Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack is disclosed. A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a base plate; an outer side wall coupled to the upper surface of the base plate; a plurality of battery cells positioned on the base plate and forming an array; and an inner side wall coupled to the upper surface of the base plate and positioned between the plurality of battery cells and the outer side wall.

Description

battery pack

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

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0120713, filed September 11, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] As demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras, and mobile phones rapidly increases and the commercialization of robots and electric vehicles becomes more widespread, research into high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging is actively underway.

[0004] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are receiving attention for their advantages of being able to charge and discharge freely, having a very low self-discharge rate, and having a high energy density, as they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries.

[0005] These lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium oxide and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. Lithium secondary batteries comprise an electrode assembly comprising positive and negative plates coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively, with a separator interposed between them, and an outer case, i.e., a battery case, that seals and encloses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0006] In general, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a metal can and pouch-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the outer packaging material.

[0007] Recently, secondary batteries have been widely used for power and energy storage, not only in small devices like portable electronic devices but also in medium- to large-sized devices like electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). Multiple secondary batteries can be electrically connected and housed within a module case to form a single battery module. Furthermore, multiple such battery modules can be connected to form a single battery pack.

[0008] For medium- to large-sized battery packs, such as those used in electric vehicles, the inclusion of a large number of battery cells and battery modules to increase output and / or capacity can significantly increase weight. This necessitates a structure that enhances the rigidity of the battery pack while also increasing energy density.

[0009] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and other problems.

[0010] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a battery pack with improved assembly properties.

[0011] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a battery pack having improved energy density.

[0012] In order to achieve the above-described purpose, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include: a base plate; an outer side wall coupled to an upper surface of the base plate; a plurality of battery cells positioned on the base plate and forming an array; and an inner side wall coupled to an upper surface of the base plate and positioned between the plurality of battery cells and the outer side wall.

[0013] The above battery pack may further include a fastening member that fastens the base plate and the inner side wall.

[0014] In addition, the base plate includes: a flat portion; a bending portion protruding upward from the flat portion, and the inner side wall can be joined to the bending portion.

[0015] Additionally, the bending portion may be located on the inner side of the outer side wall.

[0016] Additionally, the bending portion and the inner side wall may be extended along one edge of the base plate.

[0017] Additionally, the battery pack may further include a fastening member penetrating the bending portion and fastening the base plate and the inner side wall.

[0018] Additionally, at least some of the plurality of battery cells may be fixed to the inner side wall.

[0019] Additionally, a gap may be formed between the battery cell fixed to the inner side wall and the flat plate.

[0020] Additionally, the inner side wall includes a guide protruding outward, and the guide can be mounted on the outer side wall.

[0021] Additionally, the outer side wall includes a receiving groove formed at the top, and the guide can be received in the receiving groove.

[0022] Additionally, the outer side wall may include a pair of protrusions protruding from the top, and the guide may be positioned between the pair of protrusions.

[0023] A vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a battery pack of the present invention.

[0024] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the rigidity of the battery pack can be improved.

[0025] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the energy density of a battery pack can be improved.

[0026] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an inner side wall of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an inner side wall and a battery cell of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 4.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an inner side wall and a battery cell of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a cell array structure of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a cell array structure of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a base plate of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 10 is a view of the base plate of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below.

[0037] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a base plate and an outer side wall of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a partial configuration of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 13 is a perspective view from below of a portion of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Fig. 14 is a schematic drawing showing a part of the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' of Fig. 13.

[0041] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line C-C' of Fig. 13.

[0042] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line D-D' of Fig. 13.

[0043] Fig. 17 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Fig. 16.

[0044] Fig. 18 is a drawing showing another modified embodiment of Fig. 16.

[0045] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0046] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0047] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention in isolation. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a base plate (100), an outer side wall (200), a plurality of battery cells (310), and an inner side wall (330).

[0048] The base plate (100) may have a flat shape. The base plate (100) may have a roughly rectangular shape.

