Patent Description:
Various means are used to couple injection-molded products to each other. For example, components are coupled to each other by using screws, or components are coupled to each other by using hooks and locking protrusions that are integrated with the component themselves.

<FIG> is a side view of a hook coupling structure in accordance with the related art.

Referring to <FIG>, the hook coupling structure typically provided in accordance with the related art includes a first structure <NUM> that is formed by injection molding and disposed as a lower component and a second structure <NUM> that is disposed above the first structure <NUM> and has a shape corresponding to the first structure <NUM>.

The first structure <NUM> includes a locking projection <NUM> that protrudes outward from a predetermined area inside a side wall part, and the second structure <NUM> includes a hook part <NUM> that includes a body 21_1 and a protrusion part 21_2. The body is disposed at a position corresponding to the locking projection <NUM> and extends downward from the second structure <NUM>, and the protrusion part extends from the body 21_1 and protrudes toward the locking projection <NUM>.

Generally, the hook part <NUM> is elastically deformable by a predetermined amount. When the locking projection <NUM> of the first structure <NUM> and the protrusion part 21_2 of the second structure <NUM> are coupled to each other, the protrusion part 21_2 is locked in the locking projection <NUM> to couple the first structure <NUM> and the second structure <NUM>, while the hook part <NUM> is moved back by the locking projection <NUM>, elastically deformed by a certain amount, then recovered.

However, in the hook coupling structure in accordance with the related art, the hook part <NUM> is moved back and separated from the locking projection <NUM> when the entire structure is impacted after the first structure <NUM> and the second structure <NUM> are coupled to each other. As a result, the first structure <NUM> and the second structure <NUM> may be disconnected.

To solve the above-described problem, a structure for supporting the hook part is necessary. This will be described in detail in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a side view of another hook coupling structure obtained by improving the hook coupling structure in accordance with the related art.

Referring to <FIG>, another hook coupling structure includes a first structure <NUM> that is disposed as a lower component and a second structure <NUM> that is disposed above the first structure <NUM> and has a shape corresponding to the first structure <NUM>. When applied to a battery pack, the first structure may serve as a lower case, and the second structure may serve as an upper case.

In the first structure <NUM>, a locking projection <NUM> protrudes outward from a predetermined area inside a side wall part, and a support <NUM> extends upward from the first structure <NUM> and is spaced a predetermined interval from the locking projection <NUM>.

In the second structure <NUM>, a hook part <NUM> includes a body 41_1 that is disposed between the locking projection <NUM> and the support <NUM> and extends downward from the second structure <NUM> and a protrusion part 41_2 that extends from the body 41_1 and protrudes toward the locking projection <NUM>.

The hook part <NUM> and the support <NUM> may be elastically deformed by a predetermined amount, and when the first structure <NUM> and the second structure <NUM> are coupled to each other, the hook part <NUM> is inserted between the locking projection <NUM> and the support <NUM>. Accordingly, when the hook part <NUM> is inserted, the protrusion part 41_2 is locked in the locking projection <NUM> to couple the first structure <NUM> and the second structure <NUM>, while the hook part <NUM> and the support <NUM> are elastically deformed by a certain amount and then recovered.

As the above-described structure includes the support <NUM> unlike the hook coupling structure in accordance with the related art, the first structure <NUM> and the second structure <NUM> may not be disconnected from each other even when the entire structure is impacted after the first structure <NUM> and the second structure <NUM> are coupled to each other.

Recently, reduction in sizes of diverse structure bodies has been a main issue to satisfy various demands of customers. However, since the support <NUM> is additionally required in the related art, a structure of the hook coupling structure may be complicated, and a space utilization rate may be deteriorated.

Thus, the development of technology for a hook coupling structure having an increased space utilization rate has been required.

<CIT> and <CIT> describe a hook coupling structure for a battery pack.

