Battery pack

Abstract

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, provided is a battery pack. The battery pack comprises: a pack housing including a base plate and a guide protruding from the base plate; and first and second battery cell assemblies disposed on the base plate, wherein each of the first and second battery cell assemblies comprises a cell stack including a plurality of battery cells and first and second cross beams coupled to the cell stack, and the second cross beam of the first battery cell assembly includes a second assembly window exposing the guide.

Description

battery pack

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack. This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2023-0160135, filed November 20, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. They are widely used as a power source for various wireless devices, including handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, improved energy density and economies of scale have dramatically reduced the per-unit manufacturing cost of secondary batteries. Furthermore, as the range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to match that of fuel-powered vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0003] The technological development trend in secondary batteries for mobility is improving energy density and safety. The energy density of a secondary battery is defined as the maximum electrical energy it can store divided by its mass. High energy density in secondary batteries is directly linked to driving efficiency and range in mobility, and therefore, various studies are being conducted to improve the energy density of secondary batteries.

[0004] The technical idea of ​​the present invention aims to solve a problem by providing a battery pack with improved reliability and assembly.

[0005] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack includes a pack housing including a base plate and a guide protruding from the base plate; and first and second battery cell assemblies disposed on the base plate, each of the first and second battery cell assemblies including a cell stack including a plurality of battery cells and first and second cross beams coupled to the cell stack, and the second cross beam of the first battery cell assembly includes a second assembly window exposing the guide.

[0006] The first cross beam of the second battery cell assembly is coupled with the second cross beam of the first battery cell assembly.

[0007] The first cross beam of the second battery cell assembly covers the guide.

[0008] The first cross beam of the second battery cell assembly includes a first assembly window exposing the guide.

[0009] The first assembly window of the first cross beam of the second battery cell assembly overlaps the second assembly window of the second cross beam of the first battery cell assembly.

[0010] The first cross beam of each of the first and second battery cell assemblies includes a first step structure, the second cross beam of each of the first and second battery cell assemblies includes a second step structure, and the height of the second step structure is greater than the height of the guide.

[0011] The second cross beam of each of the first and second battery cell assemblies further includes bolting holes, and the shape of the bolting holes is identical to the shape of the second assembly window.

[0012] The second cross beam of each of the first and second battery cell assemblies further includes bolting holes, and the shape of the bolting holes is different from the shape of the second assembly window.

[0013] The diameter of the plurality of bolting holes is different from the diameter of the second assembly window.

[0014] According to exemplary embodiments, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack includes: a pack housing including a base plate and guides protruding from the base plate; and a battery cell assembly disposed on the base plate, the battery cell assembly including a cell stack including a plurality of battery cells and first and second cross beams coupled to the cell stack, the first cross beam including first and second vertical ribs and first and second horizontal ribs interposed between the first and second vertical ribs, the second cross beam including third and fourth vertical ribs and third and fourth horizontal ribs interposed between the third and fourth vertical ribs, the third horizontal rib including a third window exposing a corresponding one of the guides, and the fourth horizontal rib including a fourth window penetrated by a corresponding one of the guides.

[0015] The above first cross beam covers the above guides.

[0016] The first horizontal rib of the first cross beam comprises a first window exposing a corresponding one of the guides.

[0017] The second horizontal rib of the first cross beam comprises a second window exposing a corresponding one of the guides.

[0018] A battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include battery cell assemblies including cross beams that expose guides. Accordingly, the assembly and reliability of the battery pack may be improved.

[0019] The effects that can be obtained 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 skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from practicing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0021] Figure 2 is a plan view of the first cross beam of the battery cell assemblies.

[0022] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 2I-2I' of Figure 2.

[0023] Figure 4 is a plan view of the first cross beam of the battery cell assemblies.

[0024] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 4I-4I' of Figure 4.

[0025] Figure 6 illustrates a battery pack according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0026] Figure 7 illustrates a battery pack according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0027] Figure 8 is a plan view of the first cross beam of the battery cell assemblies.

