Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack is provided, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Provided is a battery pack. The battery pack comprises: first to third battery cell assemblies arranged in a first direction; fourth to sixth battery cell assemblies arranged in the first direction, the fourth to sixth battery cell assemblies being spaced apart from the first to third battery cell assemblies in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction; and first to fifth inter-bus bars, wherein the first inter-bus bar and the second inter-bus bar are spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

Description

battery pack

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack. This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2023-0176229, filed December 7, 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 safety.

[0005] According to exemplary embodiments for solving the above-described problem, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack includes first to third battery cell assemblies arranged in a first direction; fourth to sixth battery cell assemblies arranged in the first direction, wherein the fourth to sixth battery cell assemblies are spaced apart from the first to third battery cell assemblies in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a first inter-bus bar electrically connected to each of the first and second battery cell assemblies; a second inter-bus bar electrically connected to each of the second and third battery cell assemblies; a third inter-bus bar electrically connected to each of the third and fourth battery cell assemblies; a fourth inter-bus bar electrically connected to each of the fourth and fifth battery cell assemblies; and a fifth inter-bus bar electrically connected to each of the fifth and sixth battery cell assemblies, wherein the first inter-bus bar and the second inter-bus bar are spaced apart in the second direction.

[0006] The second battery cell assembly includes a second positive terminal connected to the first inter-bus bar and a second negative terminal connected to the second inter-bus bar, and the second positive terminal and the second negative terminal are spaced apart in a third direction oblique to each of the first and second directions.

[0007] The fourth inter-bus bar and the fifth inter-bus bar are spaced apart in the second direction.

[0008] The distance in the second direction between the first inter-bus bar and the fifth inter-bus bar is equal to the distance in the second direction between the second inter-bus bar and the fourth inter-bus bar.

[0009] The distance in the second direction between the first inter-bus bar and the fourth inter-bus bar is equal to the distance in the second direction between the second inter-bus bar and the fifth inter-bus bar.

[0010] The distance in the second direction between the first inter-bus bar and the fourth inter-bus bar is different from the distance in the second direction between the second inter-bus bar and the fifth inter-bus bar.

[0011] The distance in the second direction between the first inter-bus bar and the fourth inter-bus bar is greater than the distance in the second direction between the second inter-bus bar and the fifth inter-bus bar.

[0012] The distance in the second direction between the first inter-bus bar and the fourth inter-bus bar is smaller than the distance in the second direction between the second inter-bus bar and the fifth inter-bus bar.

[0013] The distance in the second direction between the first inter-bus bar and the fifth inter-bus bar is different from the distance in the second direction between the second inter-bus bar and the fourth inter-bus bar.

[0014] The distance in the second direction between the first inter-bus bar and the fifth inter-bus bar is greater than the distance in the second direction between the second inter-bus bar and the fourth inter-bus bar.

[0015] The distance in the second direction between the first inter-bus bar and the fourth inter-bus bar is equal to the distance in the second direction between the second inter-bus bar and the fifth inter-bus bar.

[0016] The distance in the second direction between the first inter-bus bar and the fifth inter-bus bar is smaller than the distance in the second direction between the second inter-bus bar and the fourth inter-bus bar.

[0017] The distance in the second direction between the first inter-bus bar and the fourth inter-bus bar is equal to the distance in the second direction between the second inter-bus bar and the fifth inter-bus bar.

[0018] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the positive and negative terminals of the plurality of battery cell assemblies of a battery pack can be distributed. Accordingly, in the event of a thermal runaway event in the battery pack, internal short circuits of the plurality of battery cell assemblies can be prevented, thereby enhancing the safety of the battery pack.

[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 cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 1I-1I' of Figure 1.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030]

[0031] (Example 1)

[0032] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a battery pack (100) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 1I-1I' of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 1, a battery pack (100) may include a pack housing (110), a plurality of battery cell assemblies (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126), exhaust devices (130), inter-bus bars (141, 142, 143, 144, 145), a center beam (151), and cross beams (153, 154). The battery pack (100) is the final form of a battery system mounted on mobility, etc.

[0034] The pack housing (110) may include a base plate (110B) and side walls (110S). 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.

[0035] 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 edge portions of the base plate (110B). The side walls (110S) may be joined to edge portions of the base plate (110B).

