Battery pack and vehicle including the same

Abstract

A battery pack according to the present invention is a battery pack configured by stacking a plurality of cell array structure assemblies together, wherein each of the cell array structure assemblies comprises: a plurality of cell array structures configured by stacking together; and a pack frame covering at least a portion of the side of the plurality of stacked cell array structures, and each of the cell array structures comprises a plurality of battery cells.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and an automobile including the same, and more specifically, to a battery pack with improved assemblability and an automobile including the same. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, as the demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras, and mobile phones has increased rapidly, and the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, and satellites has accelerated, research on high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging is actively underway.

[0003] Currently commercialized rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium-ion batteries. Among these, lithium-ion batteries are gaining attention for their advantages, such as the ability to freely charge and discharge with almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based batteries, a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0004] These lithium-ion secondary batteries primarily use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative active materials, respectively. Additionally, the lithium-ion secondary battery comprises an electrode assembly in which a positive plate and a negative plate, each coated with the positive and negative active materials, are arranged with a separator in between, and an outer casing that seals and encloses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0005] Meanwhile, lithium-ion rechargeable batteries can be classified according to the shape of the battery case into pouch-type rechargeable batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in an aluminum laminate sheet pouch, and can-type rechargeable batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a metal can. Furthermore, can-type rechargeable batteries can be further classified into cylindrical batteries and prismatic batteries depending on the shape of the metal can. These lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are utilized as battery modules or battery packs, which are assembled into a dense structure by overlapping or stacking multiple battery cells—either directly or mounted in cartridges—and electrically connected to provide high voltage and high current.

[0006] Recently, research and development on battery packs comprising a single module or cell assembly (hereinafter referred to as a cell array structure) having enhanced structural rigidity by standing multiple cylindrical battery cells upright and densely packed has been active. In particular, there is a trend toward increasing the size of cell array structures to enhance energy capacity.

[0007] Furthermore, medium-to-large battery packs featuring a multi-layer stacked cell array structure are being developed recently. However, in conventional battery packs, the assembly process involved inserting multiple cell array structures into the pack only after they had all been stacked to their final state. Consequently, the excessive weight and size of the stacked cell array structures made them difficult to handle, leading to poor assemblability of the battery pack. The problem to be solved

[0008] The present invention was conceived in consideration of the technical background described above, and has one objective of providing a battery pack with improved assemblability and an automobile including the same.

[0009] The technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. means of solving the problem

[0010] A battery pack according to the present invention is a battery pack configured by stacking a plurality of cell array structure assemblies together, wherein each of the cell array structure assemblies comprises: a plurality of cell array structures configured by stacking together; and a pack frame covering at least a portion of the side of the plurality of stacked cell array structures, and each of the cell array structures comprises a plurality of battery cells.

[0011] The mutual stacking direction of a plurality of the cell array structure assemblies can be formed to be the same as the mutual stacking direction of a plurality of the cell array structures within the cell array structure assembly.

[0012] A plurality of the above cell array structure assemblies are stacked in the vertical direction, and the pack frame of the cell array structure assembly positioned at the bottom and the pack frame of the cell array structure assembly positioned at the top can be combined with each other.

[0013] The pack frame of the cell array structure assembly positioned at the bottom and the pack frame of the cell array structure assembly positioned at the top can be joined by bolting them to each other.

[0014] Each of the above cell array structures is configured to have an inlet portion for introducing a cooling medium; and an outlet portion for discharging a cooling medium, and the inlet portions of each of two adjacent cell array structures and the outlet portions of each of two adjacent cell array structures are connected to each other by a cooling hose, and the cooling hose may be extended in a long direction in the stacking direction of a plurality of cell array structures.

[0015] The cooling hose can be simultaneously aligned and assembled between two adjacent cell array structures during the stacking assembly process of two adjacent cell array structures.

[0016] In each of the above cell array structures, the inlet portion may be positioned at the lower side of one side, and the outlet portion may be positioned at the upper side of the other side.

[0017] A battery pack according to the present invention further comprises a pack lid disposed at the top of the battery pack and covering an adjacent cell array structure, wherein the pack lid has a cooling device connection portion configured to connect the inlet portion of the adjacent cell array structure and a cooling device provided on the outside of the battery pack to provide a circulating force of a cooling medium, and the cooling device connection portion can be assembled by being aligned simultaneously with the cooling hose communicating with the adjacent inlet portion during the assembly process of the pack lid.

