Battery pack

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery pack. The battery pack includes a base frame, an internal frame extending in a first direction on the base frame, a first cell assembly including a plurality of first battery cells and a first side beam, and a second cell assembly including a plurality of second battery cells and a second side beam, wherein the internal frame includes a first groove into which a first insertion block of the first side beam is inserted, and a second groove into which a second insertion block of the second side beam is inserted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0057780 filed on April 30, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the document of said Korean patent application are incorporated as a part of the present specification. Background Art

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as energy sources for various cordless devices such as handsets, notebook computers, and cordless vacuum cleaners. In recent years, due to improvements in energy density and economies of scale, the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has been drastically reduced. As the cruising range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to a level equivalent to that of fuel vehicles, the main applications of secondary batteries have shifted from mobile devices to mobility.

[0004] As secondary batteries are used in mobility, demands for the safety of secondary batteries are increasing. If an accident such as a fire occurs in a secondary battery used for mobility, it may endanger the life of the driver, so research on technologies for improving the safety of secondary batteries is indispensable. Summary of the Invention Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a battery pack. Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the technical concept of the present invention provides a battery pack comprising a base frame, an internal frame extending in a first direction on the base frame, a plurality of first battery cells and a first side beam, the first side beam comprising a first cell assembly including a first support plate facing a first side surface of the internal frame and a first insertion block connected to the first support plate, a plurality of second battery cells and a second side beam, the second side beam comprising a second cell assembly including a second support plate facing a second side surface of the internal frame and a second insertion block connected to the second support plate, and the internal frame comprising a first groove extending from the first side surface of the internal frame into which the first insertion block is inserted, and a second groove extending from the second side surface of the internal frame into which the second insertion block is inserted.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of first battery cells are arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the plurality of second battery cells are arranged in the second direction.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the first support plate of the first side beam is attached to the outermost first battery cell among the plurality of first battery cells, and the second support plate of the second side beam is attached to the outermost second battery cell among the plurality of second battery cells.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the internal frame has a bottom surface that contacts the base frame and an upper surface opposite to the bottom surface, and the first groove and the second groove of the internal frame extend from the bottom surface to the upper surface of the internal frame, respectively.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the first groove and the second groove of the internal frame are spaced apart in the first direction.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the width of the first groove of the internal frame along the first direction increases as it moves away from the first side surface of the internal frame, and the width of the second groove of the internal frame along the first direction increases as it moves away from the second side surface of the internal frame.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the width of the first insertion block in the first groove of the internal frame along the first direction increases as it moves away from the first support plate, and the width of the second insertion block in the second groove of the internal frame along the first direction increases as it moves away from the second support plate.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the internal frame is characterized by including a first support surface that supports both sides of the first insertion block along the first direction, and a second support surface that supports both sides of the second insertion block along the first direction.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the internal frame further includes a third support surface that supports the side of the first insertion block opposite to the first support plate, and a fourth support surface that supports the side of the second insertion block opposite to the second support plate.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the invention further includes a first bolt for fastening the first insertion block to the base frame, and a second bolt for fastening the second insertion block to the base frame.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the first bolt is spaced apart from the internal frame with the first insertion block in between, and the second bolt is spaced apart from the internal frame with the second insertion block in between.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the internal frame further includes an internal space extending in the first direction, and the first groove and the second groove of the internal frame communicate with the internal space of the internal frame.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the first side beam is a single integrated structure in which the first support plate and the first insertion block are integrally formed, and the second side beam is a single integrated structure in which the second support plate and the second insertion block are integrally formed.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the device further includes a first thermally conductive adhesive layer for attaching the plurality of first battery cells to the base frame, and a second thermally conductive adhesive layer for attaching the plurality of second battery cells to the base frame.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention further includes a side frame provided on the base frame and connected to the internal frame, and a pack cover that covers the first cell assembly and the second cell assembly and is fastened to the side frame. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the side beams of the cell assembly can be assembled to an internal frame provided within the pack frame in a fitting manner. Since the assembly of the side beams of the cell assembly to the internal frame is achieved without additional fasteners such as bolts, the assembly of the battery pack becomes easier.

[0022] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the internal frame of the pack frame can provide surface contact with the side beams of the cell assembly, thereby supporting the side beams of the cell assembly laterally. This can prevent or suppress damage to the side beams due to external forces acting on them by the swirling of the battery cells. Damage to components within the battery pack can be prevented or suppressed, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the battery pack.

