Battery pack with improved shock resistance

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery pack having a shock absorbing member, and more particularly to a battery pack including a lower case having a space of a predetermined size, an upper case located on an upper portion of the lower case and fastened to the lower case, one or more module frames housed in the space between the lower case and the upper case and having battery cell accommodating grooves, and battery cells housed in the battery cell accommodating grooves, wherein a shock absorbing member is provided between an outer surface of the module frame and an inner surface of the lower case to protect the module frame from external shock.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0157889 dated November 16, 2021, and all contents disclosed in the documents of that Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery pack with improved impact resistance, and more particularly to a battery pack with improved impact resistance that protects a battery module from internal vibrations and impacts and is easy to assemble. [Background technology]

[0003] Recently, the demand for secondary batteries that can store electric energy produced by the development of alternative energy sources due to air pollution caused by the use of fossil fuels and energy depletion is increasing. Secondary batteries that can be charged and discharged are widely used in various fields such as mobile devices, electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and industrial robots.

[0004] Secondary batteries are used as energy sources for various electronic devices that are essential in modern society, and the required capacity is increasing due to the increased use and complication of mobile devices and the development of electric vehicles, etc. To meet user demand, many battery cells are arranged in small devices, while automobiles use battery modules that electrically connect many battery cells or battery packs equipped with many such battery modules.

[0005] Meanwhile, a battery pack includes a battery pack case for packaging a battery module, and the battery module is fixed in the pack case to prevent vibration and impact. In conventional battery packs, the battery module is generally fixed in the battery pack case via a fastening structure such as a separate bolt and nut.

[0006] However, conventional fastening means such as bolts and nuts alone cannot completely protect the battery module from external impacts, and when a large number of bolts and nuts are used, fastening space is required, which inevitably increases the size of the battery pack. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent No. 2167632 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack having improved impact resistance, which is provided with a member capable of absorbing impact in the space between the battery module and the battery pack.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack having an easily assembled structure and improved impact resistance without increasing the size of the battery pack. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the battery pack according to the present invention includes a lower case (100) having a space of a predetermined size, an upper case (200) located on the upper part of the lower case (100) and fastened to the lower case (100), one or more module frames (300) housed in the space between the lower case (100) and the upper case (200) and having battery cell accommodating grooves (310), and battery cells housed in the battery cell accommodating grooves (310), and is characterized in that an impact absorbing member for protecting the module frame (300) from external impact is provided between the outer surface of the module frame (300) and the inner surface of the lower case (100).

[0011] In addition, in the battery pack according to the present invention, the impact absorbing member is a first stopper (400), which includes a columnar first pressing portion (410) that is in close contact with the outer surface of the module frame (300), and a pair of wing portions (420) extending a predetermined length from both side surfaces of the first pressing portion (410).

[0012] In addition, in the battery pack according to the present invention, a first receiving portion (110) for fixing the first stopper (400) is provided on a side wall of the lower case (100), and the first receiving portion (110) includes a receiving groove (111) surrounding a rear surface and a side surface so that the wing portion (420) is seated and fixed, a horizontal support step (112) supporting a bottom surface of the wing portion (420), a pair of vertical support steps (113) supporting a portion of a front surface of the wing portion (420), and an opening (114) provided between the pair of vertical support steps (113) so that the first pressing portion (410) protrudes forward by a predetermined length.

[0013] In the battery pack according to the present invention, the front surface of the first pressing portion (410) is shaped so that the center portion protrudes forward relatively more than the upper and lower portions in the height direction.

[0014] In the battery pack according to the present invention, the rear surface of the first pressing portion (410) is shaped so that the center portion protrudes rearward relatively more than the upper and lower portions in the height direction.

[0015] In addition, in the battery pack according to the present invention, the impact absorbing member is a second stopper (500), which includes a columnar second pressing portion (510) having one side in close contact with the outer surface of the module frame (300) and the other side in close contact with the inner surface of the lower case (100), a head portion (520) having one side in close contact with the outer surface of the lower case (100), and a connecting portion (530) connecting the second pressing portion (510) and the head portion (520).

[0016] In addition, in the battery pack according to the present invention, a second receiving portion (120) for fixing the second stopper (500) is provided on a side wall of the lower case (100), and the second receiving portion (120) includes a through hole (121) for locating the connecting portion (530), an outer support step (122) formed on an outer surface of the lower case (100) to support the head portion (520), and an inner support step (123) formed on an inner surface of the lower case (100) to support a portion of the second pressing portion (510).

