Battery pack, method for manufacturing same battery pack, and vehicle including same battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a cell array structure including a plurality of battery cells and a side frame configured to support the plurality of battery cells, and a cooling unit provided at at least one of a bottom portion under the plurality of battery cells and a portion between the plurality of battery cells and configured to cool the plurality of battery cells, wherein the cell array structure includes a sheet member detachably provided at a bottom portion under the plurality of battery cells.

Description

Battery pack, method of manufacturing such battery pack, and automobile including such battery pack

[0001] This application is a priority claim application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0191624 filed on December 19, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of said application are incorporated into this application by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery pack, a method for manufacturing the battery pack, and an automobile including the battery pack. Specifically, it relates to a battery pack with improved insulation, waterproofing, and cooling performance while securing price competitiveness, a method for manufacturing the battery pack, and an automobile including the battery pack.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which possess electrical characteristics such as high energy density and high applicability across product groups, are widely applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric sources. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for enhancing eco-friendliness and energy efficiency, not only for the primary advantage of drastically reducing the use of fossil fuels but also because they generate no by-products from energy use.

[0004] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, or unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Additionally, depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Accordingly, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be varied depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] Recently, there has been an increasing number of cases in battery packs where potting resin is applied as a filler in the empty spaces between components to ensure structural rigidity and prevent heat diffusion.

[0006] However, in the case of potting resins used as such fillers, there is a significant problem in that their low viscosity before curing poses a high risk of external leakage during filling. Furthermore, during the battery pack manufacturing process, battery cells are exposed to the external environment prior to filling with the filler, leading to a high risk of short circuits or leakage. This can be particularly problematic in battery packs equipped with a bottom cooling structure mounted beneath the cells, especially during the process prior to the installation of the cooling structure. Conventionally, using additional, complex structures during the manufacturing process to prevent this increases production costs, thereby reducing price competitiveness.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to explore ways to provide a battery pack with improved insulation, waterproofing, and cooling performance while securing price competitiveness, a method for manufacturing such a battery pack, and an automobile including such a battery pack.

[0008] Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack capable of improving insulation and waterproof performance, a method for manufacturing such a battery pack, and an automobile including such a battery pack.

[0009] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to provide a battery pack capable of improving cooling performance, a method for manufacturing such a battery pack, and an automobile including such a battery pack.

[0010] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to provide a battery pack capable of increasing price competitiveness, a method for manufacturing such a battery pack, and an automobile including such a battery pack.

[0011] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0012] To solve the above objective, the present invention provides a battery pack comprising: a cell array structure including a plurality of battery cells and a side frame supporting the plurality of battery cells; and a cooling unit provided in at least one of the bottom of the plurality of battery cells and between the plurality of battery cells for cooling the plurality of battery cells, wherein the cell array structure comprises a sheet member detachably provided in the bottom of the plurality of battery cells.

[0013] Additionally, preferably, the battery pack may include a filling member that is filled between the plurality of battery cells and injected toward the sheet member above the plurality of battery cells.

[0014] Additionally, preferably, the cooling unit includes a cooling plate provided at the bottom of the plurality of battery cells, and the sheet member can be removed so that the bottom of the plurality of battery cells is exposed on the cooling plate when the cooling plate is mounted.

[0015] Additionally, preferably, the battery pack may include an adhesive member provided between the bottom of the plurality of battery cells and the cooling plate.

[0016] Additionally, preferably, the adhesive member may be applied to at least one of the bottom of the plurality of battery cells and the cooling plate.

[0017] Additionally, preferably, the adhesive member may be provided with thermal resin.

[0018] Additionally, preferably, the sheet member may include an insulating material.

[0019] Additionally, preferably, the sheet member may be provided as a polycarbonate sheet.

[0020] Additionally, preferably, the side frame comprises a pair of side walls provided on both outermost sides of the plurality of battery cells; and a plurality of side structures provided between the pair of side walls and supporting the plurality of battery cells, and the sheet member may have an area capable of covering the bottom of the plurality of battery cells, the bottom of the pair of side walls, and the bottom of the plurality of side structures.

[0021] Additionally, preferably, the cooling unit may include at least one cooling tube provided between the plurality of battery cells.

