Patent Description:
Recently, as the demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras, mobile phones, etc. has rapidly increased, and the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, satellites, etc. begins in earnest, research on high-performance secondary batteries that are repeatedly chargeable and dischargeable is being actively researched.

Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel cadmium batteries, nickel hydrogen batteries, nickel zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among these secondary batteries, because the lithium secondary batteries have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, the lithium secondary batteries have been spotlighted owing to advantages of free charging and discharging, a very low self-discharge rate, and a high energy density.

Such a lithium secondary battery mainly uses lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as positive electrode active materials and negative electrode active materials, respectively. The lithium secondary battery also includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate on which a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material are respectively coated are arranged with a separator interposed therebetween, and a sheath material, that is, a battery case, that seals and accommodates the assembly together with an electrolyte solution.

In addition, according to a shape of the sheath material, lithium secondary batteries may be classified into a can-type secondary battery in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a metal can and a pouch-type secondary battery in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet.

In particular, the demand for large-capacity battery packs applied to electric vehicles, etc. has recently increased. In such a large-capacity battery pack mounted on a vehicle, when the vehicle collides with an external object, the impact may be transmitted to even a battery pack inside the vehicle body. When such a large impact occurs to the battery pack, a plurality of battery modules may be damaged and short-circuited with external components, or short-circuited from each other, and thus there is a high risk of explosion of the battery module or outbreak of fire.

Accordingly, a technology capable of safely protecting a plurality of battery modules mounted on a battery pack from external impact has recently emerged as an important factor.

Further prior art is disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

The present disclosure is designed to solve the problems of the related art, and therefore the present disclosure is directed to providing a battery pack with increased safety against an external impact, an electronic device including the same, and a vehicle.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery pack including a plurality of battery modules; a base plate on which the plurality of battery modules are located; a front frame including a front cover portion covering a front of the base plate and a front plate portion extending rearward from one side of the front cover portion, wherein the front cover portion and the front plate portion are integrally formed; a rear frame having a rear cover portion covering a rear of the base plate, and a rear plate portion extending forward from one side of the rear cover portion, wherein the rear cover portion and the rear plate portion are integrally formed; a first side frame covering a left side of the base plate; and a second side frame covering a right side of the base plate, wherein the front plate portion includes a support structure having an I-shaped beam shape extending in a lower direction from a body extending in a horizontal direction so as to be coupled to an upper surface of the base plate, and a lower surface of the front cover portion and a lower surface of the support structure of the front plate portion are in the same plane, and the rear plate portion includes a support structure having an I-shaped beam shape extending in a lower direction from a body extending in a horizontal direction so as to be coupled to the upper surface of the base plate, and a lower surface of the rear cover portion and a lower surface of the support structure of the rear plate portion are in the same plane.

The front frame may include at least one reinforcing wedge located to face a space between the plurality of battery modules and extending from the front plate portion to the front cover portion.

The rear frame may include at least one reinforcing wedge located to face a space between the plurality of battery modules and extending from the rear plate portion to the rear cover portion.

A first step structure of which height is reduced step by step in an end direction may be formed on both ends of the front cover portion in a left-right direction.

A second step structure of which height is reduced step by step in an outer direction may be formed on front and rear ends of each of the first side frame and the second side frame so as to be coupled with the first step structure of the front cover portion.

The front frame may further include a first protrusion having an upper portion relatively protruding more forward than a lower portion on a front surface of the front cover portion.

The rear frame may further include a second protrusion having an upper portion relatively protruding more rearward than a lower portion on a rear surface of the rear cover portion.

The front cover portion of the front frame may include a plurality of horizontal ribs each having a plate shape protruding forward from the front and extending in a left- right direction and arranged in an up-down direction.

Among the plurality of horizontal ribs, the horizontal rib located on a lower portion may be configured to have a relatively smaller forward protruding length than the horizontal rib located on an upper portion.

The battery pack may further include a battery management system (BMS).

The front cover portion or the rear cover portion may include an accommodation space accommodating at least a part of the BMS.

The battery pack may further include a cooling unit including a refrigerant passage configured to allow a refrigerant to move, an injection hole configured to allow the refrigerant to be injected into the refrigerant passage, and a discharge hole configured to allow the refrigerant to be discharged from the refrigerant passage.

The first side frame may include a first connection hole communicatively connected to the injection hole, and a first refrigerant passage communicatively connected to the first connection hole and extending in a front-rear direction along a body of the first side frame.