[0036] The base plate (110B) may further include a center beam. The center beam may be surrounded by side walls (110S). Accordingly, the center beam may divide the space defined by the pack housing (110).

[0037] 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 may be included in one of the plurality of plates of the base plate (110B) and formed together with one of the plurality of plates by an extrusion process, or may be welded to one of the plurality of plates of the base plate (110B).

[0038] A plurality of battery cell assemblies (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126) may be arranged on a mounting surface of a base plate (110B) of a pack housing (110). The battery cell assemblies (121, 122, 123) may be arranged in the X direction. The battery cell assembly (122) may be interposed between the battery cell assemblies (121, 123) in the X direction.

[0039] Battery cell assemblies (124, 125, 126) can be arranged in the X direction. Battery cell assembly (125) can be interposed between battery cell assemblies (124, 126) in the X direction. Battery cell assemblies (121, 122, 123) can be spaced apart from battery cell assemblies (124, 125, 126) in the Y direction.

[0040] The base plate (110B) can support a plurality of battery cell assemblies (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126). The side walls (110S) can horizontally surround the plurality of battery cell assemblies (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126).

[0041] According to exemplary embodiments, the battery pack (100) is of a modular type, and each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126) may not include a module frame. According to exemplary embodiments, the battery pack (100) is of a module type, and each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126) may include a module frame.

[0042] Each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126) may include a cell stack including a plurality of battery cells, a positive terminal (PT), and a negative terminal (NT).

[0043] A cell stack may include multiple 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] According to exemplary embodiments, a plurality of battery cells of a cell stack 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 may be determined according to the voltage and current to be output through the battery cell assembly (120).

[0047] According to exemplary embodiments, the cell stack 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 be configured to release a fire retardant material and a fire extinguishing agent when a thermal runaway event occurs.

[0048] According to exemplary embodiments, the positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) may be configured to be electrically connected to the cell stack. According to exemplary embodiments, the positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) may be configured to output a voltage of the cell stack. The resulting power (i.e., voltage and / or current) due to the electrical configuration of the cell stack may be output through the positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT).

[0049] The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (121) may be spaced apart from each other in the X direction and the Y direction. The positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (121) may be closer to the center of the pack housing (110) in the Y direction than the negative terminal (NT). The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (121) may be arranged diagonally (i.e., obliquely with respect to each of the X direction and the Y direction).

[0050] The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (122) may be spaced apart from each other in the X direction and the Y direction. The positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (122) may be further from the center of the pack housing (110) in the Y direction than the negative terminal (NT). The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (122) may be arranged diagonally (i.e., obliquely with respect to each of the X direction and the Y direction).

[0051] The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (123) may be aligned in the X direction. The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (123) may be closer to the center of the pack housing (110) in the Y direction than the edge of the pack housing (110) in the Y direction (i.e., the edge parallel to the X direction). The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (123) may be spaced apart from each other and overlap each other in the X direction.

[0052] The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (124) may be spaced apart from each other in the X direction and the Y direction. The positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (124) may be closer to the center of the pack housing (110) in the Y direction than the negative terminal (NT). The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (124) may be arranged diagonally (i.e., obliquely with respect to each of the X direction and the Y direction).

[0053] The arrangement of the positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (124) may be the same as the arrangement of the positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (121). Accordingly, through rotation of the battery cell assembly (121) (e.g., rotation around the Z axis), the battery cell assembly (121) may be the same as the battery cell assembly (124).

[0054] The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (125) may be spaced apart from each other in the X direction and the Y direction. The positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (125) may be further from the center of the pack housing (110) in the Y direction than the negative terminal (NT). The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (125) may be arranged diagonally (i.e., obliquely with respect to each of the X direction and the Y direction).

[0055] The arrangement of the positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (125) may be the same as the arrangement of the positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (122). Accordingly, through rotation of the battery cell assembly (125) (e.g., rotation around the Z axis), the battery cell assembly (125) may be the same as the battery cell assembly (122).

[0056] The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (126) may be aligned in the X direction. The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (126) may be closer to the center of the pack housing (110) in the Y direction than the edge of the pack housing (110) in the Y direction (i.e., the edge parallel to the X direction). The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (126) may be spaced apart from each other and overlap each other in the X direction.