[0017] In addition, in the battery pack according to the present invention, the second pressing portion (510), the head portion (520), and the connecting portion (530) are cylindrical, the diameter of the connecting portion (530) is relatively smaller than those of the second pressing portion (510) and the head portion (520), and the diameter of the through hole (121) is relatively smaller than those of the second pressing portion (510) and the head portion (520).

[0018] In the battery pack according to the present invention, the head portion (520) has a diameter larger than the diameter of the second pressing portion (510).

[0019] In the battery pack according to the present invention, a recess (511) is formed at one end of the second pressing portion (510) to form a predetermined space.

[0020] The present invention also provides a device equipped with the above-mentioned battery pack. Effect of the Invention

[0021] As described above, the battery pack with improved impact resistance according to the present invention has the advantage that the battery module can be protected from external impacts and vibrations by interposing a columnar first pressing portion made of an elastic material and a first stopper consisting of a pair of wing portions between the outer surface of the module frame and the inner surface of the case.

[0022] In addition, the battery pack with improved impact resistance according to the present invention has the advantage that the battery module can be protected from external impacts and vibrations by interposing a second stopper consisting of a columnar second pressing portion, a head, and a connecting portion made of an elastic material between the outer surface of the module frame and the inner surface of the case.

[0023] In addition, the battery pack with improved impact resistance according to the present invention has a storage section that is integrated with the case, which has the advantage that the first stopper and the second stopper can be stably stored and fixed.

[0024] Furthermore, the battery pack with improved impact resistance according to the present invention has a structure in which the first stopper and the second stopper can be easily attached to the case, and therefore has the advantage of being easy to assemble. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2 is an internal plan view of the battery pack shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of a first stopper attached to a battery pack according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 5] 4 is an enlarged view of a first receiving portion for receiving a first stopper in part A of FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of a module frame mounted on a battery pack according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part B in FIG. 2. [Figure 8] 4 is a front perspective view of a second stopper attached to a battery pack according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a perspective view of the second stopper shown in FIG. 8 as viewed from below. [Figure 10]13 is a perspective view of a second housing portion to which a second stopper is attached, as viewed from the outside of the lower case. FIG. [Figure 11] 13 is a perspective view of a second housing portion to which a second stopper is attached, as viewed from inside the lower case. FIG. [Figure 12] 3 is a perspective view for explaining a state in which a second stopper is attached to part B in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a perspective view of the second stopper seen from below before it is attached to the battery pack. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily carry out the present invention. However, in describing the operation principle of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in detail, detailed description of related well-known functions or configurations will be omitted if it is determined that such detailed description may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention.

[0027] In addition, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings for parts having similar functions and actions. Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be connected to another part, this includes not only the case where the part is directly connected to another part, but also the case where the part is indirectly connected via another element between the two parts. In addition, when a part includes a certain component, it does not mean that the other component is excluded, but that the part may further include the other component, unless otherwise specified.

[0028] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A battery pack having a shock absorbing member according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an internal plan view of the battery pack shown in FIG.

[0030] 1 and 2, a battery pack according to the present invention includes a lower case 100, an upper case 200, a module frame 300, and a first stopper 400 and a second stopper 500 which correspond to shock absorbing members.

[0031] For example, in the drawings, the lower case 100 is surrounded by a certain wall surface, but is not limited thereto, and may be replaced with a cover without a separate space.

[0032] Also, while four module frames 300 are shown mounted, this is merely an example and any number may be added or removed.

[0033] In addition, the first stoppers 400 are depicted as a pair located at the front and rear (top and bottom of the drawing) of one module frame 300 located on the leftmost side, and the second stoppers 500 are depicted as a pair located at the front and rear of the module frame 300 located on the rightmost side, but it is clear that a pair can be located at the front and rear of each module.

[0034] Also, only the first stoppers 400 may be attached to the front and rear of all the module frames 300, or the second stoppers 500 may be attached to the front and rear of all the module frames 300.

[0035] Furthermore, in the case of the module frame 300 adjacent to the side wall of the lower case 100, the protection member 302 may be provided on the side surface in addition to the front and rear.

[0036] When the battery pack is subjected to an external impact or encounters an abnormal condition such as being dropped, the first stopper 400 and the second stopper 500 described above protect the battery module housing the battery cells by absorbing the impact.

[0037] The lower case 100 has a space large enough to accommodate the module frame 300, and is surrounded by side walls to provide primary protection for the battery module from external impact. After the upper case 200 is seated on the lower case 100, the two can be fastened together by known fastening means, such as long bolts.