The present invention provides a battery pack case according to claim <NUM>, comprising a hook coupling structure for reducing a size of a structure body and a device according to claim <NUM>, comprising said battery pack case.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a hook coupling structure includes: an upper structure body <NUM> including a hook part <NUM> that extends downward from an edge and has an end portion bent to the inside; and a lower structure body <NUM> including a protrusion part <NUM> and coupled to the upper structure body, the protrusion part being lifted upward from an edge and disposed inside the hook part <NUM>, wherein the lower structure body includes a locking projection <NUM> that is formed, at a position corresponding to an upper portion of the hook part <NUM> of the upper structure body <NUM>, by protruding an inner surface of the lower structure body outward.

Also, the hook part <NUM> is inserted between the locking projection <NUM> and the protrusion part <NUM> to establish a coupling.

The hook part may have: a first bent surface 111_1 that is a surface formed through bending and is in contact with the protrusion part <NUM> of the lower structure body; and a second bent surface 111_2 that is a surface formed through bending and is in contact with the locking projection <NUM>.

The first bent surface of the hook part may have a thickness greater than or equal to that of the protrusion part.

The second bent surface of the hook part may have a thickness less than that of the locking projection.

An insertion-coupling ridge <NUM> may be defined between the locking projection and the protrusion part of the lower structure body so that a bent portion of the hook part is positioned therein.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a battery pack case includes: a battery pack lower case <NUM> having an insertion-coupling ridge defined in a predetermined area of an edge; and a battery pack upper case <NUM> including a hook part <NUM> that has an end portion bent at a position corresponding to the insertion-coupling ridge of the battery pack lower case, wherein the insertion-coupling ridge of the lower case and the hook part of the upper case are coupled to each other to establish a hook coupling structure.

The battery pack lower case may include: a locking projection <NUM> positioned at a height to be in contact with an upper surface of the hook part and disposed on a plane adjacent to a plane in which the hook part is disposed, the locking projection protruding outward so that the hook part of the battery pack upper case is locked therein; and a protrusion part <NUM> positioned at a height to be in contact with a lower surface of the hook part and disposed on a plane identical to a plane in which the hook part is disposed, the protrusion part being lifted upward to support the hook part.

The hook part of the battery pack upper case may have: a first bent surface <NUM> that is a surface formed through bending and is in contact with the protrusion part <NUM> of the lower structure body; and a second bent surface <NUM> that is a surface formed through bending and is in contact with the locking projection <NUM>.

An insertion-coupling ridge <NUM> may be defined between the locking projection and the protrusion part of the battery pack lower case so that the hook part is positioned therein.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a device includes the battery pack case.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a hook coupling structure includes: an upper structure body <NUM> including a hook part <NUM> that extends from an upper surface and has a protruding end portion; and a lower structure body <NUM> including a through-hole <NUM> and a locking projection <NUM>, the through-hole formed by punching a predetermined area of a bottom surface so that a predetermined area of the hook part is disposed inside the bottom surface, the locking projection being formed, at a position corresponding to an upper portion of the hook part <NUM> of the upper structure body <NUM>, by protruding an inner surface of the lower structure body outward.

Also, the predetermined area of the hook part is inserted into the through-hole to establish a coupling.

The bottom surface may include: a first bottom part <NUM> positioned on one side of the through-hole; and a second bottom part <NUM> positioned on the other side of the through-hole.

Among the first bottom part and the second bottom part, the bottom part in an area, in which the locking projection is not positioned, may support a predetermined area on a non-protruding side of the hook part.

An insertion-coupling ridge <NUM> may be defined between the locking projection of the lower structure and the through-hole so that a bent portion of the hook part is positioned to the inside thereof.

The bent portion of the hook part may have a thickness greater than that of an extension portion of the hook part.

The through-hole may have a size greater than or equal to the thickness of the bent portion.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a battery pack case includes: a battery pack lower case <NUM> having an insertion-coupling ridge defined in a predetermined area on a bottom surface; and a battery pack upper case <NUM> including a hook part <NUM> with a bent portion <NUM> in which an end portion protrudes at a position corresponding to the insertion-coupling ridge of the battery pack lower case.

The insertion-coupling ridge of the lower case and the hook part of the upper case are coupled to each other to establish a hook coupling structure.

