Battery pack

Abstract

According to an exemplary embodiment, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack includes a pack housing including a base plate and side walls perpendicular to the base plate; a plurality of battery cell assemblies on the base plate including a plurality of battery cells and integrated circuit assemblies configured to be electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells; a communication device configured to communicate with the antenna of each of the integrated circuit assemblies of the plurality of battery cell assemblies; and a BMS (Battery Management system) configured to communicate with the communication device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack. This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0042783 filed on March 28, 2024 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0151433 filed on October 30, 2024, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties herein.

Background Art

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as energy sources for various cordless devices such as handsets, notebook computers, and cordless 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 been dramatically reduced, and as the cruising range of battery electric vehicles (BEV) has increased to a level equivalent to that of fuel vehicles, the main applications of secondary batteries have shifted from mobile devices to mobility applications.

[0003] The trend of technical development for secondary batteries for mobility is improvement of energy density and safety. Here, the energy density of a secondary battery is a value obtained by dividing the maximum electrical energy that the secondary battery can store by the mass of the secondary battery. Since the high energy density of a secondary battery is directly linked to the driving efficiency and cruising range of mobility, various studies have been conducted to improve the energy density of secondary batteries.

Summary of the Invention

Problem 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 energy density.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment for solving the above-mentioned problems, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack includes a pack housing including a base plate and side walls perpendicular to the base plate; a plurality of battery cell assemblies on the base plate including a plurality of battery cells and integrated circuit assemblies configured to be electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells; a communication device configured to communicate with the antenna of each of the integrated circuit assemblies of the plurality of battery cell assemblies; and a BMS (Battery Management system) configured to communicate with the communication device.

[0006] The above communication device is an antenna module.

[0007] The communication device described above is configured to communicate wirelessly with the antennas of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies described above.

[0008] The BMS and the communication device mentioned above are further connected wires.

[0009] The BMS described above is configured to communicate with the communication device via the wire described above.

[0010] The above wires are directly connected to the BMS and the communication device, respectively.

[0011] The above communication device is separated from the base plate.

[0012] The communication device further includes a crossbeam interposed between the plurality of battery cell assemblies and the BMS, and the communication device is separated from the plurality of battery cells with the crossbeam in between.

[0013] The above communication device is installed on top of the above crossbeam.

[0014] Each of the above-mentioned plurality of battery cells further includes a side beam spaced apart between the plurality of battery cells, and the communication device is installed on the side beam of one of the plurality of battery cells.

[0015] Each of the plurality of battery cells in the plurality of battery cell assemblies is arranged in a first direction, and the BMS is spaced away from the center of the base plate in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0016] The above communication device is located more adjacent to the center of the base plate in the second direction than the above BMS.

[0017] The above-mentioned side wall includes a base portion and a relief portion recessed inward from the base portion, and the BMS overlaps the relief portion in the first direction.

[0018] It is located away from the BMS and in a communication blind spot for each of the antennas of the multiple battery cell assemblies. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a battery pack comprising a master BMS (Battery Management System) and a communication module wired to the master BMS. The communication module may be positioned adjacent to the upper end of a crossbeam or side beam, thereby enabling communication between the master BMS and the slave BMS even if the master BMS is located in a communication blind spot.

[0020] The effects obtained from exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects associated with carrying out exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can also be derived by a person of ordinary skill in the art from exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS]

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a partial perspective view of the battery pack of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a partial perspective view of the battery pack of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a partial perspective view of the battery pack of FIG. 5. [DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS]

[0022] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. As a premise, terms and words used in the present specification and claims shall not be construed as being limited to their general or dictionary meanings, and may be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can properly define the concept of terms in order to describe his own invention in the best manner.

[0023] Accordingly, the embodiments described in the present specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, and do not represent all the technical ideas of the present invention, so there can be various equivalents and modifications that can substitute for these as of the filing date of the present application.

