover 100, but the extension 330 should be in a sliding state. Then, the battery module 60 is mounted on the bottom cover 100. At this time, the fastening block 64 provided on one side of the battery module 60 can be positioned on the side beam 210. Then, the extension 330 of the center beam 310 is moved to position the fastening block 64 provided on the other side of the battery module 60 on the center beam 310. A fastening projection 323 protrudes from the expansion fastening hole 336, and since the expansion fastening hole 336 is elongated, when the expansion 330 is moved left and right in the width direction, the relative position of the fastening projection 323 within the expansion fastening hole 336 changes, allowing the expansion 330 to slide freely and without resistance to move to a predetermined position. Subsequently, the fastening member 324 is tightened onto the fastening projection 323 to fix the position of the expansion 330. Then, bolt B is tightened onto the fastening block 64 to fix the battery module 60 to the pack housing 50. With this method, the assembly and manufacturing processes are not very complex, there are no factors that cause defects, and a shared battery pack 40 can be realized without increasing costs.

[0093] Figure 8 shows how the center beam from Figure 6 can be applied to battery modules of various sizes.

[0094] For example, even if the battery pack 40a shown in Figure 8(a) contains a battery module 60a of size A, and the battery pack 40b shown in Figure 8(b) contains a battery module 60b of size A' which is larger than size A, both battery packs 40a and 40b may have the same pack housing size W (A <A’)。

[0095] In the battery pack 40b, which includes a relatively large battery module 60b, the center beam 310 is assembled with a width of L'. In the battery pack 40a, which includes a small battery module 60a, the center beam 310 is assembled with a width expanded to L, which is greater than L' (L>L'). In the battery pack 40b, the fastening projection 323 is located closer to the outer end of the expanded fastening hole 336, whereas in the battery pack 40a, the fastening projection 323 is located closer to the inner end of the expanded fastening hole 336.

[0096] If the width of the side beam 210 is C, then the pack housing size W of battery pack 40a is 2 × C + 2 × A + L, and the pack housing size W of battery pack 40b is 2 × C + 2 × A' + L', and both are identical.

[0097] Thus, according to embodiments of the present invention, by adjusting the size (width) of the center beam 310 in particular, a pack housing 50 that can be easily applied to battery modules of various sizes can be provided.

[0098] On the other hand, as mentioned above, at least one of the outer frame 200 and the partition frame 300 is provided with fluid-flow channels. Referring to Figures 6 to 8, the side beams 210 are provided with channels 211 and 212, and the center beam 310, in particular the main body 320, is provided with channels 321 and 322. When channels are provided in the outer frame 200 or the partition frame 300, these channels can communicate with each other.

[0099] At least one end of each channel 211, 212, 321, and 322 may have a structure that communicates with the outside. Gases, flames, etc., flowing into each channel 211, 212, 321, and 322 through a communication hole (see communication hole 203 in Figure 4) may be configured to be discharged to the outside.

[0100] In particular, in this embodiment, the main body 320 of the side beam 210 and the center beam 310 is a hollow pipe shape, with a hollow interior, and one or more separation walls are provided in the height direction to divide the hollow interior space into an upper space and a lower space, so that the hollow interior space is divided into multiple sections in the height direction, resulting in a multilayer structure in which the flow channels 211 and 212 are stacked in the height direction and the flow channels 321 and 322 are stacked in the height direction. The flow channels 211 and 321 in the lower space are in communication with each other, and communication holes 203 can be arranged to correspond to some of the battery modules 60. Similarly, the flow channels 212 and 322 in the upper space are in communication with each other, and other communication holes 203 can be arranged to correspond to other battery modules 60. In this way, when some battery modules experience thermal runaway, the gas generated can be discharged to the outside along independent discharge paths via the flow channels 211 and 321 in the lower space or the flow channels 212 and 322 in the upper space without affecting other battery modules.

[0101] On the other hand, as a modified example, the center beam 310 may include a main body portion 320a, an extension portion 330a, and a width adjustment member 340a, as shown in Figure 9. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating another example of a variable structure center beam.

