Battery pack

Abstract

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present technology, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack includes: a plurality of first battery devices mounted on a case and spaced apart from each other; and a plurality of second battery devices mounted on the case and interposed between the plurality of first battery devices, in which each of the plurality of first battery devices includes a plurality of first battery cells including a first positive electrode active material, and a plurality of second battery devices mounted on the case and interposed between the plurality of first battery devices, and each of the plurality of second battery devices includes a plurality of second battery cells including a second positive electrode active material different from the first positive electrode active material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery pack. This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0168151 filed on December 5, 2022 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0024931 filed on February 24, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged many times. Secondary batteries have been widely used as energy sources for various types of wireless devices such as mobile phones, laptop computers, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, as the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has been significantly reduced due to improved energy density and economies of scale, and the driving range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to the same level as that of fuel vehicles, the main use of secondary batteries has shifted from mobile settings to vehicles.

[0003] As secondary batteries are used in vehicles, demands for safety of secondary batteries are increasing. When an event such as fire occurs in a secondary battery used in a vehicle, the life of the driver may be in danger, and therefore, research on technology to enhance the safety of secondary batteries is necessary. Summary of the invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] The present disclosure is directed to providing a battery pack with improved safety.

[0006] Technical Solution

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a battery pack. The battery pack includes: a plurality of first battery devices, which are mounted on a housing and spaced apart from each other; and a plurality of second battery devices, which are mounted on the housing and interposed between the plurality of first battery devices, wherein each of the plurality of first battery devices includes a plurality of first battery cells, which include a first positive electrode active material, and each of the plurality of second battery devices includes a plurality of second battery cells, which include a second positive electrode active material different from the first positive electrode active material.

[0008] The first positive active material may include nickel and manganese.

[0009] The second positive active material may include iron and phosphorus.

[0010] An area of ​​each of the plurality of first battery devices may be different from an area of ​​each of the second battery devices.

[0011] An area of ​​each of the plurality of first battery devices may be smaller than an area of ​​each of the second battery devices.

[0012] An area of ​​each of the plurality of first battery devices may be larger than an area of ​​each of the second battery devices.

[0013] Each of the plurality of first battery devices may include a first bus bar plate including a first positive terminal and a first negative terminal connected to each of the plurality of first battery cells.

[0014] Each of the plurality of second battery devices may include a second bus bar plate including a second positive terminal and a second negative terminal connected to each of the plurality of second battery cells.

[0015] Each of the plurality of first battery devices may include a heat insulation plate interposed between the plurality of first battery cells.

[0016] The insulation board may include one of a ceramic material, coated fiberglass, calcium silicate, aramid, and an expandable material.

[0017] The thermal insulation panels may include channels through which a refrigerant circulates.

[0018] The heat shield may be configured to spray one of a flame retardant material and a fire extinguishing agent when a portion of the plurality of first battery cells is in a thermal runaway state.

[0019] Each of the plurality of second battery cells of each of the plurality of second battery devices may be in contact with an adjacent one of the plurality of second battery cells.

[0020] Each of the plurality of second battery devices may not include a heat shield.

[0021] The plurality of first battery devices may be spaced apart from each other, and an adjacent one of the plurality of second battery devices may be interposed between the plurality of first battery devices.

[0022] Beneficial Effects

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a second battery device may be arranged between a first battery device including a first battery cell including nickel and manganese as positive electrode active materials. The second battery device includes a second battery cell including phosphoric acid and iron as positive electrode active materials. In this case, the fire stability of the second battery cell is relatively high, and therefore, the propagation of heat in the battery pack can be delayed. In addition, the first battery device includes a plurality of heat shields between the first battery cells, while the second battery device does not include a heat shield, thereby increasing the energy efficiency of the battery pack.

[0024] The effects that can be achieved by the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above effects, and those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong will clearly derive and understand other effects not described herein based on the following description. That is, those skilled in the art can derive the unexpected effects achieved when implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure based on the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA-AA'.

[0027] Figure 3 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line BB-BB'.

[0028] Figure 4 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0029] Figure 5 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms or expressions used in the present specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to the terms or expressions generally understood or defined in a commonly used dictionary, but should be understood according to the meanings and concepts corresponding to the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor of the present application can appropriately define the terms or expressions to best interpret the present disclosure.

