Battery case

Abstract

To provide a battery case which effectively performs absorption of an external impact, and can support a shape of a battery pack, and further can stably fix the battery pack.SOLUTION: A battery case comprises: a base plate member 10; a support member 20 that surrounds the base plate member 10, is formed in a closed section, and supports the base plate member 10; and an absorption member 30 that is coupled to an external side surface of the support member 20, and forms the closed section to absorb an external impact. The absorption member 30 and the support member 20 are integrally formed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a battery case. vinegar

Background Art

[0002] The battery pack of an electric vehicle is configured in a form in which a large number of modules, which are aggregates of secondary battery cells, are mounted inside.

[0003] A vehicle equipped with a battery pack may lead to the occurrence of a fire or explosion during a vehicle collision, posing a serious risk to the driver and passengers.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery case that can effectively absorb an external impact and support the shape of a battery pack. S

[0005] In another aspect, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery case that can stably fix a battery pack. S

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A battery case according to an embodiment may include a base plate member, a support member that surrounds the base plate member and is formed with a closed cross-section to support the base plate member, and an absorption member that is coupled to an outer surface of the support member to form a closed cross-section and absorbs an external impact.

[0007] Specifically, the absorption member of a battery case according to an embodiment may include a facing plate portion disposed at a certain distance from the support member, and a partition plate portion disposed between the support member and the facing plate portion.

[0008] ​​​In this embodiment, the spacing plate portion of the battery case includes wrinkle-inducing grooves in at least a part of it, and these wrinkle-inducing grooves can be formed in the form of bellows.

[0009] In one embodiment, the absorbent member of the battery case is formed by shaping both ends of a plate into a square closed cross-section, then bending the center of the plate at a right angle to form a contact point where the vertices of the square closed cross-sections on both sides meet, and then welding the contact point to form the absorbent member and the support member as a single unit.

[0010] Furthermore, the support member of the battery case according to one embodiment may be provided with a support pipe inside that forms a closed cross-section.

[0011] Furthermore, a battery case according to one embodiment may include a pack fixing member, one end of which is connected to the base plate member and the other end of which is bent, and which supports the upper surface of the battery pack mounted on the base plate member.

[0012] In this embodiment, the pack fixing member of the battery case can be provided in a form that is continuous in the width direction of the base plate member.

[0013] Furthermore, the battery case according to one embodiment may include a holding member that is coupled to the upper part of the pack fixing member.

[0014] In this embodiment, the holding member of the battery case can have a recess formed in the gap between a plurality of adjacent pack fixing members.

[0015] Furthermore, the recess in the battery case according to one embodiment can be provided in the form of a leaf spring that expands outward due to its elasticity.

[0016] Furthermore, the holding member of the battery case according to one embodiment can be provided in a form in which a cushioning material is filled into the recess.

[0017] An automobile according to one embodiment may include the aforementioned battery case on which a plurality of battery packs are mounted, an engine connected to the battery packs to provide driving force, and a vehicle frame on which the engine is mounted and to which the battery case is connected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] The battery case of the present invention and the automobile including it have the advantage of being able to effectively absorb external shocks and support the shape of the battery pack.

[0019] This prevents problems such as the battery pack deforming and exploding, or exploding due to direct external impact.

[0020] In other respects, the battery case of the present invention and the automobile including it have the advantage of being able to securely fix the battery pack.

[0021] However, the diverse yet significant advantages and effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above and can be more easily understood in the process of describing specific embodiments of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a battery case according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment in which wrinkle-guiding grooves are formed in the absorbent material of the battery case. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the absorbent material of the battery case is formed by roll forming. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment in which a support pipe is provided on the support member of the battery case. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which the battery case includes a pack fixing member. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which the battery case includes a pack fixing member. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which the battery case includes a pack fixing member. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment in which the battery case includes a holding member. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment in which the holding member of the battery case includes a cushioning material. [Figure 10] This is a configuration diagram showing a battery case according to an embodiment and an automobile including the same.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] An electric vehicle equipped with a battery pack is provided with a vehicle body collision reinforcing member and a battery pack itself reinforcing member in preparation for a collision accident.

[0024] The battery case is important for anti-collision characteristics in order to protect the internal battery pack, and it is important to reinforce the rigidity against various vibrations induced from the road surface during vehicle operation.

[0025] Here, the upper cover member and the lower base member that bear the outer surface of the battery case are mainly manufactured by press molding, and a number of reinforcing members can be added inside and outside the battery case to reinforce such a battery case so that the performance can be satisfied.

