Battery pack with magnetic fixing device and manufacturing method thereof, and method for replacing battery cells of battery pack

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery pack including a battery pack housing, a plurality of battery cells arranged inside the battery pack housing, and a fixing device arranged inside the battery pack housing so as to fix the positions of the plurality of battery cells using magnetic force, a manufacturing method thereof, and a method for replacing battery cells of the battery pack that is applied to the method.The following are disclosed: a battery pack that can easily fix a plurality of battery cells inside the battery pack housing using magnetic force, a manufacturing method thereof, and a method for replacing battery cells of the battery pack.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack having a fixing device using magnetic force, a manufacturing method thereof, and a method for replacing battery cells in a battery pack, and more particularly to a battery pack having a fixing device using magnetic force that can easily fix a plurality of battery cells in a battery pack housing using magnetic force, a manufacturing method thereof, and a method for replacing battery cells in the battery pack. [Background technology]

[0002] Medium-sized and large-sized devices such as electric vehicles require a high-output and large-capacity power source, and therefore mainly use a medium-sized and large-sized battery pack, in which a plurality of battery cells are electrically connected, as a power source.

[0003] In order for a medium- to large-sized battery pack to meet the high output and large capacity required for medium- to large-sized devices, multiple battery cells must be connected in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel, and the connected battery cells must maintain a stable structure against external impacts.

[0004] For this reason, in conventional medium- to large-sized battery packs, a plurality of battery cells are welded to a bus bar assembly to structurally fix and electrically connect the plurality of battery cells. At this time, such a welding operation is very complicated and elaborate, and requires a long time. In addition, once welding is performed, it is very difficult to remove the battery cell again. That is, if a part of a battery cell is damaged, it is difficult to remove and replace only the damaged battery cell. In addition, the welding method is likely to cause distortion of the battery cell depending on the strength of the weld, which may adversely affect the performance and stability of the battery cell.

[0005] The background art of the present invention is described in the following patent documents: [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2008-0027505 [Patent Document 2] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2009-0011601 [Patent Document 3] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0129115 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention provides a battery pack in which multiple battery cells can be simply secured within a battery pack housing using magnetic force.

[0008] The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a battery pack that can easily fix multiple battery cells in a battery pack housing using magnetic force.

[0009] The present invention provides a method for replacing battery cells in a battery pack, which allows a desired battery cell to be easily replaced using magnetic force. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery pack housing, a plurality of battery cells disposed inside the battery pack housing, and a fixing device disposed inside the battery pack housing to fix positions of the plurality of battery cells using magnetic force.

[0011] The fixing device may include a plurality of first members that magnetically engage with upper surfaces of the plurality of battery cells, and a second member that has a size corresponding to a size of a lower surface of the upper cover of the battery pack housing and that magnetically engages with the plurality of first members.

[0012] The fixing device may include a plurality of first members that magnetically attach to the undersides of each of the plurality of battery cells, and a second member that has a size corresponding to the size of the bottom surface of the lower case of the battery pack housing and that magnetically attaches to the plurality of first members.

[0013] The fixing device may include a plurality of first members disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of each of the plurality of battery cells, the first members magnetically attaching to the upper and lower surfaces, and a plurality of second members disposed on the upper and lower sides of the plurality of battery cells, the second members magnetically attaching to the plurality of first members. Of the plurality of second members, the size of the second member located on the upper side of the plurality of battery cells may correspond to the size of the lower surface of an upper cover of a battery pack housing, and the size of the second member located on the lower side of the plurality of battery cells may correspond to the size of the bottom surface of a lower case of the battery pack housing.

[0014] The first member may have a size corresponding to the upper or lower surface of the battery cell and be coupled to each battery cell in a one-to-one relationship, or may have a size larger than the area of ​​the upper or lower surface of the battery cell and be coupled to multiple battery cells.

[0015] The first member may be a magnet, and the second member may be a magnetic material.

[0016] The first member and the second member may each be a magnet, and the polarities of the first member and the second member may be arranged such that an attractive force is applied between an upper surface of the first member and a lower surface of the second member.

