Battery pack and vehicle comprising same

Abstract

A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cell assembly composed of a plurality of battery cells; a pack case for accommodating the cell assembly; and a stacking unit for supporting the cell assembly so that the cell assembly can be stacked at regular intervals along the height direction inside the pack case.

Description

Battery pack and automobile including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and an automobile including the same.

[0002] Secondary batteries, which offer high applicability across product categories and possess electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are widely applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric driving sources.

[0003] These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving eco-friendliness and energy efficiency, as they not only have the primary advantage of being able to drastically reduce the use of fossil fuels but also the advantage of not generating any by-products from the use of energy.

[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.

[0005] Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, a battery pack is configured by connecting multiple battery cells in series. Additionally, depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, a battery pack is configured by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel. Accordingly, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack and the electrical connection types can be set in various ways depending on the required output voltage and charge / discharge capacity.

[0006] In particular, the energy requirements for cylindrical battery packs for EVs have been increasing recently, and in line with this, the height and length of the battery packs are increasing. For example, conventional cylindrical battery packs were assembled with single-layer cylindrical battery modules. However, recently, moving away from single layers, cylindrical battery packs with a multi-layer concept of two to four layers are being applied.

[0007] Meanwhile, as cylindrical battery packs evolve into a multi-layer concept, they also require improvements in terms of rigidity; however, there is a problem in that it is difficult to meet the rigidity requirements of the multi-layer concept solely by reinforcing the rigidity of the pack case where the cylindrical battery cells are stored.

[0008] The present invention aims to enhance durability against external vibrations and shocks through a stacked unit structure capable of stably supporting and fixing a battery cell assembly.

[0009] In particular, the purpose is to improve manufacturing and assembly efficiency by simplifying the stacking structure of the cell assembly and minimizing the number of parts through the use of pilotis columns and support members.

[0010] In addition, we aim to provide a battery pack structure that effectively exhausts gases and flames that may occur in the battery cells, thereby minimizing the risk of secondary accidents.

[0011] In particular, it aims to improve the performance and safety of the battery pack by optimizing thermal management through the spacing between cell assemblies and effectively controlling heat transfer between battery cells.

[0012] 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 a person skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problem comprises: a cell assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells; a pack case accommodating the cell assembly; and a stacking unit supporting the cell assembly so that the cell assembly can be stacked at regular intervals along the height direction inside the pack case.

[0014] In addition, the stacking unit is characterized by comprising: a plurality of piloti columns arranged along the horizontal and vertical directions at a distance set within the pack case; and a plurality of support members coupled along the height direction of the piloti columns to support the cell assembly by contacting the lower surface of the cell assembly.

[0015] In addition, the cell assembly is characterized by including a cell housing into which a plurality of the battery cells are inserted.

[0016] In addition, the cell housing is characterized by including: a cell insertion hole that penetrates vertically to allow the battery cell to be inserted and is spaced apart by a set interval along the horizontal and vertical directions; and a piloti insertion part that protrudes from the side to allow the piloti column to be inserted.

[0017] In addition, the piloti inserts are characterized by protruding from the side of the cell housing in the horizontal direction and being formed in multiple numbers spaced apart by a set distance.

[0018] In addition, the piloti insertion part is characterized by having a piloti column insertion hole formed that penetrates vertically so that the piloti column can be inserted.

[0019] In addition, the support member is characterized by including a plurality of support bodies, the upper surface of which contacts the lower surface of the pilotis insertion part to support the cell housing, and which are spaced apart by a set distance along the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0020] In addition, the support member is characterized by further including a first reinforcing pipe connecting the support bodies spaced apart along the horizontal direction; and a second reinforcing pipe connecting the support bodies spaced apart along the vertical direction.

[0021] Additionally, the support member is characterized by comprising: a first clearance reinforcing pipe that is provided to protrude from one side of the support body opposite to the first reinforcing pipe, with one side contacting one inner surface of the pack case; and a second clearance reinforcing pipe that is formed to protrude from the other side of the support body opposite to the second reinforcing pipe, with one side contacting the other inner surface of the pack case.

