Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack provides a uniform temperature environment for a plurality of battery cells to eliminate or mitigate temperature variations that depend on the location of the battery cells. The battery pack also eliminates or mitigates variations in electrical output characteristics due to the temperature variations. The battery pack provides a common first path of heat flow for the battery cells along a cooling plate that extends across the bottom surface of the battery cells while inhibiting heat flow along a second path from a side of an outermost battery cell among the battery cells.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One or more embodiments relate to a battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which cannot be recharged, secondary batteries are batteries that can be discharged and recharged. Secondary batteries can be used as an energy source for mobile devices, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, electric bicycles, and uninterruptible power supplies. Depending on the type of external device used, secondary batteries can be used as individual batteries or in packs, where multiple batteries are connected and bundled into a single unit.

[0003] Small mobile devices (such as mobile phones) can operate for a period of time using the output and capacity of a single battery. When long-term or high-power operation is required (such as for larger mobile devices that consume a lot of power, such as laptops or electric or hybrid vehicles), packs containing multiple batteries are preferred because they provide increased output and capacity. Depending on the number of built-in batteries in the pack, the output voltage or output current can be increased. Utility Model Content

[0004] One or more embodiments include a battery pack capable of providing a uniform temperature environment for a plurality of battery cells to eliminate or mitigate location-dependent temperature variations and to eliminate or mitigate variations in electrical output characteristics caused by temperature variations. The battery pack can provide heat flow along a common first path for the plurality of battery cells toward a cooling plate (which extends across the bottom surface of the plurality of battery cells), while suppressing heat flow along a second path from one side of the outermost of the plurality of battery cells through an end plate to the cooling plate. Elimination of the second path mitigates or eliminates temperature variations depending on the location between the plurality of battery cells forming the battery pack.

[0005] Additional aspects will be set forth in the description which follows, and will become apparent from the description, or may be learned by practicing the embodiments presented in this disclosure.

[0006] According to one or more embodiments, a battery pack includes: a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction; an end plate disposed in the first direction on the outside of the outermost battery cell among the plurality of battery cells; a cooling plate extending across the bottom surface of the plurality of battery cells; and an insulating block positioned at a junction between the end plate and the cooling plate.

[0007] The joint line extends through the joint location, and the joint component joins the end plate and the cooling plate at the joint line.

[0008] The cooling plate can extend across the bottom surface of the end plate and the bottom surface of the plurality of battery cells arranged in the first direction, with the bottom surface of the end plate bonded to the top surface of the cooling plate at a joint position, such that the bottom surface of the end plate and the top surface of the cooling plate face each other.

[0009] The battery pack may include a bonding block extending a height from the top surface of the cooling plate, and a receiving step recessed to a depth from the bottom surface of the end plate. The bonding block and the receiving step are formed in complementary shapes, and the bonding block is assembled to the receiving step.

[0010] Insulation blocks can be formed as all or part of a composite block.

[0011] The insulation block can protrude from the cooling plate to the receiving step of the end plate to form the entire combined block.

[0012] The insulation block may include a single insulation block provided on the cooling plate or at least two different insulation blocks stacked on the cooling plate.

[0013] Insulation blocks can be stacked on top of metal blocks provided on a cooling plate to form part of a combined block, with the insulation blocks and metal blocks protruding from the top surface of the cooling plate to a height complementary to the depth formed by the receiving steps of the end plate.

[0014] A receiving step recessed from the bottom surface of the end plate to the stated depth can be coupled to a coupling block protruding from the top surface of the cooling plate to the stated height.

[0015] The connecting blocks can protrude from both sides of the cooling plate in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the receiving steps of the end plate can be recessed from both sides of the end plate in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The top surface of the cooling plate between the connecting blocks on both sides faces the bottom surface of the end plate between the receiving steps on both sides.

[0016] Insulation blocks can be provided at the joint location where the end plate and the cooling plate are joined, and at the facing location where the end plate faces the cooling plate.

[0017] The insulating block at the facing position can be formed on the bottom surface of the end plate facing the top surface of the cooling plate.

[0018] The insulation block can be formed at the facing position with a thickness in the depth direction extending from the bottom surface of the end plate or the top surface of the cooling plate.

[0019] The battery pack may include a bonding block having a height from the top surface of a cooling plate to a receiving step of an end plate, the receiving step of the end plate being recessed from the bottom surface of the end plate to a depth, wherein the bonding block and the receiving step are fitted to each other in complementary shapes, and the top surface of the cooling plate between the bonding blocks on both sides faces the bottom surface of the end plate between the receiving steps on both sides.

[0020] Insulation blocks can be provided on the receiving steps at the joint location and on the bottom surface of the end plate facing the top surface of the cooling plate.

[0021] The insulating block can be formed to have a thickness from the accommodating step.

[0022] The bonding block can be at least partially formed into a metal block, and the bottom surface of the insulation block can be formed into a non-flat surface.

[0023] The top surface of the insulating block, opposite to the accommodating step, can be formed as a flat surface.

[0024] The insulation block can provide a receiving step at the joint location, with the bottom surface of the end plate facing the top surface of the cooling plate.

[0025] The bottom and top surfaces of the insulation block can be formed as flat surfaces. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery pack according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the battery pack shown;

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a portion of the battery pack shown;

[0030] Figure 4 This diagram shows the arrangement of the insulating block IB formed at the joint location CP, where the insulating block IB is bonded to... Figure 1 End plate E on the cooling plate 100 shown;

[0031] Figure 5 It shows that it is formed in Figure 1 The diagram shows the insulation block IB at the joint position CP between the end plate E and the cooling plate 100.

[0032] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The figures shown are comparative examples and figures from this disclosure, illustrating the results of measuring temperature changes based on location within the battery cell;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a graph showing the results of measuring the changes in reactive current density depending on the location within the battery cell in this disclosure and comparative examples;

[0034] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a battery pack according to other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 9 It shows that it is formed in Figure 8 The diagram shows the insulation block IB at the joint position CP between the end plate E and the cooling plate 100.

[0036] Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a battery pack according to other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 11 It shows that it is formed in Figure 10 The diagram shows the insulation block IB at the joint position CP between the end plate E and the cooling plate 100.

[0038] Figure 12 This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a battery pack according to other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 13 It shows that it is formed in Figure 12 The diagram shows the junction CP between the cooling plate 100 and the end plate E, and the insulation block IB at the position Ea on the bottom surface of the end plate E.

[0040] Figure 14 This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a battery pack according to other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 15 It shows that it is formed in Figure 14 The diagram shows the insulation block IB at the joint position CP between the cooling plate 100 and the end plate E, and the insulation block IB formed at the position Ea on the bottom surface of the end plate E.

