Patent Description:
Currently, commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries and the like, and among them, lithium secondary batteries have little or no memory effect, and thus they are gaining more attention than nickel-based batteries for their advantages that recharging can be done whenever it is convenient, the self-discharge rate is very low and the energy density is high.

A lithium secondary battery primarily uses a lithium-based oxide and a carbon material for a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material respectively. The lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly including a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate respectively coated with the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material and a separator interposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate, and a cylindrical battery case in which the electrode assembly is hermetically received together with an electrolyte solution.

More recently, secondary batteries are being widely used in not only small devices such as portable electronic products but also medium- and large-scale devices such as vehicles and energy storage systems (ESSs). For use in medium- and large-scale devices, many secondary batteries are electrically connected to increase the capacity and output.

With the growing need for a large-capacity structure for use as an energy storage source, there is an increasing demand for a battery pack including a plurality of secondary batteries electrically connected in series and/or in parallel, a module case in which the secondary batteries are received, and a battery management system (BMS).

The battery pack generally further includes an outer housing made of a metal to receive and store the module case and the plurality of secondary batteries to protect them from external impacts. The module case received in the outer housing is fixed to the inside of the outer housing to prevent the module case from moving. This is to prevent a collision or an electrical short circuit between the internal components (the module case, busbars and the secondary batteries) of the battery pack when an external impact occurs.

However, when inserting the battery module into the internal space of the outer housing of the battery pack, a collision between the battery module received in the outer housing and the outer housing occurs due to the narrow inside of the outer housing, causing damage to the battery module.

In case that there is a gap between the coupling structure between the battery module and the outer housing after assembly, when the battery pack is used as a power source for a vehicle that is frequently exposed to external impacts or vibrations, frequent friction or collisions between the outer housing and the battery module may occur, causing damage to the internal components.

The process of inserting and fixing the battery module into the outer housing is difficult and time-consuming. It results in the increased manufacturing cost of the battery pack.

Examples of background art can be found in <CIT> and <CIT>. <CIT> shows a battery pack comprising a plurality of battery modules, each with a battery case, assembled together and inserted in a pack housing by sliding guide protrusions provided on the internal portion of the pack housing in matching rail guides positioned on the external surface of the assembled battery module.

The present disclosure is designed to solve the above-described problem, and therefore the present disclosure is directed to providing a battery pack with improved manufacturing efficiency and durability.

These and other objects and advantages of the present disclosure can be understood by the following description, and will be apparent from the embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, it will be readily appreciated that the objects and advantages of the present disclosure can be realized by means and combinations thereof.

To achieve the above-described object, a battery pack according to claim <NUM> is provided, the battery pack includes a battery module including a plurality of secondary batteries and a module case having an outer wall configured to form an internal space for receiving the plurality of secondary batteries, and a pack housing including an intermediate housing formed in the shape of a box with open top and bottom and having an outer sidewall configured to form an internal space for receiving the module case, wherein at least one guide rail is provided on an inner surface of the intermediate housing, the guide rail protruding in an inward direction toward the battery module and extending in a vertical direction to guide the insertion of the module case in the vertical direction, and at least one guide protrusion portion is provided on an outer surface of a horizontal direction of the module case, the guide protrusion portion protruding in an outward direction and extending in the vertical direction to move in the vertical direction along the guide rail, and having at least one compression protrusion protruding to press the guide rail.

Additionally, the guide rail has at least one guide groove that is recessed in a shape corresponding to an outer shape of a protruding direction of the guide protrusion portion and extends in the vertical direction, and the compression protrusion is configured to press an inner surface of the guide groove.

Additionally, the guide protrusion portion may have a left surface or a right surface, a front surface, and a rear surface, and the compression protrusion may be provided on at least one of the left surface or the right surface, the front surface, or the rear surface of the guide protrusion portion.

Additionally, a pressing protrusion protruding to press the guide protrusion portion may be provided on the inner surface of the guide groove of the guide rail.

Additionally, the pressing protrusion may be formed at a location corresponding to the compression protrusion to come into close contact with an outer surface of the compression protrusion on the inner surface of the guide groove.

Additionally, the battery pack includes a stopper having a plate shape extending in the horizontal direction to limit the vertical movement of the module case provided on the guide rail.

