Energy storage device comprising battery modules

Abstract

The energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of battery modules, each comprising a plurality of battery cells; a case for accommodating the plurality of battery modules; a support frame for supporting the plurality of battery modules within the case; and module-fixing members, each fixing two battery modules adjacent thereto. The energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention can reduce an installation area and prevent the battery modules from being damaged due to movement or vibration.

Description

Energy storage device including a battery module

[0001] The present invention relates to an energy storage device including a battery module, and more particularly, to an energy storage device having a reduced installation area and ensuring structural rigidity.

[0002] Secondary batteries, unlike primary batteries that cannot be recharged, are batteries that can be charged and discharged. They are used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that are driven by electrical power sources.

[0003] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, i.e., unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5 V to 4.6 V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Furthermore, depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be set in various ways depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0004] When configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, it is common to first configure a battery module comprising at least one battery cell, preferably multiple battery cells, and then use at least one such battery module and add other components to configure the battery pack. Here, the battery module refers to a component in which multiple battery cells are connected in series or parallel, and the battery pack may refer to a component in which multiple battery modules are connected in series or parallel to increase capacity and output.

[0005] Recently, energy storage devices are being used to store generated electricity, and the energy storage devices can be configured to include multiple battery modules.

[0006] Battery modules consist of multiple battery cells. If installed horizontally (with the wide bottom surface facing downward), the enclosure thickness increases, increasing the installation area. Furthermore, if the battery module is not fully secured within the battery pack or energy storage device, there is a risk of damage due to movement or vibration caused by external impact.

[0007] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an energy storage device that can secure structural rigidity while reducing the installation area and having a thin thickness.

[0008] In addition, the present invention aims to provide an energy storage device capable of preventing damage to a battery module due to movement or vibration caused by external impact.

[0009] An energy storage device according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including: a plurality of battery modules including a plurality of battery cells; a case for accommodating the plurality of battery modules; a support frame for supporting the plurality of battery modules within the case; and a module fixing member for fixing two adjacent battery modules.

[0010] In addition, the module fixing member includes a joining plate; and a partition member disposed between two adjacent battery modules on the joining plate.

[0011] Additionally, the above-mentioned joining plate is joined to the above-mentioned supporting frame.

[0012] Additionally, the module fixing member includes a pad disposed on the joining plate to support one side of the battery module.

[0013] Additionally, the pads are arranged on both sides of the bonding plate so that one side of the battery module is supported on each pad.

[0014] In addition, a protrusion plate protruding rearwardly on both outer sides of the above-mentioned joining plate is integrally formed, and the protrusion plate is coupled to the above-mentioned support frame.

[0015] Additionally, the support frame includes a plurality of vertical support members, and the protruding plate is coupled to the vertical support members.

[0016] Additionally, a folding plate is integrally formed at both ends of the above-mentioned joining plate, each supporting one side of the above-mentioned battery module.

[0017] Additionally, an outwardly bent tab is integrally formed at the end of the above-mentioned bending plate.

[0018] Additionally, the partition member is inserted into the insertion hole of the joining plate.

[0019] In addition, the partition member includes a first contact surface portion supporting one side of one of the two adjacent battery modules; and a second contact surface portion supporting one side of the other of the two adjacent battery modules.

[0020] In addition, the partition member further includes a first coupling portion for being bent at the first contact surface portion and coupled to the coupling plate; and a second coupling portion for being bent at the second contact surface portion and coupled to the coupling plate.

[0021] Additionally, the first and second contact surfaces each have a U-shaped bent portion at one end.

[0022] In addition, the first and second contact surfaces each include a plurality of arm portions; and a connecting portion connecting the plurality of arm portions.

[0023] In addition, the partition member further includes an elastic member disposed between the first contact surface portion and the second contact surface portion.

[0024] Additionally, the first contact surface portion includes two support tabs that support both sides of the elastic member.

[0025] Additionally, the second contact surface portion includes two support tabs that support both sides of the elastic member.

[0026] Additionally, the support frame includes a plurality of vertical support members, and the module fixing member is coupled to two of the vertical support members.

[0027] Additionally, the support frame includes a lower support portion on which at least one battery module is supported; and an upper support portion disposed on an upper side of the lower support portion and on which at least one battery module is supported.

[0028] In addition, the module fixing members are respectively arranged on the upper and lower sides of the support frame, and the module fixing members arranged on the upper and lower sides fix two battery modules supported on the upper and lower support members, respectively.

[0029] An energy storage device according to one embodiment of the present invention has a reduced installation area, is easy to install, and can secure structural rigidity.

[0030] In addition, the energy storage device according to one embodiment of the present invention has the effect of preventing damage to the battery module due to movement or vibration caused by external impact.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an energy storage device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the energy storage device illustrated in Figure 1.

[0033] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a battery module in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the inside of a battery module in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an example of a battery cell in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a support frame that supports a battery module in an energy storage device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 7 is a detailed drawing of the vertical support member in Figure 6.

