Battery cell assembly and battery pack comprising same

Abstract

According to exemplary embodiments, a battery cell assembly is provided. The battery cell assembly may comprise: a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction of a battery; and first and second side beams spaced apart from each other in the first direction with the plurality of battery cells interposed therebetween. Each of the first and second side beams can include: first and second vertical ribs perpendicular to the first direction; and first and second horizontal ribs for connecting the first and second vertical ribs. The first vertical rib can be closer to the battery cells than the second vertical rib. The first horizontal rib can be on top of the second horizontal rib. Each of the first and second side beams can include pin holes positioned in each of the first and second horizontal ribs. Each of the pin holes can have a width in the first direction and a width in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The width in the second direction can be greater than the width in the first direction.

Description

Battery cell assembly and battery pack including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell assembly and a battery pack including the same. The present application claims the benefit of Korean application No. 10-2025-0007247, filed on January 17, 2025, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as energy sources for various wireless devices such as handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, as the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has decreased dramatically due to improved energy density and economies of scale, and as the driving range of BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles) has increased to a level equivalent to that of fuel vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0003] The technological development trend for rechargeable batteries in mobility is the improvement of energy density and safety. Here, the energy density of a rechargeable battery is defined as the maximum electrical energy that can be stored by the battery's mass. As high energy density is directly linked to driving efficiency and range in mobility applications, various studies are being conducted to improve this energy density.

[0004] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery pack with improved rigidity along with improved efficiency of the loading process of the battery cell assembly.

[0005] According to exemplary embodiments for solving the above-described problem, a battery cell assembly is provided. The battery cell assembly may include a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first battery direction; and first and second side beams spaced apart from each other in the first direction with the plurality of battery cells in between. Each of the first and second side beams may include first and second vertical ribs perpendicular to the first direction; and first and second horizontal ribs connecting the first and second vertical ribs. The first vertical rib may be closer to the battery cells than the second vertical rib. The first horizontal rib may be above the second horizontal rib. Each of the first and second side beams may include pin holes in each of the first and second horizontal ribs. Each of the pin holes may have a width in the first direction and a width in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The width in the second direction may be greater than the width in the first direction.

[0006] The planar shape of each of the above pin holes may be a square or a square with rounded vertices.

[0007] The pin holes of the first horizontal rib can be aligned in a vertical direction with the corresponding pin holes of the second horizontal rib.

[0008] Each of the first and second side beams may include first bolting holes in the first horizontal rib and the second vertical rib; and second bolting holes in the second horizontal rib that overlap in a vertical direction with a corresponding first bolting hole.

[0009] The shape of each of the above pin holes may differ from the shape of each of the above second bolting holes.

[0010] The width of each of the above pin holes in the second direction may be greater than the width of each of the above second bolting holes in the second direction.

[0011] The shape of each of the above-mentioned second bolting holes may be circular.

[0012] Each pin hole of the first horizontal rib may be located between adjacent first bolting holes. Each pin hole of the second horizontal rib may be located between adjacent second bolting holes.

[0013] Each of the first and second side beams may further include first guide holes in the first horizontal rib; and second guide holes in the second horizontal rib and the second vertical rib that overlap in a vertical direction with a corresponding first guide hole.

[0014] The shape of each of the above pin holes may differ from the shape of each of the above first guide holes.

[0015] The width of each of the above pin holes in the second direction may be greater than the width of each of the above first guide holes in the second direction.

[0016] Each of the above second guide holes can be spaced apart from the first horizontal rib.

[0017] Each of the above first guide holes may be circular.

[0018] According to exemplary embodiments for solving the above-described problem, a battery cell assembly is provided. The battery cell assembly may include a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction; and first and second side beams spaced apart from each other in the first direction with the plurality of battery cells in between. Each of the first and second side beams may include first and second vertical ribs perpendicular to the first direction; and first and second horizontal ribs connecting the first and second vertical ribs. The first vertical rib may be closer to the battery cells than the second vertical rib. The first horizontal rib may be above the second horizontal rib. Each of the first and second side beams may include first guide holes in the first horizontal rib; and second guide holes in the second horizontal rib and the second vertical rib, which overlap in a vertical direction with a corresponding first guide hole.