Additionally, the module case may include a bumper portion which is positioned to face the intermediate housing and protrudes outward from an outer surface of the outer wall to absorb an external impact.

Additionally, the bumper portion may include an extension part protruding and extending in the outward direction from the outer wall of the module case, and a plate-shaped part bent and extending in a direction facing the outer wall of the module case from an end of an extending direction of the extension part, and a rib may be provided on an outer surface of the plate-shaped part, the rib protruding in the outward direction and extending linearly in at least two directions.

Additionally, to achieve the above-described object, an electronic device according to the present disclosure includes at least one battery pack.

Additionally, to achieve the above-described object, a vehicle according to the present disclosure includes at least one battery pack.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the present disclosure includes, on the inner surface of the intermediate housing, at least one guide rail inwardly protruding toward the battery module and extending in the vertical direction to guide the insertion of the module case in the vertical direction. In addition, the present disclosure includes, on the outer surface in the horizontal direction of the module case, at least one guide protrusion portion having at least one pressing protrusion protruding in the outward direction to move in the vertical direction along the guide rail and extending in the vertical direction to press the guide rail, thereby eliminating the gap between the battery module and the pack housing.

Additionally, according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, the guide rail has at least one guide groove inserted in a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the protruding direction of the guide protrusion portion and extending in the vertical direction, so that the battery module may be stably inserted into the pack housing without collision between the battery module and the inner wall of the pack housing. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively prevent the damage to the battery module that may occur in the assembly process with the pack housing.

Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the pressure protrusion protruding to press the guide protrusion portion is provided on the inner side of the guide groove of the guide rail, thereby eliminating the X-axis directional gap between the battery module and the intermediate housing. Accordingly, compared to the battery pack of <FIG>, it is possible to prevent the damage and failure of the internal components of the battery pack that may occur during the use of the battery pack more effectively.

Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a part of the pressing protrusion is formed at a location corresponding to the pressing protrusion to come into close contact with the outer surface of the pressing protrusion on the inner side of the guide groove, thereby achieving the closer and more tight coupling between the guide groove and the guide protrusion portion. According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the damage and failure of the internal components of the battery pack that may occur during the use of the battery pack.

Additionally, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the stopper in the shape of a plate that extends in the horizontal direction to limit the vertical movement of the module case is provided on top of the guide rail, thereby effectively eliminating the Z-axis directional gap between the battery module and the pack housing. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the internal components of the battery pack from moving in the vertical direction, thereby preventing the damage and failure of the internal components of the battery pack that may occur during the use of the battery pack.

The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the foregoing disclosure, serve to provide further understanding of the technical spirit of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure is not to be construed as being limited to the drawings.

Therefore, the embodiments described herein and illustrations shown in the drawings are just a most preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, but not intended to fully describe the technical aspects of the present disclosure.

<FIG> is a perspective view schematically showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view schematically showing some components of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a can- type secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the battery pack <NUM> of the present disclosure includes a battery module <NUM> and a pack housing <NUM>.

The battery module <NUM> may include a plurality of secondary batteries <NUM>, a module case <NUM>, and a busbar <NUM>.

Here, the plurality of secondary batteries <NUM> may be can-type secondary batteries <NUM>. The secondary battery <NUM> may include an electrode assembly <NUM>, a battery can <NUM>, and a cap assembly <NUM>.

The electrode assembly <NUM> may have a structure in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate with a separator interposed between are wound, and the positive electrode plate may be connected to the cap assembly <NUM> with a positive electrode tab <NUM> attached to the positive electrode plate, and the negative electrode plate may be connected to the lower end of the battery can <NUM> with a negative electrode tab <NUM> attached to the negative electrode plate.

The battery can <NUM> may have an empty internal space to receive the electrode assembly <NUM>. In particular, the battery can <NUM> may have a cylindrical or prismatic shape, with an open top. In addition, the battery can <NUM> may be made of a metal such as steel or aluminum to ensure stiffness. In addition, the battery can <NUM> may have the negative electrode tab attached to the lower end, and not only the lower part of the battery can <NUM> but also the battery can <NUM> itself may act as the negative electrode terminal <NUM>1b.