[0022] And, the present invention may include a method for manufacturing a battery pack comprising: a step of mounting a plurality of battery cells on a side frame so as to support the plurality of battery cells; a step of placing a sheet member on the bottom of the plurality of battery cells; a step of injecting a filling member toward the sheet member from above the plurality of battery cells to fill the filling member between the plurality of battery cells; a step of removing the sheet member so as to expose the bottom of the plurality of battery cells when the injection of the filling member is completed; and a step of mounting the bottom of the plurality of battery cells on a cooling unit.

[0023] Additionally, preferably, the method for manufacturing the battery pack may include the step of applying an adhesive member to at least one of the bottom of the plurality of battery cells and the cooling unit after removing the sheet member.

[0024] Additionally, preferably, the sheet member can be completely separated from the bottom of the plurality of battery cells when removed.

[0025] And, the present invention provides a vehicle characterized by including at least one battery pack according to the above-described embodiments.

[0026] According to the various embodiments described above, a battery pack capable of improving insulation and waterproof performance, a method for manufacturing such a battery pack, and an automobile including such a battery pack can be provided.

[0027] In addition, according to various embodiments as described above, a battery pack capable of improving cooling performance, a method for manufacturing such a battery pack, and an automobile including such a battery pack can be provided.

[0028] In addition, according to the various embodiments described above, a battery pack capable of increasing price competitiveness, a method for manufacturing such a battery pack, and an automobile including such a battery pack can be provided.

[0029] In addition, various other additional effects may be achieved by various embodiments of the present invention. These various effects of the present invention are described in detail in each embodiment, or the description of effects that are easily understood by those skilled in the art is omitted.

[0030] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a cell array structure of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cell array structure of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIGS. 6 and 7 are drawings for explaining the injection process of a filling material during the manufacture of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining the process after the injection of a filling material is completed during the manufacture of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining the mounting process of a cooling unit during the manufacture of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIGS. 10 and 11 are drawings for explaining the combination process of a cell array structure and a cooling unit during the manufacture of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating the completed combination of a cell array structure and a cooling unit of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 13 is a drawing for illustrating a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining a sheet member of a cell array structure of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating the injection process of a filling material during the manufacture of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIGS. 16 and 17 are drawings for explaining the process after the injection of a filling material is completed during the manufacture of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the combination process of a cell array structure and a cooling unit during the manufacture of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 19 is a drawing for illustrating a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 20 is a drawing for explaining the injection process of a filling member of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 21 is a drawing for explaining an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0050] Therefore, 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; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0051] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used in this specification, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the location of the object or the position of the observer, as is obvious to those skilled in the art of this invention.

[0052]

[0053] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a cell array structure of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cell array structure of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the battery pack (10) may include a cell array structure (100) and a cooling unit (200).

[0055] The cell array structure (100) may include a plurality of battery cells (110) and a side frame (130).

[0056] The plurality of battery cells (110) above may be provided as secondary batteries, such as cylindrical secondary batteries, pouch-type secondary batteries, or prismatic secondary batteries. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the description is limited to the plurality of battery cells (110) being provided as cylindrical secondary batteries. The plurality of battery cells (110) may be arranged in multiple numbers in both the length direction (Y-axis direction) and the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery pack (10) to achieve a large capacity of the battery pack (10).

[0057] The above side frame (130) can support the plurality of battery cells (110). The above side frame (130) can form the border of the cell array structure (100).

[0058] The cooling unit (200) may be provided at least one between the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the plurality of battery cells (110) and the plurality of battery cells (110) for cooling the plurality of battery cells (110). In this embodiment, the cooling unit (200) may be provided at the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0059] The cell array structure (100) may include a sheet member (150).

[0060] The above sheet member (150) may be detachably provided on the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the plurality of battery cells (110). Such sheet member (150) can block the exposure of the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the battery cells (110) to the external environment during the manufacturing process of the battery pack (10), the movement of the cell array structure (100), or the use of the battery pack (10).

[0061] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the battery cells (110) can be prevented through the sheet member (150), thereby preventing damage to the battery cells (110) due to short circuits or external impacts. In particular, damage to the battery cells (110) due to short circuits or external impacts is highly likely to occur during the manufacturing process of the battery pack (10) or during the movement or storage of the cell array structure (100) for subsequent processes. In one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom of the battery cells (110) can be more reliably prevented through the sheet member (150) during the movement or storage of the cell array structure (100) for subsequent processes, thereby more effectively preventing the risk of damage to the battery cells (110) due to short circuits or external impacts.

[0062] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the sheet member (150) can prevent leakage or leakage of the filling member (300) that may occur at the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the cell array structure (100) during the injection process of the filling member (300) described later.