The second side frame may include a second connection hole communicatively connected to the discharge hole, and a second refrigerant passage communicatively connected to the second connection hole and extending in the front-rear direction along a body of the second side frame.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an electronic device including at least one battery pack described above.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a vehicle including at least one battery pack described above.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the present disclosure includes a front frame, a rear frame, a first side frame, and a second side frame so as to cover the front, rear, left, and right of the battery module, thereby safely protecting the plurality of battery modules which are mounted, from the external impact.

Furthermore, because the front frame and rear frame of the present disclosure respectively have a front cover portion and a front plate portion which are integrally formed, and a rear cover portion and a rear plate portion which are integrally formed, compared to the related art, the width size of cross-sections of the front frame and rear frame in a front-rear direction increases, and thus, when the external impact in the front-rear direction is applied to the battery pack, the battery pack has a high mechanical rigidity enough to protect the plurality of battery modules which are mounted.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a first step structure is formed in each of the front cover portion and the rear cover portion, and a second step structure is formed in each of the first side frame and the second side frame, and thus the present disclosure may effectively increase the coupling area between the front cover portion and the rear cover portion and the first side frame and the second side frame. Accordingly, as compared to the related art, the coupling force of the front frame and the rear frame and the first side frame and the second side frame may be effectively increased, and thus, when the external impact in the front-rear direction is applied to the battery pack, the present disclosure may effectively transfer the impact to each of the first side frame and the second side frame, thereby increasing the mechanical rigidity enough to protect the plurality of battery modules which are mounted.

According to the present disclosure, the front cover portion and the front plate portion are integrally formed, and thus sealing between the front cover portion and the front plate portion may be secured, and additional welding to the corresponding part is unnecessary, and thus the manufacturing convenience may be increased. Further, according to the present disclosure, the rear cover portion and the rear plate portion are formed integrally, and thus sealing between the rear cover portion and the rear plate portion may be secured, and additional welding to the corresponding part is unnecessary, and thus the manufacturing convenience may be increased.

In addition, the present disclosure may have several different effects, which is described in each of the embodiments, or the effect that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art is not described.

<FIG> is a perspective view schematically illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a right side view schematically illustrating a front frame of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a right side view schematically illustrating a rear frame of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a battery pack <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of battery modules <NUM>, a base plate <NUM>, a front frame <NUM>, a rear frame <NUM>, a first side frame <NUM>, and a second side frame <NUM>.

Specifically, the battery module <NUM> may include a plurality of battery cells (not shown) and a module housing <NUM> that accommodates the plurality of battery cells therein. The battery cell may be a lithium secondary battery. The battery cell may be a pouch-type battery cell including an electrode assembly (not shown), an electrolyte (not shown), and a pouch accommodating the electrode assembly and the electrolyte therein. However, the battery module <NUM> according to the present disclosure is not limited to the pouch-type battery cell described above. For example, the battery cell may be a cylindrical battery cell. That is, various types of secondary batteries disclosed at the time of filing of the present disclosure may be employed as the battery cell.

The battery module <NUM> may include at least one bus bar (not shown) configured to electrically interconnect the plurality of battery cells. Specifically, the bus bar may include a conductive metal, for example, copper, aluminum, nickel, etc..

In addition, the module housing <NUM> may include an electrically insulating material. For example, the module housing <NUM> may be manufactured of a polyvinyl chloride material. The module housing <NUM> may include a space capable of accommodating the plurality of battery cells therein. The module housing <NUM> may have a box shape of a rectangular parallelepiped as a whole.

Moreover, the plurality of battery modules <NUM> may be electrically connected to each other through a power cable or a bus bar. Generally known configurations may be applied as detailed configurations of the battery module <NUM>, and accordingly, detailed descriptions thereof are not provided herein.

In addition, the base plate <NUM> has a plate shape extending in a horizontal direction. The base plate <NUM> includes a metal material having excellent mechanical rigidity. The plurality of battery modules <NUM> are located on an upper portion of the base plate <NUM>. In addition, the base plate <NUM> is configured to be coupled to each of the front frame <NUM>, the rear frame <NUM>, the first side frame <NUM>, and the second side frame <NUM>. The coupling method may be, for example, friction stir welding. Here, the horizontal direction means a planar direction of a flat ground.

Furthermore, when viewed from the front with respect to an arrow F in <FIG>, the front frame <NUM> is coupled to a front end of the base plate <NUM> so as to cover the front of the plurality of battery modules <NUM>. The front frame <NUM> includes a front cover portion <NUM> and a front plate portion <NUM>. Here, the front frame <NUM> may be configured such that the front cover portion <NUM> and the front plate portion <NUM> are integrally formed. For example, the front frame <NUM> may be manufactured by extrusion molding so that the front cover portion <NUM> and the front plate portion <NUM> are integrally formed. Therefore, according to the present disclosure, a separate welding in a front end region of the battery pack <NUM> is unnecessary. Furthermore, because the front cover portion <NUM> and the front plate portion <NUM> are integrally formed, sealing of the front end of the battery pack <NUM> may be secured.