[0018] A battery pack according to the present invention further comprises a mounting bracket configured to be bolted together with a pack frame so that the battery pack can be mounted on an external device, and at least the pack frame coupled to the mounting bracket may have a rigidity reinforcing block configured to reinforce the fastening strength with the mounting bracket.

[0019] The above rigidity reinforcement block comprises steel material, and the remaining part of the pack frame excluding the above rigidity reinforcement block may comprise aluminum material.

[0020] The above pack frame may be configured such that the interior of at least some of the remaining areas, excluding the rigidity reinforcing block, is empty.

[0021] The automobile according to the present invention includes at least one battery pack according to the present invention. Effects of the invention

[0022] According to the present invention, a battery pack with improved assembly and an automobile including the same can be provided.

[0023] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack capable of easily changing and expanding energy capacity and a vehicle including the same can be provided.

[0024] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack with improved structural stability and an automobile including the same can be provided.

[0025] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack with improved cooling performance and an automobile including the same can be provided.

[0026] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack that can be securely and stably mounted to an external device and an automobile including the same can be provided.

[0027] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack that can be made lighter and an automobile including the same can be provided.

[0028] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the attached drawings. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0029] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a plurality of cell array structure assemblies stacked together according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a cell array structure assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a cell array structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a plurality of cell array structure assemblies bolted together according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a cell array structure assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a front view showing a plurality of cell array structure assemblies stacked on top of each other according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the cooling units separated in a cell array structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a front view showing a cooling hose aligned between any two adjacent cell array structures in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a front view showing a cooling hose aligned between any two adjacent cell array structure assemblies in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a front view showing an enlarged peripheral area of ​​a cooling device connection part in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a front view showing a cooling hose aligned between a cooling device connection part and a cell array structure in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a mounting bracket and a pack frame bolted together in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing some of the components illustrated in FIG. 14 exploded. FIG. 16 is a drawing showing an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0030] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0031] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely some of the most preferred embodiments of the invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the invention, and that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0032] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the X-axis and Y-axis directions may each be horizontal directions, and the Z-axis direction orthogonal to the XY plane may be a vertical direction.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a plurality of cell array structure assemblies stacked together according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a cell array structure assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a cell array structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Hereinafter, a battery pack (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. A battery pack (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of cell array structure assemblies (100).

[0036] A battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured in a three-dimensional shape having a predetermined width, a predetermined length, and a predetermined height along the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction.

[0037] In the battery pack (10), a plurality of cell array structure assemblies (100) may be configured by stacking them on top of each other. For example, the battery pack (10) may be configured by stacking two cell array structure assemblies (100) on top of each other in two layers.

[0038] Each cell array structure assembly (100) may have a plurality of cell array structures (200) and pack frames (300).

[0039] In a cell array structure assembly (100), a plurality of cell array structures (200) may be stacked together. For example, in a cell array structure assembly (100), two cell array structures (200) may be stacked together in two layers.

[0040] A battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured such that, as shown in the drawing, two cell array structure assemblies (100), each having a cell array structure (200) stacked in two layers, are stacked in two layers, and a total of four cell array structures (200) are stacked in four layers.

[0041] However, the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured such that the cell array structure assembly (100) is stacked in three or more layers as shown in the drawing.

[0042] The pack frame (300) can cover at least a portion of the side of a stacked plurality of cell array structures (200). For example, the pack frame (300) can cover each of the X-axis direction sides of the stacked plurality of cell array structures (200).

[0043] Each cell array structure (200) may be equipped with a plurality of battery cells (210). The battery cells (210) may be secondary batteries. The battery cells (210) may be, for example, cylindrical secondary batteries.

[0044] Multiple battery cells (210) can form a cell array structure (200). The cell array structure (200) can be understood as a single assembly or structure in which multiple battery cells (210) are arranged. The battery pack (10) described below, which includes the cell array structure (200), can be provided in a so-called Cell to Pack structure without including a separate module case, thereby increasing space efficiency and improving energy density. The cell array structure (200) can be configured to have a large surface area by increasing the number of arranged battery cells (210).

[0045] The cell array structure (200) may have a predetermined width, length, and height. For example, the cell array structure (200) may be a three-dimensional structure having a predetermined width, a predetermined length, and a predetermined height in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction, respectively.