[0022] In addition, the lowest support member among the plurality of support members is characterized by separating the cell assembly of the lowest layer from the inner bottom surface of the pack case.

[0023] In addition, the uppermost support member among the plurality of support members is characterized by separating the cell assembly of the uppermost layer from the upper surface inside the pack case.

[0024] In addition, the height of the support body is characterized by being formed to be larger than the diameter of the first reinforcing pipe and the diameter of the second reinforcing pipe.

[0025] In addition, the gas and flame generated in the cell assembly are discharged to the outside of the pack case through the space between adjacent cell assemblies and the space between the cell assembly and the pack case.

[0026] In addition, the above pack case is characterized by including an outlet for discharging the gas and flame.

[0027] An automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including a battery pack.

[0028] An automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problem includes a battery pack.

[0029] According to the present invention, by stably supporting the cell assembly through the pilotis columns and support members of the stacking unit, durability against external vibration, shock, and torsion can be significantly improved.

[0030] The structural rigidity of the pack case can be reinforced in multiple directions through the first reinforcing pipe and the second reinforcing pipe, thereby ensuring the overall stability of the battery pack.

[0031] Gas and flames resulting from the explosion of battery cells can be quickly vented through the gaps between cell assemblies and between cell assemblies and pack cases, and the risk of secondary accidents caused by thermal runaway can be reduced.

[0032] By inducing natural air circulation through the gaps between cell assemblies, the thermal management performance of the battery can be improved and the lifespan of the battery cells can be extended.

[0033] The simplified structure utilizing pilotis columns and support members simplifies manufacturing and assembly processes and improves productivity.

[0034] However, the effects obtainable through the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned technical effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0035] 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.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 is a longitudinal perspective view of Figure 1.

[0038] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the battery cell of Figure 1.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of Figure 4.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a cell housing according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a support member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Fig. 8 is a partially enlarged perspective view of Fig. 7.

[0044] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack of Figure 4.

[0045] Figure 10 shows a schematic configuration of a car including the battery pack of Figure 4.

[0046] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Accordingly, in some embodiments, well-known process steps, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not specifically described to avoid the present invention being interpreted ambiguously. Throughout the specification, like reference numerals refer to like components.

[0047] In drawings, thicknesses may be enlarged to clearly represent multiple layers and regions. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals are used for similar parts. When a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "above" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately above" another part, but also cases where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is described as being "immediately above" another part, it may mean that there is no other part in between. Furthermore, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "below" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately below" another part, but also cases where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is described as being "immediately below" another part, it may mean that there is no other part in between.

[0048]

[0049] FIGS. 1 to 10 illustrate a battery cell according to the present invention, a battery pack including the battery cell, and an automobile.

[0050] Below, we will first describe the battery cell (1) in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0051] A battery cell (1) included in one embodiment of the present invention comprises an electrode assembly (10), a battery housing (20), and a current collector (30). Additionally, the battery cell (1) may further include a housing cover (40). The present invention is not limited by the shape of the battery and is applicable to batteries of other shapes, such as prismatic batteries.

[0052] The electrode assembly (10) comprises a first solid portion (11) and a second solid portion (12). Specifically, the electrode assembly (10) has a separator interposed between them, and the first electrode and the second electrode and the separator interposed between them are wound around a winding axis (H1) to form a structure that defines a core and an outer surface. That is, the electrode assembly (10) applied in one embodiment of the present invention may be a jelly-roll type electrode assembly (10).

[0053] If the electrode assembly (10) is of the jelly-roll type, an additional separator may be provided on the outer surface of the electrode assembly (10) to insulate it from the battery housing (20). The electrode assembly (10) may have a wound structure well known in the art without limitation.

[0054] The first electrode includes a first electrode active material applied to one or both sides of the first electrode current collector and the second electrode current collector. At one end of the first electrode in the width direction (a direction parallel to the height direction of the battery cell (1) shown in FIG. 1), there is a blank area where the first electrode active material is not applied.