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the inner frame of the pack frame can be in surface contact with the side beams of the cell assembly to laterally support the side beams of the cell assembly, so that the force acting between the side beams of the cell assembly and the inner frame can be dispersed during the work of mounting the cell assembly to the pack frame, and damage to the side beams can be prevented or suppressed during the work of mounting the cell assembly to the pack frame. Damage to components inside the battery pack can be prevented or suppressed, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the battery pack.

[0024] Effects obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood from the following description by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong. That is, unintended effects resulting from implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure by a person having ordinary knowledge in the art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a part of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack taken along line III-III' in Fig. 1. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack taken along line IV-IV' in Fig. 1. [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack taken along line V-V' in Fig. 1. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack taken along line VI-VI' in Fig. 5. [Figure 7a] 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7b]This is a cross-sectional view showing a method for manufacturing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7c] This is a cross-sectional view showing a method for manufacturing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. As a premise, terms and words used herein 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, based on the principle that inventors may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their own invention.

[0027] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings represent only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention; there may be a variety of equivalents and modifications that can substitute for them at the time of filing.

[0028] Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0029] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to give a more complete explanation to an ordinary person, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or shown schematically for the sake of clarity. Accordingly, the sizes and proportions of each component do not fully reflect the actual sizes and proportions.

[0030] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a portion of a battery pack 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a separated perspective view showing a portion of a battery pack 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack 10 along the line III-III' in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack 10 along the line IV-IV' in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack 10 along the line V-V' in Figure 1. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack 10 along the line VI-VI' in Figure 5.

[0031] Referring to Figures 1 to 6, the battery pack 10 may include a pack frame 100 and a plurality of cell assemblies 200.

[0032] The pack frame 100 may provide an internal space for housing multiple cell assemblies 200. Multiple cell assemblies 200 can be housed in the internal space of the pack frame 100. The pack frame 100 may include a base frame 110, side frames 120, a pack cover 130, and an internal frame 140.

[0033] The base frame 110 can support a plurality of cell assemblies 200. The base frame 110 may have a flat plate shape extending substantially in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of cell assemblies 200 may be arranged on the base frame 110 in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) and / or the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction).

[0034] The base frame 110 may include cooling channels configured for the flow of a cooling fluid. The cooling fluid, supplied from outside the base frame 110, can be supplied to the inlet of the cooling channel, flow along the cooling channel, and discharged to the outside through the outlet of the cooling channel. Cooling can occur to the cell assembly 200 while the cooling fluid flows along the cooling channel. The cooling fluid may include coolant and / or refrigerant.

[0035] The side frame 120 may extend along the perimeter of the base frame 110. For example, the side frame 120 may have a rectangular ring shape that extends along the perimeter of the base frame 110. The side frame 120 may surround a plurality of cell assemblies 200 provided on the base frame 110.

[0036] The pack cover 130 can be fastened onto the side frame 120 so as to cover a plurality of cell assemblies 200. The pack cover 130 may have a flat plate shape extending in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction).

[0037] An internal frame 140 may be provided on a base frame 110. The internal frame 140 may be joined to the base frame 110 by fasteners such as welds or bolts. The bottom surface 144 of the internal frame 140 may be connected to the base frame 110. The internal frame 140 may extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction), and both ends of the internal frame 140 along the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) may be joined to side frames 120. The internal frame 140 may partition or separate the internal space of the pack frame 100 into a plurality of accommodation spaces. Each of the plurality of accommodation spaces of the pack frame 100 provided by the internal frame 140 may contain at least one cell assembly 200.

[0038] The pack frame 100 may include a plurality of internal frames 140 spaced apart from each other. The plurality of internal frames 140 may be spaced apart from each other in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction), and each internal frame 140 may extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). A single cell assembly 200 may be placed between two adjacent internal frames 140 in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction).

[0039] Each of the multiple cell assemblies 200 may contain multiple battery cells. Each battery cell is the basic unit of a lithium-ion battery, i.e., a secondary battery. Each battery cell may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a cell case. The electrode assembly housed in the cell case may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator membrane interposed between the positive and negative electrodes. Depending on the assembly configuration, the electrode assembly may be either a jelly roll type or a stack type. A jelly roll type electrode assembly may include a winding structure of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator membrane interposed between them. A stack type electrode assembly may include multiple positive electrodes, multiple negative electrodes, and multiple separator membranes interposed between them, stacked sequentially. The positive electrode may include a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material. The negative electrode may include a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material.

