Pack housing and battery pack comprising same

Abstract

According to exemplary embodiments, a pack housing is provided. The pack housing comprises: a base plate; a first cross beam on the base plate; a second cross beam spaced apart from the first cross beam in a first direction parallel to a mounting surface of the base plate; and a third cross beam spaced apart from the second cross beam in the first direction, wherein each of the first cross beam, the second cross beam, and the third cross beam extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the base plate comprises first grooves disposed between the first cross beam and the second cross beam and second grooves disposed between the second cross beam and the third cross beam.

Description

Pack housing and battery pack including same

[0001] The present invention relates to a pack housing and a battery pack including the same. This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2024-0115858, filed August 28, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. They are widely used as a power source for various wireless devices, including handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, improved energy density and economies of scale have dramatically reduced the per-unit manufacturing cost of secondary batteries. Furthermore, as the range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to match that of fuel-powered vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0003] The technological development trend in secondary batteries for mobility is improving energy density and safety. The energy density of a secondary battery is defined as the maximum electrical energy it can store divided by its mass. High energy density in secondary batteries is directly linked to driving efficiency and range in mobility, and therefore, various studies are being conducted to improve the energy density of secondary batteries.

[0004] The technical idea of ​​the present invention aims to solve a problem by providing a pack housing that is easy to service after-sales and a battery pack including the same.

[0005] According to exemplary embodiments for solving the above-described problem, a pack housing is provided. The pack housing includes: a base plate; and a first cross beam on the base plate; a second cross beam spaced apart from the first cross beam in a first direction parallel to a mounting surface of the base plate; and a third cross beam spaced apart from the second cross beam in the first direction, wherein each of the first cross beam, the second cross beam, and the third cross beam extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the base plate includes a first groove disposed between the first cross beam and the second cross beam, and a second groove disposed between the second cross beam and the third cross beam.

[0006] Each of the first groove and the second groove includes a first portion extending in the first direction and a second portion and a third portion spaced apart from each other with the first portion therebetween, and a width of each of the second portion and the third portion is different from a width of the first portion.

[0007] The width of each of the second portion and the third portion is greater than the width of the first portion.

[0008] The width of the second portion is the same as the width of the third portion.

[0009] Each of the first and second grooves has one of an H shape, a dog bone shape, and a dumbbell shape.

[0010] The first cross beam includes a first grating having a recessed structure in a third direction perpendicular to each of the first and second directions, the second cross beam includes a second grating having a recessed structure in the third direction, and the third cross beam includes a third grating having a recessed structure in the third direction.

[0011] The first and second gratings overlap the first groove in the first direction.

[0012] According to exemplary embodiments, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack comprises a pack housing including a base plate and first and second cross beams on the base plate, the first and second cross beams being spaced apart from each other in a first direction parallel to a mounting surface of the base plate and extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a battery cell assembly between the first and second cross beams, the battery cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells arranged in the first direction and first and second side beams spaced apart with the plurality of battery cells interposed therebetween; and a lift band between the battery cell assembly and the base plate, the base plate including a groove recessed in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions from a mounting surface facing the battery cell assembly, and the lift band being inserted into the groove.

[0013] Each of the first and second grooves includes a first portion extending in the first direction and second and third portions spaced apart from each other with the first portion therebetween, and a width of each of the second and third portions is greater than a width of the first portion.

[0014] The lift band includes a lift portion extending in the first direction, and first and second extension portions connected to the lift portion and having a width greater than the lift portion in the second direction.

[0015] The upper surface of the above lift portion and the upper surface of each of the first and second expansion portions are coplanar with the mounting surface.

[0016] The lift portion is inserted into the first portion of the groove, the first expansion portion is inserted into the second portion of the groove, and the second expansion portion is inserted into the third portion of the groove.

[0017] The lift band includes a first vertical portion connected to the first extension portion and perpendicular to the lift portion, first connecting portions protruding in the first direction from the first vertical portion, a second vertical portion connected to the second extension portion and perpendicular to the lift portion, and second connecting portions protruding in the first direction from the second vertical portion.