[0031] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are merely embodiments of the present disclosure and do not reflect all technical concepts of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications have been made to replace the configurations on the filing date of the present application.

[0032] When it is determined that well-known configurations or functions related to describing the present disclosure would obscure the subject matter of the present disclosure due to unnecessary details, such configurations or functions are not described in detail.

[0033] Since the embodiments of the present disclosure are provided to more fully explain the present disclosure to those skilled in the art, the shapes, sizes, etc. of the components shown in the drawings may be magnified, omitted, or schematically illustrated for the sake of clarity. Therefore, it should not be understood that the sizes or ratios of the components fully reflect their actual sizes or ratios.

[0034] (First embodiment)

[0035] Figure 1 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Figure 2 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA-AA'.

[0037] Figure 3 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line BB-BB'.

[0038] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The battery pack 100 may include a housing 110, a plurality of first battery devices 120, a plurality of second battery devices 130, a middle beam 141, a plurality of cross beams 143, a plurality of exhaust devices 150, and a plurality of bus bars 160. The battery pack 100 is a final form of a battery system mounted on a vehicle or the like.

[0039] The housing 110 may provide a space for installing a plurality of first battery devices 120 and a plurality of second battery devices 130. The housing 110 may include a bottom plate 110B and a plurality of side walls 110W.

[0040] Two directions substantially parallel to the bottom plate 110B of the housing 110 are defined as an X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction, and a direction substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate 110B of the housing 110 is defined as a Z-axis direction. The X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction may be substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0041] The plurality of first battery devices 120 and the plurality of second battery devices 130 may be disposed on the bottom plate 110B. The bottom plate 110B may support the plurality of first battery devices 120 and the plurality of second battery devices 130.

[0042] The plurality of side walls 110W may horizontally surround the plurality of first battery devices 120 and the plurality of second battery devices 130. The plurality of side walls 110W may protect the plurality of first battery devices 120 and the plurality of second battery devices 130.

[0043] Each of the plurality of first battery devices 120 and the plurality of second battery devices 130 may be a module-less type battery device. Each of the plurality of first battery devices 120 and the plurality of second battery devices 130 may not include a module frame.

[0044] Each of the plurality of first battery devices 120 may include a plurality of first battery cells 121 and a first bus bar plate 125 . Each of the plurality of second battery devices 130 may include a plurality of second battery cells 131 and a second bus bar plate 135 .

[0045] A plurality of first battery cells 121 and a plurality of second battery cells 131 are basic units of lithium-ion batteries (i.e., secondary batteries). Each of the plurality of first battery cells 121 and the plurality of second battery cells 131 includes: an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a housing. Each of the plurality of first battery cells 121 and the plurality of second battery cells 131 is classified into a lithium-ion battery, a lithium-ion polymer battery, a lithium polymer battery, etc. according to the configuration of the electrode assembly and the electrolyte. The market share of lithium-ion polymer batteries in the field of secondary batteries is increasing due to the low possibility of electrolyte leakage and easy manufacturing.

[0046] Each of the plurality of first battery cells 121 and the plurality of second battery cells 131 may be one of a cylindrical battery cell, a square battery cell, and a soft-pack type battery cell. The electrode assembly of the cylindrical battery cell is built into a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of the square battery cell is built into a square metal can. The electrode assembly of the soft-pack type battery cell is built into a soft-pack case including an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0047] The electrode assembly included in the battery case includes: a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator inserted between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. According to the form of assembly, the electrode assembly can be classified as a jelly-roll type electrode assembly or a stacked type electrode assembly. The jelly-roll type electrode assembly is manufactured by winding the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator inserted between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The stacked type electrode assembly includes a plurality of positive electrodes, a plurality of negative electrodes, and a plurality of separators inserted between the positive electrode and the negative electrode stacked in sequence.

[0048] The positive electrode may each include a positive electrode collector and a positive electrode active material. The negative electrode may each include a negative electrode collector and a negative electrode active material. The thickness of the positive electrode collector may be in the range of about 3 μm to about 500 μm. The positive electrode collector does not cause chemical changes in the secondary battery finally manufactured and may have high conductivity. For example, the positive electrode collector may include: stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, baked carbon, and aluminum. The positive electrode collector may include stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc. The surface of the positive electrode collector may include a fine concave-convex structure to increase the adhesion of the active material. The positive electrode collector may be in the form of a film, a sheet, a foil, a mesh, a porous body, a foam, a non-woven fabric, etc.