[0063] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the sheet member (150) is provided to be detachably attachable according to the convenience of the manufacturer or user, thereby increasing user convenience.

[0064] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, when a cooling unit (200) is mounted on the bottom of the battery cells (110) through the detachable sheet member (150), the sheet member (150) can be removed to increase the contact performance between the cooling unit (200) and the battery cells (110), thereby increasing the cooling performance of the battery cells (110).

[0065]

[0066] The above battery pack (10) may include a filling member (300).

[0067] The filling member (300) is filled between the plurality of battery cells (110) and can be injected toward the sheet member (150) from the upper side (+Z-axis direction) of the plurality of battery cells (110). The filling member (300) may be provided with potting resin. More specifically, the filling member (300) may be provided with silicone resin.

[0068] The above filling member (300) can reinforce the structural rigidity of the battery pack (10). In addition, the above filling member (300) can prevent heat diffusion between adjacent battery cells (110), thereby suppressing heat propagation that may occur between adjacent battery cells (110) during a thermal event.

[0069] The cooling unit (200) may include a cooling plate (200) provided at the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the plurality of battery cells (110). The cooling plate (200) may have high thermal conductivity to ensure cooling performance. In addition, a cooling channel through which a cooling medium flows may be formed in the cooling plate (200).

[0070] The above sheet member (150) can be removed so that the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the plurality of battery cells (110) is exposed on the cooling plate (110) when the cooling plate (110) is mounted on the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the cell array structure (100). Accordingly, the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the battery cells (110) can be positioned closer to the cooling plate (110). Accordingly, the cooling performance of the battery cells (110) can be further secured.

[0071] The battery pack (10) may include an adhesive member (400).

[0072] The adhesive member (400) may be provided between the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the plurality of battery cells (110) and the cooling plate (200). The adhesive member (400) may more stably fix the battery cells (110) on the cooling plate (200) and guide heat exchange between the battery cells (110) and the cooling plate (200).

[0073] The adhesive member (400) can be applied to at least one of the bottom portion (-Z-axis direction) of the plurality of battery cells (110) and the cooling plate (200). Through the adhesive member (400), the bottom portion of the battery cells (110) can be stably fixed and adhered to the cooling plate (200).

[0074] The adhesive member (400) may be provided with thermal resin. The thermal resin may have high thermal conductivity. Therefore, in this embodiment, the heat exchange performance between the battery cells (110) and the cooling plate (200) can be further enhanced through the adhesive member (400) provided with thermal resin.

[0075]

[0076] Below, the configurations of the cell array structure (100) are examined in more detail.

[0077] The sheet member (150) may include an insulating material. This sheet member (150) can effectively prevent the risk of a short circuit of the battery cells (110) that may occur in the external environment of the cell array structure (100), particularly on the bottom side of the cell array structure (100).

[0078] The above sheet member (150) may be provided as a polycarbonate sheet. That is, the above sheet member (150) may be provided as a PC sheet.

[0079] In this embodiment, insulation and waterproof performance can be secured through such a sheet member (150).

[0080] The above side frame (130) may include a pair of side walls (132) and a plurality of side structures (136).

[0081] The above pair of side walls (132) may be provided on the outermost sides (+X-axis direction and -X-axis direction) of the plurality of battery cells (110). These pair of side walls (132) may be provided on the outermost sides (+X-axis direction and -X-axis direction) in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the cell array structure (100) to form the side exterior of the cell array structure (100). Each of these pair of side walls (132) may be able to accommodate and support a row of the battery cells (110).

[0082] The plurality of side structures (136) are provided between the pair of side walls (132) and can support the plurality of battery cells (110). The plurality of side structures (136) can be arranged between the pair of side walls (132) in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the cell array structure (100). Each of these plurality of side structures (136) can accommodate and support two rows of battery cells (110).

[0083] The above sheet member (150) may have an area capable of covering the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the plurality of battery cells (110), the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the pair of side walls (132), and the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the plurality of side structures (110). Accordingly, during the injection process of the filling member (300), leakage or spillage of the filling member (300) on the bottom (-Z-axis direction) side of the cell array structure (100) can be prevented more reliably.

[0084] The cell array structure (100) may include a pair of end covers (170).

[0085] The above pair of end covers (170) may be provided on both the front and rear sides (Y-axis direction) and the -Y-axis direction of the plurality of battery cells (110). The above pair of end covers (170) may be combined with a pair of side walls (132) of the side frame (130) and the plurality of side structures (136). These pair of end covers (170) may form the outer perimeter of the cell array structure (100) together with the pair of side walls (132) of the side frame (130).