[0042] Figure 16A and Figure 16B The figures shown are comparative examples and figures from this disclosure, illustrating the results of measuring temperature changes based on location within the battery cell; and

[0043] Figure 17 This is a graph showing the results of measuring the changes in reactive current density depending on the location within the cell in this disclosure and comparative examples. Specific Implementation

[0044] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals always refer to the same elements. In this respect, the embodiments may take different forms and should not be construed as limited to the description set forth herein. Therefore, embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings to explain various aspects of this specification. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as “at least one of…” modify the entire list of elements if preceding it, rather than individual elements in the list.

[0045] In the following description, some embodiments of a battery pack according to the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings attached to the specification.

[0046] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery pack according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the battery pack shown.

[0048] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a portion of the battery pack shown.

[0049] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the joining position CP and facing position FP between the cooling plate 100 and the end plate E.

[0050] Figure 5 It shows that it is formed in Figure 1 The diagram shows the insulation block IB at the joint position CP between the end plate E and the cooling plate 100.

[0051] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a battery pack according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may include a plurality of battery cells C arranged in a first direction Z1 and an end plate E disposed on the outer side of the outermost battery cell C1. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, each battery cell C may include a terminal surface 11 having different first and second electrode terminals, a bottom surface 12 opposite to the terminal surface 11, and a pair of wide side surfaces 15 and a pair of narrow side surfaces 14 connecting the terminal surface 11 to the bottom surface 12. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the pair of wide side surfaces 15 may face each other along the first direction Z1 where the plurality of battery cells C are arranged, and the pair of narrow side surfaces 14 may face each other along a second direction Z2 intersecting the first direction Z1. The second direction Z2 may refer to the direction in which the pair of narrow side surfaces 14 of each battery cell C face each other or the direction in which the paired first and second electrode terminals on the terminal surface 11 of the battery cell C are spaced apart from each other. The terminal surface 11 having the first and second electrode terminals may face the bottom surface 12 along a third direction Z3 intersecting the first and second directions Z1 and Z2.

[0052] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the plurality of battery cells C can be electrically connected to each other via upper terminal surfaces 11 having first and second electrode terminals formed thereon, and can be cooled via a bottom surface 12 opposite to the terminal surfaces 11. Since the electrical connection and cooling of the battery cells C are achieved through the opposing upper terminal surfaces 11 and lower bottom surfaces 12, physical and electrical interference between the electrical connection and cooling of the battery cells C can be prevented. Busbars B can be disposed on the terminal surfaces 11 of the battery cells C for electrical connection between the plurality of battery cells C. Multiple busbars B can be disposed on the terminal surfaces 11 of the battery cells C to electrically connect the first and second electrode terminals of adjacent battery cells C to each other. A cooling plate 100 can be disposed below the bottom surface 12 of the battery cells C to cool the battery cells C. The busbar holder 20, which has a busbar B and a measurement wiring 21, can be placed on the terminal surface 11 of the battery cell C. The busbar B is used to electrically connect different battery cells C, and the measurement wiring 21 is used to measure the status information of the battery cell C (such as the voltage, current and temperature of the battery cell C) and transmit the measured status information.

[0053] Reference Figure 3According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a battery pack may include a cooling plate 100 disposed below the bottom surface 12 of a battery cell C and extending across the bottom surface 12 of a group of battery cells C forming the battery pack. When the cooling plate 100 extends across the bottom surface 12 of the group of battery cells C arranged in a first direction Z1 and the bottom surface Ea of a pair of end plates E disposed on both sides of the group of battery cells C, the cooling plate 100 can provide a support for the group of battery cells C forming the battery pack and the end plates E disposed on both sides of the group of battery cells C. In order to cool the group of battery cells C forming the battery pack, the cooling plate 100 may extend in the first direction Z1 across the bottom surface 12 of the plurality of battery cells C and the bottom surface Ea of the end plates E disposed on both sides of the plurality of battery cells C.

[0054] When the cooling plate 100 extends in the first direction Z1 across the plurality of battery cells C and the end plates E disposed on both sides of the plurality of battery cells C, heat flow can be formed between the cooling plate 100 and the plurality of battery cells C (bottom surface 12 of the battery cells C), and the cooling plate 100 can be physically bonded to the bottom surface Ea of the end plate E. The cooling plate 100 can contact the plurality of battery cells C and the end plate E by the weight of the plurality of battery cells C and the end plate E. For example, the cooling plate 100 can form thermal contact with the plurality of battery cells C while extending across the bottom surface 12 of the plurality of battery cells C. The cooling plate 100 can be provided as a generally rectangular plate, wherein the plurality of battery cells C are arranged in the first direction Z1 as long sides and the second direction Z2 as short sides, and the cooling plate 100 can be formed to have a sufficiently large area to completely cover the battery pack in the first direction Z1 and the second direction Z2.

[0055] The cooling plate 100 can be formed in a plate shape, with cooling channels CH formed in the plate, through which liquid or gaseous cooling fluid flows. Multiple cooling channels CH can extend parallel to each other in the cooling plate 100 in a first direction Z1.

[0056] The cooling plate 100 can cool the plurality of battery cells C arranged in the first direction Z1 while extending across the bottom surface 12 of the plurality of battery cells C arranged in the first direction Z1. Specifically, the cooling plate 100 can cool the battery cells C and provide a support for the plurality of battery cells C. The cooling plate 100 can provide a support for the plurality of battery cells C and the end plates E while extending across the bottom surface 12 of the plurality of battery cells C arranged in the first direction Z1 and the bottom surface Ea of the end plates E disposed on both sides of the plurality of battery cells C.

[0057] When end plates E structurally combine a row of battery cells C into a single group, end plates E can physically and electrically protect the row of battery cells C and insulate them from the external environment. Battery cells C may undergo volume expansion (swelling) during charging and discharging. Volume expansion of battery cells C can alter their resistive characteristics and degrade their output characteristics. Swelling of battery cells C can be suppressed by arranging a pair of end plates E on either side of the row of battery cells C. Swelling of battery cells C between the pair of end plates E can be suppressed by side plates that bind the pair of end plates E toward each other, the side plates extending across the sides of the battery cells C and binding the pair of end plates E.

[0058] The end plate E, which binds the battery cells C into a group to form a battery pack, can suppress bulging of the battery cells C by binding the group of battery cells C with a binding force. The end plate E may include a metal material with appropriate rigidity and toughness to protect the group of battery cells C from the effects of the external environment.

[0059] The cooling plate 100 can contact the end plate E while extending across the bottom surface Ea of the end plate E, and can be physically bonded to the end plate E. The cooling plate 100 and the end plate E can be physically bonded to each other. A connecting block CB and a receiving step S, formed in complementary shapes for physical bonding, can be formed on the cooling plate 100 and in the end plate E, respectively. The connecting block CB and the receiving step S can be assembled to each other in complementary shapes. The receiving step S of the end plate E can be placed on the connecting block CB formed on the cooling plate 100. The receiving step S of the end plate E can assemble the connecting block CB onto the cooling plate 100 to temporarily fix the end plate E to the cooling plate 100. A connecting member 80 (screw) can be used to securely bond the end plate E and the cooling plate 100.