The cap assembly <NUM> may be coupled to the open top of the battery can <NUM> to hermetically close the open end of the battery can <NUM>. The cap assembly <NUM> may have a circular or prismatic shape according to the shape of the battery can <NUM>, and include subcomponents such as a top cap C1, a safety vent C2, and a gasket C3.

Here, the top cap C1 may be positioned on top of the cap assembly <NUM> and extend upward. In particular, the top cap C1 may act as a positive electrode terminal of the secondary battery <NUM>. Therefore, the top cap C1 may be electrically connected to other secondary battery <NUM>, a load or a charger through an external device, for example, a busbar <NUM>. The top cap C1 may be made of, for example, a metal such as stainless steel or aluminum.

The safety vent C2 may be configured to deform when the internal pressure of the secondary battery <NUM>, that is, the internal pressure of the battery can <NUM> is higher than a certain level. Further, the gasket C3 may be made of an electrically insulating material to isolate the edges of the top cap C1 and the safety vent C2 from the battery can <NUM>.

On the other hand, the cap assembly <NUM> may further include a current interrupt member C4. The current interrupt member C4 is referred to as a Current Interrupt Device (CID), and when the shape of the safety vent C2 is changed by the increased internal pressure of the battery due to gas generation, the contact between the safety vent C2 and the current interrupt member C4 is separated or the current interrupt member C4 is broken, causing disconnection of the electrical connection between the safety vent C2 and the electrode assembly <NUM>.

The configuration of the cylindrical battery cell <NUM> is well known to those skilled in the art at the time of filing the patent application, and its detailed description is omitted herein. Although <FIG> shows an example of the battery cell <NUM>, the battery module <NUM> according to the present disclosure is not limited to a specific type of battery cell <NUM>. That is, various types of secondary batteries known at the time of filing the patent application may be used in the battery module <NUM> according to the present disclosure.

Although the secondary battery <NUM> of <FIG> is shown on the basis of the cylindrical secondary battery <NUM>, the battery module <NUM> according to the present disclosure may include a prismatic secondary battery.

Referring back to <FIG>, the plurality of secondary batteries <NUM> may be arranged in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). For example, the plurality of secondary batteries <NUM> may be arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions as shown in <FIG>. Furthermore, the plurality of secondary batteries <NUM> may be arranged such that tubular shapes of the cylindrical battery cans (<NUM> in <FIG>) are in contact with each other.

In particular, in the battery module <NUM> according to the present disclosure, the plurality of secondary batteries <NUM> may be placed in the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction). Here, the horizontal direction refers to a direction parallel to the ground. That is, as shown in <FIG>, each of <NUM> secondary batteries <NUM> may extend in the front-rear direction. In this instance, the plurality of secondary batteries <NUM> may have the positive electrode terminals 111a and the negative electrode terminals 111b positioned in the front and rear directions respectively when viewed from the direction F of <FIG>.

Meanwhile, the terms representing the directions such as front, rear, left, right, up, and down may vary depending on the position of the observer or the placement of the object. However, in the specification, for convenience of description, the directions such as front, rear, left, right, up, and down are defined when viewed from the direction F.

<FIG> is a perspective view schematically showing the battery module of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> along with <FIG>, the module case <NUM> may include a first case <NUM> and a second case <NUM>. The first case <NUM> may be configured such that the second case <NUM> is stacked on the rear side. For example, as shown in <FIG>, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the battery module <NUM> includes the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM> disposed on the rear side. Each of the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM> may have a hollow H1 into which a part of the secondary battery <NUM> is inserted.

In addition, the module case <NUM> has an outer wall <NUM> to form an internal space in which the plurality of secondary batteries <NUM> is received.

The outer wall <NUM> is formed to surround the internal space into which the plurality of secondary batteries <NUM> is inserted and received. Also, when viewed from the F direction of <FIG>, the module case <NUM> may have a front wall 211c1, a rear wall 211c2, a top wall 211c3, a bottom wall 211c4, a left wall 211c5 and a right wall 211c6 formed in the front, rear, up, down, left and right directions to form an internal space. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the module case <NUM> may have the front wall 211c1, the rear wall 211c2, the top wall 211c3, the bottom wall 211c4, the left wall 211c5 and the right wall 211c6.

Accordingly, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, the module case <NUM> has the outer wall <NUM> to effectively prevent the plurality of secondary batteries <NUM> received inside from an external impact.