[0018] The first cross beam includes a first grating having a recessed structure in the third direction, and the second cross beam includes a second grating having a recessed structure in the third direction.

[0019] The first connecting portions overlap the first grating in the third direction, and the second connecting portions overlap the second grating in the third direction.

[0020] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a battery pack includes a battery cell assembly, a base plate, and a lift band interposed therebetween. Accordingly, if a quality issue occurs in any of the battery cell assemblies, they can be separated and replaced.

[0021] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from practicing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0023] FIGS. 2 to 8 are drawings for explaining a method of manufacturing a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating a pack housing according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0026] 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.

[0027] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0028] In addition, when describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0029] Since the embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the sizes and proportions of each component do not fully reflect the actual sizes or proportions.

[0030]

[0031] (Embodiments 1 and 2)

[0032] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0033] FIGS. 2 to 8 are drawings for explaining a method of manufacturing a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0034] More specifically, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pack housing (110) according to exemplary embodiments, FIG. 3 is a plan view of a pack housing (110) according to exemplary embodiments, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a pack housing (110) and a plurality of lift bands (130) according to exemplary embodiments, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lift band (130), FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 4I-4I' of FIG. 4, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 4II-4II' of FIG. 4, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing mounting a battery cell assembly (120) on the pack housing (110).

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a pack housing (110) can be prepared at P110. The pack housing (110) can include a base plate (111), side walls (112, 113, 114, 115), and cross beams (116, 117, 118). Here, two directions substantially parallel to the mounting surface (111M) of the base plate (111) are defined as the X direction and the Y direction, and a direction substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface (111M) of the base plate (111) is defined as the Z direction. The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction can be substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0036] The base plate (111) may have a flat shape. The side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) may be substantially perpendicular to the base plate (111). The side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) may be adjacent to edge portions of the base plate (111). The side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) may be joined to edge portions of the base plate (111).

[0037] The base plate (111) may include a plurality of plates joined by friction stir welding. Each of the plurality of plates and the side walls (112, 113) of the base plate (111) may be provided by an extrusion process, but is not limited thereto. The base plate (111) may also be provided by a casting process.

[0038] The extrusion direction of each of the plurality of plates and side walls (112, 113) of the base plate (111) may be the X direction. That is, the YZ cross-section of each of the plurality of plates and side walls (112, 113) of the base plate (111) may be constant according to the position in the X direction except for deformation due to additional tooling. Here, the YZ cross-section may be substantially parallel to the Y direction and the Z direction, and substantially perpendicular to the X direction. The base plate (111) and the side walls (112, 113) may be arranged in the Y direction. The side walls (114, 115) and the cross beams (116, 117, 118) may also be provided by an extrusion process.

[0039] The base plate (111) may include a center beam (111CB). The center beam (111CB) may protrude in the Z direction from the mounting surface (111M). The center beam (111CB) may extend in the X direction.

[0040] The base plate (111) may include a plurality of grooves (111G). The plurality of grooves (111G) may be recessed in the Z direction with respect to the mounting surface (111M). The thickness in the Z direction of the portion of the base plate (111) having the grooves (111G) may be different from the thickness in the Z direction of the portion of the base plate (111) spaced apart from the grooves (111G). The thickness in the Z direction of the portion of the base plate (111) having the grooves (111G) may be smaller than the thickness in the Z direction of the portion of the base plate (111) spaced apart from the grooves (111G).

[0041] Each of the plurality of grooves (111G) may be between the cross beams (116, 117) in the X direction, or between the cross beams (117, 118). Each of the plurality of grooves (111G) may be between the side wall (112) and the center beam (111CB), or between the side wall (113) and the center beam (111CB) in the Y direction. Each of the plurality of grooves (111G) that is between the cross beams (116, 117) may be referred to as a first groove, and each of the plurality of grooves (111G) that is between the cross beams (117, 118) may be referred to as a second groove.