[0086] The above sheet member (150) may have an area capable of covering the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the pair of end covers (170). Therefore, during the injection process of the filling member (300), leakage or spillage of the filling member (300) toward the bottom side of the cell array structure (100) can be prevented more reliably.

[0087]

[0088] Below, we will examine in more detail the manufacturing process of the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] FIGS. 6 and 7 are drawings for explaining the injection process of a filling material during the manufacture of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the manufacturer, etc., can assemble the cell array structure (100) when manufacturing the battery pack (10). Specifically, the manufacturer, etc., can place the plurality of battery cells (110) on the side frame (130) so as to support the plurality of battery cells (110). Afterward, the manufacturer, etc., can attach the end cover (170) to the side frame (130). Next, the manufacturer, etc., can place a sheet member (150) on the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the plurality of battery cells (110). Specifically, the manufacturer, etc., can attach the sheet member (150) so as to cover the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the plurality of battery cells (110), the bottom of the side frame (130), and the bottom of the end cover (170).

[0091] When manufacturing the above battery pack (10), once the assembly of the cell array structure (100) is completed, the manufacturer, etc., can inject the filling material (300) from the upper side (+Z-axis direction) of the cell array structure (100). Specifically, the manufacturer, etc., can inject the filling material (300) toward the sheet material (150) from the upper side (+Z-axis direction) of the plurality of battery cells (110) to fill the filling material (300) between the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0092] In this embodiment, when the filling member (300) is injected, leakage or spillage of the filling member (300) outside the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the cell array structure (100) can be prevented at the source through the sheet member (150) at the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the cell array structure (100).

[0093] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining the process after the injection of a filling material is completed during the manufacture of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 8, the manufacturer, etc., can remove the sheet member (150) from the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the battery cells (100) when the injection of the filling member (300) is completed. The sheet member (150) can be completely separated from the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the plurality of battery cells (110) upon removal. Additionally, the sheet member (150) can also be completely removed from the bottom of the side frame (130) and the end cover (170, see FIG. 3 and FIG. 4) of the cell array structure (100). That is, the sheet member (150) can be completely separated from the bottom of the cell array structure (100). Meanwhile, the statement that the injection of the filling material (300) is completed may mean the point in time after the filling material (300) in a liquid state has completely hardened following the injection of the filling material (300).

[0095] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining the mounting process of a cooling unit during the manufacture of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are drawings for explaining the combination process of a cell array structure and a cooling unit during the manufacture of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, thereafter, the manufacturer, etc. may place the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the plurality of battery cells (110) on the cooling unit (200). After removing the sheet member (150), the manufacturer, etc. may apply the adhesive member (400) to at least one of the bottom of the plurality of battery cells (110) and the cooling unit (200). Specifically, after removing the sheet member (150), the manufacturer, etc. may place the cooling unit (200) on the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the cell array structure (100), and apply the adhesive member (400) to at least one of the cooling unit (200) and the bottom of the cell array structure (100). That is, as disclosed in FIG. 10, the adhesive member (400) may be applied to the cooling unit (200), or as disclosed in FIG. 11, the adhesive member (400) may be applied to the bottom of the cell array structure (400).

[0097] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating the completed combination of a cell array structure and a cooling unit of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 12, the battery pack (10) can be interconnected with the cell array structure (100) and the cooling unit (200) through the adhesive member (400). In this embodiment, the adhesive member (400) is provided with a thermal resin, which can significantly improve the heat exchange performance between the battery cells (100) and the cooling unit (200).

[0099] In addition, in this embodiment, the adhesive member (400) made of thermal resin (400) is provided at the bottom of the cell array structure (100), so the amount of the filling member (300) can be reduced by the amount of space occupied by the adhesive member (400). Since the filling member (300) made of silicone resin is relatively expensive, the amount of the filling member (300) can be reduced to lower the manufacturing cost of the battery pack (10), thereby increasing the price competitiveness of the battery pack (10).

[0100]

[0101] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining a sheet member of a cell array structure of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] Since the battery pack (20) according to the present embodiment is similar to the battery pack (10) of the preceding embodiment, redundant descriptions of configurations that are substantially identical or similar to the preceding embodiment will be omitted, and the following will focus on the differences from the preceding embodiment.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the battery pack (20) may include a cell array structure (105), a cooling unit (200), a filling member (300), and an adhesive member (400).