[0026] The reinforcing member needs to satisfy two roles of absorbing an external impact and protecting the battery pack so that it maintains its shape and does not explode.

[0027] However, while conventional reinforcing materials can maintain the shape of the battery pack by reinforcing its rigidity, they have the problem of not being able to effectively absorb external impacts due to deformation.

[0028] Furthermore, conventional battery cases have a problem in that the pack fixing member that secures the top of the battery pack is easily broken, making it difficult to stably fix the battery pack in place.

[0029] Herein, the applicant proposes a battery case and an automobile including the same that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0030] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Such embodiments can be modified into several other forms, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention are provided to give a more complete explanation of the present invention to a person of average skill in the art. Accordingly, the shapes and sizes of elements in the drawings may be enlarged or reduced (or highlighted or simplified) for a clearer explanation.

[0031] Furthermore, singular expressions in this specification include plural expressions unless they clearly mean something different in context, and the same or similarly assigned reference numerals throughout the specification refer to the same or corresponding components.

[0032] Referring to Figure 1, one embodiment of the battery case 1 may include a base plate member 10, a support member 20, and an absorbent member 30.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the support member 20 can be connected to the corner portion of the base plate member 10.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the support member 20 can be formed with a closed cross-section.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the absorbent member 30 can cooperate with the outer surface of the support member 20 to form a closed cross-section. Specifically, the absorbent member 30 may have an open structure on one side that is in contact with the support member 20, but by connecting with the support member 20, the internal space of the absorbent member can form a closed cross-section.

[0036] Thus, the battery case 1 according to one embodiment, in addition to reinforcing rigidity by including the support member 20, can effectively absorb external impacts by converting them into deformation energy by including the absorption member 30.

[0037] In other words, the support member 20 plays the role of rigid reinforcement, enabling the base plate member 10 to maintain its shape against external impacts, and the absorbing member 30 can be configured to compress and deform in response to external impacts, thereby absorbing those impacts.

[0038] This improves the problem of external impacts being applied to the battery pack 2 mounted on the base plate member 10, and further improves the problem of the battery pack 2 being damaged or exploding due to external impacts.

[0039] The base plate member 10 is the part in which the battery pack 2 is mounted and housed. Furthermore, the support members 20 are provided at the corners of the base plate member 10, allowing the base plate member 10 to maintain its shape against external impacts. This prevents the battery pack 2 mounted on the base plate member 10 from deforming or breaking and exploding due to external impacts.

[0040] In one embodiment, the support member 20 can reinforce the rigidity of the base plate member 10 by forming a closed cross-sectional shape that enhances its rigidity against external impacts.

[0041] In one embodiment, the support member 20 may further include a support pipe 21 inside the closed cross-section to further enhance its rigidity. A detailed explanation of this will be given later with reference to Figure 4.

[0042] The absorbing member 30 according to one embodiment can absorb external impacts while deforming in shape in response to them. For this purpose, the absorbing member 30 is coupled to the outer surface of the support member 20, thereby allowing it to be formed in a closed cross-sectional shape.

[0043] In one embodiment, the absorbing member 30 is positioned outside the support member 20, so that external impacts are transmitted to it before the support member 20, allowing it to absorb external impacts while deforming first. This improves the problem of external impacts being transmitted to the battery pack 2 attached to the base plate member 10.

[0044] In one embodiment, the absorbent member 30 can have wrinkle-guiding grooves 32a formed to enhance its effect of absorbing external impacts through deformation of its shape due to external impacts. A detailed explanation of this will be given later with reference to Figure 2.

[0045] In one embodiment, the absorbent member 30 can be formed by roll forming and integrally with the support member 20. A detailed explanation of this will be given later with reference to Figure 3.

[0046] Referring to Figure 2, the absorption member 30 of the battery case 1 according to one embodiment may include a facing plate portion 31 that is positioned at a certain distance from the support member 20, and a spacing plate portion 32 provided between the support member 20 and the facing plate portion 31.

[0047] In one embodiment, the absorbing member 30 may include a wrinkle-guiding groove 32a formed in at least a portion of the spacing plate portion 32. This allows the absorbing member 30 in one embodiment to enhance its effect of absorbing external impacts through shape deformation caused by external impacts.