[0060] The connecting blocks CB can be formed on both sides of the cooling plate 100 in the second direction Z2. Furthermore, the connecting blocks CB can be formed at the corners of the cooling plate 100 in the first direction Z1 and the second direction Z2. To connect with the end plates E1 and E2 respectively arranged at the front and rear positions of the cooling plate 100 in the first direction Z1, four connecting blocks CB can be placed on both sides of the front and rear positions of the cooling plate 100. That is, the connecting blocks CB can be formed at the four corners of the cooling plate 100.

[0061] A receiving step S can be formed on both sides of the end plate E in the second direction Z2 to be mounted on the connecting block CB of the cooling plate 100. More specifically, the receiving step S formed on both sides of the end plate E in the second direction Z2 can extend across a pair of narrow sides facing each other in the second direction Z2 and a pair of wide sides (a pair of wide sides facing each other in the first direction Z1) that meet the pair of narrow sides. The receiving step S can be in the form of a recessed groove at the corner of the end plate E in a third direction Z3 that intersects the first direction Z1 and the second direction Z2, facing inward towards the end plate E. The receiving step S of the end plate E can be formed mainly at the corner where the narrow side of the end plate E intersects the wide side of the end plate E, the wide side of the end plate E facing outward and intersecting the narrow side. When the receiving step S is recessed from the corner, the corner can guide the connection position CP between the receiving step S of the end plate E and the connecting block CB of the cooling plate 100.

[0062] The receiving step S formed at the corner of the end plate E can be placed on the connecting block CB. When the connecting member 80 (which penetrates the end plate E with the receiving step S mounted on the connecting block CB of the cooling plate 100) is connected to the connecting block CB through the receiving step S, the cooling plate 100 can be connected to the end plate E.

[0063] The battery pack according to some embodiments of this disclosure may further include a heat insulation block IB disposed between the cooling plate 100 and the end plate E. The cooling plate 100 and the end plate E are thermally insulated from each other by the heat insulation block IB positioned between them. The heat insulation block IB can prevent heat flow (second path P2, see...) from the end plate E to the cooling plate 100. Figure 2 This prevents the heat flow of the outermost cell C1 near the end plate E from flowing differently from the heat flow of other cell Cs. The end plate E can be positioned on both sides of the row of cell Cs in the first direction Z1. The end plate E can form a heat flow path (second path P2, see end plate E) with the outermost cell C1 at a position adjacent to it on the outside of the outermost cell C1 in the first direction Z1. Figure 2 ).

[0064] Insulation block IB can be placed between cooling plate 100 and end plate E to prevent different heat flow paths (e.g., second path P2, see...). Figure 2The heat flow path is formed between the outermost battery cell C1 located at the outermost position of the battery cell C in the first direction Z1 and the innermost battery cell C located at the innermost position of the battery cell C in the first direction Z1. The heat flow path extending from the end plate E to the cooling plate 100 can be blocked by the insulating block IB positioned between the cooling plate 100 and the end plate E. Different heat flow paths can be blocked depending on the position of the battery cell C in the first direction Z1. Regardless of the position of the battery cell C in the first direction Z1, the main heat flow from the battery cell C toward the cooling plate 100 can be formed along the first path P1 from the bottom surface 12 of the battery cell C toward the cooling plate 100, and can be formed without following the second path P2 from the side of the battery cell C (outermost battery cell C1) through the end plate E to the cooling plate 100.

[0065] Reference Figure 2 According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the heat insulation block IB can be positioned between the end plate E and the cooling plate 100 at a location where a second path P2 is formed to block the heat flow along the second path P2, thereby allowing the main heat flow to proceed along a first path P1 from the bottom surface 12 of the battery cells C in the array of the plurality of battery cells C arranged in the first direction Z1 to the cooling plate 100. By blocking the heat flow between the end plate E and the cooling plate 100, the heat insulation block IB can block the second path P2 from the side of the outermost battery cell C1 through the end plate E to the cooling plate 100. This prevents the formation of a thermal imbalance in the outermost battery cell C1 where the heat flow is along different first paths P1 and second paths P2, while in the inner battery cell C the heat flow is only along the first path P1, thereby eliminating temperature variations dependent on the position of the battery cell C.

[0066] Reference Figure 3 The insulation block IB can be positioned between the end plate E and the cooling plate 100. The insulation block IB can be formed around the mating position CP where there is at least close contact between the end plate E and the cooling plate 100.

[0067] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The figures shown are comparative examples and figures from this disclosure, illustrating the results of measuring temperature changes based on location within the battery cell.

[0068] Figure 7 This is a graph showing the results of measuring the changes in reactive current density depending on the location within the cell in this disclosure and comparative examples.

[0069] exist Figure 6AIn the comparative example shown, the bonding block CB' is formed as a metal block between the cooling plate 100' and the end plate E'. As shown in the figures, it is confirmed that the temperature change of the battery cell C' (outermost battery cell) increases due to cooling via a first path from the battery cell C' (outermost battery cell) to the cooling plate 100' and a second path via the end plate E' toward the cooling plate 100'. Among the three thickness portions of the battery cell C' (outermost battery cell) in the first direction Z1 (along which the plurality of battery cells C' are arranged) (e.g., the first thickness portion y1 facing the adjacent battery cell C', the central second thickness portion y2, and the third thickness portion y3 adjacent to the end plate E'), a high temperature change of approximately 6.0°C was measured between the central second thickness portion y2 and the third thickness portion y3 adjacent to the end plate E'.

[0070] exist Figure 6B In some embodiments of this disclosure, with Figure 6A Unlike the comparative example, the bonding block CB'' is formed by an insulating block IB' between the cooling plate 100" and the end plate E". As shown in the figure, it has been confirmed that by allowing heat flow along the first path from the battery cell C" (outermost battery cell) to the cooling plate 100" while suppressing heat flow along the second path from the battery cell C" through the end plate E" to the cooling plate 100", the temperature change of the battery cell C" (outermost battery cell) is reduced. Among the three thickness portions of the battery cell C" (outermost battery cell) in the first direction Z1 (along which multiple battery cells C" are arranged) (e.g., the first thickness portion y1 facing the adjacent battery cell C", the central second thickness portion y2 and the third thickness portion y3 adjacent to the end plate E", a temperature change of about 5°C was measured between the central second thickness portion y2 and the third thickness portion y3 adjacent to the end plate E", which is reduced by about 17%.

[0071] exist Figure 6A In a comparative example, among the multiple battery cells C' forming the battery pack, a high temperature change of approximately 6.6°C was measured between the central battery cell C' and the outermost battery cell C' along the first direction of their arrangement. However, in Figure 6B In the embodiment of this disclosure shown, a temperature change of about 5.0°C was measured between the central battery cell C" and the outermost battery cell C", which was reduced by about 25%.

