Spacer and battery pack comprising the same

Abstract

Disclosed is a spacer and a battery pack including the same. The spacer is configured to be disposed between a pair of adjacent battery cells among two or more battery cells arranged in a predetermined direction. The spacer includes a spacer body configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow in the spacer body. The spacer body includes opposite surfaces configured to face the pair of adjacent battery cells. The spacer further includes at least one elastic member passing through the opposite surfaces of the spacer body and configured to contact the pair of adjacent battery cells.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosure relates to a spacer and a battery pack including the spacer. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, secondary batteries are batteries that can be charged and discharged multiple times, and have recently been applied to a variety of technical fields across industries (such as power, electronics, communications, or computers).

[0003] Secondary batteries are widely used as an energy source for mobile electronic devices such as digital cameras, cell phones, or laptops, and are also attracting attention as an energy source for hybrid electric vehicles, which have been proposed as a solution to air pollution caused by existing gasoline and diesel internal combustion engines that use fossil fuels.

[0004] Small mobile electronic devices, such as cellular phones, can operate for a period of time with the output and capacity of a single battery. However, in cases requiring long-term or high-power operation, such as in electric or hybrid vehicles that consume large amounts of electricity, modules or packs of multiple batteries are preferred due to output and capacity considerations, and the output voltage or current can be increased depending on the number of built-in batteries.

[0005] The information disclosed in this background section is intended to enhance understanding of the background information and therefore may contain information that does not constitute related technology. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An embodiment provides a battery pack in which spacers with elastic members that allow cooling fluid flow are arranged between adjacent battery cells. Thus, a large area between the battery cells is used as a cooling surface, and the deformation of the battery cells is absorbed by the elastic members, thereby maintaining cooling performance for a long time.

[0007] The problems to be solved by the disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other problems and advantages not described herein will be understood from the following description and will become clearer through the examples. Furthermore, it will be understood that the problems and advantages to be solved by the disclosure can be achieved by the means indicated in the claims and combinations thereof.

[0008] According to an embodiment, a spacer configured to be disposed between a pair of adjacent battery cells among two or more battery cells arranged in a predetermined direction may include: a spacer body configured to allow cooling fluid to flow in the spacer body and including opposing surfaces configured to face the pair of adjacent battery cells; and at least one elastic member passing through the opposing surfaces of the spacer body and configured to contact the pair of adjacent battery cells.

[0009] In an embodiment, the elastic member can extend at a preset angle relative to a preset direction in which the battery cells are arranged.

[0010] In an embodiment, the spacer may include two or more elastic members, and the elastic members may be separated from each other at a predetermined interval.

[0011] In an embodiment, the area of ​​the elastic member may occupy approximately 30% to approximately 40% of the area of ​​the spacer body.

[0012] In one embodiment, the spacer body may have flow grooves that form a flow path for the cooling fluid.

[0013] In an embodiment, the spacer may include two or more flow grooves, and the flow grooves may be on opposite sides of the spacer body.

[0014] In an embodiment, the spacer may include: a connecting groove on one side of the spacer body, to which an adjacent spacer may be connected; and a connecting protrusion on the other side of the spacer body, to which a connecting protrusion may be inserted into another adjacent spacer.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the battery pack may include: a battery cell assembly including two or more battery cells arranged along a predetermined direction and two or more spacers, each of the two or more spacers being arranged between a pair of adjacent battery cells among the two or more battery cells and having a hollow interior; and a housing, the spacers being connected to the housing and the housing accommodating the battery cells and the spacers, wherein the housing may have cooling channels communicating with the spacers.

[0016] In an embodiment, each of the spacers may include: a spacer body connected to the assembly housing and having an internal space; and an elastic member passing through the spacer body and configured to contact the pair of adjacent battery cells.

[0017] In an embodiment, the area of ​​the elastic member may occupy approximately 30% to approximately 40% of the area of ​​the spacer body.

[0018] In an embodiment, the elastic member can extend at a preset angle relative to a preset direction in which the battery cells are arranged.

[0019] In an embodiment, the spacer may include two or more elastic members, and the elastic members may be separated from each other at a predetermined interval.

[0020] In one embodiment, the spacer may have a flow groove that can be connected to the housing and form a flow path for the cooling fluid.

[0021] In an embodiment, the spacer may include two or more flow grooves, and the flow grooves may be on opposite sides of the spacer body.

[0022] In an embodiment, a battery cell assembly may include two or more battery cell assemblies, and the battery cell assemblies may be parallel to each other.

[0023] In an embodiment, the spacers disposed in the battery cell assembly can be parallel to each other, a connecting groove can be formed on one side of the spacer, an adjacent spacer can be connected to the connecting groove, and a connecting protrusion can be formed on the other side of the spacer, the connecting protrusion can be inserted into the adjacent spacer.

[0024] In an embodiment, the housing may include: a cooling section that supports the battery cell assembly and has an internal space in which cooling fluid can flow; a sidewall section that is connected to the cooling section and surrounds the battery cell assembly; and a cover section that is opposite to the cooling section and covers the battery cell assembly.

[0025] In one embodiment, the cooling section may have an inlet hole and an outlet hole, with cooling fluid introduced from the outside through the inlet hole and discharged through the outlet hole.

[0026] In one embodiment, the cooling section may have a cooling channel that provides a flow path for cooling fluid introduced from the outside.

