Battery Pack, Electronic Device, and Vehicle
Patent Information
- Application Number
- KR1020200072513
- Authority / Receiving Office
- KR · KR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2020-06-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-29
- Estimated Expiration
- 2040-06-15
Smart Images

Figure 112020061406092-PAT00002_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technology Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack, an electronic device, and an automobile, and more specifically, to a battery pack that enhances safety through high reliability of temperature measurement of a plurality of battery cells. Background Technology
[0002] Recently, as the demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras, and mobile phones has increased rapidly, and the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, and satellites has accelerated, research on high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging is actively underway.
[0003] Currently commercialized rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium, nickel-hydrogen, nickel-zinc, and lithium-ion batteries. Among these, lithium-ion batteries are gaining attention for their advantages, such as the ability to freely charge and discharge with almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based batteries, a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.
[0004] These lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative active materials, respectively. In addition, these lithium secondary batteries comprise an electrode assembly in which a positive plate and a negative plate, each coated with a positive active material and a negative active material, are arranged with a separator in between, and an outer casing, namely a battery case, that seals and houses this electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.
[0005] In addition, lithium secondary batteries can be classified according to the shape of the casing into can-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch of aluminum laminate sheet.
[0006] Among these, a can-type secondary battery may be manufactured in a cylindrical shape using a metal can in which an electrode assembly is housed. Such a can-type secondary battery can be used to construct a battery pack comprising a module case that accommodates multiple secondary batteries and a busbar configured to electrically connect multiple secondary batteries.
[0007] Meanwhile, a battery pack of the prior art basically measures temperature changes due to charging and discharging of multiple secondary batteries to determine the battery operating status or battery life. Referring to FIG. 1 of the present invention, a battery pack of the prior art includes multiple secondary batteries (10), a module case (30) having a space (H) for accommodating these multiple secondary batteries (10), and a temperature sensor (40) for measuring the temperature of these secondary batteries (10), and an adhesive (20) is added to fix the temperature sensor (40).
[0008] However, as with conventional technology, the temperature sensor was manually inserted directly into the housing space of the module case, making it prone to changing its position each time. Furthermore, when only adhesive was used to fix the temperature sensor, there was a problem where the position of the temperature sensor could easily shift due to external impact before the adhesive cured after application. Consequently, it was difficult to install the temperature sensor at a consistent distance from the secondary battery every time a battery pack of the conventional technology was manufactured. As a result, the battery pack of the conventional technology had a problem in which the actual temperature of the secondary battery and the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor showed a large discrepancy. Consequently, it was difficult to manage the lifespan or safety of the secondary battery through the measurement of the battery pack's temperature. The problem to be solved
[0009] Accordingly, the present invention was devised to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a battery pack with enhanced safety through high reliability in measuring the temperature of multiple battery cells.
[0010] Other objects and advantages of the present invention may be understood from the following description and will become more clearly apparent from the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims. means of solving the problem
[0011] A battery pack according to the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose is,
[0012] Multiple battery cells;
[0013] A temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of one or more of the plurality of battery cells above;
[0014] A module case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells above and having a receiving portion having a space inserted to accommodate the temperature sensor; and
[0015] It includes a holder configured to hold the temperature sensor, having a size that can be inserted into the internal space of the above-mentioned receiving portion and fill at least a portion of the internal space.
[0016] In addition, the above holder,
[0017] The body may be provided with an insertion groove into which a part of the body is inserted to insert and fix at least a part of the above temperature sensor.
[0018] Furthermore, it may further include an adhesive configured to fill the space of the receiving portion.
[0019] And, the above holder is,
[0020] A notch configured to form a space spaced apart from the temperature sensor in a part of the insertion groove so as to allow the adhesive to flow in.
[0021] Furthermore, the above holder,
[0022] A through hole penetrating inward may be provided so that a portion of the adhesive flows into the interior of the holder.
[0023] In addition, the above holder,
[0024] Equipped with a material capable of elastic recovery,
[0025] After being inserted in a compressed state into the internal space of the above-mentioned receiving portion, the temperature sensor can be configured to be pressed toward the battery cell by means of elastic restoring force.