[0102] Referring to Figure 9, the extension portion 330a has a housing space that corresponds to the cross-section of the main body portion 320a and is slidably fitted onto the outer surface of the main body portion 320a. The width of the extension portion 330a is expanded by being pulled out from the main body portion 320a. The width adjustment member 340a fixes the extension portion 330a in the pulled-out position from the main body portion 320a and adjusts the expanded length of the extension portion 330a.

[0103] The extension portion 330a may include a first extension portion 330a located on one side of the main body portion 320a and a second extension portion 330a located on the other side of the main body portion 320a. The first extension portion 330a and the second extension portion 330a are the same component. That is, the extension portion 330a may be provided as a pair. Of course, the extension portion 330a may also be provided on only one side of the main body portion 320a.

[0104] The extension portion 330a is a component that enables the width expansion of the center beam 310 and has a slide hole 337 formed through it in the width direction. By pulling out such an extension portion 330a in one direction of the main body portion 320a, the width of the center beam 310 can be expanded.

[0105] As a result, the center beam 310 can be expanded in width by the extension section 330a, so even if the battery module is of a different size, it can be adjusted to the appropriate width and applied to battery modules of various sizes.

[0106] Here, the width adjustment member 340a may be configured to include an expansion fastening hole 336a, a main body fastening hole 325, and a fixing member 326.

[0107] The expansion fastening hole 336a is formed in an elongated shape along the width direction of the expansion portion 330a, allowing movement of the expansion portion 330a. The expansion fastening hole 336a is a variable fastening hole.

[0108] Here, the expansion portion 330a can expand the width of the center beam 310 while moving within a range corresponding to the length of the expansion portion fastening hole 336a.

[0109] The main body fastening hole 325 communicates with the expansion fastening hole 336a and is a component that provides a fastening portion for the fixing member 326. At least one of these holes may be formed and configured to communicate with the expansion fastening hole 336a. The main body fastening hole 325 is a fixing fastening hole. The fixing member 326 is a component that fixes the expansion 330a in a width-adjusted state by fixing it in a state where it has moved away from the main body 320a, for example, in an extended state. Multiple main body fastening holes 325 may be provided along the width direction of the main body 320a, spaced apart from each other.

[0110] The fixing member 326 is fastened to the main body fastening hole 325 through the expansion fastening hole 336a, thereby moving the expansion portion 330a to adjust the width of the center beam 310 to a predetermined extent, and fixing the expansion portion 330a to the main body 320a in that state. The fixing member 326 can be inserted into and fastened to a main body fastening hole 325 selected from among a plurality of main body fastening holes 325. The fixing member 326 may be a fixing pin or a fixing bolt.

[0111] In this way, the expansion portion 330a and the main body portion 320a can be fixed together via a fixing member 326 connected to the expansion portion fastening hole 336a and the main body fastening hole 325.

[0112] On the other hand, the center beam 310 may be configured to include a main body portion 320b, an extension portion 330b, and a width adjustment member 340b, as shown in Figure 10. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of a variable structure center beam.

[0113] The main body portion 320b has a sliding hole 327 formed inside that penetrates along the width direction. The extension portion 330b is connected to the main body portion 320b to enable width expansion of the center beam 310. The extension portion 330b may be provided as a pair, with one located on one side of the main body portion 320b and the other side facing each other.

[0114] The extension portion 330b is a component that enables width expansion of the center beam 310 and is arranged to be slidable within the slide hole 327. The extension portion 330b can be slidably fitted into the inner circumferential surface of the main body portion 320b.

[0115] The width of the center beam 310 can be changed by sliding the extension portion 330b. The outer surface of the extension portion 330b and the inner surface of the main body portion 320b are in surface contact. Although not shown in the figure, a rail and rail groove can also be formed between the extension portion 330b and the main body portion 320b. The rail fitted into the rail groove allows the extension portion 330b to slide straight in the width direction without wobbling. At least a portion of the extension portion 330b is exposed to the outside of the main body portion 320b.

[0116] The width adjustment member 340b is a component that fixes the extension portion 330b in a position extended from the main body portion 320b and adjusts the extended length of the extension portion 330b.

