Battery pack

Abstract

According to an exemplary embodiment, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack includes a pack housing including a base plate, a first battery cell assembly and a second battery cell assembly disposed on the base plate, and a block interposed between the first battery cell assembly and the second battery cell assembly and the base plate, the block overlapping the outermost battery cells of the first battery cell assembly and the second battery cell assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack. This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2023-0151370, filed on November 6, 2023, and Korean Application No. 10-2024-0145393, filed on October 23, 2024, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Background Art

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as an energy source for various wireless devices such as handsets, notebook computers, and wireless vacuum cleaners. In recent years, due to improvements in energy density and economies of scale, the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has decreased dramatically, and as the driving range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to a level comparable to that of fuel vehicles, the main application of secondary batteries has shifted from mobile devices to mobility.

[0003] The trend in the technological development of secondary batteries for mobility is to improve energy density and safety. The safety of secondary batteries for mobility is of great importance as it directly affects the lives of passengers. The safety of secondary batteries can be achieved by mechanical robustness, the reliability of electrical insulation, and heat transfer delay during thermal runaway events.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the technical idea of the present invention is to provide a battery pack with improved safety.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack includes a pack housing including a base plate, a first battery cell assembly and a second battery cell assembly disposed on the base plate, and a block interposed between the first battery cell assembly and the second battery cell assembly and the base plate, each of the first battery cell assembly and the second battery cell assembly including a pair of outermost battery cells, a plurality of intermediate battery cells interposed between the outermost battery cells, and an insulating pad spaced apart from each other with the pair of outermost battery cells in between, and the block overlaps the outermost battery cells of the first battery cell assembly and the second battery cell assembly.

[0006] The battery pack further includes a TIM (Thermal Interface Material) layer that overlaps the plurality of intermediate battery cells of the first battery cell assembly and the second battery cell assembly, and is interposed between the first battery cell assembly and the second battery cell assembly and the base plate.

[0007] The outermost battery cell is separated from each of the TIM layers.

[0008] The above-mentioned block is in contact with the corresponding outermost battery cell of the first battery cell assembly and the second battery cell assembly.

[0009] The TIM layer described above is in contact with the plurality of intermediate battery cells of the first battery cell assembly and the second battery cell assembly described above.

[0010] The above block horizontally surrounds the above TIM layer and is in contact with the above TIM layer.

[0011] Each of the above blocks has a different thermal conductivity than each of the above TIM layers.

[0012] Each of the above blocks has a lower thermal conductivity than each of the above TIM layers.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack includes a base plate, a battery cell assembly disposed on the base plate, a block interposed between the base plate and the battery cell assembly, and a TIM layer interposed between the base plate and the battery cell assembly, wherein the battery cell assembly includes a plurality of intermediate battery cells interposed between the outermost battery cell and the outermost battery cell, each of the outermost battery cells being separated from the TIM layer.

[0014] The block described above is in contact with the outermost battery cell of the battery cell assembly.

[0015] The above-mentioned TIM layer is in contact with the above-mentioned multiple intermediate battery cells of the battery cell assembly.

[0016] The above block has a lower thermal conductivity than the above TIM layer.

[0017] The above block horizontally surrounds the above TIM layer.

[0018] The outermost battery cells are separated from each other in the first direction, and the outermost battery cells are separated from the TIM layer in the first direction.

[0019] The above battery pack further includes a tape between the TIM layer and the base plate.

[0020] The above TIM layer is separated from the above base plate.

[0021] The tape protrudes from the battery cell assembly in a first direction parallel to the mounting surface of the base plate.

[0022] The tape protrudes in the first direction with respect to the TIM layer.

[0023] The tape includes a portion between the block and the battery cell assembly.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the temperature deviation between a plurality of battery cells inside a battery cell assembly of a battery pack can be alleviated, thereby improving the life and reliability of the battery pack.

[0025] The effects obtainable from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects associated with implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is a flowchart for explaining a method of manufacturing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a drawing for explaining a method of manufacturing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a drawing for explaining a method of manufacturing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a drawing for explaining a method of manufacturing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a drawing for explaining a method of manufacturing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a drawing for explaining a method of manufacturing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7]These are drawings illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8] These are drawings illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9] These are drawings illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery pack according to another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery pack according to another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery pack according to another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a plan view illustrating a battery pack according to another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line 13I-13I' in Figure 13. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line 13II-13II' in Figure 13. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Before that, however, terms and words used herein and in the claims shall not be interpreted to be limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but rather to be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, based on the principle that inventors may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their own invention.