[0026] Furthermore, the receiving portion is provided with a fixed rib protruding to guide the position of the holder, and
[0027] The above holder may have a fixing groove in which a portion is inserted with a size corresponding to the fixing rib so that the fixing rib is inserted.
[0028] In addition, the fixed rib may protrude toward the temperature sensor by pressing a part of the holder so that the temperature sensor fixed to the holder comes into close contact toward the battery cell.
[0029] Furthermore, the electronic device according to the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose includes at least one battery pack.
[0030] In addition, the automobile according to the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose includes at least one battery pack. Effects of the invention
[0031] According to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention comprises a module case having a receiving portion and a holder inserted into the receiving portion, thereby enabling a temperature sensor to be stably fixed at a certain position within the receiving portion. Accordingly, the battery pack of the present invention can be manufactured such that the distance between the battery cell and the temperature sensor is constant, allowing the BMS to reliably measure the temperature of the battery cell. That is, because the distance between the battery cell and the temperature sensor is constant, the BMS can reliably estimate the actual temperature of the secondary battery by taking into account a predetermined temperature deviation.
[0032] In addition, according to one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the holder of the present invention is provided with a material capable of elastic recovery, namely an elastic material, so that after being inserted into the space of the receiving portion in a compressed state, the temperature sensor can be pressed toward the battery cell by means of an elastic recovery force, thereby effectively maintaining the state in which the temperature sensor is in close contact with the battery cell. Accordingly, the present invention can effectively reduce the magnitude of the temperature difference between the actual temperature of the battery cell and the temperature measured by the temperature sensor. Accordingly, the battery pack of the present invention can effectively enhance the safety of the battery pack through fast and reliable temperature measurement.
[0033] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the invention is provided with a fixing rib in the receiving portion and a fixing groove in the holder, thereby not only fixing the position of the holder inserted into the receiving portion but also performing the function of guiding the holder to be inserted in a fixed position without rotating so that the position of the temperature sensor remains constant. Accordingly, during the manufacturing process of multiple battery packs, the problem of the temperature sensor position becoming uneven due to the uneven insertion position of the holder can be prevented. As a result, the safety of the battery pack can be effectively enhanced through highly reliable temperature measurement. Brief explanation of the drawing
[0034] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings. FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the appearance of a part of a conventional battery pack. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a battery cell of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view schematically showing an enlarged view of area A of the battery pack of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of a battery pack holder according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view schematically showing a part of a battery pack holder and a temperature sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal appearance of some components of a battery pack according to another embodiment, cut along the line C-C' of FIG. 2. FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of a battery pack holder according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a graph showing the temperature measurement results of the embodiment of the present invention, Comparative Example 1, and Comparative Example 2. Specific details for implementing the invention
[0035] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.
[0036] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.
[0038] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a battery cell of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view schematically showing an enlarged view of area A of the battery pack of FIG. 2. In FIG. 4, for convenience of explanation of the drawings, a part (C) of the module case covering the temperature sensor (230) is omitted so that the appearance of the temperature sensor (230) can be exposed to the outside.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the battery pack (200) of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells (100), a module case (210), and a holder (220).
[0040] Here, a plurality of battery cells (100) may be rechargeable secondary batteries. The battery cells (100) may be can-type battery cells (100). Here, the battery cells (100) may be equipped with an electrode assembly (110), a cylindrical battery can (112), and a cap assembly (113).
[0041] The above electrode assembly (110) may have a structure in which a separator is interposed between a positive plate and a negative plate, and a positive tab (114) is attached to the positive plate and connected to a cap assembly (113), and a negative tab (115) is attached to the negative plate and connected to the bottom of a battery can (112).
[0042] The battery can (112) has an empty space formed inside to accommodate an electrode assembly (110). In particular, the battery can (112) may be cylindrical or rectangular and configured with an open top. Additionally, the battery can (112) may be made of a metal material such as steel or aluminum to ensure rigidity. Furthermore, the battery can (112) has a negative electrode tab attached to its bottom so that not only the bottom of the battery can (112) but also the battery can (112) itself can function as a negative electrode terminal.