The battery pack lower case may include: a through-hole <NUM> formed by punching a predetermined area on the bottom surface of the battery pack lower case so that a predetermined area of the bent portion of the battery pack upper case is disposed to the inside; and a locking projection <NUM> positioned, while spaced a predetermined height from the through-hole, in a predetermined area that is on a side surface of the battery pack lower case and corresponds to the hook part of the battery pack upper case, wherein the bent portion of the battery pack upper case is locked in the locking projection.

The battery pack lower case may further include: a side wall part <NUM> positioned on one side of the through-hole; and a bottom part <NUM> positioned on the other side of the through-hole.

The bottom part may support a predetermined area on a non-protruding side of the bent portion of the hook part.

The insertion-coupling ridge <NUM> may be defined between the locking projection and the bottom surface so that the bent portion of the hook part is positioned between the locking projection and the through-hole of the bottom surface.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a device includes the battery pack case.

In the hook coupling structure in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention and the battery pack case using the same, a structure body is used instead of the support in accordance with the related art which is separately disposed to prevent the hook from being moved back, and thus the support may be removed to increase the space utilization rate.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the <FIG>. The embodiments illustrated in <FIG> are examples that do not fall under the definition of the claims.

Although the ordinal numbers such as first and second are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these numbers. The terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components. For example, a first element can be referred to as a second element, and similarly a second element can be referred to as a first element without departing from the scope of the present invention. The terms herein are used only for explaining a specific embodiment while not intended to limit the present invention. The expression of a singular form includes plural forms unless definitely indicating a particular case in terms of the context.

The terms used in the present invention are selected as general terms currently and widely used in consideration of functions of the present invention, but the terms may vary in accordance with the intention of those skilled in the art, precedents, or new technology in the art. Also, specific terms may be temporarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the detailed meaning thereof will be described in the detailed description of the invention. Thus, the terms used in the present invention should be defined not as simple terms but based on the meaning of the terms and the overall description of the invention.

Next, a hook coupling structure in accordance with an example will be described.

In the hook coupling structure in accordance with example, a protrusion is formed by lifting an edge of a lower structure body in which the hook coupling structure is provided, and a hook part is supported by the protrusion so that the hook part is not moved back after locked in a locking projection. Therefore, a space utilization rate of the hook coupling structure may increase.

<FIG> is a side view of the hook coupling structure in accordance with example.

Referring to <FIG>, a hook coupling structure <NUM> includes an upper structure body <NUM> that includes a hook part <NUM> that extends downward from an edge and has an end portion bent to the inside, a lower structure body <NUM> that includes a protrusion part <NUM> lifted upward from an edge and disposed inside the hook part <NUM>, and a locking projection <NUM> in which the hook part <NUM> of the upper structure body <NUM> is locked.

Also, the hook part is inserted between the locking projection <NUM> and the protrusion part <NUM> to establish a coupling.

A configuration of the hook coupling structure will be described below in more detail.

First, the upper structure body <NUM> includes the hook part <NUM> that extends downward from the edge and has the end portion bent to the inside, and is made of a material elastically deformable by a predetermined amount so as to be easily inserted between the locking projection <NUM> and the protrusion part <NUM>.

The hook part <NUM> will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is an enlarged side view of the hook part in accordance with an example.

Referring to <FIG>, the hook part <NUM> includes a first bent surface 111_1 that is a surface formed through bending and is in contact with the protrusion part <NUM> of the lower structure body and a second bent surface 111_2 that is a surface formed through bending and is in contact with the locking projection <NUM>.

Describing in more detail, the first bent surface 111_1 is a surface formed by bending once the edge of the upper structure body <NUM>. For one example, the first bent surface 111_1 has a thickness equal to or greater by a predetermined range than that of an upper surface of the protrusion part <NUM>.

