Battery cell assembly and battery pack comprising same

Abstract

Embodiments provide a battery pack. The battery pack includes: a battery pack case including a bottom plate, where the bottom plate includes a first cooling channel; a battery cell assembly on the battery pack case; and a cover coupled to the side wall and including a second cooling channel, in which the battery cell assembly includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction parallel to the mounting surface of the bottom plate and a plurality of heat sinks located between the plurality of battery cells, and each of the plurality of heat sinks includes a contact portion overlapping the plurality of battery cells in the first direction, a heat dissipation portion connected to the contact portion and facing the cover, and a protection portion overlapping the contact portion in the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery cell assembly and a battery pack including the battery cell assembly. This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0056444, filed April 29, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0071873, filed May 31, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be repeatedly charged and discharged. They are widely used as a power source for various types of wireless devices, such as mobile phones, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, the primary use of secondary batteries has shifted from mobile devices to mobility, as the manufacturing cost per unit capacity has significantly decreased due to increased 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 cell vehicles.

[0003] With the current trend emphasizing secondary batteries for vehicles, the development of secondary battery technology primarily aims to reduce production costs and improve safety. Secondary batteries account for the largest portion of the manufacturing cost of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Therefore, compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, the most important factor in increasing the market share of BEVs is the production cost of secondary batteries. Production costs can be reduced by decreasing raw materials, reducing the number of steps in the production process, and reducing tact time. The safety of secondary batteries is directly related to the lives of vehicle occupants and is therefore extremely important. A key task in enhancing the safety of secondary batteries is providing cooling solutions for the battery packs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] This disclosure relates to providing a battery cell assembly with improved cooling efficiency and a battery pack including the battery cell assembly.

[0006] Technical solution

[0007] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a battery pack. The battery pack includes: a battery pack housing including a base plate, wherein the base plate includes a first cooling channel; a battery cell assembly located on the battery pack housing; and a cover attached to a sidewall and including a second cooling channel, wherein the battery cell assembly includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction parallel to a mounting surface of the base plate and a plurality of heat sinks located between the plurality of battery cells, and each of the plurality of heat sinks includes a contact portion overlapping the plurality of battery cells in the first direction, a heat dissipation portion connected to the contact portion and facing the cover, and a protective portion overlapping the contact portion in the first direction.

[0008] The contact portion of each of the multiple heat sinks may include a hollow portion.

[0009] The battery cell assembly may also include multiple pads located between multiple battery cells.

[0010] Multiple pads can be located in the hollow section of one of the multiple heat sinks.

[0011] The thickness of each of the multiple pads can be the same as the thickness of the contact portion of each of the multiple heat sinks.

[0012] The protective section can cover the hollow section.

[0013] Each of the multiple heat sinks may also include burrs around the hollow portion of the contact area.

[0014] The protective part can handle burrs.

[0015] The protective part can be separated from the heat dissipation part, and the contact part is located between the protective part and the heat dissipation part.

[0016] The protective section can overlap the heat dissipation section on a third-order upward direction perpendicular to the mounting surface of the base plate.

[0017] Multiple battery cells and multiple heat sinks can alternate in the first direction.

[0018] Each of the multiple heat sinks has a contact portion that can contact one of the multiple battery cells, and each of the multiple heat sinks has a protective portion that can contact another of the multiple battery cells.

[0019] Each of the multiple battery cells has a first surface that can contact a corresponding contact portion of one of the multiple heat sinks, and each of the multiple battery cells has a second surface that can contact a corresponding protective portion of one of the multiple heat sinks, the second surface being opposite to the first surface.

[0020] Beneficial effects

[0021] According to embodiments of this disclosure, heat dissipated from multiple battery cells can be transferred to the cooling channels of the cover through multiple heat sinks, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the battery pack.

[0022] The effects achievable by the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art to which the embodiments of this disclosure pertain will clearly derive and understand other effects not described herein based on the following description. In other words, those skilled in the art can derive unintended effects from the embodiments of this disclosure when implementing them. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1This is a perspective view depicting a battery pack according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a battery cell assembly according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view taken from line 3I-3I'.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the heat sink and pad according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a front view of the heat sink and pad according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 7 A heat sink according to another embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0030] In the following, 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 this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to terms or expressions as commonly understood or defined in common dictionaries, but should be understood based on the principle that the inventors of this application may appropriately define the terms or expressions to best interpret the present disclosure according to the meanings and concepts corresponding to the present disclosure.