[0038] Fig. 8 is a detailed drawing of the lower support in Fig. 6,

[0039] Fig. 9 is a detailed drawing of the upper support in Fig. 6,

[0040] Figure 10 is a front view of the battery module mounted on the upper support in Figure 6.

[0041] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a support frame having a battery module mounted thereon in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a support frame equipped with a battery module, viewed from another angle, in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a module fixing member in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Fig. 14 is a rear perspective view of a module fixing member in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a partition member in a module fixing member of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of a partition member in a module fixing member of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a state in which two adjacent battery modules are fixed to a module fixing member in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Fig. 18 is a detailed view of part of Fig. 17.

[0049] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Accordingly, in some embodiments, well-known process steps, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not specifically described to avoid ambiguity in the interpretation of the present invention. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0050] In order to clearly represent multiple layers and regions in the drawings, thicknesses may be enlarged. Similar parts are designated by the same drawing reference numerals throughout the specification. When an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "over" another element, this includes not only the case where it is "directly over" that element, but also the case where there are other elements in between. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly over" another element, it can mean that there are no other elements in between. Furthermore, when an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "under" another element, this includes not only the case where it is "directly under" that element, but also the case where there are other elements in between. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly under" another element, it can mean that there are no other elements in between.

[0051] An energy storage device (1000) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0052] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the energy storage device illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a battery module in an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a view showing the inside of a battery module in an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of a battery cell in an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a view showing a support frame for supporting a battery module in an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a detailed view of a vertical support member in FIG. 6, FIG. 8 is a detailed view of a lower support in FIG. 6, FIG. 9 is a detailed view of an upper support in FIG. 6, FIG. 10 is a front view of a state in which a battery module is mounted on the upper support in FIG. 6, FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a support frame on which a battery module is mounted in an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a view of a battery module viewed from another angle in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a mounted support frame, FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a module fixing member in one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of a module fixing member in one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a partition member in a module fixing member in one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a partition member in a module fixing member in one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a state in which two adjacent battery modules are fixed to a module fixing member in one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18 is a partial detailed view of FIG. 17.

[0053] An energy storage device (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a case (100), a plurality of battery modules (200), and a support frame (300) for supporting the battery modules (200).

[0054] The above case (100) forms an outer case of an energy storage device (1000), can accommodate a plurality of battery modules (200) and a support frame (300), and can include a main body (110) and a door (120).

[0055] In the case (100), the main body (110) may include a bottom portion (111), a front portion (112), a rear portion (114), a side portion (113), and an upper portion (115).

[0056] The bottom part (111) of the main body (110) can be formed in the form of a plate extending horizontally. On the outer lower surface of the bottom part (111), four support legs (111a) for supporting the case (100) can be respectively arranged at the corners of the bottom part (111).

[0057] In the main body (110), the front part (112) and the rear part (114) can form the front and rear of the case (100), respectively, and can be arranged at the front and rear edges of the bottom part (111) and the upper surface part (115), respectively.

[0058] In the main body (110), the side portion (113) forms one side of the case (100) and can be placed on the left or right edge of the bottom portion (111) and the upper surface portion (115), respectively.

[0059] The front part (112), the rear part (114), and the side part (113) can form the side of the case (100) together with the door (120).

[0060] In the main body (110), the upper surface (115) may be placed on the upper part of the case (100) and may cover the inside of the case (100). An electrical device such as a PCS (Power Conversion System) may be installed on the outer upper surface of the upper surface (115), and may have a structure for installing the electrical device.

[0061] The door (120) is coupled to one side of the main body (110) and can open and close the interior of the case (100). The door (120) can be positioned on the opposite side of the side portion (113) of the case (100) to face the side portion (113) and form one side of the case (100).

[0062] The door (120) can be rotatably connected to the main body (110) by a hinge, and can also be connected to the main body (110) so as to be completely detachable from the main body (110).

[0063] In one embodiment of the present invention, a locking device for the door (120) may be provided.

[0064] In the case (100), the areas of the side portion (113) and the door (120) may be the same or similar to each other, and the areas of the side portion (113) and the door (120) may be larger than the area of ​​the bottom portion (111). For example, the areas of the side portion (113) and the door (120) may be more than twice that of the bottom portion (111), and therefore, as illustrated, one side with a large area in the case (100) of the energy storage device (1000) may be arranged in a form in which it stands up by forming the side of the case (100) rather than forming the bottom, thereby reducing the installation area.

[0065] The battery module (200) may include a module case (210) as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and a plurality of cell module assemblies (CMAs (Cell Module Assemblies)) (not shown) accommodated within the module case (210).

[0066] A cell module assembly (CMA) accommodated in a module case (210) comprises a plurality of battery cells, and in each cell module assembly, a plurality of battery cells can be arranged in close contact.

[0067] Each battery cell may be, for example, a pouch-type battery cell (250). The pouch-type battery cell (250) may have a structure in which an electrode assembly is accommodated within a pouch-type case.