[0042] One of the plurality of grooves (111G) may be surrounded by a center beam (111CB), cross beams (116, 117) and a side wall (112). One of the plurality of grooves (111G) may be surrounded by a center beam (111CB), cross beams (117, 118) and a side wall (112). One of the plurality of grooves (111G) may be surrounded by a center beam (111CB), cross beams (116, 117) and a side wall (113). One of the plurality of grooves (111G) may be surrounded by a center beam (111CB), cross beams (117, 118) and a side wall (113).

[0043] Each of the plurality of grooves (111G) may include first to third portions (111G1, 111G2, 111G3). The first portion (111G1) may be between the second and third portions (111G2, 111G3). Each of the second and third portions (111G2, 111G3) may be connected to the first portion (111G1). The second and third portions (111G2, 111G3) may be symmetrical with respect to the first portion (111G1).

[0044] The width of the first portion (111G1) may be different from the widths of each of the second and third portions (111G2, 111G3). The width of the first portion (111G1) may be smaller than the widths of each of the second and third portions (111G2, 111G3). The widths of each of the second and third portions (111G2, 111G3) may be substantially the same. Each of the plurality of grooves (111G) may have any one of an H shape, a dog bone shape, and a dumbbell shape when viewed from above.

[0045] Each of the side walls (112, 113) can be substantially perpendicular to the Y direction. Each of the side walls (114, 115) can be substantially perpendicular to the X direction. The side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) can surround the cross beams (116, 117, 118) and the center beam (111CB).

[0046] Each of the cross beams (116, 117, 118) may extend in the Y direction. The cross beams (116, 117, 118) may be spaced apart from each other in the X direction. Each of the cross beams (116, 117, 118) may be on a base plate (111). Each of the cross beams (116, 117, 118) may be welded to the base plate (111) or may be fixed to the base plate (111) by bolting. The cross beams (116, 117, 118) may be surrounded by side walls (112, 113, 114, 115).

[0047] A cross beam (117) may be between the cross beams (116, 118). The cross beam (116) may be between the side wall (114) and the cross beam (117). The cross beam (118) may be between the side wall (115) and the cross beam (117).

[0048] The thickness (e.g., thickness in the X direction) of each of the cross beams (116, 118) may be different from the thickness of the cross beam (117). The thickness (e.g., thickness in the X direction) of each of the cross beams (116, 118) may be smaller than the thickness of the cross beam (117). The thickness (e.g., thickness in the X direction) of each of the cross beams (116, 118) may be substantially the same as each other.

[0049] The cross beam (116) may include gratings (116G), the cross beam (117) may include gratings (117G), and the cross beam (118) may include gratings (118G). The cross beam (118) may include gratings (118G).

[0050] Each of the gratings (116G) may have a Z-direction concave-convex structure. Each of the gratings (116G) may include a plurality of grooves arranged along the extension direction of the cross beam (116) (i.e., the Y direction). Each of the gratings (116G) may overlap corresponding ones of the plurality of grooves (111G) in the X direction. The gratings (116G) may be spaced apart in the Y direction. The length of each of the gratings (116G) in the X direction may be substantially the same as the length of the cross beam (116) in the X direction.

[0051] Each of the gratings (117G) may have a Z-direction concave-convex structure. Each of the gratings (117G) may include a plurality of grooves arranged along the extension direction of the cross beam (117) (i.e., the Y direction). Each of the gratings (117G) may overlap corresponding ones of the plurality of grooves (111G) in the X direction. The gratings (117G) may be spaced apart in the Y direction. The length of each of the gratings (117G) in the X direction may be substantially the same as the length of the cross beam (117) in the YX direction.

[0052] Each of the gratings (118G) may have a Z-direction concave-convex structure. Each of the gratings (118G) may include a plurality of grooves arranged along the extension direction of the cross beam (118) (i.e., the Y direction). Each of the gratings (118G) may overlap corresponding ones of the plurality of grooves (111G) in the X direction. The gratings (118G) may be spaced apart in the Y direction. The length of each of the gratings (118G) in the X direction may be substantially the same as the length of the cross beam (118) in the X direction.