[0046] In the cell array structure (200), a plurality of battery cells (210) may be arranged to form a row. For example, a plurality of battery cells (210) may form a row in a direction parallel to the length direction of the cell array structure (200).

[0047] A battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention can have improved assembly capabilities due to the structure as described above.

[0048] Specifically, in a battery pack (10) in which a cell array structure (200) is configured in multiple stages, in a conventional battery pack, the cell array structure is assembled in such a way that it is placed inside the battery pack only after all the multiple stages are stacked in a final state, and the weight and size of the stacked cell array structures are excessively large, making it difficult to handle and thus reducing the assembly capability of the battery pack. In particular, in a conventional battery pack, handling was considerably difficult when the cell array structure was configured to be stacked in three or four or more stages.

[0049] However, in a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of cell array structures (200) and a pack frame (300) are provided and handled as a single unit as a cell array structure assembly (100). Even when the cell array structures (200) in the battery pack (10) are stacked in four or more layers, the weight and size of the control unit are reduced, making it easy to handle, and thus the assembly of the battery pack (10) can be significantly improved.

[0050] In addition, since a plurality of cell array structures (200) are provided as units of a cell array structure assembly (100), if the number of stacked cell array structures (200) is varied, the number of stacked cell array structures (200) can be easily changed and expanded, thereby allowing the energy capacity of the battery pack (10) to be easily changed and expanded.

[0052] Meanwhile, the battery pack (10) may further include a pack lead (400). The pack lead (400) may be positioned at the top of the battery pack (10). For example, the pack lead (400) may be positioned at the +Z direction end of the battery pack (10). The pack lead (400) may be configured to cover an adjacent cell array structure (200). The pack lead (400) may be coupled to the battery pack (10) in a stacked state with an adjacent cell array structure (200) or cell array structure assembly (100).

[0053] Meanwhile, the battery pack (10) may further include an end cover portion (500). The end cover portion (500) may be configured to cover the front and rear of the battery pack (10). For example, the end cover portion (500) may cover both sides in the Y-axis direction of the battery pack (10). Meanwhile, the battery pack (10) may further include a side cover portion, although not shown in the drawing. The side cover portion may cover the sides of the battery pack (10) (for example, both sides in the X-axis direction). The side cover portion may cover the pack frames (300).

[0054] Meanwhile, the battery pack (10) may further include a component such as a mounting bracket positioned between two adjacent cell array structure assemblies (100) to guide the stacked structure of a plurality of cell array structure assemblies (100). Additionally, the battery pack (10) may further include a component such as a pad to reduce tolerances between adjacent cell array structures (200) or to mitigate shock and vibration.

[0056] The mutual stacking direction of a plurality of cell array structure assemblies (100) can be formed to be the same as the mutual stacking direction of a plurality of cell array structures (200) inside the cell array structure assembly (100).

[0057] For example, in a battery pack (10), a plurality of cell array structure assemblies (100) can be stacked together along the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. Also, a plurality of cell array structures (200) inside the cell array structure assembly (100) can also be stacked together along the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction.

[0058] When the battery pack (10) is configured as described above, there is an advantage that multiple large-area cell array structures (200) can be placed inside the battery pack (10) as a more efficient and stable structure.

[0060] When multiple cell array structure assemblies (100) are stacked in the vertical direction, adjacent pack frames (300) can be combined with each other.

[0061] Specifically, the pack frame (300) of the cell array structure assembly (100) positioned at the bottom and the pack frame (300) of the cell array structure assembly (100) positioned at the top can be combined with each other. Here, for example, the upper part of the pack frame (300) positioned at the bottom and the lower part of the pack frame (300) positioned at the top can be combined with each other while facing each other.

[0062] When the battery pack (10) is configured as described above, a plurality of cell array structure assemblies (100) can be provided in a state where they are firmly coupled to each other within the battery pack (10), thereby improving the structural stability of the battery pack (10).

[0064] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a plurality of cell array structure assemblies bolted together according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Referring further to FIG. 5, the pack frame (300) of the cell array structure assembly (100) positioned at the bottom and the pack frame (300) of the cell array structure assembly (100) positioned at the top can be joined by bolting them together.

