Patent Description:
A secondary battery is highly applicable to various products and has electrical characteristics with high energy density. The secondary battery is applied not only to portable electronic devices but also to electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, power storage devices, and the like, driven by an electric driving source.

The secondary battery is attracting attention as a new energy source for improving eco-friendliness and energy efficiency since the use of fossil fuels is significantly reduced and no by-product is generated during the use of energy.

A battery pack applied to an electric vehicle has a structure in which a plurality of battery modules, each having a plurality of battery cells, are connected to obtain a high output. In addition, each battery cell is an electrode assembly including positive and negative electrode current collectors, a separator, an active material, an electrolyte, and the like, and may be repeatedly charged and discharged by an electrochemical reaction between the components.

Recently, as the need for a large-capacity structure is increased along with the utilization as an energy storage source, the demand for a battery pack having a multi-module structure in which a plurality of battery modules, in each of which a plurality of secondary batteries are connected in series and/or in parallel, are aggregated is increased. At this time, the battery pack may be configured such that the plurality of battery modules are closely arranged in a front and rear direction in order to accommodate a large number of battery modules in a limited space.

In addition, when the conventional battery pack is mounted to a vehicle, a bicycle, or the like, it is necessary to prevent the mounted battery pack from being damaged, exploded or fired due to an external impact caused by to an accident.

To this end, the conventional battery pack has been attempted to make the module case using a material with a higher mechanical rigidity or to provide a protection member for protecting a large number of cylindrical battery cells from an external impact. However, the change of material or the addition of a protective member has a problem of increasing the weight of the battery pack or increasing the manufacturing cost. Moreover, these attempts have a problem of lowering the energy density of the battery pack.

Documents <CIT> and <CIT> both describe a battery pack configuration.

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 having improved manufacturing efficiency, high energy density and enhanced product stability.

There is provided a battery pack according to the appended claims.

Further, in another aspect of the present disclosure, there is also provided an electronic device, comprising the battery pack according to the appended claims.

Also, in another aspect of the present disclosure, there is also provided a vehicle, comprising the battery pack according to the appended claims.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the battery pack of the present disclosure includes the mounting structure including the first frame and the second frame that respectively form an inner space to accommodate the battery module, it is possible to prevent the mounted battery module from being damaged, disabled, life-shortened, fired, or the like due to an external impact.

Also, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the connection portion of the module case is configured to extend in a diagonal direction to connect one hollow tube and another hollow tube located in another row, when an external impact is applied to the battery module, the impact force is concentrated on the connection portion so that the connection portion is deformed or ruptured first, thereby minimizing the transmission of impact to the plurality of cylindrical battery cells accommodated in the module case.

Moreover, since the vulnerable part is formed at the connection portion of the module case, the force of an external impact applied to the battery module is not concentrated on the cylindrical battery cells but the connection portion of the module case is destroyed first to absorb the impact force, thereby preventing the battery cells from being damaged, life-shortened, ignited, or the like due to the external impact.

In addition, in the module case, since the hollow tubes are not formed to surround the entire outer surface of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells but the upper case and the lower case are provided to respectively surround only the upper surface and the lower surface of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells, the heat generated from the plurality of cylindrical battery cells may be effectively dissipated to the outside.

Further, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the upper stopper and the lower stopper are formed at the upper case and the lower case, respectively, it is possible to effectively prevent the plurality of cylindrical battery cells accommodated inside the module case from escaping out of the module case or moving frequently due to an external impact. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a contact failure or damage between the electrode terminals of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells and the connection plate electrically connected thereto.

Also, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since at least one of the plurality of upper stoppers and lower stoppers extends to connect from the outer wall at one side to the outer wall at the other side, the module case may have be advantageously configured to have mechanical stiffness so as to withstand an external impact applied in the left and right direction or in the front and rear direction.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the beading structures are formed at the sidewalls and the body portions of the first frame and the second frame, the mechanical stiffness of the mounting structure may be directly improved. Further, if the battery module accommodated in the inner space moves to collide with the sidewalls, the beading structures ridged inward at the sidewalls of the first frame and the second frame may buffer the shock caused by the collision, thereby effectively preventing the battery module from being damaged.

Further, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the thermal conductive material is filled in the battery pack, the heat accumulated in the battery pack may be absorbed and transferred to the pack housing, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the battery pack.

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

<FIG> and <FIG>, a battery pack <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a mounting structure <NUM> and two or more battery modules <NUM>, <NUM>.

Here, the mounting structure <NUM> includes a first frame <NUM> and a second frame <NUM> coupled to a lower portion of the first frame <NUM>. In addition, the first frame <NUM> includes a body portion <NUM> and sidewalls <NUM>. Specifically, the body portion <NUM> has a plate of a lying-down form such that two surfaces thereof face upward and downward. Further, when looking in an F direction, the sidewalls <NUM> may be formed by bending both left and right ends of the body portion <NUM> to extend upward so that an inner space is formed above the plate.