[0028] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 8I-8I' of Fig. 8.

[0029] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0030] Accordingly, 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. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0031] In addition, when describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0032] Since the embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the sizes and proportions of each component do not fully reflect the actual sizes or proportions.

[0033]

[0034] (Example 1)

[0035] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a battery pack (100) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the first cross beam (125a) of the battery cell assemblies (120, 120').

[0037] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 2I-2I' of Figure 2.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the first cross beam (125a) of the battery cell assemblies (120, 120').

[0039] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 4I-4I' of Figure 4.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a battery pack (100) may include a pack housing (120) and a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120, 120'). The battery pack (100) is the final form of a battery system mounted on a mobility device, etc.

[0041] The pack housing (110) may include a base plate (110B), side walls (110S), a cross beam (110CB), and guides (110G). Here, two directions substantially parallel to the mounting surface of the base plate (110B) are defined as the X direction and the Y direction, and a direction substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface of the base plate (110B) is defined as the Z direction. The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction may be substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0042] The base plate (110B) may have a flat shape. The side walls (110S) may be substantially perpendicular to the base plate (110B). The side walls (110S) may be adjacent to the edges of the base plate (110B). The side walls (110S) may be joined to the edge portions of the base plate (110B).

[0043] The base plate (110B) may include a center beam (110CB). The center beam (110CB) may be surrounded by side walls (110S). Accordingly, the center beam (110CB) may divide the space defined by the pack housing (110).

[0044] Each of the base plate (110B) and the side walls (110S) may 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) may be included in one of the plurality of plates of the base plate (110B) and may be formed by an extrusion process together with one of the plurality of plates, or may be welded to one of the plurality of plates of the base plate (110B).

[0045] Each of the guides (110G) may protrude from the mounting surface of the base plate (110B). Each of the guides (110G) may have a pin shape. Each of the guides (110G) may include a pointed end. The guides (110G) may be located at a position where the battery cell assembly (120, 120') is scheduled to be mounted.

[0046] A plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may be arranged on a mounting surface of a base plate (110B) of a pack housing (110). The plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may be arranged in the X direction. The base plate (110B) may support the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The side walls (110S) may horizontally surround the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120).

[0047] Hereinafter, the technical concept of the present invention will be described with reference to an embodiment in which the battery pack (100) is a modular type and each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) does not include a module frame. However, this is a non-limiting example and does not limit the technical concept of the present invention in any sense. A person skilled in the art will easily be able to achieve a plurality of battery cell assemblies including a module frame and a module-type battery pack including the same based on the description herein.

[0048] Each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may include a cell stack (121), a front end plate assembly (123F), a rear end plate assembly (123R), a first cross beam (125a), a second cross beam (125b), and an FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) assembly (127).

[0049] A cell stack (121) may include a plurality of battery cells. A battery cell is the basic unit of a lithium-ion battery, i.e., a secondary battery. A battery cell may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a case. Depending on the composition of the electrode assembly and the electrolyte, a battery cell is classified into a lithium-ion battery, a lithium-ion polymer battery, a lithium polymer battery, etc.

[0050] The battery cell may be any one of a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, and a pouch-type battery cell. The electrode assembly of the cylindrical battery cell is housed in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of the prismatic battery cell is housed in a prismatic metal can. The electrode assembly of the pouch-type battery cell is housed in a pouch case containing an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0051] The electrode assembly includes an anode, a cathode, and a separator interposed between the anode and the cathode. A jelly roll type electrode assembly is formed by winding an anode, a cathode, and a separator interposed between them. A stack type electrode assembly includes a plurality of sequentially stacked anodes, a plurality of cathodes, and a plurality of separators interposed between them.

[0052] According to exemplary embodiments, a plurality of battery cells of a cell stack (121) may constitute a plurality of banks. The plurality of banks may include one or more parallel-connected battery cells. The plurality of banks may be connected to each other in series. The number of battery cells included in each of the plurality of banks and the number of banks of the cell stack (121) may be determined according to the voltage and current to be output through the battery cell assembly (120).