[0068] For example, a cell module assembly may include a plurality of battery cells that are mutually stacked or closely packed, and each battery cell may be provided with electrode leads (251, 252) at the front and / or rear ends, and a positive electrode lead may be provided at the front end and a negative electrode lead may be provided at the rear end. In the cell module assembly, a plurality of battery cells (250) may be arranged so as to be electrically connected to each other.

[0069] In the cell module assembly of the present embodiment, battery cells can be stacked vertically, and a plurality of cell module assemblies can be arranged vertically within a module case (210).

[0070] Figure 5 is a drawing illustrating a pouch-type battery cell (250).

[0071] A battery cell (250) provided in a pouch type may include an electrode assembly and a cell case (255) that accommodates the electrode assembly.

[0072] The cell case (255) of the battery cell (250) may be a pouch-type cell case (255) for accommodating the electrode assembly. The cell case (255) includes a lower case and an upper case covering the lower case, and the upper and lower cases may be formed as a single body. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the connecting portions of the upper and lower cases may be formed in a structure in which they are bent and folded. In addition, as illustrated, the upper case may completely cover the lower case, and a sealing portion (254) may be formed at the periphery.

[0073] Both the upper and lower cases can be formed of a laminate structure including an inner covering layer, a metal layer, and an outer covering layer. The inner covering layer is located on the inside of the cell case (255) based on the metal layer and is in direct contact with the electrode assembly, so it must have insulation and electrolytic resistance. In addition, in order to seal it from the outside, the sealing portion where the inner layers are thermally bonded must have excellent thermal bonding strength. The metal layer is located between the inner covering layer and the outer covering layer and serves as a barrier layer that prevents moisture or various gases from penetrating into the battery from the outside. A preferable material for the metal layer in contact with the inner covering layer is an aluminum (Al) thin film that is lightweight and has excellent formability. The outer covering layer is located on the outside of the cell case (255) based on the metal layer, and this outer covering layer can use a heat-resistant polymer with excellent tensile strength, moisture permeability, and air permeability to protect the electrode assembly while ensuring heat resistance and chemical resistance. For example, nylon or polyethylene terephthalate can be used.

[0074] A receiving groove (256) may be formed in each of the upper and lower cases, and an electrode assembly may be accommodated in the receiving groove (256) of the upper and lower cases. In the cell case (255) of the pouch-type battery cell (250), the part shown in FIG. 5 is the upper case, and the lower case is arranged below it. In the present embodiment, the lower case of the cell case (255) may be arranged to face the bottom portion (3211) of the module case (210), and the lower case and its receiving groove (256) may be arranged parallel to the bottom portion (211).

[0075] The electrode assembly housed in the cell case (255) may be one of a group consisting of a jelly-roll type electrode assembly having a structure in which a separator is interposed between long sheet-shaped positive and negative electrodes and then rolled up, a stack type electrode assembly having unit cells having a structure in which rectangular positive and negative electrodes are stacked with a separator interposed between them, a stack-folding type electrode assembly in which the unit cells are rolled up by a long separator film, and a lamination-stack type electrode assembly in which the unit cells are stacked with a separator interposed between them and attached to each other.

[0076] Additionally, the electrode assembly may include two electrode tabs (250a, 250b) and two electrode leads (251, 252) connected to the two electrode tabs (250a, 250b) by welding, respectively.

[0077] One of the two electrode tabs (250a, 250b) may be a positive tab and the other may be a negative tab.

[0078] Among the two electrode leads (251, 252), one electrode lead (251, 252) may be a positive lead connected to the positive tab, and the other electrode lead (251, 252) may be a negative lead connected to the negative tab. For example, the positive electrode lead (251, 252) may be made of aluminum (Al), and the negative electrode lead (251, 252) may be made of copper (Cu).

[0079] A lead film (253) may be attached to each of the electrode leads (251, 252). The lead film (253) attached to the electrode leads (251, 252) is positioned between the electrode leads (251, 252) and the cell case (255) to prevent a short circuit from occurring between the electrode leads (251, 252) and the cell case (255) and to improve sealing strength, thereby preventing leakage of the electrolyte, etc.

[0080] The two electrode leads (251, 252) are shown as being arranged on each side of the electrode assembly, but may be arranged on only one side of the electrode assembly depending on the arrangement of the electrode tabs.

[0081] In the cell module assembly, the battery cells are not limited to pouch-shaped battery cells, but may be composed of other shapes such as square or cylindrical battery cells.

[0082] The cell module assembly may be placed within the module case (210) of the battery module (200) in an open form without an independent housing. In addition, as another example, the cell module assembly may be in a form in which a plurality of battery cells are housed within a housing, and the cell module assembly may be housed within individual housings and placed independently within the module case (210).

[0083] As another example, the battery module (200) may have multiple battery cells stacked and arranged within a module case (210).