Here, the terms indicating directions such as front, rear, left, right, up, and down may vary depending on a location of an observer or a shape of a target object which is placed. However, for convenience of description, in the present specification, the directions such as front, rear, left, right, up, and down are distinctively indicated with respect to when viewed in the direction of the arrow F in <FIG>.

In addition, the front cover portion <NUM> has a shape extending long in a left-right direction and erected in an upper direction. A lower surface of the front cover portion <NUM> is coupled to an upper surface of the base plate <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the front cover portion <NUM> has a shape having a predetermined width in the front-rear direction, and extending in the left-right direction so that both ends reach each of the first side frame <NUM> and the second side frame <NUM>. Also, as shown in <FIG>, the front cover portion <NUM> has an internal space surrounded by an outer wall and is empty inside. A plurality of ribs for reinforcing mechanical rigidity may be formed to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval in the internal space.

The front plate portion <NUM> is formed to extend rearward from one side of the front cover portion <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the front plate portion <NUM> has a plate shape extending rearward from a lower rear side of the front cover portion <NUM>. The front plate portion <NUM> includes a support structure 132a having an approximately I-shaped beam shape extending in a lower direction from the body extending in the horizontal direction so as to be coupled to an upper surface of the base plate <NUM>.

For example, referring to <FIG>, the support structure 132a protruding in the lower direction from the body extending in the horizontal direction of the front plate portion <NUM> may be provided. The support structure 132a may have, for example, an approximately I-shaped beam shape. A lower surface of the support structure 132a is coupled onto the base plate <NUM> in contact with the base plate <NUM>. That is, the support structure 132a supports the front plate portion <NUM> upward from the base plate <NUM>. Meanwhile, a lower surface of the front cover portion <NUM> is also coupled onto the base plate <NUM> in contact with base plate <NUM>. In this regard, the lower surface of the front cover portion <NUM> and the lower surface of the support structure 132a are substantially in the same plane. Accordingly, the lower surface of the front cover portion <NUM> and the lower surface of the support structure 132a are in contact with and coupled onto the base plate <NUM> simultaneously.

Meanwhile, because the overall width of the front frame <NUM> in the front-rear direction is increased by the front plate portion <NUM>, when an external impact in the front-rear direction is applied to the battery pack <NUM>, the mechanical rigidity is increased enough to protect the plurality of battery modules <NUM> which are mounted.

In addition, the rear frame <NUM> is configured to cover the rear of the plurality of battery modules <NUM>. The rear frame <NUM> is coupled to a rear end of the base plate <NUM>. The rear frame <NUM> includes a rear cover portion <NUM> and the rear plate portion <NUM>. Here, the rear frame <NUM> may be configured such that the rear cover portion <NUM> and the rear plate portion <NUM> are integrally formed. For example, the rear frame <NUM> may be manufactured by extrusion molding so that the rear cover portion <NUM> and the rear plate portion <NUM> are integrally formed. Accordingly, according to the present disclosure, separate welding may be unnecessary in a rear end region of the battery pack <NUM>. Furthermore, the rear cover portion <NUM> and the rear plate portion <NUM> are integrally formed, and thus sealing of the rear end of the battery pack <NUM> may be secured.

Furthermore, the rear cover portion <NUM> may have a shape extending long in the left-right direction and erected in the upper direction. A lower surface of the rear cover portion <NUM> may be coupled to the upper surface of the base plate <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the rear cover portion <NUM> may have a shape having a predetermined width in the front-rear direction, and extending in the left-right direction so that both ends reach each of the first side frame <NUM> and the second side frame <NUM>. In addition, as shown in <FIG>, the rear cover portion <NUM> may have an internal space surrounded by the outer wall and is empty inside. A plurality of ribs for reinforcing mechanical rigidity may be formed to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval in the internal space.

The rear plate portion <NUM> is formed to extend forward from one side of the rear cover portion <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the rear plate portion <NUM> has a plate shape extending forward from a lower rear side of the rear cover portion <NUM>. The rear plate portion <NUM> includes a support structure 142a having an approximately I-shaped beam shape extending in the lower direction from the body extending in the horizontal direction so as to be coupled to the upper surface of the base plate <NUM>.