[0040] Individual battery cells may be pouch-type, cylindrical, or prismatic battery cells. The electrode assemblies of pouch-type battery cells are housed in a pouch case containing an aluminum laminate sheet. The electrode assemblies of cylindrical battery cells are housed in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assemblies of prismatic battery cells are housed in a prismatic metal can.

[0041] Multiple battery cells provided to an individual cell assembly 200 may be connected in series and / or in parallel. In one example, multiple battery cells may be connected in series with one another. In another example, multiple battery cells may be connected in parallel with one another. In one example, when a set of two or more battery cells connected in parallel with one another is defined as a bank, one bank consisting of two or more battery cells connected in parallel with one another and another bank consisting of two or more battery cells connected in parallel with one another may be connected in series.

[0042] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of battery cells provided to the cell assembly 200 may be arranged in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction), and the individual battery cells may extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). Electrode leads may be provided at the ends of individual battery cells along the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The electrode leads of adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells may be electrically and physically connected to one another.

[0043] The multiple cell assemblies 200 may include a first cell assembly 210 and a second cell assembly 230 separated in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) with an internal frame 140 in between.

[0044] The first cell assembly 210 may include a plurality of first battery cells 211 and a first side beam 220.

[0045] Multiple first battery cells 211 can be thermally and physically bonded to a base frame 110 by a first thermally conductive adhesive layer 331. The first thermally conductive adhesive layer 331 may be provided between each of the multiple first battery cells 211 and the base frame 110. The first thermally conductive adhesive layer 331 may include a thermal interface material or a thermal resin.

[0046] The first side beam 220 can be attached to the outermost of the multiple first battery cells 211. For example, the first side beam 220 can be attached to the outermost of the multiple first battery cells 211 by an adhesive such as double-sided tape or adhesive. The first side beam 220 can be coupled to the internal frame 140 in a swivel manner. By coupling the first side beam 220 to the internal frame 140, the first cell assembly 210 can be supported by the internal frame 140. For example, the first cell assembly 210 may include a pair of first side beams 220 spaced apart with multiple first battery cells 211 in between, and the pair of first side beams 220 may each be coupled to different internal frames 140.

[0047] The first side beam 220 may include a first support plate 221 facing the first side surface 141 of the internal frame 140, and a first insertion block 223 connected to the first support plate 221. The first side beam 220 may be a single integrated structure in which the first support plate 221 and the first insertion block 223 are integrally formed.

[0048] The first support plate 221 may be attached to the outermost of the multiple first battery cells 211 and may be in contact with the first side surface 141 of the internal frame 140. The first support plate 221 may have a flat plate shape extending in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) and a vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction).

[0049] The internal frame 140 may include a first groove 151 into which the first insertion block 223 is inserted. The first groove 151 of the internal frame 140 may extend from the bottom surface 144 of the internal frame 140 to the top surface 143 of the internal frame 140 and may penetrate the internal frame 140 vertically (e.g., in the Z direction). The internal frame 140 may have an internal space 147 extending in a first horizontal direction (e.g., in the X direction), and the first groove 151 of the internal frame 140 may communicate with the internal space 147 of the internal frame 140. The first groove 151 of the internal frame 140 may extend from a first side surface 141 of the internal frame 140 toward a second side surface 142 of the internal frame 140 and may not penetrate the internal frame 140 in a second horizontal direction (e.g., in the Y direction). In exemplary embodiments, the internal frame 140 may include a plurality of first grooves 151 spaced apart in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction), and the first side beam 220 may include a plurality of first insertion blocks 223 inserted into the plurality of first grooves 151 of the internal frame 140.

[0050] The internal frame 140 may support the first side beam 220 in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The internal frame 140 may have the same or similar height as the height of the first insertion block 223 along the vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction). The internal frame 140 may surface contact the first support plate 221 and support the first support plate 221 in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). The internal frame 140 may surface contact the first insertion block 223 and support the first insertion block 223 in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The internal frame 140 may include a third support surface 161 that supports the side of the first insertion block 223 opposite to the first support plate 221, and a first support surface 163 that supports both sides of the first insertion block 223 along the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). The first groove 151 of the internal frame 140 can be defined by the third support surface 161 and the first support surface 163.