[0055] That is, the first electrode includes an uncoated portion that is exposed to the outside of the separator and is not coated with an active material at the long end along the winding direction. The uncoated portion functioning as the first electrode tab will be referred to as the first uncoated portion (11) below.

[0056] The first uncoated portion (11) is provided on the upper side in the height direction (a direction parallel to the height direction of the battery cell (1) shown in FIG. 1) of the electrode assembly (10) housed within the battery housing (20). That is, the first electrode includes a first uncoated portion (11) that is exposed to the outside of the separator and has no active material layer coated on its long side end, and at least a portion of the first uncoated portion (11) is used as an electrode tab itself. The first uncoated portion (11) may, for example, be a negative electrode tab.

[0057] Meanwhile, at least a portion of the first non-reinforced portion (11) may include a plurality of segments divided along the winding direction of the electrode assembly (10). In this case, the plurality of segments may be bent along the radial direction of the electrode assembly (10).

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a plurality of segments of the first banded unbanded portion (11) may be overlapped in multiple layers to form a folded surface. In this case, the tab connecting portion (33) of the current collector (30), which will be described later, may be connected to the folded surface. The tab connecting portion (33) may be connected to the area where the plurality of segments are overlapped in multiple layers.

[0059] Welding can be performed on a certain area while the tab joint (33) is seated on the bent surface of the first bare part (11). That is, the tab joint (33) can be joined to an area where multiple segments of the first bare part (11) are overlapped in multiple layers. The tab joint (33) may have at least one welded portion that is welded on a certain area while seated on the bent surface of the first bare part (11).

[0060] The second electrode comprises a second electrode current collector and a second electrode active material applied on one or both sides of the second electrode current collector. At the other end of the second electrode in the width direction (a direction parallel to the height direction of the battery cell (1) shown in FIG. 1), there is a blank area where the second electrode active material is not applied. That is, the second electrode includes a blank area exposed to the outside of the separator, where the active material is not coated at the long end along the winding direction. The blank area functioning as a second electrode tab will hereinafter be referred to as the second blank area (12).

[0061] The second uncoated portion (12) is provided in the lower height direction of the electrode assembly (10) housed within the battery housing (20). That is, the second electrode includes a second uncoated portion (12) that is exposed to the outside of the separator and has no active material layer coated on its long side end, and at least a portion of the second uncoated portion (12) is used as an electrode tab itself. The second uncoated portion (12) may, for example, be a positive electrode tab.

[0062] Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, the positive active material coated on the positive plate and the negative active material coated on the negative plate may be used without limitation as long as they are active materials known in the art.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 1, the battery housing (20) is a roughly cylindrical receptacle with an opening formed on one side and is formed of a conductive metal material. The side of the battery housing (20) and the lower surface located opposite the opening are generally formed as a single piece. That is, the battery housing (20) generally has an open upper end in the height direction and a closed lower end.

[0064] The battery housing (20) generally has an open top in the height direction and a closed bottom. The bottom surface of the battery housing (20) may have a roughly flat shape. The battery housing (20) accommodates an electrode assembly (10) through an opening formed on one side in the height direction. The battery housing (20) may also accommodate an electrolyte through the opening.

[0065] The battery housing (20) may have a beading portion (21) formed at an end adjacent to an opening provided at the top of the battery housing (20). The battery housing (20) may further have a clamping portion (22) formed on the beading portion (21).

[0066] The beading portion (21) has a shape in which the outer circumference of the battery housing (20) is pressed in to a predetermined depth. Specifically, the beading portion (21) may have a shape in which it is pressed inward in the area between the opening formed on one side of the battery housing (20) and the receiving portion that accommodates the electrode assembly (10).

[0067] The beading portion (21) is formed on the upper part of the electrode assembly (10). The inner diameter of the battery housing (20) in the area where the beading portion (21) is formed is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the electrode assembly (10).

[0068] The beading portion (21) provides a support surface on which the housing cover (40) can be seated. The beading portion (21) can provide a support surface on which at least a portion of the perimeter of the current collector (30), which will be described later, can be seated and joined. That is, at least a portion of the perimeter of the current collector (30) of the present invention or the perimeter of the housing cover (40) can be seated on the upper surface of the beading portion (21).