In addition, at least two secondary batteries <NUM> may be placed and received in the internal space of the module case <NUM> in the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction). The stacking direction is not necessarily limited to one direction, and the secondary batteries <NUM> may be placed in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

Therefore, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, the module case <NUM> prevents the side of the secondary battery <NUM> from being exposed, thereby improving the insulation of the secondary batteries <NUM> and protecting the secondary batteries <NUM> from external physical and chemical elements.

Meanwhile, referring again to <FIG> along with <FIG>, the busbar <NUM> may electrically connect the plurality of secondary batteries <NUM>, for example, all the secondary batteries <NUM>, or some of the secondary batteries <NUM>. To this end, at least a part of the busbar <NUM> may be made of an electrically conductive material. For example, the busbar <NUM> may be made of a metal material such as copper, aluminum, nickel. Moreover, the busbar <NUM> may have a structure in which two plates using different main materials are joined. For example, the busbar <NUM> may include a nickel busbar plate and a copper busbar plate joined to each other.

Particularly, in the present disclosure, the busbar <NUM> may include a body portion <NUM> and a connection portion <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

The body portion <NUM> of the busbar <NUM> may be formed in a plate shape. Moreover, the busbar <NUM> may be configured in the form of a metal plate to ensure rigidity and electrical conductivity. In particular, the body portion <NUM> may stand upright in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction in the drawing) along the electrode terminals <NUM> of the plurality of secondary batteries <NUM>.

The connection portion <NUM> may be configured to come into contact with the electrode terminals <NUM> of the plurality of secondary batteries <NUM>. In this instance, the connection portion <NUM> may be welded to the electrode terminal <NUM>. A part of the connection portion <NUM> may extend from the body portion <NUM>.

That is, in the present disclosure, the plurality of secondary batteries <NUM> placed in the front-rear direction (the Y-axis direction of the drawing) may be stacked and arranged in the left-right direction (the X-axis direction of the drawing) and/or the vertical direction (the Z-axis direction of the drawing). In this instance, the body portion <NUM> may extend flat in the left-right direction and the vertical direction in a plate shape according to the arrangement direction of the electrode terminals <NUM> of the plurality of secondary batteries <NUM>, and stand upright with respect to the ground.

Furthermore, the left and right sides of the body portion <NUM> of the busbar <NUM> may be provided with an external terminal <NUM> for sensing voltage or transmitting power to the outside by a sensing member (not shown).

In addition, the busbar <NUM> may come into contact with the same polarity of the plurality of secondary batteries <NUM> to electrically connect them in parallel. Alternatively, the busbar <NUM> may come into contact with the electrode terminals <NUM> of some of the secondary batteries <NUM> to electrically connect them in parallel and in series.

Furthermore, an electrical insulating insulation sheet <NUM> may be provided on the outer surface of the busbar <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the two insulation sheets <NUM> may be provided on the front surface of the busbar disposed on the front side and the rear surface of the busbar disposed on the front side respectively.

Meanwhile, referring back to <FIG> and <FIG>, the pack housing <NUM> may include a top cover <NUM>, an intermediate housing <NUM> and a bottom support <NUM>. Specifically, when viewed from the F direction, the intermediate housing <NUM> may be coupled to the lower portion of the top cover <NUM>, and the bottom support <NUM> may be coupled to the lower portion of the intermediate housing <NUM>. More specifically, the top cover <NUM> may have an upper wall and a side wall to cover the top of the module case <NUM> received in the pack housing <NUM>. In addition, the intermediate housing <NUM> may have a rectangular tubular shape with the open top and bottom. Further, the bottom support <NUM> is a box shape with the open top, and may include a side wall and a bottom wall.

<FIG> is a perspective view schematically showing the intermediate housing of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring back to <FIG> along with <FIG>, the intermediate housing <NUM> has a closed box shape having an internal space in which the module case <NUM> is received. Specifically, the intermediate housing <NUM> may have an outer sidewall <NUM> to form the internal space. The pack housing <NUM> may be formed by extrusion molding an aluminum alloy. In particular, the intermediate housing <NUM> may be formed by extrusion molding an aluminum alloy in the vertical direction.