When the thickness of the first bent surface 111_1 is less than that of the upper surface of the protrusion part <NUM>, the end portion of the hook part <NUM> may not be sufficiently locked in the protrusion part <NUM>. Also, when the thickness of the first bent surface 111_1 is excessively greater by the predetermined range than that of the upper surface of the protrusion part <NUM>, a tight coupling is not established due to a gap between the end portion of the hook part <NUM> and the protrusion part <NUM> after the hook coupling. Thus, the first bent surface is provided having an appropriately large thickness.

Also, the second bent surface 111_2 is a surface that is formed by bending once again after the first bent surface 111_1 is formed by bending once. For one example, the second bent surface 111_2 has a thickness equal to that of a lower surface of the locking projection <NUM>. When the thickness of the second bent surface 111_2 is less than that of the lower surface of the locking projection <NUM>, the end portion of the hook part <NUM> may be separated from the locking projection after the hook coupling due to an impact on an assembly structure. Also, when the thickness of the second bent surface 111_2 is greater than that of the lower surface of the locking projection <NUM>, the entire thickness of the hook coupling structure may increase.

Also, the end portion of the hook part <NUM> has one side having a parallel shape and the other side having a shape gradually narrowed downward, and thus may be easily inserted between the locking projection <NUM> and the protrusion part <NUM>. The one side of the end portion of the hook part <NUM> has the parallel shape so that a force to be supported by the protrusion part <NUM> is not dispersed, but the shape of the one side is not limited thereto.

Also, the lower structure body <NUM> includes the protrusion part <NUM> that is lifted upward from the edge and disposed inside the hook part <NUM>, and a height of the lifted protrusion part <NUM> is equal to a length of the end portion of the hook part <NUM> or greater than that of the end portion of the hook part. When the height of the lifted protrusion part <NUM> is less than the length of the end portion of the hook part <NUM>, a supporting force of the hook part <NUM> is weak, and the coupling may not be maintained.

When comparing structures of the protrusion part <NUM> and the hook part <NUM> with those in accordance with the related art, the hook coupling structure in accordance with the related art as illustrated in <FIG> includes the first structure <NUM> that is disposed as the lower component and the second structure <NUM> that is disposed above the first structure <NUM> and has the shape corresponding to the first structure <NUM>.

In the first structure <NUM>, the locking projection <NUM> protrudes outward from the predetermined area inside the side wall part, and the support <NUM> extends upward from the first structure <NUM> and is spaced the predetermined interval from the locking projection <NUM>.

Also, in the second structure <NUM>, the hook part <NUM> includes the body 41_1 that is disposed between the locking projection <NUM> and the support <NUM> and extends downward from the second structure <NUM> and the protrusion part 41_2 that extends from the body 41_1 and protrudes toward the locking projection <NUM>.

However, as a space-saving is required in the above-described hook coupling structure in accordance with the related art, the support <NUM> is removed from the hook coupling structure in accordance with the related art so as to improve the space efficiency, and the hook part <NUM> bent twice and the protrusion part <NUM> for supporting the hook part <NUM> are provided as in the present application. As a result, the space utilization of the hook coupling structure increases.

Also, the locking projection <NUM> is formed, at a position corresponding to an upper portion of the hook part <NUM> of the upper structure body <NUM>, by protruding an inner surface of the lower structure body outward. The hook part <NUM> of the upper structure body <NUM> is locked in the locking projection <NUM>.

Also, an insertion-coupling ridge <NUM> is defined between the locking projection <NUM> and the protrusion part <NUM> so that the hook part <NUM> is positioned therein, which will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a side view of the hook coupling structure before the hook part in accordance with an example is inserted.

Referring to <FIG>, a length of the insertion-coupling ridge <NUM> from a left corner to a right corner that is in contact with an upper surface of the protrusion part <NUM> is equal to a length from the first bent surface 111_1 to the second bent surface 111_2. Therefore, the hook part <NUM> may be easily inserted into the insertion-coupling ridge <NUM>.

Also, the hook coupling structure is applied to various structure bodies of a case in which hook structure bodies are coupled to each other to create a predetermined space, thereby achieving a further improvement in space efficiency for the structure body when compared to the related art.

Next, a battery pack case in accordance with example will be described.