[0069] In order to stably support at least a portion of the edge perimeter of the entire house (30) or the edge perimeter of the housing cover (40), the upper surface of the beading portion (21) may have a shape that extends along a direction perpendicular to the side wall of the battery housing (20).

[0070] The beading portion (21) prevents the electrode assembly (10), which may have a size corresponding to the inner diameter of the battery housing (200), from coming out through the opening formed at the top of the battery housing (20), and can function as a support portion (31) on which the housing cover (40) is seated. The upper beading portion (21) can function as a support portion (31) for fixing not only the housing cover (40) but also the contact portion of the current collector (30), the sealing gasket (50), etc.

[0071] A crimping portion (22) is formed on the upper part of the beading portion (21). The crimping portion (22) has an extended and banded shape to wrap around the perimeter of the edge of the housing cover (40) placed on the upper part of the beading portion (21). By the shape of this crimping portion (22), the housing cover (40) is fixed on the beading portion (21).

[0072] The current collector (30) is housed inside the battery housing (20) and is electrically connected to the electrode assembly (10) and simultaneously electrically connected to the battery housing (20). That is, the current collector (30) electrically connects the electrode assembly (10) and the battery housing (20).

[0073] The housing cover (40) may be provided with a venting portion (41) formed to prevent an increase in internal pressure caused by gas generated inside the battery housing (20). The venting portion (41) may be configured to break when the internal pressure of the battery housing (20) increases above a certain level. For example, the venting portion (41) may be formed in a part of the housing cover (40) and may be a structurally weaker area than the surrounding area so that it can easily break when internal pressure is applied. For example, the venting portion (41) may be a thinner area compared to the surrounding area. Referring to FIG. 2, the venting portion (41) may form a roughly circular closed loop.

[0074] The housing cover (40) covers an opening formed on one side of the battery housing (20). The housing cover (40) can be secured by a clamping portion (22) formed on the top of the battery housing (200). In this case, a sealing gasket (50) may be interposed between the battery housing (20) and the housing cover (40) and between the current collector (30) and the housing cover (40) to improve the fixing force and the sealing performance of the battery housing (20). In this case, the contact portion may be interposed between the beading portion (21) of the battery housing (20) and the sealing gasket (50). The contact portion interposed between the beading portion (21) and the sealing gasket (50) in this manner may be secured by the bending of the clamping portion (22) extending upward from the beading portion (21).

[0075]

[0076] FIGS. 4 to 9 illustrate a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] A battery pack (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cell assembly (100), a pack case (200), and a stacking unit (300).

[0078] The cell assembly (100) is composed of a plurality of battery cells (1). The battery cell (1) is the battery cell (1) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. The cell assembly (100) includes a cell housing (110) into which a plurality of battery cells (1) are inserted.

[0079] The cell housing (110) serves to store a plurality of battery cells (1) so that they can be provided inside the pack case (200). Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the cell housing (110) is formed in the shape of a cuboid. Specifically, the cell housing (110) is formed in the shape of a cuboid consisting of a front surface (111), a rear surface (112), a left side surface (113), a right side surface (114), a top surface (115), and a bottom surface.

[0080] The cell housing (110) includes a cell insertion hole (116) and a piloti insertion part (120).

[0081] The cell insertion hole (116) is formed by penetrating the cell housing (110) vertically so that a battery cell (1) can be inserted into the cell housing (110). The cell insertion hole (116) is formed at intervals set along the horizontal and vertical directions of the cell housing (110). Referring to FIG. 6, the cell insertion hole (116) formed in one column along the horizontal direction is arranged to be offset from the cell insertion hole (116) formed in an adjacent column.

[0082] Referring to the cross-section of the cell insertion hole (116), the cell insertion hole (116) is composed of a first hole area (116a) and a second hole area (116b). The first hole area (116a) is formed to a depth set from the upper surface (115) of the cell housing (110) toward the lower surface, and the second hole area (116b) is formed from the lower part of the first hole area (116a) to the lower surface of the cell housing (110). The cross-sectional size of the second hole area (116b) is formed to be smaller than the cross-sectional size of the first hole area (116a).