[0117] Such a width adjustment member 340b may be configured to include a main body fastening hole 325b, a fastening projection 338, and a fastening member 339.

[0118] The main body fastening hole 325b is formed in an elongated shape along the width direction of the main body 320b and is designed to allow movement of the expansion portion 330b. The fastening projection 338 is formed on the expansion portion 330b so as to protrude from the main body fastening hole 325b. The fastening member 339 is fixed to the fastening projection 338 via the main body fastening hole 325b and can be fixed in a position where the expansion portion 330b is in a moved state.

[0119] The extension 330b is slidable through the slide hole 327, in other words, from the open side of the main body 320b to the inside of the main body 320b, and is fixed by the width adjustment member 340b, thereby adjusting the width of the center beam 310 including it, and can be easily applied to battery modules of various sizes.

[0120] The battery pack 40 according to embodiments of the present invention is applicable to a variety of devices. Typical examples of such devices include means of transportation such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The battery pack 40 is suitable for use as a battery pack for electric vehicles. It can also be used as an energy source for energy storage systems (ESS). Energy storage systems (ESS) refer to standalone systems that store several hundred kWh or more of electricity. Energy storage systems (ESS) play a central role in the renewable energy industry. Because renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power are difficult to generate electricity at the time needed, it is important to store electricity and make it available when needed. The battery pack 40 according to embodiments of the present invention may have an energy density and capacity suitable for use as an energy source for such energy storage systems (ESS).

[0121] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] Referring to Figure 11, an automobile V according to one embodiment of the present invention may include the battery pack 40 according to the aforementioned embodiment of the present invention. Here, automobile V may include, for example, a predetermined automobile that uses electricity as a power source, such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. In addition to the battery pack 40 according to the present invention, automobile V may further include various other components included in the automobile, such as a vehicle body and a motor.

[0123] The battery pack 40 may be installed in a predetermined location within the vehicle V. The battery pack 40 may be used as an electrical energy source to drive the vehicle V by providing driving force to the motor of the electric vehicle.

[0124] The battery pack 40 can be charged or discharged by an inverter in response to the drive of the motor and / or internal combustion engine. The battery pack 40 can be charged by a regenerative charging device coupled to the brake. The battery pack 40 can also be electrically connected to the motor of the vehicle V via an inverter.

[0125] Thus, the battery pack 40 installed in the automobile V can provide the electrical energy necessary for various operations of the automobile V. Furthermore, because the battery pack 40 has the various effects described above, the automobile V containing it can also obtain similar effects. The battery pack 40 can be manufactured to have various energies, but even with different energies, the same pack housing size and vehicle mounting position can be maintained. Therefore, there is no need to change the vehicle frame of the automobile V.

[0126] On the other hand, while this specification may use terms to indicate directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back, these terms are for convenience of explanation and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that they may differ depending on the position of the object or the observer.

[0127] As described above, the present invention has been explained by limited embodiments and drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of equivalents of the technical concept and claims of the present invention by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0128] 40, 40a, 40b battery packs 50 Pack Housing 60, 60a, 60b battery modules 62 Module Cases 64 Fastening Blocks 100 Bottom Cover 200 Outer frame 203 Connecting Hall 210 Side Beam 220 Front beam 230 Rear Beam Channels 211, 212, 321, 322 300 partition frames 310 Center Beam 320, 320a, 320b main body 323, 338 Fastening protrusion 324, 339 Fastening members 325, 325b Main body fastening hole 326 Fixing member 327, 337 Slide holes 330, 330a, 330b extensions 331 Support part 332 Upper extension 333 Lower extension 334 Front extension 335 Rear extension 336, 336a Fastening holes for expanded portion 340, 340a, 340b width adjustment members 390 Crossbeam 400 Top Cover B bolt M Module Space V Automobile

Claims

1. The bottom cover on which the battery module is mounted, An outer frame formed on the outer circumference of the bottom cover, A partition frame divides the internal space formed by the bottom cover and the outer frame into a plurality of modular spaces, Includes, A pack housing in which at least one of the outer frame and the partition frame is a variable structure with adjustable width.