[0049] The thickness of the negative electrode current collector can range from about 3 μm to about 500 μm. The negative electrode current collector does not cause chemical changes in the finally manufactured secondary battery and can have high electrical conductivity. The negative electrode current collector can include: stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, carbon, and aluminum-cadmium alloy. The negative electrode current collector can include stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc. The surface of the negative electrode current collector can include a fine concavo-convex structure to increase the adhesion of the active material. The negative electrode current collector can be in the form of a film, sheet, foil, mesh, porous body, foam, non-woven fabric, etc.

[0050] For example, the negative electrode active material can contain carbon such as non-graphitized carbon or graphite-like carbon. For example, the negative electrode active material can contain, for example, Li x Fe2O3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1), Li x WO2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) or Sn x Me 1-x Me' y O z (Here, Me is one of Mn, Fe, Pb, and Ge, Me' is one of Al, B, P, Si, Group I elements, Group II elements, Group III elements, and halogens in the periodic table, 0 < x ≤ 1, 1 ≤ y ≤ 3, and 1 ≤ z ≤ 8) metal composite oxides. For example, the negative electrode active material can include: metallic lithium, lithium alloy, silicon-based alloy, and tin-based alloy. For example, the negative electrode active material can contain metal oxides such as SnO, SnO2, PbO, PbO2, Pb2O3, Pb3O4, Sb2O3, Sb2O4, Sb2O5, GeO, GeO2, Bi2O3, Bi2O4, or Bi2O5. For example, the negative electrode active material can contain conductive polymers such as polyacetylene, Li-Co-Ni-based materials, etc.

[0051] According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of first battery cells 121 can include a first positive electrode active material. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of second battery cells 131 can include a second positive electrode active material. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first positive electrode active material can be different from the second positive electrode active material. Here, the first positive electrode active material and the second positive electrode active material are materials that cause an electrochemical reaction. The first positive electrode active material and the second positive electrode active material can be lithium transition metal oxides.

[0052] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first positive electrode active material can include a layered structure. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first positive electrode active material can include nickel and manganese. According to an exemplary embodiment, for example, the first positive electrode active material can include: layered compounds substituted with one or more transition metals, such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) or lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO2); lithium manganese oxide substituted with one or more transition metals; represented by the chemical formula LiNi1-y M y Lithium nickel oxide represented by O2 (wherein M is one of Co, Mn, Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, B, Cr, Zn and Ga, 0.01≤y≤0.7); or Li 1+ z Ni b Mn c Co 1-(b+c+d) M d O (2-e) A e Lithium nickel cobalt manganese composite oxide, such as Li 1+z Ni 1 / 3 Co 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 O2 or Li 1+ z Ni 0.4 Mn 0.4 Co 0.2 O2 (here, -0.5≤z≤0.5, 0.1≤b≤0.8, 0.1≤c≤0.8, 0≤d≤0.2, 0≤e≤0.2, b+c+d<1, M is one of Al, Mg, Cr, Ti, Si and Y, and A is one of F, P and Cl).

[0053] According to an exemplary embodiment, the second positive electrode active material may include an olivine structure. According to an exemplary embodiment, the second positive electrode active material may include iron and phosphorus. According to an exemplary embodiment, the second positive electrode active material may include a chemical formula of Li 1+x M 1-y M' y PO 4-z X z (herein, M is a transition metal, in particular, Fe, Mn, Co or Ni, M' is Al, Mg or Ti, X is F, S or N, -0.5≤x≤+0.5, 0≤y≤0.5 and 0≤z≤0.1) represented by an olivine-based lithium metal phosphate.

[0054] According to an exemplary embodiment, the energy density of each of the plurality of first battery cells 121 may be higher than the energy density of each of the plurality of second battery cells 131. According to an exemplary embodiment, the safety and stability of each of the plurality of second battery cells 131 may be higher than the safety and stability of each of the plurality of first battery cells 121. According to an exemplary embodiment, the lifespan of each of the plurality of first battery cells 121 may be shorter than the lifespan of each of the plurality of second battery cells 131.