[0027] In one embodiment, the cooling section may have an engagement protrusion that protrudes toward the battery cell assembly and can be connected to one of the spacers. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments and, together with the detailed description of the disclosed features below, aid in a further understanding of the disclosed technical ideas. Therefore, the disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the matters described in these drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the battery pack according to an embodiment; Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack according to an embodiment; Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating a battery cell assembly according to an embodiment; Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the spacer according to an embodiment; Figures 5A to 5D This is a diagram illustrating a spacer according to another embodiment; Figure 6 It is along Figure 1 A sectional view taken by line I-I'; Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of region A; Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the cooling section according to an embodiment; Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the state in which the spacer is connected to the cooling section according to an embodiment; and Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the flow of cooling fluid in the spacer and cooling section according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0030] In the following description, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but rather should be interpreted based on the principle that the inventors can appropriately define the concepts of the terms to best interpret their own inventions in a manner consistent with the disclosed technical ideas. Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the constructions shown in the accompanying drawings are merely some of the most preferred embodiments and do not represent all disclosed technical concepts. It should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may be substituted for them at the time of filing this application.

[0031] Additionally, as used in this application, the terms "comprising" or "including" and / or variations thereof describe the presence of the stated meanings. feature Quantity, steps, operations, components, elements and / or groups thereof, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other feature Quantity, steps, operations, components, elements and / or groups thereof.

[0032] Additionally, to aid in understanding the disclosure, the drawings are not drawn to scale, and the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated. Furthermore, the same reference numerals may be assigned to the same elements in different embodiments.

[0033] The statement that two comparison targets are "identical" means that they are "substantially identical." Therefore, the statement "substantially identical" can include deviations considered low in the art (e.g., less than 5%). Additionally, the statement "the parameter is uniform over a given region" can mean that the parameter is uniform from an average perspective.

[0034] It will be understood that although terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another, and it will be understood that, unless otherwise specifically stated, a first element may also be a second element.

[0035] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise specified, each element may be singular or plural.

[0036] The expression “any construction disposed above (or below) the element” or “disposed on (or beneath) the element” can mean any construction disposed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the element, and can also mean other constructions disposed between the element and any construction disposed on (or beneath) the element.

[0037] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected to," "bonded to," or "in contact with" another element, the element may be "directly connected to," "directly bonded to," or "in direct contact with" the other element, or may be "connected to," "bonded to," or "in contact with" the other element through or with another element. Additionally, it will be understood that when a portion is referred to as being "electrically bonded to" another portion, that portion may be directly bonded to the other portion, or may be bonded to the other portion using an intermediate element (located between them).

[0038] Throughout this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, the expression “A and / or B” means only A, only B, or both A and B. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items. Unless otherwise stated, the expression “C to D” means “C or greater and D or less”.

[0039] The terminology used in this specification is for describing the disclosed embodiments and is not intended to limit the disclosure.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the battery pack according to an embodiment. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack according to an embodiment. Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating a battery cell assembly according to an embodiment. Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the spacer according to an embodiment. Figures 5A to 5D This is a diagram illustrating a spacer according to another embodiment. Figure 6 It is along Figure 1 A sectional view taken from line I-I'. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of region A. Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the cooling section according to an embodiment. Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the state in which the spacer is connected to the cooling section according to an embodiment.

[0041] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to the embodiment, the battery pack 1 can be installed on (or in) an electronic device such as an electric vehicle, and can include a battery cell assembly 100 and a pack housing 200, wherein the battery cell assembly 100 includes a plurality of battery cells 110.

[0042] Battery pack 1 can be a battery pack in which battery cell assembly 100 is mounted on a housing 200, and the position of the battery cell assembly 100 is fixed only by the internal structure of the housing 200, without limiting the individual structure of the battery cell assembly 100 (such as a module). This simplifies the structure of battery pack 1, improves space efficiency, and reduces production costs.

[0043] Battery pack 1 can be electrically connected to an electronic device. Battery pack 1 can generate electricity and supply electrical energy to the electronic device electrically connected to it. This allows battery pack 1 to be used as a power source for the electronic device.

[0044] Battery pack 1 can be installed in various electronic devices that require a large power supply and supply power to these devices. For example, battery pack 1 can be installed in electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, electric motorcycles, or other electronic devices.

[0045] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The battery cell assembly 100 may include multiple battery cells 110 that are physically connected and / or electrically connected to each other, and may enhance the structural stability of the battery cells 110 and improve the performance and safety of the battery cells 110 while increasing the voltage and capacity between the battery cells 110.

[0046] The battery cell assembly 100 may include a plurality of battery cells 110 and a plurality of spacers 130. Each of the plurality of spacers 130 is located between adjacent battery cells 110. In some embodiments, the plurality of battery cells 110 may be connected in series and / or in parallel, and in one direction ( Figure 1 The cells are arranged in the x-axis direction, such that the wide surfaces of adjacent cell 110 face each other, and each of the spacers 130 can be arranged between facing cell 110s (e.g., adjacent cell 110s facing each other).

[0047] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery pack 1 may include a plurality of battery cell assemblies 100, and the plurality of battery cell assemblies 100 may be arranged parallel (or substantially parallel) to each other inside the pack housing 200.

[0048] In other words, the battery cell assembly 100 can be positioned along the width direction of the housing 200 ( Figure 2 The battery cells 110 and spacers 130 located in adjacent battery cell assemblies 100 may also be arranged parallel to each other (or substantially parallel to each other).