Specifically, at least one guide rail <NUM> is provided on an inner surface 310a of the intermediate housing <NUM> to guide the insertion of the module case <NUM> in the vertical direction. In addition, the guide rail <NUM> extends in the vertical direction and protrude in the inward direction in which the battery module <NUM> is disposed.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the guide rail <NUM> provided in the inner surface 310a of the intermediate housing <NUM> may extend in the vertical direction on each of the left inner surface and the right inner surface of the intermediate housing <NUM>. The guide rail <NUM> formed in the left inner surface of the intermediate housing <NUM> may extend in the right direction, and the guide rail <NUM> formed in the right inner surface of the intermediate housing <NUM> may extend in the left direction.

<FIG> is a schematic enlarged perspective view of section D of <FIG>.

Referring back to <FIG> and <FIG>, at least one guide protrusion portion <NUM> is provided on the horizontal outer surface of the module case <NUM>. Specifically, the guide protrusion portion <NUM> protrudes in the outward direction and extend in the vertical direction to slidably move in the vertical direction along the guide rail <NUM>.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the guide protrusion portion <NUM> configured to be moveable in the vertical direction along the guide rail <NUM> provided on each of the left inner surface and the right inner surface of the intermediate housing <NUM> may be provided in each of the left wall and the right wall of the module case <NUM>. The guide protrusion portion <NUM> may have a vertical length corresponding to the vertical length of the guide rail <NUM>. In addition, the guide protrusion portion <NUM> may be formed by combining parts of each of the first case <NUM> and the second case <NUM> into one. The guide protrusion portion <NUM> may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the vertical direction.

In addition, the guide protrusion portion <NUM> is provided with at least one compression protrusion P1 protruding to press the guide rail <NUM>. Specifically, the compression protrusion P1 may protrude from the outer surface of the guide protrusion portion <NUM> toward the position of the guide rail <NUM>. The shape of the compression protrusion P1 may be, for example, a combination of at least one of a hemispherical shape, a quadrangular pyramid, a square prism or a cylinder. The shape is not limited thereto, and may include any shape in which the compression protrusion P1 presses the outer surface of the guide protrusion portion <NUM>, to eliminate a gap between the guide protrusion portion <NUM> and the guide rail <NUM>.

According to this configuration of the present disclosure, at least one guide rail <NUM> inwardly protruding toward the battery module <NUM> and extending in the vertical direction is provided on the inner surface 310a of the intermediate housing <NUM> to guide the insertion of the module case <NUM> in the vertical direction, and at least one guide protrusion portion <NUM> protruding in the outward direction and extending in the vertical direction to move in the vertical direction along the guide rail <NUM> and having at least one compression protrusion P1 protruding to press the guide rail <NUM> is provided on the outer surface in the horizontal direction of the module case <NUM>, thereby eliminating the gap between the battery module <NUM> and the pack housing <NUM>.

Furthermore, to solve the problems of the prior art, the present disclosure includes the compression protrusion P1 in the guide protrusion portion <NUM> to eliminate the gap between the battery module <NUM> and the pack housing <NUM>. That is, the present disclosure may prevent damage and failure of the internal components of the battery pack <NUM> that may occur during the use of the battery pack <NUM>. Moreover, when an internal defect of the battery pack <NUM> occurs during the production process, it is possible to disassemble and reassemble, thereby minimizing the defect rate.

<FIG> is a plane view schematically showing some components of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition, <FIG> is a schematic enlarged plane view of section E of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> along with <FIG> and <FIG>, the guide rail <NUM> may have at least one guide groove H2. Specifically, the guide groove H2 may have a recessed shape corresponding to the outer shape of the protruding direction of the guide protrusion portion <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, a guide groove H2 recessed in the inward direction of the body of the guide rail <NUM> may be provided in the outer surface of the protruding direction protruding in the horizontal direction of the guide rail <NUM>.

The guide groove H2 may have a left inner surface or a right inner surface, a rear inner surface, and a front inner surface. The guide protrusion portion <NUM> may be inserted in contact with the left inner surface or the right inner surface, the rear inner surface and the front inner surface of the guide groove H2.