[0057] The arrangement of the positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (126) may be the same as the arrangement of the positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (123). Accordingly, through rotation of the battery cell assembly (126) (e.g., rotation around the Z axis), the battery cell assembly (126) may be the same as the battery cell assembly (123).

[0058] The inter-bus bar (141) may extend in the X direction. The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (121) and the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (122) may be connected by the inter-bus bar (141). Each of the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (121) and the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (122) may be coupled to the inter-bus bar (141). The inter-bus bar (141) may be configured to be electrically connected to the battery cell assembly (121) and the battery cell assembly (122). The battery cell assembly (121) and the battery cell assembly (122) may be connected in series by the inter-bus bar (141).

[0059] The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (122) can be aligned with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (123) in the X direction. The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (122) can be spaced apart from and overlapped with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (123) in the X direction.

[0060] The inter-bus bar (142) may extend in the X direction. The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (122) and the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (123) may be connected by the inter-bus bar (142). Each of the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (122) and the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (123) may be coupled to the inter-bus bar (142). The inter-bus bar (142) may be configured to be electrically connected to the battery cell assembly (122) and the battery cell assembly (123). The battery cell assembly (122) and the battery cell assembly (123) may be connected in series by the inter-bus bar (142).

[0061] The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (123) can be aligned with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (124) in the Y direction. The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (123) can be spaced apart from and overlapped with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (124) in the Y direction.

[0062] The inter-bus bar (143) may extend in the Y direction. The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (123) and the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (124) may be connected by the inter-bus bar (143). Each of the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (123) and the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (124) may be coupled to the inter-bus bar (143). The inter-bus bar (143) may be configured to be electrically connected to the battery cell assembly (123) and the battery cell assembly (124). The battery cell assembly (123) and the battery cell assembly (124) may be connected in series by the inter-bus bar (143).

[0063] The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (124) can be aligned with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (125) in the X direction. The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (124) can be spaced apart from and overlapped with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (125) in the X direction.

[0064] The inter-bus bar (144) may extend in the X direction. The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (124) and the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (125) may be connected by the inter-bus bar (144). Each of the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (124) and the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (125) may be coupled to the inter-bus bar (144). The inter-bus bar (144) may be configured to be electrically connected to the battery cell assembly (124) and the battery cell assembly (125). The battery cell assembly (124) and the battery cell assembly (125) may be connected in series by the inter-bus bar (144).

[0065] The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (125) can be aligned with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (126) in the X direction. The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (125) can be spaced apart from and overlapped with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (126) in the X direction.

[0066] The inter-bus bar (145) may extend in the X direction. The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (125) and the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (126) may be connected by the inter-bus bar (145). Each of the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (125) and the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (126) may be coupled to the inter-bus bar (145). The inter-bus bar (145) may be configured to be electrically connected to the battery cell assembly (125) and the battery cell assembly (126). The battery cell assembly (125) and the battery cell assembly (126) may be connected in series by the inter-bus bar (145).

[0067] According to exemplary embodiments, the distance in the Y direction between the inter-busbar (141) and the inter-busbar (145) may be substantially the same as the distance in the Y direction between the inter-busbar (142) and the inter-busbar (144). According to exemplary embodiments, the distance in the Y direction between the inter-busbar (141) and the inter-busbar (144) may be different from the distance in the Y direction between the inter-busbar (142) and the inter-busbar (145). According to exemplary embodiments, the distance in the Y direction between the inter-busbar (141) and the inter-busbar (144) may be greater than the distance in the Y direction between the inter-busbar (142) and the inter-busbar (145).

[0068] The exhaust devices (130) may be coupled to any one of the side walls (110S). The side walls (110S) coupled to the exhaust devices (130) may include exhaust paths connected to the exhaust devices (130). The exhaust devices (130) may be configured to delay thermal propagation by releasing high-temperature gas inside the battery pack (100) to the outside when at least one of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126) is in a thermal runway state.

[0069] Here, thermal runaway of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126) is an uncontrollable positive feedback in which a temperature change of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126) further accelerates the temperature change. The plurality of battery cell assemblies (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126) in a thermal runaway state exhibit a rapid temperature increase and emit a large amount of high-pressure gas and combustion debris.

