Battery pack and vehicle including the same

Abstract

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack includes: a pack case including a substrate; comprising a plurality of battery cells, and the battery cell assembly is located on the substrate; and a lower temperature control layer between the substrate and the battery cell assembly, where the lower temperature control layer may include a phase change material.

Description

Battery pack and vehicle including the battery pack Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0093389, filed on July 16, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. They are widely used as power sources for various wireless devices, such as mobile phones, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, due to increased energy density and economies of scale, the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has significantly decreased, and as the cruising range of BEVs (battery electric vehicles) has increased to levels comparable to fuel-powered vehicles, the primary application of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility tools.

[0004] The technological development trend of secondary batteries used in transportation vehicles is to improve energy density and safety. The safety of secondary batteries used in transportation vehicles is paramount because it is directly related to passenger lives. The safety of secondary batteries can be achieved through mechanical robustness, reliable electrical insulation, and delay of heat transfer in the event of thermal runaway. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by this disclosure is to provide a battery pack with improved safety.

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by this disclosure is to provide a battery pack with improved performance and reliability.

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by this disclosure is to provide a vehicle with improved safety.

[0009] The technical problem to be solved by this disclosure is to provide a vehicle with improved performance and reliability.

[0010] Technical solution

[0011] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack includes: a battery pack housing including a substrate; a battery cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells, the battery cell assembly being located on the substrate; and a lower temperature regulating layer located between the substrate and the battery cell assembly, wherein the lower temperature regulating layer may include a phase change material.

[0012] The lower temperature regulation layer can be of the negative feedback type.

[0013] When the temperature of the battery cell assembly exceeds the reference temperature, the lower temperature regulating layer can absorb heat.

[0014] When the temperature of the battery cell assembly is lower than the reference temperature, the lower temperature regulating layer can release heat.

[0015] The lower temperature regulating layer can contact the battery cell assembly.

[0016] The battery pack housing may also include sidewalls located on the substrate, and the lower temperature regulating layer may be disposed between the sidewalls.

[0017] The battery pack housing may further include a battery pack cover connected to the substrate, and the battery pack cover may be spaced apart from the lower temperature regulation layer, wherein the battery cell assembly is located between the battery pack cover and the lower temperature regulation layer.

[0018] The battery pack may further include an upper temperature regulating layer spaced apart from the lower temperature regulating layer, wherein the battery cell assembly is located between the upper temperature regulating layer and the lower temperature regulating layer.

[0019] The lower temperature regulating layer may be a pad disposed below the battery cell assembly, and the pad may include a pad shell and the phase change material encapsulated by the pad shell.

[0020] The pad housing may include one selected from silicone, polyurethane, polypropylene, metal, and stainless steel.

[0021] The lower temperature regulating layer may include a polymer film that seals the phase change material.

[0022] Beneficial effects

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the battery pack may include a temperature regulation layer comprising a phase change material, thereby managing the temperature within the battery pack by absorbing or releasing heat through phase change.

[0024] According to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, a battery pack with improved safety can be provided.

[0025] According to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, battery packs with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a vehicle may include a battery pack that includes a temperature regulating layer comprising a phase change material, thereby managing the temperature within the battery pack by absorbing or releasing heat through a phase change.

[0027] According to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, a vehicle with improved safety can be provided.

[0028] According to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, vehicles with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0029] The technical effects that can be obtained in the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those described above. Other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. In other words, those skilled in the art can also derive unexpected effects from the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 is a view illustrating a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 2 is a view illustrating a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery cells of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 4 is a view illustrating heat transfer in a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 5 is a view illustrating heat transfer in a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 6 is a view illustrating a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the construction of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the construction of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the construction of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 10 is a view showing a vehicle including a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical spirit of this disclosure, based on the inventors' ability to appropriately define the concepts of the terms in order to best describe the principles of their own invention.

[0041] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the structures shown in the accompanying drawings are merely one of the most preferred embodiments of this disclosure and do not represent all the technical concepts of this disclosure. Therefore, various equivalents and modifications may exist to replace these embodiments when submitting this application.