[0024] Furthermore, in the description of 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, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0025] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to give a more complete explanation to an ordinary person, the shapes and sizes of the 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.

[0026] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a battery pack 100 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of the battery pack 100 shown in Figure 1.

[0028] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the battery pack 100 may include a pack housing 110, multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4, a crossbeam 130, a BMS (Battery Management System) 140, a communication device 150, wires 151, and a mounting device 160. The battery pack 100 is the final form of a battery system installed in a mobility device or the like.

[0029] The pack housing 110 may include a base plate 111 and side walls 112, 113, 114, and 115. Here, the two directions substantially parallel to the mounting surface of the base plate 111 are defined as the X and Y directions, and the direction substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface of the base plate 111 is defined as the Z direction. The X, Y, and Z directions may be substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0030] The base plate 111 may have a flat shape. Side walls 112, 113, 114, and 115 may be located on the edges of the base plate 111. The side walls 112, 113, 114, and 115 may be joined to the edges of the base plate 111.

[0031] Each of the base plate 111 and the side walls 112, 113, 114, and 115 can be provided by an extrusion process. The base plate 111 may include multiple plates joined by friction stir welding. The side walls 112 and 113 can be joined to the base plate 111 by friction stir welding.

[0032] The side wall 112 may include a plate portion 112P at the same level as the base plate 111 and a side wall portion 112S perpendicular to the plate portion 112P. The side wall 113 may include a plate portion 113P at the same level as the base plate 111 and a side wall portion 113S perpendicular to the plate portion 113P.

[0033] The side walls 114 and 115 may be on the base plate 111. The side walls 114 and 115 may be substantially perpendicular to the base plate 111. This allows the side walls 112, 113, 114, and 115 to horizontally enclose multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4.

[0034] Multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4 can be placed on the mounting surface of the base plate 111 of the pack housing 110. The base plate 111 can support the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4.

[0035] In this example, battery cell assemblies 120_1 and 120_2 can be arranged in the X direction, battery cell assemblies 120_3 and 120_4 can be arranged in the X direction, battery cell assemblies 120_1 and 120_3 can be arranged in the Y direction, and battery cell assemblies 120_2 and 120_4 can be arranged in the Y direction. As a result, the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4 form a 2x2 matrix, but this is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention in any way.

[0036] The technical idea of ​​the present invention will be described below with reference to embodiments in which the battery pack 100 is of a moduleless type and each of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4 does not include a module frame. However, this 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 multiple battery cell assemblies including a module frame and a module-type battery pack including therein based on what is described herein.

[0037] Each of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4 may include multiple battery cells 121, multiple pads 122, a first integrated circuit assembly 123, a second integrated circuit assembly 124, a side beam 125, and an FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) assembly 127.

[0038] Multiple battery cells 121 can be arranged in the X direction. Each of the multiple battery cells 121 may include an electrode assembly, a positive lead connected to the positive tab of the electrode assembly, a negative lead connected to the negative tab of the electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a case. Each of the multiple battery cells 121 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.

[0039] An electrode assembly includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator membrane interposed between the positive and negative electrodes. A jelly roll type electrode assembly consists of a rolled positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator membrane interposed between them. A stack type electrode assembly includes multiple positive electrodes, multiple negative electrodes, and multiple separator membranes interposed between them, stacked sequentially.

[0040] According to an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of battery cells 121 can constitute a plurality of banks. Each of the plurality of banks may contain one or more parallel-connected battery cells 121. The plurality of banks can be connected in series with one another.

[0041] The negative leads of one or more battery cells 121 in each of multiple banks can be short-circuited to the positive leads of one or more battery cells 121 in subsequent banks. The negative leads of one or more battery cells 121 in each of multiple banks can be welded to the positive leads of one or more battery cells 121 in subsequent banks.

[0042] The positive leads of one or more battery cells 121 in each of the multiple banks can be short-circuited to the negative leads of one or more battery cells 121 in the preceding bank. The positive leads of one or more battery cells 121 in each of the multiple banks can be welded to the negative leads of one or more battery cells 121 in the preceding bank.