The battery pack case is a battery pack case including the hook coupling structure in accordance with the above-described example. A hook part provided in a battery pack upper case is bent twice to define a predetermined space, and a protrusion lifted from an edge of a battery pack lower case is disposed inside the predetermined space of the hook part. As a result, the hook part may be supported without being moved back.

<FIG> is a view of an inner structure of the battery pack case in accordance with an example of the present invention. Here, <FIG> is a view in which a portion of an upper surface is cut to show the inside where a hook coupling structure is provided, but a structure of a battery pack upper case is typically provided in a shape in which the upper surface is fully covered.

(a) of <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in an area with the hook coupling structure within the battery pack case and (b) of <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' in an area without the hook coupling structure within the battery pack case.

<FIG> is a side view of the hook coupling structure in the battery pack case in accordance with an example.

Referring to <FIG>, the battery pack case includes a battery pack lower case <NUM> having an insertion-coupling ridge defined in a predetermined area of an edge and a battery pack upper case <NUM> including a hook part <NUM> that has an end portion bent at a position corresponding to the insertion-coupling ridge of the battery pack lower case.

Also, the insertion-coupling ridge of the lower case and the hook part of the upper case are coupled to each other to establish the hook coupling structure. Also, a plurality of hook coupling structures may be provided at corners to increase a coupling force between the upper case and the lower case, or a coupling structure may be provided over the entire edges of the case.

Describing in more detain with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the hook coupling structure is provided at each of the corners of the battery pack upper case <NUM>, and the hook coupling structure is provided at each of both sides as illustrated in the cross-sectional area taken along line A-A'. In the hook coupling structure, the hook part <NUM> extends from the battery pack upper case <NUM> over a predetermined range and is coupled to the battery pack lower case <NUM>. Unlike the above-described structure, in an area taken along line B-B' in which the hook coupling structure is not provided, the battery pack upper case <NUM> has a height less by a predetermined range than a height in the area of line A-A'. This structure with the hook coupling structure and without the hook coupling structure may have a protrusion and recess shape to improve a coupling force for the structure itself.

A configuration of the battery pack case will be described below in more detail.

The lower case <NUM> has an insertion-coupling ridge <NUM> defined in a predetermined area of an edge, and will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a side view of the hook coupling structure before the hook part in the battery pack case in accordance with an example is inserted.

Referring to <FIG>, in the battery pack lower case <NUM>, the insertion-coupling ridge <NUM> is defined between the locking projection and a protrusion part of the battery pack lower case so that the hook part is positioned therein. A length of the insertion-coupling ridge <NUM> from a left corner to a right corner that is in contact with an upper surface of a protrusion part <NUM> is equal to a length from a first bent surface <NUM> to a second bent surface <NUM>. Therefore, the hook part <NUM> may be easily inserted into the insertion-coupling ridge <NUM>.

Also, the battery pack lower case <NUM> includes a locking projection <NUM> positioned at a height to be in contact with an upper surface of the hook part and disposed on a plane adjacent to a plane in which the hook part is disposed, the locking projection protruding outward so that the hook part of the battery pack upper case is locked therein, and the protrusion part <NUM> positioned at a height to be in contact with a lower surface of the hook part and disposed on a plane identical to a plane in which the hook part is disposed, the protrusion part being lifted upward to support the hook part.

Also, the battery pack upper case <NUM> includes the hook part <NUM> that has an end portion bent at a position corresponding to the insertion-coupling ridge of the battery pack lower case. Here, the hook part <NUM> is made of a material elastically deformable by a predetermined amount so as to be easily inserted between the locking projection <NUM> and the protrusion part <NUM>.

The hook part <NUM> includes the first bent surface <NUM> that is a surface formed through bending and is in contact with the protrusion part <NUM> of the lower structure body and the second bent surface <NUM> that is a surface formed through bending and is in contact with the locking projection <NUM>, and will be described in more detail with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is an enlarged side view of the hook part in the battery pack case in accordance with an example.