[0042] Furthermore, in describing this disclosure, detailed descriptions of relevant known configurations or functions will be omitted when it is determined that such detailed descriptions may obscure the essential points of this disclosure.

[0043] Embodiments of this disclosure are provided to describe the disclosure more completely to those skilled in the art. Therefore, for clarity of explanation, the shapes and dimensions of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or shown schematically. Consequently, the dimensions or ratios of each component do not perfectly reflect the actual dimensions or ratios.

[0044] (First Implementation)

[0045] FIG1 is a view illustrating a battery pack 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG1 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 2 is a view illustrating a battery pack 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 2 is a plan view taken along line X-X' of Figure 1.

[0047] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the battery pack 100 may include a battery pack housing 110, a plurality of battery cell assemblies 120, and a lower temperature regulation layer 130. The battery pack 100 may be an end product installed in applications such as vehicles.

[0048] The battery pack housing 110 provides space for mounting the battery cell assembly 120. The battery pack housing 110 may include a base plate 111, side walls 112, 113, 114, 115, a central beam 116, and a crossbeam 117.

[0049] Here, the first direction (X direction) and the second direction (Y direction) can be substantially parallel to the mounting surface of the substrate 111 (i.e., the surface facing the battery cell assembly 120), and the third direction (Z direction) can be substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface of the substrate 111.

[0050] Each of the substrate 111 and sidewalls 112 and 113 can be provided by an extrusion process. The extrusion direction of each of the substrate 111 and sidewalls 112 and 113 can be a first direction (X direction). Sidewalls 114 and 115 can also be provided by an extrusion process. Sidewalls 112, 113, 114, and 115 can be substantially perpendicular to the substrate 111.

[0051] According to an exemplary embodiment, the substrate 111 and sidewalls 112, 113 can be joined by friction stir welding. The substrate 111 may include multiple unit plates joined by friction stir welding.

[0052] The center beam 116 may extend in a first direction (X direction). The center beam 116 may be located between the sidewalls 112 and 113. The center beam 116 may be included in a center plate, which is one of a plurality of unit plates that are friction-stir welded to each other. Therefore, the center beam 116 may be formed together with the center plate, and the center beam 116 may be a continuous element integral with the center plate.

[0053] The crossbeam 117 can extend in a second direction (Y direction). The crossbeam 117 can be located between the side walls 114 and 115.

[0054] The substrate 111 may include a plurality of cooling channels. The plurality of cooling channels can provide pathways for the movement of a refrigerant (e.g., water). The plurality of cooling channels can be formed by an extrusion process. The plurality of cooling channels may extend in a first direction (X direction). The plurality of cooling channels may be spaced apart in a second direction (Y direction).

[0055] Multiple battery cell assemblies 120 can be disposed on a base plate 111 of the battery pack housing 110. The base plate 111 can support the multiple battery cell assemblies 120. Side walls 112, 113, 114, and 115 can horizontally surround the multiple battery cell assemblies 120. The side walls 112, 113, 114, and 115 can protect the multiple battery cell assemblies 120. The multiple battery cell assemblies 120 can be disposed in a space defined by a crossbeam 117 on the base plate 111.

[0056] The battery cell assembly 120 may further include a plurality of battery cells 121 disposed along a first direction (X direction) and a pad 122 disposed between the plurality of battery cells 121. The pad 122 may be disposed between the plurality of battery cells 121 in the first direction (X direction) and may overlap with the plurality of battery cells 121 in the first direction (X direction). For example, the pad 122 may be parallel to the plurality of battery cells 121.

[0057] The pad 122 can absorb the expansion of multiple battery cells 121. The pad 122 may include an elastic material. The pad 122 may include polyurethane (PU). The pad 122 may also include a refractory material.