[0049] In the following text, for ease of explanation, the area of ​​one of the multiple battery cell modules 100 arranged in parallel with each other is referred to as ( Figure 2 The left-hand region in the middle can be defined as the first region a1, and the region in which another battery cell assembly 100 is arranged ( Figure 2 The right-hand region in the middle can be defined as the second region a2.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the battery cell 110 may be a rechargeable battery and may include at least one electrode assembly and a housing therein housing the at least one electrode assembly. The at least one electrode assembly may be provided by winding a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator (insulator) disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

[0051] The positive electrode and the negative electrode may include coated portions and uncoated portions. The coated portions are areas on which active material is applied to the current collector, which includes a thin metal foil, and the uncoated portions are areas on which active material is not applied to the current collector.

[0052] The positive and negative electrodes can be wound with a diaphragm (insulator) arranged between them. However, the disclosure is not limited to this, and the electrode assembly can have a structure in which positive and negative electrodes, each comprising multiple sheets, are alternately stacked with a diaphragm arranged between them.

[0053] The housing can form the entire appearance of the battery cell 110 and can include a conductive metal (such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel). In some embodiments, the housing can provide space therein to house electrode assemblies.

[0054] Therefore, the battery cell 110 can store and release energy through a structure including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator, and a housing that contains the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator.

[0055] Reference Figures 1 to 9 Each of the spacers 130 may be arranged between adjacent battery cells 110 in a plurality of battery cells 110 and may have a hollow interior. The spacer 130 may include a spacer body 131 and an elastic member 133.

[0056] Due to the spacer 130, adjacent (bearing) battery cells 110 can maintain a preset distance. This allows heat to be effectively distributed between the battery cells 110, thereby reducing the risk of overheating.

[0057] In some embodiments, the spacer 130 may be configured to prevent (or at least mitigate) short circuits due to contact between battery cells 110, which may enhance the electrical stability of the battery cell assembly 100.

[0058] Reference Figure 9 The spacer 130 can be connected to the housing 200 and can be configured to receive cooling fluid CW from the housing 200. The cooling fluid CW can circulate inside the spacer 130 and cool the battery cells 110 by absorbing heat generated from the battery cells 110.

[0059] In this specification, the cooling fluid CW may be cooling water introduced into the spacer body 131 and absorbing heat generated from the battery cell 110. However, the disclosure is not limited to this, and the cooling fluid CW may be various fluids capable of heat transfer (such as ethylene glycol or cooling oil).

[0060] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 9 The spacer body 131 can be connected to the housing 200 and can have an internal space (e.g., a cavity). The spacer body 131 can have a predetermined thickness and can be configured to separate adjacent battery cells 110 from each other.

[0061] According to the embodiment, the spacer body 131 may have a rectangular plate shape and may have an internal space in which cooling fluid CW can flow.

[0062] The spacer body 131 may include a plastic material (such as polypropylene or polycarbonate). However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the spacer body 131 may be formed of any material capable of blocking (or mitigating) heat transmission between the cell cells 110 (such as an insulating material with low thermal conductivity (e.g., foam rubber or ceramic)).

[0063] According to the embodiment, the spacer body 131 may have a flow groove 131a, the housing 200 may be connected to the flow groove 131a, and the flow groove 131a may form a flow path for the cooling fluid CW.

[0064] Therefore, the cooling fluid CW flowing inside the housing 200 can be introduced into the spacer body 131 through the flow groove 131a, and the cooling fluid CW can circulate through the internal space of the spacer body 131, and then be discharged back to the housing 200 through another flow groove.

[0065] The flow groove 131a can be provided on one side of the spacer body 131. Figure 4 (Lower side of the middle) and extends along the longitudinal direction. The flow groove 131a may have a shape corresponding to the engagement protrusion 211p of the housing 200 described below.

[0066] The flow groove 131a can be fitted into the housing 200, so the spacer 130 can be fixedly positioned inside the housing 200. Because the battery cells 110 are arranged on the opposite side of the spacer 130 fixedly positioned in the housing 200, the battery cells 110 can be precisely arranged at a preset position.

[0067] In some embodiments, even when an impact or vibration is applied to the battery pack 1, the individual battery cells 110 can be protected from external impacts, thus reducing the risk of damage. Shaking or twisting of the individual battery cells 110 can be prevented (or at least mitigated), so that the battery cell assembly 100 can remain in a stable state.

[0068] In some embodiments, since the spacer 130 is fixedly positioned in the housing 200, the replacement of individual battery cells 110 can be easily performed during maintenance of the battery pack 1.

[0069] Reference Figure 4 The spacer 130 may include a plurality of flow grooves 131a. The plurality of flow grooves 131a may be arranged on corresponding sides of the spacer 130. For example, cooling fluid CW introduced into one of the plurality of flow grooves 131a may circulate and exchange heat within the spacer body 131, and may then be discharged to another flow groove 131a.

[0070] Reference Figure 4 The connecting groove 131b to which the adjacent spacer 130 can be connected may be formed on one side of the spacer 130, and the connecting protrusion 131c to which the adjacent spacer 130 can be inserted may be formed on the other side (e.g., opposite side) of the spacer 130.

[0071] The connecting groove 131b can be formed to be recessed inward from the spacer 130 and along the width direction of the spacer 130. Figure 4 The groove extends in the form of a groove (in the y-axis direction).

