Battery packs, electronic devices and vehicles

Abstract

A battery pack is disclosed that improves safety through highly reliable temperature measurement of multiple battery cells. The battery pack according to the invention for achieving the above objectives includes: a plurality of battery cells; a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of any one or more of the plurality of battery cells; a module housing configured to house the plurality of battery cells therein and having a receiving portion having a recessed space therein to accommodate the temperature sensor; and a retainer having dimensions capable of filling at least a portion of the recessed space when inserted into the receiving portion, and configured to retain the temperature sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to battery packs, electronic devices, and vehicles, and more specifically, to a battery pack that improves safety by performing highly reliable temperature measurements on multiple battery cells. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, with the rapid growth in demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, cameras and mobile phones, as well as the widespread development of electric vehicles, energy storage devices, robots and satellites, much research has been conducted on high-performance rechargeable secondary batteries.

[0003] Currently, commercially available rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium rechargeable batteries. Among them, lithium rechargeable batteries have almost no or no memory effect, and therefore attract more attention than nickel-based rechargeable batteries due to their advantages of being able to be charged at any time, having a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0004] Lithium-ion secondary batteries primarily use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. Furthermore, a lithium-ion secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly comprising a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate respectively coated with positive and negative electrode active materials, with a separator inserted between the positive and negative electrode plates; and a packaging or battery casing in which the electrode assembly and electrolyte solution are hermetically contained.

[0005] In addition, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries and bag-type secondary batteries according to the shape of the packaging. The former includes electrode assemblies embedded in a metal can, while the latter includes electrode assemblies embedded in a bag with aluminum laminate.

[0006] The can-type secondary battery may include a cylindrical metal can with electrode assemblies embedded therein. The can-type secondary battery can be used to manufacture a battery pack including a module housing and busbars, wherein the module housing receives multiple secondary batteries and the busbars are configured to electrically connect the multiple secondary batteries.

[0007] Simultaneously, based on existing technology, temperature changes are generally measured during the charging / discharging of multiple secondary batteries in battery packs to assess battery operating conditions or lifespan. (Refer to...) Figure 1 According to the prior art, the battery pack includes a plurality of secondary batteries 10, a module housing 30 having a space H for receiving the plurality of secondary batteries 10, and a temperature sensor 40 for measuring the temperature of the secondary batteries 10, and an adhesive 20 is added to fix the temperature sensor 40.

[0008] However, existing technology involves directly inserting the temperature sensor into the receiving space of the module housing by hand, resulting in variations in the insertion position. Furthermore, when the temperature sensor is fixed solely with adhesive, its position is easily altered by external impacts before the adhesive cures. Therefore, it is difficult to maintain a constant distance between the temperature sensor and the secondary battery during the manufacture of battery packs according to existing technology. Consequently, there is a significant discrepancy between the actual temperature of the secondary battery and the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor in existing battery packs. Therefore, it is difficult to manage the lifespan or safety of the secondary battery through temperature measurement of the battery pack. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] This disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned problems, and therefore aims to provide a battery pack that improves safety by performing highly reliable temperature measurements on multiple battery cells.

[0011] These and other objects and advantages of this disclosure will be understood from the following description and will become apparent from the embodiments of this disclosure. Furthermore, it will be readily understood that the objects and advantages of this disclosure can be achieved by means and combinations thereof.

[0012] Technical Solution

[0013] To achieve the above objectives, the battery pack according to this disclosure includes:

[0014] Multiple battery cells;

[0015] A temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of at least one of the plurality of battery cells;

[0016] A module housing configured to receive the plurality of battery cells therein, and including a receiving portion having a recessed space in which the temperature sensor is received; and

[0017] A retainer, inserted into the recessed space of the receiving portion, being large enough to fill at least a portion of the recessed space, and configured to retain the temperature sensor.

[0018] Furthermore, the retainer may have:

[0019] At least a portion of the temperature sensor is inserted into and secured to an insertion slot recessed into a portion of the body.