[0058] A lower temperature regulating layer 130 can be disposed between the substrate 111 and the battery cell assembly 120. The lower temperature regulating layer 130 can be disposed on the substrate 111 and can be disposed below each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies 120. The lower temperature regulating layer 130 can be disposed between the substrate 111 and each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies 120. The lower temperature regulating layer 130 can overlap with the battery cell assembly 120 in the third direction (Z direction). The lower temperature regulating layer 130 can be attached to the substrate 111.

[0059] The lower temperature regulating layer 130 can be disposed between side walls 112 and 113. The lower temperature regulating layer 130 can be disposed between side walls 114 and 115. The lower temperature regulating layer 130 can be disposed between crossbeams 117.

[0060] The battery cell assembly 120 may contact the lower temperature regulation layer 130. The battery cell 121 may contact the lower temperature regulation layer 130. The battery cell assembly 120 may be spaced apart from the substrate 111, wherein the lower temperature regulation layer 130 is located between the battery cell assembly 120 and the substrate 111.

[0061] The lower temperature regulation layer 130 may include a phase change material (PCM). A phase change material can refer to a material that undergoes a phase change and simultaneously absorbs or releases heat. For example, a phase change material can undergo a phase change by absorbing heat. For example, a phase change material can undergo a phase change by releasing heat.

[0062] The battery pack 100 may further include a battery pack cover 119 connected to the sidewalls 112, 113, 114, and 115 of the battery pack housing 110. The battery pack cover 119 may cover components installed inside the battery pack 100, such as multiple battery cell assemblies 120 and electrical components. The battery pack cover 119 may be secured to the battery pack housing 110 by a mechanical coupling such as bolts. The battery pack cover 119 may be spaced apart from a lower temperature regulating layer 130, wherein the battery cell assemblies 120 are located between the battery pack cover 119 and the lower temperature regulating layer 130.

[0063] In Figure 2, the arrangement of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120 can be referred to as a 3×2 arrangement. The arrangement of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120 disclosed in Figure 2 is a non-limiting example and does not limit the technical spirit of this disclosure in any way. Those skilled in the art will be able to readily derive multiple battery cell assemblies 120 arranged in an M×N pattern (where M and N are each an integer of 2 or greater) based on the content described herein.

[0064] The battery pack 100 may also include a battery management system (BMS). The BMS can be configured to perform monitoring, balancing, and control of the battery pack 100. Monitoring the battery pack 100 may include measuring the voltage and current at specific nodes within multiple battery cell assemblies 120 and measuring the temperature at designated locations within the battery pack 100. The battery pack 100 may include instruments for measuring the aforementioned voltage, current, and temperature.

[0065] Balancing the battery pack 100 is an operation to reduce deviations between the multiple battery cell assemblies 120. Control of the battery pack 100 includes preventing overcharging, over-discharging, and overcurrent. Through monitoring, balancing, and control, the battery pack 100 can operate under optimal conditions, thereby preventing a shortened lifespan of each of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120.

[0066] The battery pack 100 may also include additional electrical components, such as a cooling device, a power relay assembly (PRA), a safety plug, etc. The cooling device may include a cooling fan. The cooling fan can prevent each of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120 from overheating by circulating air within the battery pack 100. The PRA can be configured to supply or disconnect power from the high-voltage battery to an external load (e.g., a vehicle's motor). In the event of an abnormal voltage such as a voltage surge, the PRA can protect the multiple battery cell assemblies 120 and the external load (e.g., the vehicle's motor) by disconnecting the power supply to the external load (e.g., the vehicle's motor). Additional electrical components may be located between the multiple battery cell assemblies 120 and the sidewall 115. The space between the battery cell assemblies 120 and the sidewall 115 may also be referred to as an electrical component mounting area.

[0067] The battery pack 100 may also include a plurality of intermediary busbars configured to electrically connect a plurality of battery cell assemblies 120. The plurality of battery cell assemblies 120 may be connected in series via the plurality of intermediary busbars. Therefore, the battery pack 100 may be configured to output a high voltage to an external load (e.g., a vehicle motor).

[0068] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery cell 121 of a battery pack 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] Referring to Figure 3, the battery cell 121 may include a housing 121C, an electrode assembly 121EA, a positive terminal 121P, and a negative terminal 121N. The battery cell 121 may also include an electrolyte.