[0048] In one embodiment, the wrinkle-inducing groove 32a forms a point where stress is concentrated when an external impact is applied, thereby inducing deformation to occur in the wrinkle-inducing groove 32a compared to other parts. Therefore, when the absorbing member 30 is subjected to an external impact, it can absorb the external impact energy while undergoing shape deformation in the wrinkle-inducing groove 32a.

[0049] In one embodiment, the opposing plate portion 31 is the portion facing the support member 20 and is positioned on the outer surface of the support member 20. The opposing plate portion 31 cooperates with the spacing plate portion 32 and the outer surface of the support member 20 to form a closed cross-section.

[0050] In one embodiment, the spacing plate portion 32 is provided between the opposing plate portion 31 and the support member 20. Specifically, the spacing plate portion 32 is the portion that extends from both ends of the opposing plate portion 31 to the support member 20.

[0051] In one embodiment, a wrinkle-inducing groove 32a is formed in the spacing plate portion 32, causing stress to concentrate in response to external impacts and inducing deformation. As a result, the external impact force is dissipated into the deformation energy of the spacing plate portion 32.

[0052] As a result, the battery case 1 according to one embodiment can prevent the problem of the battery pack 2 exploding due to external impact being directly transmitted to it.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the battery case 1 includes an absorbing member 30 that absorbs external shocks while deforming in shape, thereby reducing the external shocks transmitted to the battery pack 2.

[0054] In one embodiment, the wrinkle-guiding groove 32a can be formed in a continuous, bent shape along the width direction of the spacing plate portion 32. For example, the wrinkle-guiding groove 32a can be formed in a bellows shape.

[0055] Such a wrinkle-inducing groove 32a forms a bellows shape with continuous bending, allowing stress to be concentrated at multiple points, thereby enabling the absorbing member 30 to deform while more effectively absorbing external impacts.

[0056] Referring to Figure 3, in one embodiment, the absorbent member 30 of the battery case 1 can be formed by roll forming so as to be integrally formed with the support member 20. Square closed cross-sections are formed at both ends of the plate material B. Subsequently, the plate material B is bent at a right angle at the center portion C so that the vertices of the square closed cross-sections on both sides come into contact. Once the contact point P at the vertices is formed, the absorbent member 30 and the support member 20 can be integrally formed by welding and fixing the contact point P portion.

[0057] More specifically, a sheet material B is first provided, and both ends of this sheet material B are formed into a square closed cross-section by roll forming. As an example, see Figure 3(a).

[0058] Subsequently, for example, the center portion C, which corresponds to twice the length of one side of the closed square section, can be folded vertically. In this way, one vertex of the closed square section formed at both ends of the plate material B comes into contact with each other. The contact point P where the vertices meet is welded. As an example, see Figure 3(b).

[0059] This forms a support member 20 that is integrally formed with the absorbent member 30.

[0060] Thus, by forming the absorbent member 30 integrally with the support member 20, the bond between the absorbent member 30 and the support member 20 becomes even stronger, improving durability. Furthermore, since the roll forming method allows for molding without constraints on the strength of the material, it has the advantage of being able to use lightweight yet high-strength materials.

[0061] Referring to Figure 4, the support member 20 of the battery case 1 according to one embodiment may further include a support pipe 21 inside which a closed cross section is formed to further reinforce rigidity.

[0062] By providing a tubular support pipe 21 inside the support member 20 along its length, the effect of reinforcing the rigidity of the support member 20 can be further enhanced. Such a support pipe 21 can be joined inside the support member 20 by welding or by adhesive.

[0063] Figures 5 to 7 are perspective views showing an embodiment in which the battery case 1 includes the pack fixing member 40. Here, Figure 5 shows the battery case 1 including the pack fixing member 40 but without the battery pack 2 installed, Figure 6 is a disassembled view of Figure 5 by its components, and Figure 7 shows the battery case 1 including the pack fixing member 40 but with the battery pack 2 installed.

[0064] Referring to the above drawings, one embodiment of the battery case 1 includes a pack fixing member 40 that supports the upper surface of the battery pack 2 mounted on the base plate member 10, with one end (e.g., the lower part) connected to the base plate member 10 and the other end (e.g., the upper part) in a folded form.

[0065] In this way, the pack fixing member 40 is configured to support the upper surface of the battery pack 2 mounted on the base plate member 10, thereby stably supporting the battery pack 2.

[0066] For this purpose, the pack fixing member 40 can, for example, be formed with a cross-section that is approximately "￢" shaped. The lower end of the pack fixing member 40 is connected to the base plate member 10, and the other end, which is bent in shape, can come into contact with the upper surface of the battery pack 2.