[0072] exist Figure 7 In the middle, curve a shows according to Figure 6A The reaction current density (A / m) at the location within cell C' shown in the comparative example 2 The change in current density (A / m) 2This can be understood as the magnitude of the current generated within a single battery cell. (See reference...) Figure 7 Curve a, in the first direction Z1 (along which multiple battery cells C' are arranged) of the battery cell C' (the outermost battery cell), among the three thickness portions (e.g., the first thickness portion y1 facing the adjacent battery cell C', the central second thickness portion y2, and the third thickness portion y3 adjacent to the end plate E'), measures approximately 3.3 A / m between the central second thickness portion y2 and the third thickness portion y3 adjacent to the end plate E'. 2 The reaction current density changes significantly.

[0073] exist Figure 7 In the middle, curve b shows the result according to Figure 6B The reaction current density (A / m) at the location within the cell C'' shown is illustrated. 2 The changes in ( ). Refer to Figure 7 Curve b, in the first direction Z1 (along which multiple battery cells C" are arranged) of the battery cell C" (outermost battery cell), among the three thickness portions (e.g., the first thickness portion y1 facing the adjacent battery cell C", the second thickness portion y2 in the center, and the third thickness portion y3 adjacent to the end plate E"), measures approximately 2.0 A / m between the second thickness portion y2 in the center and the third thickness portion y3 adjacent to the end plate E". 2 The change in the reaction current density decreased by approximately 41%.

[0074] from Figure 7 The experimental results confirm that the temperature of battery cells C' and C" directly affects their electrical output characteristics. Specifically, it can be confirmed that, for example... Figure 6A The comparative example shows that the temperature change, depending on the position within the cell C', increases the change in electrical output characteristics (change in reactive current density) based on the position within the cell C', such as... Figure 7 As shown by curve a. Furthermore, it can be confirmed that, as Figure 6B The decrease in temperature change, which depends on the position within the cell C", reduces the change in electrical output characteristics (change in reactive current density) based on the position within the cell C". Figure 7 The curve b is shown.

[0075] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a battery pack according to other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0076] Figure 9 It shows that it is formed in Figure 8 The diagram shows the insulation block IB at the joint position CP between the end plate E and the cooling plate 100.

[0077] Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a battery pack according to other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0078] Figure 11 It shows that it is formed in Figure 10 The diagram shows the insulation block IB at the joint position CP between the end plate E and the cooling plate 100.

[0079] Figure 12 This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a battery pack according to other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0080] Figure 13 It shows that it is formed in Figure 12 The diagram shows the junction CP between the cooling plate 100 and the end plate E, and the insulation block IB at the position Ea on the bottom surface of the end plate E.

[0081] Figure 14 This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a battery pack according to other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0082] Figure 15 It shows that it is formed in Figure 14 The diagram shows the insulation block IB at the joint position CP between the cooling plate 100 and the end plate E, and the insulation block IB formed at the position Ea on the bottom surface of the end plate E.

[0083] According to such Figure 8 In some embodiments shown, the insulating block IB can be formed on the metal block MB of the cooling plate 100. The insulating block IB can be arranged on the metal block MB corresponding to the joint position CP of the cooling plate 100 and the end plate E. The insulating block IB and the metal block MB can be in close contact with each other between the end plate E and the cooling plate 100 depending on the joint pressure from the joint member 80. The combination of the metal block MB and the insulating block IB stacked on each other in the third direction Z3 can be used as a single joint block CB. The combination of the metal block MB and the insulating block IB stacked on each other can be used as a single joint block CB and can cooperate with the receiving step S of the end plate E.

[0084] The engagement position CP of the end plate E and the cooling plate 100 can refer to the position where the receiving step S of the end plate E and the engaging block CB of the cooling plate 100 face each other. That is, the engagement position CP of the end plate E and the cooling plate 100 can include the position where the receiving step S of the end plate E and the engaging block CB of the cooling plate 100 form facing each other, as well as the position between the receiving step S of the end plate E and the engaging block CB of the cooling plate 100. For example, the engagement position CP between the end plate E and the cooling plate 100 can include the central region where the end plate E is engaged to the cooling plate 100 and the area projected along the engagement line (where the engaging member 80 is inserted) and the area surrounding the central region.

[0085] exist Figures 3 to 5 and Figures 8 to 11 The accompanying drawings illustrate the arrangement of the insulation block IB according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] The insulation block IB can be formed as a bonding block CB on the cooling plate 100. For example, the insulation block IB being implemented as a bonding block CB can mean that the insulation block IB can accommodate the bonding member 80 exposed by the accommodating step S, and can be combined with the bonding member 80 to serve as a bonding block CB when assembled to the accommodating step S of the end plate E.

[0087] The insulating block IB blocks the heat flow between the end plate E and the cooling plate 100 to block the second path P2 from the wide side 15 of the outermost cell C1 through the end plate E to the cooling plate 100 (see...). Figure 2 The heat flow can be represented by the fact that the insulating block IB has high thermal resistance or low thermal conductivity characteristics to suppress heat flow between the end plate E and the cooling plate 100. More specifically, the insulating block IB is formed of an insulating material with high thermal resistance or low thermal conductivity characteristics, thereby minimizing or suppressing heat transfer despite a relatively high temperature difference.

[0088] like Figure 5 As shown, the insulation block IB can comprise a single insulation block IB. In other words, the bonding block CB can be formed from a single insulation block IB. Figure 11 As shown, the insulation block IB may include two or more insulation blocks IB1 and IB2 stacked on top of each other. The bonding block CB may be formed by two or more insulation blocks IB1 and IB2 stacked on top of each other. In order to effectively block the heat flow between the end plate E and the cooling plate 100, the height of the insulation block IB may be increased, or the number of insulation blocks IB stacked on top of each other may be increased.

[0089] The insulating block IB can form all or part of the bonding block CB. The bonding block CB, which complements the receiving step S of the end plate E in a complementary shape, can be formed from a single insulating block IB, two or more insulating blocks IB1 and IB2 stacked on top of each other, or a combination of insulating blocks IB and metal blocks MB. That is, the insulating block IB forming all or part of the bonding block CB can include, for example... Figure 5 The single insulation block IB shown, or as... Figure 11 The two or more different insulation blocks IB1 and IB2 shown, or can be arranged as follows Figure 9 The combination of the insulating block IB and the metal block MB shown is formed.