[0084] The module case (210) may include a bottom portion (211), a front portion (212), a rear portion (214), two side portions (213, 216), and a top portion (215).

[0085] The bottom part (211) of the module case (210) can form the bottom of the module case (210) in the form of a plate extending in a horizontal direction.

[0086] The front part (212) and the rear part (214) can form the front and rear parts of the module case (210), respectively, and can be arranged at the front and rear edges of the bottom part (211) and the upper surface part (215), respectively.

[0087] The two side portions (213, 216) form both sides of the module case (210) and can be placed on the left and right edges of the bottom portion (211) and the top portion (215), respectively.

[0088] The front portion (212), the rear portion (214), and both side portions (213, 216) can form the side surfaces of the module case (210).

[0089] The upper surface (215) can be placed on the upper part of the module case (210) and cover the inside of the module case (210).

[0090] In the module case (210), the area of ​​the side portions (213, 216) may be larger than the area of ​​the bottom portion (211). For example, the area of ​​the side portions (213, 216) may be more than twice that of the bottom portion (211), and therefore, as illustrated, one side of the module case (210) with a large area may not form the bottom, but may be arranged to form a side of the module case (210) and stand up, thereby reducing the installation area within the energy storage device (1000).

[0091] These multiple battery modules (200) can be placed on a support frame (300) within a case (100).

[0092] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a support frame (300) that supports a battery module (200) in an energy storage device (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] The above support frame (300) can support a plurality of battery modules (200). In the present embodiment, the support frame (300) can include a plurality of vertical support members (310), a lower support member (320), an upper support member (330), a top fixing member (340), and a module fixing member (350).

[0094] In this embodiment, four vertical support members (310) can be arranged, two vertical support members (310) can be arranged in front of the battery module (200), and two vertical support members (310) can be arranged in the rear of the battery module (200).

[0095] The vertical support member (310) may include a pair of wing plates (311) and a connecting plate (312).

[0096] A connecting plate (312) disposed between a pair of wing plates (311) can connect the pair of wing plates (311). The pair of wing plates (311) and the connecting plate (312) can be formed integrally, and the pair of wing plates (311) in the vertical support member (310) can be bent outwardly (in the opposite direction of the battery module (200)) at a certain angle (for example, a right angle) from both ends of the connecting plate (312) and can be disposed parallel to each other.

[0097] Each wing plate (311) may have a plurality of apertures (313) spaced apart from each other along the length.

[0098] The vertical support member (310) can have its structural rigidity reinforced by having a pair of wing plates (311) bent on both sides of the connecting plate (312).

[0099] The lower support member (320) is arranged on the lower side of the support frame (300) and can support a plurality of battery modules (200).

[0100] In this embodiment, two battery modules (200) are shown to be supported by the lower support member (320), but two or more battery modules (200) may be placed on the lower support member (320).

[0101] The lower support (320) may include a support plate (321) and two horizontal members (322) (see FIG. 8).

[0102] The support plate (321) may be formed as a plate having an approximately rectangular shape, and the battery module (200) may be supported on the support plate (321). The support plate (321) may be integrally formed with a folded plate (321b) that is folded upward along an edge in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the support plate (321), and may be fixed by being joined to two vertical support members (310) arranged at the rear of the battery module (200) through a joining hole (321c) formed in the folded plate (321b) using a bolt or the like. The support plate (321) may be joined to the vertical support members (310) by a bolt, a rivet, welding, or the like. The material of the support plate (321) may be, for example, metal.

[0103] A sheet (323) can be placed on the support plate (321).

[0104] The sheet (323) can be bonded to or attached with an adhesive on the support plate (321), and can be, for example, a resin sheet, a polycarbonate sheet, etc. As the sheet (323), the polycarbonate sheet has excellent electrical insulation, durability, weather resistance, impact resistance, etc., and can stably support a heavy battery module (200).

[0105] In this embodiment, a sheet (323) is placed on a support plate (321), so that when a heavy battery module (200) is placed on the support plate (321), friction is reduced, making it easier to install the battery module (200) and preventing scratches between contacting parts.

[0106] The area of ​​the sheet (323) may be equal to or smaller than the area of ​​the support plate (321), and may be larger than the sum of the areas of the bottoms (211) of the two battery modules (200).

[0107] It may include two side portions (321a) that are bent downward at both ends of the support plate (321) along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). The length of the side portions (321a) along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) may be the same as that of the support plate (321).

[0108] Two horizontal members (322) can be formed by bending (for example, bending at a right angle) toward the support plate (321) at the end of the side portion (321a). The horizontal members (322) can be parallel to the support plate (321).

[0109] The horizontal member (322) may be formed integrally with the support plate (321), and one end of each horizontal member (322) may be joined to the lower portion of the vertical support member (310) positioned at the front of the battery module (200). The horizontal member (322) may be joined to the vertical support member (310) using bolts, rivets, welding, or the like.