[0067] In this embodiment, the battery case 1 pack fixing member 40 can be provided in a form that is continuous in the width direction of the base plate member 10.

[0068] Thus, the shape of the pack fixing member 40 can reinforce the rigidity that supports the base plate member 10 in the width direction.

[0069] Specifically, the pack fixing member 40 is formed to a length corresponding to the width of the base plate member 10 and is arranged continuously in the width direction of the base plate member 10, so that the pack fixing member 40 can play a role in supporting external impacts applied to the side of the base plate member 10. Furthermore, since the pack fixing member 40 has a cross-section that is bent into a roughly "￢" shape, the effect of rigidity reinforcement can be further enhanced.

[0070] This makes it possible to reduce the size of the lateral reinforcing members 60 that may be separately provided to reinforce the rigidity of the base plate member 10, or to eliminate the configuration of the lateral reinforcing members 60 altogether. This makes it possible to secure space for the battery pack 2 and create a high energy density, and also enables weight reduction of automobiles and other vehicles in which the battery case 1 and the like are provided.

[0071] Furthermore, the base plate member 10 may also be provided with a cooling plate member 70 for cooling the battery pack 2. Such a cooling plate member 70 may have cooling channels formed in it through which a cooling fluid flows.

[0072] Furthermore, a cover member may be provided on the upper surface of the battery pack 2 mounted on the base plate member 10.

[0073] In one embodiment of the battery case 1, the cover member may be positioned facing the base plate member 10 and include a dome portion that covers the upper surface of the battery pack 2 mounted on the base plate member 10, and a flange portion that is bent at the corner of the dome portion in a way that gives it corners and fastened to the support member 20.

[0074] Furthermore, in addition to the lateral reinforcing member 60 that supports the base plate member 10 in the width direction, the base plate member 10 may also be provided with a vertical reinforcing member that supports the base plate member 10 in the length direction.

[0075] For example, the vertical reinforcing member is provided in a continuous form along the length direction of the base plate member 10. The reinforcing member may have a through groove formed in the portion that intersects with the pack fixing member 40.

[0076] Referring to Figure 8, one embodiment of the battery case 1 may include a holding member 50 that is coupled to the upper part of a plurality of adjacent pack fixing members 40, each supporting a battery pack 2.

[0077] The holding member 50 enables the pack fixing member 40 to support the battery pack 2 more stably. By connecting the holding member 50 to the upper parts of a plurality of adjacent pack fixing members 40, the adjacent pack fixing members 40 can be supported more stably.

[0078] Here, the holding member 50 may be simply a plate, but a recess 51 may be formed in the holding member 50. By fitting such a recess 51 into the gap between adjacent pack fixing members 40, the pack fixing members 40 on both sides can be stably joined together.

[0079] The recess 51 can be configured in a shape that is recessed downward, and the width of the recess 51 can be formed to correspond to the gap between adjacent pack fixing members 40.

[0080] As a result, even when the pack fixing members 40 on both sides are subjected to an outward force by the battery pack 2, the pack fixing members 40 are supported by the recesses 51 so as not to be pushed outward.

[0081] Furthermore, the recess 51 of the battery case 1 according to one embodiment can be provided in the form of a leaf spring that expands outward due to its elasticity.

[0082] As a result, the holding member 50 elastically supports the pack fixing member 40, thereby enabling the holding member 50 to stably support the pack fixing member 40 while flexibly responding to external shocks or vibrations.

[0083] In other words, the recess 51 applies an outward expanding elastic force to the pack fixing members 40 on both sides. Therefore, when the force acting on the pack fixing members 40 as they are pushed outward is greater than the expanding elastic force, the recess 51 supports the pack fixing members 40 while partially contracting. On the other hand, when the force acting on the pack fixing members 40 as they are pushed outward becomes less than the expanding elastic force, the pack fixing members 40 maintain their original position due to the expanding elastic force of the recess 51.

[0084] Therefore, the holding member 50 can flexibly support the pack fixing member 40 in accordance with the applied force.

[0085] The leaf spring shape of the recess 51 can be either a form that forms an inwardly recessed cross-section, as shown in Figure 8, or a bellows form. Such a recess 51 can provide an expansion elastic force within its elastic deformation range. However, the leaf spring shape of the recess 51 is not necessarily limited to this, and any other leaf spring shape can be used for the recess 51 as long as it can provide an expansion elastic force to the pack fixing member 40.