[0053]

[0054] Next, referring to FIGS. 1, 3, and 7, a plurality of lift bands (130) can be assembled to a pack housing (110) at P120. In this example, the pack housing (110) and the lift bands (130) can be provided without a fixing means such as bolting. According to exemplary embodiments, the workpiece illustrated in FIG. 2 may also be referred to as a housing-band assembly.

[0055] A plurality of lift bands (130) can be assembled at locations on the pack housing (110) where loading of battery cell assemblies (120, see FIG. 5) is scheduled. The plurality of lift bands (130) can be inserted into corresponding ones of the plurality of grooves (111G). The plurality of grooves (111G) can guide the assembly of the plurality of lift bands (130).

[0056] Each of the plurality of lift bands (130) may be between the cross beams (116, 117) in the X direction, or between the cross beams (117, 118). Each of the plurality of lift bands (130) may be between the side wall (112) and the center beam (111CB), or between the side wall (113) and the center beam (111CB) in the Y direction.

[0057] One of the plurality of lift bands (130) may be surrounded by a center beam (111CB), cross beams (116, 117) and a side wall (112). One of the plurality of lift bands (130) may be surrounded by a center beam (111CB), cross beams (117, 118) and a side wall (112). One of the plurality of lift bands (130) may be surrounded by a center beam (111CB), cross beams (116, 117) and a side wall (113). One of the plurality of lift bands (130) may be surrounded by a center beam (111CB), cross beams (117, 118) and a side wall (113).

[0058] Each of the plurality of lift bands (130) may include a lift portion (131), extension portions (132, 133), vertical portions (134, 135), and fastening portions (136, 137). According to exemplary embodiments, the extension portion (132), the vertical portion (134), and the fastening portions (136) may be symmetrical with the extension portion (133), the vertical portion (135), and the fastening portions (137).

[0059] The lift portion (131) can extend in the X direction. The lift portion (131) can be substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. The width of the lift portion (131) in the Y direction can be greater than the thickness of the lift portion (131) in the Z direction. The lift portion (131) can be in contact with the base plate (111).

[0060] The lift portion (131) can be inserted into the first portion (111G1) of the groove (111G). The thickness of the lift portion (131) in the Z direction can be substantially the same as the depth of the first portion (111G1) of the groove (111G) in the Z direction. The upper surface (111U) of the lift portion (131) can be flush with the mounting surface (111M).

[0061] The width of the first portion (111G1) of the groove (111G) in the Y direction may be substantially the same as the width of the lift portion (131) in the Y direction, but is not limited thereto. Taking manufacturing tolerances into account, the width of the first portion (111G1) of the groove (111G) in the Y direction may be greater than the width of the lift portion (131) in the Y direction.

[0062] The expansion parts (132, 133) can be spaced apart from each other with the lift part (131) therebetween. The expansion parts (132, 133) can each be connected to the lift part (131). The expansion parts (132, 133) can each be in contact with the base plate (111). The width of each of the expansion parts (132, 133) in the Y direction can be different from the width of the lift part (131) in the Y direction. The width of each of the expansion parts (132, 133) in the Y direction can be greater than the width of the lift part (131) in the Y direction. Accordingly, each of the plurality of lift bands (130) can have any one of an H shape, a dog bone shape, and a dumbbell shape when viewed from above.

[0063] The expansion portion (133) can be inserted into the third portion (111G3) of the groove (111G). The thickness of the expansion portion (133) in the Z direction can be substantially the same as the depth of the third portion (111G3) of the groove (111G) in the Z direction. The upper surface (133U) of the expansion portion (133) can be flush with the mounting surface (111M).

[0064] The Y-direction width of the third portion (111G3) of the groove (111G) may be substantially the same as the Y-direction width of the extension portion (133), but is not limited thereto. Taking manufacturing tolerances into account, the Y-direction width of the third portion (111G3) of the groove (111G) may be greater than the Y-direction width of the extension portion (133).