[0020] Furthermore, the battery pack may further include an adhesive configured to fill the recessed space of the receiving portion.

[0021] In addition, the retainer may include:

[0022] A notch is configured to form a gap with the temperature sensor, in which the adhesive is fed into a portion of the insertion slot.

[0023] Furthermore, the retainer may have:

[0024] A through-hole extending inwards, through which a portion of the adhesive is fed into the retainer.

[0025] In addition, the retainer may include:

[0026] Materials that exhibit elastic recovery capabilities

[0027] It can be configured to press the temperature sensor onto the battery cell by the elastic recovery after it has been inserted into the recessed space of the receiving portion in a compressed state.

[0028] Furthermore, the receiving portion may include a retaining rib that protrudes to guide the position of the retainer.

[0029] Furthermore, a portion of the retainer may include a retaining groove recessed to a size corresponding to the retaining rib, into which the retaining rib is inserted.

[0030] Furthermore, the retaining rib may protrude toward the temperature sensor to press a portion of the retainer, thereby bringing the temperature sensor, which is fixed to the retainer, into close contact with the battery cell.

[0031] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above objectives, the electronic device according to this disclosure includes at least one battery pack.

[0032] In addition, in order to achieve the above objectives, the vehicle according to this disclosure includes at least one battery pack.

[0033] Beneficial effects

[0034] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the disclosure includes a module housing having a receiving portion and a retainer inserted into the receiving portion, thereby stably fixing the temperature sensor in a constant position within the receiving portion. Therefore, the battery pack of this disclosure can be manufactured with a consistent distance between the battery cells and the temperature sensor, allowing the BMS to measure the temperature of the battery cells with high reliability. That is, because the distance between the battery cells and the temperature sensor is consistent, the BMS can estimate the actual temperature of the secondary battery with high reliability, taking into account a predetermined temperature difference.

[0035] Furthermore, according to one aspect of an embodiment of this disclosure, the retainer includes a material exhibiting elastic recovery capability (i.e., an elastic material). After the retainer is inserted into the recessed space of the receiving portion in a compressed state, the temperature sensor is pressed onto the battery cell by elastic recovery, thereby effectively maintaining close contact between the temperature sensor and the battery cell. Therefore, this disclosure can effectively reduce the temperature difference between the actual temperature of the battery cell and the temperature measured by the temperature sensor. Thus, the battery pack of this disclosure can effectively improve the safety of the battery pack through rapid response and highly reliable temperature measurement.

[0036] Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, the receiving portion includes a retaining rib, and the retainer includes a retaining groove, thereby fixing the position of the retainer inserted into the receiving portion and guiding the retainer into place without rotation, to achieve consistent positioning of the temperature sensors. Therefore, it is possible to prevent inconsistent temperature sensor positions due to inconsistent retainer insertion positions during the manufacturing of multiple battery packs. Thus, this battery pack can effectively improve battery pack safety through highly reliable temperature measurement. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the following detailed description, are used to further understand the technical aspects of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a battery pack based on existing technology.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery cell in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic enlarged perspective view of part A in the middle section shows the battery pack.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack holder according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 6 This is a schematic partial perspective view of a battery pack holder and a temperature sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 7 It is a section cut along line C-C'. Figure 2A schematic partial cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of components of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 8 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack holder according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 9 The graphs show the temperature measurement results of the embodiments of this disclosure, Comparative Example 1, and Comparative Example 2. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terms or words used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to their general and dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted according to their meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of this disclosure, based on the principle that the inventors are allowed to appropriately define the terms to obtain the best interpretation.

[0048] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the illustrations shown in the figures are only the most preferred embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to fully describe the technical aspects of this disclosure. It should be understood that various other equivalents and modifications can be made thereto when this application is filed.

[0049] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery cell in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Additionally, Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic, enlarged perspective view of part A in the diagram, showing the battery pack. Figure 4 In the illustration, for ease of description, part C of the module housing covering the temperature sensor 230 has been removed to show the temperature sensor 230.