[0043] The number of battery cells 121 contained in each of the multiple banks and the number of banks connected in series with each other can be determined according to the voltage and current that each of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4 is intended to output.

[0044] Multiple pads 122 can be interposed between battery cells 121. One or more banks of battery cells 121 can be interposed between adjacent pads 122, but are not limited to this. As a non-limiting example, one bank may consist of three battery cells 121, and six battery cells 121 corresponding to two banks can be interposed between adjacent pads 122.

[0045] Multiple pads 122 can absorb the swelling of multiple battery cells 121. Multiple pads 122 may include PU (Polyurethane). According to exemplary embodiments, multiple pads 122 may also include flame-retardant materials such as ceramics and coated glass materials.

[0046] The first integrated circuit assembly 123 and the second integrated circuit assembly 124 can be separated in the Y direction with multiple battery cells 121 in between. The first integrated circuit assembly 123 and the second integrated circuit assembly 124 can be electrically connected by an FFC assembly 127. This allows signals representing measured values ​​of the operating parameters (e.g., voltage, current, and / or temperature) of the second integrated circuit assembly 124 to be transmitted to the first integrated circuit assembly 123 via the FFC assembly 127.

[0047] According to an exemplary embodiment, each first integrated circuit assembly 123 of a plurality of battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4 can be located in the center of the pack housing 110 (e.g., the center in the Y direction). According to an exemplary embodiment, each second integrated circuit assembly 124 of a plurality of battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4 can be located at the edge of the pack housing 110 (e.g., the edge in the Y direction).

[0048] According to an exemplary embodiment, the distance between the first integrated circuit assembly 123 of each of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4 and the center in the Y direction of the base plate 111 may be smaller than the distance between the second integrated circuit assembly 124 of each of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4 and the center in the Y direction of the base plate 111.

[0049] The first integrated circuit assembly 123 may include an antenna 123A. The first integrated circuit assembly 123 may further include an insulating frame, an integrated circuit, busbars, a sensing plate, a sensing bar, a temperature sensor, wiring, and an insulating cover.

[0050] The insulating frame may include insulating materials such as plastic. The insulating frame can cover the front of multiple battery cells 121. The insulating frame can support integrated circuits, busbars, sensing plates, sensing bars, temperature sensors, and wiring.

[0051] The busbar can be short-circuited to the positive leads of one or more battery cells 121 in the first bank and the negative leads of one or more battery cells 121 in the last bank. The busbar can be welded to the positive leads of one or more battery cells 121 in the first bank and the negative leads of one or more battery cells 121 in the last bank. The resulting voltages of each of the multiple battery cells 121 in the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4 can be output through the busbar. The busbar can be fixed to an insulating frame.

[0052] The integrated circuit can be mounted on an insulating frame. Positive and negative leads, welded to each other, can constitute nodes within the battery cell assembly 120. The integrated circuit can be configured to measure the voltage at the nodes.

[0053] The sensing bar may contain a conductive material. The sensing bar may have a rod shape. The sensing bar may be short-circuited to a busbar. The sensing bar may be coupled to a busbar. The voltage of the busbar may be measured via the sensing bar.

[0054] Each of the sensing plates may be patch-shaped or pad-shaped. The sensing plates may contain conductive material. The sensing plates may be short-circuited to the corresponding positive and negative leads of the battery cells 121.

[0055] Each of the multiple sensing plates can be connected to an integrated circuit. Through the multiple sensing plates, the voltages of multiple nodes in each of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4 can be measured.

[0056] The temperature sensors can be configured to measure the temperature at multiple points on the battery cell assembly 120. The temperature sensors can be arranged in the X, Y, and Z directions, thereby allowing the temperature distribution within the battery cell assembly 120 to be measured.