[0019] According to exemplary embodiments for solving the above-described problem, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack may include: a base plate; a battery cell assembly on the base plate; first and second cross beams that are spaced apart from each other in a first direction with respect to the battery cell assembly and extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and guide pins that are coupled to each of the first and second cross beams and inserted into each of the second guide holes of the first and second side beams. Each of the guide pins may not overlap with the second vertical rib in the first direction by means of each of the second guide holes.

[0020] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the shapes of the pin holes and guide holes of the side beams of a battery cell assembly can be controlled. Accordingly, when loading the battery cell assembly, the gripping area of ​​the battery cell assembly by the gripper pins of the loading device can be increased, thereby allowing a greater compressive force to be applied to the battery cell assemblies. Additionally, the battery cell assembly can be seated in the pack housing so that the opposing surfaces of the side beams and cross beams of the battery cell assembly are joined together. As a result, deformation of the side beams and guide pins during swelling of the battery cells can be prevented or minimized, and the rigidity of the battery pack can be improved.

[0021] The effects obtainable from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of 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 top view of a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged view of a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a top view of a side beam according to exemplary embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a lower view of a side beam according to exemplary embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the manufacturing process of a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the manufacturing process of a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the manufacturing process of a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0035] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the manufacturing process of a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0036] 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. Instead, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best describe his invention, they should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0037] 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.

[0038] In addition, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions may obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0039] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the size or proportion of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size or proportion.

[0040]

[0041] (First and second embodiments)

[0042] FIG. 1 is a top view showing a battery pack (100) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0043]

[0044] Referring to FIG. 1, the battery pack (100) may include a pack housing (110) and battery cell assemblies (120).

[0045] The pack housing (110) may include a base plate (111), a center beam (112), cross beams (113) and side walls (114).

[0046] The base plate (111) may have a flat plate shape. Two directions substantially parallel to the mounting surface of the base plate (111) are defined as the X direction and the Y direction, and a direction substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface of the base plate (111) is defined as the Z direction. The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction may be substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0047] The center beam (112) and cross beams (113) can divide the space defined by the pack housing (110). The center beam (112) and cross beams (113) can partition the space where battery cell assemblies (120) are mounted. The center beam (112) and cross beams (113) can be surrounded by side walls (114).

[0048] In this example, the center beam (112) and the cross beams (113) isolate the receiving space of the pack housing (110) into a matrix of 2 rows and 2 columns, but this is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the technical concept of the invention in any sense.

[0049] The center beam (112) may extend in the X direction. The center beam (112) may be formed by an extrusion process together with the base plate (111) or welded to the base plate (111). Each of the cross beams (113) may intersect the center beam (112). Each of the cross beams (113) may extend in the Y direction. The cross beams (113) may be spaced apart from each other in the X direction. As shown in FIGS. 7, 9 and 10, each of the cross beams (113) may have a hollow structure.

[0050] The side walls (114) may be substantially perpendicular to the base plate (111). The side walls (114) may be adjacent to the edge portions of the base plate (111). The side walls (114) may be joined to the edge portions of the base plate (111).

[0051] Battery cell assemblies (120) can be mounted in the pack housing (110). A center beam (112) can isolate the battery cell assemblies (120) in the Y direction. Cross beams (113) can isolate a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) in the X direction. Side walls (114) can horizontally surround a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120).

[0052]

[0053] Each of the battery cell assemblies (120) may include a plurality of battery cells (121) and side beams (130A, 130B). The structure of the battery cell assemblies (120) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 through 10.

[0054] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a battery cell assembly (120) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a part of a battery cell assembly (120) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of P1 of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery cell assembly (120) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 4 shows a cross-section along C-C' of FIG. 2.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a top view showing a side beam (130A) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 6 is a bottom view showing a side beam (130B) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0056] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing pin holes (141) of a battery pack (100) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which a gripper pin (GP) is coupled to the pin holes (141) of a side beam (130A) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0057] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing bolting holes (142U, 142L) of a battery pack (100) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0058] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing guide holes (143U, 143L) of a battery pack (100) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0059]

[0060] A battery cell assembly (120) may include a plurality of battery cells (121), side beams (130A, 130B), and integrated circuit assemblies (135). The battery cell assembly (120) may not include a module frame. That is, the battery pack (100) may be of a modular type. However, this is a non-limiting example and does not limit the technical concept of the present invention in any sense. A person skilled in the art will be able to easily arrive at a plurality of battery cell assemblies including a module frame and a modular type battery pack including the same based on what is described herein.