[0065] The expansion portion (132) can be inserted into the second portion (111G2) of the groove (111G). The thickness of the expansion portion (132) in the Z direction can be substantially the same as the depth of the second portion (111G2) of the groove (111G) in the Z direction. The upper surface of the expansion portion (132) can be coplanar with the mounting surface (111M).

[0066] The Y-direction width of the second portion (111G2) of the groove (111G) may be substantially the same as the Y-direction width of the expansion portion (132), but is not limited thereto. Taking manufacturing tolerances into account, the Y-direction width of the third portion (111G2) of the groove (111G) may be larger than the Y-direction width of the expansion portion (132).

[0067] The vertical portion (134) can be connected to the expansion portion (132). The vertical portion (134) can be spaced apart from the lift portion (131) with the expansion portion (132) therebetween. The vertical portion (135) can be connected to the expansion portion (133). The vertical portion (135) can be spaced apart from the lift portion (131) with the expansion portion (133) therebetween.

[0068] Each of the vertical sections (134, 135) can be substantially perpendicular to the lift section (131) and each of the extension sections (132, 133). The vertical sections (134, 135) can be substantially perpendicular to the X direction. The width of each of the vertical sections (134, 135) in the Y direction can be substantially the same as the width of each of the extension sections (132, 133) in the Y direction, but is not limited thereto. Each of the vertical sections (134, 135) can face a corresponding one of the cross beams (116, 117, 118).

[0069] The fastening members (136) may be connected to the vertical member (134). The fastening members (136) may protrude from the vertical member (134) in the X direction. The fastening members (136) may be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. The fastening members (136) may be spaced apart from the extension member (132) with the vertical member (134) interposed therebetween. Each of the fastening members (136) may include holes (136H). The holes (136H) may be used for fastening the battery cell assembly (120, see FIG. 8) and the lift band (130).

[0070] The fastening parts (137) can be connected to the vertical part (135). The fastening parts (137) can protrude from the vertical part (135) in the X direction. The fastening parts (137) can be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. The fastening parts (137) can be spaced apart from the extension part (133) with the vertical part (135) therebetween. Each of the fastening parts (137) can include holes (137H). The holes (137H) can be used for fastening the battery cell assembly (120, see FIG. 8) and the lift band (130).

[0071] The fastening members (136, 137) may face the upper surface (i.e., the surface perpendicular to the Z direction) of any one of the cross beams (116, 117, 118). The cross beam (117) may be interposed between the cross beams (116, 118) and may overlap in the Z direction a greater number of fastening members (136, 137) than each of the cross beams (116, 118). The fastening members (136, 137) may be interposed between the cross beams (116, 117, 118) and the side beams (125) of the battery cell assembly (120).

[0072] The fastening members (136, 137) may face corresponding ones of the gratings (116G, 117G, 118G). The fastening members (136, 137) may overlap corresponding ones of the gratings (116G, 117G, 118G) in the Z direction.

[0073]

[0074] Next, referring to FIGS. 1, 4, and 8, a battery cell assembly (120) may be mounted on a pack housing (110) at P130. The battery cell assembly (120) may be placed in a space defined by a center beam (111CB) and cross beams (116, 117, 118). The battery cell assembly (120) mounted on the pack housing (110) may be on a base plate (111). The battery cell assembly (120) may include a plurality of battery cells (121) and side beams (125).

[0075] The battery cell assembly (120) may be located between the cross beams (116, 117) in the X direction, or between the cross beams (117, 118). The battery cell assembly (120) may be located between the side wall (112) and the center beam (111CB), or between the side wall (113) and the center beam (111CB) in the Y direction.

[0076] The battery cell assembly (120) may be surrounded by a center beam (111CB), cross beams (116, 117) and a side wall (112), or may be surrounded by a center beam (111CB), cross beams (117, 118) and a side wall (112), or may be surrounded by a center beam (111CB), cross beams (116, 117) and a side wall (113), or may be surrounded by a center beam (111CB), cross beams (117, 118) and a side wall (113).