[0038] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is an oblique view of a first stopper attached to a battery pack according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a first accommodating portion for accommodating the first stopper in part A in FIG. 3, and FIG. 6 is an oblique view of a module frame attached to a battery pack according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] The first stopper of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0040] The first stopper 400 includes a columnar first pressing portion 410 that is in close contact with a pressing surface 320 that is the outer surface of the module frame 300, and a pair of wing portions 420 that extend a predetermined length from both side surfaces of the first pressing portion 410.

[0041] Specifically, when viewed from above, the first stopper 400 resembles a substantial T-shape. Here, it is preferable that the front surface of the first pressing portion 410, i.e., the portion that comes into close contact with the pressing surface 320 of the module frame 300, is formed in a shape that protrudes slightly forward (in the X-axis direction) to increase the pressing force, for example, to be slightly rounded along the circumferential direction.

[0042] On the other hand, when the height direction (Y-axis direction) is used as a reference, it is preferable that the center parts of the front and rear surfaces of the first pressing part 410 protrude slightly. Specifically, the front surface of the first pressing part 410 has a center part that protrudes relatively further forward than the upper and lower parts, and the rear surface has a center part that protrudes relatively further backward than the upper and lower parts.

[0043] This is not only to allow the module frame 300 to be fixed in place with even stronger force as described above, but also to prevent the first stopper 400 from coming out easily when it is stored in the first storage section on the side wall of the lower case 100, which will be described later.

[0044] In particular, since the central portions of the front and rear surfaces of the first pressing portion 410 protrude slightly from the lower portion, the first pressing portion 410 can be easily attached to the first receiving portion of the side wall of the lower case 100 .

[0045] Meanwhile, it is preferable that the upper surface of the first pressing portion 410 is provided with a first inclined surface 411 that is slightly inclined forward so that the module frame 300 to be mounted can be easily introduced into the lower case 100 along the first inclined surface 411.

[0046] Next, in the side wall of the lower case 100, that is, in the portion facing the pressing surface 320 of the module frame 300, a first receiving portion 110 for fixing the above-mentioned first stopper 400 is formed.

[0047] Specifically, the first receiving portion 110 includes a receiving groove 111 , a horizontal support level 112 , a pair of vertical support levels 113 , and an opening 114 .

[0048] The storage groove 111 has a shape capable of storing a part of the first pressing portion 410 and the wing portion 420 of the first stopper 400, and when viewed from above, has a roughly rectangular structure and is in close contact with the rear surface of the first pressing portion 410 and a part of the surface of the wing portion 420.

[0049] The horizontal support step 112 supports the bottom surface of the wing portion 420 so that the first stopper 400 cannot drop downward, and the pair of vertical support steps 113 block part of the front surface of the wing portion 420 to prevent the first stopper 400 from slipping forward.

[0050] The opening 114 is provided between the pair of vertical support stages 113. The first pressing part 410 protrudes forward through the opening 114 by a predetermined length to press the pressing surface 320 of the module frame 300.

[0051] 6, a bolt fastening groove 330 is provided under the side of the module frame 300 to primarily fasten the lower case 100 and the module frame 300. Therefore, it is preferable to first fasten the lower case 100 and the module frame 300 using a bolt 340 after the module frame 300 is accommodated in the lower case 100, and then attach the first stopper 400 to the first receiving portion 110.

[0052] Of course, it goes without saying that when the first stopper 400 is attached to the first accommodating portion 110, the first pressing portion 410 must be long enough to reliably press the pressing surface 320 of the module frame 300.

[0053] Meanwhile, the first stopper 400 is not particularly limited as long as it is made of a material having a predetermined elasticity, and as an example, it may be made of a silicon material.

[0054] Although the battery cells are not shown in FIG. 6, the battery cell receiving grooves 310 of the module frame 300 receive battery cells, more specifically cylindrical battery cells.

[0055] A cylindrical battery cell typically includes an electrode assembly, an insulating member, a positive electrode lead wire, a cap assembly, and a battery can housing the above components. The electrode assembly may be a jelly-roll type electrode assembly in which a separator is interposed between long sheet-like positive and negative electrodes and then rolled up, a stack type electrode assembly in which rectangular positive and negative electrodes are stacked with a separator interposed therebetween, a stack folding type electrode assembly in which unit cells are rolled up with a long separator film, or a lamination stack type electrode assembly in which unit cells are stacked with a separator interposed therebetween and attached to each other.

[0056] In general, a positive electrode lead attached to an upper end of an electrode assembly is electrically connected to a cap assembly, and a negative electrode lead attached to a lower end of the electrode assembly is connected to the bottom of a battery can. Meanwhile, an insulating member may be located on the upper part of the electrode assembly, and the insulating member serves to insulate the electrode assembly from the cap assembly.