[0017] At least a portion of the second member may be built into and coupled to a lower surface side of an upper cover of the battery pack housing.

[0018] At least a portion of the second member may be built into and coupled to a bottom surface side of a lower case of the battery pack housing.

[0019] The first member may have at least a portion of its surface covered with an anti-slip film, and the anti-slip film may have a predetermined thickness that allows a magnetic force to pass through.

[0020] There may be empty spaces between the battery cells, or spacers and / or a filler material may be disposed between the battery cells.

[0021] The first member and the second member may have holes formed therein to allow a bus bar assembly to pass therethrough and contact a battery cell electrode.

[0022] The battery pack may include a busbar assembly formed on the opposite side of the plurality of battery cells with the second member as the center, arranged to pass through holes formed in the first member and holes formed in the second member, and in contact with and connected to electrodes of the plurality of battery cells.

[0023] The battery pack may include a bus bar assembly formed by patterning on a surface of the first member and a surface of the second member, and in contact with and connected to electrodes of the plurality of battery cells.

[0024] In addition, a manufacturing method of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of arranging a plurality of battery cells in a lower case of a battery pack housing, contacting the plurality of battery cells with a fixing device and attaching the plurality of battery cells to the fixing device using a magnetic force of the fixing device, and sealing the lower case of the battery pack housing with an upper cover of the battery pack housing.

[0025] Furthermore, a method for replacing battery cells in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention is a method for replacing battery cells in a battery pack having a plurality of battery cells, the method including the steps of: removing a lower case and an upper cover of a battery pack housing; removing a fastening device that is magnetically attached to the plurality of battery cells in the lower case of the battery pack housing from the plurality of battery cells; replacing a battery cell to be replaced among the plurality of battery cells with a new battery cell; using the magnetic force of the fastening device to attach the plurality of battery cells in which the battery cell to be replaced has been replaced with the new battery cell to the fastening device; and connecting the lower case and the upper cover of the battery pack housing to complete repair of the battery pack. Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to the embodiment of the present invention, multiple battery cells can be easily fixed in a battery pack housing using magnetic force, thereby simplifying the internal structure of the battery pack while ensuring the performance and stability of the battery pack.

[0027] Furthermore, when manufacturing the battery pack, all welding operations such as wire bonding, resistance welding, laser welding, etc. can be omitted, so that the time required to manufacture the battery pack can be shortened and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0028] Furthermore, since only the battery cell that develops a defect while the battery pack is in use can be easily replaced, the battery pack can be used almost indefinitely. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the battery pack according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a battery cell is fixed inside a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 2 is a partial enlarged view showing a structure for electrically connecting battery cells in the battery pack according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Diagram 5] 13 is a partial enlarged view showing a structure for electrically connecting battery cells in a battery pack according to a modified example of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a battery pack according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and may be embodied in various different forms. The embodiments of the present invention are merely provided to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention. In describing the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings may be exaggerated, and parts that are not relevant to the description may be omitted from the drawings, and the same reference numerals in the drawings indicate the same components.

[0031] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] 1. Battery pack having a fixing device using magnetic force according to an embodiment (first embodiment) of the present invention

[0033] Fig. 1 is an exploded view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing how battery cells are fixed inside a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 4 is a partially enlarged view showing a structure for electrically connecting battery cells in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery pack housing 10, 20, a plurality of battery cells 30 disposed inside the battery pack housing 10, 20, and a fixing device 40, 50 disposed inside the battery pack housing 10, 20 so as to fix the position of the plurality of battery cells 30 using magnetic force.

[0036] In addition, the battery pack according to the embodiment of the present invention may further include bus bar assemblies 60, 61 disposed inside the battery pack housings 10, 20 to electrically connect the plurality of battery cells 30.

[0037] 1.1. Battery pack housing 10, 20

[0038] The battery pack housing 10, 20 may include a battery pack housing lower case 10 and a battery pack housing upper cover 20.

[0039] The battery pack housing lower case 10 may include a bottom plate having a predetermined area and a side wall plate extending upward from the periphery of the bottom plate by a predetermined height. In this case, the battery pack housing lower case 10 may be in the shape of a square tube with an open top. Needless to say, the shape of the battery pack housing lower case 10 may be various.