Referring to <FIG>, the first bent surface <NUM> is a surface formed by bending once the edge of the upper case <NUM>. For one example, the first bent surface <NUM> has a thickness equal to or greater by a predetermined range than that of an upper surface of the protrusion part <NUM>.

When the thickness of the first bent surface <NUM> is less than that of the upper surface of the protrusion part <NUM>, the end portion of the hook part <NUM> may not be sufficiently locked in the protrusion part <NUM>. Also, when the thickness of the first bent surface <NUM> is excessively greater by the predetermined range than that of the upper surface of the protrusion part <NUM>, a tight coupling is not established due to a gap between the end portion of the hook part <NUM> and the protrusion part <NUM> after the hook coupling. Thus, the first bent surface is provided having an appropriately large thickness.

Also, the second bent surface <NUM> is a surface that is formed by bending once again after the first bent surface <NUM> is formed by bending once. For one example, the second bent surface <NUM> has a thickness equal to that of a lower surface of the locking projection <NUM>. When the thickness of the second bent surface <NUM> is less by a predetermined range than that of the lower surface of the locking projection <NUM>, the end portion of the hook part <NUM> may be separated from the locking projection after the hook coupling due to an impact on an assembly structure. Also, when the thickness of the second bent surface <NUM> is greater than that of the lower surface of the locking projection <NUM>, the entire thickness of the hook coupling structure may increase.

Also, the battery pack case increases in space utilization, and thus may have a smaller battery pack case size or be equipped with more battery cells to achieve an enhanced capacity, when compared to the related art. As a result, a device including the above-described battery pack case may have a smaller size than the related art or a further increased capacity than the related art.

In the hook coupling structure a through-hole is defined in a predetermined area on a bottom surface of a structure body in which the hook coupling structure is provided. A predetermined area of a hook part is disposed within the defined through-hole, and the hook part is supported by the protrusion so that the hook part is not moved back after locked in a locking projection. Therefore, a space utilization rate of the hook coupling structure may increase.

<FIG> is a side view of a hook coupling structure.

<FIG> is a side view of the hook coupling structure before a hook part in accordance with an example is inserted.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a hook coupling structure <NUM> includes an upper structure body <NUM> including a hook part <NUM> that extends from an upper surface and has a protruding end portion and a lower structure body <NUM> including a through-hole <NUM> and a locking projection <NUM>. The through-hole is formed by punching a predetermined area of a bottom surface so that a predetermined area of the hook part is disposed inside the bottom surface, and the locking projection is formed, at a position corresponding to an upper portion of the hook part <NUM> of the upper structure body <NUM>, by protruding an inner surface of the lower structure body outward.

Also, the predetermined area of the hook part <NUM> is inserted into the through-hole to establish a coupling.

First, the hook part <NUM> extends from the upper structure body <NUM> and has the protruding end portion. The hook part is made of a material elastically deformable by a predetermined amount so as to be easily inserted between the locking projection <NUM> and the through-hole <NUM>.

Also, the hook part <NUM> has one side having a parallel shape and the other side having a shape gradually narrowed downward, and thus may be easily inserted between the locking projection <NUM> and the through-hole <NUM>. The one side of the hook part <NUM> has the parallel shape so that a force to be supported by the bottom surface is not dispersed, but the shape of the one side is not limited thereto.

The hook part has a thickness greater than an extension portion of the upper structure body <NUM>, and thus a force to be retained in the locking projection <NUM> may increase.

Also, the bottom surface <NUM> is a lower surface of a structure body in which the hook coupling structure is provided, and the bottom surface includes a first bottom part <NUM> and a second bottom part <NUM>.

More particularly, the bottom surface <NUM> includes the first bottom part <NUM> positioned on one side of the through-hole and the second bottom part <NUM> positioned on the other side of the through-hole.

Among the first bottom part and the second bottom part, the bottom part in a direction, in which the locking projection is not positioned, supports a predetermined area on a non-protruding side of the hook part. In <FIG>, the second bottom part supports the hook part <NUM> so that the hook part is not moved back.