[0070] According to an exemplary embodiment, battery cell 121 may include one of a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, and a pouch battery cell. The electrode assembly of the cylindrical battery cell is embedded in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of the prismatic battery cell is embedded in a prismatic metal can. The electrode assembly of the pouch battery cell is embedded in a pouch shell including an aluminum laminate. Hereinafter, the technical spirit of this disclosure is described based on the example of battery cell 121 including a pouch battery cell; however, those skilled in the art will be able to readily implement examples of battery cell 121 including any of the cylindrical and prismatic battery cells based on the content described herein.

[0071] Electrode assembly 121EA may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator between the positive and negative electrodes. Electrode assembly 121EA may be either a wound type or a laminated type. Wound type electrode assembly 121EA may include a wound structure of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator between the positive and negative electrodes. Laminated type electrode assembly 121EA may include multiple positive electrodes, multiple negative electrodes, and multiple separators between the positive and negative electrodes in sequence.

[0072] In the stacked electrode assembly 121EA, multiple positive electrodes and multiple negative electrodes can be arranged along a first direction (X direction). In the stacked electrode assembly 121EA, multiple positive electrodes and multiple negative electrodes can be stacked along the first direction (X direction).

[0073] Each of the plurality of positive electrodes of electrode assembly 121EA may include a positive electrode tab (not shown). The positive electrode tab (not shown) of each of the plurality of positive electrodes of electrode assembly 121EA may be shorted to the positive terminal 121P. The positive electrode tab (not shown) of each of the plurality of positive electrodes of electrode assembly 121EA may be soldered to the positive terminal 121P.

[0074] Each of the plurality of negative electrodes of electrode assembly 121EA may include a negative electrode tab 121NT. The negative electrode tab 121NT of each of the plurality of negative electrodes of electrode assembly 121EA may be shorted to a negative terminal 121N. The negative electrode tab 121NT of each of the plurality of negative electrodes of electrode assembly 121EA may be soldered to a negative terminal 121N.

[0075] The housing 121C may include an inner resin layer, a metal layer, and an outer resin layer. An adhesive and an anti-corrosion layer may also be provided between the inner resin layer and the metal layer, and between the outer resin layer and the metal layer.

[0076] The inner resin layer may be thermally adhesive and may be referred to as a sealant layer. The inner resin layer enables the sealing of the housing 121C. The inner resin layer may include, for example, polyolefin-based resins such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). The metal layer may include one of the following: alloys of iron, carbon, chromium, and manganese; alloys of iron, chromium, and nickel; and aluminum. The metal layer may serve as a gas barrier. The metal layer can prevent gases from entering and exiting through the housing 121C. The outer resin layer may serve as a surface protective layer. The outer resin layer may include materials with abrasion resistance and heat resistance, such as nylon resin.

[0077] The housing 121C can be provided by joining a first housing 121C1 and a second housing 121C2. In this example, the first housing 121C1 may be substantially flat. The first housing 121C1 may not include a receiving portion. The second housing 121C2 may include a receiving portion 121R. The receiving portion 121R may be formed by a bag forming process. The receiving portion 121R is a bowl-shaped portion of the second housing 121C2 formed to receive the electrode assembly 121EA.

[0078] The platform 121T of the second housing 121C2 can surround the receiving portion 121R. The platform 121T of the second housing 121C2 can be engaged with the edge of the first housing 121C1, and thus, housing 121C can be provided. The sealing portion 121CS can be provided by connecting the first housing 121C1 and the second housing 121C2. That is, the sealing portion 121CS can be the joint of the first housing 121C1 and the second housing 121C2.

[0079] Insulating strips 121I can be applied to the positive terminal 121P and the negative terminal 121N. The positive terminal 121P and the negative terminal 121N can protrude outwards from the outer casing 121C. The positive terminal 121P and the negative terminal 121N can also protrude from the casing 121C in a second direction (Y direction). Therefore, the voltage and current obtained from the battery cell 121 can be output through the positive terminal 121P and the negative terminal 121N. The positive terminal 121P can be a positive lead. The negative terminal 121N can be a negative lead.