[0066] For example, as illustrated in the drawing, when the upper part of the pack frame (300) positioned at the bottom and the lower part of the pack frame (300) positioned at the top are facing each other, the bolt member (B) and nut member (N) that penetrate them together are fastened, so that each of the frames can be bolted together and joined.

[0067] In addition, unlike the example shown in the drawing, adjacent pack frames (300) may be bolted together without a nut member (N). For example, a tapped female thread corresponding to the male thread of the bolt member (B) may be formed on at least one of the upper part of the pack frame (300) positioned at the bottom and the lower part of the pack frame (300) positioned at the top, and as the bolt member (B) is fastened to this tapped female thread, the frames (300) may be bolted together.

[0068] In this way, when adjacent pack frames (300) are bolted together, the bonding strength between the pack frames (300) can be improved.

[0070] FIG. 6 is a front view showing a cell array structure assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 6, in a cell array structure assembly (100), the total height (H1) of the stacked plurality of cell array structures (200) and the height (H2) of the pack frame (300) can be formed to be approximately the same as each other.

[0072] For example, the height (H1) may be formed to be slightly smaller than the height (H2). If the cell array structure assembly (100) further includes components such as the aforementioned mounting bracket or pad, the height (H1) may be formed to be slightly smaller than the height (H2).

[0073] When the cell array structure assembly (100) is configured as described above, the space efficiency inside the battery pack (10) is increased, and the energy density of the battery pack (10) can be improved.

[0075] FIG. 7 is a front view showing a plurality of cell array structure assemblies stacked together according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a cooling unit (240) separated from a cell array structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a front view showing a cooling hose aligned between any two adjacent cell array structures in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a front view showing a cooling hose aligned between any two adjacent cell array structure assemblies in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 is a front view showing an enlarged peripheral area of ​​a cooling device connection part in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 is a front view showing a cooling hose aligned between a cooling device connection part and a cell array structure in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Hereinafter, a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 7 to 12.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, each cell array structure (200) may have an inlet section (220) and an outlet section (230).

[0078] A cooling medium may flow inside the cell array structure (200). The cooling medium may cool the battery cell (210). The cooling medium may flow inside the cooling unit (240) described later. The cooling medium may be supplied from outside the battery pack (10).

[0079] The inlet section (220) may be configured to allow a cooling medium to flow in. The inlet section (220) may be positioned on one side of the cell array structure (200). For example, the inlet section (220) may be positioned on the -X direction side of the cell array structure (200).

[0080] The outlet section (230) may be configured to discharge a cooling medium. The outlet section (230) may be positioned on the other side of the cell array. For example, the outlet section (230) may be positioned on the +X direction side of the cell array structure (200).

[0081] The inlet portions (220) of each of two adjacent cell array structures (200) can be connected to each other by a cooling hose (600).

[0082] And, the outlet sections (230) of each of the two adjacent cell array structures (200) can be connected to each other by a cooling hose (600).

[0083] The cooling hose (600) can be extended in the stacking direction of a plurality of cell array structures (200). For example, if a plurality of cell array structures (200) are extended in the Z-axis direction, the cooling hose (600) can also be extended in the Z-axis direction.

[0084] When the battery pack (10) is configured as described above, the cooling medium flow path between each cell array structure (200) can be effectively connected, and as the length of the cooling hose (600) is minimized, the length of the cooling medium flow path is minimized, thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery pack (10).

[0086] Meanwhile, as illustrated particularly in FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 8, the cell array structure (200) may be provided with a plurality of cooling units (240). The cooling units (240) are configured to cool a plurality of battery cells (210) and may be provided to be in contact with the side of the battery cells (210). The cooling units (240) may be positioned between rows of two adjacent battery cells (210) and may be provided to be extended along the length direction of the cell array structure (200). The plurality of cooling units (240) may be arranged to form rows along the width direction of the cell array structure (200).

[0087] A cooling medium channel may be formed inside the cooling unit (240). Inside the cooling unit (240), an inlet channel (241) through which a cooling medium flowing in from the inlet section (220) flows, and an outlet channel (242) through which a cooling medium flowing to the outlet section (230) flows may be formed separately from each other.

[0088] Each end of a plurality of cooling units (240) can be connected to one another, and such connection can be implemented by a cooling hose (600). The cooling hose (600) connecting the ends of each cooling unit (240) can be extended in a horizontal direction.