2. The pack housing according to claim 1, wherein the partition frame includes a center beam positioned in the front-rear direction on the bottom cover, and the center beam has a variable structure that allows for width adjustment in the left-right direction.

3. The variable structure includes a main body, an extension, and a width adjustment member. The extension portion is slidably fitted onto the outer circumferential surface of the main body portion by forming a housing space corresponding to the cross-section of the main body portion. The aforementioned extension expands in width by being pulled out from the main body. The pack housing according to claim 1, wherein the width adjustment member fixes the extension portion in a position extended from the main body portion and adjusts the extended length of the extension portion.

4. The aforementioned extension is A first extension portion located on one side of the main body, A second extension portion located on the other side of the main body, The pack housing according to claim 3, including the pack housing described in claim 3.

5. The aforementioned extension is A support portion is positioned so as to be in contact with the side surface of the main body, An upper extension portion and a lower extension portion are formed extending from both ends in the height direction of the support portion to the upper and lower surfaces of the main body portion, respectively. The pack housing according to claim 3, including the pack housing described in claim 3.

6. The pack housing according to claim 5, wherein the extension portion includes a front extension portion and a rear extension portion formed extending from both longitudinal ends of the support portion to the front and rear surfaces of the main body portion, respectively.

7. The width adjustment member is An elongated hole is formed along the width direction of the expanded portion, and an expanded portion fastening hole is formed in the front extended portion and the rear extended portion to allow movement of the expanded portion, A fastening projection is formed on the main body so as to be able to protrude from the fastening hole of the expansion portion, A fastening member fastened to the fastening projection via the fastening hole of the expanded portion, and fixing the expanded portion in a moved state, The pack housing according to claim 6, including the pack housing according to claim 6.

8. The pack housing according to claim 3, wherein the expanded portion includes a slide hole formed through the interior along the width direction, or a slide groove that is closed on the outside and recessed on the inside.

9. The width adjustment member is An elongated hole is formed along the width direction of the expanded portion, and the expanded portion fastening hole allows movement of the expanded portion, The main body portion is formed and has at least one main body fastening hole that communicates with the expansion portion fastening hole, A fixing member is fastened to the main body fastening hole via the expansion fastening hole, and fixes the expansion in a moved state. The pack housing according to claim 8, including the pack housing according to claim 8.

10. The variable structure includes a main body, an extension, and a width adjustment member. The main body has a slide hole formed through it in the width direction, The aforementioned expansion portion is provided so as to be slidable within the slide hole, The pack housing according to claim 1, wherein the width adjustment member fixes the extension portion in a position extended from the main body portion and adjusts the extended length of the extension portion.

11. The pack housing according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the outer frame and the partition frame is a beam manufactured by extruding aluminum such that it has a mixture of space and ribs inside.

12. The pack housing according to claim 1, wherein a fluid flow channel is provided inside at least one of the outer frame and the partition frame.

13. The pack housing according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the outer frame and the partition frame has one or more communication holes formed therein for connecting the module space and the flow path.

14. The pack housing according to claim 12, wherein the flow path has a multilayer structure in which a plurality of unit flow paths are stacked in the height direction.

15. The pack housing according to claim 12, wherein the fluid includes a gas generated when the battery module experiences thermal runaway.

16. The pack housing according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the outer frame and the partition frame is a hollow pipe shape, the interior is hollow, and one or more separation walls are provided in the height direction to divide the hollow interior space into an upper space and a lower space, and the hollow interior space is divided into multiple sections in the height direction.

17. A pack housing according to any one of claims 1 to 16, Battery modules mounted in multiple module spaces, Includes a battery pack.

18. The battery pack according to claim 17, wherein the battery module is fixed to at least one of the outer frame and the partition frame.

19. The aforementioned battery module is Battery cell assembly and A module case for fixing the aforementioned battery cell assembly, Includes, The battery module has a fastening block that protrudes from the module case and is provided to allow bolts to be inserted in the vertical direction, The battery pack according to claim 17, wherein the bolts are fastened to the fastening block, thereby fixing it to at least one of the outer frame and the partition frame.

20. An automobile comprising the battery pack described in claim 17.

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