[0055] The second positive electrode active material having an olivine structure has a lattice structure in which crystalline hexahedrons are organically connected to each other, and thus is better than the first positive electrode active material in terms of life span and fire stability. At the same time, the first positive electrode active material has a higher energy density than the second positive electrode active material, and in particular, has excellent low temperature performance compared to the second positive electrode active material.

[0056] Each of the plurality of first battery cells 121 may include a first positive electrode tab and a first negative electrode tab. Each of the plurality of first battery cells 121 may further include a first positive electrode lead and a first negative electrode lead connected to the outside. Each of the plurality of first battery cells 121 may be connected to the first positive electrode lead of the next first battery cell 121. The first negative electrode lead of each of the plurality of first battery cells 121 may be welded to the first positive electrode lead of the next first battery cell 121. Therefore, the plurality of first battery cells 121 may be connected in series, and each of the plurality of first battery devices 120 may be configured to output a high voltage.

[0057] Each of the plurality of second battery cells 131 may include a second positive electrode tab and a second negative electrode tab. Each of the plurality of second battery cells 131 may further include a second positive electrode lead and a second negative electrode lead connected to the outside. The second negative electrode lead of each of the plurality of second battery cells 131 may be connected to the second positive electrode lead of the next second battery cell 131. The second negative electrode lead of each of the plurality of second battery cells 131 may be welded to the second positive electrode lead of the next second battery cell 131. Therefore, the plurality of second battery cells 131 may be connected in series, and each of the plurality of second battery devices 130 may be configured to output a high voltage.

[0058] The first busbar plate 125 may include a first positive terminal and a first negative terminal. The first positive terminal and the first negative terminal may have a rod shape similar to a busbar (or a rod shape including a bent portion), but are not limited thereto. The first positive terminal may be connected to the first positive lead of the first one of the plurality of first battery cells 121 connected in series, and the first negative terminal may be connected to the first negative lead of the last one of the plurality of first battery cells 121 connected in series.

[0059] Each of the plurality of first battery devices 120 may include one first bus bar plate 125. The plurality of first battery cells 121 of each of the plurality of first battery devices 120 may be connected to the first bus bar plate 125 and may work together.

[0060] The second busbar plate 135 may include a second positive terminal and a second negative terminal. The second positive terminal and the second negative terminal may have a rod shape similar to a busbar, but are not limited thereto. The second positive terminal may be connected to the second positive lead of the foremost of the plurality of second battery cells 131 connected in series, and the second negative terminal may be connected to the second negative lead of the last of the plurality of second battery cells 131 connected in series.

[0061] Each of the plurality of second battery devices 130 may include one second bus bar plate 135. The plurality of second battery cells 131 of each of the plurality of second battery devices 130 may be connected to the second bus bar plate 135 and may work together.

[0062] According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of first battery devices 120 may further include a plurality of heat insulation plates 122. The plurality of heat insulation plates 122 may be interposed between the plurality of first battery cells 121. Therefore, a portion of the plurality of first battery devices 120 may contact the plurality of heat insulation plates 122.

[0063] According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of heat insulation plates 122 may divide the plurality of first battery cells 121 into two or more groups, and thus may delay or prevent thermal runaway occurring in one group from propagating to another group.

[0064] <Example of thermal barrier>

[0065] According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of thermal insulation boards 122 may be a thermal barrier. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of thermal insulation boards 122 may have a high melting temperature. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of thermal insulation boards 122 may have a low thermal conductivity.

[0066] According to an exemplary embodiment, the melting temperature of each of the plurality of heat insulation boards 122 may be about 300° C. or more. According to an exemplary embodiment, the melting temperature of each of the plurality of heat insulation boards 122 may be about 600° C. or more. According to an exemplary embodiment, the melting temperature of each of the plurality of heat insulation boards 122 may be about 1000° C. or more. According to an exemplary embodiment, the melting temperature of each of the plurality of heat insulation boards 122 may be about 1500° C. or more.

[0067] According to an exemplary embodiment, the thermal conductivity of each of the plurality of thermal insulation boards 122 may be about 20 W / mK or less. According to an exemplary embodiment, the thermal conductivity of each of the plurality of thermal insulation boards 122 may be about 1 W / mK or less. According to an exemplary embodiment, the thermal conductivity of each of the plurality of thermal insulation boards 122 may be about 0.3 W / mK or less. The thermal conductivity of each of the plurality of thermal insulation boards 122 may be measured at room temperature (about 25° C.).