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

[0032] When it is determined that well-known configurations or functions related to the description of this disclosure obscure the subject matter of this disclosure due to unnecessary details, these configurations or functions will not be described in detail.

[0033] Because embodiments of this disclosure are provided to illustrate the disclosure more fully to those skilled in the art, the shapes, dimensions, etc., of the components shown in the drawings may be shown enlarged, omitted, or schematically for clarity. Therefore, it should not be construed that the dimensions or proportions of the components fully reflect their actual dimensions or proportions.

[0034] (First embodiment and second embodiment)

[0035] Figure 1 This is a perspective view depicting a battery pack 100 according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 2This is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack 100 according to an embodiment.

[0037] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery pack 100 may include a housing 110, a plurality of battery cell assemblies 120, a first thermal interface material (TIM) layer 131, a second TIM layer 133, a gasket 140, a cover 150, a lower injection pipe 161, an upper injection pipe 163, a lower recovery pipe 171, and an upper recovery pipe 173. The battery pack 100 is the final form of a battery system to be installed in a vehicle, etc.

[0038] The housing 110 can provide space for arranging a plurality of battery cell assemblies 120 therein. The housing 110 may include: a base plate 111; side walls 112, 113, 114 and 115; and a central beam 116.

[0039] Two directions substantially parallel to the mounting surface of the base plate 111 are defined as the X-axis and Y-axis, and a direction substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface of the base plate 111 is defined as the Z-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis can be substantially perpendicular to each other. Unless otherwise stated, the definitions of directions will apply to the following figures.

[0040] Each of the base plate 111 and side walls 112 and 113 can be formed by an extrusion process. The extrusion direction of each of the base plate 111 and side walls 112 and 113 can be the X-axis direction. That is, except for deformation caused by additional tooling, the YZ cross section of each of the base plate 111 and side walls 112 and 113 can be constant according to its position in the X-axis direction. Here, the YZ cross section can be substantially parallel to the Y-axis and Z-axis directions and substantially perpendicular to the X-axis direction. The base plate 111 and side walls 112 and 113 can be arranged along the Y-axis direction. Side walls 114 and 115 can also be formed by an extrusion process.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the base plate 111 and the sidewalls 112 and 113 can be joined by friction stir welding. The base plate 111 may include multiple unit plates joined together by friction stir welding.

[0042] The battery pack housing 110 may include a central beam 116. The central beam 116 may extend in the X-axis direction. The central beam 116 may be inserted between sidewalls 112 and 113. The central beam 116 may be included in a central plate at the midpoint between multiple cell plates joined together by friction stir welding. Therefore, the central beam 116 may be formed together with the central plate by an extrusion process and is an integrally formed element with the central plate.

[0043] The base plate 111 may include a plurality of first cooling channels. The plurality of first cooling channels can provide channels for moving, for example, a refrigerant (e.g., water). The plurality of first cooling channels can be formed by an extrusion process. The plurality of first cooling channels may extend in the X-axis direction. The plurality of first cooling channels may be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0044] The first cooling channel of the base plate 111 can be connected to the lower injection pipe 161 and the lower recovery pipe 171. The cooling fluid introduced through the lower injection pipe 161 can flow through the first cooling channel and be recovered by the lower recovery pipe 171.

[0045] Multiple battery cell assemblies 120 may be located on a base plate 111 of the housing 110. The base plate 111 may support the multiple battery cell assemblies 120. Side walls 112, 113, 114 and 115 may be horizontally surrounding the multiple battery cell assemblies 120.

[0046] A first TIM layer 131 may be inserted between the plurality of battery cell assemblies 120 and the base plate 111. The first TIM layer 131 may comprise a resin composition. The first TIM layer 131 may be formed by a process of coating a thermally conductive resin. The first TIM layer 131 may prevent the formation of an air layer between the base plate 111 and the battery cell 121, thereby promoting cooling of the plurality of battery cell assemblies 120. The first TIM layer 131 may contact the battery cells 121 of the plurality of battery cell assemblies 120 and the base plate 111.