In addition, the compression protrusion P1 is configured to press the inner surface of the guide groove H2. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the compression protrusion P1 may be formed on the outer surface (the left surface) of the protruding direction of the guide protrusion portion <NUM>. The compression protrusion P1 may serve to eliminate the horizontal (X-axis direction) gap between the guide groove H2 of each of the pack housing <NUM> and the battery module <NUM> and the guide protrusion portion <NUM>.

In addition, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a different type of compression protrusion P2 may be formed on the front and rear surfaces of the guide protrusion portion <NUM> in the Y-axis direction of <FIG>. The different type of compression protrusion P2 may eliminate the gap of the left-right direction between the guide groove H2 and the guide protrusion portion <NUM> of each of the pack housing <NUM> and the battery module <NUM> (Y-axis direction of <FIG>).

According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the guide rail <NUM> has at least one guide groove H2 inserted in a shape corresponding to the shape of the protruding direction of the guide protrusion portion <NUM> and extending in the vertical direction, to stably insert the battery module <NUM> into the pack housing <NUM> without collision with the inner wall of the pack housing <NUM>. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively prevent the damage to the battery module <NUM> that may occur during assembly with the pack housing <NUM>.

In the present disclosure, the compression protrusion P1 is configured to press the inner surface of the guide groove H2, thereby effectively eliminating the X-axis and Y-axis directional gap between the guide groove H2 and the guide protrusion portion <NUM> of each of the pack housing <NUM> and the battery module <NUM>. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the damage and failure of the internal components of the battery pack <NUM> that may occur during the use of the battery pack <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial plane view schematically showing a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> along with <FIG> again, a guide groove H2 of a guide rail 313A of <FIG> may further include an inwardly protruding pressing protrusion P3 on the inner surface when compared to the guide groove H2 of the guide rail <NUM> of <FIG>. The pressing protrusion P3 may be configured to press the outer surface of the guide protrusion portion <NUM>. The pressing protrusion P3 may have a shape extending linearly in the vertical direction along the guide groove H2.

For example, the guide rail 313A may be provided on each of the left and right inner surfaces of the pack housing <NUM>, the guide groove H2 may be formed in each of the two guide rail 313A, and the pressing protrusion P3 may be provided in each of the two guide grooves H2.

According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the pressing protrusion P3 protruding to press the guide protrusion portion <NUM> is provided on the inner surface of the guide groove H2 of the guide rail 313A to eliminate the X-axis directional gap between the battery module <NUM> and the intermediate housing <NUM>. Accordingly, compared to the battery pack of <FIG>, it is possible to prevent the damage and failure of the internal components of the battery pack <NUM> that may occur during the use of the battery pack <NUM> more effectively.

In addition, the pressing protrusion P3 may be formed at a location corresponding to the compression protrusion P1 on the inner surface of the guide groove H2 such that part of the pressing protrusion P3 comes into close contact with the outer surface of the compression protrusion P1. For example, as shown in <FIG>, part of the pressing protrusion P3 may be sandwiched between two compression protrusions P1. However, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to this structure, and the compression protrusion P1 may be interposed between two pressing protrusions P3.

According to this configuration of the present disclosure, part of the pressing protrusion P3 is formed at a location corresponding to the compression protrusion P1 for close contact with the outer surface of the compression protrusion P1 on the inner surface of the guide groove H2, thereby achieving the coupling between the guide groove H2 and the guide protrusion portion <NUM> more closely and firmly. Accordingly, compared to the battery pack <NUM> of <FIG>, it is possible to prevent the damage and failure of the internal components of the battery pack <NUM> that may occur during the use of the battery pack <NUM> more effectively.

<FIG> is a plane view schematically showing some components of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a schematic partial vertical cross-sectional view of <FIG> taken along line C-C'.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the battery pack 300A according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a stopper <NUM> on the guide rail <NUM> to limit the vertical movement of the module case <NUM>. The stopper <NUM> is in the shape of a plate that extends in the horizontal direction. The stopper <NUM> may be configured such that part of the plate shape presses down the guide protrusion portion <NUM> of the module case <NUM>. The stopper <NUM> may be bolted to the top of the guide rail <NUM> using a bolt T1. To this end, the stopper <NUM> may have a bolt groove into which the bolt T1 is inserted, and a bolt groove H4 extending in the vertical direction may be formed on top of the guide rail <NUM>.