[0040] The battery pack housing upper cover 20 may be a plate with a predetermined area. The battery pack housing upper cover 20 may be fitted into an opening at the top of the battery pack housing lower case 10. Needless to say, the joining structure of the battery pack housing upper cover 20 may be various. Here, the shape of the battery pack housing upper cover 20 may be a square plate shape. Needless to say, the shape of the battery pack housing upper cover 20 may be various.

[0041] An internal space capable of accommodating a plurality of battery cells 30 may be provided between the battery pack housing lower case 10 and the battery pack housing upper cover 20.

[0042] 1.2.Multiple battery cells 30

[0043] The battery cells 30 may be, for example, a plurality of cylindrical can-type secondary batteries. The battery cells 30 may be housed in the internal space of the battery pack housings 10, 20. The battery cells 30 may have a positive terminal disposed at an upper portion and a negative terminal disposed at a lower portion.

[0044] For example, each of the battery cells 30 may include a cylindrical battery can with an open top, a jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly housed inside the battery can, an upper cap attached to the opening at the top of the battery can, and a positive electrode terminal supported by the upper cap and connected to the electrode assembly. In this case, the negative electrode terminal may be formed on the bottom surface of the battery can.

[0045] The top cap may be made of a magnetic material. For example, the top cap may be magnetized by a magnet and may be attached to the magnet by magnetic force. The material of the top cap may be various, for example, steel, aluminum, and stainless steel.

[0046] Meanwhile, an empty space S may be present between the plurality of battery cells 30. At this time, the presence of the empty space S allows the plurality of first members 40 in contact with each of the plurality of battery cells 30 to be sufficiently separated from each other. Meanwhile, at least one of a spacer (not shown) and a filling material (not shown) may be disposed between the plurality of battery cells 30.

[0047] 1.3.Fixing device 40, 50

[0048] The fixing device 40, 50 may include a plurality of first members 40 having a size corresponding to the size of the upper surface of the battery cells 30 and attached to the upper surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 30 by magnetic force, and a second member 50 having a size corresponding to the size of the lower surface of the battery pack housing upper cover 20 and attached to the plurality of first members 40 by magnetic force. That is, the fixing device 40, 50 may be disposed on the upper side of the plurality of battery cells 30 and coupled to the plurality of battery cells 30 by magnetic force. Therefore, the plurality of battery cells 30 can be easily and quickly attached to and detached from the fixing device 40, 50. In addition, the plurality of battery cells 30 can be firmly constrained to the fixing device 40, 50.

[0049] In this case, the above-mentioned “corresponding size” means that the size of the first component 40 is not larger than the area of ​​the upper surface or the area of ​​the lower surface of the battery cell 30.

[0050] In addition, the above-mentioned "corresponding size" means that even if the size of the first member 40 is larger than the area of ​​the upper surface or the lower surface of the battery cell 30, the first member 40 is large enough not to encroach on the area of ​​an adjacent battery cell.

[0051] Meanwhile, the fixing devices 40, 50 may be electrically insulated from the battery pack housings 10, 20 and the plurality of battery cells 30, respectively.

[0052] 1.4. First member 40

[0053] The first member 40 may be, for example, disk-shaped. Needless to say, the shape of the first member 40 may be various. The size of the first member 40 may be smaller than the area of ​​the upper surface of the battery cell 30, or may be the same as the area of ​​the upper surface of the battery cell 30 within a predetermined range. In this case, the predetermined range may be a systematic error range.

[0054] Needless to say, the size of the first member 40 may be larger than the area of ​​the upper surface of the battery cell 30 by a predetermined difference within a range in which the first member 40 is in contact with the battery cell 30 with a sufficient area and does not invade the area of ​​the adjacent battery cell. Therefore, adjacent first members 40 may not contact each other.

[0055] The first member 40 may be a magnet. More specifically, the first member 40 may be a permanent magnet. The first member 40 may have a predetermined magnitude of magnetic force that can strongly attach the battery cell 30 to the first member 40.