[0047] The resin composition can be a room-temperature curable composition. That is, the curing reaction of the resin composition can begin and proceed at room temperature. Temperatures above room temperature can promote the curing reaction of the resin composition. The curing rate of the resin composition at temperatures above room temperature can be higher than the curing rate of the resin composition at room temperature. As a non-limiting example, the main component of the resin composition can be a silicone resin, a polyol resin, an epoxy resin, or an acrylic resin.

[0048] The intermediate beam 116 can extend in the X-axis direction. The intermediate beam 116 can be located in the middle area of ​​the base plate. The intermediate beam 116 can isolate the battery cell modules 120 from each other. The intermediate beam 116 can be inserted between the battery cell modules 120.

[0049] In this example, multiple battery cell modules 120 are arranged in two rows and three columns. Therefore, it can be understood that the multiple battery cell modules 120 are arranged in a 3×2 array. Based on the above description, those skilled in the art will readily derive a battery pack comprising multiple battery cell modules 120 arranged in an M×N array. Here, M and N are each integers greater than 2.

[0050] The cover 150 can be attached to sidewalls 112, 113, 114, and 115. The cover 150 can be secured to the sidewalls 112, 113, 114, and 115 by means of a mechanical means such as bolts. The cover 150 can cover internal components of the battery pack 100, such as battery cell assemblies 120 and electronic components. A gasket 140 can be inserted between the cover 150 and the sidewalls 112, 113, 114, and 115. The gasket 140 provides a liquid seal for the battery pack 100.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the cover 150 can be formed by an extrusion process. The cover 150 may include a plurality of second cooling channels. The plurality of second cooling channels can provide channels for moving, for example, a refrigerant (e.g., water). The plurality of second cooling channels can be formed by an extrusion process. The plurality of second cooling channels may extend in the X-axis direction. The plurality of second cooling channels may be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction.

[0052] The second cooling channel of the cover 150 can be connected to the upper injection pipe 163 and the upper recovery pipe 173. The cooling fluid introduced through the upper injection pipe 163 can flow through the second cooling channel and be recovered by the upper recovery pipe 173.

[0053] The second TIM layer 133 can be inserted between the cover 150 and the battery cell assembly 120. The second TIM layer 133 can be a thermal pad. Each second TIM layer 133 can be spaced apart from multiple battery cells 121. Each second TIM layer 133 can contact multiple heat sinks 122 (see...). Figure 3 Each second TIM layer 133 can be coupled with multiple heat sinks 122 (see...). Figure 3 The heat dissipation section 122D (see) Figure 3 Contact. Each second TIM layer 133 may contact the cover 150. Multiple heat sinks 122 (see...) Figure 3 The heat sink 122D of each of them (refer to) Figure 5 It can be spaced apart from the cover 150, with the second TIM layer 133 located therebetween.

[0054] According to an embodiment, a plurality of heat sinks 122 (see Figure 4 ) is set to work with multiple battery cells 121 (see Figure 4 The platform portion contacts and covers multiple battery cells 121. Therefore, due to the multiple battery cells 121 (see...) Figure 4 The platform section can prevent the formation of an air layer between the multiple battery cells 121 and the second TIM layer 133, and can improve the cooling efficiency of the battery pack 100. Here, the platform section is a sealing part of the housing of the multiple battery cells 121.

[0055] According to the embodiment, since the lower part of each of the plurality of battery cells 121 (i.e., the portion of each of the plurality of battery cells 121 adjacent to the base plate 111) is in direct contact with the first TIM layer 131, it is possible to prevent the formation of an air layer between the base plates 111 and to improve the cooling efficiency of the battery pack 100.

[0056] The battery pack 100 may also include an exhaust device integrated into the sidewall 115. In the event of a thermal runaway event in the battery pack 100, the exhaust device can expel high-temperature gases and flames from the interior of the battery pack 100 to delay heat propagation.

[0057] Here, the thermal runaway state of multiple battery cell modules 120 is a state in which the temperature change of multiple battery cell modules 120 further accelerates the temperature change, that is, runaway positive feedback. The temperature of the multiple battery cell modules 120 in the thermal runaway state rises rapidly, and a large amount of high-pressure gas and combustion debris are emitted.

[0058] The battery pack 100 may further include electronic components. These electronic components may include the electronic devices required to power the battery pack. The electronic components may be located on the electronic component mounting area (EMR).