[0077] Each of the plurality of battery cells (121) may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a case. Each of the plurality of battery cells (121) may be any one of a cylindrical battery cell, a square battery cell, and a pouch-type battery cell. The electrode assembly of the cylindrical battery cell is housed in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of the square battery cell is housed in a square metal can. The electrode assembly of the pouch-type battery cell is housed in a pouch case including an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0078] The electrode assembly includes an anode, a cathode, and a separator interposed between the anode and the cathode. A jelly roll type electrode assembly is formed by winding an anode, a cathode, and a separator interposed between them. A stack type electrode assembly includes a plurality of sequentially stacked anodes, a plurality of cathodes, and a plurality of separators interposed between them.

[0079] According to exemplary embodiments, a plurality of battery cells (121) may constitute a plurality of banks. The plurality of banks may include one or more parallel-connected battery cells (121). The plurality of banks may be connected in series with each other. The number of battery cells (121) included in each of the plurality of banks and the number of banks connected in series with each other may be determined according to the voltage and current to be output through the battery cell assembly (120).

[0080] According to exemplary embodiments, the battery cell assembly (120) may further include a plurality of pads. The plurality of pads may be interposed between the plurality of battery cells (121). The plurality of pads may include a flexible material and may absorb swelling of the plurality of battery cells.

[0081] The side beams (125) may be spaced apart from each other with a plurality of battery cells (121) therebetween. The side beams (125) may have substantially the same shape as each other. The side beams (125) may include a metal such as aluminum. The side beams (125) may be provided by an extrusion process. The side beams (125) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the plurality of battery cells (121). Each of the side beams (125) may include a plate portion (125P) and a joining portion (125C). Each of the side beams (125) may have an approximate shape of the Greek letter 'Γ'.

[0082] The plate portion (125P) of each of the side beams (125) may have a flat plate shape perpendicular to the X direction. The connecting portion (125C) of each of the side beams (125) may include a plurality of bolting holes.

[0083] The plate portion (125P) may be substantially parallel to each of the Y direction and the Z direction. The plate portion (125P) may be substantially perpendicular to the X direction. The thickness of the coupling portion (125C) in the X direction may be greater than the thickness of the plate portion (125P) in the X direction. The coupling portion (125C) may protrude outwardly from the battery cell assembly (120) with respect to the plate portion (125P). The coupling portion (125C) may be connected to the plate portion (125P). The coupling portion (125C) may be connected to an upper portion of the plate portion (125P).

[0084] Each of the side beams (125) of the battery cell assembly can be coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of lift bands (130). Each of the side beams (125) of the battery cell assembly and the plurality of lift bands (130) can be fastened by a method such as bolting.

[0085] Each of the side beams (125) may include a groove (125G). The groove (125G) may be in the plate portion (125P). The groove (125G) may be a portion of the plate portion (125P) that is recessed in the X direction. The groove (125G) may be approximately at the center of the plate portion (125P) in the Y direction. A vertical portion (134) of a corresponding one of the lift bands (130) may be inserted into the groove (125G) of one of the side beams (125), and a vertical portion (135) of a corresponding one of the lift bands (130) may be inserted into the groove (125G) of another one of the side beams (125).

[0086] The side beams (125) may be secured to the base plate (111) by long bolts passing through the side beams (125) and the cross beams (116, 117, 118). TIM layers may be further provided between the battery cell assembly (120) and the base plate (111). The TIM layers may include a resin composition. The TIM layers may be provided by a thermal resin application process. Each of the TIM layers may be spaced apart from a plurality of lift bands (1130).

[0087] The battery cell assembly (120) may further include first and second integrated circuit assemblies and FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) assemblies. The first integrated circuit assembly may include an insulating frame, an integrated circuit, bus bars, sensing plates, sensing bars, temperature sensors, wires, and an insulating cover. The first integrated circuit assembly may include physical and functional components for providing electrical connections between a plurality of battery cells (121), outputting resultant voltages of the plurality of battery cells (121), and measuring voltages (or currents) of nodes within a circuit composed of the plurality of battery cells (121).