[0043] The above cap assembly (113) is coupled to the upper opening of the battery can (112) to seal the opening of the battery can (112). This cap assembly (113) may have a shape such as a circle or a square depending on the shape of the battery can (112), and may include sub-components such as a top cap (C1), a safety vent (C2), and a gasket (C3).
[0044] Here, the top cap (C1) may be configured to protrude upward, positioned at the top of the cap assembly (113). In particular, this top cap (C1) may function as a positive terminal in the battery cell (100). Thus, the top cap (C1) may be electrically connected to another battery cell (100) through an external device, such as a busbar (250). This top cap (C1) may be formed from a metal material, such as stainless steel or aluminum.
[0045] The above safety vent (C2) may be configured so that its structure deforms when the internal pressure of the battery cell (100), that is, the internal pressure of the battery can (112), increases above a certain level. Additionally, the above gasket (C3) may be made of a material having electrical insulation properties so that the rim portions of the top cap (C1) and the safety vent (C2) can be insulated from the battery can (112).
[0046] Meanwhile, the cap assembly (113) may further include a current interruption member (C4). The current interruption member (C4) is also called a CID (Current Interrupt Device). When the internal pressure of the battery increases due to gas generation and the shape of the safety vent (C2) is reversed, the contact between the safety vent (C2) and the current interruption member (C4) is broken, or the current interruption member (C4) is damaged, thereby interrupting the electrical connection between the safety vent (C2) and the electrode assembly (110).
[0047] Since the configuration of such a battery cell (100) is widely known to those skilled in the art at the time of filing the present invention, a more detailed description is omitted in this specification. Additionally, although an example of a battery cell (100) is illustrated in FIG. 3, the battery pack (200) according to the present invention is not limited to the configuration of a specific type of battery cell (100). That is, various battery cells (100) known at the time of filing the present invention may be employed in the battery pack (200) according to the present invention.
[0048] Additionally, the battery pack (200) of the present invention may further include a plurality of busbars (250). The busbars (250) may be configured to form an electrical connection between the plurality of cylindrical battery cells (100). The busbars (250) may be provided with a conductive metal. The busbars (250) may be provided with at least one of, for example, copper, nickel, and aluminum.
[0049] Furthermore, the bus bar (250) may be mounted on the left or right side of the module case (210). For example, as shown in FIG. 2, four bus bars may be mounted on the right side of the battery pack (200). Although not shown, a number of bus bars may also be embedded on the left side of the battery pack (200) and inside the module case (210).
[0050] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view schematically showing an enlarged view of a part of the battery pack of FIG. 2.
[0051] Referring again to FIG. 4 together with FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the temperature sensor (230) can function as a sensor that converts heat into an electrical signal. The temperature sensor (230) may be, for example, a thermistor whose resistance value changes according to temperature. The thermistor may be provided with an electrically insulating coating.
[0052] Furthermore, the module case (210) may be provided with an electrically insulating material. For example, the module case (210) may be provided with polyvinyl chloride. The module case (210) may have a body in the shape of a box overall. In addition, the module case (210) may have a plurality of hollows in the body to accommodate the plurality of battery cells (100) inside. Furthermore, the module case (210) may be provided with a receiving portion (212) having an internal space to accommodate the temperature sensor (230). For example, the receiving portion (212) may have a cylindrical internal space as shown in FIG. 4.
[0053] Furthermore, the holder (220) may be configured to be inserted into the recessed space of the receiving portion (212). The holder (220) may have a size capable of filling at least a portion of the recessed space of the receiving portion (212).
[0054] Additionally, the holder (220) may be configured to hold the temperature sensor (230). That is, the holder (220) may hold a portion of the temperature sensor (230). In other words, the holder (220) may be configured to fix the temperature sensor (230) so that the temperature sensor (230) does not move or detach. Depending on the shape of the temperature sensor (230), various holding structures for fixing the temperature sensor (230) can be applied to the holder (220).