[0083] When the battery cell (1) is inserted into the cell insertion hole (116), the upper side equipped with the housing cover (40) is inserted so that it is positioned on the same plane as the upper surface (115) of the cell housing (110). The second hole area (116b) is into which the rivet portion of the battery cell (1) is inserted, and by forming the cross-sectional area of ​​the second hole area (116b) to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first hole area (116a), the battery cell (1) can be prevented from being dislodged from the cell housing (110) when the battery cell (1) is inserted into the cell insertion hole (116).

[0084] A piloti insert (120) is provided on the side of the cell housing (110). Specifically, the piloti insert (120) is formed to protrude from the side of the cell housing (110) in the horizontal direction. In this embodiment, as shown in the drawings, a plurality of piloti inserts (120) are formed spaced apart by a set distance on the side in the horizontal direction.

[0085] The piloti insertion part (120) has the piloti column (310) of the stacking unit (300), which will be described later, inserted into it. That is, the piloti insertion part (120) serves to connect the cell assembly (100) with the stacking unit (300).

[0086] Referring to the drawing, the piloti insertion part (120) is formed in the shape of a cuboid. However, the shape of the piloti insertion part (120) is not limited to a cuboid and can be formed in various shapes. A first piloti column insertion hole (121) is formed in the center of the piloti insertion part (120) and penetrates in the vertical direction. A piloti column (310) is inserted through the first piloti column insertion hole (121).

[0087] The pack case (200) provides a space for accommodating the cell assembly (100) and the stacking unit (300), and serves to protect the cell assembly (100) and the stacking unit (300). The pack case (200) is formed in the shape of a cuboid with an internal space. Thus, it consists of a front (210), a rear (220), a left side (230), a right side (240), a top surface (250), and a bottom surface (260).

[0088] The pack case (200) may be formed such that the top surface (250) can be opened and closed. As the top surface (250) can be opened and closed, the cell assembly (100) and the stacking unit (300) can be inserted into the pack case (200) or the cell assembly (100) and the stacking unit (300) can be removed from the pack case (200).

[0089] As shown in the drawing, multiple stacking units (300) and cell assemblies (100) are provided by stacking them sequentially in an alternating manner inside a pack case (200). The size of the pack case (200) may vary depending on the size and number of cell assemblies (100) and stacking units (300) accommodated inside.

[0090] A stacking unit (300) is provided inside the pack case (200) together with the cell assembly (100). The stacking unit (300) can support the cell assembly (100) so that the cell assembly (100) can be stacked at regular intervals along the height direction of the pack case (200). That is, the cell assembly (100) is provided by being supported by the stacking unit (300) and stacked in multiple numbers along the height direction of the pack case (200).

[0091] The stacking unit (300) includes a pilotis column (310) and a support member (320). The pilotis column (310) is formed as a cylindrical column extending in length along the height direction of the pack case (200). In this embodiment, the pilotis column (310) is formed as a cylindrical column, but is not limited thereto and can be formed in various column shapes.

[0092] Piloti columns (310) are provided in multiple numbers and are spaced apart by a set length along the horizontal and vertical directions inside the pack case (200). In this embodiment, as shown in the drawing, four piloti columns (310) are provided close to the inner corners of the pack case (200). However, this is not limited thereto, and additional columns may be provided in the horizontal direction of the pack case (200) with a longer spaced length to ensure the stability of the cell assembly (100) provided inside the pack case (200).

[0093] The piloti column (310) is inserted through the first piloti column insertion hole (121) formed in the piloti insertion part (120) of the cell housing (110), and is inserted through the second piloti column insertion hole (321a) formed in the support body (321) of the support member (320) to be described later.

[0094] In the pilotis column (310), a support member (320) and a cell housing (110) are sequentially joined in an intersecting manner, and a plurality of support members (320) and cell housings (110) are stacked.