[0050] Reference Figures 2 to 4 The battery pack 200 disclosed herein includes a plurality of battery cells 100, a module housing 210, and a retainer 220.

[0051] Here, the multiple battery cells 100 can be rechargeable secondary batteries. The battery cell 100 can be a can-type battery cell 100. Here, the battery cell 100 can include an electrode assembly 110, a cylindrical battery can 112, and a cap assembly 113.

[0052] The electrode assembly 110 may have a structure in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate are wound with a separator, a positive electrode connector 114 may be attached to the positive electrode plate and connected to the cap assembly 113, and a negative electrode connector 115 may be attached to the negative electrode plate and connected to the bottom of the battery canister 112.

[0053] The battery canister 112 may have an empty internal space in which the electrode assembly 110 is received. Specifically, the battery canister 112 may be cylindrical or prismatic and may have an open top. Furthermore, the battery canister 112 may be made of a metal such as steel or aluminum to ensure strength. Additionally, a negative terminal may be attached to the bottom of the battery canister 112; therefore, the bottom of the battery canister 112, as well as the battery canister 112 itself, can serve as the negative terminal.

[0054] The cap assembly 113 can be attached to the open top of the battery can 112 to close the battery can 112. The cap assembly 113 may have a circular or prismatic shape depending on the shape of the battery can 112, and may include sub-assemblies such as a top cap C1, a safety hole C2, and a washer C3.

[0055] Here, the top cap C1 can be positioned at the uppermost side of the cap assembly 113 and configured to protrude upwards. Specifically, the top cap C1 can serve as the positive terminal of the battery unit 100. Therefore, the top cap C1 can be electrically connected to another battery unit 100 via an external device (e.g., a busbar 250). The top cap C1 can be made of a metal such as stainless steel or aluminum.

[0056] The safety hole C2 can be configured to change its structure when the internal pressure of the battery cell 100 (i.e., the internal pressure of the battery can 11) increases above a predetermined level. Furthermore, the gasket C3 can be made of a material with electrical insulating properties to isolate the edge of the top cap C1 and the safety hole C2 from the battery can 112.

[0057] Additionally, the cap assembly 113 may further include a current cut-off element C4. The current cut-off element C4 is also called a current interruption device (CID), and when the internal pressure of the battery increases due to gas generation and the shape of the safety hole C2 changes in reverse, the contact between the safety hole C2 and the current cut-off element C4 may be disrupted, or the current cut-off element C4 may be blown off to disconnect the electrical connection between the safety hole C2 and the electrode assembly 110.

[0058] At the time of filing this patent application, the configuration of the battery cell 100 was well known to those skilled in the art, and its detailed description is omitted herein. Furthermore, although... Figure 3 One embodiment of the battery cell 100 is shown, but the battery pack 200 according to this disclosure is not limited to a specific type of battery cell 100 configuration. That is, the battery pack 200 according to this disclosure may include various types of battery cells 100 known at the time of filing of this patent application.

[0059] Furthermore, the battery pack 200 of this disclosure may further include a plurality of busbars 250. The busbars 250 may be configured to establish electrical connections between a plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100. The busbars 250 may include a conductive metal. The busbars 250 may include at least one of, for example, copper, nickel, or aluminum.

[0060] Furthermore, the busbar 250 can be installed on the left or right side of the module housing 210. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, four busbars can be installed on the right side of the battery pack 200. Although not shown, multiple busbars can be embedded in the left side of the battery pack 200 and inside the module housing 210.

[0061] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic, enlarged 3D view of a portion of the battery pack.

[0062] Reference Figure 4 as well as Figure 2 and Figure 3 The temperature sensor 230 can function as a sensor that converts heat into an electrical signal. The temperature sensor 230 can be, for example, a thermistor whose resistance changes with temperature. The thermistor may include an electrically insulating coating.