Here, the terms indicating directions such as front, rear, left, right, upper and lower, used in this specification, may vary depending on the position of an observer or the shape of an object. However, in this specification, for convenience of description, the front, rear, left, right, upper and lower directions are distinguished based on the case where viewed in the F direction.

In addition, the second frame <NUM> includes a body portion <NUM> and sidewalls <NUM>. Specifically, the body portion <NUM> has a plate of a lying-down form such that two surfaces thereof face upward and downward. Further, when looking in the F direction, the sidewalls <NUM> may be formed by bending both left and right ends of the body portion <NUM> to extend downward so that an inner space is formed below the plate.

As shown in <FIG>, the battery pack <NUM> includes a first frame <NUM> and a second frame <NUM>. In addition, the first frame <NUM> includes a body portion <NUM> having a plate of a lying-down form and sidewalls <NUM> bent and extended from both left and right ends of the body portion <NUM>. Further, the second frame <NUM> include a body portion <NUM> having a plate of a lying-down form and sidewalls <NUM> bent and extended from both left and right ends of the body portion <NUM>.

Also, as shown in <FIG>, a bottom surface of the plate of the body portion <NUM> of the first frame <NUM> and a top surface of the plate of the body portion <NUM> of the second frame <NUM> may be coupled to each other. In this case, the first frame <NUM> and the second frame <NUM> may be coupled to each other by welding. In addition, each of the first frame <NUM> and the second frame <NUM> have an inner space for accommodating one battery module <NUM>.

Thus, since the battery pack <NUM> of the present disclosure includes the mounting structure <NUM> including the first frame <NUM> and the second frame <NUM> that respectively form an inner space to accommodate the battery module <NUM>, it is possible to prevent the mounted battery module <NUM> from being damaged, disabled, life-shortened, fired, or the like due to an external impact.

Further, since the mounting structure <NUM> is constructed by coupling the first frame <NUM> and the second frame <NUM>, prepared separately, with each other, unlike an integrally formed 'H' structure, the mounting structure <NUM> may be simply manufactured just with a small manufacturing facility, thereby greatly reducing the manufacturing cost reduced.

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

Referring to <FIG>, the battery module <NUM> may include a plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM>, a module case <NUM> configured to insert and accommodate at least a portion of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM> therein, and connection plates <NUM>, <NUM>.

Specifically, the cylindrical battery cell <NUM> may include a cylindrical battery can <NUM> and an electrode assembly (not shown) accommodated in the battery can <NUM>. Here, the electrode assembly may include a positive electrode and a negative electrode respectively coated with an electrode active material, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

In addition, the cylindrical battery cell <NUM> may be configured such that the battery can <NUM> stands up in an upper and lower direction. In addition, the battery can <NUM> includes a material having high electrical conductivity, and for example, the battery can <NUM> may include aluminum or copper.

Also, electrode terminals <NUM> may be formed at upper and lower portions of the battery can <NUM>, respectively. Specifically, a first electrode terminal 111a may be formed on a flat circular upper surface at a top end of the battery can <NUM>, and a second electrode terminal 111b may be formed on a flat circular lower surface at a bottom end of the battery can <NUM>.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, one cylindrical battery module <NUM> may include <NUM> cylindrical battery cells <NUM>. In addition, among the <NUM> cylindrical battery cells <NUM>, <NUM> cylindrical battery cells <NUM> may have a positive electrode terminal 111a formed at a top end thereof and a negative electrode terminal 111b formed at a bottom end thereof. The remaining <NUM> cylindrical battery cells <NUM> may have a negative electrode terminal 111b formed at a top end thereof and a positive electrode terminal 111a formed at a bottom end thereof.

In addition, an electrical insulation member may be coated on a side of the battery can <NUM>. That is, since the battery can <NUM> is electrically connected to an electrode of the electrode assembly therein, an insulating film (not shown) or an electrically insulating adhesive surrounding the side of the battery can <NUM> may be coated to prevent that an unintended conductive object contacts the battery can <NUM> to cause electric leakage.

In addition, the electrode assembly (not shown) may be wound in a jelly-roll type with a separator being interposed between a positive electrode and a negative electrode. Moreover, a positive electrode tab may be attached to the positive electrode (not shown) and connected to the first electrode terminal 111a at the top end of the battery can <NUM>. Also, a negative electrode tab may be attached to the negative electrode (not shown) and connected to the second electrode terminal 111b at the bottom end of the battery can <NUM>.

Further, when viewed in an F direction, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM> may be arranged in a horizontal direction in a standing-up form in the upper and lower direction inside the module case <NUM>. In addition, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM> are arranged in a plurality of columns and rows. Here, when looking in the F direction of <FIG>, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells provided in one column may be arranged in a front and rear direction L, and the plurality of cylindrical battery cells provided in one row may be arranged in a left and right direction W.