[0051] The width of the first groove 151 of the internal frame 140 along the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) may increase as it moves away from the first side surface 141 of the internal frame 140. The width of the first groove 151 of the internal frame 140 along the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) may be minimum in the portion connected to the first side surface 141 of the internal frame 140. Within the first groove 151 of the internal frame 140, the width of the first insertion block 223 along the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) may increase as it moves away from the first support plate 221 or the first side surface 141 of the internal frame 140. The width of the first insertion block 223 along the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) may be minimum in the portion connected to the first support plate 221. In this case, the movement of the first side beam 220 relative to the internal frame 140 in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) is restricted, thereby strengthening the connection between the internal frame 140 and the first side beam 220.

[0052] The first side beam 220 can be fastened to the base frame 110 by a first bolt 311. The first bolt 311 is inserted into a through hole in the first insertion block 223, and the lower part of the first bolt 311 can be inserted into a groove in the base frame 110. The first bolt 311 can be coupled to the base frame 110 by the engagement of the threads on the lower part of the first bolt 311 with the threads provided in the groove in the base frame 110. The first bolt 311 is located in the first groove 151 of the inner frame 140 and can be separated from the inner frame 140 with the first insertion block 223 in between. Since the first side beam 220 is fastened to the base frame 110 by the first bolt 311, the vertical movement of the first side beam 220 (e.g., in the Z direction) can be restricted.

[0053] The second cell assembly 230 may include a plurality of second battery cells 231 and a second side beam 240.

[0054] Multiple second battery cells 231 can be thermally and physically bonded to the base frame 110 by a second thermally conductive adhesive layer 333. The second thermally conductive adhesive layer 333 may be provided between each of the multiple second battery cells 231 and the base frame 110. The second thermally conductive adhesive layer 333 may include a thermal interface material or thermal resin.

[0055] The second side beam 240 can be attached to the outermost of the multiple second battery cells 231. For example, the second side beam 240 can be attached to the outermost of the multiple second battery cells 231 by an adhesive such as double-sided tape or adhesive. The second side beam 240 can be coupled to the internal frame 140 in a swivel manner. By coupling the second side beam 240 to the internal frame 140, the second cell assembly 230 can be supported by the internal frame 140. For example, the second cell assembly 230 may include a pair of second side beams 240 spaced apart with multiple second battery cells 231 in between, and the pair of second side beams 240 may each be coupled to different internal frames 140.

[0056] The second side beam 240 may include a second support plate 241 facing the second side surface 142 of the internal frame 140, and a second insertion block 243 connected to the second support plate 241. The second side beam 240 may be a single integrated structure in which the second support plate 241 and the second insertion block 243 are integrally formed.

[0057] The second support plate 241 may be attached to the outermost of the multiple second battery cells 231 and may contact the second side surface 142 of the internal frame 140. The second support plate 241 may have a flat plate shape extending in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) and a vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction).

[0058] The internal frame 140 may include a second groove 153 into which the second insertion block 243 is inserted. The second groove 153 of the internal frame 140 may extend from the bottom surface 144 of the internal frame 140 to the top surface 143 of the internal frame 140 and may penetrate the internal frame 140 vertically (e.g., in the Z direction). The internal frame 140 may have an internal space 147 extending in a first horizontal direction (e.g., in the X direction), and the second groove 153 of the internal frame 140 may communicate with the internal space 147 of the internal frame 140. The second groove 153 of the internal frame 140 may extend from a second side surface 142 of the internal frame 140 toward a first side surface 141 of the internal frame 140 and may not penetrate the internal frame 140 in a second horizontal direction (e.g., in the Y direction). In exemplary embodiments, the internal frame 140 may include a plurality of second grooves 153 spaced apart in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction), and the second side beam 240 may include a plurality of second insertion blocks 243 inserted into the plurality of second grooves 153 of the internal frame 140.

[0059] The second groove 153 of the internal frame 140 may be separated from the first groove 151 of the internal frame 140 in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction), and the second insertion block 243 of the second side beam 240 inserted into the second groove 153 of the internal frame 140 may be separated from the first insertion block 223 of the first side beam 220 inserted into the first groove 151 of the internal frame 140 in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction), with a portion of the internal frame 140 in between. In an exemplary embodiment, the internal frame 140 may include a plurality of first grooves 151 and a plurality of second grooves 153, and the first grooves 151 and second grooves 153 may be arranged alternately in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction).

[0060] The internal frame 140 may support the second side beam 240 in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The internal frame 140 may have the same or similar height as the height of the second insertion block 243 along the vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction). The internal frame 140 may surface contact the second support plate 241 and support the second support plate 241 in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). The internal frame 140 may surface contact the second insertion block 243 and support the second insertion block 243 in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The internal frame 140 may include a fourth support surface 165 that supports the side of the second insertion block 243 opposite to the second support plate 241, and a second support surface 167 that supports both sides of the second insertion block 243 along the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). The second groove 153 of the internal frame 140 can be defined by the fourth support surface 165 and the second support surface 167.