For example, although not shown in the figures, the support structure 142a protruding in the lower direction from the body extending in the horizontal direction of the rear plate portion <NUM> may be provided. The support structure 142a may have, for example, an approximately I-shaped beam shape. A lower surface of the support structure 142a is coupled onto the base plate <NUM> in contact with the base plate <NUM>. That is, the support structure 142a supports the rear plate portion <NUM> upward from the base plate <NUM>. Meanwhile, a lower surface of the rear cover portion <NUM> is also coupled onto the base plate <NUM> in contact with base plate <NUM>. In this regard, the lower surface of the rear cover portion <NUM> and the lower surface of the support structure 142a are substantially in the same plane. Accordingly, the lower surface of the rear cover portion <NUM> and the lower surface of the support structure 142a are in contact with and coupled onto the base plate <NUM> simultaneously.

Meanwhile, because a width of the rear frame <NUM> in the front-rear direction is increased by the rear plate portion <NUM>, when an external impact in the front-rear direction is applied to the battery pack <NUM>, the mechanical rigidity may be increased enough to protect the plurality of battery modules <NUM> which are mounted.

The first side frame <NUM> may have a shape extending long in the front-rear direction (parallel to a Y-axis). A part of the first side frame <NUM> may be coupled to a left end of the base plate <NUM> so as to cover the left side of the plurality of battery modules <NUM>. The first side frame <NUM> may be configured to be coupled to the left end of each of the front frame <NUM> and the rear frame <NUM>.

In addition, the second side frame <NUM> has a shape extending long in the front-rear direction (parallel to the Y-axis). A part of the second side frame <NUM> is coupled to a right end of the base plate <NUM> so as to cover the right side of the plurality of battery modules <NUM>. The second side frame <NUM> is coupled to the right end of each of the front frame <NUM> and the rear frame <NUM>.

Therefore, according to such a configuration of the present disclosure, the present disclosure includes the front frame <NUM>, the rear frame <NUM>, the first side frame <NUM>, and the second side frame <NUM> so as to cover the front, rear, left, and right of the battery module <NUM>, thereby safely protecting the plurality of battery modules <NUM> which are mounted from the external impact.

Furthermore, because the front frame <NUM> and the rear frame <NUM> of the present disclosure include the front cover portion <NUM> and the front plate portion <NUM> which are integrally formed, and the rear cover portion <NUM> and the rear plate portion <NUM> which are integrally formed, compared to the related art, the width size of cross-sections of the front frame <NUM> and the rear frame <NUM> in the front-rear direction increases, and thus, when an external impact in the front-rear direction is applied to the battery pack <NUM>, the battery pack <NUM> has a high mechanical rigidity which is enough to protect the plurality of battery modules <NUM> which are mounted.

<FIG> is a side view schematically illustrating a front frame of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG> and <FIG>, a front frame 130A of the battery pack <NUM> according to another embodiment of the present disclosure further includes at least one reinforcing wedge R1. The reinforcing wedge R1 has a shape extending in an oblique direction from an upper surface of the front plate portion <NUM> to a rear surface of the front cover portion <NUM>. The reinforcing wedge R1 is located to face space between the plurality of battery modules <NUM>. That is, the reinforcing wedge R1 is located so as not to face the plurality of battery modules <NUM> in a front-rear direction. Alternatively, the reinforcing wedge R1 may have an extending shape enough to be partially inserted between the plurality of battery modules <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view schematically illustrating a rear frame of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, a rear frame 140A of the battery pack <NUM> according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may further include the at least one reinforcing wedge R1. The reinforcing wedge R1 may have a shape extending in an oblique direction from the rear plate portion <NUM> to the rear cover portion <NUM>. The reinforcing wedge R1 may be located to face space between the plurality of battery modules <NUM>. That is, the reinforcing wedge R1 may not be located to face the plurality of battery modules <NUM> in the front-rear direction. Alternatively, the reinforcing wedge R1 may have an extending shape enough to be partially inserted between the plurality of battery modules <NUM>.

Therefore, according to such a configuration of the present disclosure, the reinforcing wedges R1 are provided on the front frame 130A and/or the rear frame 140A in the present disclosure, and thus when an external impact in the front-rear direction is applied to the battery pack <NUM>, the front frame 130A and/or the rear frame 140A may increase the mechanical rigidity enough to protect the plurality of battery modules <NUM> which are mounted.

Furthermore, the reinforcing wedge R1 of the present disclosure is located between the plurality of battery modules <NUM>, and thus the reinforcing wedge R1 may serve to guide a location in which each of the plurality of battery modules <NUM> is mounted, thereby effectively increasing the manufacturing efficiency of the battery module <NUM>.