[0090] Refer again Figure 1The end plate E can increase the bonding strength of the bonding block CB (the bonding member 80 for bonding the end plate E to the cooling plate 100 is inserted into the bonding block CB), thereby providing sufficient bonding force to the battery cells C between the end plates E. It may be preferred to form the bonding block CB as a metal block MB made of a light metal rather than an insulating block IB made of a relatively soft insulating material, because the metal block MB can increase the bonding strength for the plurality of battery cells C. However, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, it is also preferred to form the bonding block CB as an insulating block IB with relatively low thermal conductivity characteristics, thereby blocking the heat flow along the second path P2 from the wide side 15 of the outermost battery cell C1 through the end plate E to the cooling plate 100 and suppressing temperature changes of the battery pack including the battery cells C or the plurality of battery cells C through the first path P1 from the bottom surface 12 of the plurality of battery cells C. By setting the metal block MB made of a relatively light metal as the bonding block CB at the bonding position CP, sufficient bonding strength can be provided for the plurality of battery cells C sandwiched between the end plates E on both sides. By providing a relatively soft but low thermal conductivity insulating block IB as a bonding block at the bonding location CP, the heat flow along the second path P2 from the wide side 15 of the outermost battery cell C1 through the end plate E toward the cooling plate 100 can be blocked, and a common heat flow along the first path P1 for the plurality of battery cells C arranged in the first direction Z1 can be provided, thereby eliminating the temperature variation of the plurality of battery cells C.

[0091] Therefore, by providing a metal block MB with high thermal conductivity but relatively high bonding strength as the bonding block CB formed at the bonding position CP between the end plate E and the cooling plate 100, the bonding strength of the plurality of battery cells C can be increased. Conversely, by providing an insulating block IB (which provides relatively low bonding strength but has low thermal conductivity) as the bonding block CB, the temperature variation of the plurality of battery cells C can be reduced. According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a trade-off can be achieved between ensuring bonding strength and reducing temperature variation by providing a metal block MB, which is advantageous in ensuring bonding strength, as part of the bonding block CB, and an insulating block IB, which is advantageous in reducing temperature variation, as another part of the bonding block CB. Such embodiments... Figure 9 Example in.

[0092] The insulating block IB can be formed from an insulating material with high thermal resistance or low thermal conductivity to minimize or suppress heat transfer despite relatively high temperature differences. The insulating block IB can be formed with sufficient thickness to meet the thermal resistance and thermal conductivity characteristics required for adequate insulation between the end plate E and the cooling plate 100.

[0093] The insulating block IB can be formed as the entirety of the bonding block CB formed on the cooling plate 100, or it can be realized as the entirety of the bonding block CB, such as... Figure 5 and Figure 11 As shown. Figure 9 As shown, the insulation block IB can be formed as part of the bonding block CB formed on the cooling plate 100, or can be implemented as part of the bonding block CB. More specifically, refer to Figure 9 The insulating block IB can be cumulatively stacked on the metal block MB. The combination of the metal block MB and the insulating block IB can serve as a single bonding block CB. For example, the combination of the metal block MB and the insulating block IB stacked on top of each other can serve as a single bonding block CB and can accommodate the receiving step S of the end plate E. Thus, the metal block MB and the insulating block IB can have a combined height to accommodate the receiving step S with complementary shapes formed in the end plate E. The metal block MB and the insulating block IB can each accommodate the bonding member 80. However, unlike the metal block MB, the insulating block IB can be positioned between the end plate E and the cooling plate 100 to block the heat flow along the second path P2 from the wide side 15 of the outermost battery cell C1 through the end plate E to the cooling plate 100, and can be formed of an insulating material with high thermal resistance or low thermal conductivity characteristics. Unlike the insulating block IB, the metal block MB can be formed of the same and similar series of metal materials forming the cooling plate 100.

[0094] The bonding position CP for forming the heat insulation block IB is located on the outside of the plurality of battery cells C along the first direction Z1 of their arrangement. The bonding position CP can be formed such that the end plate E is bonded to the cooling plate 100 on the outside of the plurality of battery cells C in the first direction Z1, and the heat insulation block IB can be arranged at the bonding position CP.

[0095] Reference Figure 4 The cooling plate 100 can extend along a first direction Z1 along which the plurality of battery cells C are arranged. A front end plate E1 and a rear end plate E2, disposed on both sides of the row of battery cells C, can be disposed at both ends of the cooling plate 100 in the first direction Z1. Therefore, end plates E can be disposed at both ends of the cooling plate 100 in the first direction Z1, and the joining position CP can be formed by overlapping the cooling plate 100 with the end plates E. The joining position CP of the cooling plate 100 to the end plates E can include the two ends of the cooling plate 100 on the outside of the battery cell C in the first direction Z1. Since the end plates E are arranged to overlap with both ends of the cooling plate 100, the joining position CP of the cooling plate 100 and the end plates E is formed.

[0096] Since the end plate E is arranged to overlap with both ends of the cooling plate 100 along the first direction Z1 in which the plurality of battery cells C are arranged, the bonding position CP can be formed at the point where the top surface of the cooling plate 100 overlaps with the bottom surface Ea of the end plate E. The end plate E can be arranged at both ends of the cooling plate 100 along the first direction Z1 in which the plurality of battery cells C are arranged. Although the end plate E overlaps with both ends of the cooling plate 100, the bonding position CP of the cooling plate 100 to the end plate E can also be formed without crossing both ends of the cooling plate 100. The two sides of the cooling plate 100 (where the bonding member 80 is inserted between the two ends of the cooling plate 100 arranged to overlap with each other and the end plate E) can correspond to the bonding position CP between the cooling plate 100 and the end plate E. The bonding position CP of the cooling plate 100 to the end plate E can correspond to both ends of the plurality of battery cells C along the first direction Z1 in which they are arranged and to both sides of the cooling plate 100 in the second direction Z2 intersecting the first direction Z1. The engagement position CP of the cooling plate 100 to the end plate E may include an insertion engagement member 80 to engage the cooling plate 100 to the end plate E, and the engagement member 80 may correspond to the two ends of the cooling plate 100 on the first direction Z1 and the two sides of the cooling plate 100 on the second direction Z2 on which the end plate E is disposed. The engagement position CP for engaging the cooling plate 100 to the end plate E may correspond to the corners of the cooling plate 100 extending in the first direction Z1 and the second direction Z2, for example, approximately the four corners of the cooling plate 100 (see...). Figure 4 The front end plate E1 and the rear end plate E2 can be positioned to overlap with the front and rear portions of the cooling plate 100 (i.e., the two ends of the cooling plate 100 in the first direction Z1), respectively. A pair of front engagement positions CP can be formed on the front sides of the cooling plate 100 in the second direction Z2. Similarly, a pair of rear engagement positions CP can be formed on the rear sides of the cooling plate 100 in the second direction Z2.

[0097] An insulating block IB for blocking heat flow along the second path P2 from end plate E to cooling plate 100 can be disposed between end plate E and cooling plate 100. More specifically, the insulating block IB can be formed at a mating position CP, where a mating mechanism such as a mating member 80 forms a tight contact. The insulating block IB can be formed at the mating position CP where the mating member 80 is inserted. More specifically, the mating position CP where the insulating block IB is formed can refer to a corner of cooling plate 100 in a first direction Z1 and a second direction Z2, where end plate E overlaps with cooling plate 100. In addition to the mating position CP between end plate E and cooling plate 100, the insulating block IB can also be formed at a facing position FP where end plate E faces cooling plate 100. (See reference...) Figure 4The facing position FP of the end plate E facing the cooling plate 100 can be formed between the joining positions CP formed at the corner of the cooling plate 100, where the end plate E is arranged to overlap with the cooling plate 100 and insert into the joining member 80. More specifically, the facing position FP can include the central position between the joining positions CP on both sides of the cooling plate 100 in the first direction Z1 and in the second direction Z2.