[0057] Antenna 123A can be configured to communicate with BMS 140 via communication device 150. As a non-limiting example, antenna 123A can use a wireless LAN frequency such as the 2.4 GHz band. The bandwidth of the 2.4 GHz band is approximately 80 MHz and can include 14 superimposed channels. Of the 14 superimposed channels, approximately 3 channels can be used simultaneously without signal interference. According to an exemplary embodiment, BMS 140 may include antenna module 140A, and BMS 140 may communicate wirelessly with communication device 150. According to an exemplary embodiment, BMS 140 may communicate wired and / or wirelessly with communication device 150.

[0058] Antenna 123A may, but may not be, be mounted on the integrated circuit of the first integrated circuit assembly. Antenna 123A may be configured to transmit signals representing measured values ​​of operating parameters (e.g., voltage, current, and / or temperature) of the battery cell assembly 120.

[0059] The insulating cover may contain an insulating material such as plastic. The insulating cover can be mated and coupled to an insulating frame. The insulating cover can cover the integrated circuit, busbars, sensing plate, sensing bar, and temperature sensor, thereby protecting the electrical elements of the first integrated circuit assembly 123.

[0060] The second integrated circuit assembly 124 may include an insulating frame, an integrated circuit, a sensing plate, a temperature sensor, wiring, and an insulating cover. The second integrated circuit assembly 124 is substantially the same as the first integrated circuit assembly 123, except that it does not include an antenna, busbars, and sensing bars.

[0061] The side beams 125 can be spaced apart in the X direction with multiple battery cells 121 in between. Each side beam 125 can have a substantially Γ shape. The height (i.e., length in the Z direction) of each side beam 125 may be greater than the height (i.e., length in the Z direction) of each of the multiple battery cells 121. The side beams 125 can be arranged symmetrically; that is, the side beams 125 can face in opposite directions.

[0062] The crossbeam 130 can extend in the Y direction. The crossbeam 133 can isolate multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4 in the X direction. The crossbeam 130 can be in contact with the base plate 111. The crossbeam 130 can be welded to the base plate 111, but is not limited to this.

[0063] The height (i.e., length in the Z direction) of each crossbeam 130 may be less than the height (i.e., length in the Z direction) of the side beams 125. This allows the side beams 125 to include portions that overlap with the crossbeams 130 in the Z direction, and the side beams 125 can be fixed to the crossbeams 130 by means of bolting or other methods.

[0064] The crossbeam 133 can be interposed in the X direction between battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_3 and battery cell assemblies 120_2, 120_4, between battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_3 and side wall 114, and between battery cell assemblies 120_2, 120_4 and side wall 115.

[0065] The BMS140 can be placed in the electrical component mounting area (EMR) of the pack housing 110. The electrical component mounting area (EMR) may be the space between the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4 and the side wall 114. The BMS140 can be interposed between the side wall 114 and the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4.

[0066] The following description of the technical concept of the present invention will focus on an example in which the BMS140 is located inside the pack housing 110, but this is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the technical concept of the present invention in any way. A person of ordinary skill in the art can easily arrive at an example in which the BMS140 is located outside the pack housing 110 based on what is described herein.

[0067] The BMS140 can be configured to perform tasks such as monitoring, balancing, and controlling the battery pack. Monitoring of the battery pack 100 may include monitoring measured values ​​of internal operating parameters (e.g., voltage, current, and / or temperature) within the battery pack 100. The BMS140 can receive signals transmitted from the respective antennas 123A of multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4 via relaying by the communication device 150. These signals may represent the operating parameters (e.g., voltage, current, and / or temperature).

[0068] Balancing the battery pack 100 is an operation that reduces deviations between multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4. 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_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4.

[0069] The communication device 150 can be located in the electrical component mounting area (EMR). According to an exemplary embodiment, the communication device 150 may be an antenna module. The communication device 150 can be configured to be electrically connected to the BMS 140. The communication device 150 can be wired to the BMS 140. The communication device 150 can be connected to the BMS 140 via a wire 151. The wire 151 can be connected to the communication device 150 and the BMS 140. The wire 151 can be directly connected to the communication device 150 and the BMS 140.