[0070] According to exemplary embodiments, the positive terminals (PT) and negative terminals (NT) of the inter-bus bars (141, 142, 143, 144, 145) and the plurality of battery cell assemblies (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126) can be distributed. Accordingly, when a thermal runaway event occurs in the battery pack (100), internal short circuits of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126) due to the thermal runaway event can be mitigated or prevented, and the safety of the battery pack (100) can be improved.

[0071] The center beam (151) and cross beams (153, 154) may be formed by an extrusion process. The center beam (151) and cross beams (153, 154) may include cavities, which are spaces between ribs, and thus, the housing of the battery pack (100) may be lightweight. The center beam (151) may extend in the X direction. The cross beams (153, 154) may extend in the Y direction.

[0072] The center beam (151) and cross beams (153, 154) can separate the plurality of battery cell assemblies (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126). The cross beam (153) can be interposed between the battery cell assemblies (121, 122), the cross beam (154) can be interposed between the battery cell assemblies (122, 123), the cross beam (154) can be interposed between the battery cell assemblies (124, 125), and the cross beam (153) can be interposed between the battery cell assemblies (125, 126). The center beam (151) can be interposed between the battery cell assemblies (121, 122, 123) and the battery cell assemblies (124, 125, 126).

[0073] The center beam (151) may include a groove (GRV) through which an inter-bus bar (143) passes. The cross beam (153) between the battery cell assemblies (121, 122) may include a groove (GRV) through which an inter-bus bar (141) passes. The cross beam (154) between the battery cell assemblies (122, 123) may include a groove (GRV) through which an inter-bus bar (142) passes. The cross beam (154) between the battery cell assemblies (124, 125) may include a groove (GRV) through which an inter-bus bar (144) passes. The cross beam (153) between the battery cell assemblies (125, 126) may include a groove (GRV) through which an inter-bus bar (145) passes.

[0074] The groove (GRV) of each of the cross beams (153) may be adjacent to the Y-direction edge (i.e., the edge parallel to the X-direction) of the pack housing (110) rather than the Y-direction center of the pack housing (110). The groove (GRV) of each of the cross beams (154) may be adjacent to the Y-direction center of the pack housing (110) rather than the Y-direction edge (i.e., the edge parallel to the X-direction) of the pack housing (110).

[0075] The battery pack (100) may further include electrical components. The electrical components may be arranged on the pack housing (110). The electrical components may be arranged between any one of the side walls (110S) on which the exhaust devices are installed and the plurality of battery cell assemblies (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126).

[0076] 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 (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126) 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.

[0077] Balancing of a battery pack (100) is an operation of reducing the deviation between a plurality of battery cell assemblies (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126). 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, and thus shortening of the lifespan of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126) can be prevented.

[0078] 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 (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126) 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 (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126) 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.

[0079] 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 (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126) and electrical components. The lead plate may be secured to the battery pack (100) by a mechanical fastening means, such as a bolt.

[0080]

[0081] (Example 2)

[0082] FIG. 3 illustrates a battery pack (100a) according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 3, a battery pack (100a) may include a pack housing (110), a plurality of battery cell assemblies (121, 122a, 123a, 124, 125a, 126a), exhaust devices (130), inter-bus bars (141, 142, 143, 144, 145), a center beam (151), and cross beams (153).

[0084] The pack housing (110), the plurality of battery cell assemblies (121, 124), the exhaust devices (130) and the inter-bus bars (141, 142, 143, 144, 145) are substantially the same as those described with reference to FIG. 1, so a duplicate description thereof is omitted.

[0085] The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (122a) may be aligned in the X direction. The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (122a) may be closer to an edge of the pack housing (110) in the Y direction (i.e., an edge parallel to the X direction) than to the center of the pack housing (110) in the Y direction. The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (122a) may be spaced apart from each other and overlap each other in the X direction.

[0086] The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (123a) may be spaced apart from each other in the X direction and the Y direction. The positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (123a) may be further from the center of the pack housing (110) in the Y direction than the negative terminal (NT). The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (123a) may be arranged diagonally (i.e., obliquely with respect to each of the X direction and the Y direction).

[0087] The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (125a) may be aligned in the X direction. The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (125a) may be closer to an edge of the pack housing (110) in the Y direction (i.e., an edge parallel to the X direction) than to the center of the pack housing (110) in the Y direction. The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (125a) may be spaced apart from each other and overlap each other in the X direction.