[0053] According to exemplary embodiments, the cell stack (121) may further include a plurality of separators. The plurality of separators may prevent swelling of the plurality of battery cells by horizontally supporting the plurality of battery cells. According to exemplary embodiments, the plurality of separators may be thermal barriers. According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of separators may have a high melting temperature and low thermal conductivity. According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of separators may include a flame retardant material, such as a ceramic or coated glass material. According to exemplary embodiments, the plurality of separators may also be configured to release a fire retardant material and a fire extinguishing agent when a thermal runaway event occurs.

[0054] The first cross beam (125a) and the second cross beam (125b) of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may be spaced apart from each other with the cell stack (121) therebetween. The first cross beam (125a) and the second cross beam (125b) may cover the cell stack (121). The first cross beam (125a) and the second cross beam (125b) may be fixed to the cell stack (121) by an adhesive material or the like.

[0055] Each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may include a first cross beam (125a) including vertical ribs (P1a, P2a) and horizontal ribs (R1a, R2a, R3a, R4a). The vertical ribs (P1a, P2a) may be substantially perpendicular to the X direction. The vertical ribs (P1a, P2a) may be spaced apart from each other in the X direction. The vertical rib (P1a) may be in contact with the cell stack (121). The vertical rib (P1a) may cover a first side (121S1) of the cell stack (121). The vertical rib (P2a) may be spaced apart from the cell stack (121) with the vertical rib (P1a) therebetween. The length of the vertical rib (P1a) in the Z direction may be greater than the length of the vertical rib (P2a) in the Z direction.

[0056] The horizontal ribs (R1a, R2a, R3a, R4a) can be substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. The horizontal ribs (R1a, R2a, R3a, R4a) can be spaced apart from each other in the Z direction. The horizontal ribs (R1a, R2a, R3a, R4a) can be interposed between the vertical ribs (P1a, P2a). The horizontal ribs (R1a, R2a, R3a, R4a) can be connected to the vertical ribs (P1a, P2a). The horizontal ribs (R3a, R4a) can be interposed between the horizontal ribs (R1a, R2a).

[0057] The first cross beam (125a) may include a step structure (STa). The vertical rib (P2a) and the horizontal rib (R2a) of the first cross beam (125a) may form the step structure (STa).

[0058] The first cross beam (125a) may include a plurality of bolting holes (125aB). Accordingly, each of the horizontal ribs (R1a, R2a, R3a, R4a) may include a plurality of holes that overlap each other, and the overlap of the plurality of holes of the horizontal ribs (R1a, R2a, R3a, R4a) may form a plurality of bolting holes (125aB).

[0059] Each of the plurality of bolting holes (125aB) may be formed, for example, by drilling or the like, and thus, the shape of each of the plurality of bolting holes (125aB) may be approximately circular. Each of the plurality of bolting holes (125aB) may also be formed by a method such as CNC (Computer Numerical Control) processing or laser processing. The plurality of bolting holes (125aB) formed by CNC processing or laser processing or the like may have various shapes such as polygons such as squares and triangles, crosses, and star shapes.

[0060] There may be an empty space (125aC) between the vertical ribs (P1a, P2a) and the horizontal ribs (R1a, R2a, R3a, R4a). Accordingly, the first cross beam (125a) may be lightweight, and the energy density of the battery pack (100) may be improved. The vertical rib (P1a) may be referred to as a first vertical rib, the vertical rib (P2a) may be referred to as a second vertical rib, the horizontal rib (R1a) may be referred to as a first horizontal rib, and the horizontal rib (R2a) may be referred to as a second horizontal rib.

[0061] Each of the second cross beams (125b) of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may include vertical ribs (P1b, P2b) and horizontal ribs (R1b, R2b, R3b). The vertical ribs (P1b, P2b) may be substantially perpendicular to the X direction. The vertical ribs (P1b, P2b) may be spaced apart from each other in the X direction. The vertical rib (P1b) may contact the cell stack (121). The vertical rib (P1b) may cover a second side (121S2) of the cell stack (121). The second side (121S2) may be opposite to the first side (121S1). The vertical rib (P2b) may be spaced apart from the cell stack (121) with the vertical rib (P1b) therebetween. The length in the Z direction of the vertical rib (P1b) may be greater than the length in the Z direction of the vertical rib (P2b).