[0110] In addition, the horizontal member (322) may be formed in a plate shape and may be extended and protruded further than the support plate (321) in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). Accordingly, the length of the horizontal member (322) in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) may be longer than that of the support plate (321). Accordingly, a space (S) may be formed between the front portion of the battery module (200) disposed on the support plate (321) and the vertical support member (310) coupled to the horizontal member (322). In the present embodiment, by securing the space (S) inside the vertical support member (310) in this way, the insertion and assembly of the battery module (200) is facilitated, and electrical work is facilitated along with the installation of electrical devices and wiring (see FIG. 4).

[0111] In the lower support member (320), the support plate (321), the side member (321a), and the horizontal member (322) can be formed integrally.

[0112] The lower support member (320) is bent at both ends of the support plate (321) to place the side member (321a), and the horizontal member (322) is bent at the side member (321a) to place the horizontal member, thereby reinforcing the rigidity and stably supporting the heavy battery module (200).

[0113] The upper support member (330) may be positioned above the lower support member (320) in the support frame (300) to support a plurality of battery modules (200). In the present embodiment, the upper support member (330) may be positioned between the lower support member (320) and the top fixing member (340), and may be coupled to the vertical support member (310) at approximately the center.

[0114] The configuration of the upper support (330) is similar to that of the lower support (320). Although the drawing shows two battery modules (200) being supported on the upper support (330), two or more battery modules (200) may be placed on the upper support (330).

[0115] The upper support member (330) may include a support plate (331) and two horizontal members (332) (see FIG. 9).

[0116] In the upper support member (330), the support plate (331) may be formed as a plate having an approximately square shape. A folded plate (331b) folded upward along the edge of the width direction (X-axis direction) of the support plate (331) may be integrally formed on the support plate (331), and may be fixed by being joined to two vertical support members (310) arranged at the rear of the battery module (200) using bolts or the like through a joining hole (331c) formed in the folded plate (331b). The support plate (331) may be made of, for example, a metal material, and may be joined to the vertical support members (310) by means of bolts, rivets, welding, or the like.

[0117] A sheet (333) may be placed on the support plate (331). The sheet (333) may be bonded to the support plate (321) or attached with an adhesive, and may be, for example, a resin sheet or a polycarbonate sheet.

[0118] Similarly to the lower support (320), a sheet (333) is placed on the support plate (331) on the upper support (330), so that friction is reduced when placing a heavy battery module (200) on the support plate (331), thereby facilitating installation of the battery module (200).

[0119] The area of ​​the sheet (333) may be equal to or smaller than the area of ​​the support plate (331), and may be larger than the sum of the areas of the bottoms (211) of the two battery modules (200).

[0120] A side portion (331a) may be arranged by bending downwards at both ends of the support plate (331) along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). The length of the side portion (331a) along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) may be the same as that of the support plate (331).

[0121] Two horizontal members (332) can be formed by bending (for example, bending at a right angle) from the end of the side portion (331a) toward the support plate (321). The horizontal members (332) can be parallel to the support plate (331).

[0122] In the upper support member (330), the horizontal member (332) can be formed integrally with the support plate (331), and one end of each horizontal member (332) can be connected to the central portion of the vertical support member (310) arranged in front of the battery module (200) using a bolt, rivet, welding, or the like.

[0123] In addition, the horizontal member (332) may be formed in a plate shape and may extend and protrude further than the support plate (331) in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). Accordingly, the length of the horizontal member (332) in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) may be longer than that of the support plate (331). Accordingly, a space (S) may be formed between the front portion of the battery module (200) disposed on the support plate (331) and the vertical support member (310) coupled to the horizontal member (332), and by securing the space (S) inside the vertical support member (310), insertion and assembly of the battery module (200) are facilitated, and electrical work is facilitated.

[0124] In the upper support member (330), the support plate (331), the side member (331a), and the horizontal member (332) can also be formed integrally.

[0125] The upper support member (330) is bent at both ends of the support plate (331) to place the side member (331a), and the horizontal member (332) is bent at the side member (331a) to place the horizontal member, thereby reinforcing the rigidity and stably supporting the heavy battery module (200).

[0126] The above top fixing member (340) can be placed on the upper part of the support frame (300) and can serve to fix and support the upper part of the support frame (300).

[0127] The top fixing member (340) may include two fixing members (341) and two connecting members (342).

[0128] In the top fixing member (340), one end of the fixing member (341) may be coupled to the vertical support member (310) at the front of the battery module (200), and the other end of the fixing member (341) may be coupled to the vertical support member (310) at the rear of the battery module (200). The two fixing members (341) may be arranged parallel to each other. The fixing member (341) may be coupled to the vertical support member (310) by means of a bolt, a rivet, welding, or the like.

[0129] A connecting member (342) may have one end connected to one fixed member (341) and the other end connected to another fixed member (341) so as to connect two fixed members (341) to each other. The two connecting members (342) may be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the fixed member (341) and may be arranged parallel to each other.