[0080] The positive terminal 121P and the negative terminal 121N may be spaced apart in a second direction (Y direction). The second direction (Y direction) may be substantially parallel to each of the plurality of positive terminals and each of the plurality of negative terminals of the electrode assembly 121EA.

[0081] Figure 4 is a view illustrating heat transfer in a battery pack 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 4 is a view illustrating heat transfer between the battery cell assembly 120 and the lower temperature regulation layer 130.

[0082] Figure 5 is a view illustrating heat transfer in a battery pack 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 5 is a view illustrating heat transfer between the battery cell assembly 120 and the lower temperature regulation layer 130.

[0083] The lower temperature regulation layer 130 can be of a negative feedback type. Specifically, when the temperature inside the battery pack 100 rises, the lower temperature regulation layer 130 can function to lower the temperature inside the battery pack 100. Conversely, when the temperature inside the battery pack 100 falls, the lower temperature regulation layer 130 can function to increase the temperature inside the battery pack 100. For example, heat can be transferred between the battery cell assembly 120 and the lower temperature regulation layer 130 within the battery pack 100.

[0084] Referring to Figure 4, when the battery cell assembly 120 releases heat, the lower temperature regulation layer 130 can absorb the heat. For example, when the battery cell assembly 120 releases heat, the heat can be transferred to the adjacent lower temperature regulation layer 130. As described above, the lower temperature regulation layer 130 may include a phase change material, and the phase change material can undergo a phase change while absorbing heat. For example, it can change from a solid to a liquid or gas, or from a liquid to a gas. Therefore, the temperature inside the battery pack 100 can be reduced.

[0085] For example, when the temperature in the battery pack 100 exceeds a reference temperature, the lower temperature regulating layer 130 can absorb heat. For instance, the lower temperature regulating layer 130 can absorb heat generated from the battery cell 121 to lower the temperature in the battery pack 100. The reference temperature can be a preset value for the stability of the battery pack 100. Alternatively, the reference temperature can refer to the initial temperature in the battery pack 100 rather than a specific value.

[0086] Specifically, when a thermal runaway event occurs in battery cell 121, heat can be transferred to adjacent battery cells 121, and the lower temperature regulation layer 130 can absorb heat to delay heat transfer.

[0087] Referring to Figure 5, the lower temperature regulation layer 130 can release heat and transfer it to the battery cell assembly 120. As described above, the lower temperature regulation layer 130 may include a phase change material, and the phase change material can undergo a phase change while releasing heat. For example, it can change from a gas to a liquid or solid, or from a liquid to a solid. Therefore, the temperature within the battery pack 100 can be increased.

[0088] For example, when the temperature in the battery pack 100 is lower than a reference temperature, the lower temperature regulation layer 130 can release heat. For example, the lower temperature regulation layer 130 can release heat to increase the temperature in the battery pack 100.

[0089] The battery pack 100 described with reference to Figures 1 to 5 may include a lower temperature regulation layer 130 disposed below the battery cell assembly 120 and including a phase change material. Therefore, heat can be absorbed or released through phase change to manage the temperature in the battery pack 100.

[0090] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a battery pack 100 with improved safety can be provided.

[0091] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a battery pack 100 with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0092] (Second Implementation)

[0093] Figure 6 is a view illustrating a battery pack 101 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack 101 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, the differences from the battery pack 100 described with reference to Figures 1 to 5 will be described primarily.

[0094] Referring to Figure 6, the battery pack 101 may include a battery pack housing 110, multiple battery cell assemblies 120, a lower temperature regulation layer 130, and an upper temperature regulation layer 140.

[0095] Multiple battery cell assemblies 120 can be disposed on the substrate 111 of the battery pack housing 110.