For example, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the pack housing <NUM> may include the stopper <NUM> on top of the guide rail <NUM> provided on each of the left and the right surfaces. Each of the two stoppers <NUM> may be bolted to the top of the guide rail <NUM>. In addition, each of the two stoppers <NUM> may be configured to press down the top surface of the guide protrusion portion <NUM> provided on each of the left wall 211c5 and the right wall 211c6 of the module case <NUM>.

According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the stopper <NUM> in the shape of a plate that extends in the horizontal direction is provided on top of the guide rail <NUM> to limit the vertical movement of the module case <NUM>, thereby effectively eliminating the Z-axis directional gap between the battery module <NUM> and the pack housing <NUM>. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the internal components of the battery pack 300A from moving in the vertical direction, thereby preventing the damage and failure of the internal components of the battery pack 300A that may occur during the use of the battery pack 300A.

<FIG> is a partial vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> along with <FIG>, compared to the guide rail <NUM> of <FIG>, the guide rail 313B of <FIG> may further include a convex portion B1 in the bolt groove H4 provided on top of the guide rail 313B. The convex portion B1 may protrude toward the body of the bolt T1.

In addition, the outer surface (the inner surface of the guide groove) of the location corresponding to the convex portion B1 of the guide rail 313B may have a convexly deformed shape in the outward direction by the bolt T1 inserted into the bolt groove H4 and the convex portion B1. The deformed portion of the guide rail 313B may be a partial inner surface 313a1 of the guide groove H2. The inner surface 313a1 convexly deformed in the outward direction of the guide groove H2 may be configured to press the outer surface of the guide protrusion portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the deformed guide groove H2 of the guide rail 313B allows the close contact between the guide protrusion portion <NUM> and the inner surface 313a1 of the guide groove H2 without an X-axis directional gap.

According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the present disclosure is configured such that the convex portion B1 is formed in the bolt groove H4 provided on top of the guide rail 313B, the bolt T1 is inserted into the bolt groove H4, and the inner surface 313a1 of the guide groove H2 protruding in the inward direction presses the outer surface of the guide protrusion portion <NUM> by the bolt coupling, thereby effectively reducing the X-axis directional gap between the battery module <NUM> and the central housing <NUM>. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively increase the durability of the battery pack <NUM>.

Referring back to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the module case <NUM> may be provided with a bumper portion <NUM> to absorb an external impact applied to the battery module <NUM>. Specifically, the bumper portion <NUM> may be positioned to face the intermediate housing <NUM> of the outer wall <NUM> of the module case <NUM>. The bumper portion <NUM> may protrude outward from the outer surface of the outer wall <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the bumper portion <NUM> may be formed in each of the left wall 211c5 and the right wall 211c6 of the module case <NUM>.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG> bumper portions <NUM> protruding to the right from the right wall 211c6 of the module case <NUM> may be provided. Although not shown, <NUM> bumper portions <NUM> protruding to the left from the left wall 211c5 of the module case <NUM> may be provided.

Further, a gap may be formed between the bumper portion <NUM> and the outer sidewall <NUM> of the intermediate housing <NUM>. That is, the bumper portion <NUM> may be spaced a predetermined distance apart from the outer sidewall <NUM> of the intermediate housing <NUM>. For example, each of the <NUM> bumper portions <NUM> provided on the right wall 211c6 of the module case <NUM> may be spaced the predetermined distance apart from the outer sidewall <NUM> of the intermediate housing <NUM>. Also, <NUM> bumper portions <NUM> protruding to the right from the right wall 211c6 of the module case <NUM> may be provided. Moreover, each of the bumper portions <NUM> provided on the right wall 211c6 of the module case <NUM> may be spaced apart from the outer sidewall <NUM> of the intermediate housing <NUM>.

In this instance, when an external impact is applied to the battery module <NUM>, the bumper portion <NUM> first collides with the outer sidewall <NUM> and deforms to absorb the external impact, thereby avoiding the direct transmission of the external impact to the secondary battery <NUM> embedded in the battery module <NUM>.

According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the module case <NUM> includes the bumper portion <NUM> configured to absorb an external impact applied to the battery module <NUM>, so that when an external impact is applied to the battery module <NUM>, the bumper portion <NUM> deforms to absorb the impact, thereby protecting the secondary battery <NUM> embedded in the module case <NUM>. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the stability of the battery module <NUM>.