[0059] For example, the electronic components may include a battery management system (BMS). The BMS may be configured to monitor, balance, and control the battery pack 100. Monitoring the battery pack 100 may include measuring the voltage and current of a subset of nodes in a plurality of individual cell assemblies 120 and measuring the temperature at designated locations within the battery pack 100. The battery pack 100 may include measuring devices for measuring the voltage, current, and temperature as described above.

[0060] 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 prevention of overcharging, over-discharging, and overcurrent. Through monitoring, balancing, and control, the battery pack 100 can operate under optimal conditions, thereby preventing a shortened lifespan for each of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120.

[0061] Electronic components may also include: cooling devices, power relay assemblies (PRAs), safety plugs, etc. Cooling devices may include cooling fans. The cooling fans circulate air within the battery pack 100 to prevent overheating of each of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120. The PRA can be configured to supply power from the high-voltage battery to an external load (e.g., a vehicle's electric motor) or to disconnect power. In the event of an abnormal voltage, such as a voltage surge, the PRA can disconnect power to the external load (e.g., the vehicle's electric motor) to protect the multiple battery cell assemblies 120 and the external load.

[0062] The battery pack 100 may also include multiple venting devices. These venting devices may be mounted on one of the cover 150 and sidewalls 112, 113, 114, and 115. In the event of a thermal runaway event occurring in a portion of the multiple cell assembly 120, the multiple venting devices can provide a path for venting hot gases from the interior of the battery pack 100 to the exterior. Therefore, heat propagation can be delayed, and the stability of the battery pack 100 can be improved.

[0063] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the battery cell assembly 120 according to an embodiment.

[0064] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view taken from line 3I-3I'.

[0065] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the heat sink 122 and pad 123 according to an embodiment.

[0066] Figure 6 This is a front view of the heat sink 122 and pad 123 according to an embodiment.

[0067] Reference Figures 3 to 6 Each of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120 may include multiple battery cells 121, multiple heat sinks 122, multiple pads 123, a first circuit assembly 124, and a second circuit assembly 125.

[0068] Each of the plurality of battery cells 121 may be a lithium-ion battery. Each of the plurality of battery cells 121 includes an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a casing. Each of the plurality of battery cells 121 may be a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, or a pouch battery cell. The casing of a cylindrical battery cell may be a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of a cylindrical battery cell is housed within a cylindrical metal can. The casing of a prismatic battery cell may be a prismatic metal casing. The electrode assembly of a prismatic battery cell is housed within a prismatic casing comprising an aluminum laminate.

[0069] An electrode assembly may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator between the positive and negative electrodes. The electrode assembly may be a wound electrode assembly or a stacked electrode assembly. A wound electrode assembly may include a structure in which a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator located between the positive and negative electrodes are wound together. A stacked electrode assembly may include multiple positive electrodes and multiple negative electrodes stacked sequentially, and multiple separators between them.

[0070] Multiple battery cells 121 can form multiple banks. Each of the multiple banks may include one or more battery cells 121. The one or more battery cells 121 in each of the multiple banks may be connected in parallel with each other. The multiple banks may be connected in series with each other. The number of banks connected in series and the number of battery cells 121 included in the multiple banks can be determined based on the voltage and current to be output from each battery cell assembly 120.

[0071] Multiple heat sinks 122 can be inserted between multiple battery cells 121. The multiple heat sinks 122 and multiple battery cells 121 can alternate in the X-axis direction. One of the multiple heat sinks 122 can be inserted between adjacent battery cells 121. One of the multiple battery cells 121 can be inserted between adjacent heat sinks 122.

[0072] Each of the plurality of heat sinks 122 may have high thermal conductivity. For example, each of the plurality of heat sinks 122 may include a metallic material, such as aluminum and stainless steel.

[0073] The plurality of heat sinks 122 may be U-shaped. Each of the plurality of heat sinks 122 may include a contact portion 122C perpendicular to the base plate 111, a heat dissipation portion 122D connected to the contact portion 122C and facing the cover 150, and a protective portion 122P overlapping the contact portion 122C in the X-axis direction. Each of the plurality of heat sinks 122 may include a first bend portion 122B1 connecting the contact portion 122C and the heat dissipation portion 122D, and a second bend portion 122B2 connecting the contact portion 122C and the protective portion 122P.