[0070] The BMS 140 can be configured to communicate with the communication device 150. The BMS 140 can be configured to communicate with the communication device 150 via a wire 151. The communication device 150 can be configured to communicate with the BMS 140 via a wire. The communication device 150 can be wirelessly connected to the respective antennas 123A of multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4.

[0071] The communication device 150 can be configured to relay communication between the BMS 140 and the first integrated circuit assembly 123 of each of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4. This allows control signals generated from the BMS 140 to be transmitted via the communication device 150 to the respective antennas 123A of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4. Signals representing the measured operating parameters (e.g., voltage, current, and / or temperature) of each of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4, collected by the first integrated circuit assembly 123 of each of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4, can be transmitted from the respective antennas 123A of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4 to the communication device 150.

[0072] In this example, the side wall 114 may include a base portion 114B and a relief portion 114E recessed inward from the base portion 114E. The relief portion 114E may include a portion perpendicular to the X direction and a portion perpendicular to the Y direction. The recessed shape of the relief portion 114E can prevent mechanical interference between the battery pack 100 and the application when the battery pack 100 is loaded into an application such as a vehicle.

[0073] The distance in the X direction between the avoidance portion 114E of the side wall 114 and the cross beam 130 may be different from the distance in the X direction between the base portion 114B of the side wall 114 and the cross beam 130. The distance in the X direction between the avoidance portion 114E of the side wall 114 and the cross beam 130 may be smaller than the distance in the X direction between the base portion 114B of the side wall 114 and the cross beam 130.

[0074] If the BMS140 is positioned in the avoidance section 114E due to the design of the battery pack 100, the distance between the avoidance section 114E and the side beam 125 and cross beam 130 may be too close, potentially blocking radio wave transmission between the antennas 123A of each of the battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4 and the BMS140. In other words, the BMS140 may be in a communication blind spot.

[0075] According to an exemplary embodiment, the communication device 150 can be located closer to the center in the Y direction than the BMS 140. This allows the communication device 150 to be positioned in an area where communication with each of the antennas 123A of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4 is smooth, and since the BMS 140 is connected to the communication device 150 via wire 151, signals between the BMS 140 and each of the first integrated circuit assemblies 123 of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4 can be transmitted wirelessly even if the BMS 140 is positioned in a communication blind spot.

[0076] According to an exemplary embodiment, the communication device 150 can be mounted on the side beam 125 of the battery cell assembly 120_3. The communication device 150 can be mounted on the upper part of the side beam 125. The communication device 150 can be spaced away from the base plate 111. The upper part of the side beam 125 may be further from the base plate 111 than the lower part of the side beam 125. According to an exemplary embodiment, the communication device 150 may include a mount 150M that overlaps the upper surface of the side beam 125 in the Z direction. The fixing device 160 can fix the communication device 150 to the side beam 125 of the battery cell assembly 120_3 by penetrating the mount 150M and the upper surface of the side beam 125.

[0077] According to an exemplary embodiment, the battery pack 100 may further include a lid coupled to the side walls 112, 113, 114, and 115. The lid can cover elements located inside the battery pack 100, such as battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4, and electrical components. The lid may be secured to the pack housing 110 by mechanical fastening means, such as bolts.

[0078] The lid may include a waveguide. The waveguide may be the portion of the lid that is elevated above the base, which is the portion of the lid surrounding the waveguide. That is, the distance between the base of the lid and the base plate 111 may be less than the distance between the waveguide of the lid and the base plate 111.

[0079] The waveguide can extend in the X direction. The waveguide can overlap in the Z direction with the first integrated circuit assembly 123 of each of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4. The waveguide can overlap in the Z direction with the antenna 123A of each of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4. The waveguide can provide a channel for wireless communication between the antenna 123A of each of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4 and the communication device 150.