[0130] In this way, the two fixing members (341) can connect the two vertical support members (310) arranged at the front and rear of the battery module (200), respectively, and the two connecting members (342) can connect the two fixing members (341) to each other, so that the top fixing member (340) can fix and support the upper end of the support frame (300).

[0131] In this embodiment, the support frame (300) has the configuration described above, thereby stably securing the rigidity of the structure. In addition, the energy storage device (1000) according to this embodiment has a reduced installation area and a thinner thickness (distance in the X-axis direction).

[0132] In this embodiment, the module fixing member (350) is coupled to the vertical support member (310) to fix two battery modules (200) and prevent movement and vibration.

[0133] As shown, upper and lower module fixing members (350) can be placed on two vertical support members (310) at the rear of the battery module (200), and the lower module fixing member (350) can fix two battery modules (200) placed on the lower support member (320), and the upper module fixing member (350) can fix two battery modules (200) placed on the upper support member (330).

[0134] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, in this embodiment, the module fixing member (350) may include a joining plate (351) and a partition member (360).

[0135] The coupling plate (351) can have a roughly square plate shape and can be coupled and fixed to two vertical support members (310) positioned at the rear of the battery module (200).

[0136] An insertion hole (351b) into which a partition member (360) is inserted can be formed in the center of the joining plate (351).

[0137] In the joining plate (351), a through hole (351h) may be formed on both outer sides of the insertion hole (351b), and an insertion projection (351i) bent backward may be formed on the upper and lower ends of the through hole (351h). As shown in Fig. 14, the insertion projection (351i) may be inserted into the joining hole (362a) of the first joining portion (362) of the first contact surface portion (361) and the joining hole (364a) of the second joining portion (364) of the second contact surface portion (363), so that the first and second contact surfaces (361, 363) may be joined to the joining plate (351).

[0138] As shown, pads (354) may be placed on both sides of the insertion hole (351b) on the inner surface (351a) facing the battery module (200) of the coupling plate (351).

[0139] Each pad (354) is placed on the inner surface (351a) of the bonding plate (351) to prevent movement of the battery module (200) and to alleviate impact on the battery module (200).

[0140] The pad (354) can be compressed and may be made of a rubber pad or a foam pad, etc. In addition, the pad (354) may be made of a synthetic resin foam (or expanded foam), for example, a urethane foam.

[0141] These pads (354) are placed on the bonding plate (351) and come into contact with the rear of the battery module (200), thereby alleviating the impact of the battery module (200) or preventing the occurrence of movement.

[0142] The pad (354) can be attached to the bonding plate (351) by an adhesive on the back.

[0143] As shown, a through hole (354a) may be formed in the pad (354) and may be in communication with a through hole (351c) of the coupling plate (351). The through hole (351c) of the coupling plate (351) may be arranged on both sides of the insertion hole (351b). By communicating between the through hole (354a) of the pad (354) and the through hole (351c) of the coupling plate (351), a portion of the battery module (200) supported by the pad (354) may come into contact with air, thereby assisting in cooling the battery module (200).

[0144] A protruding plate (351d) is formed on both outer sides of the coupling plate (351) on which the pad (354) is placed. The protruding plate (351d) protrudes toward the rear of the coupling plate (351) (in the direction of the Y-axis) (away from the battery module (200) or toward the vertical support member (310) to which the coupling plate (351) is coupled), and the protruding plate (351d) is coupled to the vertical support member (310).

[0145] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, both ends of the protruding plate (351d) are bent and connected to the connecting plate (351), and the protruding plate (351d) can be formed integrally with the connecting plate (351). The protruding plate (351d) can be formed over the entire vertical length (Z-axis direction) of the connecting plate (351), and a connecting hole (351e) can be formed in the protruding plate (351d) so that it can be connected to the connecting plate (312) of the vertical support member (310) using a bolt, rivet, or the like.

[0146] In addition, a connecting projection (351g) protruding backward may be arranged on the upper and lower portions of the protruding plate (351d). The connecting projection (351g) may be formed by being integrally bent from the protruding plate (351d), and may be inserted into a connecting hole of the vertical support member (310) so that the connecting plate (351) may be connected or fixed to the vertical support member (310).

[0147] In this way, the protruding plate (351d) protrudes from the joining plate (351) and the joining surface that is joined to the vertical support member (310) on the protruding plate (351d) is formed rearwardly away from the joining plate (351), so that the external impact applied to the vertical support member (310) can be mitigated and transmitted to the battery module (200).

[0148] At both ends of the joining plate (351), a folded plate (352) may be placed that is folded in the direction of the battery module (200) (Y-axis direction) from the outside of the two protruding plates (351d).