[0068] According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of thermal insulation boards 122 may include a ceramic material such as aluminum oxide (alumina), magnesium oxide (magnesium oxide), silicon dioxide (silica), silicon nitride, silicon carbide (corundum), and aluminum silicate. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of thermal insulation boards 122 may include one of calcium silicate, calcium magnesium silicate, and aramid. According to an exemplary embodiment, for example, each of the plurality of thermal insulation boards 122 may include glass fiber coated with one of silicon, acrylic, vermiculite, graphite, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0069] According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of heat shields 122 may include an expandable material. Here, the expandable material is a material that increases in volume when exposed to heat. The volume expansion of the expandable material may cause the object to be protected (e.g., the first battery cell 121) to be isolated from the fire source (e.g., the first battery cell 121 where a thermal runaway event occurs). Fire extinguishing by an expandable material is generally referred to as manual fire extinguishing, and typical examples of expandable materials are silicone and acrylic.

[0070] <Example of Cooling Member>

[0071] According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of thermal insulation plates 122 may include a fluid circulation system (e.g., a cooling plate) to dissipate or absorb heat from the plurality of first battery cells 121 and physically and thermally isolate the groups of first battery cells 121. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of thermal insulation plates 122 may include a channel through which a fluid (i.e., a refrigerant) such as water or a glycol-water mixture flows.

[0072] <Example of fire extinguishing component>

[0073] According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of heat insulation plates 122 may be configured to spray a flame retardant material or a fire extinguishing agent when a thermal runaway event occurs in an adjacent first battery cell 121 among the plurality of first battery cells 121 .

[0074] Here, the fire extinguishing agent is a substance that extinguishes fire and preferably suppresses combustion and / or prevents the occurrence of flames. Fire extinguishing is the action of preventing flames, and should be understood as the action of suppressing or weakening the continuity of flames that have occurred or the occurrence of new flames. The fire extinguishing agent is a substance that isolates the chemical reactants required for the flame to continue from the fire source or suppresses the chemical reaction required for the ignition or flame to continue. Preferably, the fire extinguishing agent can include a fire extinguishing additive and a solvent (or carrier material).

[0075] For example, the fire extinguishing agent may include carbon dioxide, nitrogen and argon. As another example, the fire extinguishing agent may include one of trifluoromethane, trihalomethane, halocarbon, heptafluoropropane, bromotrifluoromethane and bromochlorodifluoromethane.

[0076] Figure 2 It is shown that four first battery cells 121 form one group, and such a group is alternately arranged with a plurality of heat insulation plates 122, but the purpose is only to provide an example and should not be interpreted as limiting the technical concept of the present disclosure in any sense. The plurality of first battery cells 121 can be divided into groups including any number of first battery cells 121, and the number of first battery cells 121 included in each group can be different from each other.

[0077] According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of second battery cells 131 may not include a heat insulation plate. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of second battery cells 131 may be in contact with an adjacent one of the plurality of second battery cells 131. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of second battery cells 131 may be isolated from the plurality of heat insulation plates 122. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of second battery cells 131 may not be in contact with the plurality of heat insulation plates 122.

[0078] Although not clearly shown, metal tapes and thermal interface materials (TIM) may be further interposed between the plurality of first battery cells 121 and the bottom plate 110B, between the plurality of heat insulating plates 122 and the bottom plate 110B, and between the plurality of second battery cells 131 and the bottom plate 110B. A sheet containing an insulating material may be further disposed on upper surfaces of the plurality of first battery cells 121, the plurality of heat insulating plates 122, and the plurality of second battery cells 131.

[0079] According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of first battery devices 120 may further include a first end plate covering the first bus bar plate 125. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of second battery devices 130 may further include a second end plate covering the second bus bar plate 135.

[0080] The plurality of first battery devices 120 and the plurality of second battery devices 130 may be arranged alternately in the X-axis direction. The plurality of second battery devices 130 may be interposed between adjacent first battery devices 120 among the plurality of first battery devices 120. The plurality of first battery devices 120 and the plurality of second battery devices 130 may be arranged alternately in the Y-axis direction. Figure 1, the number of first battery devices 120 and second battery devices 130 arranged in the X-axis direction is three, and the number of first battery devices 120 and second battery devices 130 arranged in the Y-axis direction is two. Therefore, the array of multiple first battery devices 120 and multiple second battery devices 130 can be called a 3*2 array.