[0061] A plurality of battery cells (121) may be arranged in the X direction. 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 prismatic battery cell, and a pouch-type battery cell. The electrode assembly of a cylindrical battery cell may be embedded in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of a prismatic battery cell may be embedded in a prismatic metal can. The electrode assembly of a pouch-type battery cell may be embedded in a pouch case comprising an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0062] An electrode assembly may include an anode, a cathode, and a separator interposed between the anode and the cathode. A jelly roll type electrode assembly may have a structure in which an anode, a cathode, and a separator interposed between them are wound. A stack type electrode assembly may include a plurality of anodes, a plurality of cathodes, and a plurality of separators interposed between them that are sequentially stacked.

[0063] According to exemplary embodiments, a plurality of battery cells (121) may form a plurality of banks. Each of 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 each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120).

[0064] Each of the battery cell assemblies (120) may further include a plurality of separators. The plurality of separators may be interposed between the plurality of battery cells (121). The plurality of separators may include a flexible material and may absorb swelling of the plurality of battery cells. According to exemplary embodiments, the plurality of separators may be thermal barriers. According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of separators may have a high melting temperature and low thermal conductivity. According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of separators may include a flame-retardant material, such as ceramic and coated glass material. According to exemplary embodiments, the plurality of separators may be configured to release a fire retarding material and a fire extinguishing agent in the event of a thermal runaway event. The battery cells (121) and separators may form a cell stack.

[0065]

[0066] Side beams (130A, 130B) may be spaced apart from each other in the X direction with a plurality of battery cells (121) in between. Side beams (130A, 130B) may support the cell stack in the X direction. Side beams (130A, 130B) may comprise aluminum. Side beams (130A, 130B) may be provided by an extrusion process. Side beams (130A, 130B) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the cell stack. Each of the side beams (130A, 130B) may have a shape approximately like the Greek letter 'Γ'. Each of the side beams (130A, 130B) may be connected to an adjacent cross beam (113).

[0067] Referring to FIG. 4, each of the side beams (130A, 130B) may have a hollow structure. Each of the side beams (130A, 130B) may include vertical ribs (131, 132) and horizontal ribs (133, 134).

[0068] The vertical ribs (131, 132) may be spaced apart from each other in the X direction. Each of the vertical ribs (131, 132) may be substantially perpendicular to the X direction. The vertical ribs (131, 132) may be substantially parallel to each other. The vertical rib (131) may be closer to the battery cells (121) in the X direction than the vertical rib (132). The vertical rib (131) may be in contact with the cell stack, and the vertical rib (132) may be spaced apart from the cell stack. The length of the vertical rib (132) in the Z direction may be smaller than the length of the vertical rib (131) in the Z direction.

[0069] Each of the horizontal ribs (133, 134) can connect to the vertical ribs (131, 132). The horizontal ribs (133, 134) can be spaced apart from each other in the Z direction. Each of the horizontal ribs (133, 134) can be substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. The horizontal ribs (133, 134) can be substantially parallel to each other. The horizontal rib (134) can be closer to the base plate (111 in FIG. 1) in the Y direction than the horizontal rib (133). The horizontal rib (133) can be above the horizontal rib (134) in the Z direction.

[0070]

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 2, FIGS. 3, FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 6, each of the side beams (130A, 130B) may include pin holes (141), bolting holes (142U, 142L) and guide holes (143U, 143L).

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 7 and FIGS. 8 together, the pin holes (141) may be configured to receive gripper pins (GP) when loading the battery cell assembly (120) into the pack housing (110). The gripper pins (GP) may be a component of the loading device (LD of FIG. 11).

[0073] Pin holes (141) may be present on each of the horizontal ribs (133, 134) of the side beams (130A, 130B). Referring to FIG. 5, the pin holes (141) of the horizontal ribs (133) may be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. According to one embodiment, the pin holes (141) of the horizontal ribs (133) may be located between adjacent bolting holes (142U). Referring to FIG. 6, the pin holes (141) of the horizontal ribs (134) may be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. According to one embodiment, the pin holes (141) of the horizontal ribs (134) may be located between adjacent bolting holes (142L).

[0074] Each of the pin holes (141) of the horizontal rib (133) can be aligned in the Z direction with each of the pin holes of the horizontal rib (134). Each of the pin holes (141) of the horizontal rib (133) can have substantially the same shape as each of the pin holes of the horizontal rib (134).