[0074] The contact portion 122C of each of the plurality of heat sinks 122 can be substantially perpendicular to the X-axis direction. The contact portion 122C of each of the plurality of heat sinks 122 can be inclined in the X-axis direction. The heat dissipation portion 122D of each of the plurality of heat sinks 122 can be substantially perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. The heat dissipation portion 122D of each of the plurality of heat sinks 122 can be inclined in the Z-axis direction. The protective portion 122P of each of the plurality of heat sinks 122 can be substantially perpendicular to the X-axis direction. The protective portion 122P of each of the plurality of heat sinks 122 can be inclined in the X-axis direction.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the bending direction of the first bending portion 122B1 of each of the plurality of heat sinks 122 and the bending direction of the second bending portion 122B2 of each of the plurality of heat sinks 122 can be the same. For example, the first bending portion 122B1 of each of the plurality of heat sinks 122 can be bent counterclockwise, and the second bending portion 122B2 of each of the plurality of heat sinks 122 can be bent counterclockwise. According to an embodiment, the heat dissipation portion 122D can be spaced apart from the protection portion 122P, and the contact portion 122C is inserted therebetween. The heat dissipation portion 122D can be non-overlapping with the protection portion 122P in the Z-axis direction.

[0076] The contact portion 122C of each of the plurality of heat sinks 122 can be inserted between the plurality of battery cells 121. The contact portion 122C of each of the plurality of heat sinks 122 can overlap with the plurality of battery cells 121 in the X-axis direction. The contact portion 122C of each of the plurality of heat sinks 122 can contact the first surface 121S1 of a corresponding one of the plurality of battery cells 121.

[0077] Each of the plurality of heat sinks 122 may include a contact portion 122C with a hollow portion 122H. The hollow portion 122H of each of the plurality of heat sinks 122 may have an approximately quadrilateral shape. The contact portion 122C of each of the plurality of heat sinks 122 may have an approximately quadrilateral shape, but is not limited thereto. The contact portion 122C and the hollow portion 122H of each of the plurality of heat sinks 122 may each have a cross shape, a star shape, or a polygon shape. The hollow portion 122H of each of the plurality of heat sinks 122 may include rounded corners. The location, shape, and size of the hollow portion 122H may be determined based on conditions related to absorbing the expansion of the plurality of battery cells 121 and the cooling efficiency of the plurality of battery cells 121.

[0078] Typically, when a battery cell is operating, the temperature at the edge of the battery cell can be higher than the temperature at the center of the battery cell. Therefore, even though the contact portions 122C of the multiple heat sinks 122 do not contact the center portions of the first surface 121S1 and the second surface 121S2 but only the edges of the first surface 121S1 and the second surface 121S2 due to the hollow portion 122H, the battery cell assembly 120 can still have high cooling performance.

[0079] Each of the plurality of heat sinks 122 may include a burr 122B on the second surface 122CS2. The burr 122B may be formed along the inner edge of the defined hollow portion 122H of the contact portion 122C. The burr 122B may surround the hollow portion 122H.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the hollow portion 122H can be formed by machining, for example, stamping, and the burr 122B can be a residue generated from the machining process used to form the hollow portion 122H. For example, the tool used to form the hollow portion 122H (e.g., a punch) can move from the first surface 122CS1 of the contact portion 122C toward the second surface 122CS2, so the burr 122B may be formed on the second surface 122CS2.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the protective portion 122P may overlap with the hollow portion 122H of the contact portion 122C in the X-axis direction. According to an embodiment, the protective portion 122P may overlap with the burr 122B of the contact portion 122C in the X-axis direction. According to an embodiment, the protective portion 122P may cover the hollow portion 122H of the contact portion 122C. According to an embodiment, the protective portion 122P may cover the burr 122B, so that the burr 122B is spaced apart from each of the plurality of battery cells 121, thereby preventing the plurality of battery cells 121 from being damaged by the burrs 122B of each of the plurality of heat sinks 122.

[0082] The protective portion 122P of each of the plurality of heat sinks 122 can contact one of the first surface 121S1 and the second surface 121S2 of the corresponding one of the plurality of battery cells 121. The second surface 121S2 is opposite to the first surface 121S1.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the first surface 121S1 and the second surface 121S2 of each of the plurality of battery cells 121 can be cooled by a contact portion 122C or a protective portion 122P of a corresponding one of the plurality of heat sinks 122.