[0089] The inlet section (220) may be provided at one end of a cooling unit (240) positioned at the outermost edge of one side. The inlet section (220) may be provided with at least one inlet port (221) for connecting a cooling hose (600), and the inlet port (221) may extend in the stacking direction of a plurality of cell array structures (200).

[0090] The outlet section (230) may be provided at one end of a cooling unit (240) positioned at the outermost side. The outlet section (230) may be provided with at least one outlet port (231) for connecting a cooling hose (600), and the outlet port (231) may extend in the stacking direction of a plurality of cell array structures (200).

[0092] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, the cooling hose (600) can be simultaneously aligned and assembled between two adjacent cell array structures (200) during the stacking assembly process of two adjacent cell array structures (200).

[0093] Specifically, the extension direction of the cooling hose (600) can be formed to be the same as the stacking direction of the plurality of cell array structures (200), so that the cooling hose (600) is arranged to be aligned with the upper and lower inlet sections (220) and upper and lower outlet sections (230) between each cell array structure (200), and when the upper and lower cell array structures (200) are assembled in this state, the cooling hose (600) can be assembled between the upper and lower cell array structures (200) at once.

[0094] The cooling hose (600) can be assembled by being simultaneously aligned between two adjacent cell array structures (200) in both cases: when two adjacent cell array structures (200) are stacked within one cell array structure assembly (100), and when two adjacent cell array structures (100) are stacked.

[0095] When the battery pack (10) is configured as described above, the cooling medium flow paths are automatically connected when stacking between cell array structures (200) or between cell array structure assemblies (100) without requiring additional space or a separate assembly process for a worker to assemble for connecting cooling medium flow paths between cell array structures (200), thereby further improving the assemblability of the battery pack (10).

[0097] In each cell array structure (200), the inlet portion (220) may be positioned on one side of the lower portion, and the outlet portion may be positioned on the other side of the lower portion. For example, the inlet portion (220) may be positioned on the -X direction and -Z direction sides, and the outlet portion (230) may be positioned on the +X direction and +Z direction sides. That is, the inlet portion (220) and the outlet portion (230) may be positioned diagonally opposite each other.

[0098] When the inlet section (220) and the outlet section (230) are configured as described above, the flow path of the cooling medium flowing in from the inlet section (220) and the flow path of the cooling medium discharged to the outlet section (230) can be efficiently separated and provided within the cell array structure (200) and the cooling unit (240), respectively, thus having the advantage of effectively securing the cooling performance of the cell array structure (200).

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 1, FIGS. 11 and FIGS. 12, the battery pack (10) may further include the aforementioned pack lead (400), and the pack lead (400) may be provided with a cooling device connection part (410).

[0101] The cooling device connection portion (410) may be configured to connect the inlet portion (220) of the cell array structure (200) adjacent to the pack lid (400) and the cooling device to each other. The cooling device may be a device provided outside the battery pack (10) to provide a cooling medium circulation force.

[0102] The cooling device connection part (410) and the inlet part (220) can be connected to each other by a cooling hose (600).

[0103] The cooling device connection part (410) may be provided with a cooling device connection port (411) for connection with a cooling hose (600). The cooling device connection port (411) may extend toward the cooling hose (600) or an adjacent inlet part (220), and may extend in a direction parallel to the aforementioned inlet port (221) or outlet port (231). The cooling device connection port (411) may be provided at the bottom of the pack lid (400).

[0104] The cooling device connection part (410) can be assembled by being aligned simultaneously with the cooling hose (600) communicating with the adjacent inlet part (220) during the assembly process of the pack lid (400).

[0105] Specifically, the extension direction of the cooling hose (600) can be formed to be the same as the stacking direction of the cell array structure (200) and the pack lid (400), and the cooling hose (600) is positioned to be aligned in line with the cooling device connection part (410) and the adjacent inlet part (220), and when the pack lid (400) is assembled in this state, the cooling hose (600) can be assembled vertically in one go between the cooling device connection part (410) and the inlet part (220).

[0106] When the battery pack (10) is configured as described above, the cooling medium flow path is automatically connected when the pack lid (400) is closed, without requiring additional space or a separate assembly process for the worker to assemble the cooling medium flow path between the external cooling device and the battery pack (10), so the assembly of the battery pack (10) can be further improved.

[0108] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the mounting bracket and the pack frame bolted together in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing some of the components shown in FIG. 14 exploded.