[0075] Each of the plurality of pin holes (141) may have a width (141W1) in the X direction and a width (141W2) in the Y direction. The width (141W2) in the Y direction of each of the plurality of pin holes (141) may be larger than the width (141W1) in the X direction. According to one embodiment, the XY plane shape of each of the plurality of pin holes (141) may be a rectangle. According to one embodiment, the XY plane shape of each of the plurality of pin holes (141) may be a rectangle with rounded vertices.

[0076] Each of the plurality of pin holes (141) may be configured to accommodate gripper pins (GP). Each gripper pin (GP) may pass through each pin hole (141) of the horizontal ribs (133, 134). Each gripper pin (GP) may have a width in the X direction and a width in the Y direction. The width in the Y direction of each gripper pin (GP) may be greater than the width in the X direction of each gripper pin (GP). By making the width in the Y direction of each gripper pin (GP) greater than the width in the X direction of each gripper pin (GP), a larger gripping area of ​​the battery cell assembly (120) by the gripper pins (GP) can be secured. As a result, during the loading process of the battery cell assembly (120) illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 14, the gripper pins (GP) can apply a greater compressive force to the battery cell assembly (120).

[0077]

[0078] Referring together with FIG. 9, the bolting holes (142U, 142L) can be configured to receive bolts (BT) when connecting each of the side beams (130A, 130B) to each of the cross beams (113). Each of the bolts (BT) can be configured to pass through the horizontal rib (134) and the cross beam (113) to fasten each of the side beams (130A, 130B) to the cross beam (113).

[0079] Bolting holes (142U) may be located in the vertical rib (132) and the horizontal rib (133). Referring to FIG. 5, the bolting holes (142U) may be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. Bolting holes (142L) may be located in the horizontal rib (134). Referring to FIG. 6, the bolting holes (142L) may be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. Each of the bolting holes (142L) may overlap with each of the bolting holes (142U) in the Z direction.

[0080] The shape of each bolting hole (142L) may differ from the shape of each pin hole (141). The width in the Y direction (141W2) of each pin hole (141) may be larger than the width in the Y direction (142LW2) of each bolting hole (142L). According to one embodiment, each bolting hole (142L) may be circular.

[0081]

[0082] Referring together to FIG. 10, the guide holes (143U, 143L) can be configured to accommodate guide pins (PN) coupled to the cross beam (113) when each of the side beams (130A, 130B) is aligned with respect to the cross beam (113). Each of the guide pins (PN) can be coupled to each of the holes (113H) of the cross beam (113).

[0083] Guide holes (143U) may be located in the horizontal ribs (133). Referring to FIG. 5, the guide holes (143U) may be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. Guide holes (143L) may be located in the vertical ribs (132) and the horizontal ribs (134). Referring to FIG. 6, the guide holes (143L) may be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. Each of the guide holes (143U) may overlap with a corresponding guide hole (143L) in the Z direction. According to one embodiment, each guide hole (143L) may be spaced apart from the horizontal ribs (133).

[0084] The shape of each guide hole (143U) may differ from the shape of each pin hole (141). Referring to FIG. 5, the width (141W2) in the Y direction of each pin hole (141) may be larger than the width (143UW2) in the Y direction of each bolting hole (143U). According to one embodiment, the shape of each guide hole (143U) may be circular.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 10, each of the guide pins (PN) may not overlap with the vertical rib (132) in the X direction by each of the guide holes (143L). Accordingly, during the loading process of the battery cell assembly (120) into the pack housing (110), interference between the side beams (130A, 130B) and the guide pins (PN) can be prevented during compression and restoration of the battery cell assembly (120) in the X direction. The loading process of the battery cell assembly (120) will be described later with reference to FIG. 11 through 14.

[0086]

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 7, 9, and 10, each of the side beams (130A, 130B) can be in contact with the cross beam (113). The vertical rib (131) of the side beam (130A) and the cross beam (113) can be in contact with each other's facing surfaces. The vertical rib (131) of the side beam (130B) and the cross beam (113) can be in contact with each other's facing surfaces. The vertical rib (131) of each of the side beams (130A, 130B) can be in contact with the cross beam (113) without clearance.