[0098] according to Figure 13 and Figure 15 In the illustrated embodiment, the insulating block IB can be formed at the mating position CP, which includes a mating line and its periphery, where a mating member 80 for mating the end plate E to the cooling plate 100 is inserted. Besides the mating position CP where the end plate E and the cooling plate 100 form a tight contact, the insulating block IB can also be provided at the facing position FP where the end plate E and the cooling plate 100 have a loose contact. For example, the mating positions CP where the end plate E is mated to the cooling plate 100 can be located at both ends of the cooling plate 100 facing the end plate E in the second direction Z2. The central portion of the cooling plate 100 at both ends of the cooling plate 100 in the second direction Z2 can correspond to the facing position FP where the end plate E faces the cooling plate 100. The insulating block IB can be formed on the bottom surface Ea of the end plate E facing the top surface 100a of the cooling plate 100, and can be formed to have a certain thickness in the depth direction starting from the bottom surface Ea of the end plate E. In the accompanying drawings, reference numeral IBa may refer to the insulating block IB formed at the facing position FP of the end plate E facing the cooling plate 100.

[0099] The engagement position CP of the bottom surface Ea of the end plate E to the top surface 100a of the cooling plate 100 and the facing position FP of the bottom surface Ea of the end plate E to the top surface 100a of the cooling plate 100 can be formed at both ends of the cooling plate 100 in the first direction Z1. The two sides of the cooling plate 100 at both ends in the first direction Z1 in the second direction Z2 can correspond to the engagement position CP, and the central position of the cooling plate 100 at both ends in the first direction Z1 in the second direction Z2 can correspond to the facing position FP.

[0100] The insulating block IB can be formed at least at the joint position CP and can also be formed at the facing position FP. That is, the insulating block IB can be formed only at the joint position CP between the end plate E and the cooling plate 100, or it can be formed both at the joint position CP and at the facing position FP where the bottom surface Ea of the end plate E faces the top surface 100a of the cooling plate 100. The heat flow along the second path P2 from the end plate E to the cooling plate 100 may actively occur at the joint position CP, where the end plate E is tightly joined to the cooling plate 100 by the connecting member 80. However, the insulating block IB can be formed at least at the joint position CP between the end plate E and the cooling plate 100, thereby suppressing the heat flow along the second path P2. In addition to the joint position CP where there is tight contact through the connecting member 80, the insulating block IB can also be formed at the facing position FP where the end plate E faces the cooling plate 100. The facing position FP does not form the same tight contact as at the joint position CP, but may cause heat flow along the second path P2 through loose contact. However, the adiabatic block IB can be formed both at the bonding position CP and at the facing position FP.

[0101] To block the heat flow along the second path P2 from end plate E to cooling plate 100, an insulating block IB can be formed at a joint position CP where there is relatively close contact between end plate E and cooling plate 100. Although the insulating block IB can also be formed at a facing position FP in addition to the joint position CP, it may be difficult to effectively block the heat flow along the second path P2 when the insulating block IB is only arranged at the facing position FP where there is relatively loose contact (without considering the joint position CP where there is relatively close contact). For example, an embodiment in which the insulating block IB is only formed at the facing position FP and not at the joint position CP may not be preferred, because arranging the insulating block IB only at the facing position FP where a relatively small heat flow occurs, and not at the joint position CP where a relatively large heat flow occurs, may be less effective in suppressing the heat flow along the second path P2.

[0102] The joining position CP of the end plate E to the cooling plate 100 can be configured differently from the facing position FP of the end plate E to the cooling plate 100. At the joining position CP, a separate joining structure can be used for the penetration or joining of the joining member 80 inserted into the end plate E and the cooling plate 100. However, at the facing position FP, a separate joining structure may not be necessary for the end plate E and the cooling plate 100.

[0103] according to Figure 5 , Figure 9 and Figure 11In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting block CB to which the connecting member 80 is attached can be formed at the connecting position CP of the cooling plate 100. The connecting block CB can be formed with a shape complementary to the connecting member 80 for mating with the connecting member 80. For example, a helical groove complementary to the threaded connecting member 80 can be formed in the connecting block CB. The connecting block CB can protrude from the cooling plate 100 to provide sufficient bonding force with the connecting member 80. A receiving step S capable of accommodating the connecting block CB of the cooling plate 100 can be formed in the end plate E facing the connecting block CB of the cooling plate 100. The connecting block CB formed at the connecting position CP of the cooling plate 100 can fit in a complementary shape and correspond to the receiving step S formed at the connecting position CP of the end plate E. The connecting block CB formed at the corner of the cooling plate 100 extending along the first direction Z1 and the second direction Z2 can protrude from the top surface 100a of the cooling plate 100 to a certain height. The mating position CP of the end plate E (i.e., the receiving step S formed in the end plate E) can be recessed from the top surface 100a of the cooling plate 100 to a specific depth.

[0104] The connecting block CB of the cooling plate 100 and the receiving step S of the end plate E can each be formed at a certain height and a certain depth based on the top surface 100a of the cooling plate 100. More specifically, the connecting block CB can protrude from the top surface 100a of the cooling plate 100 at a certain height, and the receiving step S can be recessed from the top surface 100a of the cooling plate 100 at a certain depth. The certain height of the connecting block CB protruding from the top surface 100a of the cooling plate 100 can be similar to or the same as the certain depth of the receiving step S recessed from the top surface 100a of the cooling plate 100. Since the certain height of the connecting block CB is similar to or the same as the certain depth of the receiving step S, the connecting block CB and the receiving step S can be assembled to each other in complementary shapes.

[0105] Refer again Figure 5 , Figure 9 and Figure 11 An insulating block IB can be formed at the junction CP of the cooling plate 100 and the end plate E. The insulating block IB can also be formed as a junction block CB at the junction CP between the end plate E and the cooling plate 100. The insulating block IB can form all or part of the junction block CB. For example, the insulating block IB can form the entire junction block CB. By stacking a single insulating block IB or two or more different insulating blocks IB1 and IB2, a junction block CB of a certain height can be formed from the cooling plate 100. The insulating block IB can also form a part of the junction block CB. For example, a metal block MB stacked with the insulating block IB can form another part of the junction block CB. Therefore, the entire junction block CB can be formed by stacking the insulating block IB and the metal block MB to a certain height.