[0028] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings represent only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention; there may be a variety of equivalents and modifications that can substitute for them at the time of filing.

[0029] Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0030] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to give a more complete explanation to an ordinary person of the art, the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or shown schematically for the sake of clarity. Accordingly, the sizes and proportions of each component do not fully reflect the actual sizes and proportions.

[0031] (First and second embodiments) Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the method for manufacturing a battery pack.

[0033] Figure 3 is a plan view of Figure 2.

[0034] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a pack housing 110 can be provided at P110. The pack housing 110 may include a base plate 110B and a side wall 110S.

[0035] Here, we define the two directions substantially parallel to the mounting surface of the base plate 110B as the X and Y directions, and the direction substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface of the base plate 110B as the Z direction. The X, Y, and Z directions may be substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0036] The side wall 110S can be adjacent to the edge of the base plate 110B. The side wall 110S can be coupled to the edge of the base plate 110B. This allows the side wall 110S to horizontally surround the mounting surface of the base plate 110B on which the battery cell assembly 120 (see Figure 5) is mounted.

[0037] The base plate 110B may include a center beam 110CB. The center beam 110CB may be surrounded by side walls 110S. This allows the center beam 110CB to divide the space defined by the pack housing 110.

[0038] The base plate 110B and the side walls 110S can each be provided by an extrusion process. The base plate 110B may include a plurality of plates joined by friction stir welding. The center beam 110CB is included in any one of the plurality of plates of the base plate 110B and can be formed together with any one of the plurality of plates by an extrusion process or welded to any one of the plurality of plates of the base plate 110B.

[0039] Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating the method for manufacturing a battery pack.

[0040] Figure 5 is a plan view of Figure 4.

[0041] Referring to Figures 1, 4, and 5, in P120, a block 130 can be provided on the pack housing 110. The block 130 can be provided on the base plate 111B of the pack housing 110. The block 130 can define the mounting positions of multiple battery cell assemblies 120 (see Figure 5). Each of the blocks 130 may, but is not limited to, contain a resin such as polyurethane.

[0042] Each of the blocks 130 may include a rod 130X and a rod 130Y. Each rod 130X and rod 130Y of the block 130 may be arranged to form a hollow rectangle. The rods 130X may be substantially parallel to the X direction. The rods 130Y may be substantially parallel to the Y direction. The width of each rod 130X (i.e., the width in the Y direction) may be different from the width of each rod 130Y (i.e., the width in the X direction). The width of each rod 130X (i.e., the width in the Y direction) may be greater than the width of each rod 130Y (i.e., the width in the X direction).

[0043] Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating the method for manufacturing a battery pack.

[0044] Figure 7 is a plan view of Figure 6.

[0045] Referring to Figures 1, 6, and 7, at P130, a TIM (Thermal Interface Material) layer 140 can be provided on the pack housing 110. The TIM layer 140 can be provided on the base plate 111B of the pack housing 110. The TIM layer 140 may contain a resin composition. The TIM layer 140 can be provided by a thermal resin coating process.

[0046] The resin composition may be a room-temperature curing composition; that is, the curing reaction of the resin composition can begin and proceed at room temperature. The curing reaction of the resin composition can be accelerated at temperatures higher than room temperature. The curing reaction rate of the resin composition at temperatures higher than room temperature may be faster than the curing reaction rate of the resin composition at room temperature. As a non-limiting example, the main component of the resin composition may be any one of silicone resin, polyol resin, epoxy resin, and acrylic resin.

[0047] The curing agent for a resin composition can be selected according to the main component of the resin composition. For example, if the main component of the resin composition is a silicone resin, the curing agent may be a siloxane compound; if the main component is a polyol resin, an isocyanate compound may be used for curing; if the main component is an epoxy resin, an amine compound may be used for curing; and if the main component is an acrylic resin, an isocyanate compound may be used for curing.