[0049] The outer side wall (200) can be fastened, joined, fixed or attached to the upper surface of the base plate (100). The outer side wall (200) and the base plate (100) can form an internal space.

[0050] A plurality of battery cells (310) may be accommodated in the internal space. The plurality of battery cells (310) may be arranged to form an array. The plurality of battery cells (310) may be positioned on the base plate (100). In this case, the battery cells (310) may refer to secondary batteries. In addition, the battery cells (310) may be secondary batteries having a cylindrical shape.

[0051] The inner side wall (330) can be fastened, joined, fixed or attached to the upper surface of the base plate (100). The inner side wall (330) can be positioned between a plurality of battery cells (310) and the outer side wall (200).

[0052] According to this configuration of the present invention, the battery pack can stably accommodate a plurality of battery cells (310). The inner side wall (330) can stably support the plurality of battery cells (310). This can enhance the rigidity of the battery pack.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a busbar assembly (400) and a pack cover (500). The pack cover (500) may cover an internal space of the battery pack. The pack cover (500) may have a plate shape. The pack cover (500) may have a shape similar to that of the base plate (100). The pack cover (500) may be fastened, coupled, fixed, or attached to the outer side wall (200).

[0054] The busbar assembly (400) may be positioned between a plurality of battery cells (310) and a pack cover (500). The busbar assembly (400) may be physically connected to the upper side of the plurality of battery cells (310). In addition, the busbar assembly (400) may be electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells (310).

[0055] A venting device (600) may be provided on the outer surface of the outer side wall (200). When the pressure inside the battery pack increases, the venting device (600) may expel gas.

[0056] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an inner side wall (330) of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an inner side wall (330) and a battery cell (310) of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line A-A' of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an inner side wall (330) and a battery cell (310) of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, at least some of the plurality of battery cells (310) of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may be fixed to an inner side wall (330). The inner side wall (330) may be elongated along the X-axis direction. The inner side wall (330) may include wall heads (332) at both ends in the X-axis direction. The wall heads (332) may have slots (337). The inner side wall (330) may include a bottom rib (333) protruding inwardly. In addition, the inner side wall (330) may include a top rib (334) protruding inwardly. The top rib (334) may be positioned above the bottom rib (333). The plurality of battery cells (310) may be fixed between the bottom rib (333) and the top rib (334). The inner side wall (330) may include a curved portion (336) formed on the inside. The curved portion (336) may be bent along the side of the battery cell (310). The curved portion (336) may support the side of the battery cell (310). The inner side wall (330) may include a plurality of compartments (335) protruding inward. Each compartment (335) may protrude between the plurality of battery cells (310).

[0058] According to this configuration of the present invention, a plurality of battery cells (310) can be stably fixed and supported by the inner side wall (330). As a result, the rigidity of the battery pack can be improved.

[0059] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a cell array structure (300) of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a cell array structure (300) of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cell array structure (300). The cell array structure (300) may include a pair of inner side walls (330), a plurality of side structures (320), a plurality of cooling units (340), and a plurality of battery cells (310).

[0060] The side structure (320) can be extended along the X-axis direction. The side structure (320) can fix and support a plurality of battery cells (310). A plurality of side structures (320) can be provided.

[0061] The cooling unit (340) may be extended along the X-axis direction. The cooling unit (340) may be in contact with a plurality of battery cells (310). The cooling unit (340) may be provided in multiple numbers. A cooling liquid or cooling gas may flow through the cooling unit (340).

[0062] The side structure (320) and the plurality of battery cells (310) and cooling units (340) may be arranged alternately. A pair of inner side walls (330) may be arranged at the outermost edge of the cell array structure (300).

[0063] The cell array structure (300) can be filled with a resin. The resin can bond, fix, or attach components of the cell array structure (300). In addition, the resin can improve the rigidity of the cell array structure (300).