[0084] For example, when the first surface 121S1 of one of the multiple battery cells 121 is cooled by the contact portion 122C of one of the multiple heat sinks 122, the second surface 121S2 of one of the multiple battery cells 121 can be cooled by the protective portion 122P of another of the multiple heat sinks 122.

[0085] As another example, when the second surface 121S2 of one of the plurality of battery cells 121 is cooled by the contact portion 122C of one of the plurality of heat sinks 122, the first surface 121S1 of one of the plurality of battery cells 121 can be cooled by the protective portion 122P of another of the plurality of heat sinks 122.

[0086] Multiple pads 123 can be inserted between multiple battery cells 121. The multiple pads 123 and multiple battery cells 121 can alternate in the X-axis direction. One pad 123 can be inserted between adjacent battery cells 121. One of the multiple battery cells 121 can be inserted between adjacent pads 123.

[0087] Due to the expansion of the multiple battery cells 121, the multiple pads 123 can absorb the width variation of the multiple battery cells 121 in the X-axis direction. According to an embodiment, each pad 123 may contain an elastic material. According to an embodiment, each pad 123 may contain polyurethane (PU). According to an embodiment, each pad 123 may contain a refractory material.

[0088] Multiple pads 123 can be located within the hollow portion 122H of a corresponding heatsink 122. In the YZ plane, each of the multiple pads 123 can be surrounded by a portion of the defined hollow portion 122H of a corresponding heatsink 122. Here, the YZ plane can be substantially parallel to the Y-axis and Z-axis directions, and substantially perpendicular to the X-axis direction.

[0089] The thickness of each of the plurality of pads 123 (e.g., its thickness in the X-axis direction) may be substantially the same as the thickness of the contact portion 122C of each of the plurality of heat sinks (e.g., its thickness in the X-axis direction). The thickness of each of the plurality of pads 123 (e.g., its thickness in the X-axis direction) may be different from the thickness of the contact portion 122C of each of the plurality of heat sinks (e.g., its thickness in the X-axis direction).

[0090] The plurality of pads 123 may have an approximately quadrilateral shape. According to an embodiment, the length of each of the plurality of pads 123 in the Z-axis direction may be substantially the same as the width of the hollow portion 122H in the Z-axis direction. According to an embodiment, the length of each of the plurality of pads 123 in the Y-axis direction may be substantially the same as the width of the hollow portion 122H in the Y-axis direction.

[0091] According to another embodiment, each of the plurality of pads 123 may have a shape different from that of the hollow portion 122H. For example, each of the plurality of pads 123 may be smaller than the hollow portion 122H. The length of each of the plurality of pads 123 in the Z-axis direction may be smaller than the width of the hollow portion 122H in the Z-axis direction. The length of each of the plurality of pads 123 in the Y-axis direction may be smaller than the width of the hollow portion 122H in the Y-axis direction.

[0092] Multiple heat sinks 122 and multiple pads 123 can be attached to multiple battery cells 121. The multiple heat sinks 122 and multiple pads 123 can be fixed to the multiple battery cells 121 by, for example, adhesive. Each of the multiple pads 123 can be fixed to the protective portion 122P of the corresponding one of the multiple heat sinks 122.

[0093] Each of the plurality of heat sinks 122 can be coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of battery cells 121. According to an embodiment, the plurality of battery cells 121 can correspond one-to-one with the plurality of heat sinks 122.

[0094] A first integrated circuit assembly 124 and a second integrated circuit assembly 125 may be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction, with a plurality of battery cells 121 located therebetween. The first integrated circuit assembly 124 may include an insulating frame, an integrated circuit, a busbar, and an insulating cover. The second integrated circuit assembly 125 may include an insulating frame, an integrated circuit, and an insulating cover. The second integrated circuit assembly 125 is substantially the same as the first integrated circuit assembly 124, except that it does not include a busbar.

[0095] The insulating frame may contain insulating materials such as plastic. The insulating frame may cover the front side of multiple battery cells 121. The insulating frame may support integrated circuits, busbars, and sensing boards.

[0096] The busbar can be short-circuited to the positive leads of one or more battery cells 121 in the first group and the negative leads of one or more battery cells 121 in the last group. The busbar can be soldered to the positive leads of one or more battery cells 121 in the first group and the negative leads of one or more battery cells 121 in the last group. The final voltage of the multiple battery cells 121 can be output through the busbar. The busbar can be fixed to an insulating frame.