[0055] Accordingly, according to this configuration of the present invention, the present invention comprises a module case (210) having a receiving portion (212) and a holder (220) inserted into the receiving portion (212), thereby allowing the temperature sensor (230) to be stably fixed at a certain position within the receiving portion (212). Accordingly, the battery pack (200) of the present invention can be manufactured such that the distance between the battery cell (100) and the temperature sensor (230) is constant, so that the BMS (280) can reliably measure the temperature of the battery cell (100). That is, because the distance between the battery cell (100) and the temperature sensor (230) is constant, the BMS (280) can reliably estimate the actual temperature of the secondary battery by considering a predetermined temperature deviation.
[0056] FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of a battery pack holder according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view schematically showing the appearance of a battery pack holder and a temperature sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0057] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 together with FIGS. 3 and 4, the holder (220) may have an insertion groove (H1) configured to secure the temperature sensor (230). The insertion groove (H1) may have a shape in which a part of the body is recessed inward so that at least a part of the temperature sensor (230) is inserted. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the insertion groove (H1) may have a groove shape that extends in one direction (toward toward the inner center of the battery pack) along the body of the temperature sensor (230).
[0058] Accordingly, according to this configuration of the present invention, the present invention provides an insertion groove (H1) into which a part of the body is inserted to insert and fix at least a part of the temperature sensor (230), thereby allowing the temperature sensor (230) to be positioned so as to maintain a certain distance from the battery cell (100) along the long extended direction of the battery cell (100). Ultimately, the present invention can solve the problem of a temperature difference between the measured temperature and the actual battery cell (100) occurring due to the position of the temperature sensor (230) not being consistent each time the battery pack is manufactured.
[0059] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal appearance of some components of a battery pack according to another embodiment, cut along the line C-C' of FIG. 2.
[0060] Referring again to FIG. 7 in conjunction with FIG. 4 to 6, the receiving portion (212) of the battery pack according to another embodiment may have a partially open shape so that a part of the battery cell (100) received in the module case (210) can be exposed. That is, the receiving portion (212) may have a shape in which a part of the wall of the internal space in the direction where the battery cell (100) is located is open so that a part of the inserted temperature sensor (230) can come into contact with the battery cell (100).
[0061] Additionally, a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include an adhesive (240) configured to be filled into the internal space of the receiving portion (212). Specifically, the adhesive (240) may be a solidified adhesive (240) after being injected into the internal space of the receiving portion (212). The adhesive (240) may have transparency and electrical insulation properties. The adhesive (240) may be a glue or a hot-melt resin. For example, the adhesive (240) may comprise at least one of a polyamide resin, a polyimide resin, an epoxy resin, and an acrylic resin.
[0062] Additionally, the adhesive (240) may be configured to fix the positions of the temperature sensor (230) and the holder (220). That is, the adhesive (240) may fix a part of the temperature sensor (230) and a part of the holder (220).
[0063] Accordingly, according to this configuration of the present invention, by providing an adhesive (240), the position of the temperature sensor (230) and the holder (220) can be firmly fixed, thereby preventing the position of the temperature sensor (230) from changing or becoming detached due to external impact during use of the battery pack (200). Accordingly, the battery pack (200) can reliably measure the temperature of the battery cell (100), thereby effectively increasing the safety of the battery pack (200).
[0064] FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of a battery pack holder according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0065] Referring again to FIG. 8 together with FIG. 4 to 7, the holder (220A) of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention may further be provided with a notch (N) compared to the holder (220) of FIG. 5. That is, the holder (220A) of FIG. 8 may be configured so that a temperature sensor (230) is fixed in the insertion groove (H1), just like the holder (220) of FIG. 5.
[0066] Additionally, the notch (N) may form a space spaced apart from the temperature sensor (230) to allow the adhesive (240) to flow in. The notch (N) may be formed in a part of the insertion groove (H1). The notch (N) may extend long along the body of the temperature sensor (230). That is, the notch (N) may have a triangular shape in plan and a groove shape that extends long inward along the body of the temperature sensor (230).