[0072] The connecting protrusion 131c can also be along the width direction of the spacer 130. Figure 4 It extends along the y-axis and can have a cylindrical structure with a hollow interior, so that the internal space of the spacer body 131 can communicate with the external space of the spacer body 131.

[0073] Reference Figure 2 In embodiments where multiple battery cell assemblies 100 are configured, the multiple battery cell assemblies 100 may be arranged parallel (or substantially parallel) to each other. In some embodiments, spacers 130 included in the battery cell assembly 100 in the first region a1 may be parallel (or substantially parallel) to spacers 130 included in the battery cell assembly 100 in the second region a2.

[0074] Reference Figure 9 Multiple adjacent spacers 130 in the first region a1 and the second region a2 can be connected to each other by connecting grooves 131b and connecting protrusions 131c.

[0075] In some embodiments where multiple battery cell assemblies 100 are parallel (or substantially parallel) to each other, a connecting protrusion 131c formed in a spacer 130 in a first region a1 may face an adjacent connecting groove 131b in a spacer 130 in a second region a2.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the circumference of the outer circumferential surface of the connecting protrusion 131c can be equal to or less than the circumference of the inner circumferential surface of the connecting groove 131b. Therefore, the connecting protrusion 131c formed in the spacer 130 in the first region a1 can be fitted into the adjacent connecting groove 131b formed in the spacer 130 in the second region a2.

[0077] In embodiments where multiple battery cell assemblies 100 are provided, multiple spacers 130 included in the respective battery cell assemblies 100 may also be provided and connected to each other. Figure 3 An embodiment showing two battery cell assemblies 100 connected to each other is illustrated, but in embodiments where three or more battery cell assemblies 100 are connected in parallel, three or more spacers 130 may also be connected along the width direction of the housing 200. Figure 3 (connected in parallel along the y-axis direction).

[0078] In some embodiments, the connecting protrusion 131c and connecting groove 131b formed in each of the spacers 130 can be connected to the connecting groove 131b and connecting protrusion 131c of the adjacent spacer 130, respectively, with the connecting groove 131b and connecting protrusion 131c arranged on the respective (e.g., opposite) sides of the spacer 130.

[0079] This can have the effect that a channel extending along the width of the housing 200 can be formed simply by connecting to the adjacent spacer 130, without the need for separate connecting members.

[0080] In some embodiments, spacer 130 may be configured to receive cooling fluid CW from spacer 130 disposed on one side and transfer cooling fluid CW to spacer 130 disposed on the other side.

[0081] Therefore, spacer 130 can receive cooling fluid CW through a channel formed by connecting with another spacer 130, without needing to be connected to the housing 200 that receives cooling fluid CW from the outside.

[0082] Reference Figures 3 to 7The elastic member 133 can pass through the spacer body 131 and can contact the adjacent (adjacent) battery cell 110. The elastic member 133 may include an elastically deformable material.

[0083] The elastic member 133 may include, for example, rubber, silicone, polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer, etc. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the elastic member 133 may pass through the spacer body 131 and may include any suitable material with elastic restoring force.

[0084] As an optional embodiment, the spacer 130 may also be arranged between the housing 200 and the battery cell 110. In some embodiments, the elastic member 133 may be arranged in the space between the battery cell assembly 100 and the housing 200.

[0085] Therefore, in the embodiment where the battery cells 110 are stacked, the elastic member 133 can absorb the tolerance between the battery cell assembly 100 and the housing 200, thereby improving the durability of the battery pack 1 and improving the efficiency of the process of assembling the battery pack 1.

[0086] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The elastic member 133 can be arranged to pass through the spacer body 131 and can contact the battery cell 110 arranged on the corresponding side (e.g., opposite side) of the spacer body 131.

[0087] Therefore, when the battery cell 110 expands during repeated charging and discharging, the elastic member 133 can absorb the deformation of the battery cell 110 caused by the expansion, thereby minimizing (or at least reducing) the damage and structural deformation of the battery cell 110.

[0088] As used herein, the term “deformation of cell 110” refers to the amount of thickness or volume deformation of cell 110 caused by expansion.

[0089] The area of ​​the elastic member 133 according to the embodiment can be in the range of approximately 30% to approximately 40% of the area of ​​the spacer body 131. Therefore, it can absorb the internal temperature non-uniformity that occurs during fast charging of the battery cell 110 and can maximize (or at least improve) the performance of fast charging.

[0090] Typically, due to the charging and discharging of the battery cell 110, the side of the battery cell 110 where the electrode terminals are arranged ( Figure 7 The upper side of the battery cell 110 can have a relatively high temperature, and the battery cell 110 is connected to the other side of the housing 200. Figure 7 The lower part of the middle can have a relatively low temperature.

[0091] In the battery pack 1 according to the embodiment, since the spacer body 131 arranged between the plurality of battery cells 110 forms a space in which the cooling fluid CW can flow, the temperature uniformity inside the battery cells 110 can be improved, and the elastic member 133 can absorb the expansion force generated in the adjacent battery cells 110. Therefore, damage to the spacer body 131 can be prevented (or at least mitigated), and cooling performance can be maintained for a long time.

[0092] Reference Figure 4 The elastic member 133 can extend at a preset angle relative to the direction in which the multiple battery cells 110 are arranged.

[0093] For example, the elastic member 133 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the plurality of battery cells 110 are arranged. The elastic member 133 may extend along the width direction of the spacer 130. Figure 4 (Extends along the y-axis).