[0088] The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (126a) may be spaced apart from each other in the X direction and the Y direction. The positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (126a) may be further from the center of the pack housing (110) in the Y direction than the negative terminal (NT). The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (126a) may be arranged diagonally (i.e., obliquely with respect to each of the X direction and the Y direction).

[0089] The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (121) can be aligned with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (122a) in the X direction. The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (121) can be spaced apart from and overlapped with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (122a) in the X direction.

[0090] The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (122a) can be aligned with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (123a) in the X direction. The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (122a) can be spaced apart from and overlapped with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (123a) in the X direction.

[0091] The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (123a) can be aligned with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (124) in the Y direction. The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (123a) can be spaced apart from and overlapped with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (124) in the Y direction.

[0092] The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (124) can be aligned with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (125a) in the X direction. The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (124) can be spaced apart from and overlapped with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (125a) in the X direction.

[0093] The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (125a) can be aligned with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (126a) in the X direction. The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (125a) can be spaced apart from and overlapped with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (126a) in the X direction.

[0094] According to exemplary embodiments, the distance in the Y direction between the inter-busbar (141) and the inter-busbar (145) may be substantially the same as the distance in the Y direction between the inter-busbar (142) and the inter-busbar (144). According to exemplary embodiments, the distance in the Y direction between the inter-busbar (141) and the inter-busbar (144) may be substantially the same as the distance in the Y direction between the inter-busbar (142) and the inter-busbar (145).

[0095] A cross beam (153) may be interposed between battery cell assemblies (121, 122), a cross beam (153) may be interposed between battery cell assemblies (122, 123), a cross beam (153) may be interposed between battery cell assemblies (124, 125), and a cross beam (153) may be interposed between battery cell assemblies (125, 126).

[0096] (Example 3)

[0097] FIG. 4 illustrates a battery pack (100b) according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 4, a battery pack (100b) may include a pack housing (110), a plurality of battery cell assemblies (121b, 122b, 123b, 124, 125, 126), exhaust devices (130), inter-bus bars (141, 142, 143, 144, 145), a center beam (151), and cross beams (153, 154).

[0099] The pack housing (110), the plurality of battery cell assemblies (124, 125, 126), the exhaust devices (130) and the inter-bus bars (141, 142, 143, 144, 145) are substantially the same as those described with reference to FIG. 1, so a duplicate description thereof is omitted.

[0100] The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (121b) may be aligned in the X direction. The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (121b) may be closer to the center of the pack housing (110) in the Y direction than the edge of the pack housing (110) in the Y direction (i.e., the edge parallel to the X direction). The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (121b) may be spaced apart from each other and overlap each other in the X direction.

[0101] The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (122b) may be spaced apart from each other in the X direction and the Y direction. The positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (122b) may be closer to the center of the pack housing (110) in the Y direction than the negative terminal (NT). The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (122b) may be arranged diagonally (i.e., obliquely with respect to each of the X direction and the Y direction).

[0102] The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (123b) may be spaced apart from each other in the X direction and the Y direction. The positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (123b) may be further from the center of the pack housing (110) in the Y direction than the negative terminal (NT). The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (123b) may be arranged diagonally (i.e., obliquely with respect to each of the X direction and the Y direction).

[0103] The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (121b) may be aligned with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (122b) in the X direction. The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (121b) may be spaced apart from and overlapped with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (122b) in the X direction.

[0104] The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (122b) can be aligned with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (123b) in the X direction. The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (122b) can be spaced apart from and overlapped with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (123b) in the X direction.

[0105] The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (123b) can be aligned with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (124) in the Y direction. The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (123b) can be spaced apart from and overlapped with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (124) in the Y direction.

[0106] According to exemplary embodiments, the distance in the Y direction between the inter-busbar (141) and the inter-busbar (145) may be different from the distance in the Y direction between the inter-busbar (142) and the inter-busbar (144). According to exemplary embodiments, the distance in the Y direction between the inter-busbar (141) and the inter-busbar (145) may be smaller than the distance in the Y direction between the inter-busbar (142) and the inter-busbar (144). According to exemplary embodiments, the distance in the Y direction between the inter-busbar (141) and the inter-busbar (144) may be substantially equal to the distance in the Y direction between the inter-busbar (142) and the inter-busbar (145).