[0048] The inorganic filler in the resin composition can have relatively high thermal conductivity. According to an exemplary embodiment, the thermal conductivity of the inorganic filler in the resin composition may be about 1 W / mK or higher. According to an exemplary embodiment, the thermal conductivity of the inorganic filler in the resin composition may be 5 W / mK or higher. According to an exemplary embodiment, the thermal conductivity of the inorganic filler in the resin composition may be 10 W / mK or higher. According to an exemplary embodiment, the thermal conductivity of the inorganic filler in the resin composition may be about 15 W / mK or higher.

[0049] According to exemplary embodiments, the inorganic filler of the resin composition may include ceramics. For example, the inorganic filler of the resin composition may include any one of aluminum oxide (Al2O3), aluminum nitride (AlN), boron nitride (BN), silicon nitride (Si3N4), silicon carbide (SiC), beryllium oxide (BeO), zinc oxide (ZnO), aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3), and boehmite. The resin composition may also include a carbon filler. The resin composition may include, for example, any one of fumed silica, clay, and calcium carbonate.

[0050] Block 130 can enclose the TIM layer 140 horizontally (i.e., in the X and Y directions). Block 130 can be at the same level as the TIM layer 140 in the Z direction. The TIM layer 140 can be in contact with block 130. Block 130 can limit the TIM layer 140 horizontally (i.e., in the X and Y directions). Before the TIM layer 140 hardens, the TIM layer 140 can be flowed by external forces such as pressure from the battery cell assembly 120 (see Figure 5) or external vibration. Block 130 can prevent the TIM layer 140 from flowing to undesirable parts of the base plate 110B.

[0051] Block 130 may contain materials different from those of the TIM layer 140. The thermal conductivity of each block 130 may differ from that of each TIM layer 140. The thermal conductivity of each block 130 may be lower than that of each TIM layer 140. Each block 130 may contain PU (Poly-Urethane) or silicone.

[0052] Figure 8 is a plan view of a battery pack 100 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0053] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line 8I-8I' in Figure 8.

[0054] Referring next to Figures 1, 8, and 9, at P140, multiple battery cell assemblies 120 can be provided on the pack housing 110.

[0055] Multiple battery cell assemblies 120 can be arranged on the base plate 110B of the pack housing 110. This allows for the provision of a battery pack 100. The battery pack 100 may be a final product implemented in applications such as vehicles. The battery pack 100 may include the pack housing 110, multiple battery cell assemblies 120, a block 130, and a TIM layer 140.

[0056] The base plate 110B can support multiple battery cell assemblies 120. The side wall 110S can horizontally enclose the multiple battery cell assemblies 120. The side wall 110S can protect the multiple battery cell assemblies 120. The multiple battery cell assemblies 120 can overlap with the block 130 and the TIM layer 140 in the Z direction.

[0057] In one example, the battery pack 100 is of a moduleless type, and each of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120 does not necessarily have to include a module frame. This allows the outermost battery cell 121E and the multiple intermediate battery cells 121I of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120 to be in contact with either the block 130 or the TIM layer 140.

[0058] Each of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120 may include an outermost battery cell 121E, multiple intermediate battery cells 121I, and an insulating pad 122.

[0059] The outermost battery cell 121E and the multiple intermediate battery cells 121I can form multiple banks connected in series with each other. The outermost battery cell 121E and the multiple intermediate battery cells 121I contained in each of the multiple banks can be connected in parallel. The number of banks connected in series and the number of outermost battery cells 121E and multiple intermediate battery cells 121I connected in parallel can be determined according to the magnitude of the voltage and current to be output from each of the battery cell assemblies 120.

[0060] Here, the outermost battery cell 121E and the multiple intermediate battery cells 121I are the basic units of a lithium-ion battery, i.e., a secondary battery. Each of the outermost battery cell 121E and the multiple intermediate battery cells 121I includes an electrode assembly, electrolyte, and case. Each of the outermost battery cell 121E and the multiple intermediate battery cells 121I may be one of a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, or a pouch-type battery cell. The electrode assembly of a cylindrical battery cell is housed in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of a prismatic battery cell is housed in a prismatic metal can. The electrode assembly of a pouch-type battery cell is housed in a pouch case containing an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0061] An electrode assembly may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separation membrane interposed between the positive and negative electrodes. The electrode assembly may be either a jelly roll type or a stack type. A jelly roll type electrode assembly may include a winding structure of the positive electrode, negative electrode, and separation membrane interposed between them. A stack type electrode assembly may include multiple sequentially stacked positive electrodes, multiple negative electrodes, and multiple separation membranes interposed between them.