[0062] The horizontal ribs (R1b, R2b, R3b) can be substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. The horizontal ribs (R1b, R2b, R3b) can be spaced apart from each other in the Z direction. The horizontal ribs (R1b, R2b, R3b) can be interposed between the vertical ribs (P1b, P2b). The horizontal ribs (R1b, R2b, R3b) can be connected to the vertical ribs (P1b, P2b). The horizontal rib (R3b) can be interposed between the horizontal ribs (R1b, R2b). The distance between the horizontal rib (R1b) and the base plate (110B) can be greater than the height of the guide (110G). The height of the step structure (STb) of the second cross beam (125b) can be greater than the height of the guide (110G). Accordingly, the guide (110G) may not penetrate the horizontal rib (R1b) of the second cross beam (125b). The guide (110G) may be spaced apart from the horizontal rib (R1b) of the second cross beam (125b). As a non-limiting example, the distance between the horizontal rib (R3b) and the base plate (110B) may be greater than the guide (110G).

[0063] The second cross beam (125b) may include a step structure (STb). The vertical rib (P2b) and the horizontal rib (R1b) of the second cross beam (125b) may form the step structure (STb).

[0064] The second cross beam (125b) may include a plurality of bolting holes (125bB). Accordingly, each of the horizontal ribs (R1b, R2b, R3b) may include a plurality of holes that overlap each other, and the plurality of holes of the horizontal ribs (R1b, R2b, R3b) may form a plurality of bolting holes (125bB).

[0065] The second cross beam (125b) may include assembly windows (125bW). Accordingly, each of the horizontal ribs (R1b, R2b, R3b) may include overlapping windows (Rb1W, Rb2W, Rb3W). Each of the windows (Rb1W, Rb3W) may expose a guide pin (110G). The window (Rb2W) may be penetrated by the guide pin (110G). The overlapping of the plurality of windows (Rb1W, Rb2W, Rb3W) of the horizontal ribs (R1b, R2b, R3b) may form assembly windows (125bW).

[0066] The assembly windows (125bW) can expose the guides (125G) on the base plate (110B). Accordingly, when mounting a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) on the base plate (110B), the pressure (e.g., pressure in the X direction) applied to the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) can be accurately determined, and the assemblability of the battery pack (100) can be improved. In addition, since the position of each of the battery cell assemblies (120) is determined based on the guides (125G) exposed through the assembly windows (125bW), the accumulated error that occurs when the battery cell assemblies (120) are sequentially mounted in the X direction can be prevented or alleviated.

[0067] Each of the plurality of bolting holes (125bB) and the assembly windows (125bW) may be formed, for example, by drilling or the like, and thus, the shape of each of the plurality of bolting holes (125bB) and the assembly windows (125bW) may be approximately circular. Each of the plurality of bolting holes (125bB) and the assembly windows (125bW) may also be formed by a method such as CNC machining or laser machining. Each of the plurality of bolting holes (125bB) and the assembly windows (125bW) formed by CNC machining or laser machining or the like may have various shapes such as polygons such as squares and triangles, crosses, and star shapes.

[0068] The shape of each of the assembly windows (125bW) may be different from the shape of each of the plurality of bolting holes (125bB). For example, each of the assembly windows (125bW) may have a square shape and each of the plurality of bolting holes (125bB) may have a circular shape. As another example, for example, each of the assembly windows (125bW) may have a circular shape with a different diameter from each of the plurality of bolting holes (125bB).

[0069] In FIG. 4, a plurality of bolting holes (125bB) are interposed between the assembly windows (125bW), but the positions of the assembly windows (125bW) are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention in any sense.