[0056] The number of the first members 40 may be the same as the number of the battery cells 30. The first members 40 may be attached to the battery cells 30 in a one-to-one relationship. At this time, the lower surface of the first member 40 and the upper surface of the battery cell 30 may be attached to each other by magnetic force. That is, an attractive force F may be formed between the lower surface of the first member 40 and the upper surface of the battery cell 30.

[0057] 1.5. Second member 50

[0058] The second member 50 may be a predetermined plate. The shape of the second member 50 may correspond to the shape of the battery pack housing upper cover 20. The size of the second member 50 may correspond to the size of the lower surface of the battery pack housing upper cover 20. More specifically, the second member 50 may have the same shape as the battery pack housing upper cover 20 and the same size as the lower surface of the battery pack housing upper cover 20. For this reason, the periphery of the second member 50 may be supported in contact with the inner side surface of the battery pack housing lower case 10 inside the battery pack housing 10, 20. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the second member 50 from moving freely in the horizontal direction inside the battery pack housing 10, 20.

[0059] The second member 50 may have an upper surface in contact with the lower surface of the battery pack housing upper cover 20, and a lower surface attached to the upper surface of the first member 40 by magnetic force. This makes it possible for the second member 50 to not move up and down inside the battery pack housings 10, 20. This makes it possible for the first member 40 to not move up and down inside the battery pack housings 10, 20, and makes it possible to firmly fix the multiple battery cells 30 inside the battery pack housings 10, 20.

[0060] The second member 50 may be a magnet or a magnetic body. When the second member 50 is a magnet, the polarities of the first member 40 and the second member 50 may be arranged so that an attractive force F is applied between the upper surface of the first member 40 and the lower surface of the second member 50. Specifically, the surfaces of the second member 50 and the first member 40 facing each other may be formed with opposite poles.

[0061] For example, if the lower surface of the second member 50 is a north pole, the upper surface of the first member 40 may be a south pole. In this case, the upper surface of the second member 50 may be a south pole, and the lower surface of the first member 40 may be a north pole.

[0062] Incidentally, if the lower surface of the second member 50 is an S pole, the upper surface of the first member 40 may be an N pole. In this case, the upper surface of the second member 50 may be an N pole, and the lower surface of the first member 40 may be an S pole.

[0063] When the second member 50 is a magnetic material, the second member 50 may be made of a predetermined material that can be magnetized by a magnet and can be attracted to the magnet by magnetic force. The material of the second member 50 may be various, including, for example, a steel material, an aluminum material, and a stainless steel material.

[0064] 1.6. Busbar assemblies 60, 61

[0065] The busbar assemblies 60, 61 may be formed on the opposite side of the multiple battery cells 30 with the second member 50 at the center, arranged to pass through holes formed in the first member 40 and holes formed in the second member 50, and may be in contact with and connected to the positive terminals of the multiple battery cells.

[0066] The bus bar assemblies 60, 61 may be extended in a predetermined pattern and include a base bus bar 60 disposed between the battery pack housing upper cover 20 and the second member 50, and an electrode contact end 61 protruding downward from the base bus bar 60 and making elastic contact with and electrically connecting to each of the positive terminals of the multiple battery cells 40.

[0067] The base bus bar 60 may have a predetermined pattern shape and may be made of a plate-shaped metal material. Meanwhile, an insulating film (not shown) may be disposed between the base bus bar 60 and the battery pack housing upper cover 20 and the second member 50. The base bus bar 60 may be connected to an external input / output terminal (not shown) of the battery pack.

[0068] The electrode contact ends 61 may be made of a metal material having electrical conductivity and elasticity. The electrode contact ends 61 may be in contact with and electrically connected to the positive electrode terminals of the battery cells 30. That is, each of the electrode contact ends 61 may behave like a leaf spring and be in stable elastic contact with the positive electrode terminal.

[0069] At this time, a first hole H1 may be formed through the first member 40 so that the bus bar can pass through and contact the electrode of the battery cell 30. The region in which the first hole H1 is formed may be a region corresponding to the positive electrode of the battery cell 30. The positive terminal of the battery cell 30 may be exposed upward through the first hole H1.