Meanwhile, referring back to <FIG> and <FIG>, a first step structure D1 is formed at both ends of the front cover portion <NUM> of the battery pack <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a left-right direction. The first step structure D1 has a shape in which a height is gradually reduced in a direction of an edge portion at the end of the front cover portion <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the first step structure D1 of which height is reduced step by step toward a left direction is formed at the left end of the front cover portion <NUM>. The first step structure D1 of which height is reduced step by step toward a right direction is formed at the right end of the front cover portion <NUM>.

In addition, a second step structure D2 is formed at a front end and/or a rear end of each of the first side frame <NUM> and the second side frame <NUM>. For example, the second step structure D2 is configured to be coupled to the first step structure D1 of the front cover portion <NUM>. That is, the second step structure D2 has a shape corresponding to the first step structure D1 formed on the front cover portion <NUM>. The second step structure D2 of each of the first side frame <NUM> and the second side frame <NUM> has a shape in which a height is gradually reduced in an outer direction with respect to the center of the battery pack <NUM>.

Therefore, according to such a configuration of the present disclosure, the first step structure D1 is formed on the front cover portion <NUM>, and the second step structure D2 is also formed in each the first side frame <NUM> and the second side frame <NUM>, and thus the present disclosure effectively increases a coupling area between the front cover portion <NUM> and the rear cover portion <NUM> and the first side frame <NUM> and the second side frame <NUM>. Accordingly, as compared to the related art, a coupling force of the front frame <NUM> and the rear frame <NUM> and the first side frame <NUM> and the second side frame <NUM> may be effectively increased, and thus, when an external impact in the front-rear direction is applied to the battery pack <NUM>, the present disclosure effectively transfers the impact to each of the first side frame <NUM> and the second side frame <NUM>, thereby increasing the mechanical rigidity enough to protect the plurality of battery modules <NUM> which are mounted.

<FIG> is a front perspective view schematically illustrating a front frame of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the front frame 130B of the battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a first protrusion <NUM> as compared to the front frame <NUM> of <FIG>. The first protrusion <NUM> is formed to protrude forward on a front surface of the front cover portion <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the first protrusion <NUM> is located on a lower portion of the front surface of the front cover portion <NUM> with respect to the center and may have a shape protruding forward from the front surface. Also, the first protrusion <NUM> has a shape in which a length protruding forward decreases in a lower direction.

That is, the first protrusion <NUM> may include a part extending in a horizontal direction and a part extending downward to be inclined rearward.

Accordingly, according to such a configuration of the present disclosure, the front frame 130B of the present disclosure further includes the first protrusion <NUM>, and thus, when an external object collides with the front of the battery pack <NUM>, the external object first may collide with the first protrusion <NUM>, and a collision impact may be intensively transferred to the front plate portion <NUM> of the front frame 130B. Because the front frame 130B including the front plate portion <NUM> has a greater cross-sectional area of a lower portion in a front-rear direction than that of an upper portion, the lower portion may have a greater resistance to the impact in the front-rear direction than the upper portion. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively prevent the plurality of battery modules <NUM> mounted on the battery pack <NUM> from being damaged.

<FIG> is a rear perspective view schematically illustrating a rear frame of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a rear frame 140B of the battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a second protrusion <NUM> as compared to the rear frame <NUM> of <FIG>. The second protrusion <NUM> may be located on a lower portion of a rear surface of the rear cover portion <NUM> with respect to the center. In addition, the second protrusion <NUM> may have a shape that protrudes rearward more than the rear surface of the rear cover portion <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the second protrusion <NUM> may have a shape in which the upper portion protrudes rearward more than the lower portion. That is, the second protrusion <NUM> may have a shape in which a rearward protruding length decreases in a lower direction.

That is, the second protrusion <NUM> may have a part extending in a horizontal direction and a part extending downward to be inclined rearward.

Accordingly, according to such a configuration of the present disclosure, the rear frame 140B of the present disclosure further includes the second protrusion <NUM>, and thus, when an external object collides with the rear of the battery pack <NUM>, the external object first may collide with the second protrusion <NUM>, and a collision impact may be effectively transferred to the rear plate portion <NUM> located on the lower portion of the rear frame 140B. That is, because the rear frame 140B including the rear plate portion <NUM> has a greater cross-sectional area of a lower portion in a front-rear direction than that of an upper portion, the lower portion may have a greater resistance to the impact in the front-rear direction than the upper portion. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively prevent the plurality of battery modules <NUM> mounted on the battery pack <NUM> from being damaged.