[0095] The support member (320) is provided to support the cell assembly (100) by contacting the lower surface of the cell assembly (100). As described above, the support member (320) is provided in multiple numbers by being connected along the height direction of the pilotis column (310). Meanwhile, the support member (320) contacts at least the lower surface of the cell assembly (100), but is not limited thereto.

[0096] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, one support member (320) may be in contact with the lower surface of a cell assembly (100), or one support member (320) may be in contact with the lower surface of one cell assembly (100) while simultaneously in contact with the upper surface of another cell assembly (100). By providing a support member (320) between two cell assemblies (100) that are adjacent vertically, the two cell assemblies (100) that are adjacent vertically are spaced apart by the height (d1) of the support member (320), and a space (S2) is formed. Therefore, even if an explosion occurs due to thermal runaway or the like in one of the battery cells (1), the gas and flames generated from the battery cell (1) flow through the spaced-apart space (S2) between the cell assemblies (100), so they can be discharged to the outside without affecting other battery cells (1).

[0097] The support member (320) according to the present embodiment includes a support body (321) and may further include a first reinforcing pipe (322) and a second reinforcing pipe (323).

[0098] The support body (321) serves to support the cell housing (110) by having its upper surface in contact with the lower surface of the piloti insertion part (120). Multiple support bodies (321) are provided spaced apart by a set distance along the horizontal and vertical directions of the pack case (200). Specifically, the support bodies (321) are positioned corresponding to the piloti columns (310), and in this embodiment, four support bodies (321) are provided corresponding to the piloti columns (310). If more piloti columns (310) are provided along the horizontal direction of the pack case (200), additional support bodies (321) may also be provided corresponding to the piloti columns (310).

[0099] The support body (321) may be formed in the shape of a plate having a height equal to a set length along the height direction of the pack case (200), or may be formed in the shape of a column with a circular or polygonal cross section. The shape of the support body (321) may be freely formed, but it is important to have a set height that ensures sufficient space for gas and flame to flow and be discharged between adjacent cell assemblies (100) above and below.

[0100] A second piloti column insertion hole (321a) is formed in the support body (321) that penetrates vertically. As previously mentioned, since the support body (321) is coupled to the piloti column (310), a second piloti column insertion hole (321a) through which the piloti column (310) can penetrate is formed.

[0101] Mutually adjacent support bodies (321) are connected by a first reinforcing pipe (322) and a second reinforcing pipe (323). As shown in FIG. 7, mutually adjacent support bodies (321) spaced apart along the horizontal direction of the pack case (200) are connected by the first reinforcing pipe (322). Mutually adjacent support bodies (321) spaced apart along the vertical direction of the pack case (200) are connected by the second reinforcing pipe (323).

[0102] The first reinforcing pipe (322) and the second reinforcing pipe (323) serve to connect the support body (321), but also serve to reinforce the rigidity of the pack case (200). When shock or vibration is transmitted from the outside to the battery pack (1000), the first reinforcing pipe (322) and the second reinforcing pipe (323) serve to absorb and dampen the shock or vibration, thereby improving structural stability.

[0103] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 8, the diameter (d2) of the first reinforcing pipe (322) and the second reinforcing pipe (323) is formed to be smaller than the height (d1) of the support body (321). The height (d1) of the support body (321) can be formed to have a range of 1.2 to 2.0 times the diameter (d2) of the first reinforcing pipe (322) and the second reinforcing pipe (323). By forming the height (d1) of the support body (321) to be larger than the diameter (d2) of the first reinforcing pipe (322) and the second reinforcing pipe (323), when shock or vibration is transmitted to the battery pack (1000), the support body (321) absorbs the shock or vibration first, thereby preventing excessive stress from being directly transmitted to the first reinforcing pipe (322) and the second reinforcing pipe (323).

[0104] In addition, the load of the cell assembly (100), the accumulated load and compressive load generated as the cell assembly (100) is stacked, and the vertical load caused by external impact or vibration can be uniformly distributed to the pilotis column (310) through the support body (321).