[0067] Additionally, the adhesive (240) may be introduced into the holder (220) along the internal space of the notch (N). The adhesive (240) introduced into the internal space of the notch (N) may be configured to come into contact with the outer surface of the temperature sensor (230). Furthermore, the adhesive (240) may be configured to cure after a certain period of time following introduction into the notch (N) in liquid form.
[0068] Accordingly, according to this configuration of the present invention, the present invention further provides a notch (N) in the holder (220A), so that the adhesive (240) can flow along the notch (N) and come into contact with the temperature sensor (230). That is, the notch (N) allows the adhesive (240) to flow into the holder (220A) and secure a larger area of the temperature sensor (230).
[0069] Accordingly, the present invention can also fix the portion of the temperature sensor (230) inserted into the insertion groove (H1) of the holder (220A) by the adhesive (240), thereby preventing the position of the temperature sensor (230) from changing or detaching outward due to external impact during use of the battery pack (200). Accordingly, the battery pack (200) can reliably measure the temperature of the battery cell (100), thereby effectively increasing the safety of the battery pack (200).
[0070] Referring again to FIG. 8 together with FIG. 4 to 7, the holder (220A) of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention may further be provided with a through hole (H2) compared to the holder (220) of FIG. 5.
[0071] Additionally, the through hole (H2) may be configured so that a portion of the adhesive (240) flows into the interior of the holder (220A). The through hole (H2) may have a shape in which a portion of the body of the holder (220A) is penetrated inward (toward the inner center of the battery pack). That is, the adhesive (240) can move from one outer surface of the holder (220A) to the opposite inner surface through the through hole (H2). For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the holder (220A) may be provided with two through holes (H2). Each of the two through holes (H2) may have a shape that penetrates from the top surface to the bottom surface relative to the holder (220A) shown in FIG. 8.
[0072] Accordingly, according to this configuration of the present invention, the present invention allows the adhesive (240) to flow into the interior of the holder (220A) along the through hole (H2) by having the holder (220A) provided with a through hole (H2). The adhesive (240) flowing into the interior of the holder (220A) can not only fix the holder (220A), but also allow the adhesive (240) to flow into the inner part of the holder (220A) (relative to the center of the module case (210)) where it is difficult for the adhesive (240) to flow, thereby stably fixing the position of the holder (220A).
[0073] Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the position of the holder (220A) from changing within the receiving portion (212) or from being displaced outside the receiving portion (212) due to external impact during use of the battery pack (200). Accordingly, the battery pack (200) can stably fix the temperature sensor (230) within the receiving portion (212), thereby enabling reliable measurement of the temperature of the battery cell (100).
[0074] Referring again to FIGS. 5 to 7, the holder (220) of the battery pack (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a material having elastic deformation or elastic restoring force so that it can sufficiently fill a part of the inserted space of the receiving portion (212). The material may be, for example, one or more of silicone, urethane, rubber, and sponge.
[0075] Additionally, the holder (220) may be inserted into the recessed space of the receiving portion (212) in a compressed state. The holder (220) may be configured to press the temperature sensor (230) toward the battery cell (100) by means of elastic restoring force after being inserted into the recessed space of the receiving portion (212). For example, the holder (220) may be provided with a urethane material. The holder (220) may press the temperature sensor (230), which is fixed in the insertion groove (H1), against the battery cell (100) by means of the elastic restoring force of the urethane material. That is, the holder (220) may be configured to press the temperature sensor (230) toward the battery cell (100) while the holder (220) is inserted into the receiving portion (212).
[0076] Accordingly, according to this configuration of the present invention, the holder (220) of the present invention is provided with a material capable of elastic recovery, that is, an elastic material, so that after being inserted into the space of the receiving portion (212) in a compressed state, the temperature sensor (230) can be pressed toward the battery cell (100) by means of elastic recovery force, thereby effectively maintaining the state in which the temperature sensor (230) is in close contact with the battery cell (100).