[0149] The bending plate (352) can be extended by bending (e.g., bending at a right angle) toward the battery module (200) from both ends of the joining plate (351), and can support the side portions (213, 216) of the battery module (200) as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0150] Tabs (352a) may be arranged on the upper and lower sides of the end of the bending plate (352). As illustrated in FIG. 13, in the present embodiment, the tab (352a) arranged on the end of one bending plate (352) may be formed by being bent in the direction of the bending plate (352) in a U shape, and the end of the tab (352a) may be arranged parallel to the bending plate (352). In addition, the tab (352b) arranged on the end of the opposite bending plate (352) may be bent at an acute angle of 90 degrees or less from the bending plate (352). In this way, when the tabs (352a, 352b) are bent or folded outward and combined to the rear of the battery module (200), they can be smoothly combined without interference, and the tab (352a) adjacent to the door (120) is bent in a U shape so that the worker's clothes, etc. do not get caught during assembly.

[0151] A partition member (360) inserted into an insertion hole (351b) of a joining plate (351) can be placed between two battery modules (200), and can include an elastic member (365) placed between the first and second contact surfaces (361, 363) and the first and second contact surfaces (361, 363) (see FIGS. 15 and 16).

[0152] The first contact surface portion (361) can contact the side portion (213, 216) of one of the two adjacent battery modules (200), and the side portion (213, 216) of one of the battery modules (200) can be supported. The first contact surface portion (361) can include a plurality of arm portions (361a) and a connecting portion (361c).

[0153] Each arm portion (361a) may extend in the Y-axis direction, and the connecting portion (361c) may extend in the Z-axis direction intersecting the arm portions (361a). The plurality of arm portions (361a) may be arranged parallel to each other and may be connected to each other by the connecting portions (361c). One end of each arm portion (361a) may have a bent portion (361b) that is curved in a U shape. The end of the bent portion (361b) may be arranged parallel to the arm portion (361a), and the end of the vent portion (361b) may normally be spaced apart from the side portion (213, 216) of the adjacent battery module (200).

[0154] The first contact surface (361) is configured in this manner so that the side of one battery module (200) can be supported by contacting the arm portion (361a), and the vent portion (361b) is curved in a U shape so that the battery modules (200) can be easily combined without interference when combined, and when excessive impact or vibration occurs, the side of another adjacent battery module (200) can be supported and act as a buffer.

[0155] A first coupling portion (362) may be arranged at the other end of the first contact surface portion (361) to be bent from the first contact surface portion (361) and coupled to the coupling plate (351). The first coupling portion (362) may be coupled to an outer surface opposite the inner surface (351a) of the coupling plate (351), that is, a surface facing the vertical support member (310) to which the coupling plate (351) is coupled. The first coupling portion (362) may be formed integrally with the first contact surface portion (361). In addition, a coupling hole (362a) into which an insertion protrusion (351i) of the coupling plate (351) may be inserted may be formed in the first coupling portion (362) so as to fix the position of the first coupling portion (362).

[0156] The second contact surface portion (363) may be spaced apart from the first contact surface portion (361) and may be arranged parallel to face the first contact surface portion (361). The second contact surface portion (363) may contact a side portion (213, 216) of another battery module (200) among two adjacent battery modules (200), and the side portion (213, 216) of the other battery module (200) may be supported. The second contact surface portion (363) may include a plurality of arm portions (363a) and connection portions (363c).

[0157] A plurality of arm portions (363a) may be arranged parallel to each other and connected to each other by a connecting portion (363c). One end of each arm portion (363a) may have a bent portion (363b) curved in a U shape. The end of the bent portion (363b) may be arranged parallel to the arm portion (363a), and the end of the vent portion (363b) may normally be spaced from the side of an adjacent battery module (200).

[0158] The second contact surface (363) is configured in this manner so that the side of another battery module (200) can be supported by contacting the arm portion (363a), and the vent portion (363b) is curved in a U shape so as not to interfere when the battery module (200) is coupled, and when excessive impact or vibration occurs, the side of the battery module (200) supported by the first contact surface (361) can be supported and serve as a buffer.

[0159] A second coupling portion (364) may be arranged at an end of the second contact surface portion (363) to be bent from the first contact surface portion (361) and coupled to the coupling plate (351). The second coupling portion (364) may be coupled to an outer surface opposite the inner surface (351a) of the coupling plate (351), that is, a surface facing the vertical support member (310) to which the coupling plate (351) is coupled. The second coupling portion (364) may be formed integrally with the second contact surface portion (363). In addition, a coupling hole (364a) into which an insertion protrusion (351i) of the coupling plate (351) may be inserted may be formed in the second coupling portion (364) so ​​as to fix the position of the second coupling portion (364).

[0160] The first contact surface portion (361) and the second contact surface portion (363) may be formed separately or may be connected to each other.

[0161] The elastic member (365) can be placed between the first contact surface portion (361) and the second contact surface portion (363), and can elastically support two battery modules (200) placed on both sides of the partition member (360).

[0162] In the elastic member (365), the first side (365c) can be supported by contacting the first contact surface (361), and the second side (365d) opposite the first side (365c) can be supported by contacting the second contact surface (363).