[0094] Because the elastic member 133 extends in the same direction as the width direction of the spacer 130, the cooling fluid CW introduced into the interior of the spacer 130 can flow along the elastic member 133 in the width direction of the spacer 130.

[0095] As an optional embodiment, the elastic member 133 can be along the height direction of the spacer 130 ( Figure 4 (Extending along the z-axis direction). In this embodiment, the cooling fluid CW can flow along the height direction of the spacer 130.

[0096] In one or more embodiments, the spacer 130 may include a plurality of elastic members 133. The plurality of elastic members 133 may be separated from each other by a predetermined interval (gap).

[0097] Reference Figure 4 The separation space S can be formed between adjacent elastic members 133 that are separated from each other. The separation space S can be used as a channel through which the cooling fluid CW flows.

[0098] Therefore, the cooling fluid CW introduced through the flow groove 131a or the connecting groove 131b can move along the separation space S and can be introduced into the adjacent spacer 130 through the connecting protrusion 131c, or discharged into the housing 200 through another flow groove 131a.

[0099] Reference Figures 5A to 5D The elastic member 133 in the spacer body 131 can have various shapes.

[0100] Reference Figure 5AThe elastic member 133A can be formed in a rectangular shape. In this embodiment, cooling fluid introduced from the outside can flow along the periphery (outer circumference) of the elastic member 133A. In some embodiments, the cooling fluid can flow along the upper part (inner circumference) of the elastic member 133A. Figure 5A (middle) and lower (in) Figure 5A (In the middle) flow. The area of ​​the elastic member 133A can be formed in the range of approximately 30% to approximately 40% of the area of ​​the spacer body 131A.

[0101] Reference Figure 5B The elastic member 133B can be formed in a rectangular shape and multiple members can be configured. Multiple elastic members 133B can be arranged on the left side of the spacer body 131B (in... Figure 5B (middle) and right side (in) Figure 5B middle).

[0102] In this embodiment, cooling fluid introduced from the outside can flow along the periphery (outer circumference) of the plurality of elastic members 133B, and can also flow along the space between the elastic members 133B that are separated from each other.

[0103] Reference Figure 5C The elastic member 133C can move along the height direction of the spacer 130C ( Figure 4 The elastic member 133C extending along the height direction of the spacer 130C can be multiple. Multiple elastic members 133C can be arranged within the spacer body 131C along the width direction of the spacer 130C. Figure 4 The y-axis direction in the middle is separated from each other by a gap.

[0104] Cooling fluid introduced from the outside can flow along the space between the elastic members 133C that are separated from each other, and can cool the battery cell 110 by heat exchange with the battery cell 110.

[0105] Reference Figure 5D The elastic member 133D can move along the width direction of the spacer 130D ( Figure 4 Extending along the y-axis direction. Along the width direction of spacer 130D (in the y-axis direction). Figure 4 The elastic member 133D, extending along the y-axis direction, can extend along the height direction of the spacer 130D. Figure 4 The z-axis direction in the middle is separated from each other by a gap.

[0106] The elastic member 133D can have different heights ( Figure 4 (length along the z-axis).

[0107] In some embodiments, the elastic members 133D arranged on the upper and lower sides of the spacer body 131D may have a relatively small height, and the elastic member 133D arranged at the center of the spacer body 131D may have a relatively high height.

[0108] However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the multiple elastic members 133 may have the same shape and may be spaced apart from each other on the spacer body 131. In one or more embodiments, some of the multiple elastic members 133 may be formed in the same shape, while the remaining elastic members 133 may be formed in different shapes. In this way, various modifications can be made to it according to the type and characteristics of the battery cell 110.

[0109] Cooling fluid introduced from the outside can flow along the upper and lower sides of the respective elastic member 133, and can also flow along the space between adjacent elastic members 133.

[0110] Reference Figures 5A to 5D Since the cooling fluid flows along the outer periphery (outer periphery) of the elastic member 133, the flow path of the cooling fluid introduced into the spacer body 131 can be adjusted differently by adjusting the shape and arrangement of the elastic member 133. Figures 5A to 5D Spacers 130A, 130B, 130C, and 130D can be applied to Figure 1 Battery pack 1.

[0111] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 8 The housing 200 may have a cooling channel 212 connected to and communicating with the spacer 130, and may accommodate the battery cell 110 and the spacer 130.

[0112] The housing 200 can form the appearance of the battery pack 1 and can protect the battery cell assembly 100 from external impacts, vibrations, dust, moisture, etc., and can stably fix the battery cell assembly 100 so as to maintain the position of the battery cell 110 to prevent (or at least mitigate) the battery cell 110 from detaching from the battery cell assembly 100.

[0113] The housing 200 may include various materials. For example, the housing 200 may include metallic materials (such as aluminum, steel, or nickel-plated steel). However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications may be made to the materials of the housing 200 within the disclosed technical concept. For example, the housing 200 may include plastic materials (such as polycarbonate or polypropylene) that have electrical insulation and high durability.

[0114] According to an embodiment, the housing 200 may include a cooling section 210, a sidewall section 230, and a cover section 250.

[0115] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 The cooling section 210 can support the battery cell assembly 100 and can form an internal space in which cooling fluid CW can flow.

[0116] Engaging protrusion 211p may be formed on the surface of cooling section 210. Engaging protrusion 211p protrudes in the direction toward battery cell assembly 100 and may be connected to spacer 130.