[0062] The outermost battery cell 121E can be positioned at both ends in the X direction of a plurality of battery cell assemblies 120. Multiple intermediate battery cells 121I can be interposed between the outermost battery cells 121E. The outermost battery cell 121E can be spaced apart in the X direction with multiple battery cell assemblies 120 in between.

[0063] The heat insulating pad 122 can be spaced apart in the X direction, with the outermost battery cell 121E and the multiple intermediate battery cells 121I in between. The heat insulating pad 122 can be interposed between the outermost battery cell 121E and the crossbeam CRB. The outermost battery cell 121E can be in contact with the heat insulating pad 122. The outermost battery cell 121E can be spaced apart from the crossbeam CRB with the heat insulating pad 122 in between.

[0064] Each of the insulation pads 122 can have a low thermal conductivity. According to an exemplary embodiment, the thermal conductivity of each insulation pad 122 may be about 20 W / mK or less. According to an exemplary embodiment, the thermal conductivity of each insulation pad 122 may be about 1 W / mK or less. According to an exemplary embodiment, the thermal conductivity of each insulation pad 122 may be about 0.5 W / mK or less. According to an exemplary embodiment, the thermal conductivity of each insulation pad 122 may be about 0.1 W / mK or less. According to an exemplary embodiment, the thermal conductivity of each insulation pad 122 may be about 0.05 W / mK or less. According to an exemplary embodiment, the thermal conductivity of each insulation pad 122 may be about 0.04 W / mK or less. According to an exemplary embodiment, the thermal conductivity of each insulation pad 122 may be about 0.03 W / mK or less. The thermal conductivity of each of the insulation pads 122 described above can be measured at room temperature (about 25°C).

[0065] Each of the insulation pads 122 may contain aerogel. Aerogel is a very lightweight solid material with a porous structure. Aerogel may contain silica, carbon, aluminum oxide, etc.

[0066] Each of the insulation pads 122 may have a high melting point and / or ignition point. According to an exemplary embodiment, the melting point and / or ignition point of each of the insulation pads 122 may be about 300°C or higher. According to an exemplary embodiment, the melting point and / or ignition point of each of the insulation pads 122 may be about 500°C or higher.

[0067] Each of the outermost battery cells 121E can overlap with the rod 130Y of block 130 (see Figure 5) in the Z direction. Each of the outermost battery cells 121E can be in contact with the rod 130Y of block 130 (see Figure 5). The rod 130Y of block 130 (see Figure 5) can be in contact with the corresponding outermost battery cell 121E of the first battery cell assembly and the second battery cell assembly 120. Each of the outermost battery cells 121E may not overlap with the TIM layer 140 in the Z direction. Each of the outermost battery cells 121E may not be in contact with the TIM layer 140. Each of the outermost battery cells 121E can be separated from the TIM layer 140. Each of the outermost battery cells 121E can be separated from the TIM layer 140 in the X direction.

[0068] Each of the intermediate battery cells 121I may not overlap with the rod 130Y of block 130 (see Figure 5) in the Z direction. Each of the intermediate battery cells 121I may not be in contact with the rod 130Y of block 130 (see Figure 5). Each of the intermediate battery cells 121I can be separated from the rod 130Y of block 130 (see Figure 5). Each of the intermediate battery cells 121I may overlap with the TIM layer 140 in the Z direction. Each of the outermost battery cells 121E may be in contact with the TIM layer 140.

[0069] According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the intermediate battery cells 121I is in contact with two battery cells, while the outermost battery cell 121E is in contact with one battery cell. This can result in a temperature difference between the intermediate battery cells 121I and the outermost battery cell 121E when the cooling conditions for the intermediate battery cells 121I and the outermost battery cell 121E are the same.

[0070] According to an exemplary embodiment, by covering one side of the outermost battery cell 121E with an insulating pad 122 and covering the lower part of the outermost battery cell 121E with a rod 130Y of block 130 (see Figure 5), the temperature difference between the intermediate battery cell 121I and the outermost battery cell 121E can be mitigated or eliminated, thereby improving the reliability and lifespan of the battery pack 100.