[0077] Accordingly, the present invention can effectively reduce the magnitude of the temperature difference between the actual temperature of the battery cell (100) and the temperature measured through the temperature sensor (230). Accordingly, the battery pack (200) of the present invention can effectively increase the safety of the battery pack (200) through fast and reliable temperature measurement.
[0078] Referring again to FIGS. 5 to 7, a receiving portion (212) of a battery pack (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a fixed rib (R) protruding to guide the position of the holder (220). The fixed rib (R) may have a shape in which a part of the recessed space of the receiving portion (212) protrudes toward the holder (220). The fixed rib (R) may be configured to be inserted into a part of the holder (220) to fix the position of the holder (220).
[0079] Additionally, the holder (220) may have a fixing groove (H3) configured to receive the fixing rib (R). The fixing groove (H3) may have a shape in which a part of the holder (220) is inserted into the interior of the body. The fixing groove (H3) may have an inserted space of a size corresponding to the fixing rib (R).
[0080] Furthermore, the fixed rib (R) may have a shape in which the protruding size gradually increases as it moves toward the inside of the receiving portion (212). For example, if the fixed rib (R) is wedge-shaped, the size of the wedge may be configured to gradually increase as it moves toward the inside of the inserted space of the receiving portion (212). Accordingly, due to the gradually increasing shape of the fixed rib (R), as the holder (220) is inserted into the receiving portion (212), the holder (220) can compress the temperature sensor (230) more strongly by the fixed rib (R).
[0081] Accordingly, according to this configuration of the present invention, the present invention is provided with a fixing rib (R) in the receiving portion (212) and a fixing groove (H3) in the holder (220), thereby not only fixing the position in which the holder (220) is inserted into the receiving portion (212), but also performing the role of guiding the holder (220) so that it is inserted in the correct position without rotating when the holder (220) is inserted. Accordingly, during the manufacturing process of a plurality of battery packs (200), the problem of deviation occurring in the position of the temperature sensor (230) due to inconsistent insertion position of the holder (220) can be prevented. Accordingly, the battery pack (200) can effectively increase the safety of the battery pack (200) through highly reliable temperature measurement.
[0082] Additionally, the fixed rib (R) may be configured to press a portion of the holder (220) so that the temperature sensor (230) fixed to the holder (220) is in close contact with the battery cell (100). That is, the fixed rib (R) may have a shape protruding toward the temperature sensor (230). In other words, the end of the fixed rib (R) protruding toward the temperature sensor (230) can compress the holder (220) in the direction where the temperature sensor (230) is located, so that the temperature sensor (230) can be in close contact with the outer surface of the battery cell (100) by the compressed holder (220).
[0083] Accordingly, according to this configuration of the present invention, the present invention can stably maintain the state in which the temperature sensor (230) is in close contact with the outer surface of the battery cell (100) by providing a fixed rib (R) protruding toward the temperature sensor (230). Accordingly, the battery pack (200) can effectively increase the safety of the battery pack (200) through reliable temperature measurement.
[0084] Meanwhile, a battery pack (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include various devices (not shown) for controlling the charging and discharging of the battery pack (200), such as a BMS (Battery Management System, 280 in FIG. 1), a current sensor, a temperature sensor (230), a fuse, etc.
[0085] Meanwhile, an electronic device (not shown) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes at least one of the above-described battery packs (200). The electronic device may further include a device housing (not shown) having a storage space for storing the battery pack (200) and a display unit that allows a user to check the charging status of the battery pack (200).
[0086] In addition, a battery pack (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be included in a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. That is, a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention may be equipped with a battery pack (200) including at least one battery pack (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention described above within the vehicle body.
[0087] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back have been used in this specification, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that they may vary depending on the location of the object or the position of the observer.
[0089] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail through examples and experimental examples to specifically explain the invention, but the present invention is not limited by these examples and experimental examples. The embodiments according to the present invention may be modified in various different forms, and the scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments described below. The embodiments of the present invention are provided to more completely explain the invention to those with average knowledge in the art.