[0063] Furthermore, the module housing 210 may include an electrically insulating material. For example, the module housing 210 may include polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The module housing 210 may generally have a box-shaped body. Additionally, the module housing 210 may have multiple body openings to receive multiple battery cells 100 therein. Furthermore, the module housing 210 may include a receiving portion 212 with a recessed space in which the temperature sensor 230 is received. For example, the receiving portion 212 may have a cylindrical internal space (e.g., ...). Figure 4 ).

[0064] Furthermore, the retainer 220 can be configured to insert into the recessed space of the receiving portion 212. The retainer 220 can be large enough to fill at least a portion of the recessed space of the receiving portion 212.

[0065] Furthermore, the retainer 220 can be configured to hold the temperature sensor 230. That is, the retainer 220 can hold a portion of the temperature sensor 230. Specifically, the retainer 220 can be configured to fix the temperature sensor 230 to prevent the temperature sensor 230 from moving or coming out. The retainer 220 can have various holding structures for the temperature sensor 230 depending on the shape of the temperature sensor 230.

[0066] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the present disclosure includes a module housing 210 having a receiving portion 212 and a retainer 220 inserted into the receiving portion 212, thereby stably fixing the temperature sensor 230 in a constant position within the receiving portion 212. Therefore, the battery pack 200 of the present disclosure can be manufactured with a consistent distance between the battery cell 100 and the temperature sensor 230, so that the BMS 280 can measure the temperature of the battery cell 100 with high reliability. That is, since the distance between the battery cell 100 and the temperature sensor 230 is consistent, the BMS 280 can estimate the actual temperature of the secondary battery with high reliability, taking into account a predetermined temperature difference.

[0067] Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack holder according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, Figure 6 This is a schematic partial perspective view of a battery pack holder and a temperature sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 as well as Figure 3 and Figure 4 The retainer 220 may have an insertion slot H1 configured to hold the temperature sensor 230. The insertion slot H1 may be recessed inward from a portion of the body, into which at least a portion of the temperature sensor 230 is inserted. For example, as... Figure 5 As shown, the insertion slot H1 can have a slot shape extending along the body direction of the temperature sensor 230 (towards the internal center of the battery pack).

[0069] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the present disclosure includes an insertion groove H1 recessed from a portion of the body, into which at least a portion of the temperature sensor 230 is inserted and fixed, thereby maintaining a predetermined distance between the temperature sensor 230 and the battery pack 100 in the direction extending along the battery pack 100. Ultimately, the present disclosure can solve the problem of a temperature difference between the measured temperature and the actual temperature of the battery cell 100 due to the inconsistent position of the temperature sensor 230 during each battery pack manufacturing process.

[0070] Figure 7 It is a section cut along line C-C'. Figure 2 A schematic partial cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of components of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] Reference Figure 7 as well as Figures 4 to 6According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a portion of the receiving portion 212 of the battery pack can be opened to expose a portion of the battery cell 100 received within the module housing 210. That is, the receiving portion 212 may have an open portion of a wall with an internal space in the direction in which the battery cell 100 is positioned, so that a portion of the inserted temperature sensor 230 and the battery cell 100 come into contact with each other.

[0072] Furthermore, the battery pack according to another embodiment of this disclosure may further include an adhesive 240 configured to fill the recessed space of the receiving portion 212. Specifically, the adhesive 240 can cure after being fed into the interior space of the receiving portion 212. The adhesive 240 may be transparent and electrically insulating. The adhesive 240 may be an adhesive or a hot-melt resin. For example, the adhesive 240 may include at least one selected from polyamide-based resins, polyimide-based resins, epoxy-based resins, or acrylic resins.

[0073] Furthermore, the adhesive 240 can be configured to fix the positions of the temperature sensor 230 and the retainer 220. That is, the adhesive 240 can fix a portion of the temperature sensor 230 and a portion of the retainer 220.

[0074] According to this configuration, the present disclosure includes an adhesive 240 to securely fix the temperature sensor 230 and the retainer 220 in place, thereby preventing the temperature sensor 230 from changing position or detaching due to external impact during subsequent use of the battery pack 200. Therefore, the battery pack 200 can reliably measure the temperature of the battery cells 100, thereby effectively improving the safety of the battery pack 200.