[0106] Reference Figure 13 and Figure 15 The insulating block IB can be formed at the facing position FP of the top surface 100a of the cooling plate 100 facing the bottom surface Ea of the end plate E, and at the joining position CP where the cooling plate 100 is joined to the end plate E. The insulating block IB can be formed in the receiving step S of the end plate E, which forms the joining position CP between the end plate E and the cooling plate 100, i.e., the joining position CP where the joining member 80 is inserted. According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the joining position CP may include the receiving step S formed in the end plate E and the joining block CB formed on the cooling plate 100. The joining block CB, which protrudes to a certain height from the top surface 100a of the cooling plate 100, and the receiving step S, which is recessed to a certain depth based on the top surface 100a of the cooling plate 100, can be assembled with each other in complementary shapes. The joining block CB formed by the insulating block IB can protrude to a certain height from the top surface 100a of the cooling plate 100.

[0107] The insulating block IB can be formed from the receiving step S, which is recessed to a certain depth from the top surface 100a of the cooling plate 100 along the depth direction. The receiving step S of the end plate E or the connecting block CB of the cooling plate 100, formed at the joint position CP of the end plate E and the cooling plate 100, may include the insulating block IB, which is formed to have a certain thickness from the top surface 100a of the cooling plate 100 along the joint line where the connecting member 80 is inserted. The receiving step S of the end plate E can be recessed to a certain depth from the top surface 100a of the cooling plate 100. The insulating block IB can be formed at a location exposed by the receiving step S. For example, the insulating block IB can be formed to have a certain thickness in the depth direction (e.g., from the top surface 100a of the cooling plate 100) from the receiving step S.

[0108] According to this disclosure, the formation of the insulating block IB from the receiving step S indicates that the insulating block IB is exposed toward the bonding block CB via the receiving step S. The formation of the insulating block IB into the bonding block CB can mean that the insulating block IB forms all or part of the bonding block CB.

[0109] according to Figure 13In the illustrated embodiment, the insulation block IB can be formed from the receiving step S of the end plate E. The insulation block IB can be formed on the receiving step S of the end plate E along the mating line, where a connecting member 80 for connecting the end plate E to the cooling plate 100 is inserted. The insulation block IB can be formed on the receiving step S of the end plate E at the mating position CP of the end plate E and the cooling plate 100, and also at the facing position FP of the end plate E facing the cooling plate 100. The insulation block IB can be formed on the bottom surface Ea of the end plate E facing the cooling plate 100 and can be formed to have a certain thickness in the depth direction from the top surface 100a of the cooling plate 100 (e.g., from the top surface 100a of the cooling plate 100 or from the bottom surface Ea of the end plate E). The insulating block IB formed at the junction CP of the end plate E and the cooling plate 100, and at the facing position FP of the end plate E and the cooling plate 100, can be formed to the same level from the bottom surface Ea of the end plate E or the top surface 100a of the cooling plate 100 in the third direction Z3 (depth direction). In the third direction Z3, the top surface of the insulating block IB can be formed as a flat surface, and the bottom surface of the insulating block IB can be formed as a non-flat surface where a step S is formed. Figure 13 In the illustrated embodiment, the bonding block CB can be formed from a metal block MB. The bottom surface of the insulation block IB (including the bottom surface Ea of the end plate E and the receiving step S) can be formed as a non-flat surface. The top surface of the insulation block IB, opposite to the receiving step S, can be formed as a flat surface spanning the bonding position CP and the facing position FP.

[0110] The insulating block IB can be formed from the receiving step S of the end plate E at the joining position CP and become the joining block CB of the cooling plate 100. The insulating block IB can be formed at the facing position FP and at the joining position CP, which includes the receiving step S of the end plate E and the joining block CB of the cooling plate 100, on the bottom surface Ea of the end plate E facing the top surface 100a of the cooling plate 100. The insulating block IB at the joining position CP and the facing position FP can be formed at the same level from the top surface 100a of the cooling plate 100 or the bottom surface Ea of the end plate E in a third direction Z3. The top surface of the insulating block IB can be formed as a flat surface spanning the joining position CP and the facing position FP, and the bottom surface of the insulating block IB can be formed as a flat surface including the bottom surface Ea of the end plate E and the joining block CB. Figure 15 In some embodiments shown, the insulation block IB can be formed at the junction position CP of the connecting block CB and the receiving step S, and at the facing position FP of the top surface 100a of the cooling plate 100 facing the bottom surface Ea of the end plate E. The bottom surface of the insulation block IB (including the bottom surface of the connecting block CB and the bottom surface Ea of the end plate E) and the top surface of the insulation block IB opposite to the connecting block CB can be formed as a flat surface spanning the junction position CP and the facing position FP.

[0111] Figure 16A and Figure 16B The figures are comparative examples and examples of this disclosure, showing the results of measuring temperature changes based on location within the battery cell.

[0112] Figure 17 This is a graph showing the results of measuring the changes in reactive current density depending on the location within the battery cell in examples and comparative examples of this disclosure.

[0113] exist Figure 16A In the comparative example, the bonding block CB' is formed as a metal block CB' positioned between the cooling plate 100' and the end plate E'. It was confirmed that the temperature change of the battery cell C' (outermost battery cell) increases because the battery cell C' is cooled through a first path P1 from the battery cell C' (outermost battery cell) to the cooling plate 100' and a second path P2 through the end plate E' toward the cooling plate 100'. Among the three thickness portions of the battery cell C' in the first direction Z1 (along which the plurality of battery cells C' are arranged) (e.g., the first thickness portion y1 facing the adjacent battery cell C', the central second thickness portion y2, and the third thickness portion y3 adjacent to the end plate E'), a high temperature change of approximately 6.7°C was measured between the central second thickness portion y2 and the third thickness portion y3 adjacent to the end plate E'.

[0114] exist Figure 16B In the examples of this disclosure, with Figure 16A Unlike the comparative example, the bonding block CB" is formed by an insulating block IB" located between the cooling plate 100" and the end plate E". It was confirmed that by allowing heat flow along the first path P1 from the battery cell C" to the cooling plate 100" while suppressing heat flow along the second path P2 from the battery cell C" through the end plate E" to the cooling plate 100", the temperature change of the battery cell C" (the outermost battery cell) was reduced. Among the three thickness portions of the battery cell C" in the first direction Z1 (along which multiple battery cells C" are arranged) (e.g., the first thickness portion y1 facing the adjacent battery cell C", the second thickness portion y2 in the center and the third thickness portion y3 adjacent to the end plate E", a temperature change of about 4.9°C was measured between the second thickness portion y2 in the center and the third thickness portion y3 adjacent to the end plate E", which is reduced by about 27%.

[0115] exist Figure 16A In the comparative example shown, among the multiple battery cells C' forming the battery pack, a high temperature change of approximately 7.9°C was measured between the central battery cell C' and the outermost battery cell C' along the first direction of their arrangement. However, in Figure 16BIn the example shown in this disclosure, a temperature change of approximately 4.8°C was measured between the central battery cell C" and the outermost battery cell C" , which is consistent with... Figure 16A The temperature change was reduced by approximately 40% compared to the comparative example.