[0163] In the elastic member (365), the third side (365a) and the opposite fourth side (365b) can be supported by support tabs (361d) bent from both edges of the connection portion (361c) in the first contact surface portion (361) toward the elastic member (365) and support tabs (363d) bent from both edges of the connection portion (363c) in the second contact surface portion (363) toward the elastic member (365).

[0164] A plurality of support tabs (361d, 363d) can be respectively arranged between a plurality of arm portions (361a, 363a) along the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the connecting portion (361c, 363c).

[0165] The lower end of the elastic member (365) can be supported by a folded piece (361f) bent in the direction of the elastic member (365) at the lower end of the first contact surface portion (361) and a folded piece (363f) bent in the direction of the elastic member (365) at the lower end of the second contact surface portion (363).

[0166] In addition, the upper end of the elastic member (365) can be supported by a folded piece (361e) folded at the upper end of the first contact surface portion (361) and a folded piece (363e) folded at the upper end of the second contact surface portion (363).

[0167] The elastic member (365) may be formed in the form of a block or pad, and may be formed of rubber or foam material.

[0168] Accordingly, as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, a partition member (360) is arranged between two adjacent battery modules (200) so that the two battery modules (200) can be fixed while maintaining a distance from each other so that they do not touch each other, and the battery modules (200) can be firmly fixed by the repulsive force of the elastic member (365) between the two battery modules (200). In addition, when an external shock or vibration is applied, the shock can be primarily alleviated by the elastic member (365) and secondarily buffered by the vent portions (361b, 363b) of the arm portions (361a, 363a).

[0169] Accordingly, in this embodiment, as described above, two adjacent battery modules (200) are fixed by the partition member (360) in the joining plate (351), and at the same time, damage to the battery module (200) due to vibration or movement can be prevented.

[0170] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments as described above, it is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains within a scope that does not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

[0171] The present invention can provide an energy storage device that can prevent damage to a battery module due to movement or vibration caused by external impact.

Claims

1. A plurality of battery modules comprising a plurality of battery cells; A case for accommodating a plurality of the above battery modules; A support frame supporting a plurality of the battery modules within the case; and A module fixing member for fixing two adjacent battery modules; An energy storage device characterized by including:

2. In paragraph 1, The above module fixing member bonding plate; and An energy storage device comprising a partition member disposed between two adjacent battery modules in the above-described joining plate.

3. In paragraph 2, The above-mentioned bonding plate is an energy storage device bonded to the above-mentioned support frame.

4. In paragraph 2, The above module fixing member An energy storage device comprising a pad disposed on the above bonding plate and supporting one side of the battery module.

5. In paragraph 4, An energy storage device in which the above pads are arranged on both sides of the above bonding plate and each side of the above battery module is supported.

6. In paragraph 2, A protruding plate protruding rearward on both outer sides of the above-mentioned joining plate is integrally formed, An energy storage device in which the above protrusion plate is coupled to the above support frame.

7. In paragraph 6, The above support frame includes a plurality of vertical support members, The above protrusion plate is an energy storage device coupled to the above vertical support member.

8. In paragraph 2, An energy storage device in which a bending plate is integrally formed at both ends of the above-mentioned joining plate, each supporting one side of the above-mentioned battery module.

9. In paragraph 8, An energy storage device in which an outwardly bent tab is integrally formed at the end of the above-mentioned bending plate.

10. In paragraph 2, The above partition member is an energy storage device inserted into the insertion hole of the above joining plate.

11. In paragraph 2, The above partition absence A first contact surface portion on which one side of one of the two adjacent battery modules is supported; and An energy storage device comprising a second contact surface portion supporting one side of another battery module among two adjacent battery modules.

12. In paragraph 11, The above partition absence A first joint portion bent at the first contact surface portion and joined to the joint plate; and An energy storage device further comprising a second coupling portion bent at the second contact surface portion and coupled to the coupling plate.

13. In paragraph 11, An energy storage device in which the first and second contact surfaces each have a U-shaped bent portion at one end.

14. In paragraph 11, An energy storage device, wherein the first and second contact surfaces each include a plurality of arm portions; and a connecting portion connecting the plurality of arm portions.

15. In paragraph 11, An energy storage device wherein the partition member further includes an elastic member disposed between the first contact surface portion and the second contact surface portion.

16. In paragraph 15, An energy storage device wherein the first contact surface includes two support tabs that support both sides of the elastic member.

17. In paragraph 16, An energy storage device wherein the second contact surface includes two support tabs that support both sides of the elastic member.

18. In paragraph 1, The above support frame includes a plurality of vertical support members, The above module fixing member is an energy storage device connected to two of the above vertical support members.

19. In paragraph 1, The above support frame a lower support on which at least one battery module is supported; and An energy storage device comprising an upper support portion disposed on the upper side of the lower support portion and having at least one battery module supported thereon.

20. In paragraph 19, The above module fixing members are respectively placed on the upper and lower sides of the support frame, An energy storage device in which the module fixing members arranged on the upper and lower sides fix two battery modules supported on the upper and lower support members, respectively.

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