[0075] Figure 8 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack holder according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] Reference Figure 8 as well as Figures 4 to 7 When with Figure 5 Compared to the retainer 220, the retainer 220A of the battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a notch N. That is, to be consistent with... Figure 5 The same way as the retainer 220, Figure 8 The retainer 220A can be configured to fix the temperature sensor 230 to the insertion slot H1.

[0077] Furthermore, the notch N can form a gap with the temperature sensor 230, into which the adhesive 240 is fed. The notch N can be formed in a portion of the insertion groove H1. The notch N can extend along the body of the temperature sensor 230. That is, the notch N can have a triangular shape in the plane and can have a groove shape extending inward along the body of the temperature sensor 230.

[0078] Furthermore, the adhesive 240 can be fed into the retainer 220 along the internal space of the notch N. The adhesive 240 fed into the internal space of the notch N can be configured to contact the outer surface of the temperature sensor 230. Furthermore, the adhesive 240 can be configured to solidify within a predetermined time after being fed into the notch N in a liquid state.

[0079] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the retainer 220A further includes a notch N, so that the adhesive 240 can be fed along the notch N and come into contact with the temperature sensor 230. That is, the notch N allows the adhesive 240 to be fed into the retainer 220A, thereby securing a larger area of ​​the temperature sensor 230.

[0080] Therefore, this disclosure allows the temperature sensor 230 to be fixed in the insertion slot H1 of the insertion retainer 220A using adhesive 240, thereby preventing the temperature sensor 230 from changing position or dislodging due to external impact during subsequent use of the battery pack 200. Thus, the battery pack 200 can reliably measure the temperature of the battery cell 100, effectively improving the safety of the battery pack 200.

[0081] Reference Figure 8 and with Figures 4 to 7 When with Figure 5 Compared to the holder 220, the holder 220A of the battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a through hole H2.

[0082] Furthermore, the through-hole H2 can be configured to feed a portion of the adhesive 240 into the retainer 220A. The through-hole H2 can have a shape in which a portion of the body of the retainer 220A extends inward (towards the internal center of the battery pack) through the through-hole. That is, the adhesive 240 can move from one outer surface of the retainer 220A to the opposite inner surface via the through-hole H2. For example, as... Figure 8 As shown, the retainer 220A may include two through holes H2. Each of the two through holes H2 can be based on Figure 8 The retainer 220A shown extends from the upper surface to the lower surface.

[0083] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the retainer 220A includes a through-hole H2 through which adhesive 240 can be fed into the retainer 220A. The adhesive 240 fed into the retainer 220A can fix the retainer 220A, and the adhesive 240 can be fed into the interior of the retainer 220A (based on the center of the module housing 210), which is difficult to reach, thereby stably fixing the position of the retainer 220A.

[0084] Therefore, when using the battery pack 200 later, it is possible to prevent the retainer 220A from changing its position in the receiving portion 212 or moving out of the receiving portion 212 due to external impact. Therefore, since the battery pack 200 stably fixes the temperature sensor 230 in the receiving portion 212, it is possible to measure the temperature of the battery cell 100 with high reliability.

[0085] Go back to reference Figures 5 to 7 According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the retainer 220 of the battery pack 200 may include a material having the ability to elastically deform or elastically recover sufficient to fill a portion of the recessed space of the receiving portion 212. The material may be at least one of, for example, silicone, polyurethane, rubber, or sponge.

[0086] Furthermore, the retainer 220 can be inserted into the recessed space of the receiving portion 212 in a compressed state. The retainer 220 can be configured to press the temperature sensor 230 onto the battery cell 100 through elastic recovery after insertion into the recessed space of the receiving portion 212. For example, the retainer 220 may comprise polyurethane. The retainer 220 can ensure close contact between the temperature sensor 230, fixed to the insertion slot H1, and the battery cell 100 through the elastic recovery of the polyurethane. That is, the retainer 220 can be configured to press the temperature sensor 230 onto the battery cell 100 when it is inserted into the receiving portion 212.