[0109] Hereinafter, a battery pack (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15.

[0110] A battery pack (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention further includes a mounting bracket (700), and the pack frame (300) may be provided with a rigidity reinforcing block (310).

[0111] The mounting bracket (700) can be configured so that the battery pack (10) can be mounted to an external device. Here, the external device may be, for example, a vehicle, as described later, and may be, in particular, a truck.

[0112] The mounting bracket (700) can be positioned, for example, on the upper side (+Z direction side) of the battery pack (10), and in this case, the battery pack (10) can be positioned while suspended from an external device.

[0113] The mounting bracket (700) can be bolted together with the pack frame (300). That is, the mounting bracket (700) and the pack frame (300) adjacent to the mounting bracket (700) can be fastened together by a bolt member (B). The bolt member (B) can be fastened by penetrating the upper portions of the mounting bracket (700) and the pack frame (300), for example.

[0114] At least the pack frame (300) coupled to the mounting bracket (700) may be provided with a rigidity reinforcing block (310). The rigidity reinforcing block (310) may be provided only on the pack frame (300) coupled to the mounting bracket (700), or it may be additionally provided on at least one of the other pack frames (300) other than the pack frame (300) coupled to the mounting bracket (700).

[0115] The rigidity reinforcing block (310) may be configured to reinforce the fastening strength with the mounting bracket (700). For example, the rigidity reinforcing block (310) may be configured to have higher rigidity than the rest of the pack frame (300) excluding the rigidity reinforcing block (310).

[0116] The rigidity reinforcing block (310) can be provided, for example, on the upper part of the pack frame (300).

[0117] The bolt member (B) can be fastened to the nut member (N) by penetrating the mounting bracket (700), the pack frame (300), and the rigidity reinforcing block (310), as shown in the example in the drawing.

[0118] In addition, unlike the example shown in the drawing, the bolt member (B) may be fastened to the rigidity reinforcing block (310) without a nut member (N). For example, a tapped female thread corresponding to the male thread of the bolt member (B) may be formed on the rigidity reinforcing block (310), and as the bolt member (B) is fastened to this female thread, the bolt member (B) and the rigidity reinforcing block (310) may be bolted together and joined.

[0119] A battery pack (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention can be firmly and stably mounted to an external device by means of a rigidity reinforcing block (310). Specifically, the battery pack (10) according to the present invention may have a relatively heavy and large size as a multi-stage stacked structure, and when such a battery pack (10) is mounted to an external device through a mounting bracket (700), the bolting connection strength between the mounting bracket (700) and the pack frame (300) can be reinforced by the rigidity reinforcing block (310), thereby enabling the battery pack (10) to be firmly and stably mounted to an external device. The rigidity reinforcing block (310) can prevent the bolt member (B) from being directly coupled to the pack frame (300) and can disperse and avoid the load of the bolt member (B) being concentrated on the pack frame (300).

[0121] The rigidity reinforcement block (310) may include steel material. And the remaining part of the pack frame (300), excluding the rigidity reinforcement block (310), may include aluminum (Al) material.

[0122] When the battery pack (10) is configured in this way, the battery pack (10) can be made lighter, and at the same time, the fastening strength between the mounting bracket (700) and the pack frame (300) can be effectively reinforced.

[0124] The pack frame (300) may be configured such that the interior of at least some of the remaining areas, excluding the rigidity reinforcing block (310), is empty. Specifically, at least one hollow section (320) in an empty shape may be formed in at least some of the remaining areas, excluding the area occupied by the rigidity reinforcing block (310), within the interior of the pack frame (300).

[0125] When the battery pack (10) is configured in this way, there is an advantage that the battery pack (10) can be made lighter while maintaining sufficient rigidity of the battery pack (10).

[0127] Meanwhile, referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5, the cell array structure (200) according to the present invention may further include side frames (250, 260). The side frames (250, 260) may include a side structure (250) and a side wall (260). The side structure (250) may accommodate and support a battery cell (210) column and a cooling unit (240) on both sides (e.g., both sides in the X-axis direction). The side wall (260) is respectively disposed at the outermost edges of both sides in the X-axis direction of the cell array structure (200) and may accommodate and support a battery cell (210) column and a cooling unit (240) on one side (e.g., the side in the -X direction or the side in the +X direction).