[0070] Furthermore, a plurality of second holes H2 may be formed penetrating the second member 50 so that the bus bar can penetrate and contact the electrodes of the battery cells 30. The region in which the plurality of second holes H2 are formed may be a region corresponding to the positive electrodes of the battery cells 30. The positive terminals of the plurality of battery cells 30 may be exposed upward through the plurality of second holes H2.

[0071] The electrode contact end 61 may contact and be electrically connected to the positive terminal of the battery cell 30 through the first hole H1 and the second hole H2. In this case, the base bus bar 60 connected to the electrode contact end 61 may extend to other battery cells, i.e., to the area of ​​the adjacent battery cell, to connect the electrode contact ends 61 of the adjacent battery cell areas. The above-mentioned bus bar assemblies 60, 61 may be referred to as bus bars or positive bus bars.

[0072] The battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a negative bus bar (not shown). The negative bus bar may be disposed under the plurality of battery cells 30 and connected to the negative terminals of each of the plurality of battery cells 30. The structure of such a negative bus bar may be various.

[0073] 1.7. Busbar assemblies 60 and 61 according to modified examples of the present invention

[0074] Meanwhile, the busbar assembly according to the modified example of the present invention may have a structure different from that of the busbar assemblies 60 and 61 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] FIG. 5 is a partial enlarged view showing a structure for electrically connecting battery cells in a battery pack according to a modified example of the present invention.

[0076] The busbar assembly according to the modified example of the present invention may include a base busbar 70 formed by patterning a predetermined shape on the surface of the first member 40 and the surface of the second member 50, and a plurality of electrode contact ends 71 ​​formed by patterning on the lower surfaces of the plurality of first members 40, connected to the positive electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells 30 by contacting them, and connected to the base busbar 70. This allows for a more stable connection to the positive electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells 30 compared to the busbar assemblies 60 and 61 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] 1.8. Other variations of busbar assembly

[0078] However, according to another variant of the invention, the first member 40 may be configured to remain electrically non-insulated and only the second member 50 to be electrically insulated.

[0079] In such a case, the first member 40 is simultaneously magnetic and electrically conductive, has a size corresponding to the electrode of each battery cell, and may be in contact with the electrode of each battery cell.

[0080] Therefore, the busbar assembly has only a base busbar 60 without a separate electrode contact end 61 in the busbar assembly of Figure 4, and is disposed between the first members 40 and the second members 50 to electrically connect the first members 40 connected to the electrodes of each battery cell.

[0081] Thus, in another variation of the present invention, the first member 40 remains electrically non-insulated and only the second member 50 is electrically insulated, thereby simplifying the structure of the busbar assembly.

[0082] 2. Battery pack with a fixing device using magnetic force according to the second embodiment of the present invention

[0083] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] The battery pack according to the second embodiment of the present invention may have a different structure of a fixing device from that of the battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] The fixing device 40, 50 of the battery pack according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of first members 40 having a size corresponding to the size of the undersides of the battery cells and attached to the undersides of each of the plurality of battery cells by magnetic force, and a second member 50 having a size corresponding to the size of the bottom surface of the battery pack housing lower case 10 and attached to the plurality of first members 40 by magnetic force.

[0086] That is, in the battery pack according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the fixing devices 40, 50 may be coupled and fixed to the lower portions of the battery cells by magnetic force.

[0087] In this structure, the weight of the battery pack is concentrated at the bottom, making the battery pack structure more stable, and heat dissipation to the top of the battery pack is more smoothly performed.

[0088] 3. Battery pack with a fixing device using magnetic force according to the third embodiment of the present invention

[0089] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] The battery pack according to the third embodiment of the present invention may have a different structure of a fixing device from the battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the battery pack according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] The fixing devices 40, 50 of the battery pack according to the third embodiment of the present invention may have sizes corresponding to the sizes of the upper and lower surfaces of the battery cells, and may include a plurality of first members 40 on the upper and lower surfaces of each of the plurality of battery cells, which are attached to the upper and lower surfaces, respectively, by magnetic force, and a plurality of second members 50 arranged on the upper and lower sides of the plurality of battery cells, respectively, and which are attached to the plurality of first members 40 by magnetic force.