[0080] Waveguide height can range from approximately 1 mm to approximately 10 mm. Waveguide height may be approximately 2 mm or more. Waveguide height may be approximately 3 mm or more. Waveguide height may be approximately 4 mm or more. Waveguide height may be approximately 9 mm or less. Waveguide height may be approximately 8 mm or less. Waveguide height may be approximately 7 mm or less. Waveguide height may be approximately 6 mm or less.

[0081] The width of the waveguide in the Y direction can be in the range of approximately 100 mm to approximately 200 mm. The waveguide width can be approximately 110 mm or more. The waveguide width can be approximately 120 mm or more. The waveguide width can be approximately 130 mm or more. The waveguide width can be approximately 140 mm or more. The waveguide width can be approximately 190 mm or less. The waveguide width can be approximately 180 mm or less. The waveguide width can be approximately 170 mm or less. The waveguide width can be approximately 160 mm or less.

[0082] As a result, the distance between the communication device 150 and the lid may be different from the distance between the communication device 150 and the base plate 111. Consequently, the distance between the communication device 150 and the lid may be greater than the distance between the communication device 150 and the base plate 111.

[0083] The battery pack 100 may further include an exhaust system. The exhaust system may be coupled to any one of the side walls 112, 113, 114, and 115. The side wall 110S coupled to the exhaust system may include an exhaust path connected to the exhaust system. The exhaust system may be configured to slow thermal propagation by releasing hot gases from inside the battery pack 100 to the outside if at least one of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4 is in a thermal runway state.

[0084] Here, thermal runaway of multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4 is a state in which the temperature change of multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4 is further accelerated, resulting in an uncontrollable positive feedback loop. In a thermal runaway state, multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4 exhibit a rapid temperature increase and emit large amounts of high-pressure gas and combustion residue.

[0085] The battery pack 100 may further include additional electrical components. The additional electrical components may be located on the pack housing 110. The additional electrical components may be located in the electrical component mounting area EMR. The additional electrical components may be located between the side wall 110S where the exhaust device is installed and the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4.

[0086] Additional electrical components may include a cooling system, a Power Relay Assembly (PRA), a safety plug, and the like. The cooling system may include a cooling fan. The cooling fan can prevent overheating of each of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4 by circulating air inside the battery pack 100. The PRA can be configured to supply or cut off power from the high-voltage battery to an external load (e.g., the vehicle's motor). The PRA can protect the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4 and the external load (e.g., the vehicle's motor) by cutting off the power supply to the external load (e.g., the vehicle's motor) in situations where abnormal voltages occur, such as voltage surges.

[0087] (Second Embodiment) Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a battery pack 101 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0088] Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of the battery pack 101 shown in Figure 3.

[0089] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the battery pack 101 may include a pack housing 110, multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1', 120_2', 120_3', 120_4', a crossbeam 131, a BMS 140, a communication device 150, wires 151, and a fixture 160. The battery pack 100 is the final form of a battery system to be installed in a mobility device or the like.

[0090] In this example, each of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1', 120_2', 120_3', and 120_4' may be substantially the same as the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1', 120_2', 120_3', and 120_4' in Figures 1 and 2, except that they do not include the side beam 125 (see Figure 2).

[0091] The communication device 150 can be installed on the upper part of the crossbeam 131. The upper part of the crossbeam 131 may be further from the base plate 111 than the lower part of the crossbeam 131. The mount 150M of the communication device 150 can overlap in the Z direction with the part of the crossbeam 131 that is closest to the side wall 114. This allows the communication device 150 to be fixed to the crossbeam 131 by the mount 150M of the communication device 150 and the fixture 160 that penetrates the crossbeam 131.

[0092] (Third embodiment) Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a battery pack 102 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0093] Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of the battery pack 102 shown in Figure 5.

[0094] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the battery pack 102 may include a pack housing 110, multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4, a crossbeam 130, a BMS 140, a communication device 150', wires 151, and a fixture 160 (see Figure 2). The battery pack 100 is the final form of a battery system installed in a mobility device or the like.