[0057] The cap assembly is located on the insulating member, electrically connected to the positive electrode lead wire attached to the upper end of the electrode assembly, and coupled to the upper open end of the battery can to seal the electrode assembly contained inside the battery can.

[0058] Specifically, the cap assembly is formed by stacking a current interrupting member, a current interrupting gasket, a safety vent, and a top cap in this order from the bottom up, and a crimping gasket and a welding holder may be positioned on the outer edges of the safety vent and the top cap.

[0059] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of portion B in FIG. 2, FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a second stopper attached to a battery pack according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the second stopper shown in FIG. 8.

[0060] The second stopper 500 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0061] The second stopper 500 includes a columnar second pressing portion 510 , a head portion 520 , and a connecting portion 530 .

[0062] Specifically, the second pressing portion 510 is preferably cylindrical with a predetermined diameter and length and a slightly curved end structure so that one side is in close contact with the pressing surface 320 of the module frame 300 and the other side is in close contact with the inner surface of the lower case 100.

[0063] Here, it is preferable that one side end of the second pressing part 510, i.e., the part that comes into close contact with the pressing surface 320 of the module frame 300, is provided with a recess 511 that is recessed inward to form a predetermined space. This is because the space formed by the recess 511 can further reduce impact.

[0064] The head 520 is located on the outer surface of the lower case 100. The inner surface of the head 520 is in close contact with the outer surface of the lower case 100 and may have a round shape with a predetermined thickness, and the connecting portion 530 is configured to connect the second pressing portion 510 and the head 520.

[0065] Figure 10 is an oblique view of the second accommodating section in which the second stopper is attached, viewed from the outside of the lower case, Figure 11 is an oblique view of the second accommodating section in which the second stopper is attached, viewed from the inside of the lower case, and Figure 12 is an oblique view for explaining the form in which the second stopper is attached to part B of Figure 2.

[0066] The second receiving portion 120 for fixing the second stopper 500 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0067] The side wall of the lower case 100, more specifically, the portion facing the pressing surface 320 of the module frame 300, is provided with a second receiving portion 120 for fixing the above-mentioned second stopper 500.

[0068] Specifically, the second receiving portion 120 includes a through hole 121 , an outer supporting portion 122 and an inner supporting portion 123 .

[0069] First, the through hole 121 is a portion where the connecting part 530 is located, and it securely supports the connecting part 530. The through hole 121 is slightly smaller in diameter than the connecting part 530 so as to prevent moisture from entering, and the head part 520 is supported by the outer support step 122.

[0070] Here, it is preferable that the outer support step 122 is slightly recessed inwardly of the side wall so as not to protrude outwardly from the outer surface of the lower case 100 when the head 520 is positioned, and it is preferable that the outer support step 122 has a circular shape corresponding to the outer shape of the head 520 while being slightly larger than the diameter of the head 520.

[0071] It is preferable that the inner support step 123 is slightly recessed so as to support a portion of the second pressing portion 510, i.e., the vicinity of the connecting portion 530, and more preferably has the same circular shape as the outer shape of the connecting portion 530 but is slightly larger in diameter than the connecting portion 530.

[0072] Meanwhile, it is preferable that the diameter of the head portion 520 is the largest, followed by the second pressing portion 510 and the connecting portion 530. This is to facilitate attachment of the second stopper 500 to the second receiving portion 120 and to prevent the second stopper 500 from easily coming off.

[0073] It is clear that when the second stopper 500 is attached to the second accommodating portion 120, the second pressing portion 510 must be long enough to reliably press against the pressing surface 320 of the module frame 300.

[0074] The process of mounting the module frame 300 in the second accommodating portion 120 is preferably carried out by first fixing the lower case 100 and the module frame 300 together using bolts after mounting the module frame 300 in the lower case 100 as described for the first accommodating portion 110, and then mounting the second stopper 500 in the second accommodating portion 120.

[0075] Here, the detailed assembly method of the second stopper 500 is as follows. The second pressing portion 510 passes through the through hole 121 and is pressed from the outer side to the inner side of the lower case 100 until it reaches the inner support step 123 .

[0076] Meanwhile, the second stopper 500 may be made of the same material as the first stopper 400 .

[0077] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the second stopper before it is attached to the battery pack, as seen from below. The second stopper 500 shown in Fig. 13 has one side connected to the recess 511 and further includes a gripping bar 512 that is smaller in diameter than the through hole 121 but extends long, and the remaining configuration is the same as that described above.