[0092] That is, in the battery pack according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the fixing devices 40, 50 may be coupled and fixed to both the upper and lower parts of the battery cells by magnetic force, so that the multiple battery cells 30 can be fixed more stably.

[0093] 4. Battery pack with a fixing device using magnetic force according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention

[0094] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] The battery pack according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention may be different from the battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention in the position of the second member.

[0096] That is, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, at least a part of the second member 50 may be built into the underside of the battery pack housing upper cover 20. Therefore, when manufacturing the battery pack, the second member 50 and the first member 40 can be coupled by magnetic force while the battery pack housing upper cover 20 is being coupled to the battery pack housing lower case 10. Therefore, the number of steps in manufacturing the battery pack can be reduced.

[0097] 5. Battery pack having a fixing device using magnetic force according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention

[0098] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a battery pack according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] The battery pack according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention may have a different shape of the first member from the battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] According to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the first member 40 may be formed so that the width corresponds to the size of the upper surface of the battery cell, but the length is longer than the width. In such a structure, one first member 40 may be coupled to multiple battery cells. Therefore, the time required to couple multiple first members 40 to multiple battery cells 30 can be reduced.

[0101] 6. Battery pack with a fixing device using magnetic force according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention

[0102] The battery pack according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention may be different from the battery pack according to the second embodiment of the present invention in the position of the second member.

[0103] That is, in the sixth embodiment of the present invention, at least a part of the second member 50 may be built into the bottom side of the lower case 10 of the battery pack housing. Therefore, when manufacturing the battery pack, the second member 50 and the first member 40 can be quickly joined together while arranging the multiple battery cells 30 to which the first member 40 is attached on the bottom surface of the lower case 10 of the battery pack housing.

[0104] 7. Battery pack having a fixing device using magnetic force according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention

[0105] The fixing device for a battery pack according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention may further include an anti-slip film.

[0106] An anti-slip film (not shown) may be coated on at least a part of the surface of the first member 40. The anti-slip film may have a predetermined thickness that allows magnetic force to pass through. The anti-slip film can increase the friction force between the first member 40 and the battery cell 30. The anti-slip film may be made of a predetermined resin material. Needless to say, the material of the anti-slip film may be various.

[0107] 8. Manufacturing method of a battery pack having a fixing device using magnetic force according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0108] A manufacturing method of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of arranging a plurality of battery cells 30 in a battery pack housing lower case 10, contacting the plurality of battery cells 30 with fastening devices 40, 50 and attaching the plurality of battery cells 30 to the fastening devices 40, 50 using the magnetic force of the fastening devices 40, 50, and sealing the battery pack housing lower case 10 with a battery pack housing upper cover 20.

[0109] 8.1. Steps for placing multiple battery cells in the battery pack housing lower case

[0110] The step of placing the multiple battery cells in the battery pack housing lower case is a step of lowering the multiple battery cells 30 into the battery pack housing lower case 10 through an opening at the top of the battery pack housing lower case 10 and placing the multiple battery cells 30 on the bottom surface of the battery pack housing lower case 10.

[0111] At this time, the fixing devices 40, 50 may be placed first on the bottom surface of the battery pack housing lower case 10, and then the multiple battery cells 30 may be placed thereon.

[0112] 8.2. Step of attaching multiple battery cells to the fixing device

[0113] The step of attaching the multiple battery cells to the fixing device is a step of contacting the first member 40 with the upper parts of the multiple battery cells 30, and contacting the first member 40 with the second member 50. In this process, the multiple battery cells 30 and the first member 40 are coupled together, and the first member 40 and the second member 50 are coupled together, using the magnetic force of the first member 40 or the magnetic force of the first member 40 and the second member 50.

[0114] Needless to say, the lower portions of the multiple battery cells 30 may be in contact with the first member 40 which is in contact with the second member 50 .