[0070] According to exemplary embodiments, the plurality of bolting holes (125bB) may overlap the plurality of bolting holes (125aB). Accordingly, a mechanical fastening means, such as a bolt, may be connected to the base plate (110B) by penetrating the first and second cross beams (125b) that are coupled to each other.

[0071] In this example, the first cross beam (125a) may not include an assembly window (125bW). Accordingly, the first cross beam (125a) may cover the guide (110P). Accordingly, the first cross beam (125a) may not expose the guide (110P). The first cross beam (125a) may overlap the guide (110P) in the Z direction.

[0072] There may be an empty space (125bC) between the vertical ribs (P1b, P2b) and the horizontal ribs (R1b, R2b, R3b). Accordingly, the second cross beam (125b) may be lightweight, and the energy density of the battery pack (100) may be increased. The vertical rib (P1b) may be referred to as a third vertical rib, the vertical rib (P2b) may be referred to as a fourth vertical rib, the horizontal rib (R1b) may be referred to as a third horizontal rib, and the horizontal rib (R2b) may be referred to as a fourth horizontal rib.

[0073] The distance between the horizontal rib (R3b) and the base plate (110B) may be greater than the distance between the horizontal rib (R2b) and the base plate (110B). The distance between the horizontal rib (R1b) and the base plate (110B) may be greater than the distance between the horizontal rib (R3b) and the base plate (110B). The distance between the horizontal rib (R2a) and the base plate (110B) may be greater than the distance between the horizontal rib (R1b) and the base plate (110B). The distance between the horizontal rib (R4a) and the base plate (110B) may be greater than the distance between the horizontal rib (R2a) and the base plate (110B). The distance between the horizontal rib (R3a) and the base plate (110B) may be greater than the distance between the horizontal rib (R4a) and the base plate (110B). The distance between the rib (R1a) and the base plate (110B) may be greater than the distance between the horizontal rib (R3a) and the base plate (110B).

[0074] The first cross beam (125a) of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may be coupled with the second cross beam (125b) of a subsequent one of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) or the supporting beam of the base plate (110B). The first cross beam (125a) of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may overlap with the second cross beam (125b) of a subsequent one of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) or the supporting beam of the base plate (110B).

[0075] The second cross beam (125b) may have a shape of a step structure (STb) complementary to the step structure (STb) of the first cross beam (125a), but is not limited thereto. For example, when the second cross beam (125b) and the first cross beam (125a) are joined together, a gap (Clearance) may exist between them, taking into account the assembly margin and the process margin.

[0076] The lower part of the vertical rib (P1a) can face the vertical rib (P2b), the upper part of the vertical rib (P1b) can face the vertical rib (P2a), and the horizontal rib (R2a) can face the horizontal rib (R1b).

[0077] A front end plate assembly (123F) and a rear end plate assembly (123R) may be coupled to a cell stack (121). The front end plate assembly (123F) may include a frame, an integrated circuit, and bus bars. The frame may support the integrated circuit and the bus bars. The frame may support the conductive elements, thereby preventing unwanted short circuits between the conductive elements. The bus bars may be external connection terminals for outputting a voltage of the cell stack (121). The rear end plate assembly (123R) may include a frame and an integrated circuit.

[0078] The integrated circuits of the front end plate assembly (123F) and the rear end plate assembly (123R) can provide an electrical path for transmitting voltage and temperature sensing values ​​to an external source, such as a battery management system (BMS).

[0079] The FFC assembly (127) can be coupled to each of the front end plate assembly (123F) and the rear end plate assembly (123R). The FFC assembly (127) can provide an electrical connection to the front end plate assembly (123F) and the rear end plate assembly (123R).

[0080] A plurality of battery cell assemblies (120') may be arranged on a mounting surface of a base plate (110B) of a pack housing (110). The plurality of battery cell assemblies (120') may be spaced apart from the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) with a center beam (100CB) therebetween. The center beam (100CB) may be interposed between the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120') and the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120).

[0081] Each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120') may include a cell stack (121), a front end plate assembly (123F), a rear end plate assembly (123R), a first cross beam (125a) and a second cross beam (125b), and an FFC assembly (127).