[0116] exist Figure 17 In the middle, curve c shows the result according to Figure 16A The reaction current density (A / m) at the location within cell C' shown in the comparative example 2 The change in current density (A / m) 2 This can be understood as the magnitude of the current generated within a single battery cell. (See reference...) Figure 17 Curve c, in the first direction Z1 (along which multiple battery cells C' are arranged), among the three thickness portions (e.g., the first thickness portion y1 facing the adjacent battery cell C', the central second thickness portion y2, and the third thickness portion y3 adjacent to the end plate E'), measures approximately 3.3 A / m between the central second thickness portion y2 and the third thickness portion y3 adjacent to the end plate E'. 2 The reaction current density changes significantly.

[0117] exist Figure 17 In the middle, curve d shows the result according to Figure 16B The reaction current density (A / m) at the location within cell C" shown is illustrated. 2 The changes in ( ). Refer to Figure 17 Curve d, in the three thickness portions of the battery cell C" (outermost battery cell) along the first direction Z1 (along which multiple battery cells C" are arranged) (e.g., the first thickness portion y1 facing the adjacent battery cell C", the second thickness portion y2 in the center, and the third thickness portion y3 adjacent to the end plate E"), measures approximately 1.8 A / m between the second thickness portion y2 in the center and the third thickness portion y3 adjacent to the end plate E". 2 The change in the reaction current density decreased by approximately 45%.

[0118] from Figure 17 The experimental results confirm that the temperature of battery cells C' and C" directly affects their electrical output characteristics. It can be confirmed that, as... Figure 16A The comparative example shows that the temperature change, which depends on the position in cell C', increases the change in electrical output characteristics (change in reactive current density) that depends on the position in cell C', such as... Figure 17 As shown by curve c. It can be confirmed that, as Figure 16BThe decrease in temperature change, which depends on the position within the cell C'', reduces the change in electrical output characteristics (change in reactive current density) that depends on the position within the cell C'', as shown. Figure 17 The curve d is shown.

[0119] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the insulation block IB can be manufactured as a component separate from the end plate E or the cooling plate 100, and then combined with the end plate E or the cooling plate 100. The insulation block IB, as part of the end plate E or the cooling plate 100, can be formed together with the end plate E or the cooling plate 100 as a single component.

[0120] One or more embodiments include a battery pack capable of providing a uniform temperature environment for a plurality of battery cells to eliminate or mitigate location-dependent temperature variations and to eliminate or mitigate variations in electrical output characteristics caused by such temperature variations, by providing heat flow along a common first path for the plurality of battery cells toward a cooling plate (which extends across the bottom surface of the plurality of battery cells) while suppressing heat flow along another second path from one side of the outermost battery cell among the plurality of battery cells through an end plate to the cooling plate, to mitigate or eliminate temperature variations depending on the location between the plurality of battery cells forming the battery pack or the location within the outermost battery cell among the plurality of battery cells.

[0121] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are to be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes. The description of features or aspects within each embodiment should generally be considered applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. Although one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery pack, characterized in that, include: Multiple battery cells are arranged in the first direction; An end plate is disposed on the outside of the outermost battery cell in the first direction among the plurality of battery cells; A cooling plate extends across the bottom surface of the plurality of battery cells; as well as An insulation block is positioned at the junction between the end plate and the cooling plate.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, A bonding line extends through the bonding location, and a bonding member bonds the end plate and the cooling plate at the bonding line.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling plate extends across the bottom surface of the end plate and the bottom surface of the plurality of battery cells arranged in the first direction, and The bottom surface of the end plate is joined to the top surface of the cooling plate at the joining position, such that the bottom surface of the end plate and the top surface of the cooling plate face each other.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery pack includes a connecting block extending a certain height from the top surface of the cooling plate. The step is recessed to a certain depth from the bottom surface of the end plate. The connecting block and the receiving step are formed in complementary shapes, and The connecting block is assembled to the receiving step.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, characterized in that, The insulation block is formed as all or part of the bonding block.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, characterized in that, The insulating block protrudes from the cooling plate to the receiving step of the end plate to form the entirety of the connecting block.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, characterized in that, The insulation block may include a single insulation block provided on the cooling plate, or may include at least two different insulation blocks stacked on the cooling plate.

8. The battery pack according to claim 5, characterized in that, The insulating blocks are stacked on top of the metal blocks provided on the cooling plate to form a portion of the bonding block, the insulating blocks and the metal blocks protruding from the top surface of the cooling plate to a height complementary to the depth formed by the receiving steps of the end plate.

9. The battery pack according to claim 4, characterized in that, The receiving step, recessed to the depth from the bottom surface of the end plate, engages with the connecting block, which protrudes to the height from the top surface of the cooling plate.

10. The battery pack according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connecting block protrudes from both sides of the cooling plate in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The receiving step of the end plate is recessed from both sides of the end plate in the second direction intersecting the first direction, and The top surface of the cooling plate between the connecting blocks on both sides faces the bottom surface of the end plate between the receiving steps on both sides.

11. The battery pack according to claim 10, characterized in that, The insulation block is provided at the joining position for joining the end plate and the cooling plate together, and at the facing position where the end plate faces the cooling plate.

12. The battery pack according to claim 11, characterized in that, The insulating block at the facing position is formed on the bottom surface of the end plate, which faces the top surface of the cooling plate.

13. The battery pack according to claim 12, characterized in that, The insulating block at the facing position is formed to have a thickness in the depth direction from the bottom surface of the end plate or the top surface of the cooling plate.

14. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery pack includes a connecting block having a height from the top surface of the cooling plate to a receiving step on the end plate, the receiving step of the end plate being recessed to a depth from the bottom surface of the end plate, the connecting block and the receiving step being assembled to each other with complementary shapes. The top surface of the cooling plate between the connecting blocks on both sides faces the bottom surface of the end plate between the receiving steps on both sides.

15. The battery pack according to claim 14, characterized in that, The insulation block is provided on the receiving step at the joint location and on the bottom surface of the end plate facing the top surface of the cooling plate.

16. The battery pack according to claim 15, characterized in that, The insulating block is formed to have a thickness in one direction from the receiving step.

17. The battery pack according to claim 14, characterized in that, The bonding block is at least partially formed as a metal block, and the bottom surface of the insulation block is formed as a non-flat surface.

18. The battery pack according to claim 17, characterized in that, The top surface of the insulating block, opposite to the receiving step, is formed as a flat surface.

19. The battery pack according to claim 14, characterized in that, The insulating block provides a receiving step at the joint location, with the bottom surface of the end plate facing the top surface of the cooling plate.

20. The battery pack according to claim 15, characterized in that, The bottom surface and the top surface of the insulation block are formed as flat surfaces.

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