[0088] The rigidity of the battery pack (100) can be enhanced because the vertical rib (131) of each of the side beams (130A, 130B) is joined to the cross beam (113) in surface contact. For example, when the battery cells (121) swell, each of the side beams (130A, 130B) may receive a compressive force between the battery cells (121) and the cross beam (113). At this time, since each of the side beams (130A, 130B) is in surface contact with the cross beam (113), the compressive force applied to the side beams (130A, 130B) is distributed over a wide area, and the pressure applied to the side beams (130A, 130B) can be reduced. Accordingly, deformation of the side beams (130A, 130B) can be prevented or minimized. In addition, since each of the side beams (130A, 130B) is connected to the cross beam (113) without a gap, the problem of the guide pins (PN) being damaged by the movement of the side beams (130A, 130B) when the battery cells (121) swell can be prevented.

[0089]

[0090] Referring again to FIG. 2, each of the integrated circuit assemblies (135) may include an insulating frame, an integrated circuit, busbars, sensing plates, sensing bars, temperature sensors, wiring, and an insulating cover. The integrated circuit assemblies (135) may include physical and functional configurations for providing electrical connections between a plurality of battery cells (121), outputting the resulting voltage of the plurality of battery cells (121), and measuring the voltage (or current) of nodes within a circuit composed of the plurality of battery cells (121).

[0091] The insulating frame may include an insulating material such as plastic. The insulating frame may cover the front of a plurality of battery cells (121). The insulating frame may support an integrated circuit, bus bars, sensing plates, sensing bars, temperature sensors, and wiring.

[0092] The bus bars can be short-circuited to the positive leads of the battery cells (121) of the first bank and to the negative leads of one or more battery cells (121) of the last bank. The bus bars can be welded to the positive leads of the battery cells (121) of the first bank and to the negative leads of one or more battery cells (121) of the last bank. The resulting voltage of a plurality of battery cells (121) of the battery cell assembly (120) can be output through the bus bars. The bus bars can be fixed to an insulating frame.

[0093] The integrated circuit can be mounted on an insulating frame. Positive leads and negative leads welded to each other can form nodes inside the battery cell assembly (120). The integrated circuit can be configured to measure the voltage of the nodes through sensing plates and sensing bars.

[0094] The sensing bars may include a conductive material. The sensing bars may have a rod shape. The sensing bars may be short-circuited to the bus bars. The sensing bars may be coupled to the bus bars. Through the sensing bars, the voltage of the bus bars can be measured.

[0095] Each of the plurality of sensing plates may have a patch shape or a pad shape. The plurality of sensing plates may include a conductive material. The plurality of sensing plates may be short-circuited to corresponding positive leads and negative leads of the plurality of battery cells (121).

[0096] Each of the multiple sensing plates can be connected to an integrated circuit. Through the multiple sensing plates, the voltage of multiple nodes inside the battery cell assembly (120) can be measured.

[0097] Temperature sensors may be configured to measure the temperature at multiple points of the battery cell assembly (120). The temperature sensors may be spatially arranged, and accordingly, the temperature distribution within the battery cell assembly (120) may be measured.

[0098] The insulating cover may include an insulating material such as plastic. The insulating cover may be fitted into an insulating frame. The insulating cover may cover an integrated circuit, bus bars, sensing plates, sensing bars, and temperature sensors, and accordingly, the electrical elements of the integrated circuit assemblies (135) may be protected.

[0099]

[0100] (3rd Example)

[0101]

[0102] FIGS. 11 to 14 are cross-sectional views illustrating the loading process of a battery cell assembly (120) into a pack housing (110) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0103] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate cross-sections including pin holes (141) of a battery cell assembly (120). The battery cell assembly (120) of FIGS. 11 and 12 shows a cross-section along X-X' of FIG. 2. FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate cross-sections including guide holes (143U, 143L) of a battery cell assembly (120). The battery cell assembly (120) of FIGS. 13 and 14 shows a cross-section along Y-Y' of FIG. 2.

[0104] Components having the same drawing numbers as in FIGS. 1 to 10 in FIGS. 11 to 14 may be described as described above in the first and second embodiments, and such descriptions are omitted.

[0105]

[0106] Referring to FIG. 11, the loading device (LD) may be configured to transfer the battery cell assembly (120) into the pack housing (110).