[0096] A lower temperature regulating layer 130 can be disposed between the substrate 111 and the battery cell assembly 120. The lower temperature regulating layer 130 can be disposed on the substrate 111 and can be disposed below each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies 120. The lower temperature regulating layer 130 can be disposed between the substrate 111 and each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies 120. The lower temperature regulating layer 130 can overlap with the battery cell assembly 120 in the third direction (Z direction).

[0097] The battery cell assembly 120 may contact the lower temperature regulation layer 130. The battery cell 121 may contact the lower temperature regulation layer 130. The battery cell assembly 120 may be spaced apart from the substrate 111, wherein the lower temperature regulation layer 130 is located between the battery cell assembly 120 and the substrate 111.

[0098] The upper temperature regulating layer 140 can be disposed between the battery pack cover 119 and the battery cell assembly 120. The upper temperature regulating layer 140 can be disposed on the battery cell assembly 120. The upper temperature regulating layer 140 can be in contact with the battery cell assembly 120.

[0099] The upper temperature regulating layer 140 can be disposed between the battery pack cover 119 and each of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120. The upper temperature regulating layer 140 can overlap with the battery cell assembly 120 in the third direction (Z direction). The upper temperature regulating layer 140 can be disposed between side walls 112 and 113. The upper temperature regulating layer 140 can be disposed between side walls 114 and 115. The upper temperature regulating layer 140 can be disposed between crossbeams 117.

[0100] The upper temperature regulating layer 140 may be spaced apart from the lower temperature regulating layer 130, wherein the battery cell assembly 120 is located between the upper temperature regulating layer 140 and the lower temperature regulating layer 130. The upper temperature regulating layer 140 may be spaced apart from the substrate 111, wherein the battery cell assembly 120 and the lower temperature regulating layer 130 are located between the upper temperature regulating layer 140 and the substrate 111.

[0101] The upper temperature regulating layer 140 may include a phase change material.

[0102] Similar to the descriptions in Figures 4 and 5, the upper temperature regulation layer 140 can be of a negative feedback type. Specifically, when the temperature inside the battery pack 100 rises, the upper temperature regulation layer 140 can function to lower the temperature inside the battery pack 100. Conversely, when the temperature inside the battery pack 100 falls, the upper temperature regulation layer 140 can function to increase the temperature inside the battery pack 100. For example, heat can be transferred between the battery cell assembly 120 and the upper temperature regulation layer 140 within the battery pack 100.

[0103] The battery pack 101 described with reference to FIG6 may include a lower temperature regulation layer 130 and an upper temperature regulation layer 140, which are respectively disposed below and above the battery cell assembly 120, and include a phase change material. Therefore, the temperature in the battery pack 101 can be managed by absorbing or releasing heat through phase change.

[0104] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a battery pack 101 with improved safety can be provided.

[0105] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a battery pack 101 with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0106] (Third Implementation)

[0107] FIG7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the construction of a battery pack 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to region A of FIG1, showing the lower temperature regulation layer 131 of the battery pack 100.

[0108] Referring to Figures 1 and 7, the battery pack 100 may include a lower temperature regulation layer 131 disposed below the battery cell assembly 120.

[0109] In some embodiments, the lower temperature regulating layer 131 may be a pad disposed below the battery cell assembly 120. The lower temperature regulating layer 131 may include a pad housing 131C and a phase change material 131I. The phase change material 131I may be encapsulated by the pad housing 131C. The phase change material 131I may be surrounded by the pad housing 131C and will not leak to the outside of the pad housing 131C. In particular, even when the phase change material 131I undergoes a phase change by absorbing or releasing heat, it will not leak to the outside of the pad housing 131C.

[0110] For example, the pad housing 131C may include one selected from silicone, polyurethane, polypropylene, metal and stainless steel.

[0111] (Fourth Implementation)

[0112] Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the construction of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to region A of Figure 1, showing the lower temperature regulation layer 132 of the battery pack 100.

[0113] Referring to Figures 1 and 8, the battery pack 100 may include a lower temperature regulation layer 132 disposed below the battery cell assembly 120.