[0105] The method of combining the support body (321), the first reinforcing pipe (322), and the second reinforcing pipe (323) can be achieved by welding or an integral forming method. In this embodiment, the first reinforcing pipe (322) and the second reinforcing pipe (323) are joined orthogonally on the side of the support body (321) to form a grid structure. This grid structure improves structural rigidity against torsional loads applied to the battery pack (1000).

[0106] The support member (320) may further include a first clearance reinforcing pipe (324) and a second clearance reinforcing pipe (325). The first clearance reinforcing pipe (324) is provided to protrude from one side of the support body (321) opposite to the first reinforcing pipe (322). The first clearance reinforcing pipe (324) is formed in the shape of a pipe having the same diameter as the first reinforcing pipe (322).

[0107] The second clearance reinforcing pipe (325) is provided to protrude from one side of the support body (321) opposite to the second reinforcing pipe (323). The second clearance reinforcing pipe (325) is formed in the shape of a pipe having the same diameter as the second reinforcing pipe (323).

[0108] The free end of the first clearance reinforcing pipe (324) and the free end of the second clearance reinforcing pipe (325) are in contact with the inner surface of the pack case (200). The stacking unit (300) reinforces the portion where clearance occurs between the support member (320) and the inner surface of the pack case (200) by providing the first clearance reinforcing pipe (324) and the second clearance reinforcing pipe (325).

[0109] The support body (321) is inserted into the pilotis column (310) but is separated from the inner surface of the pack case (200), so shaking may occur due to external impact and vibration. However, as described above, the gap between the support body (321) and the inner surface of the pack case (200) can be reinforced through the first gap reinforcing pipe (324) and the second gap reinforcing pipe (325) to secure structural rigidity in the lateral direction and to have the effect of dispersing and damping external impact and vibration to the side of the pack case (200). Accordingly, the durability of the battery pack (1000) can be improved and the battery cell (1) can be protected more safely.

[0110] In addition, the free end of the first clearance reinforcing pipe (324) and the free end of the second clearance reinforcing pipe (325) are in surface contact with the inner surface of the pack case (200) to distribute the load, and the structure is capable of responding elastically to the deformation of the pack case (200).

[0111] The stacking unit (300) described above forms a spaced-away space (S1) by separating the lowest cell assembly (100) among the plurality of cell assemblies (100) in which the lowest support member (320) among the plurality of support members (320) is stacked from the inner lower surface of the pack case (200) by the height of the support member (320).

[0112] Accordingly, gas and flame generated in any one of the cell assemblies (100) stacked along the height direction of the pack case (200) can be flowed along the spacing space (S2) between the cell assemblies (100) and the spacing space (S1) between the pack case (200) and the cell assemblies (100). The pack case (200) includes an outlet (270) capable of discharging gas and flame, and the outlet (270) is connected to the spacing space so that gas and flame can be discharged to the outside through the outlet (270).

[0113] In this embodiment, the exhaust port (270) is formed on the lower side of the right side (240) as shown in the drawing, but the location of the exhaust port (270) is not limited thereto. The exhaust port (270) may be formed on any one of the front (210), rear (220), left side (230), top (250), and bottom (260), and its location may be varied according to the intention of exhausting gas and flame.

[0114]

[0115] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a vehicle (60) comprising a battery pack (1000) according to the above embodiment. The battery pack (1000) may be mounted on the vehicle (60). The vehicle (60) may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle (60) includes a four-wheeled vehicle or a two-wheeled vehicle.

[0116] FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic configuration of a vehicle (60) including a battery pack (1000).

[0117] The vehicle (60) includes a battery pack (1000) and operates by receiving power from the battery pack (1000).

[0118]

[0119] Meanwhile, although terms indicating direction such as up and down have been used in this specification, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that they may vary depending on the location of the object or the position of the observer.

[0120] Although the present invention has been described above 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.