[0104] Since the cooling unit (200), the filling member (300), and the adhesive member (400) are substantially the same or similar to the preceding embodiment, a redundant description is omitted below.

[0105] The cell array structure (105) may include battery cells (110) and a sheet member (155). Additionally, the cell array structure (105) may include the side frame (130, see FIGS. 1 to 5) of the preceding embodiment and a pair of end covers (170, see FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0106] The above sheet member (155) may include a body part (156) and a removal part (157).

[0107] The above body portion (156) has a predetermined length and width and can be provided to cover the lower area of ​​the cell array structure (105).

[0108] The above removal part (157) may be provided in the body part (156). The above removal part (157) may be provided in a plurality corresponding to the number of the plurality of battery cells (110). The plurality of removal parts (157) may be provided at a position corresponding to the bottom of the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0109] The above-mentioned detachable part (157) may be provided on the body part (156) so as to be detachable from the body part (156) according to user operation, etc. Such detachable part (157) may be formed integrally with the body part (156) or may be mounted separately on the body part (156). Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the description is limited to the detachable part (156) being formed integrally with the body part (156).

[0110] The above detachable part (157) may be formed to have a thinner thickness than the body part (156) for easy separation from the body part (156), or may have a structure such as a notch on the edge connected to the body part (156).

[0111]

[0112] Below, we will examine in more detail the manufacturing process of the battery pack (20) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating the injection process of a filling material during the manufacture of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 15, when manufacturing the battery pack (20), the manufacturer, etc., can inject the filling material (300) from the upper side (+Z-axis direction) of the cell array structure (105). The sheet material (155) can prevent leakage or spillage of the filling material (300) from the lower side (-Z-axis direction) of the cell array structure (105), as in the previous embodiment.

[0115] FIGS. 16 and 17 are drawings for explaining the process after the injection of a filling material is completed during the manufacture of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, when the injection of the filling member (300) is completed during the manufacture of the battery pack (20), the manufacturer, etc., can detach the removal portion (157) of the sheet member (155) from the body portion (156). Specifically, the manufacturer, etc., can separate the removal portion (157) from the body portion (156) after compressing the removal portion (157) through a removal jig device (J).

[0117] As the above removal portion (157) is separated, a predetermined space (S) may be formed between the body portion (156) of the seat member (155). The predetermined space (S) may expose the bottom portion of the battery cells (110).

[0118] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the combination process of a cell array structure and a cooling unit during the manufacture of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 18, the manufacturer, etc., can apply the adhesive member (400) to the predetermined space (S) and attach the cooling unit (200) to the bottom of the cell array structure (105).

[0120] In this way, it may be possible to provide a structure in which the sheet member (155) is partially separated from the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the cell array structure (105) without being completely separated. In addition, in this embodiment, the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the battery cells (110) is closely connected to the cooling unit (200) through the adhesive member (400), so heat exchange performance can be secured even with a structure in which the sheet member (155) is partially removed.

[0121]

[0122] FIG. 19 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 20 is a drawing for explaining an injection process of a filling member of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] Since the battery pack (30) according to the present embodiment is similar to the battery pack (10) of the preceding embodiment, redundant descriptions of configurations that are substantially identical or similar to the preceding embodiment are omitted, and the following focuses on the differences from the preceding embodiment.

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the battery pack (30) may include a cell array structure (108), a cooling unit (205), and a filling member (300).

[0125] The cell array structure (108) may include battery cells (110), a side frame (138), and a sheet member (158).

[0126] Since the above battery cells (110), the side frame (138), and the seat member (158) are similar to the previous embodiment, a redundant description is omitted, and below, the differences from the previous embodiment are examined in detail.

[0127] The cooling unit (250) may include at least one cooling tube (205) provided between the plurality of battery cells (110). In this embodiment, the cooling tube (205) may be provided in a plurality and placed between the plurality of battery cells (110). The plurality of cooling tubes (205) may be in close contact with the side of the plurality of battery cells (110) and may have a cooling channel for circulating a cooling medium inside. That is, in this embodiment, the cooling unit (250) may be provided in a side cooling manner.

[0128] The filling member (300) can be filled toward the sheet member (158) from the upper side (+Z-axis direction) of the cell array structure (108). The sheet member (158) can prevent leakage or spillage of the filling member (300) from the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the cell array structure (108) when the filling member (300) is injected. That is, even in the battery pack (30) of the side cooling type, leakage or spillage that may occur when the filling member (300) is injected can be prevented through the sheet member (158).