In addition, the bumper portion <NUM> may have an extension part <NUM> and a plate-shaped part <NUM>. Here, the extension part <NUM> may protrude in the outward direction from the outer sidewall <NUM> of the module case <NUM>.

In addition, the plate-shaped part <NUM> may be bent and extend in a direction facing the outer wall <NUM> of the module case <NUM> from an end in the extending direction of the extended part <NUM>.

Further, the plate-shaped part <NUM> may have a linear rib R2 on the outer surface of the plate shape. Specifically, the rib R2 may be protrude in the outward direction and linearly extend in at least two directions. For example, as shown in <FIG>, when viewed from the direction F of <FIG>, the linear rib R2 may extend in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and intersect each other in a lattice shape. The rib R2 of may extend in a lattice shape.

According to this configuration of the present disclosure, as the bumper portion <NUM> includes the rib R2 protruding in the outward direction and linearly extending on the outer surface of the plate-shaped part <NUM>, it is possible to maintain appropriate rigidity while effectively reducing the increases in the weight or material cost of the module case <NUM> caused by the addition of the bumper portion <NUM>.

Moreover, the rib R2 may be brittle and prone to breaking for a superior impact absorption function. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the stability of the battery module <NUM>. Further, the gap formed by the rib R2 may be used as a clearance to effectively absorb an external impact transmitted to the plate-shaped part <NUM>.

In addition, the bumper unit <NUM> may include a slide groove H3 in which a rail post 314p provided on the inner wall of the intermediate housing <NUM> is inserted and slidably moves in the vertical direction. Through the slide groove H3, the battery module <NUM> of the present disclosure may be stably inserted into the intermediate housing <NUM> without collision or interference.

Meanwhile, the battery pack <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one battery module <NUM>. In addition, the battery pack <NUM> may further include various types of devices (not shown) for controlling the charge and discharge of the battery module <NUM>, for example, a BMS (<NUM> in <FIG>), a current sensor and a fuse.

Meanwhile, an electronic device (not shown) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes at least one battery pack <NUM>. The electronic device may further include a device housing (not shown ) having a receiving space for receiving the battery module <NUM> and a display unit to allow a user to monitor the state of charge of the battery module <NUM>.

In addition, the battery pack <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be included in a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. That is, the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one battery pack <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in the vehicle body.

The terms indicating directions as used herein such as upper, lower, left, right, front and rear are used for convenience of description only, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the term may change depending on the position of the stated element or an observer.

While the present disclosure has been hereinabove described with regard to a limited number of embodiments and drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made thereto within the technical aspects of the present disclosure and the equivalent scope of the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A battery pack (<NUM>) comprising:
a battery module (<NUM>) including a plurality of secondary batteries (<NUM>) and a module case (<NUM>) having an outer wall (<NUM>) configured to form an internal space for receiving the plurality of secondary batteries (<NUM>); and
a pack housing (<NUM>) including an intermediate housing (<NUM>) formed in the shape of a box with open top and bottom and having an outer sidewall (<NUM>) configured to form an internal space for receiving the module case (<NUM>),
wherein at least one guide rail (<NUM>) is provided on an inner surface of the intermediate housing (<NUM>), the guide rail (<NUM>) protruding in an inward direction toward the battery module (<NUM>) and extending in a vertical direction to guide the insertion of the module case (<NUM>) in the vertical direction, and
at least one guide protrusion portion (<NUM>) is provided on an outer surface of a horizontal direction of the module case (<NUM>), the guide protrusion portion (<NUM>) protruding in an outward direction and extending in the vertical direction to move in the vertical direction along the guide rail (<NUM>), and having at least one compression protrusion (P1, P2) protruding to press the guide rail (<NUM>),
wherein the guide rail (<NUM>) has at least one guide groove (H2) that is recessed in a shape corresponding to an outer shape of a protruding direction of the guide protrusion portion (<NUM>) and extends in the vertical direction, and
the compression protrusion (P1, P2) is configured to press an inner surface of the guide groove (H2),
wherein the battery pack (<NUM>) further comprises a stopper (<NUM>) having a plate shape extending in the horizontal direction to limit the vertical movement of the module case (<NUM>) provided on the guide rail (<NUM>).