[0087] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the retainer 220 includes a material exhibiting elastic recovery capability (i.e., an elastic material) to press the temperature sensor 230 onto the battery cell 100 by elastic recovery after the retainer 220 is inserted into the recessed space of the receiving portion 212 in a compressed state, thereby effectively maintaining close contact between the temperature sensor 230 and the battery cell 100.

[0088] Therefore, this disclosure can effectively reduce the temperature difference between the actual temperature of the battery cell 100 and the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 230. Thus, the battery pack 200 of this disclosure can effectively improve the safety of the battery pack 200 through temperature measurement with fast response and high reliability.

[0089] Go back to reference Figures 5 to 7 According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the receiving portion 212 of the battery pack 200 may include a protruding retaining rib R to guide the position of the retainer 220. The retaining rib R may have a shape that protrudes from a portion of the recessed space of the receiving portion 212 toward the retainer 220. The retaining rib R may be configured to insert into a portion of the retainer 220 to secure the position of the retainer 220.

[0090] Furthermore, the retainer 220 may include a retaining groove H3 into which a retaining rib R is inserted. The retaining groove H3 may have a recessed shape that allows a portion of the retainer 220 to be inserted into the body. The retaining groove H3 may have a recessed space of a corresponding size to the retaining rib R.

[0091] Furthermore, the retaining rib R can have a shape in which the protrusion size gradually increases as it extends inward in the receiving portion 212. For example, when the retaining rib R has a wedge shape, the wedge size can be configured to gradually increase as it extends inward in the recessed space of the receiving portion 212. Therefore, because the shape of the retaining rib R gradually increases, when the retainer 220 is inserted into the receiving portion 212, the retainer 220 can more forcefully compress the temperature sensor 230 due to the retaining rib R.

[0092] According to this configuration, the present disclosure includes a retaining rib R in the receiving portion 212 and a retaining groove H3 in the retainer 220, thereby fixing the position of the retainer 220 inserted into the receiving portion 212 and guiding the retainer 220 into place without rotating its position during insertion. Therefore, it is possible to prevent changes in the position of the temperature sensor 230 due to changes in the insertion position of the retainer 220 during the manufacturing of multiple battery packs 200. Thus, the battery pack 200 can effectively improve its safety through highly reliable temperature measurement.

[0093] Furthermore, the retaining rib R can be configured to press a portion of the retainer 220 to bring the temperature sensor 230, which is fixed to the retainer 220, into close contact with the battery cell 100. Specifically, the retaining rib R can have a protruding shape toward the temperature sensor 230. That is, the protruding end of the retaining rib R toward the temperature sensor 230 can compress the retainer 220 onto the temperature sensor 230, and the compressed retainer 220 can bring the temperature sensor 230 into close contact with the outer surface of the battery cell 100.

[0094] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, a retaining rib R protruding toward the temperature sensor 230 is included to stably maintain close contact between the temperature sensor 230 and the outer surface of the battery cell 100. Therefore, the battery pack 200 can effectively improve its safety through temperature measurement with high reliability.

[0095] Furthermore, the battery pack 200 according to one embodiment of this disclosure may further include various types of devices (not shown) for controlling the charging / discharging of the battery pack 200, such as a BMS 280. Figure 1 ), current sensor, temperature sensor 230 and fuse.

[0096] Meanwhile, an electronic device (not shown) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes at least one battery pack 200. The electronic device may further include: a device housing (not shown) having a receiving space for receiving the battery pack 200; and a display unit for enabling a user to view the charging status of the battery pack 200.

[0097] Furthermore, the battery pack 200 according to one embodiment of this disclosure may be included in a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle. That is, a vehicle according to one embodiment of this disclosure may include at least one battery pack 200 according to one embodiment of this disclosure installed in the vehicle body.