[0117] Reference Figure 8 The joint protrusion 211p can be formed along the longitudinal direction ( Figure 8 The cylindrical shape extends along the z-axis. The engaging protrusion 211p allows communication between the interior and exterior of the cooling section 210 and can be connected to the spacer 130.

[0118] Reference Figure 9 The engaging protrusion 211p can be connected to the flow groove 131a of the spacer 130. In some embodiments, the circumference of the outer circumferential surface of the engaging protrusion 211p can be formed to be equal to or less than the circumference of the inner circumferential surface of the flow groove 131a, and the engaging protrusion 211p can be fitted into the flow groove 131a. Thus, the spacer 130 can be fixedly positioned on the cooling section 210.

[0119] The engagement protrusion 211p can form a flow path through which the cooling fluid CW contained inside the cooling section 210 can be introduced into one of the spacers 130.

[0120] The cooling fluid CW of the cooling section 210 can be introduced into the spacer 130 through the engagement protrusion 211p connected to the flow groove 131a, and the cooling fluid CW introduced into the spacer 130 can circulate inside the spacer 130 and cool the battery cell 110 through heat exchange with the battery cell 110.

[0121] The cooling fluid CW of the heat exchange can be introduced into another spacer 130 through the connecting protrusion 131c, or returned to the cooling section 210 through another flow groove 131a.

[0122] According to an embodiment, multiple engagement protrusions 211p can be provided. These multiple engagement protrusions 211p can be arranged along the width direction of the spacer 130 (i.e., along the width direction of the cooling portion 210). Figure 9 The y-axis direction in the diagram is separated from each other.

[0123] The gap between adjacent engagement protrusions 211p that are separated from each other can be substantially equal to the gap between the plurality of flow grooves 131a in the spacer 130.

[0124] Therefore, when a spacer 130 is connected to the cooling section 210, multiple flow grooves 131a can be connected to multiple engagement protrusions 211p respectively, thereby improving connection stability.

[0125] A plurality of engagement protrusions 211p connected to a single spacer 130 and spaced apart from each other along the width direction of the cooling section 210 can be defined as a pair of engagement protrusions 211p.

[0126] The pair of engagement protrusions 211p can be provided in multiple ways. Multiple pairs of engagement protrusions 211p can be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the cooling section 210. Figure 9 The x-axis direction in the diagram is separated from each other.

[0127] Reference Figure 2 The longitudinal direction of the cooling section 210 can be the same as the direction in which the multiple battery cells 110 are arranged (i.e., the longitudinal direction of the battery cell assembly 100). Figure 2 (x-axis direction in the diagram).

[0128] Therefore, the spacers 130 arranged between the multiple battery cells 110 can also be arranged in the same direction (x-axis direction), and the spacers 130 can be respectively connected to a pair of engagement protrusions 211p arranged along the longitudinal direction of the cooling section 210.

[0129] In embodiments where multiple battery cell assemblies 100 are respectively disposed in the first region a1 and the second region a2, the engagement protrusions 211p may also be formed to be respectively connected to the battery cell assemblies 100. In some embodiments, the multiple engagement protrusions 211p may be respectively disposed in the first region a1 and the second region a2 along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell assembly 100.

[0130] Reference Figure 8 The cooling section 210 may include a cooling body 211. The cooling body 211 may be formed as a rectangular plate with a hollow interior, and the cooling fluid CW may be contained within the cooling body 211.

[0131] In some embodiments, the cooling section 210 may have an inlet hole 211a and an outlet hole 211b. Cooling fluid CW can be introduced from the outside through the inlet hole 211a and discharged through the outlet hole 211b. The inlet hole 211a and the outlet hole 211b may be formed in the same surface of the cooling body 211, but the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the inlet hole 211a and the outlet hole 211b may be formed on one surface of the cooling body 211 and another surface of the cooling body 211 (e.g., opposite surfaces), respectively.

[0132] A cooling channel 212 that provides a flow path for cooling fluid CW introduced from the outside can be formed in the cooling section 210.

[0133] According to an embodiment, inlet port 211a can be connected to one side of cooling channel 212, and outlet port 211b can be connected to the other side (e.g., opposite side) of cooling channel 212. Therefore, cooling fluid CW introduced from the outside can be introduced into cooling channel 212 through inlet port 211a and discharged through outlet port 211b.

[0134] The cooling channel 212 according to the embodiment may include a channel portion 212a and a connecting portion 212b.

[0135] Reference Figure 8 The cooling channel 212 may have a structure in which multiple channel portions 212a arranged parallel to each other at predetermined intervals are connected (e.g., a wave or sine wave shape). The channel portions 212a may have a predetermined diameter and be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the cooling section 210. Figure 8 A groove or hole shape extending along the x-axis (in the x-axis direction).

[0136] Multiple channel sections 212a can be provided. Multiple channel sections 212a can be arranged along the width direction of the cooling section 210. Figure 8 The channels 212a are separated from each other (in the y-axis direction). As an optional embodiment, the multiple channels 212a can be arranged in parallel (or substantially parallel).

[0137] Reference Figure 8 Multiple different channel portions 212a can be connected to each other through multiple connecting portions 212b. The connecting portions 212b can have a preset radius of curvature and can be formed into a curved shape to connect multiple different channel portions 212a arranged in parallel with each other.

[0138] Therefore, the cooling channel 212 can have a shape that is continuously connected in a roughly S-shaped curve.