[0091] <Comparative Example 1>
[0092] The battery pack of the present invention accommodates a total of 84 cylindrical battery cells inside a module case. These 84 cylindrical battery cells are organized into groups of 14 electrically connected in series, and six such groups are electrically connected in parallel. Among the battery cells housed in the module case, the temperatures of 20 battery cells located in the center and outer periphery of the module case were directly measured using a thermal coupler to check the internal temperature of the module case. The maximum and average values of the measured temperatures are shown in the graph of Fig. 9.
[0094] <Comparative Example 2>
[0095] After inserting a temperature sensor (NTC Thermistor) without a holder into the receiving portion of the same battery pack as Comparative Example 1, the temperature of the battery cell measured by the temperature sensor was calculated using the BMS. The measured temperatures are shown in the graph in Fig. 9.
[0097] <Example>
[0098] A holder with a temperature sensor (NTC Thermistor) fixed to it was inserted into the receiving portion of a battery pack identical to Comparative Example 1 so that the temperature sensor was in close contact with the outer surface of a cylindrical battery cell, and the temperature of the battery cell measured by the temperature sensor was calculated using a BMS. The measured temperatures were shown in the graph in Fig. 9.
[0100] As a result of the measurement, the battery pack of Comparative Example 2, which lacks a holder, showed a deviation of about 4 degrees Celsius based on the highest temperature value among the 20 battery cells directly measured using a temperature measuring instrument in Comparative Example 1. On the other hand, the battery pack of the embodiment of the present invention showed a relatively small deviation of about 2 degrees Celsius. Therefore, the battery pack of the present invention can effectively reduce the magnitude of the temperature deviation between the actual temperature of the battery cell and the temperature measured through the temperature sensor. Accordingly, the battery pack of the present invention can effectively enhance the safety of the battery pack through highly reliable temperature measurement.
[0102] As described above, although the present invention has been explained by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. Explanation of the symbols
[0103] 200: Battery Pack 280: BMS 210: Module case 212: Receiving section 100: Battery cell 220: Holder H1: Insertion groove N: Notch H2: Through hole H3: Fixed groove 230: Temperature sensor 240: Adhesive R: Fixed rib
Claims
Claim 1 A battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of one or more of the plurality of battery cells; a module case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells internally and having a receiving portion having a space inserted to accommodate the temperature sensor; and a holder configured to hold the temperature sensor, having a size that can fill at least a portion of the inserted space inserted in the receiving portion, wherein the holder has an insertion groove in which a portion of the body is inserted to insert and fix at least a portion of the temperature sensor, the battery pack further includes an adhesive configured to fill the inserted space inserted in the receiving portion, and the holder is characterized by having a notch configured to form a space spaced apart from the temperature sensor in a portion of the insertion groove so as to allow the adhesive to flow into the battery pack. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 delete Claim 5 A battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of one or more of the plurality of battery cells; a module case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells internally and having a receiving portion having a space inserted to accommodate the temperature sensor; and a holder configured to hold the temperature sensor, having a size that can fill at least a portion of the inserted space inserted in the receiving portion, wherein the holder has an insertion groove in which a portion of the body is inserted to insert and fix at least a portion of the temperature sensor, the battery pack further comprises an adhesive configured to fill the inserted space inserted in the receiving portion, and the holder has a through hole that penetrates inward so that a portion of the adhesive flows into the holder. Claim 6 A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the holder is provided with a material capable of elastic recovery, and is configured to press the temperature sensor toward the battery cell by means of elastic recovery force after being inserted into the inserted space of the receiving portion in a compressed state. Claim 7 A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the receiving portion is provided with a fixed rib protruding to guide the position of the holder, and the holder is provided with a fixed groove in which a portion is inserted with a size corresponding to the fixed rib so that the fixed rib is inserted. Claim 8 A battery pack according to claim 7, wherein the fixed rib protrudes toward the temperature sensor by pressing a part of the holder so that the temperature sensor fixed to the holder is in close contact toward the battery cell. Claim 9 An electronic device characterized by comprising at least one battery pack according to any one of claims 1 and 5 to 8. Claim 10 An automobile characterized by including at least one battery pack according to any one of claims 1 and 5 through 8.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
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