[0097] The integrated circuit can be mounted on an insulating frame. The positive and negative leads, soldered together, can form a node inside the battery cell assembly 120. The integrated circuit can be configured to measure the voltage of the node.

[0098] The insulating cover may contain an insulating material such as plastic. The insulating cover may be interference-fitted into an insulating frame. The insulating cover may cover the integrated circuit, thereby protecting the electrical components of the first integrated circuit assembly 124.

[0099] Each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies 120 may further include a side beam 126. The side beams 126 may be spaced apart from each other, with the plurality of battery cells 121 located therebetween. The side beams 126 may cover the plurality of battery cells 121. The side beams 126 may horizontally support the plurality of battery cells 121. The side beams 126 may be secured to the plurality of battery cells 121 by means of an adhesive material or the like.

[0100] According to an embodiment, the side beams 126 may have the same shape. According to an embodiment, the side beams 126 may be arranged symmetrically. The battery pack housing 110 may also include a support beam extending in the Y-axis direction. The side beams 126 may be coupled to a corresponding support beam. The side beams 126 may be mechanically fastened to the corresponding support beam by, for example, bolting.

[0101] (Third embodiment)

[0102] Figure 7A heat sink 122' according to another embodiment is shown.

[0103] Reference Figure 7 The heat sink 122' may include a contact portion 122C and a heat dissipation portion 122D and a protective portion 122P connected to the contact portion 122C. The heat sink 122' may also include a first bent portion 122B1' connecting the contact portion 122C and the heat dissipation portion 122D, and a second bent portion 122B2 connecting the contact portion 122C and the protective portion 122P. The heat sink 122' may also include burrs 122B on the second surface 122CS.

[0104] Heatsink 122' can be replaced Figure 4 Each of the plurality of heat sinks 122. Except that the first bend 122B1' and the second bend 122B2 are bent in opposite directions, the heat sink 122' can be with Figure 5 The multiple heat sinks 122 are generally identical. For example, the second bend 122B2 can be bent counterclockwise, and the first bend 122B1' can be bent clockwise. According to an embodiment, the heat sink 122D can overlap with the protective portion 122P in the Z-axis direction.

[0105] The present disclosure has been described in more detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments, etc. However, the configurations shown in the drawings or embodiments described in this disclosure are merely examples of the present disclosure and do not reflect all the technical concepts of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications have been made to replace the configurations as of the filing date of this application.

Claims

1. A battery pack, comprising: The battery pack housing includes a base plate, wherein the base plate includes a first cooling channel; Battery cell assembly, located on the battery pack housing; and The cover, attached to the sidewall, includes a second cooling channel. The battery cell assembly includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction parallel to the mounting surface of the base plate and a plurality of heat sinks located between the plurality of battery cells. Each of the plurality of heat sinks includes a contact portion that overlaps with the plurality of battery cells in the first direction, a heat dissipation portion connected to the contact portion and facing the cover, and a protective portion that overlaps with the contact portion in the first direction.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The contact portion of each of the plurality of heat sinks includes a hollow portion.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, The battery cell assembly also includes multiple pads located between the plurality of battery cells.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein, The plurality of pads are located in the hollow portion of a corresponding one of the plurality of heat sinks.

5. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein, The thickness of each of the plurality of pads is the same as the thickness of the contact portion of each of the plurality of heat sinks.

6. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, The protective part covers the hollow part.

7. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, Each of the plurality of heat sinks also includes burrs surrounding the hollow portion of the contact portion.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein, The protective part faces the burr.

9. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, The protective portion is spaced apart from the heat dissipation portion, and the contact portion is located between the protective portion and the heat dissipation portion.

10. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, The protective part overlaps with the heat dissipation part on a third upward direction perpendicular to the mounting surface of the base plate.

11. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of battery cells and the plurality of heat sinks alternate in the first direction.

12. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The contact portion of each of the plurality of heat sinks contacts one of the plurality of battery cells, and the protective portion of each of the plurality of heat sinks contacts another of the plurality of battery cells.

13. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The first surface of each of the plurality of battery cells contacts the contact portion of the corresponding one of the plurality of heat sinks, and The second surface of each of the plurality of battery cells contacts the corresponding protective portion of the plurality of heat sinks, and the second surface is opposite to the first surface.

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