In addition, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM> are arranged in a zigzag form along with cylindrical battery cells <NUM> located in another adjacent row. More specifically, among the plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM>, cylindrical battery cells <NUM> located in one row and column may be spaced apart from cylindrical battery cells <NUM> located in another adjacent row in the left and right direction.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, one battery module <NUM> includes <NUM> cylindrical battery cells <NUM>. The <NUM> cylindrical battery cells <NUM> may be arranged to be adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction in a standing-up form in the upper and lower direction. Further, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM> arranged in one row may have a positive electrode terminal 111a formed at a top end thereof and a negative electrode terminal 111b formed at a bottom end thereof. In addition, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM> provided in another row may have the positive electrode terminal 111a at the bottom end thereof and the negative electrode terminal 111b at the top end thereof. Further, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM> arranged in one column may be arranged in a zigzag form along with cylindrical battery cells <NUM> located in another adjacent row. That is, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM> arranged in one column may be spaced apart from cylindrical battery cells <NUM> located in another row by a predetermined distance in the row direction with respect to the center of the cylinder.

Meanwhile, the connection plate <NUM> may include a connection bar <NUM> and a contact portion <NUM>. Specifically, the connection bar <NUM> may be located at the upper portion or the lower portion of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM>. That is, the connection bar <NUM> may be mounted to the upper portion or the lower portion of the module case <NUM>.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, three connection plates <NUM> may be located at the upper portion of the module case <NUM> of the battery module <NUM> to contact the electrode terminals <NUM> of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM>, respectively. In addition, three connection plates <NUM> may be located at the lower portion of the module case <NUM> of the battery module <NUM> to contact the electrode terminals <NUM> of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM>, respectively. Further, each of the six connection plates <NUM> may have a connection bar <NUM>. In addition, two connection plates <NUM> among the six connection plates <NUM> may have an opening H2 formed at one end thereof to serve as an external input/output terminal.

Further, the connection bar <NUM> may have a plurality of contact portions <NUM> formed at a portion thereof to electrically contact the electrode terminals <NUM> of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM>. In addition, the contact portion <NUM> of the connection plate <NUM> may be formed to protrusively extend in a horizontal direction so as to be in electrical contact with the electrode terminals <NUM> formed at the plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM>. Moreover, the protruding end of the contact portion <NUM> may have a diverged structure that is divided into two sides with respect to the protrusively extending direction of the connection bar <NUM>.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, five contact portions <NUM> may be formed at each of the connection bars <NUM> of the six connection plates <NUM>. In addition, the contact portion <NUM> may have a diverged structure that is divided into two sides with respect to the protrusively extending direction.

Further, the connection plate <NUM> may include an electrically conductive material. For example, the electrically conductive material may be a metal alloy having copper, nickel, aluminum, gold, silver, and the like as a main material.

Moreover, the battery pack <NUM> may include a bus bar (not shown) for electrically connecting the plurality of battery modules <NUM>, <NUM> to each other in series or in parallel. Specifically, the bus bar may be electrically connected to the connection plate provided to each of the battery modules <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the bus bar may include a material such as aluminum or copper.

<FIG> is a plan view schematically showing the battery module of <FIG>. Also, <FIG> is a bottom perspective view schematically showing a module case, employed at the battery module of <FIG>. Here, the connection plate is not depicted in the battery module <NUM> of <FIG> for sake of convenience of illustration.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> along with <FIG>, the module case <NUM> includes a plurality of hollow tubes <NUM> and a connection portion <NUM>. Specifically, the plurality of hollow tubes <NUM> are formed so that at least a portion of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM> standing upright in the upper and lower direction is inserted therein. In addition, the hollow tube <NUM> may be configured to surround the upper surface, the lower surface, or both the upper and lower surfaces of the battery can <NUM> of the cylindrical battery cell <NUM> in the horizontal direction.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, <NUM> hollow tubes <NUM> may be formed at the module case <NUM>. In addition, the <NUM> hollow tubes <NUM> may be configured to surround the upper horizontal surface of the battery can <NUM> of the cylindrical battery cell <NUM>.

Moreover, the connection portion <NUM> is configured to connect the plurality of hollow tubes <NUM> to each other. For example, the module case <NUM> may have a plurality of connection portions <NUM> configured to connect the <NUM> hollow tubes <NUM> to each other.

In addition, if the plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM> are arranged in a zigzag form along with cylindrical battery cells <NUM> located in another adjacent row, the connection portion <NUM> may be configured to connect one hollow tube <NUM> and another hollow tube <NUM> located in another row.