[0139] Cooling fluid CW that has passed through one of the channel sections 212a can change direction when passing through the connecting section 212b, and then pass through another channel section 212a, and then change direction when passing through another connecting section 212b.

[0140] Therefore, the cooling fluid CW can remain in the cooling channel 212 for a relatively long time and can be introduced into the spacer 130 through the cooling channel 212 to effectively cool the battery cell 110.

[0141] Reference Figure 8 The engagement protrusion 211p can be formed on the surface of the cooling body 211. Figure 8 The cooling channel 212 can be formed on the opposite side of the surface of the cooling body 211 (e.g., the engaging protrusion 211p and the cooling channel 212 can be on the opposite surface of the cooling body 211).

[0142] In some embodiments, the first region a1 is located along the longitudinal direction of the cooling section 210 ( Figure 8 The path formed by the multiple engagement protrusions 211p set along the x-axis can correspond to the path of the cooling channel 212.

[0143] The engagement protrusion 211p can correspond to the flow groove 131a, and the path of the cooling channel 212 can be formed to correspond to the arrangement path of the battery cell 110 arranged in the first region a1.

[0144] The path formed by the plurality of engagement protrusions 211p arranged in the second region a2 can also be formed as an arrangement path corresponding to the battery cell 110 arranged in the second region a2.

[0145] Therefore, the cooling fluid CW flowing through the cooling channel 212 can pass through the engagement protrusion 211p and then be introduced into the spacer 130, which connects the interior of the cooling body 211 to the exterior of the cooling body 211 and is connected to the spacer 130.

[0146] The cooling fluid CW, which has already undergone heat exchange while passing through the spacer 130, can also be easily discharged into the cooling section 210.

[0147] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The sidewall portion 230 can be connected to the cooling portion 210 and arranged to surround the battery cell assembly 100. The sidewall portion 230 may have an internal space in which the battery cell assembly 100 can be housed.

[0148] The surface of the side wall portion 230 facing the cooling portion 210 ( Figure 2The bottom surface of the cooling section 210 can be formed into a shape corresponding to the outer periphery of the cooling section 210. In some embodiments where the cooling section 210 is formed into a rectangular plate shape, the sidewall 230 can also be formed to have an upper surface and a lower surface ( Figure 2 A cuboid shape with openings on its upper and lower surfaces.

[0149] According to the embodiment, the sidewall portion 230 can cover the side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 110 that do not face the spacer 130 and the corresponding ends of the battery cell assembly 100.

[0150] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cover 250 can be opposite to the cooling section 210 and can cover the battery cell assembly 100. Therefore, the cover 250 can protect the battery cell assembly 100 from the effects of the external environment and contaminants.

[0151] According to an embodiment, the cover portion 250 can be formed in a shape corresponding to the cooling portion 210. In some embodiments, the cover portion 250 can be disposed on one side of the sidewall portion 230 having a rectangular cross-section. Figure 2 The upper side of the side wall 230), and the cooling section 210 can be arranged on the other side of the side wall 230. Figure 2 (Lower side of the middle). Therefore, the cover 250 and the cooling part 210 can be formed together into a cuboid shape.

[0152] The operating principle and effects of battery pack 1 according to an embodiment are described below.

[0153] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the flow state of the cooling fluid CW in the spacer 130 and the cooling section 210 according to an embodiment.

[0154] Reference Figures 1 to 10 The battery pack 1 may include a battery cell assembly 100 and a pack housing 200.

[0155] The battery cell assembly 100 may include a plurality of battery cells 110 arranged in a predetermined direction and spacers 130 arranged between each pair of adjacent battery cells in the plurality of battery cells 110.

[0156] The spacer 130 can maintain the gap between the battery cells 110 and can be configured to allow cooling fluid CW to flow inside the spacer 130. The spacer 130 can be connected to the housing 200. In some embodiments, the engagement protrusion 211p of the cooling section 210 can be fitted into the flow groove 131a of the spacer 130, so that the spacer 130 can be fixedly positioned in the cooling section 210.

[0157] Reference Figure 10Cooling fluid CW can be introduced into the inlet hole 211a of the cooling body 211.

[0158] Cooling fluid CW can be supplied from a separate cooling fluid supply source outside the battery pack 1 to the inlet port 211a. Cooling fluid CW can flow along cooling channel 212, and a portion of the flowing cooling fluid CW can be introduced into spacer 130 through engagement protrusion 211p.

[0159] The cooling fluid CW introduced into the spacer 130 can exchange heat with the adjacent battery cell 110 while circulating within the spacer body 131 along the path formed by the elastic member 133. The heat-exchanged cooling fluid CW can then pass through the flow groove 131a and the engagement protrusion 211p again, can be introduced into the cooling channel 212, and can flow back into the cooling section 210.

[0160] A portion of the cooling fluid CW introduced into one of the spacers 130 can be introduced into an adjacent spacer 130 via the connecting protrusion 131c.

[0161] The cooling fluid CW introduced into the adjacent spacer 130 can circulate inside the spacer body 131, be reintroduced into the cooling section 210 through the flow groove 131a, or be introduced into another adjacent spacer 130 through the connecting protrusion 131c.

[0162] In some embodiments, the cooling fluid CW flowing through the cooling section 210 may be introduced into the spacer 130 to cool the battery cell 110 and then resupply to the cooling section 210, or it may be introduced into the spacer 130 of the battery cell assembly 100 in another region to additionally cool the battery cell 110.