[0082] Each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120') is identical to each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) except for the positions of the first cross beam (125a) and the second cross beam (125b). The first cross beam (125a) of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120') may be coupled to the second side (121S2) of the cell stack (121), and the second cross beam (125b) of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120') may be coupled to the first side (121S1) of the cell stack (121). Accordingly, the description of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may be similarly applied to the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120').

[0083] In this example, a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may be sequentially mounted in the pack housing (100) in the +X direction, and a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120') may also be sequentially mounted in the pack housing (100) in the +X direction.

[0084] The battery pack (100) may include a plurality of exhaust devices. The exhaust devices may be coupled to any one of the side walls (110S). The side walls (110S) may include exhaust paths connected to the plurality of exhaust devices. The plurality of exhaust devices may be configured to delay thermal propagation by releasing high-temperature gas within the battery pack (100) to the outside when at least one of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) is in a thermal runaway state.

[0085] Here, thermal runaway of multiple battery cell assemblies (120, 120') is a state in which temperature changes of multiple battery cell assemblies (120, 120') further accelerate the temperature change, which is an uncontrollable positive feedback. Multiple battery cell assemblies (120, 120') in a state of thermal runaway exhibit a rapid temperature increase and emit a large amount of high-pressure gas and combustion debris.

[0086] The battery pack (100) may further include electrical components. The electrical components may be positioned on the pack housing (110). The electrical components may be positioned between one of the side walls (110S) on which the exhaust devices are installed and a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120, 120').

[0087] The electrical components may include, for example, a BMS. The BMS may be configured to monitor, balance, and control the battery pack. Monitoring of the battery pack (100) may include measuring voltage and current of specific nodes within a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120, 120') and measuring temperature of set locations within the battery pack (100). The battery pack (100) may include measuring instruments for measuring the voltage, current, and temperature described above.

[0088] Balancing of the battery pack (100) is an operation to reduce the deviation between the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120, 120'). Control of the battery pack (100) includes preventing the occurrence of overcharge, overdischarge, 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 plurality of battery cell assemblies (120, 120').

[0089] The electrical components may further include a cooling device, a PRA (Power Relay Assembly), a safety plug, etc. The cooling device may include a cooling fan. The cooling fan may prevent overheating of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120, 120') 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 may protect the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120, 120') and the external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) by cutting off power supply to the external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) in a situation where an abnormal voltage such as a voltage surge occurs.

[0090] The battery pack (100) may further include a plurality of inter-busbars configured to electrically connect a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120, 120'). The plurality of battery cell assemblies (120, 120') may be connected in series by the plurality of inter-busbars. Accordingly, the battery pack (100) may be configured to output a high voltage to an external load (e.g., a motor of a vehicle).

[0091] The battery pack (100) may further include a lead plate coupled to the side walls (110S). The lead plate may cover elements disposed within the battery pack (100), such as battery cell assemblies (120, 120') and electrical components. The lead plate may be secured to the battery pack (100) by a mechanical fastening means, such as a bolt.

[0092]

[0093] (Example 2)

[0094] FIG. 6 illustrates a battery pack (100') according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 6, a battery pack (100') may include a pack housing (110) and a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) mounted on the pack housing (110).

[0096] In this example, some battery cell assemblies (120) may be sequentially mounted in the pack housing (100) in one direction (e.g., +X direction), and some battery cell assemblies (120) may be sequentially mounted in the pack housing (100) in the opposite direction (e.g., -X direction).

[0097]

[0098] (Example 3)

[0099] FIG. 7 illustrates a battery pack (100") according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0100] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the first cross beam (125a') of the battery cell assemblies (120", 120"').

[0101] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 8I-8I' of Fig. 8.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, a battery pack (100") may include a pack housing (110) and a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120", 120"') mounted on the pack housing (110).