The connection portion <NUM> extends in a diagonal direction from one hollow tube <NUM> to another hollow tube <NUM> located in another row. Here, the diagonal direction refers to a direction other than the vertical direction, for example a direction inclined by an angle of at least one degree in the left and right direction W (<FIG>) based on the front and rear direction L (<FIG>).

In addition, the connection portion <NUM> may be located on a line connecting a center point of the hollow tube <NUM> and a center point of another hollow tube <NUM>. Further, the connection portion <NUM> may be configured to connect to one hollow tube <NUM> and an adjacent hollow tube <NUM> located in the same row.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the connection portion 215c of the module case <NUM> may be formed to extend in a left diagonal direction or a right diagonal direction to connect one hollow tube <NUM> and another hollow tube <NUM> located in another row. In addition, another connection portion <NUM> may be formed to extend in the left and right direction W to connect one hollow tube <NUM> and an adjacent hollow tube <NUM> located in the same row.

Here, if the plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM> are arranged in a zigzag form along with cylindrical battery cells <NUM> located in another adjacent row, when an external impact is applied in the front and rear direction L to the battery module <NUM>, a force for moving the plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM> in the diagonal direction may be generated. Accordingly, since the connection portion 215c connecting the plurality of hollow tubes <NUM> of the module case <NUM> is configured to extend in the diagonal direction, it may be easy to block or absorb the force for moving the plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM> in the diagonal direction.

Thus, since the connection portion 215c is configured to extend in a diagonal direction to connect one hollow tube <NUM> and another hollow tube <NUM> located in another row, when an external impact is applied to the battery module <NUM>, the impact force is concentrated on the connection portion <NUM> so that the connection portion <NUM> is deformed or ruptured first, thereby minimizing the transmission of impact to the plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM> accommodated in the module case <NUM>.

In addition, the connection portion <NUM> has a plate shape. Specifically, the plate shape is configured such that one end is connected to one hollow tube <NUM> and the other end is connected to another hollow tube <NUM>. Further, one end and the other end of the connection portion <NUM> may extend from the bottom end to the top end of the hollow tube <NUM>. That is, the connection portion <NUM> may have a vertical length corresponding to the vertical length of the hollow tube <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partially enlarged bottom perspective view schematically showing a region A of the module case of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> along with <FIG>, a vulnerable part is formed at a portion of the connection portion <NUM> so as to be ruptured or deformed due to an external impact of the battery module <NUM>. For example, the vulnerable part may be a notch partly split in an inner direction. For example, as shown in <FIG>, a notch may be formed at each of one end (the top end) and the other end (the bottom end) of the connection portion <NUM>. Of course, the vulnerable part is not limited to the notch, and any form may be applied as long as the structure is advantageous for shock absorption. Here, the 'inner direction' refers to a direction toward the center of the body of the connection portion.

Thus, since the vulnerable part is formed at the connection portion <NUM>, the force of an external impact applied to the battery module <NUM> is not concentrated on the cylindrical battery cells <NUM> but the module case <NUM> is destroyed first to absorb the impact force, thereby preventing the battery cells from being damaged, life-shortened, ignited, or the like due to the external impact.

Referring to <FIG> again, the module case <NUM> includes an upper case 210a and a lower case 210b. Specifically, the upper case 210a may have a plurality of upper hollow tubes <NUM> to accommodate the upper portion of the plurality of standing cylindrical battery cells <NUM>. In addition, the lower case 210b may be spaced apart from the upper case 210a in the lower direction by a predetermined distance. Also, the lower case 210b has a plurality of lower hollow tubes 213b to accommodate the lower portion of the plurality of standing cylindrical battery cells <NUM>.

That is, the module case <NUM> including the upper case 210a and the lower case 210b may be located to surround the upper surface and the lower surface of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM>, respectively. In other words, the module case <NUM> may be formed such that a central portion of the outer horizontal surface of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM> is exposed to the outside.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the module case <NUM> provided to the battery module <NUM> may include the upper case 210a and the lower case 210b. In addition, the upper hollow tube 213a of the upper case 210a and the lower hollow tube 213b of the lower case 210b may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.

Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, in the module case <NUM>, since the hollow tubes are not formed to surround the entire outer surface of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM> but the upper hollow tube 213a and the lower hollow tube 213b of the upper case 210a and the lower case 210b are provided to respectively surround only the upper surface and the lower surface of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM>, the heat generated from the plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM> may be effectively dissipated to the outside.

Moreover, referring to <FIG> again, some of the plurality of connection portions <NUM> formed at the module case <NUM> may have a circular tube b1. Specifically, the upper case 210a may include a plurality of upper connection portions <NUM> extending to connect the plurality of upper hollow tubes <NUM> to each other. In addition, some of the plurality of upper connection portions <NUM> may have a circular tube b1 protrusively extending inward.