[0098] Furthermore, the directional terms used herein (such as up, down, left, right, front, and back) are merely for ease of description, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the terms may be varied depending on the position of the element or the observer.

[0099] The present disclosure is described in more detail below with reference to embodiments and experimental examples, but the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and experimental examples. Embodiments of the present disclosure can be varied in many different forms, and the scope of the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the disclosed embodiments. Embodiments of the present disclosure are provided to fully and completely describe the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0100] <Comparative Example 1>

[0101] The battery pack disclosed herein comprises a total of 84 cylindrical battery cells housed within a module housing. These 84 cylindrical battery cells are divided into six groups, each group comprising 14 cylindrical battery cells connected in series, and the six groups are connected in parallel. Within the battery cells housed in the module housing, the temperature of 20 battery cells arranged in the central and peripheral regions of the module housing is directly measured using a temperature measuring machine (thermal coupler) to measure the internal temperature of the module housing. The maximum and average measured temperatures are shown in... Figure 9 In the chart.

[0102] <Comparative Example 2>

[0103] A holder for a fixed temperature sensor (negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor) is inserted into the receiving portion of the same battery pack as in Comparative Example 1. After the temperature sensor makes close contact with the outer surface of the cylindrical battery cell, the temperature of the battery cell measured by the temperature sensor is calculated by the BMS. The measured temperature is shown in... Figure 9 In the chart.

[0104] <Example>

[0105] After the temperature sensor (NTC thermistor) is fixed to the retainer in the same receiving portion of the battery pack as in Comparative Example 1, such that the temperature sensor is in close contact with the outer surface of the cylindrical battery cell, the temperature of the battery cell measured by the temperature sensor is calculated by the BMS. The measured temperature is shown in... Figure 9 In the chart.

[0106] As a result of the measurements, based on the highest temperature value among the 20 battery cells directly measured using a temperature measuring machine in Comparative Example 1, the battery pack of Comparative Example 2, without a retainer, showed a difference of approximately 4°C. In contrast, the battery pack of the embodiment of this disclosure showed a small difference of approximately 2°C. Therefore, the battery pack of this disclosure can effectively reduce the size of the temperature difference between the actual temperature of the battery cells and the temperature measured via a temperature sensor. Thus, the battery pack of this disclosure can effectively improve the safety of the battery pack through highly reliable temperature measurement.

[0107] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and alterations can be made to it within the technical aspects of the present disclosure and within the equivalent scope of the appended claims.

[0108] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0072513, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on June 15, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: Multiple battery cells; A temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of at least one of the plurality of battery cells; A module housing configured to receive the plurality of battery cells therein, and including a receiving portion having a recessed space in which the temperature sensor is received; A retainer, inserted into the recessed space of the receiving portion, large enough to fill at least a portion of the recessed space, and configured to retain the temperature sensor; and An adhesive configured to fill the recessed space of the receiving portion. The retainer includes a notch configured to form a gap with the temperature sensor, in which the adhesive is fed into a portion of the insertion slot, and The retainer has an insertion groove recessed from a portion of its body, into which at least a portion of the temperature sensor is inserted and secured.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The retainer has a through-hole that extends inward, and a portion of the adhesive is fed into the retainer through the through-hole.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The retainer includes a material exhibiting elastic recovery and is configured to press the temperature sensor onto the battery cell by the elastic recovery after it is inserted into the recessed space of the receiving portion in a compressed state.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The receiving portion includes a retaining rib that protrudes to guide the position of the retainer, and A portion of the retainer includes a retaining groove recessed to a size corresponding to the retaining rib, into which the retaining rib is inserted.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein, The retaining rib protrudes toward the temperature sensor to press a portion of the retainer, thereby bringing the temperature sensor, which is fixed to the retainer, into close contact with the battery cell.

6. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, The through-hole has a shape such that the adhesive moves from one outer surface of the retainer through the through-hole to the opposite inner surface.

7. An electronic device comprising at least one battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A vehicle comprising at least one battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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