[0115] In addition, the lower portions of the multiple battery cells 30 may be brought into contact with the first member 40, which is in contact with the second member 50, and then the first member 40 may be brought into contact with the upper portions of the multiple battery cells 30, thereby bringing the first member 40 into contact with the second member 50.

[0116] Through these processes, the multiple battery cells 30 can be stably fixed within the lower case 10 of the battery pack housing.

[0117] Meanwhile, in this process, electrical connection may be made between the bus bar assemblies 60, 61 assembled at predetermined positions of the first member 40 and the second member 50 and the plurality of battery cells 30. Alternatively, electrical connection may be made between the bus bar assemblies 70, 71 patterned at predetermined positions of the first member 40 and the second member 50 and the plurality of battery cells 30.

[0118] Furthermore, during the step of placing the multiple battery cells 30 in the battery pack housing lower case 10 or during the step of contacting the multiple battery cells 30 with the fastening devices 40, 50 and attaching the multiple battery cells 30 to the fastening devices 40, 50 using the magnetic force of the fastening devices 40, 50, a negative bus bar (not shown) may be connected to the negative terminals of the multiple battery cells 30.

[0119] 8.3. Step of sealing the lower case of the battery pack housing with the upper cover of the battery pack housing

[0120] The step of sealing the lower case of the battery pack housing with the battery pack housing upper cover is a step of fitting the battery pack housing upper cover 20 into the opening at the top of the battery pack housing lower case 10. At this time, the lower surface of the battery pack housing upper cover 20 may press the second member 50 and the plurality of battery cells 30 downward with a predetermined pressure.

[0121] 9. Method for replacing battery cells in a battery pack having a fixing device using magnetic force according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0122] A method for replacing battery cells in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention is a method for replacing battery cells in a battery pack having a plurality of battery cells 30, and includes the steps of removing the battery pack housing lower case 10 and the upper cover 20; removing the fastening devices 40, 50, which are magnetically attached to the plurality of battery cells 30 in the battery pack housing lower case 10, from the plurality of battery cells 30; replacing the battery cells to be replaced among the plurality of battery cells 30 with new battery cells; attaching the plurality of battery cells in which the battery cells to be replaced have been replaced with the new battery cells to the fastening devices 40, 50 using the magnetic force of the fastening devices 40, 50; and completing repair of the battery pack by connecting the battery pack housing lower case 10 and the upper cover 20.

[0123] That is, if some battery cells are damaged during use of the battery pack, the damaged battery cells can be replaced with new battery cells by performing the above-mentioned process.

[0124] Specifically, if damage to the battery cells is detected, the battery pack housing lower case 10 and upper cover 20 are removed, and the second member 50 and the first member 40 are removed from the plurality of battery cells 30.

[0125] Alternatively, the multiple battery cells 30 are left in a state where they are coupled to the second member 50 and the first member 40, and the combined assembly is pulled out from the battery pack housing lower case 10.

[0126] Then, the contact between the defective battery cell and the second member 50 and the first member 40 is released, and the magnetic coupling therebetween is released. In this manner, the fixing devices 40, 50 that are magnetically attached to the battery cells 30 are removed from the battery cells 30. Next, the battery cells to be replaced among the battery cells 30 are replaced with new battery cells, and the magnetic force of the fixing devices 40, 50 is used to attach the battery cells in which the new battery cells have been replaced to the battery cells to be replaced, to the fixing devices 40, 50. Next, the battery pack housing lower case 10 and the upper cover 20 are joined together to complete the repair of the battery pack.

[0127] The above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention are for the purpose of explaining the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. It should be noted that the configurations and methods disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention may be modified in various forms by combining or interchanging with each other, and these modifications may also be considered to fall within the scope of the present invention. That is, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms within the scope of the claims and the technical ideas equivalent thereto, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may understand that various embodiments are possible within the scope of the technical ideas of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 10: Battery pack housing lower case 20: Battery pack housing top cover 30: Battery cell 40: First member 50: Second member 60, 70: Base busbar 61, 71: Electrode contact end

Claims

1. A battery pack housing; a plurality of battery cells disposed within the battery pack housing; a fixing device disposed inside the battery pack housing to fix positions of the battery cells using magnetic force; Equipped with The fixing device comprises: a plurality of first members that are attached to end surfaces of the plurality of battery cells by magnetic force; a second member having a size corresponding to a size of the battery pack housing and attached to the first members by magnetic force; A battery pack comprising:

2. The fixing device comprises: the first members that are magnetically attached to upper surfaces of the battery cells; the second member having a size corresponding to a size of a lower surface of the upper cover of the battery pack housing and attached to the first members by magnetic force; The battery pack of claim 1 .