Further, the lower case 210b may include a plurality of lower connection portions <NUM> extended to connect the plurality of lower hollow tubes 213b to each other. In addition, some of the plurality of lower connection portions <NUM> may have a circular tube b2 protrusively extending inward.

Moreover, the circular tube b1 of the upper connection portion <NUM> and the circular tube b2 of the lower connection portion <NUM> may be configured to be coupled to each other. Specifically, the circular tube b1 of the upper connection portion <NUM> and the circular tube b2 of the lower connection portion <NUM> may have a male-female coupling structure. In addition, the circular tube b1 of the upper connection portion <NUM> and the circular tube b2 of the lower connection portion <NUM> may be coupled to each other by inserting a bolt (not shown) therein. In this case, the bolt may further have a nut coupled to the bolt so as to be inserted into and fixed to the circular tubes b1, b2 of the upper connection portion <NUM> and the lower connection portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is a bottom view schematically showing a lower case of the module case of the battery module <FIG>. Here, the connection plate is not depicted in the battery module <NUM> of <FIG> for sake of convenience of illustration.

First, referring to <FIG> again, a plurality of upper stoppers 216a may be formed at the top end of the upper case 210a. In addition, the upper stopper 216a may be configured to block at least one cylindrical battery cell <NUM> in a lower direction. That is, the upper stopper 216a may have a plate shape with flat upper and lower surfaces to prevent the plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM> accommodated in the upper case 210a from moving upward. As a result, the cylindrical battery cells <NUM> may be accommodated and fixed inside the upper case 210a.

Moreover, referring to <FIG>, a plurality of lower stoppers 216a2 may be formed at the bottom end of the lower case 210b. In addition, the lower stopper 216a2 may be configured to block at least one cylindrical battery cell <NUM> in an upper direction. That is, the lower stopper 216a2 may have a plate shape with flat upper and lower surfaces to prevent the plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM> accommodated in the lower case 210b from moving downward. Some lower stopper 216a may be shaped to extend from an outer wall of the lower case 210b. As a result, the cylindrical battery cells <NUM> may be accommodated and fixed inside the lower case 210b.

Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the upper stopper 216a and the lower stopper 216a2 are formed at the upper case 210a and the lower case 210b, respectively, it is possible to effectively prevent the plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM> accommodated inside the module case <NUM> from escaping out of the module case <NUM> or moving frequently due to an external impact. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a contact failure or damage between the electrode terminals <NUM> of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM> and the connection plate <NUM> electrically connected thereto.

Also, referring to <FIG> and <FIG> again, the hollow tube <NUM> of the module case <NUM> may include an upper hollow tube 213a and a lower hollow tube 213b. The module case <NUM> may include an outer wall <NUM> formed to surround the plurality of hollow tubes <NUM> in all directions. Specifically, the outer wall <NUM> may have a rectangular frame shape that is open in the upper and lower direction. Moreover, the outer wall <NUM> may be connected to the hollow tubes <NUM> located at an outer side among the hollow tubes <NUM> and be located around the plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM> in the horizontal direction.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the outer wall <NUM> of the upper case 210a may be rectangular in a plan view. Further, the outer wall <NUM> of the upper case 210a may include a first outer wall 211a, a second outer wall 211b, a third outer wall 211c and a fourth outer wall 211d positioned in front, rear, left and right directions. Also, as shown in <FIG>, the outer wall <NUM> of the lower case 210b may be rectangular in a plan view. Further, the outer wall <NUM> of the lower case 210b may include a first outer wall 211a, a second outer wall 211b, a third outer wall 211c and a fourth outer wall 211d positioned in the front, rear, left and right directions.

Moreover, at least one of the plurality of upper stoppers 216a and lower stoppers 216a2 may extend to connect from the outer wall 211c located at one side to the outer wall 211d located at the other side. For example, as shown in <FIG>, two upper stoppers 216b of the upper stoppers 216a may be shaped such that one of their left and right ends is connected to the third outer wall 211c and the other end is connected to the fourth outer wall 211d. Also, as shown in <FIG>, two lower stoppers 216b2 of the lower stoppers 216a2 may be shaped such that one of their left and right ends is connected to the third outer wall 211c and the other end is connected to the fourth outer wall 211d.

Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since at least one of the plurality of upper stoppers 216a and the lower stoppers 216a2 extends to connect from the outer wall <NUM> at one side to the outer wall <NUM> at the other side, the module case <NUM> may have be advantageously configured to have mechanical stiffness so as to withstand an external impact applied in the left and right direction or in the front and rear direction.

In addition, referring to <FIG> and <FIG> again, when looking in the F direction of <FIG>, the outer walls <NUM> located in the left and right directions of the module case <NUM> may be positioned to face the sidewall <NUM> of the first frame <NUM> or the sidewall <NUM> of the second frame <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the third outer wall 211c of the module case <NUM> may be positioned to face the left sidewall <NUM> with respect to the center of the first frame <NUM>, and the fourth outer wall 211d may be positioned to face the right sidewall <NUM> of the first frame <NUM>.

Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, if the outer wall <NUM> located in the extending direction of the upper stopper 216b or the lower stopper 216b2 is positioned to face the sidewall <NUM> of the first frame <NUM> or the sidewall <NUM> of the second frame <NUM>, it is possible to further reinforce mechanical stiffness of the battery pack <NUM> to withstand an external impact applied in the left and right direction, thereby improving durability and stability of the battery pack <NUM>.

Meanwhile, referring to <FIG> again, a beading structure 310b may be formed at the first frame <NUM> and the second frame <NUM> to increase mechanical rigidity. Specifically, the beading structure 310b may be formed at the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> and the body portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the first frame <NUM> and the second frame <NUM>. The beading structure 310b may have a shape ridged inward or outward. Here, the 'inward' may refer to a direction in which the battery module <NUM> mounted to the first frame <NUM> or the second frame <NUM> is located based on the first frame <NUM> or the second frame <NUM>. Also, the 'outward' may refer to a direction opposite to the inward direction.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, a beading structure 310b ridged inward may be formed at the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> of the first frame <NUM> and the second frame <NUM>, respectively. In addition, a plurality of beading structures 311b ridged upward and downward may be formed at the body portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the first frame <NUM> and the second frame <NUM>.

Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the beading structures 310b, 320b, 311b are formed at the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> and the body portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the first frame <NUM> and the second frame <NUM>, the mechanical stiffness of the mounting structure <NUM> may be directly improved. Further, if the battery module <NUM> accommodated in the inner space moves to collide with the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>, the beading structures 310b, 320b ridged inward at the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> of the first frame <NUM> and the second frame <NUM> may buffer the shock caused by the collision, thereby effectively preventing the battery module <NUM> from being damaged.

Meanwhile, referring to <FIG> again, the battery pack <NUM> may include several electric components (not shown) electrically connected to the battery modules <NUM>, <NUM>. At this time, a separate module bus bar or cable may be used for the electric connection. Also, the electric components are also referred to as electrical equipment. Further, representative examples of the electrical equipment included in the battery pack <NUM> may be a relay, a current sensor, a fuse, a battery management system (BMS), and the like. The electrical equipment refer to components for managing charge and discharge of the cylindrical battery cell <NUM> included in the battery pack <NUM> and ensuring safety and may be regarded as essential components included in most battery packs <NUM>.

Specifically, the electrical equipment may be provided to outer sides of the sidewalls <NUM> of the first frame <NUM> and the sidewall <NUM> of the second frame <NUM>.

Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the electric components are mounted on the outer side of the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> of the first frame <NUM> and the second frame <NUM>, it is possible to avoid the influence of electromagnetic wave or magnetic field generated from the plurality of battery modules <NUM> mounted to the mounting structure <NUM>, thereby preventing a malfunction or signal noise. That is, the first frame <NUM> and the second frame <NUM> may be made of a metal capable of blocking an electromagnetic wave or magnetic field, thereby exhibiting this effect.

<FIG> is a perspective view schematically showing a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a perspective view schematically showing some components of the battery pack of <FIG>. <FIG> is a plan view schematically showing a battery module, employed at the battery pack <FIG>. Also, <FIG> is a bottom view schematically showing the battery module, employed at the battery pack <FIG>. Here, in <FIG>, the upper plate is depicted transparently, and the insert portion <NUM> formed at the body portion <NUM> of the first frame <NUM> is depicted using a hidden line for sake of convenience of illustration.

First, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a battery module 200B according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may have a fixing groove H1 recessed inward and provided to at least one of a top surface and a bottom surface of the module case <NUM>. Specifically, a plurality of fixing grooves H1 arranged in one direction may be formed at the top surface of the upper case 210a of the module case <NUM>. In addition, a plurality of fixing grooves H1 arranged in one direction may also be formed at the bottom surface of the lower case 210b of the module case <NUM>.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, a plurality of circular fixing grooves H1 arranged in one direction and recessed downward may be formed at the top surface of the upper case 210a of the module case <NUM>. In addition, for example, as shown in <FIG>, a plurality of circular fixing grooves H1 arranged in one direction and recessed upward may be formed at the bottom surface of the lower case 210b of the module case <NUM>.

Further, insert portions <NUM>, <NUM> protrusively extending outward may be formed at the body portion <NUM> of the first frame <NUM> and the body portion <NUM> of the second frame <NUM> so as to be inserted into the fixing grooves H1. Specifically, a plurality of insert portions <NUM> protrusively extending upward (a horn shape) may be formed at the top surface of the body portion <NUM> of the first frame <NUM>. In addition, a plurality of insert portions <NUM> protrusively extending downward may be formed at the lower surface of the body portion <NUM> of the second frame <NUM>. Further, the insert portions <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed to be inserted into the fixing grooves H1 formed at the upper case 210a and the lower case 210b, respectively.