Also, since space utilization increases as a gap between the predetermined area of the hook part <NUM> and the second bottom part <NUM> is small, the predetermined area of the hook part and the second bottom part are disposed with a minimum gap or without a gap.

The hook coupling structure in accordance with the related art as illustrated in <FIG> includes the first structure <NUM> that is disposed as a lower component and the second structure <NUM> that is disposed above the first structure <NUM> and has the shape corresponding to the first structure <NUM>.

However, as a space-saving is required in the above-described hook coupling structure in accordance with the related art, the support <NUM> is removed from the hook coupling structure in accordance with the related art so as to improve the space efficiency, and the hook part <NUM> is supported by using the bottom surface <NUM> as in the present application. As a result, the space utilization of the hook coupling structure increases.

Also, the through-hole <NUM> is formed by punching a predetermined area of the bottom surface so that a predetermined area of a bent portion is disposed inside the bottom surface, and the through-hole has a size greater than or equal to a thickness of the bent portion. Thus, the hook part <NUM> may be disposed inside the through-hole <NUM> having the size greater than or equal to the thickness of the hook part <NUM>.

Also, the locking projection <NUM> is positioned, while spaced a predetermined height above from the through-hole, and the bent portion of the hook part is locked therein. A distance between the locking projection <NUM> and the second bottom part <NUM> is greater than the thickness of the hook part <NUM> of the hook part.

Also, an insertion-coupling ridge <NUM> is defined between the locking projection and the through-hole of the bottom surface so that the bent portion of the hook part is positioned therein.

Next, a battery pack case in accordance with the present invention will be described.

The battery pack case in accordance with the present invention is a battery pack case including the hook coupling structure in accordance with the above-described embodiment. A hook part is supported by a bottom surface of a battery pack lower case <NUM> so that the support part is not moved back.

<FIG> is a view of an inner structure of the battery pack case in accordance with the present invention. Here, <FIG> is a view in which a portion of an upper surface is cut to show the inside where a hook coupling structure is provided, but a structure of a battery pack upper case is typically provided in a shape in which the upper surface is fully covered.

Referring to <FIG>, the battery pack case in accordance with the present invention includes a battery pack lower case <NUM> equipped with the battery module therein and having an insertion-coupling ridge defined in a predetermined area on a bottom surface and a battery pack upper case <NUM> including a hook part that has a bent portion in which an end portion protrudes at a position corresponding to the insertion-coupling ridge of the battery pack lower case.

Also, the insertion-coupling ridge of the lower case and the hook part of the upper case are coupled to each other to establish the hook coupling structure. Also, a plurality of hook coupling structures may be provided to increase a coupling force between the lower case and the upper case.

The lower case <NUM> is equipped with the battery module therein and has the insertion-coupling ridge <NUM> defined in the predetermined area on the bottom surface, and will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a cut side view of a hook coupling structure in the battery pack case in accordance with the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the battery pack lower case includes a through-hole <NUM> formed by punching a predetermined area on the bottom surface of the battery pack lower case so that a predetermined area of the bent portion of the battery pack upper case is disposed to the inside and a locking projection <NUM> positioned, while spaced a predetermined height from the through-hole, in a predetermined area that is on a side surface of the battery pack lower case and corresponds to the hook part of the battery pack upper case. The bent portion of the battery pack upper case is locked in the locking projection.

Also, the battery pack lower case further includes a side wall part <NUM> positioned on one side of the through-hole and a bottom part <NUM> positioned on the other side of the through-hole. The bottom part <NUM> supports a predetermined area on a non-protruding side of the bent portion of the hook part.

Also, the through-hole <NUM> has a size greater than or equal to a thickness of the bent portion so that the bent portion <NUM> is disposed to the inside.

The side wall part <NUM> and the bottom part <NUM> have a structure in which the hook coupling structure in accordance with the embodiment is applied to the battery pack case. The hook part <NUM> is coupled to the locking projection <NUM> and supported by the bottom part <NUM> so that the hook part is not moved back.