[0081] Based on the above description, one of ordinary skill in the art will easily derive the plurality of first battery devices 120 and the plurality of second battery devices 130 arranged in an M*N array (where M and N are each an integer greater than 2).

[0082] According to an exemplary embodiment, in the X-axis direction, a corresponding one of the plurality of second battery devices 130 may be disposed between two adjacent first battery devices 120 of the plurality of first battery devices 120. According to an exemplary embodiment, in the X-axis direction, a corresponding one of the plurality of first battery devices 120 may be disposed between two adjacent second battery devices 130 of the plurality of second battery devices 130. According to an exemplary embodiment, in the Y-axis direction, a corresponding one of the plurality of second battery devices 130 may be disposed between two adjacent first battery devices 120 of the plurality of first battery devices 120. According to an exemplary embodiment, in the Y-axis direction, a corresponding one of the plurality of first battery devices 120 may be disposed between two adjacent second battery devices 130 of the plurality of second battery devices 130.

[0083] According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of first battery devices 120 may face the sidewall 110W and one of the plurality of second battery devices 130. Each of the plurality of first battery devices 120 may not face other first battery devices 120.

[0084] According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of second battery devices 130 may face the sidewall 110W and one of the plurality of first battery devices 120. Each of the plurality of second battery devices 130 may not face other second battery devices 130.

[0085] A plurality of exhaust devices 150 may be combined with one side wall 110W. The side wall 110W combined with the plurality of exhaust devices 150 may include exhaust holes. The exhaust holes may be configured to provide a path for exhausting gas and heat from the inside of the battery pack 100.

[0086] The plurality of exhaust devices 150 may be configured to delay heat propagation by exhausting high temperature gas from the inside of the battery pack 100 to the outside when at least one of the plurality of first battery devices 120 and the plurality of second battery devices 130 is in a thermal runaway state.

[0087] Here, the thermal runaway state of each of the plurality of first battery devices 120 and the plurality of second battery devices 130 is a state in which the temperature change of each of the plurality of first battery devices 120 and the plurality of second battery devices 130 further accelerates the temperature change and is an uncontrollable positive feedback. The plurality of first battery devices 120 and the plurality of second battery devices 130 in the thermal runaway state show a rapid change in their temperature and discharge a large amount of high-pressure gas and burning debris.

[0088] The middle beam 141 and the plurality of cross beams 143 may isolate the elements on the housing 110 from each other. Therefore, the middle beam 141 and the plurality of cross beams 143 may protect the plurality of first battery devices 120 and the plurality of second battery devices 130 and prevent an undesired short circuit from occurring therebetween.

[0089] The middle beam 141 may extend between the pair of side walls 110W facing each other. The middle beam 141 may extend in the X-axis direction. The middle beam 141 may contact one of the pair of side walls 110W facing each other. The middle beam 141 may isolate the plurality of first battery devices 120 from the plurality of second battery devices 130. The middle beam 141 may be interposed between the plurality of first battery devices 120 and the plurality of second battery devices 130.

[0090] According to an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of beams 143 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the middle beam 141 (e.g., the Y-axis direction). According to an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of beams 143 may extend between the middle beam 141 and the side wall 110W. According to an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of beams 143 may contact the middle beam 141 and the side wall 110W. A plurality of beams 143 may isolate a plurality of first battery devices 120 from a plurality of second battery devices 130. A plurality of beams 143 may be interposed between a plurality of first battery devices 120 and a plurality of second battery devices 130.

[0091] Figure 1 The array of the middle beam 141 and the cross beam 143 and the array of the plurality of first battery devices 120 and the plurality of second battery devices 130 shown in the figure are non-limiting examples and thus do not limit the technical concept of the present disclosure in any sense. Based on the above description, a person skilled in the art will easily derive a battery pack including various numbers and arrays of middle beams, cross beams, first battery devices, and second battery devices.

[0092] The battery pack 100 may further include electronic components. The electronic components may be located on the housing 110. The electronic components may be disposed between the side wall 110W on which the exhaust device 150 is mounted, the plurality of first battery devices 120, and the plurality of second battery devices 130. The electronic components may include electronic devices required to drive the battery pack 100.