In addition, the insert portion <NUM> may have a press-fit nut inserted into a fixed opening perforated in the body portion <NUM> and a horn-shaped bolt coupled to the press-fit nut.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, six insert portions <NUM> may be formed at the body portion <NUM> of the first frame <NUM>. In addition, the insert portion <NUM> may include a cylindrical body extending upward from the body portion <NUM> of the first frame <NUM> and a top end having a horn shape with a diameter continuously reduced upward. Further, six insert portions <NUM> may be formed at the body portion <NUM> of the second frame <NUM>. In addition, the insert portion <NUM> may include a cylindrical body extending downward from the body portion <NUM> of the second frame <NUM> and a top end having a horn shape with a diameter continuously reduced downward.

Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the module case <NUM> has the fixing grooves H1 and the fixing grooves H1 are formed to be inserted into the insert portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the first frame <NUM> and the second frame <NUM>, the battery module <NUM> accommodated in the mounting structure <NUM> may be fixed without movement.

Referring to <FIG>, a battery pack 1000B according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an upper plate <NUM>, a lower plate <NUM>, and a pack housing <NUM>. Specifically, the upper plate <NUM> may be formed to have a size to cover the upper portion of the first frame <NUM>. In addition, the upper plate <NUM> may be positioned to contact the upper portion of the first frame <NUM>. Further, the lower plate <NUM> may be formed larger than the plane size of the second frame <NUM> to support the lower portion of the second frame <NUM> upward. In addition, the lower plate <NUM> may be located below the second frame <NUM>.

Further, an insert groove (not shown) may be formed at the upper plate <NUM> so that the top end of the sidewall <NUM> of the first frame <NUM> is inserted and fixed therein. In addition, an insert groove H3 may be formed at the lower plate <NUM> so that the bottom end of the sidewall <NUM> of the second frame <NUM> is inserted and fixed therein.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the battery pack <NUM> may further include a mounting structure <NUM> having the first frame <NUM> and the second frame <NUM>, an upper plate <NUM>, and a lower plate <NUM>. Here, the upper plate <NUM> may be coupled to the top end of the sidewall <NUM> of the first frame <NUM>. In addition, the lower plate <NUM> may be coupled to the bottom end of the sidewall <NUM> (<FIG>) of the second frame <NUM>.

Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the battery pack <NUM> further includes the upper plate <NUM> and the lower plate <NUM>, the plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM> that are an internal configuration may be prevented from being damaged by an impact applied to the upper and lower portions of the battery pack <NUM>, thereby further enhancing pack stability.

Meanwhile, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the pack housing <NUM> may have a top end coupled to the upper plate <NUM> and a bottom end coupled to the lower plate <NUM>. In addition, the pack housing <NUM> may have a cylinder form that is open in the upper and lower direction. Further, a rib <NUM> of a grid pattern may be formed at the sidewall of the pack housing <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the rib <NUM> of a grid pattern in which linear ribs 361a extending in the vertical direction and linear ribs 361b extending in the horizontal direction are intersected may be formed at the sidewall of the pack housing <NUM>.

Therefore, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the lattice rib <NUM> is formed at the pack housing <NUM>, the pack housing <NUM> may be lightened and mechanical stiffness may be compensated, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the pack housing <NUM> and improving the applicability.

In addition, referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> again, fixing portions <NUM> may be formed at the upper plate <NUM> and the lower plate <NUM> so as to be inserted into the fixing grooves H1 formed at the lower case 210b of the module case <NUM>. Specifically, the fixing portion <NUM> may be formed to protrusively extend inward.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the fixing portion (not shown) formed at the upper plate <NUM> may include a cylindrical body extending downward from the lower surface of the plate and a bottom end having a horn shape with a diameter continuously reduced downward. Further, the fixing portion <NUM> formed at the lower plate <NUM> may include a cylindrical body extending upward from the upper surface of the plate and a top end having a horn shape with a diameter continuously reduced upward.

Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since each of the upper plate <NUM> and the lower plate <NUM> includes the fixing portion <NUM> configured to be inserted into the fixing groove H1 formed at the module case <NUM>, the battery module <NUM> mounted to the mounting structure <NUM> may be firmly fixed without movement.

In addition, the pack housing <NUM> of the battery pack 1000B may be filled with a thermal conductive material (not shown). Specifically, the thermal conductive material may include a polymer resin with high thermal conductivity, a silicone-based resin or a filler. For example, the polymer resin may be a polysiloxane resin, a polyamide resin, a urethane resin, or an epoxy-based resin. In addition, the thermal conductive material may be in a form in which the added adhesive material is solidified. For example, the adhesive material may be a material such as acryl-based, polyester-based, polyurethane-based or rubber-based materials.