[0129] Meanwhile, the battery pack (10) according to the present invention may further include various devices for controlling the charging and discharging of battery cells (100), such as a Battery Management System (BMS), a current sensor, a fuse, etc., although not shown.

[0131] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 16 below, the battery pack (10) according to the present invention can be applied to a vehicle (V), such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. That is, the vehicle (V) according to the present invention may include the battery pack (10) according to the present invention. The battery pack (10) may be installed in the vehicle body frame or trunk space under the vehicle seat. Furthermore, the vehicle (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include various other components included in the vehicle in addition to the battery pack (10). For example, the vehicle (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include, in addition to the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc.

[0133] In addition, it is obvious that the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may also be provided in other devices, mechanisms, and facilities, such as an energy storage system using a secondary battery, in addition to a vehicle (V).

[0135] In this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back have been used; however, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that they may vary depending on the location of the object or the position of the observer.

[0136] As described above, although the present invention has been explained by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. Explanation of the symbols

[0137] 10: Battery pack 100 : Cell Array Structure Assembly 200 : Cell array structure 210: Battery cell 220 : Inlet 221 : Inlet port 230 : Outlet section 231 : Outlet port 240 : Cooling unit 241 : Inlet Channel 242 : Outlet Channel 250 : Side structure 260 : Sidewall 300 : Pack Frame 310 : Rigidity Reinforcement Block 320 : Chinese government 400: Pack Lead 410 : Cooling device connection part 411: Cooling device connection port 500 : End cover part 600 : Cooling hose 700 : Mounting bracket B: Bolt member V : Car

Claims

Claim 1 A battery pack comprising a plurality of cell array structure assemblies stacked together, wherein each of the cell array structure assemblies comprises a plurality of cell array structures stacked together; and a pack frame covering at least a portion of the side of the stacked plurality of cell array structures, wherein each of the cell array structures comprises a plurality of battery cells. Claim 2 A battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that the mutual stacking direction of a plurality of cell array structure assemblies is formed identically to the mutual stacking direction of a plurality of cell array structures within the cell array structure assembly. Claim 3 A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the cell array structure assemblies are stacked in the vertical direction, and the pack frame of the cell array structure assembly positioned at the bottom and the pack frame of the cell array structure assembly positioned at the top are joined together. Claim 4 A battery pack according to paragraph 3, characterized in that the pack frame of the cell array structure assembly positioned at the bottom and the pack frame of the cell array structure assembly positioned at the top are joined by bolting to each other. Claim 5 A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein each of the cell array structures comprises an inlet portion configured to allow a cooling medium to flow in; and an outlet portion configured to allow a cooling medium to be discharged, wherein the inlet portions of each of two adjacent cell array structures and the outlet portions of each of the two adjacent cell array structures are interconnected by a cooling hose, and the cooling hose extends in a long direction in the stacking direction of a plurality of cell array structures. Claim 6 A battery pack according to claim 5, characterized in that the cooling hose is simultaneously aligned and assembled between two adjacent cell array structures during the stacking assembly process of two adjacent cell array structures. Claim 7 A battery pack according to claim 5, wherein in each of the cell array structures, the inlet portion is positioned at the lower side of one side and the outlet portion is positioned at the upper side of the other side. Claim 8 A battery pack according to claim 5, further comprising a pack lid disposed at the top of the battery pack and covering an adjacent cell array structure, wherein the pack lid has a cooling device connection portion configured to connect the inlet portion of the adjacent cell array structure and a cooling device provided on the outside of the battery pack to provide a circulation force of a cooling medium, and wherein the cooling device connection portion is assembled by being aligned simultaneously with the cooling hose communicating with the adjacent inlet portion during the assembly process of the pack lid. Claim 9 A battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising a mounting bracket configured to be bolted together with the pack frame so that the battery pack can be mounted on an external device, wherein at least the pack frame coupled to the mounting bracket comprises a rigidity reinforcing block configured to reinforce the fastening strength with the mounting bracket. Claim 10 A battery pack according to claim 9, characterized in that the rigidity reinforcing block comprises a steel material, and the remaining part of the pack frame excluding the rigidity reinforcing block comprises an aluminum material. Claim 11 A battery pack according to claim 9, characterized in that the pack frame is configured such that the interior of at least some of the remaining areas, excluding the rigidity reinforcing block, is empty. Claim 12 An automobile characterized by including at least one battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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