[0071] According to an exemplary embodiment, the width of each rod 130Y (i.e., the width in the X direction) may be greater than the width of each of the outermost battery cells 121E. According to an exemplary embodiment, the width of each rod 130Y (i.e., the width in the X direction) may be substantially the same as the sum of the widths of each of the outermost battery cells 121E (i.e., the width in the X direction) and the width of each of the insulation pads 122 (i.e., the width in the X direction).

[0072] The center beam 110CB can be interposed between multiple battery cell assemblies 120. The center beam 110CB can isolate the multiple battery cell assemblies 120 in the Y direction. A cross beam CRB extending in the Y direction can be interposed between the multiple battery cell assemblies 120. The cross beam CRB can be included in the multiple battery cell assemblies 120 or bonded (e.g., welded) to the base plate 110B.

[0073] In Figure 1, the arrangement of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120 can be described as a 4x2 arrangement. Based on what is described here, a typical technician in the industry can easily arrive at multiple battery cell assemblies 120 arranged in an MxN configuration (where M and N are each two or more integers).

[0074] The arrangement of the center beam 110CB and the multiple battery cell assemblies 120 disclosed in Figure 1 is a non-limiting example and does not limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention in any sense. A person of ordinary skill in the art can easily arrive at battery packs including a variety of arrangements and numbers of center beams, cross beams, and battery cell assemblies based on what is described herein.

[0075] The battery pack may further include an exhaust device coupled to any one of the side walls 110S. Any one of the side walls 110S may include an exhaust hole connected to the exhaust device. The exhaust device may be configured to slow thermal propagation by releasing hot gases from inside the battery pack 100 to the outside in the event of a thermal runway event occurring in any of the battery cell assemblies 120.

[0076] Here, thermal runaway of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120 is a state in which the temperature change of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120 is further accelerated, resulting in an uncontrollable positive feedback loop. In a thermal runaway state, the multiple battery cell assemblies 120 exhibit a rapid temperature increase and emit large amounts of high-pressure gas and combustion residue.

[0077] The battery pack 100 may further include a Battery Management System (BMS). The BMS can be configured to perform monitoring, balancing, and control of the battery pack 100. Monitoring of the battery pack 100 may include measuring the voltage and current of specific nodes within a plurality of battery cell assemblies 120, and measuring the temperature of set locations within the battery pack 100. The battery pack 100 may include measuring instruments for measuring the aforementioned voltage, current, and temperature.

[0078] Balancing the battery pack 100 is an operation that reduces deviations between multiple battery cell assemblies 120. Control of the battery pack 100 includes preventing overcharging, over-discharging, and overcurrent. Through monitoring, balancing, and control, the battery pack 100 can operate under optimal conditions, thereby preventing shortening of the lifespan of each of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120.

[0079] The battery pack 100 may further include additional electrical components such as a cooling device, a Power Relay Assembly (PRA), and a safety plug. The cooling device may include a cooling fan. The cooling fan can prevent each of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120 from overheating by circulating air inside the battery pack 100. The PRA may be configured to supply or cut off power from the high-voltage battery to an external load (e.g., a vehicle motor). The PRA can protect the multiple battery cell assemblies 120 and the external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) by cutting off the power supply to the external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) in situations where abnormal voltages occur, such as voltage surges.

[0080] The battery pack 100 may further include a plurality of busbars configured to electrically connect a plurality of battery cell assemblies 120. The plurality of battery cell assemblies 120 may be connected in series by the plurality of busbars. This allows the battery pack 100 to be configured to output a high voltage to an external load (e.g., a vehicle motor).

[0081] The battery pack 100 may further include a lead plate coupled to the side wall 110S. The lead plate can cover elements mounted inside the battery pack 100, such as the battery cell assembly 120 and electrical components. The lead plate can be secured to the battery pack 100 by mechanical coupling means, such as bolts.

[0082] (Third embodiment) Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery pack 100' according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0083] Referring to Figure 10, the battery pack 100' may include a pack housing 110 (see Figure 2), multiple battery cell assemblies 120, a block 130 (see Figure 5), and a TIM layer 140.