[0061] The width of the second groove 153 of the internal frame 140 along the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) may increase as it moves away from the second side surface 142 of the internal frame 140. The width of the second groove 153 of the internal frame 140 along the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) may be minimum in the portion connected to the second side surface 142 of the internal frame 140. Within the second groove 153 of the internal frame 140, the width of the second insertion block 243 along the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) may increase as it moves away from the second support plate 241 or the second side surface 142 of the internal frame 140. The width of the second insertion block 243 along the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) may be minimum in the portion connected to the second support plate 241. In this case, the movement of the second side beam 240 relative to the internal frame 140 in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) is restricted, thereby strengthening the connection between the internal frame 140 and the second side beam 240.

[0062] The second side beam 240 can be fastened to the base frame 110 by a second bolt 313. The second bolt 313 is inserted into a through hole in the second insertion block 243, and the lower part of the second bolt 313 can be inserted into a groove in the base frame 110. The second bolt 313 can be coupled to the base frame 110 by the engagement of the threads on the lower part of the second bolt 313 with the threads provided in the groove in the base frame 110. The second bolt 313 is located in the second groove 153 of the inner frame 140 and can be separated from the inner frame 140 with the second insertion block 243 in between. Since the second side beam 240 is fastened to the base frame 110 by the second bolt 313, the vertical movement of the second side beam 240 (for example, in the Z direction) can be restricted.

[0063] (Second Embodiment) Figures 7a to 7c are cross-sectional views showing a method for manufacturing a battery pack 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the method for manufacturing a battery pack 10 according to an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7a to 7c together with Figures 1 to 6.

[0064] Referring to Figure 7a, the internal frame 140 is placed on the base frame 110. For example, the internal frame 140 may be joined to the base frame 110 by welding.

[0065] Referring to Figure 7b, after the internal frame 140 is placed on the base frame 110, the multiple cell assemblies 200 are mounted on the base frame 110. The step of mounting the multiple cell assemblies 200 on the base frame 110 may include the steps of preparing a first cell assembly 210 including multiple first battery cells 211 and first side beams 220, a second cell assembly 230 including multiple second battery cells 231 and first side beams 220, assembling the first side beams 220 to the internal frame 140, and assembling the second side beams 240 to the internal frame 140.

[0066] The step of assembling the first side beam 220 to the internal frame 140 may include the steps of aligning the first insertion block 223 of the first side beam 220 perpendicularly (e.g., in the Z direction) to the first groove 151 of the internal frame 140, and moving the first cell assembly 210 having the first side beam 220 perpendicularly (e.g., in the Z direction) so that the first insertion block 223 of the first side beam 220 is inserted into the first groove 151 of the internal frame 140.

[0067] The step of assembling the second side beam 240 to the internal frame 140 may include aligning the second insertion block 243 of the second side beam 240 perpendicularly (e.g., in the Z direction) to the second groove 153 of the internal frame 140, and moving the second cell assembly 230 having the second side beam 240 perpendicularly (e.g., in the Z direction) so that the second insertion block 243 of the second side beam 240 is inserted into the second groove 153 of the internal frame 140.

[0068] Referring to Figure 7c, the first side beam 220 and the second side beam 240 are fastened to the base frame 110 by bolting. The first side beam 220 can be fixed to the base frame 110 by fastening the first insertion block 223 to the base frame 110 with the first bolt 311. The second side beam 240 can be fixed to the base frame 110 by fastening the second insertion block 243 to the base frame 110 with the second bolt 313. After fastening the first side beam 220 and the second side beam 240 to the base frame 110, the pack cover 130 is fastened to the side frame 120.

[0069] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the side beams of the cell assembly 200 can be assembled to an internal frame 140 provided within the pack frame 100 in a snap-fit ​​manner. Since the assembly of the side beams of the cell assembly 200 to the internal frame 140 is achieved without additional fasteners such as bolts, the assembly of the battery pack 10 is made easier.

[0070] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the internal frame 140 of the pack frame 100 can make surface contact with the side beams of the cell assembly 200, thereby supporting the side beams of the cell assembly 200 laterally, thus preventing or suppressing damage to the side beams due to external forces acting due to the swirling of the battery cells. Damage to components within the battery pack 10 can be prevented or suppressed, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the battery pack 10.