[0064] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a base plate (100) of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view of the base plate (100) of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from below. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the base plate (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a flat portion (110) and a bending portion (120). The bending portion (120) may be formed by bending at least a portion of the flat portion (110). The bending portion (120) may be bent in the +Z-axis direction. The bending portion (120) may be extended along the X-axis direction. The bending portions (120) may be formed as a pair.

[0065] According to this configuration of the present invention, the bending portion (120) can improve the rigidity of the base plate (100).

[0066] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a base plate (100) and an outer side wall (200) of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a partial configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, a bending portion (120) of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may be located on the inner side of the outer side wall (200). The outer side wall (200) may extend along the perimeter of the base plate (100). The bending portion (120) may be located adjacent to the outer side wall (200). Alternatively, the bending portion (120) may be in contact with the outer side wall (200).

[0067] The bending portion (120) and the inner side wall (330) can each extend long along one edge of the base plate (100).

[0068] According to this configuration of the present invention, the bending portion (120) can improve the rigidity of the base plate (100). In addition, the bending portion (120) can support the cell array structure (300) and prevent sagging of the base plate (100).

[0069] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below. Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a cross-sectional configuration taken along the section line B-B' of Fig. 13. Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a cross-sectional configuration taken along the section line C-C' of Fig. 13. Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a cross-sectional configuration taken along the section line D-D' of Fig. 13.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 16, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a fastening member (S) that fastens a base plate (100) and an inner side wall (330). The fastening member (S) may be fastened to the lower portions of the base plate (100) and the inner side wall (330). The fastening member (S) may penetrate the base plate (100). A plurality of fastening members (S) may be provided. In addition, the fastening members (S) may be arranged along the X-axis direction.

[0071] The cell array structure (300) can be fixed by being fastened, fixed, joined or attached to the base plate (100) or the outer side wall (200). When the inner side wall (330) is fastened to the outer side wall (200) in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction, a structure for fastening may be required. In addition, an empty space between the inner side wall (330) and the outer side wall (200) may increase. As a result, the energy density of the battery pack may be lowered.

[0072] On the other hand, according to this configuration of the present invention, since the inner side wall (330) is fastened to the base plate (100) in the Z-axis direction, the empty space between the inner side wall (330) and the outer side wall (200) can be reduced. As a result, the energy density of the battery pack can be improved.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 16, the inner side wall (330) of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention can be coupled to the bending portion (120). As a result, the cell array structure (300) can be positioned above the bending portion (120).

[0074] According to this configuration of the present invention, a space can be formed between the flat plate (110) and the cell array structure (300). This facilitates venting control of the battery cell (310). In addition, cooling of the battery cell (310) can be facilitated.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 16, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a fastening member (S) that penetrates the bending portion (120) and fastens the base plate (100) and the inner side wall (330). At least a portion of the fastening member (S) may be inserted into the inner side wall (330). In addition, at least a portion of the fastening member (S) may be positioned in a space formed by the bending portion (120). In addition, the fastening member may penetrate the bending portion (120).

[0076] According to this configuration of the present invention, the fastening member (S) may not protrude outside the flat portion (110). This may improve the assembly efficiency of the battery pack. In addition, the space efficiency of the battery pack may be improved.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 16, an inner side wall (330) of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a guide (338) protruding outward. The guide (338) may be formed on an outer surface of the inner side wall (330). In addition, the guide (338) may protrude toward the outer side wall (200). A plurality of guides (338) may be provided. The guides (338) may be arranged along the X-axis direction.

[0078] And the guide (338) can be mounted on the outer side wall (200). The guide (338) can be in contact with the upper part of the outer side wall (200). In addition, the outer side wall (200) can support the guide (338).