[0084] The pack housing 110 (see Figure 2), the multiple battery cell assemblies 120, and the TIM layer 140 are substantially the same as those described with reference to Figures 8 and 9, so redundant descriptions of them are omitted.

[0085] Each of the rods 130Y' of block 130 (see Figure 5) may have an increased width (e.g., width in the X direction) compared to the example in Figure 9. According to the exemplary embodiment, the width of each rod 130Y' (e.g., width in the X direction) may be greater than the width of each outermost battery cell 121E (e.g., width in the X direction). According to the exemplary embodiment, the width of each rod 130Y' (e.g., width in the X direction) may be greater than the sum of the widths of each outermost battery cell 121E (e.g., width in the X direction) and the widths of each insulation pad 122 (e.g., width in the X direction). This allows each rod 130Y' to overlap with a portion of the intermediate battery cell 121I in the Z direction. Each rod 130Y' may be in contact with a portion of the intermediate battery cell 121I.

[0086] (Fourth Embodiment) Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery pack 100'' according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0087] Referring to Figure 11, the battery pack 100'' may include a pack housing 110 (see Figure 2), a plurality of battery cell assemblies 120, a block 130 (see Figure 5), and a TIM layer 140.

[0088] The pack housing 110 (see Figure 2), the multiple battery cell assemblies 120, and the TIM layer 140 are substantially the same as those described with reference to Figures 8 and 9, so redundant descriptions of them are omitted.

[0089] Each of the rods 130Y' of block 130 (see Figure 5) may have a reduced width (e.g., width in the X direction) than that illustrated in Figure 9. According to the exemplary embodiment, the width of each rod 130Y' (e.g., width in the X direction) may be less than the sum of the widths of each outermost battery cell 121E (e.g., width in the X direction) and the widths of each insulation pad 122 (e.g., width in the X direction). This allows each of the TIM layers 140 to overlap with a portion of the outermost battery cell 121E in the Z direction. Each of the TIM layers 140 may be in contact with a portion of the outermost battery cell 121E.

[0090] The outermost battery cell 121E can be in partial contact with the TIM layer 140. The proportion of the lower surface of the outermost battery cell 121E (i.e., the surface facing the base plate 110B) that is in contact with the TIM layer 140 can be determined based on a temperature deviation performance test of the battery cell assembly 120.

[0091] (Fifth embodiment) Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery pack 100'' according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0092] The battery pack 100''' may include a pack housing 110 (see Figure 2), multiple battery cell assemblies 120', a block 130 (see Figure 5), and a TIM layer 140.

[0093] The pack housing 110 (see Figure 2) and the TIM layer 140 are substantially the same as those described with reference to Figures 8 and 9, so redundant explanations of them are omitted.

[0094] Referring to Figure 12, each of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120 may include an outermost battery cell 121E and multiple intermediate battery cells 121I. That is, each of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120 may not include an insulating pad between the outermost battery cell 121E and the crossbeam CRB.

[0095] According to an exemplary embodiment, the width of each rod 130Y''' of block 130 (see Figure 5) (e.g., width in the X direction) may be substantially the same as the width of each outermost battery cell 121E (e.g., width in the X direction).

[0096] (Sixth Embodiment) Figure 13 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack 101 according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0097] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line 13I-13I' in Figure 13.

[0098] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line 13II-13II' in Figure 13.

[0099] Referring to Figures 13 to 15, the battery pack 101 may include a pack housing 110, multiple battery cell assemblies 120, a block 130, a TIM layer 140, and tape 150.

[0100] The pack housing 110, the multiple battery cell assemblies 120, the block 130, and the TIM layer 140 are substantially the same as those described with reference to Figures 8 and 9, so redundant descriptions of them are omitted.

[0101] Referring to Figure 13, the tape 150 can be interposed between multiple battery cell assemblies 120 and the base plate 110B. The tape 150 can also be interposed between the TIM layer 140 and the base plate 110B.

[0102] Each of the tapes 150 can be in contact with a corresponding TIM layer 140 and the base plate 110B. The tapes 150 can cover the base plate 110B, so that each of the TIM layers 140 may not be in contact with the base plate 110B. Each of the TIM layers 140 can be separated from the base plate 110B.