Also, since space utilization increases as a gap between the predetermined area of the bent portion <NUM> and the bottom part <NUM> is small, the predetermined area of the bent portion and the bottom part are disposed with a minimum gap or without a gap.

Also, the locking projection <NUM> protrudes from the side surface of the battery pack lower case to a predetermined area, and has a shape corresponding to the hook part <NUM>.

Also, a hook coupling force increases as the surface area in contact with the hook part <NUM> increases. Thus, for one example, the locking projection has a thickness that is equal to a thickness of an extension portion of the hook part <NUM> in the upper case <NUM> and sufficient not to cause a reduction in a space utilization rate of the battery pack case.

Also, the battery pack upper case <NUM> includes the hook part <NUM> having the bent portion <NUM> in which an end portion protrudes at a position corresponding to the insertion-coupling ridge of the battery pack lower case.

The hook part <NUM> includes the bent portion <NUM> that extends from an upper surface of the structure body and has the protruding end portion, and the hook part is made of a material elastically deformable by a predetermined amount so as to be easily inserted between the locking projection <NUM> and the through-hole <NUM>.

Also, the bent portion <NUM> has one side having a parallel shape and the other side having a shape gradually narrowed downward, and thus may be easily inserted between the locking projection <NUM> and the through-hole <NUM>. The one side of the hook part <NUM> has the parallel shape so that a force to be supported by the bottom surface is not dispersed, but the shape of the one side is not limited thereto.

Also, the bent portion <NUM> of the hook part has a thickness greater than an extension portion of the hook part, and thus a force to be retained in the locking projection <NUM> may increase.

Also, the insertion-coupling ridge <NUM> is defined between the locking projection and the through-hole of the bottom surface so that the bent portion is positioned therein, and will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a cut side view of the hook coupling structure in the battery pack case before the hook part in accordance with the present invention is inserted.

Referring to <FIG>, the insertion-coupling ridge <NUM> is a space which is defined between the locking projection <NUM> and the through-hole <NUM> and in which the bent portion <NUM> of the hook part is positioned, and a distance to the bottom part <NUM> is greater than a diagonal length of the bent portion <NUM> of the hook part. This configuration enables the bent portion <NUM> to be easily inserted into the insertion-coupling ridge <NUM> when the upper case <NUM> and the lower case <NUM> are coupled to each other.

Also, the battery pack case in accordance with the present invention increases in space utilization, and thus may have a smaller battery pack case size or be equipped with more battery cells to achieve an enhanced capacity, when compared to the related art. As a result, a device including the above-described battery pack case may have a smaller size than the related art or a further increased capacity than the related art.

Claim 1:
A battery pack case comprising:
a battery pack lower case (<NUM>) having an insertion-coupling ridge (<NUM>) defined in a predetermined area on a bottom surface; and
a battery pack upper case (<NUM>) comprising a hook part (<NUM>) with a bent portion (<NUM>) in which an end portion protrudes at a position corresponding to the insertion-coupling ridge of the battery pack lower case,
wherein the insertion-coupling ridge of the lower case and the hook part of the upper case are coupled to each other to establish a hook coupling structure, and
wherein the battery pack lower case comprises:
a through-hole (<NUM>) formed by punching a predetermined area on the bottom surface of the battery pack lower case so that a predetermined area of the bent portion of the battery pack upper case is disposed to the inside; and
a locking projection (<NUM>) positioned, while spaced a predetermined height from the through-hole, in a predetermined area that is on a side surface of the battery pack lower case and corresponds to the hook part of the battery pack upper case, wherein the bent portion of the battery pack upper case is locked in the locking projection.
wherein the battery pack lower case further comprises:
a side wall part (<NUM>) positioned on one side of the through-hole; and
a bottom part (<NUM>) positioned on the other side of the through-hole,
wherein the bottom part supports a predetermined area on a non-protruding side of the bent portion of the hook part; and
wherein the insertion-coupling ridge (<NUM>) is a space which is defined between the locking projection (<NUM>) and the through-hole (<NUM>) and in which the bent portion (<NUM>) of the hook part (<NUM>) is positioned.