[0121]

[0122] <Explanation of Symbols>

[0123] 1000: Battery pack

[0124] 1: Battery cell

[0125] 10: Electrode assembly

[0126] 11: 1st Department of Indefinite Knowledge

[0127] 12: 2nd Department of Indefinite Use

[0128] 20: Battery housing

[0129] 21: Bidding Department

[0130] 22: Climbing Department

[0131] 30: Whole house

[0132] 31: Support

[0133] 33: Tab joint

[0134] 40: Housing cover

[0135] 50: Sealing gasket

[0136] 60: Cars

[0137] 100: Cell Assembly

[0138] 110: Cell Housing

[0139] 120: Piloti insert

[0140] 121: First piloti column insertion hole

[0141] 200: Pack case

[0142] 270: Outlet

[0143] 300: Stacking unit

[0144] 310: Piloti columns

[0145] 320: Support member

[0146] 321: Jiji Body

[0147] 321a: Second pilotis column insertion hole

[0148] 322: 1st Reinforcement Pipe

[0149] 323: Second reinforcing pipe

[0150] 324: 1st clearance reinforcing pipe

[0151] 325: Second clearance reinforcement pipe

[0152] The present invention can be used to improve the structural stability of a battery pack applied to electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles by including a stacking unit that stably supports a multilayer battery cell assembly.

Claims

1. A cell assembly consisting of multiple battery cells; A pack case accommodating the above cell assembly; and A battery pack characterized by including a stacking unit that supports the cell assembly so that the cell assembly can be stacked at regular intervals along the height direction inside the pack case.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above stacking unit is, Piloti columns arranged in multiple numbers along the horizontal and vertical directions, spaced apart by a set distance inside the above-mentioned pack case; and A battery pack comprising a plurality of support members coupled along the height direction of the pilotis column to support the cell assembly by contacting the lower surface of the cell assembly.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above cell assembly is, A battery pack characterized by including a cell housing into which a plurality of the above-mentioned battery cells are inserted.

4. In Paragraph 3, The cell housing above is, Cell insertion holes that penetrate vertically to allow the battery cell to be inserted, and are spaced apart by a set interval along the horizontal and vertical directions; and A battery pack characterized by including a pilotis insertion portion formed to protrude from the side so that the above-mentioned pilotis column can be inserted.

5. In Paragraph 4, A battery pack characterized in that the above-mentioned piloti inserts protrude from the horizontal side of the cell housing and are formed in multiple numbers spaced apart by a set distance.

6. In Paragraph 4, A battery pack characterized in that the above-mentioned piloti insertion part has a piloti column insertion hole formed that penetrates vertically so that the piloti column can be inserted.

7. In Paragraph 4, The above support member is, A battery pack characterized by including a plurality of support bodies, the upper surface of which contacts the lower surface of the pilotis insertion part to support the cell housing and is spaced apart by a set distance along the horizontal and vertical directions.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above support member is, A first reinforcing pipe connecting the support bodies spaced apart from each other along the horizontal direction; and A battery pack characterized by further including a second reinforcing pipe connecting the support bodies spaced apart along the vertical direction.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above support member is, A first clearance reinforcing pipe provided to protrude from one side of the support body opposite to the first reinforcing pipe, with one side in contact with one inner side of the pack case; A battery pack characterized by including a second clearance reinforcing pipe that is formed to protrude from the other side of the support body opposite to the second reinforcing pipe, with one side contacting the other inner side of the pack case.

10. In Paragraph 9, A battery pack characterized in that the lowest support member among the plurality of the above support members separates the cell assembly of the lowest layer from the inner bottom surface of the pack case.

11. In Paragraph 9, A battery pack characterized in that the uppermost support member among the plurality of support members separates the cell assembly of the uppermost layer from the upper surface inside the pack case.

12. In Paragraph 8, A battery pack characterized in that the height of the support body is formed to be larger than the diameter of the first reinforcing pipe and the diameter of the second reinforcing pipe.

13. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that gas and flames generated in the cell assembly are discharged to the outside of the pack case through the space between adjacent cell assemblies and the space between the cell assembly and the pack case.

14. In Paragraph 13, A battery pack characterized by the above pack case including an exhaust port for discharging the gas and flame.

15. An automobile comprising a battery pack according to any one of paragraphs 1 through 14.

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