[0079] According to this configuration of the present invention, the load of the cell array structure (300) can be transmitted to the outer side wall (200) through the guide (338). Alternatively, the outer side wall (200) can support the cell array structure (300) by supporting the guide (338). The load of the cell array structure (300) can be distributed through the base plate (100) and the guide (338). As a result, the cell array structure (300) can be stably supported.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 16, a gap may be formed between a battery cell (310) fixed to an inner side wall (330) of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention and a flat plate (110). The base plate (100) may be made of a metal having electrical conductivity. The inner side wall (330) may be positioned over the bending portion (120), thereby spacing the battery cell (310) from the flat plate (110).

[0081] According to this configuration of the present invention, the battery cell (310) and the base plate (100) can be electrically insulated.

[0082] In addition, by forming a space between the flat plate (110) and the cell array structure (300), venting control of the battery cell (310) can be facilitated. In addition, cooling of the battery cell (310) can be facilitated.

[0083] Fig. 17 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Fig. 16. Referring to Fig. 17, the outer side wall (200) of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a receiving groove (201) formed at the upper end. The receiving groove (201) may have a shape in which the upper end of the side wall is stepped downward. The receiving groove (201) may be provided in multiple numbers. The receiving groove (201) may be provided and positioned so as to correspond one-to-one with the guide (338). The guide (338) may be received in the receiving groove (201).

[0084] According to this configuration of the present invention, the receiving groove (201) can stably align the position of the cell array structure (300). As a result, the assembling efficiency of the battery pack can be improved.

[0085] Fig. 18 is a drawing showing another modified embodiment of Fig. 16. Referring to Fig. 18, an outer side wall (200) of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a pair of protrusions (202) protruding from the upper end. The pair of protrusions (202) may be positioned at a constant interval in the X-axis direction. The pair of protrusions (202) may be provided in multiple numbers. The pair of protrusions (202) may be provided and positioned to correspond one-to-one with a guide (338). The guide (338) may be positioned between the pair of protrusions (202).

[0086] According to this configuration of the present invention, the protrusion (202) can stably align the position of the cell array structure (300). As a result, the assembling efficiency of the battery pack can be improved.

[0087] A vehicle according to the present invention may include the battery pack described above. The battery pack according to the present invention may be applied to vehicles such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles. Furthermore, the vehicle according to the present invention may further include various other components, in addition to the battery pack. For example, the vehicle according to the present invention may further include a body, a motor, a control device such as an electronic control unit (ECU), and the like.

[0088] Meanwhile, in this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, back, inner, and outer are used, but these terms are only for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0089] As described above, although the present invention has been described by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations are possible by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below.

Claims

1. Base plate; An outer side wall coupled to the upper surface of the base plate; A plurality of battery cells positioned on the base plate and forming an array; and A battery pack comprising an inner side wall coupled to the upper surface of the base plate and positioned between the plurality of battery cells and the outer side wall.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery pack further comprising a fastening member for fastening the base plate and the inner side wall.

3. In paragraph 1, The above base plate: Reputation Department; Including a bending portion protruding upward from the above flat portion, The inner side wall above is, A battery pack coupled to the above bending portion.

4. In paragraph 3, The above bending part, A battery pack located on the inner side of the outer side wall.

5. In paragraph 3, The above bending portion and the inner side wall, A battery pack extending along one edge of the above base plate.

6. In paragraph 3, A battery pack further comprising a fastening member penetrating the bending portion and fastening the base plate and the inner side wall.

7. In paragraph 3, At least some of the plurality of battery cells, A battery pack fixed to the inner side wall.

8. In paragraph 7, A battery pack in which a gap is formed between the battery cell fixed to the inner side wall and the flat plate.

9. In paragraph 1, The inner side wall includes a guide protruding outward, The above guide is, A battery pack mounted on the outer side wall.

10. In paragraph 9, The above outer side wall is, Includes a receiving groove formed at the top, The above guide is, A battery pack accommodated in the above-mentioned accommodation home.

11. In paragraph 9, The above outer side wall is, Contains a pair of projections protruding from the top, The above guide is, A battery pack positioned between the pair of protrusions above.

12. A vehicle comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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