[0107] A loading device (LD) may be configured to fix and compress a battery cell assembly (120) for transporting the battery cell assembly (120). The loading device (LD) may transport the battery cell assembly (120) into the receiving space of the pack housing (110) by lifting, moving, and lowering the battery cell assembly (120).

[0108] The loading device (LD) may include a plate (PL), an adsorption part (AD), and gripper pins (GP). The adsorption part (AD) and the gripper pins (GP) may be coupled to the plate (PL).

[0109] The adsorption unit (AD) may be configured to apply vacuum pressure to the battery cell assembly (120) to fix the battery cell assembly (120) to the loading device (LD). The adsorption unit (AD) may be configured to fix the battery cell assembly (120) at the upper part in the Z direction of the battery cell assembly (120).

[0110] Each of the gripper pins (GP) can be coupled to each of the side beams (130A, 130B). The gripper pins (GP) can be inserted into the pin holes (141) of each of the side beams (130A, 130B). The gripper pins (GP) can be configured to apply a compressive force to the battery cell assembly (120) in a direction approaching from the X direction. By the compressive force exerted by the gripper pins (GP), the battery cell assembly (120) can be compressed in the X direction. According to one embodiment, the battery cell assembly (120) may include separators (not shown) between the battery cells (121). The separators may include a flexible material and may be compressed by the compressive force exerted by the gripper pins (GP).

[0111]

[0112] Referring to FIG. 12, after the battery cell assembly (120) is seated in the pack housing (110), the loading device (LD) can release the vacuum pressure of the adsorption part (AD) and the compression force of the gripper pins (GP). Afterward, the loading device (LD) can be separated from the battery cell assembly (120). By doing so, the battery cell assembly (120) can be mounted in the pack housing (110).

[0113] As the compressive force applied to the battery cell assembly (120) by the gripper pins (GP) is released, the width of the battery cell assembly (120) in the X direction can be restored. As the size of the battery cell assembly (120) is restored, the side beam (130A) and the cross beam (113) can come into contact with each other's facing surfaces, and the side beam (130B) and the cross beam (113) can come into contact with each other's facing surfaces. Each of the side beams (130A, 130B) can be joined to each of the cross beams (113) without gaps.

[0114]

[0115] FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-section including guide holes (143U, 143L) of a battery cell assembly (120) in the same process as FIG. 11. FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-section including guide holes (143U, 143L) of a battery cell assembly (120) in the same process as FIG. 12.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 13, when loading a battery cell assembly (120) into a pack housing (110), each guide hole (143L) can be aligned in the Z direction with respect to each guide pin (PN). Subsequently, as each guide pin (PN) passes through each guide hole (143L), the battery cell assembly (120) can be seated within the pack housing (110).

[0117] Meanwhile, when the battery cell assembly (120) is seated into the pack housing (110), a gap must be secured between each of the side beams (130A, 130B) and the cross beam (113) to prevent damage. To this end, as shown in FIG. 11, the gripper pins (GP) can apply a compressive force to the battery cell assembly (120) in a direction approaching from the X direction.

[0118] In the case of a battery cell assembly (120) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, each guide hole (143L) extends from a horizontal rib (134) to a vertical rib (132), so that even when a compressive force is applied to the battery cell assembly (120) and the position of the guide holes (143L) in the X direction changes, each guide pin (PN) can overlap with the corresponding guide hole (143L) in the Z direction. That is, even when a greater compressive force is applied to the battery cell assembly (120), interference between the guide pins (PN) and the side beams (130A, 130B) can be prevented.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 14, after the battery cell assembly (120) is loaded into the pack housing (110), the loading device (LD) can be separated from the battery cell assembly (120) and the compressive force applied to the battery cell assembly (120) can be released. As a result, the size of the battery cell assembly (120) in the X direction is restored, and each of the side beams (130A, 130B) can make surface contact with each of the cross beams (113). Accordingly, stable loading of the battery cell assembly (120) into the pack housing (110) is possible.

[0120]

[0121] Unlike the present invention, when the guide holes (143L) are formed only in the horizontal rib (134) (i.e., when the guide holes (143L) do not extend to the vertical rib (132)), a large compressive force as in the present invention cannot be applied to align each of the guide pins (PN) to each of the guide holes (143L). Therefore, even when the compressive force applied to the battery cell assembly (120) is released after loading the battery cell assembly (120) into the pack housing (110), a gap may remain between each of the side beams (130A, 130B) and the cross beam (113) because the degree of restoration of the battery cell assembly (120) is small. That is, in the final manufactured battery pack (100 of FIG. 1), there may be a gap between each of the side beams (130A, 130B) and the cross beam (113).