[0129] In addition, in the battery pack (30) with a side cooling method like the present embodiment, the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the battery cells (110) can be prevented through the sheet member (158) to prevent short circuits or damage caused by external impacts of the battery cells (110).

[0130]

[0131] FIG. 21 is a drawing for explaining an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 21, a vehicle (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one battery pack (10, 20, 30) according to the present invention. In addition, the vehicle (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include various other components included in the vehicle in addition to the battery pack (10, 20, 30). For example, the vehicle (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include, in addition to the battery pack (10, 20, 30) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle body, a motor, an ECU (electronic control unit), and other control devices.

[0133] In addition, the battery pack (10, 20, 30) according to one embodiment of the present invention may also be provided in other devices, mechanisms, and facilities, such as an energy storage system using a secondary battery, in addition to the automobile (1).

[0134] According to various embodiments as described above, a battery pack (10, 20, 30) capable of improving insulation and waterproof performance, a method for manufacturing such a battery pack (10, 20, 30), and a vehicle (1) including such a battery pack (10, 20, 30) can be provided.

[0135] In addition, according to various embodiments as described above, a battery pack (10, 20, 30) capable of improving cooling performance, a method for manufacturing such a battery pack (10, 20, 30), and a vehicle (1) including such a battery pack (10, 20, 30) can be provided.

[0136] In addition, according to the various embodiments described above, a battery pack (10, 20, 30) capable of increasing price competitiveness, a method for manufacturing such a battery pack (10, 20, 30), and a vehicle (1) including such a battery pack (10, 20, 30) can be provided.

[0137]

[0138] As described above, although the present invention has been explained by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

Claims

1. Regarding battery packs, A cell array structure comprising a plurality of battery cells and a side frame supporting the plurality of battery cells; and A cooling unit provided in at least one of the bottom of the plurality of battery cells and between the plurality of battery cells for cooling the plurality of battery cells. Includes, The above cell array structure is, A battery pack characterized by including a sheet member detachably provided at the bottom of the plurality of battery cells.

2. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized by including a filling member that is filled between the plurality of battery cells and injected toward the sheet member from above the plurality of battery cells.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above cooling unit is, It includes a cooling plate provided at the bottom of the plurality of battery cells, and The above sheet member is, A battery pack characterized by the lower portions of the plurality of battery cells being removed to be exposed on the cooling plate when the cooling plate is mounted.

4. In Paragraph 3, A battery pack characterized by including an adhesive member provided between the bottom of the plurality of battery cells and the cooling plate.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above adhesive member is, A battery pack characterized by being applied to at least one of the bottom portions of the plurality of battery cells and the cooling plate.

6. In Paragraph 4, The above adhesive member is, A battery pack characterized by being equipped with thermal resin.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above sheet member is, A battery pack characterized by including an insulating material.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above sheet member is, A battery pack characterized by being made of a polycarbonate sheet.

9. In Paragraph 1, The above side frame is, A pair of side walls provided on both outermost sides of the plurality of battery cells; and A plurality of side structures provided between the above pair of side walls and supporting the plurality of battery cells Includes, The above sheet member is, A battery pack characterized by having an area capable of covering the bottom of the plurality of battery cells, the bottom of the pair of side walls, and the bottom of the plurality of side structures.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above cooling unit is, A battery pack characterized by including at least one cooling tube provided between the plurality of battery cells.

11. In a method for manufacturing a battery pack, A step of mounting the plurality of battery cells on a side frame so as to support the plurality of battery cells; A step of placing a sheet member on the bottom of the plurality of battery cells; A step of injecting a filling material toward the sheet member from above the plurality of battery cells to fill the space between the plurality of battery cells with the filling material; A step of removing the sheet member so as to expose the bottom portions of the plurality of battery cells when the injection of the filling member is completed; and Step of mounting the bottom portions of the plurality of battery cells on a cooling unit A method for manufacturing a battery pack characterized by including 12. In Paragraph 11, A step of applying an adhesive member to at least one of the bottom portions of the plurality of battery cells and the cooling unit after removing the above sheet member. A method for manufacturing a battery pack characterized by including 13. In Paragraph 11, The above sheet member is, A method for manufacturing a battery pack characterized by being completely separated from the bottom of the plurality of battery cells when the above is removed.

14. In automobiles, An automobile characterized by including at least one battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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