[0088] The second integrated circuit assembly may be substantially similar to the first integrated circuit assembly, except that it does not include bus bars. The first and second integrated circuit assemblies may be electrically connected by FFC assemblies. Accordingly, signals (e.g., temperature and voltage) sensed by the second integrated circuit assembly may be transmitted to the first integrated circuit assembly via the FFC assemblies.

[0089]

[0090] (Example 3)

[0091] Fig. 9 illustrates a pack housing (110') according to other exemplary embodiments. The pack housing (110') is substantially the same as the pack housing (110) of Figs. 2 and 3, except for the shape of the plurality of grooves (111G'). The plurality of grooves (111G') may have a substantially constant width in the Y direction. The plurality of grooves (111G') may be arranged in the same manner as the plurality of grooves (111G) of Figs. 2 and 3.

[0092]

[0093] (Example 4)

[0094] FIG. 10 illustrates a battery pack (100) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0095] A battery pack (100) can be provided by repeatedly performing P130 of FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 10, the battery pack can include a pack housing (110), a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120), and a plurality of lift bands (130). The battery pack (100) is the final form of a battery system mounted on a mobility device, etc.

[0096] A plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may be on a mounting surface (111M) of a base plate (111) of a pack housing (110). The battery cell assemblies (120) may be arranged in the X direction and the Y direction. In this example, two battery cell assemblies (120) are arranged in the X direction, and two battery cell assemblies (120) are arranged in the Y direction, so that the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) form a matrix of two rows and two columns, but this is for illustration only and does not limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention in any sense.

[0097] The base plate (111) can support a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) can horizontally surround the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120).

[0098] The lift portion (131) of each of the plurality of lift bands (130) may overlap with a corresponding one of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) in the Z direction. The lift portion (131) of each of the plurality of lift bands (130) may be aligned with the center (e.g., the center in the Y direction) of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120).

[0099] The battery pack (100) may include exhaust devices. The exhaust devices may be coupled to any one of the side walls (112, 113, 114, 115). The side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) coupled to the exhaust devices may include exhaust paths connected to the exhaust devices. The exhaust devices may be configured to delay thermal propagation by releasing high-temperature gas within the battery pack (100) to the outside when at least one of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) is in a thermal runway state.

[0100] Here, thermal runaway of multiple battery cell assemblies (120) is a state in which temperature changes of multiple battery cell assemblies (120) further accelerate the temperature change, which is an uncontrollable positive feedback. Multiple battery cell assemblies (120) in a state of thermal runaway exhibit a rapid temperature increase and emit a large amount of high-pressure gas and combustion debris.

[0101] The battery pack (100) may include leads coupled to side walls (112, 113, 114, 115). The leads may cover elements disposed within the battery pack (100), such as battery cell assemblies (120) and electrical components. The leads may be secured to the battery pack (100) by mechanical fastening means, such as bolts.

[0102] The battery pack (100) may further include inter-busbars. A plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may be connected in series by the inter-busbars, and the battery pack (100) may output a high voltage.

[0103] The battery pack (100) may further include electrical components. The electrical components may be positioned on the pack housing (110). The electrical components may be positioned between any one of the side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) on which the exhaust devices are installed and the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120).

[0104] The electrical components may include, for example, a BMS. The BMS may be configured to monitor, balance, and control the battery pack. Monitoring of the battery pack (100) may include measuring voltage and current of specific nodes within a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) and measuring temperature of set locations within the battery pack (100). The battery pack (100) may include sensors for measuring the voltage, current, and temperature described above.

[0105] Balancing of a battery pack (100) is an operation that reduces the deviation between multiple battery cell assemblies (120). Control of the battery pack (100) includes preventing overcharge, overdischarge, and overcurrent. Through monitoring, balancing, and control, the battery pack (100) can operate under optimal conditions, thereby preventing shortening of the lifespan of each of the multiple battery cell assemblies (120).