Referring to <FIG>, a front frame 130C of the battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a plurality of horizontal ribs R2 as compared to the front frame <NUM> of <FIG>. Specifically, each of the plurality of horizontal ribs R2 may have a plate shape protruding forward from a front surface of the front cover portion <NUM>. The plurality of horizontal ribs R2 may be located on a lower portion of a front surface of the front frame 130C with respect to the center. Each of the plurality of horizontal ribs R2 may have a plate shape extending in a left-right direction to an end of the front cover portion <NUM>. The plurality of horizontal ribs R2 may be arranged to be vertically spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval.

In addition, among the plurality of horizontal ribs R2, the horizontal rib R2 located on a lower portion may be configured to have a relatively smaller forward protruding length than the horizontal rib R2 located on an upper portion. That is, the plurality of horizontal ribs R2 may be formed to have different forward protruding lengths. That is, the plurality of horizontal ribs R2 may be configured such that the forward protruding length of the horizontal rib R2 located on the relatively lower portion gradually decreases.

Accordingly, according to such a configuration of the present disclosure, the present disclosure includes the front frame 130C including the plurality of horizontal ribs R2, thereby effectively defending a front impact of the battery pack <NUM>. That is, when an external object collides with the front of the battery pack <NUM>, the external object first may collide with the plurality of horizontal ribs R2, and a collision impact may be intensively concentrated on the front plate portion <NUM> located on the lower portion of the front frame 130C. That is, because the front frame 130C including the front plate portion <NUM> has a greater cross-sectional area of a lower portion in a front-rear direction than that of an upper portion, the lower portion may have a greater resistance to the impact in the front-rear direction than the upper portion. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively prevent the plurality of battery modules <NUM> mounted on the battery pack <NUM> from being damaged.

<FIG> is a rear perspective view schematically illustrating a rear frame of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a BMS <NUM>. A part of the front cover portion <NUM> or the rear cover portion <NUM> is opened so as to accommodate at least a part of the BMS <NUM>. For example, the part of the front cover portion <NUM> or the rear cover portion <NUM> may be an opening K so as to accommodate some components of the BMS <NUM>. Through the opening K, some components of the BMS <NUM> may be put into the inside. The rear cover portion <NUM> may include an accommodation space S that is communicatively connected to the opening K and is empty inside so as to accommodate some components of the BMS <NUM> therein.

Therefore, according to such a configuration of the present disclosure, the present disclosure includes the accommodation space S capable of accommodating at least a part of the BMS <NUM> therein, thereby more safely accommodating the BMS that performs safety control according to an abnormal operation of the battery pack <NUM>, and thus the safety of the battery pack <NUM> may be maximized. Moreover, the accommodation space S may protect some components of the BMS <NUM> from electromagnetic waves of electricity generated from the plurality of battery modules <NUM>. For example, the BMS <NUM> may include, for example, a control board, a relay, a fuse, a cable, etc..

<FIG> is a perspective view schematically illustrating a cooling unit and an intermediate frame of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In <FIG>, directions of movement of a refrigerant are indicated by arrows for convenience of drawing description.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, the battery pack <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a cooling unit <NUM>. The cooling unit <NUM> has a plate shape extending in a horizontal direction so as to mount the plurality of battery modules <NUM> thereon. Referring to <FIG>, a lower surface of the cooling unit <NUM> is coupled to the base plate <NUM>. In addition, one side surface of the cooling unit <NUM> is in contact with the front plate portion <NUM>. According to this structure, a side surface of the front plate portion <NUM> is supported in contact with the cooling unit <NUM>. Accordingly, when an impact in a front-rear direction is applied to the front frame <NUM>, the front plate portion <NUM> is supported by the side surface of the cooling unit <NUM>, and thus there is little risk of damage to a coupling portion between the front plate portion <NUM> and the base plate <NUM>. In addition, when a very strong impact in the front-rear direction is applied to the front frame <NUM>, the front plate portion <NUM> maybe crumpled in the front-rear direction and absorb the impact while being supported from the side surface of the cooling unit <NUM>.

Although not shown in the figure, another side surface of the cooling unit <NUM> may be in contact with the rear plate portion <NUM>. According to this structure, a side surface of the rear plate portion <NUM> may be supported in contact with the cooling unit <NUM>. Accordingly, when an impact in a front-rear direction is applied to the rear frame <NUM>, the rear plate portion <NUM> is supported by the side surface of the cooling unit <NUM>, and thus there is little risk of damage to a coupling portion between the rear plate portion <NUM> and the base plate <NUM>. In addition, when a very strong impact in the front-rear direction is applied to the rear frame <NUM>, the rear plate portion <NUM> maybe crumpled in the front-rear direction and absorb the impact while being supported from the side surface of the cooling unit <NUM>.