[0093] For example, the electronic component may include a battery management system (BMS). The BMS may be configured to monitor, balance, and control the battery pack 100. Monitoring of the battery pack 100 may include measuring voltage and current at specific nodes inside the plurality of first battery devices 120 and the plurality of second battery devices 130, and measuring the temperature at a set position inside the battery pack 100. As described above, the battery pack 100 may include measuring instruments for measuring voltage, current, and temperature.

[0094] The balancing of the battery pack 100 is an operation to reduce the deviation between the plurality of first battery devices 120 and the plurality of second battery devices 130. The control of the battery pack 100 includes preventing overcharge, overdischarge and overcurrent. Through monitoring, balancing and control, the battery pack 100 can operate under optimal conditions, thereby preventing the life of each of the plurality of first battery devices 120 and the plurality of second battery devices 130 from being shortened.

[0095] The electronic components may also include: a cooling device, a power relay assembly (PRA), a safety plug, etc. The cooling device may include a cooling fan. The cooling fan may circulate air in the battery pack 100 to prevent overheating of each of the plurality of first battery devices 120 and the plurality of second battery devices 130. The PRA may be configured to supply power to an external load (e.g., a motor) or cut off power supply from the high-voltage battery. When an abnormal voltage such as a voltage surge occurs, the PRA may cut off power supply to an external load (e.g., a motor) to protect the plurality of first battery devices 120, the plurality of second battery devices 130, and the external load (e.g., a motor).

[0096] The plurality of bus bars 160 may be electrically connected to the plurality of first battery devices 120 and the plurality of second battery devices 130. The plurality of bus bars 160 may be connected to the first positive terminal and the first negative terminal of the first bus bar plate 125 and the second positive terminal and the second negative terminal of the second bus bar plate 135.

[0097] The plurality of first battery devices 120 may be connected to two adjacent second battery devices 130 among the plurality of second battery devices 130 through the plurality of bus bars 160. The plurality of second battery devices 130 may be connected to two adjacent first battery devices 120 among the plurality of second battery devices 130 through the plurality of bus bars 160. The plurality of first battery devices 120 and the plurality of second battery devices 130 may be connected in series through the plurality of bus bars 160, and thus the battery pack 100 may apply a high voltage to the outside.

[0098] The battery pack 100 may further include a cover plate coupled to the housing 110. The cover plate may cover elements inside the battery pack 100 such as the first and second battery devices 120 and 130 and electronic components. The cover plate may be fixed to the battery pack 100 by a mechanical coupling means (eg, bolts).

[0099] (Second embodiment)

[0100] Figure 4 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack 100 a according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0101] Reference Figure 4 The battery pack 100 a may include: a housing 110 , a plurality of first battery devices 120 a , a plurality of second battery devices 130 b , a middle beam 141 , a plurality of cross beams 143 , a plurality of exhaust devices 150 , and a plurality of bus bars 160 .

[0102] The housing 110, the middle beam 141, the plurality of cross beams 143, the plurality of exhaust devices 150 and the plurality of bus bars 160 are similar to the reference Figures 1 to 3 The above-mentioned components are substantially the same, and therefore, repeated descriptions thereof are omitted here.

[0103] The plurality of first battery devices 120a may include: a plurality of first battery cells 121 (see Figure 2 ), heat insulation board 122 (see Figure 2 ) and a first bus bar plate 125a. The plurality of second battery devices 130a may include a plurality of second battery cells 131 (see Figure 3 ) and the first bus bar plate 125a. The plurality of second battery devices 130a may not include a heat insulation plate.

[0104] According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of first battery devices 120 a and the plurality of second battery devices 130 a are substantially the same except for their sizes.

[0105] According to an exemplary embodiment, the horizontal area of ​​each of the plurality of first battery devices 120a may be different from the horizontal area of ​​each of the plurality of second battery devices 130a. According to an exemplary embodiment, the horizontal area of ​​each of the plurality of first battery devices 120a may be smaller than the horizontal area of ​​each of the plurality of second battery devices 130a.

[0106] According to an exemplary embodiment, isolation between the plurality of first battery devices 120a may be ensured by providing a plurality of second battery devices 130a, each of which has a larger horizontal area than each of the plurality of first battery devices 120a. Therefore, safety of the battery pack 100a may be improved.