[0095] The pack housing 110, the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4, the crossbeam 130, the BMS 140, the wire 151, and the fixture 160 (see Figure 2) are substantially the same as those described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, so redundant descriptions of them are omitted.

[0096] The communication device 150' may include a mount 150M. The mount 150M can be fastened to the side beam 125 of the battery cell assembly 120_3 by a fixture 160 (see Figure 2).

[0097] The communication device 150' can be located further away from the base plate 111 than the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4. The distance between the communication device 150' and the base plate 111 may be greater than the distance between the top of each side beam 125 of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4 and the base plate 111.

[0098] The distance between the point of the communication device 150' furthest away from the base plate 111 and the base plate 111 may differ from the distance between the point of each side beam 125 of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4 furthest away from the base plate 111 and the base plate 111.

[0099] The distance between the point of the communication device 150' furthest away from the base plate 111 and the base plate 111 may be greater than the distance between the point of each side beam 125 of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120_1, 120_2, 120_3, and 120_4 furthest away from the base plate 111 and the base plate 111.

[0100] The communication device 150' may be located on the side beam 125 of the battery cell assembly 120_3. The side beam 125 may include a portion interposed between the communication device 150' and the base plate 111 in the Z direction.

[0101] The present invention has been described in more detail above with reference to the drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described herein are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, there may be a variety of equivalents and modifications that can be substituted for them at the time of filing. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0102] 100, 101, 102 Battery Packs 110 Pack Housing 110S side wall 111 Base Plate 112 Side wall 112P Plate Section 112S side wall part 113 Side wall 113P Plate section 113S side wall part 114 Side wall 114B Base section 114E Evasion part 115 Side wall 120 Battery Cell Assembly 120_1, 120_1' Battery Cell Assembly 120_2, 120_2' Battery Cell Assembly 120_3, 120_3' Battery Cell Assembly 120_4, 120_4' Battery Cell Assembly 121 battery cells 122 pads 123 First Integrated Circuit Assembly 123A Antenna 124 Second Integrated Circuit Assembly 125 Side Beam 127 FFC Assembly 130, 131, 133 Crossbeam 140A Antenna Module 150, 150' Communication device 150M mount 151 wire 160 Fixture

Claims

1. A pack housing including a base plate and side walls perpendicular to the base plate, Multiple battery cell assemblies, each including multiple battery cells and an integrated circuit assembly configured to be electrically connected to the multiple battery cells, A communication device configured to communicate with the antenna of each of the integrated circuit assemblies of the plurality of battery cell assemblies, A battery pack including a BMS (Battery Management system) configured to communicate with the aforementioned communication device.

2. The communication device is an antenna module, as described in claim 1 of the battery pack.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the communication device is configured to communicate wirelessly with each of the antennas of the plurality of battery cell assemblies.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising wires connected to the BMS and the communication device, respectively.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein the wire is directly connected to the BMS and the communication device, respectively.

6. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein the BMS is configured to communicate with the communication device via the wire.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the communication device is separated from the base plate.

8. The BMS further includes a crossbeam interposed between the plurality of battery cell assemblies, The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the communication device is separated from the plurality of battery cells with the crossbeam in between.

9. The communication device is installed on the upper part of the crossbeam, as described in claim 8, and is a battery pack.

10. Each of the plurality of battery cells further includes a side beam spaced apart between the plurality of battery cells, The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the communication device is installed on one of the side beams of the plurality of battery cells.

11. Each of the plurality of battery cells in the plurality of battery cell assemblies is arranged in a first direction, The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the BMS is spaced away from the center of the base plate in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

12. The battery pack according to claim 11, wherein the communication device is adjacent to the center of the base plate in the second direction than the BMS.

13. The side wall includes a base portion and a relief portion recessed inward from the base portion. The battery pack according to claim 11, wherein the BMS overlaps with the avoidance portion in the first direction.

14. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, which is separated from the BMS and located in a communication blind spot of each of the antennas of the plurality of battery cell assemblies.

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