The cooling unit <NUM> includes a refrigerant passage (not shown), an injection hole <NUM>, and a discharge hole <NUM>.

In addition, the refrigerant passage is provided inside the cooling unit <NUM>. The refrigerant passage includes barrier ribs so that the refrigerant moves. The refrigerant may be, for example, air, water, or insulating oil.

Moreover, the injection hole <NUM> is configured to be communicatively connected to the refrigerant passage. The injection hole <NUM> is configured to inject the refrigerant. That is, the injection hole <NUM> is configured to inject the refrigerant into the refrigerant passage. The discharge hole <NUM> is configured to discharge the refrigerant that has passed through the refrigerant passage to the outside. That is, the discharge hole <NUM> is to be communicatively connected to the refrigerant passage.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the battery pack <NUM> includes three cooling units <NUM>. Two injection holes <NUM> and two discharge holes <NUM> are provided in each of the three cooling units <NUM>. The refrigerant injected into the two injection holes <NUM> moves in a direction of an arrow G along the refrigerant passage inside, and is discharged through the two discharge holes <NUM>.

Also, the cooling unit <NUM> may be configured to mount the plurality of battery modules <NUM> thereon. The cooling unit <NUM> may further include a heat conduction pad <NUM>. The heat conduction pad <NUM> may be interposed between the battery module <NUM> and the cooling unit <NUM>.

Therefore, according to such a configuration of the present disclosure, the present disclosure includes the cooling unit <NUM>, thereby effectively cooling the plurality of battery modules <NUM> which are mounted. In addition, the cooling unit <NUM> may be configured to be coupled to the base plate <NUM> to serve to resist an external impact.

Meanwhile, referring back to <FIG> and <FIG>, the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include at least one intermediate frame <NUM>. The intermediate frame <NUM> may be disposed between the cooling units. The intermediate frame <NUM> may include an intermediate cover <NUM> and an intermediate plate portion <NUM>. The intermediate cover <NUM> may have a shape having a predetermined thickness in a front-rear direction and extending in a left-right direction. The intermediate cover <NUM> may have a shape erected in an upper direction. The intermediate plate portion <NUM> may have a shape extending in a horizontal direction. The intermediate plate portion <NUM> may have a shape integrally coupled to a lower portion of the intermediate cover <NUM>. For example, the intermediate frame <NUM> may be integrally formed through extrusion molding.

In addition, each of both ends of the intermediate frame <NUM> may be coupled to a side portion of each of the first side frame <NUM> and the second side frame <NUM>. A lower surface of the intermediate frame <NUM> may be configured to be coupled to an upper surface of the base plate <NUM>.

<FIG> is a rear perspective view schematically illustrating a first side frame of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In <FIG>, movement of a refrigerant are indicated by arrows for convenience of drawing description.

Referring to <FIG>, a first side frame <NUM> of the battery pack <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first connection hole <NUM> and a first refrigerant passage <NUM>. The first connection hole <NUM> may be connected to the injection hole <NUM> so as to be communicatively connected to the injection hole <NUM> of the cooling unit <NUM>. That is, the first connection hole <NUM> may have an opening size corresponding to the injection hole <NUM>. The first connection hole <NUM> may be located to be in close contact with the injection hole <NUM>. Also, the first connection hole <NUM> may be formed by opening a part of the first refrigerant passage <NUM> so as to be communicatively connected to the first refrigerant passage <NUM>. The first refrigerant passage <NUM> may extend in the front-rear direction along the body of the first side frame <NUM>.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the first side frame <NUM> may include six first connection holes <NUM>. The six first connection holes <NUM> may be arranged in the front-rear direction and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval. The first refrigerant passage <NUM> of the first side frame <NUM> may extend in the front-rear direction along the body. The first refrigerant passage <NUM> does not include a separate tube, and, when the first side frame <NUM> is extrusion-molded, may be formed by extending in a tubular shape in the front-rear direction (Y direction). Each of the six first connection holes <NUM> may be communicatively connected to the first refrigerant passage <NUM>. Each of the six first connection holes <NUM> may be configured to be connected to the injection hole <NUM> of the cooling unit <NUM>.

That is, the refrigerant injected from a rear end of the first refrigerant passage <NUM> of the first side frame <NUM> may move rearward along the first refrigerant passage <NUM>, and may move the refrigerant to the cooling unit <NUM> through each of the six first connection holes <NUM>.