[0103] Multiple battery cell assemblies 120 can partially cover the tape 150. Multiple battery cell assemblies 120 can expose portions of the tape 150. The tape 150 can protrude in the Y direction relative to the multiple battery cell assemblies 120. In the Y direction, the tape 150 may include portions interposed between the multiple battery cell assemblies 120 and the side wall 110S.

[0104] The TIM layer 140 can partially cover the tape 150. The TIM layer 140 can expose portions of the tape 150. The tape 150 can protrude in the Y direction relative to the TIM layer 140. In the Y direction, the tape 150 may include portions interposed between the TIM layer 140 and the side wall 110S.

[0105] The tape 150 may include portions interposed in the Z direction between a corresponding block 130 and a corresponding battery cell assembly 120. The tape 150 may also include portions interposed in the Z direction between a rod 130X of a corresponding block 130 and a corresponding battery cell assembly 120.

[0106] This allows the TIM layer 140 to be removed by pulling the corresponding tape 150 if some of the battery cell assemblies 120 fixed to the pack housing 110 by the TIM layer 140 are defective, thereby allowing the defective battery cell assemblies 120 to be repaired, removed, or replaced.

[0107] The present invention has been described in more detail above with reference to the drawings and examples. However, the configurations described in the drawings and examples described herein are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. It should be understood that there are various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted for these at the time of filing this application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 100, 100', 100'', 100''', 101 Battery Packs 110 Pack Housing 110B Base Plate 110CB Center Beam 110S side wall 111B Base Plate 120, 120' Battery Cell Assembly 121E Outermost battery cell 121I Intermediate Battery Cell 122 Insulation Pad 130 blocks 130X, 130Y, 130Y', 130Y''' bar 140 (Thermal Interface Material) layers 150 Tapes

Claims

1. Pack housing including base plate, A first battery cell assembly and a second battery cell assembly are arranged on the base plate, The first battery cell assembly and the second battery cell assembly include a block interposed between them and the base plate, Each of the first and second battery cell assemblies includes a pair of outermost battery cells, a plurality of intermediate battery cells interposed between the outermost battery cells, and insulating pads spaced apart from each other with the pair of outermost battery cells in between. The block is a battery pack that overlaps with the outermost battery cells of the first battery cell assembly and the second battery cell assembly.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising a TIM (Thermal Interface Material) layer that overlaps with the plurality of intermediate battery cells of the first battery cell assembly and the second battery cell assembly, and is interposed between the first battery cell assembly and the second battery cell assembly and the base plate.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein the outermost battery cell is separated from each of the TIM layers.

4. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein the block is in contact with the corresponding outermost battery cells of the first battery cell assembly and the second battery cell assembly.

5. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein the TIM layer is in contact with the plurality of intermediate battery cells of the first battery cell assembly and the second battery cell assembly.

6. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein the block horizontally surrounds the TIM layer and is in contact with the TIM layer.

7. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein each of the blocks has a different thermal conductivity than each of the TIM layers.

8. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein each of the blocks has a lower thermal conductivity than each of the TIM layers.

9. base plate and A battery cell assembly disposed on the base plate, A block interposed between the base plate and the battery cell assembly, The TIM layer interposed between the base plate and the battery cell assembly, The battery cell assembly includes a plurality of intermediate battery cells interposed between the outermost battery cell and the outermost battery cell. Each of the outermost battery cells is separated from the TIM layer in the battery pack.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein the block is in contact with the outermost battery cell of the battery cell assembly.

11. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein the TIM layer is in contact with the plurality of intermediate battery cells of the battery cell assembly.

12. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein the block has a lower thermal conductivity than the TIM layer.

13. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein the block horizontally surrounds the TIM layer.

14. The outermost battery cells are spaced apart from each other in the first direction. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein the outermost battery cell is separated from the TIM layer in the first direction.

15. The battery pack according to claim 9, further comprising a tape between the TIM layer and the base plate.

16. The battery pack according to claim 15, wherein the TIM layer is separated from the base plate.

17. The battery pack according to claim 15, wherein the tape protrudes from the battery cell assembly in a first direction parallel to the mounting surface of the base plate.

18. The battery pack according to claim 17, wherein the tape protrudes in the first direction relative to the TIM layer.

19. The battery pack according to claim 15, wherein the tape includes a portion located between the block and the battery cell assembly.

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