3. The fixing device comprises: the first members that are attached to lower surfaces of the battery cells by magnetic force; the second member having a size corresponding to a size of a bottom surface of the lower case of the battery pack housing and attached to the first members by magnetic force; The battery pack of claim 1 .

4. The fixing device comprises: The first members are attached to the upper and lower surfaces of the battery cells by magnetic force, respectively; A plurality of second members are disposed on upper and lower sides of the plurality of battery cells, respectively, and are attached to the plurality of first members by magnetic force; It is equipped with Among the plurality of second members, 2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein a size of the second member located on an upper side of the plurality of battery cells corresponds to a size of a lower surface of an upper cover of the battery pack housing, and a size of the second member located on a lower side of the plurality of battery cells corresponds to a size of a bottom surface of a lower case of the battery pack housing.

5. The battery pack according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first member has a size corresponding to an area of ​​an upper surface or a lower surface of the battery cell and is coupled to each battery cell in a one-to-one relationship, or has a size larger than an area of ​​an upper surface or a lower surface of the battery cell and is coupled to a plurality of battery cells.

6. 5. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein the first member is a magnet, and the second member is a magnetic material.

7. each of the first member and the second member is a magnet; The battery pack according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the polarities of the first member and the second member are arranged so that an attractive force is applied between an upper surface of the first member and a lower surface of the second member.

8. 5. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the second member is embedded in and coupled to a lower surface side of an upper cover of the battery pack housing.

9. 5. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the second member is built into and coupled to a bottom surface of a lower case of the battery pack housing.

10. The first member has at least a part of its surface covered with an anti-slip film, The battery pack according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the anti-slip film has a predetermined thickness that allows a magnetic force to pass through.

11. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an empty space exists between the plurality of battery cells, or at least one of a spacer and a filling material is disposed between the plurality of battery cells.

12. 5. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein the first member and the second member have holes formed therein to allow a bus bar assembly to pass through and contact a battery cell electrode.

13. 13. The battery pack according to claim 12, comprising: a bus bar assembly formed on an opposite side of the plurality of battery cells with the second member as a center, arranged to pass through holes formed in the first member and holes formed in the second member, and in contact with and connected to electrodes of the plurality of battery cells.

14. The battery pack according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising a bus bar assembly formed by patterning on a surface of the first member and a surface of the second member, and contacting and connecting to electrodes of the plurality of battery cells.

15. disposing a plurality of battery cells in a lower case of a battery pack housing; contacting the plurality of battery cells with a fastening device and using a magnetic force of the fastening device to attach the plurality of battery cells to the fastening device; sealing the lower case of the battery pack housing with a top cover of the battery pack housing; A method for manufacturing a battery pack having a fixing device using a magnetic force, comprising: A method for manufacturing a battery pack having a fixing device using a magnetic force, wherein the battery pack is the battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A method for replacing battery cells in a battery pack including a plurality of battery cells, comprising: removing a lower case and an upper cover of a battery pack housing; removing a fixing device that is attached to the plurality of battery cells by magnetic force within a lower case of the battery pack housing from the plurality of battery cells; replacing a battery cell to be replaced among the plurality of battery cells with a new battery cell; using a magnetic force of the fixing device to attach the plurality of battery cells, in which the battery cells to be replaced have been replaced with new battery cells, to the fixing device; combining a lower case and an upper cover of the battery pack housing to complete repair of the battery pack; A method for replacing a battery cell of a battery pack, comprising: A method for replacing battery cells in a battery pack, wherein the battery pack is the battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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