[0114] In some embodiments, the lower temperature regulating layer 132 may comprise a stack of multiple polymer films. Specifically, the lower temperature regulating layer 132 may comprise a plurality of alternatingly stacked first films 132F1 and second films 132F2. The first films 132F1 may be polymer films and may be formed by alternating stacking with second films 132F2 containing a phase change material. The first films 132F1 may not contain a phase change material. In other embodiments, the first films 132F1 may contain a phase change material. The second films 132F2 may be hermetically sealed to prevent leakage of the phase change material.

[0115] (Fifth Implementation)

[0116] Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the construction of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to region A of Figure 1, showing the lower temperature regulation layer 133 of the battery pack 100.

[0117] Referring to Figures 1 and 9, the battery pack 100 may include a lower temperature regulation layer 133 disposed below the battery cell assembly 120.

[0118] In some embodiments, the lower temperature regulating layer 133 may include an outer layer 133OF and an inner layer 133IF in the form of a polymer film. Specifically, the inner layer 133IF may be formed to contain a phase change material. For example, the inner layer 133IF may be a polymer film containing a phase change material. The outer layer 133OF may not contain a phase change material and may be a layer used to laminate the inner layer 133IF. The outer layer 133OF may have a phase change material laminated therebetween to prevent leakage of the phase change material.

[0119] (Sixth Implementation Method)

[0120] Figure 10 is a view showing a vehicle 1000 including a battery pack 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 10, vehicle 1000 may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and may include a battery pack 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Vehicle 1000 may include four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, vehicle 1000 can be operated by receiving power from battery pack 100.

[0122] Although Figure 10 shows a vehicle 1000 including a battery pack 100 as an example, it goes without saying that the vehicle 1000 may include a battery pack 101 as described with reference to Figure 6.

[0123] As described above, the battery pack 100 may include lower temperature regulation layers 130, 131, 132, and 133 as described with reference to FIG1 and FIG7 to FIG9, thereby managing the temperature in the battery pack 100 by absorbing or releasing heat through phase change.

[0124] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a vehicle 1000 may be provided including a battery pack 100 with improved safety.

[0125] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a vehicle 1000 may be provided including a battery pack 100 with improved performance and reliability.

[0126] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a vehicle 1000 with improved safety can be provided.

[0127] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a vehicle 1000 with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0128] As described above, this disclosure has been described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. However, it should be understood that the configurations described in the drawings or the embodiments described in this specification are merely one embodiment of this disclosure and do not represent all the technical ideas of this disclosure. Therefore, various equivalents and modifications that can replace these embodiments may exist when this application is filed.

Claims

1. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: Battery pack casing including the substrate; A battery cell assembly comprising multiple battery cells, the battery cell assembly being located on the substrate; And a lower temperature regulating layer, which is located between the substrate and the battery cell assembly, wherein the lower temperature regulating layer includes a phase change material.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The lower temperature regulation layer is a negative feedback type.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, When the temperature of the battery cell assembly exceeds the reference temperature, the lower temperature regulating layer absorbs heat.

4. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, When the temperature of the battery cell assembly is lower than the reference temperature, the lower temperature regulation layer releases heat.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The lower temperature regulating layer is in contact with at least a portion of the battery cells.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The battery pack housing also includes crossbeams located on the substrate, wherein the lower temperature regulating layer is disposed between the crossbeams.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The battery pack housing also includes a battery pack cover connected to the substrate, wherein the battery pack cover is spaced apart from the lower temperature regulation layer, and the battery cell assembly is located between the battery pack cover and the lower temperature regulation layer.

8. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the battery pack further comprises an upper temperature regulating layer spaced apart from the lower temperature regulating layer, and the battery cell assembly is located between the upper temperature regulating layer and the lower temperature regulating layer.

9. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The lower temperature regulating layer is a pad disposed below the battery cell assembly, wherein the pad includes a pad shell and the phase change material encapsulated by the pad shell.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein, The pad housing comprises one selected from silicone, polyurethane, polypropylene, metal, and stainless steel.

11. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The lower temperature regulating layer includes a polymer film that seals the phase change material.

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