[0086] Referring to Figure 9, in one embodiment, the holding member 50 of the battery case 1 can be provided in a form in which the recess 51 is filled with cushioning material 52.

[0087] When the holding member 50 supports the pack fixing members 40 on both sides, the cushioning material 52 is provided in the recess 51, which further stabilizes the problem of the pack fixing members 40 spreading outwards.

[0088] The cushioning material 52 can be made of a sponge, foamed metal, or the like, which can restore its shape. The cushioning material 52 can serve to push the pack fixing member 40 back into its original position.

[0089] Referring to Figure 10, an automobile according to one embodiment may include a battery case 1 on which a plurality of battery packs 2 are mounted, an engine 4 connected to the battery packs 2 to provide driving force, and a vehicle frame 3 to which the battery case 1 is attached.

[0090] The automobile, including the aforementioned battery case 1, can effectively absorb external shocks and maintain the shape of the battery pack 2, thereby preventing damage or explosion of the battery pack 2.

[0091] In other respects, the automobile includes the aforementioned battery case 1, which can stably secure the battery pack 2 and stably support the pack fixing member 40 while flexibly responding to external shocks or vibrations.

[0092] The above-mentioned vehicle frame 3 forms the shape of an automobile, and an engine 4 that generates driving force is installed within it.

[0093] The engine 4 is connected to the battery pack 2 installed in the battery case 1, and can generate driving force by receiving electrical energy from the battery pack 2. Conversely, the engine 4 can also charge the battery pack 2.

[0094] This embodiment relates to a battery case 1 and an automobile including it, which can effectively absorb external shocks and maintain the shape of the battery pack 2. This prevents problems such as the battery pack 2 exploding while deforming or exploding due to direct transmission of external shocks to the battery pack 2.

[0095] In one embodiment, the battery case 1 includes a support member 20, which helps maintain the shape of the battery case 1 so that the battery pack 2 is not damaged by deformation or other means due to external impact. Furthermore, the battery case 1 includes an absorbing member 30 that absorbs external impact while deforming, thereby reducing the external impact transmitted to the battery pack 2.

[0096] In one embodiment, the battery case 1 includes a pack fixing member 40, which allows for stable fixing of the battery pack 2. Furthermore, the pack fixing member 40 can also serve to reinforce the rigidity of the battery case 1.

[0097] Furthermore, the battery case 1 according to one embodiment includes a holding member 50, which allows the pack fixing member 40 to support the battery pack 2 more stably. Moreover, by elastically supporting the pack fixing member 40, the holding member 50 can stably support the pack fixing member 40 while flexibly responding to external shocks or vibrations.

[0098] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, it will be clear to those with ordinary skill in the art that the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and that various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the technical idea of ​​the present invention as described in the claims. [Industrial applicability]

[0099] As described above, this embodiment is useful, for example, in automobiles equipped with a battery pack.

Claims

1. Base plate member, A support member surrounds the base plate member, is formed with a closed cross-section, and supports the base plate member, The absorbing member is connected to the outer surface of the support member to form a closed cross-section and absorbs external impacts. Includes, When both ends of a sheet material are formed into a square closed cross-section, and then the center of the sheet material is bent at a right angle to form a contact point where the vertices of the two square closed cross-sections meet, A battery case in which the absorbing member and the supporting member are integrally formed by welding the contact portion.

2. The absorbent member is A facing plate portion is positioned at a certain distance from the support member, A spacing plate portion is disposed between the support member and the opposing plate portion. The battery case according to claim 1, including the battery case according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned spacing plate portion includes wrinkle-guiding grooves in at least a part of it. The battery case according to claim 2, wherein the wrinkle-inducing grooves are formed in the form of bellows.

4. The battery case according to claim 1, wherein the support member is provided with a support pipe inside which a closed cross-section is formed.

5. The battery case according to claim 1, further comprising a pack fixing member, one end of which is connected to the base plate member and the other end of which is provided in a bent form, and which supports the upper surface of the battery pack mounted on the base plate member.

6. The battery case according to claim 5, wherein the pack fixing member is provided in a form that is continuous in the width direction of the base plate member.

7. The battery case according to claim 5, further comprising a holding member coupled to the upper part of the pack fixing member.

8. The battery case according to claim 7, wherein the holding member has a recess formed in the gap between a plurality of adjacent pack fixing members.

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