[0163] Reference Figure 7 The elastic member 133 can be configured to pass through the spacer body 131. The elastic member 133 can contact the battery cell 110 arranged on the opposite side of the spacer 130 and can absorb the volume deformation caused by the expansion of the battery cell 110.

[0164] The prior art method of cooling the battery cells 110 by using a large area between the battery cells 110 has the problem that the cooling performance decreases over time due to the expansion of the battery cells 110.

[0165] Conversely, in the battery pack 1 according to the embodiment, the spacer 130 can cool multiple battery cells 110 by using a large area between the battery cells 110 as a cooling area, and the elastic member 133 can be arranged in the spacer body 131 to absorb the amount of deformation of the battery cells 110 caused by expansion, thereby minimizing damage to the spacer 130 and maintaining cooling performance for a long time.

[0166] In some embodiments, by adjusting the areas of the spacer body 131 and the elastic member 133 to a preset ratio, the temperature uniformity inside the battery cell 110 can be improved, and the reliability of the battery pack 1 can be improved.

[0167] In some embodiments, because spacer 130 and cooling section 210 or spacer 130 and another adjacent spacer 130 can be easily connected to each other without separate connecting members, the assembly time of battery pack 1 can be reduced and production efficiency can be improved.

[0168] However, the effects that can be obtained through disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other technical effects not described herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art through the disclosed description.

[0169] Although the disclosure has been described with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations are possible by those skilled in the art within the scope of the disclosed technical concept and the equivalence of the claims.

Claims

1. A spacer, the spacer being configured to be disposed between a pair of adjacent battery cells in a plurality of battery cells arranged along a predetermined direction, the spacer comprising: A spacer body is configured to allow cooling fluid to flow within the spacer body, the spacer body including opposing surfaces configured to face the pair of adjacent battery cells; as well as At least one elastic member passes through the opposing surfaces of the spacer body and is configured to contact the pair of adjacent battery cells.

2. The spacer according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one elastic member extends at a preset angle relative to the preset direction in which the plurality of battery cells are arranged.

3. The spacer according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one elastic member includes a plurality of elastic members, wherein the plurality of elastic members are separated from each other by a predetermined interval.

4. The spacer according to claim 1, wherein, The area of ​​the at least one elastic member occupies 30% to 40% of the area of ​​the spacer body.

5. The spacer according to claim 1, wherein, The spacer body includes at least one flow groove that forms a flow path for the cooling fluid.

6. The spacer according to claim 5, wherein, The at least one flow groove includes a plurality of flow grooves, wherein the plurality of flow grooves are located on opposite sides of the spacer body.

7. The spacer according to claim 1, further comprising: A connecting groove is provided on one side of the spacer body, and the connecting groove is configured to connect to an adjacent spacer. as well as A connecting protrusion is located on the other side of the spacer body, and the connecting protrusion can be inserted into another adjacent spacer.

8. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: At least one battery cell assembly includes a plurality of spacers and a plurality of battery cells arranged along a predetermined direction, wherein each of the plurality of spacers is between a pair of adjacent battery cells and has a hollow interior. as well as The housing contains the plurality of battery cells and the plurality of spacers. The plurality of spacers are connected to the housing assembly, and The housing includes a cooling channel communicating with the plurality of spacers.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein, Each of the plurality of spacers includes: The spacer body is connected to the assembly housing and has an internal space; and At least one elastic member passes through the spacer body and is configured to contact the pair of adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein, The area of ​​the at least one elastic member occupies 30% to 40% of the area of ​​the spacer body.

11. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein, The at least one elastic member extends at a preset angle relative to the preset direction in which the plurality of battery cells are arranged.

12. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein, The at least one elastic member includes a plurality of elastic members, wherein the plurality of elastic members are separated from each other by a predetermined interval.

13. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein, Each of the plurality of spacers has at least one flow groove, which can be connected to the housing and forms a flow path for cooling fluid.

14. The battery pack according to claim 13, wherein, The at least one flow groove includes a plurality of flow grooves, wherein the plurality of flow grooves are on opposite sides of each of the plurality of spacers.

15. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein, The at least one battery cell assembly includes a plurality of battery cell assemblies, and the plurality of battery cell assemblies are parallel to each other.

16. The battery pack according to claim 15, wherein, The multiple spacers in the multiple battery cell assemblies are arranged in parallel to each other. Each of the plurality of spacers includes a connecting groove on one side and a connecting protrusion on the other side. The connecting groove is configured to connect to an adjacent spacer, and The connecting protrusion is configured to be inserted into another adjacent spacer.

17. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein, The housing assembly includes: A cooling section supports the at least one battery cell assembly, the cooling section including an internal space in which cooling fluid can flow; Sidewall portion, connected to the cooling portion and surrounding the at least one battery cell assembly; and A cover portion, opposite to the cooling portion and covering the at least one battery cell assembly.

18. The battery pack according to claim 17, wherein, The cooling section includes an inlet hole and an outlet hole. The cooling fluid is introduced from the outside through the inlet hole and discharged through the outlet hole.

19. The battery pack according to claim 17, wherein, The cooling section includes a cooling channel that provides a flow path for the cooling fluid introduced from the outside.

20. The battery pack according to claim 17, wherein, The cooling section includes a bonding protrusion protruding in the direction toward the at least one battery cell assembly, the bonding protrusion being configured to connect to the spacers among the plurality of spacers.

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