[0107] (Third Embodiment)

[0108] Figure 5 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack 100 b according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0109] Reference Figure 5 The battery pack 100 b may include: a housing 110 , a plurality of first battery devices 120 b , a plurality of second battery devices 130 b , a middle beam 141 , a plurality of cross beams 143 , a plurality of exhaust devices 150 , and a plurality of bus bars 160 .

[0110] The housing 110, the middle beam 141, the plurality of cross beams 143, the plurality of exhaust devices 150 and the plurality of bus bars 160 are similar to the reference Figures 1 to 3 The above-mentioned components are substantially the same, so their repeated description is omitted here.

[0111] The plurality of first battery devices 120b may include: a plurality of first battery cells 121 (see Figure 2 ), heat insulation board 122 (see Figure 2 ) and a first bus bar plate 125b. The plurality of second battery devices 130b may include a plurality of second battery cells 131 (see Figure 3 ) and the first bus bar plate 125b. The plurality of second battery devices 130b may not include a heat insulation plate.

[0112] According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of first battery devices 120 b and the plurality of second battery devices 130 b are substantially the same except for their sizes.

[0113] According to an exemplary embodiment, the horizontal area of ​​each of the plurality of first battery devices 120b may be different from the horizontal area of ​​each of the plurality of second battery devices 130b. According to an exemplary embodiment, the horizontal area of ​​each of the plurality of first battery devices 120b may be larger than the horizontal area of ​​each of the plurality of second battery devices 130b.

[0114] According to an exemplary embodiment, the stability of the battery pack 100b can be increased by disposing a plurality of second battery devices 130b between a plurality of first battery devices 120b, and the energy density of the battery pack 100b can be increased by providing a plurality of first battery devices 120b, each of which has a larger horizontal area than that of each of the plurality of second battery devices 130b.

[0115] The present disclosure has been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments, etc. However, the configurations shown in the drawings or embodiments described in the present disclosure are only embodiments of the present disclosure and do not reflect all technical concepts of the present disclosure, and therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications have been made to replace the configurations on the filing date of the present application.

Claims

1. A battery pack comprising: a plurality of first battery devices mounted on the housing and spaced apart from each other; as well as a plurality of second battery devices, the plurality of second battery devices being mounted on the housing and interposed between the plurality of first battery devices, wherein each of the plurality of first battery devices comprises a plurality of first battery cells, the plurality of first battery cells comprising a first positive electrode active material, and Each of the plurality of second battery devices includes a plurality of second battery cells including a second positive active material different from the first positive active material.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The first positive electrode active material includes nickel and manganese.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The second positive electrode active material includes iron and phosphorus.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein: An area of ​​each of the plurality of first battery devices is different from an area of ​​each of the second battery devices.

5. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein: An area of ​​each of the plurality of first battery devices is smaller than an area of ​​each of the second battery devices.

6. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein: An area of ​​each of the plurality of first battery devices is larger than an area of ​​each of the second battery devices.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of first battery devices includes a first bus bar plate including a first positive terminal and a first negative terminal connected to each of the plurality of first battery cells, and Each of the plurality of second battery devices includes a second bus bar plate including a second positive terminal and a second negative terminal connected to each of the plurality of second battery cells.

8. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of first battery devices includes a heat insulation plate interposed between the plurality of first battery cells.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein: The insulation board includes one of a ceramic material, coated fiberglass, calcium silicate, aramid, and an expandable material.

10. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein: The thermal insulation board includes a channel for circulating a refrigerant.

11. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein: The heat shield is configured to spray one of a flame retardant material and a fire extinguishing agent when a portion of the plurality of first battery cells is in a thermal runaway state.

12. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein: Each of the plurality of second battery devices includes a pressure pad interposed between the plurality of second battery cells.

13. The battery pack according to claim 12, wherein: The pressure pad has a higher thermal conductivity than the thermal insulation plate, and The melting temperature of the pressure pad is lower than the melting temperature of the thermal insulation board.

14. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of second battery cells of each of the plurality of second battery devices is in contact with an adjacent one of the plurality of second battery cells.

15. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of first battery devices are spaced apart from each other, and an adjacent one of the plurality of second battery devices is interposed between the plurality of first battery devices.

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