[0103] The plurality of battery cell assemblies (120") are substantially the same as the battery cell assembly (120) of FIG. 1, except that they include a first cross beam (125a') instead of the first cross beam (125a, see FIG. 3). The plurality of battery cell assemblies (120"') are substantially the same as the battery cell assembly (120') of FIG. 1, except that they include a first cross beam (125a') instead of the first cross beam (125a, see FIG. 3).

[0104] The first cross beam (125a') of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120") and the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120"') may include vertical ribs (P1a, P2a) and horizontal ribs (R1a', R2a', R3a', R4a'). The first cross beam (125a') of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120") and the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120"') may include assembly windows (125aW). Accordingly, each of the horizontal ribs (R1a', R2a', R3a', R4a') may include overlapping windows (R1aW, R2aW, R3aW, R4aW), and the overlapping of the windows (R1aW, R2aW, R3aW, R4aW) of the horizontal ribs (R1a', R2a', R3a', R4a') may form assembled windows (125aW).

[0105] The assembly windows (125aW) of the first cross beams (125a') may overlap with corresponding ones of the assembly windows (125bW) of the second cross beams (125b). Accordingly, the assembly windows (125aW) of the first cross beams (125a') may expose corresponding ones of the guides (125G). Accordingly, after the mounting of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120", 120'") is completed, the quality of the assembly process can be inspected using a vision machine or the like.

[0106]

[0107] The present invention has been described in more detail through drawings and examples. However, the configurations described in the drawings or examples described in this specification are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modified examples may exist as of the time of this application.

Claims

1. A pack housing including a base plate and a guide protruding from the base plate; and Including first and second battery cell assemblies arranged on the base plate, Each of the first and second battery cell assemblies includes a cell stack including a plurality of battery cells and first and second cross beams coupled to the cell stack, and A battery pack, wherein the second cross beam of the first battery cell assembly includes a second assembly window exposing the guide.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery pack, characterized in that the first cross beam of the second battery cell assembly is coupled with the second cross beam of the first battery cell assembly.

3. In paragraph 2, A battery pack, wherein the first cross beam of the second battery cell assembly covers the guide.

4. In paragraph 2, A battery pack, wherein the first cross beam of the second battery cell assembly includes a first assembly window exposing the guide.

5. In paragraph 4, A battery pack, characterized in that the first assembly window of the first cross beam of the second battery cell assembly overlaps the second assembly window of the second cross beam of the first battery cell assembly.

6. In paragraph 1, The first cross beam of each of the first and second battery cell assemblies comprises a first step structure, The second cross beam of each of the first and second battery cell assemblies comprises a second step structure, and A battery pack, characterized in that the height of the second step structure is greater than the height of the guide.

7. In paragraph 1, The second cross beam of each of the first and second battery cell assemblies further includes bolting holes, and A battery pack, characterized in that the shape of the bolting hole is identical to the shape of the second assembly window.

8. In paragraph 1, The second cross beam of each of the first and second battery cell assemblies further includes bolting holes, and A battery pack, characterized in that the shape of the bolting hole is different from the shape of the second assembly window.

9. In paragraph 8, A battery pack, characterized in that the diameters of the plurality of bolting holes are different from the diameter of the second assembly window.

10. A pack housing including a base plate and guides protruding from the base plate; and Including a battery cell assembly arranged on the above base plate, The above battery cell assembly comprises a cell stack including a plurality of battery cells and first and second cross beams coupled to the cell stack, The first cross beam comprises first and second vertical ribs and first and second horizontal ribs interposed between the first and second vertical ribs, The second cross beam comprises third and fourth vertical ribs and third and fourth horizontal ribs interposed between the third and fourth vertical ribs, The third horizontal rib comprises a third window exposing a corresponding one of the guides, and A battery pack, characterized in that the fourth horizontal rib includes a fourth window penetrated by a corresponding one of the guides.

11. In paragraph 10, A battery pack, characterized in that the first cross beam covers the guides.

12. In paragraph 10, The first horizontal rib of the first cross beam comprises a first window exposing a corresponding one of the guides, and A battery pack, characterized in that the second horizontal rib of the first cross beam includes a second window exposing a corresponding one of the guides.

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