<FIG> is a rear perspective view schematically illustrating a second side frame of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In <FIG>, movement of a refrigerant are indicated by arrows for convenience of drawing description.

Referring to <FIG>, a second side frame <NUM> of the battery pack <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second connection hole <NUM> and a second refrigerant passage <NUM>. The second connection hole <NUM> may be connected to the discharge hole <NUM> so as to be communicatively connected to the discharge hole <NUM> of the cooling unit <NUM>. That is, the second connection hole <NUM> may have an opening size corresponding to the discharge hole <NUM> and may be located to be in close contact with the discharge hole <NUM>. Also, the second connection hole <NUM> may be formed by opening a part of the second refrigerant passage <NUM> so as to be communicatively connected to the second refrigerant passage <NUM>. The second refrigerant passage <NUM> may extend in a front-rear direction (Y direction) along the body of the second side frame <NUM>.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the second side frame <NUM> may include six second connection holes <NUM>. The six second connection holes <NUM> may be arranged in the front-rear direction and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval. The second refrigerant passage <NUM> of the second side frame <NUM> may extend in the front-rear direction (Y direction) along the body. The second refrigerant passage <NUM> does not include a separate tube, and, when the second side frame <NUM> is extrusion-molded, may be formed by extending in a tubular shape in the front-rear direction. Each of the six second connection holes <NUM> may be communicatively connected to the second refrigerant passage <NUM>. Each of the six second connection holes <NUM> may be configured to be connected to the discharge hole 183of the cooling unit <NUM>.

That is, in the second refrigerant passage <NUM> of the second side frame <NUM>, the refrigerant may be introduced from the cooling unit <NUM> through each of the six second connection holes <NUM>, and the introduced refrigerant may be moved to the rear end of the second refrigerant passage <NUM> and discharged to the outside.

Therefore, according to such a configuration of the present disclosure, the present disclosure does not include a separate pipe or tube, and forms a refrigerant passage in each of the first side frame <NUM> and the second side frame <NUM>, thereby reducing the number of components of the battery pack, and accordingly reducing the material cost and simplifying the manufacturing process. Accordingly, the present disclosure may significantly reducing the manufacturing cost while increasing the cooling efficiency of the plurality of battery modules.

Meanwhile, a battery pack (not shown) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least on battery module <NUM> and a battery management system (BMS) electrically connected to the battery module <NUM>. The BMS may include various circuits or devices to control charging and discharging of the plurality of battery cells.

Meanwhile, a vehicle (not shown separately) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least on battery module <NUM> and a vehicle body having an accommodation space accommodating the battery module <NUM>. For example, the vehicle may be an electric vehicle, an electric scooter, an electric wheelchair, or an electric bike.

Meanwhile, an electronic device (not shown) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least on battery module <NUM> and an external case having an accommodation space accommodating the battery module <NUM>. For example, the electronic device may be a computer or a power storage device.

Meanwhile, although the terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used herein, these terms are only for convenience of description, and it is obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the terms may vary depending on the location of a target object or the location of an observer.

Claim 1:
A battery pack (<NUM>) comprising:
a plurality of battery modules (<NUM>);
a base plate (<NUM>) on which the plurality of battery modules (<NUM>) are located;
a front frame (<NUM>) comprising a front cover portion (<NUM>) covering a front of the base plate (<NUM>) and a front plate portion (<NUM>) extending rearward from one side of the front cover portion (<NUM>), wherein the front cover portion (<NUM>) and the front plate portion (<NUM>) are integrally formed;
a rear frame (<NUM>) having a rear cover portion (<NUM>) covering a rear of the base plate (<NUM>), and a rear plate portion (<NUM>) extending forward from one side of the rear cover portion (<NUM>), wherein the rear cover portion (<NUM>) and the rear plate portion (<NUM>) are integrally formed;
a first side frame (<NUM>) covering a left side of the base plate (<NUM>); and
a second side frame (<NUM>) covering a right side of the base plate (<NUM>),
characterized in that the front plate portion (<NUM>) includes a support structure (132a) having an I-shaped beam shape extending in a lower direction from a body extending in a horizontal direction so as to be coupled to an upper surface of the base plate (<NUM>), and a lower surface of the front cover portion (<NUM>) and a lower surface of the support structure of the front plate portion (<NUM>) are in the same plane, and
the rear plate portion (<NUM>) includes a support structure (142a) having an I-shaped beam shape extending in a lower direction from a body extending in a horizontal direction so as to be coupled to the upper surface of the base plate (<NUM>), and a lower surface of the rear cover portion (<NUM>) and a lower surface of the support structure of the rear plate portion (<NUM>) are in the same plane.