[0122] If there is a gap between each of the side beams (130A, 130B) and the cross beam (113), when the battery cells (121) swell, the gap between each of the side beams (130A, 130B) and the cross beam (113) decreases due to the expansion force of the battery cells (121), and there is a risk that the guide pins (PN) will break and the side beams (130A, 130B) will deform.

[0123] In contrast, in the battery pack (100) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the side beams (130A, 130B) and the cross beam (113) are in surface contact without gaps, so the risk of damage to the guide pins (PN) and the side beams (130A, 130B) can be significantly reduced. Accordingly, the rigidity of the battery pack (100) can be strengthened.

[0124]

[0125] The present invention has been described in more detail above through drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all technical concepts of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

Claims

1. A plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction; and It includes first and second side beams spaced apart from each other in the first direction with the plurality of battery cells in between, Each of the above first and second side beams is, First and second vertical ribs perpendicular to the first direction; and It includes first and second horizontal ribs connecting the first and second vertical ribs, and The first vertical rib is closer to the battery cells than the second vertical rib, and The first horizontal rib is located on the upper part of the second horizontal rib, and Each of the first and second side beams includes pin holes in each of the first and second horizontal ribs, and Each of the above pin holes is, The width of the first direction above, and Having a width in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction above, and A battery cell assembly in which the width of the second direction is greater than the width of the first direction.

2. In Paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the planar shape of each of the above-mentioned pin holes is a square or a square with rounded vertices.

3. In Paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the pin holes of the first horizontal rib are aligned in a vertical direction with the corresponding pin holes of the second horizontal rib.

4. In Paragraph 1, Each of the above first and second side beams is, First bolting holes in the first horizontal rib and the second vertical rib; and A battery cell assembly characterized by including second bolting holes located in the second horizontal rib, which overlap in a vertical direction with a corresponding first bolting hole.

5. In Paragraph 4, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the shape of each of the above pin holes is different from the shape of each of the above second bolting holes.

6. In Paragraph 4, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the width of each of the pin holes in the second direction is greater than the width of each of the second bolting holes in the second direction.

7. In Paragraph 4, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the shape of each of the above-mentioned second bolting holes is circular.

8. In Paragraph 4, Each pin hole of the first horizontal rib is located between adjacent first bolting holes, and A battery cell assembly characterized in that each pin hole of the second horizontal rib is located between adjacent second bolting holes.

9. In Paragraph 1, Each of the above first and second side beams is, First guide holes in the first horizontal rib; and A battery cell assembly characterized by further including second guide holes in the second horizontal rib and the second vertical rib that overlap in a vertical direction with a corresponding first guide hole.

10. In Paragraph 9, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the shape of each of the above pin holes is different from the shape of each of the above first guide holes.

11. In Paragraph 9, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the width of each of the pin holes in the second direction is greater than the width of each of the first guide holes in the second direction.

12. In Paragraph 9, A battery cell assembly characterized in that each of the above-mentioned second guide holes is spaced apart from the above-mentioned first horizontal rib.

13. In Paragraph 9, A battery cell assembly characterized in that each of the above first guide holes is circular.

14. A plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction; and It includes first and second side beams spaced apart from each other in the first direction with the plurality of battery cells in between, Each of the above first and second side beams is, First and second vertical ribs perpendicular to the first direction; and It includes first and second horizontal ribs connecting the first and second vertical ribs, and The first vertical rib is closer to the battery cells than the second vertical rib, and The first horizontal rib is located on the upper part of the second horizontal rib, and Each of the above first and second side beams is, First guide holes in the first horizontal rib; and A battery cell assembly comprising second guide holes in the second horizontal rib and the second vertical rib, which overlap in a vertical direction with a corresponding first guide hole.

15. Base plate; and Battery cell assembly according to claim 14 on the above base plate; First and second cross beams that are spaced apart from each other in the first direction with the battery cell assembly in between, and each extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and Includes guide pins coupled to each of the first and second cross beams and inserted into each of the second guide holes of the first and second side beams, and A battery pack in which each of the above guide pins does not overlap with the second vertical rib in the first direction by each of the above second guide holes.

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