[0071] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the internal frame 140 of the pack frame 100 can make surface contact with the side beams of the cell assembly 200 and support the side beams of the cell assembly 200 laterally. This allows the forces acting between the side beams of the cell assembly 200 and the internal frame 140 to be distributed during the process of mounting the cell assembly 200 onto the pack frame 100, thereby preventing or suppressing damage to the side beams during the process of mounting the cell assembly 200 onto the pack frame 100. This can prevent or suppress damage to components within the battery pack 10, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the battery pack 10.

[0072] The present invention has been described in more detail above with reference to the drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described herein are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, there may be a variety of equivalents and modifications that can be substituted for them at the time of filing. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 10 Battery Packs 100 Pack Frames 110 Base Frame 120 Side Frame 130 Pack Cover 140 Internal Frame 141 First aspect 142 Second aspect 143 Top surface 144 Bottom 147 Interior space 151 First groove 153 2nd groove 161 Third support surface 163 1st support surface 165 4th support surface 167 Second support surface 200-cell assembly 210 First Cell Assembly 211 First battery cell 220 First side beam 221 First support plate 223 First Insertion Block 230 Second Cell Assembly 231 Second battery cell 240 Second side beam 241 Second support plate 243 Second Insertion Block 311 First bolt 313 Second bolt 331 First thermally conductive adhesive layer 333 Second thermal conductive adhesive layer

Claims

1. Base frame and An internal frame extending in a first direction on the base frame, The first battery includes a plurality of first battery cells and a first side beam, the first side beam comprising a first cell assembly including a first support plate facing a first side surface of the internal frame and a first insertion block connected to the first support plate, The assembly includes a plurality of second battery cells and a second side beam, the second side beam comprising a second cell assembly including a second support plate facing the second side surface of the internal frame and a second insertion block connected to the second support plate, Includes, The aforementioned internal frame is A first groove extending from the first side surface of the internal frame into which the first insertion block is inserted, A second groove extending from the second side surface of the internal frame into which the second insertion block is inserted, Includes a battery pack.

2. The plurality of first battery cells are arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of second battery cells are arranged in the second direction.

3. The first support plate of the first side beam is attached to the outermost first battery cell among the plurality of first battery cells. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein the second support plate of the second side beam is attached to the outermost second battery cell among the plurality of second battery cells.

4. The internal frame has a bottom surface that contacts the base frame and an upper surface opposite to the bottom surface. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the first groove and the second groove of the internal frame each extend from the bottom surface to the top surface of the internal frame.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the first groove and the second groove of the internal frame are spaced apart in the first direction.

6. The width of the first groove of the internal frame along the first direction increases as it moves away from the first side surface of the internal frame. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the width of the second groove of the internal frame along the first direction increases as it moves away from the second side surface of the internal frame.

7. The width of the first insertion block in the first groove of the internal frame along the first direction increases as it moves away from the first support plate. The battery pack according to claim 6, wherein the width of the second insertion block in the second groove of the internal frame along the first direction increases as it moves away from the second support plate.

8. The aforementioned internal frame is A first support surface that supports both sides of the first insertion block along the first direction, A second support surface that supports both sides of the second insertion block along the first direction, A battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 5, including the following:

9. The aforementioned internal frame is A third support surface that supports the side of the first insertion block opposite to the first support plate, A fourth support surface that supports the side of the second insertion block opposite to the second support plate, The battery pack according to claim 8, further comprising:

10. A first bolt fastens the first insertion block to the base frame, A second bolt fastens the second insertion block to the base frame, A battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising the above.

11. The first bolt is separated from the internal frame with the first insertion block in between, The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein the second bolt is separated from the internal frame with the second insertion block in between.

12. The internal frame further includes an internal space extending in the first direction, The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first groove and the second groove of the internal frame communicate with the internal space of the internal frame.

13. The first side beam is a single integrated structure in which the first support plate and the first insertion block are integrally formed. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second side beam is a single integrated structure in which the second support plate and the second insertion block are integrally formed.

14. A first thermally conductive adhesive layer for attaching the plurality of first battery cells to the base frame, A second thermally conductive adhesive layer for attaching the plurality of second battery cells to the base frame, A battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising the above.

15. A side frame provided on the base frame and connected to the internal frame, A pack cover that covers the first cell assembly and the second cell assembly and is fastened to the side frame, A battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising the above.

Images