In addition, as shown in <FIG>, a thermal conductive material may be filled in the pack housing <NUM> of the battery pack 1000B. Also, the thermal conductive material may be filled to cover the outer surface of the battery module <NUM> included in the battery pack 1000B.

Therefore, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the thermal conductive material is filled in the battery pack 1000B, the heat accumulated in the battery pack 1000B may be absorbed and transferred to the pack housing <NUM>, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the battery pack 1000B.

Meanwhile, an electronic device according to the present disclosure may include the battery pack <NUM>. Moreover, the electronic device (not shown) may have a case (not shown) for accommodating the battery pack <NUM> therein.

Moreover, a vehicle (not shown) according to the present disclosure may include the battery pack <NUM>. Further, the vehicle may be an electric vehicle having an electric motor (not shown), for example, powered by the battery pack <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram schematically showing a crash test procedure for the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Also, <FIG> show photographs showing the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, taken before and after the crash test.

Referring to <FIG>, the battery module <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has a length of <NUM> in one direction. After one side of the battery module <NUM> was pressed using a crush bar B to a distance of <NUM> at a speed of <NUM>/min, a safety (durability) test was performed to evaluate the state of the <NUM> mounted cylindrical battery cells.

Specifically, the battery module <NUM> used in this test has the same configuration as the battery module <NUM> shown in <FIG>, which includes <NUM> cylindrical battery cells arranged in a zigzag form with <NUM> columns and <NUM> rows, a connection plate and a module case. Here, the module case <NUM> is made of LUPOY GN5001RF (product name) produced by LG Chemical, which is an engineering plastic in which polycarbonate and ABS resin are combined.

As a result of the test, after the crush bar (B) collides with the battery module <NUM>, the voltage of each of the <NUM> cylindrical battery cells arranged in <NUM> column and <NUM> rows in the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure was measured. The voltage values of the cylindrical battery cells corresponding to the arranged order are shown as follows. At this time, the average voltage value of the <NUM> cylindrical battery cells before the collision was approximately <NUM>.

As understood from the voltage values in Table <NUM>, after the crash test, the <NUM> cylindrical battery cells accommodated in the battery module of the present disclosure generally maintained their normal voltage values. That is, when the cylindrical battery cells are arranged in a zigzag form along with cylindrical battery cells located in another adjacent row, if an external impact is applied in the front and rear direction to the battery module <NUM>, a force for moving the cylindrical battery cells in the diagonal direction may be generated. Accordingly, since the module case of the battery module of the present disclosure includes the connection portion that connects the hollow tubes in a diagonal direction, it is possible to block the force caused by the impact and moving the cylindrical battery cells in the diagonal direction or absorb the impact force, thereby effectively preventing the cylindrical battery cells from being damaged.

Meanwhile, even though the terms indicating directions such as upper, lower, left, right, front and rear directions are used in the specification, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these merely represent relative locations for convenience in explanation and may vary based on a location of an observer or an object.

Claim 1:
A battery pack (<NUM>), comprising:
a mounting structure (<NUM>) including a first frame (<NUM>) having a body portion (<NUM>) with a plate of a lying-down form and sidewalls (<NUM>) bent from both ends of the body portion and extending upward to form an inner space above the plate, and a second frame (<NUM>) coupled to a lower portion of the first frame and having a body portion (<NUM>) with a plate of a lying-down form and sidewalls (<NUM>) bent from both ends of the body portion and extending downward to form an inner space below the plate; and
at least two battery modules (<NUM>, <NUM>) respectively accommodated in the inner spaces of the first frame and the second frame and including a plurality of cylindrical battery cells (<NUM>) and a module case (<NUM>) having a plurality of hollow tubes (<NUM>) into which the plurality of cylindrical battery cells standing upright in an upper and lower direction are inserted and a connection portion (<NUM>, 215a, 215c) configured to connect the plurality of hollow tubes to each other,
wherein the plurality of cylindrical battery cells are arranged in a plurality of columns and rows,
the plurality of cylindrical battery cells are arranged in a zigzag form along with cylindrical battery cells located in another adjacent row, and
the connection portion extends in a diagonal direction to connect one hollow tube to another hollow tube located in another row,
wherein the connection portion has a plate shape of which one end is connected to one hollow tube and the other end is connected to another hollow tube,
wherein a vulnerable part is formed at the connection portion so as to be ruptured or deformed by an external impact of the battery module,
wherein the module case includes an upper case (210a) having a plurality of upper hollow tubes configured to accommodate an upper portion of the plurality of standing cylindrical battery cells, and a lower case (210b) spaced apart from the upper case in a lower direction and having a plurality of lower hollow tubes configured to accommodate a lower portion of the plurality of standing cylindrical battery cells.