[0106] The electrical components may further include a cooling device, a PRA (Power Relay Assembly), a safety plug, etc. The cooling device may include a cooling fan. The cooling fan may prevent overheating of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) by circulating air inside the battery pack (100). The PRA may be configured to supply or cut off power from the high-voltage battery to an external load (e.g., a vehicle motor). The PRA may protect the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) and the external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) by cutting off power supply to the external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) in a situation where an abnormal voltage, such as a voltage surge, occurs.

[0107]

[0108] The present invention has been described in more detail through drawings and examples. However, the configurations described in the drawings or examples described in this specification are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modified examples may exist as of the time of this application.

Claims

1. Base plate; and A first cross beam on the base plate; A second cross beam spaced apart in a first direction parallel to the mounting surface of the first cross beam and the base plate; and Including the second cross beam and the third cross beam spaced apart in the first direction, Each of the first cross beam, the second cross beam, and the third cross beam extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and A pack housing, characterized in that the base plate includes a first groove disposed between the first cross beam and the second cross beam and a second groove disposed between the second cross beam and the third cross beam.

2. In paragraph 1, Each of the first groove and the second groove includes a first portion extending in the first direction and a second portion and a third portion spaced apart from each other with the first portion therebetween, and A pack housing characterized in that the width of each of the second part and the third part is different from the width of the first part.

3. In paragraph 2, A pack housing, characterized in that the width of each of the second portion and the third portion is greater than the width of the first portion.

4. In paragraph 2, A pack housing characterized in that the width of the second portion is the same as the width of the third portion.

5. In paragraph 1, A pack housing, wherein each of the first and second grooves has one of an H shape, a dog bone shape, and a dumbbell shape.

6. In paragraph 1, The first cross beam includes a first grating which is a third-direction concave structure perpendicular to each of the first and second directions, The second cross beam includes a second grating which is a recessed structure in the third direction, and A pack housing characterized in that the third cross beam includes a third grating which is a recessed structure in the third direction.

7. In paragraph 1, A pack housing characterized in that the first and second gratings overlap the first groove in the first direction.

8. A pack housing including a base plate and first and second cross beams on the base plate, wherein the first and second cross beams are spaced apart from each other in a first direction parallel to a mounting surface of the base plate and extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; A battery cell assembly between the first and second cross beams, wherein the battery cell assembly includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in the first direction and first and second side beams spaced apart with the plurality of battery cells therebetween; and including a lift band between the battery cell assembly and the base plate; The base plate includes a groove recessed in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions from the mounting surface facing the battery cell assembly, and A battery pack characterized in that the above lift band is inserted into the above groove.

9. In paragraph 8, Each of the first and second grooves includes a first portion extending in the first direction and second and third portions spaced apart from each other with the first portion therebetween, and A battery pack, characterized in that the width of each of the second and third portions is greater than the width of the first portion.

10. In paragraph 9, A battery pack characterized in that the lift band includes a lift portion extending in the first direction, and first and second extension portions connected to the lift portion and having a width greater than the lift portion in the second direction.

11. In paragraph 10, A battery pack characterized in that the upper surface of the lift portion and the upper surface of each of the first and second expansion portions are flush with the mounting surface.

12. In paragraph 10, The above lift portion is inserted into the first portion of the above groove, The above first extension portion is inserted into the above second portion of the groove, and A battery pack characterized in that the second expansion portion is inserted into the third portion of the groove.

13. In paragraph 10, A battery pack characterized in that the lift band includes a first vertical portion connected to the first extension portion and perpendicular to the lift portion, first connecting portions protruding in the first direction from the first vertical portion, a second vertical portion connected to the second extension portion and perpendicular to the lift portion, and second connecting portions protruding in the first direction from the second vertical portion.

14. In paragraph 13, The first cross beam includes a first grating which is a third-direction recessed structure, and A battery pack characterized in that the second cross beam includes a second grating which is a third-direction uneven structure.

15. In paragraph 14, The above first connecting portions overlap the above first grating in the third direction, and A battery pack characterized in that the second connecting portions overlap the second grating in the third direction.

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