[0078] The gripping rod 512 can facilitate the assembly of the second stopper 500. Specifically, the gripping rod 512 is first inserted into the through-hole 121, and then the head 520 is pushed in while pulling the gripping rod 512 with one hand. Of course, after the second stopper 500 is completely assembled into the second receiving part 120, a part of the gripping rod 512 may be cut off.

[0079] Such battery packs can be used as power sources for a variety of devices.

[0080] Although certain parts of the present invention have been described in detail above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such specific techniques are merely preferred embodiments and do not limit the scope of the present invention. It is possible to make various changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention and the technical ideas thereof, and it goes without saying that such changes and modifications are also included in the scope of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 100 Lower Case 110 First storage section 111 Storage groove 112 Horizontal support stage 113 Vertical support stage 114 Open mouth 120 Second storage section 121 Through Hole 122 Outer support step 123 Inner support stage 200 Upper Case 300 module frame 310 Battery cell housing groove 320 Pressing surface 330 Bolt fastening groove 340 Volts 400 First Stopper 410 First pressing part 411 1st slope 420 Wing 500 Second Stopper 510 Second pressing part 511 Depression 512 Gripping rod 520 Head 521 2nd slope 530 Connection section

Claims

1. a lower case having a space of a predetermined size; an upper case located on an upper portion of the lower case and fastened to the lower case; one or more module frames housed in the spaces of the lower case and the upper case and having battery cell receiving grooves; a battery cell to be accommodated in the battery cell accommodating groove; Including, a shock absorbing member is provided between an outer surface of the module frame and an inner surface of the lower case to protect the module frame from an external shock, The impact absorbing member includes a first stopper, The first stopper is a columnar first pressing portion that is in close contact with an outer surface of the module frame; a pair of wing portions extending a predetermined length from both side surfaces of the first pressing portion; Including, a first receiving portion for fixing the first stopper is provided on a side wall of the lower case, The first housing portion includes a housing groove in which the wing portion is seated and fixed.

2. The first storage section includes a storage groove surrounding a rear surface and a side surface so that the wing portion is seated and fixed, A horizontal support stage supporting a bottom surface of the wing portion; A pair of vertical support steps supporting a front portion of the wing portion; an opening provided between the pair of vertical support steps so that the first pressing portion protrudes forward by a predetermined length; The battery pack of claim 1 , comprising:

3. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the front surface of the first pressing portion has a shape in which a center portion protrudes forward relatively more than upper and lower portions in a height direction.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the rear surface of the first pressing portion has a shape in which a central portion protrudes rearward relatively more than upper and lower portions in a height direction.

5. The impact absorbing member further includes a second stopper, The second stopper is a columnar second pressing portion, one side of which is in close contact with an outer surface of the module frame and the other side of which is in close contact with an inner surface of the lower case; a head portion, one side of which is in intimate contact with an outer surface of the lower case; A connecting portion that connects the second pressing portion and the head portion; The battery pack of claim 1 , comprising:

6. A lower case having a space of a predetermined size; an upper case located on an upper portion of the lower case and fastened to the lower case; one or more module frames housed in the spaces of the lower case and the upper case and having battery cell receiving grooves; a battery cell to be accommodated in the battery cell accommodating groove; Including, a shock absorbing member is provided between an outer surface of the module frame and an inner surface of the lower case to protect the module frame from an external shock, The impact absorbing member includes a second stopper, The second stopper is a columnar second pressing portion, one side of which is in close contact with an outer surface of the module frame and the other side of which is in close contact with an inner surface of the lower case; a head portion, one side of which is in intimate contact with an outer surface of the lower case; A connecting portion that connects the second pressing portion and the head portion; Including, a second receiving portion for fixing the second stopper is provided on a side wall of the lower case; The second receiving portion has a through hole in which the connecting portion is positioned; an outer support step formed on an outer surface of the lower case to support the head portion; an inner support step formed on an inner surface of the lower case to support a portion of the second pressing portion; Including the battery pack.

7. The second pressing portion, the head portion, and the connecting portion have a cylindrical shape, and a diameter of the connecting portion is relatively smaller than a diameter of the second pressing portion and the head portion. The battery pack according to claim 6 , wherein a diameter of the through hole is relatively smaller than a diameter of the second pressing portion and a diameter of the head portion.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7 , wherein a diameter of the head portion is larger than a diameter of the second pressing portion.

9. The battery pack according to claim 6 , wherein a recess is formed at one end of the second pressing portion to form a predetermined space.

10. A device equipped with a battery pack described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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