[0107] A cross beam (154) may be interposed between battery cell assemblies (121, 122), a cross beam (153) may be interposed between battery cell assemblies (122, 123), a cross beam (153) may be interposed between battery cell assemblies (124, 125), and a cross beam (154) may be interposed between battery cell assemblies (125, 126).

[0108]

[0109] (Example 4)

[0110] FIG. 5 illustrates a battery pack (100c) according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 5, a battery pack (100c) may include a pack housing (110), a plurality of battery cell assemblies (121c, 122c, 123c, 124c, 125c, 126c), exhaust devices (130), inter-bus bars (141, 142, 143, 144, 145), a center beam (151), and cross beams (153, 154).

[0112] The pack housing (110), exhaust devices (130), and inter-bus bars (141, 142, 143, 144, 145) are substantially the same as those described with reference to FIG. 1, so a duplicate description thereof is omitted.

[0113] The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (121c) may be aligned in the X direction. The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (121c) may be closer to the center of the pack housing (110) in the Y direction than the edge of the pack housing (110) in the Y direction (i.e., the edge parallel to the X direction). The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (121c) may be spaced apart from each other and overlap each other in the X direction.

[0114] The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (122c) may be spaced apart from each other in the X direction and the Y direction. The positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (122c) may be closer to the center of the pack housing (110) in the Y direction than the negative terminal (NT). The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (122c) may be arranged diagonally (i.e., obliquely with respect to each of the X direction and the Y direction).

[0115] The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (123c) may be spaced apart from each other in the X direction and the Y direction. The positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (123c) may be further from the center of the pack housing (110) in the Y direction than the negative terminal (NT). The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (123c) may be arranged diagonally (i.e., obliquely with respect to each of the X direction and the Y direction).

[0116] The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (124c) may be aligned in the X direction. The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (124c) may be closer to the center of the pack housing (110) in the Y direction than the edge of the pack housing (110) in the Y direction (i.e., the edge parallel to the X direction). The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (124c) may be spaced apart from each other and overlap each other in the X direction.

[0117] The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (125c) may be spaced apart from each other in the X direction and the Y direction. The positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (125c) may be closer to the center of the pack housing (110) in the Y direction than the negative terminal (NT). The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (125c) may be arranged diagonally (i.e., obliquely with respect to each of the X direction and the Y direction).

[0118] The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (126c) may be spaced apart from each other in the X direction and the Y direction. The positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (126c) may be further from the center of the pack housing (110) in the Y direction than the negative terminal (NT). The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (126c) may be arranged diagonally (i.e., obliquely in each of the X direction and the Y direction).

[0119] The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (121c) may be aligned with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (122c) in the X direction. The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (121c) may be spaced apart from and overlapped with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (122c) in the X direction.

[0120] The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (122c) can be aligned with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (123c) in the X direction. The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (122c) can be spaced apart from and overlapped with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (123c) in the X direction.

[0121] The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (123c) may be aligned with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (124c) in the Y direction. The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (123c) may be spaced apart from and overlapped with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (124c) in the Y direction.

[0122] The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (124c) may be aligned with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (125c) in the X direction. The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (124c) may be spaced apart from and overlapped with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (125c) in the X direction.

[0123] The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (125c) can be aligned with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (126c) in the X direction. The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (125c) can be spaced apart from and overlapped with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (126c) in the X direction.

[0124] According to exemplary embodiments, the distance in the Y direction between the inter-busbar (141) and the inter-busbar (145) may be substantially the same as the distance in the Y direction between the inter-busbar (142) and the inter-busbar (144). According to exemplary embodiments, the distance in the Y direction between the inter-busbar (141) and the inter-busbar (144) may be different from the distance in the Y direction between the inter-busbar (142) and the inter-busbar (145). According to exemplary embodiments, the distance in the Y direction between the inter-busbar (141) and the inter-busbar (144) may be smaller than the distance in the Y direction between the inter-busbar (142) and the inter-busbar (145).

[0125] A cross beam (154) may be interposed between battery cell assemblies (121, 122), a cross beam (153) may be interposed between battery cell assemblies (122, 123), a cross beam (154) may be interposed between battery cell assemblies (124, 125), and a cross beam (153) may be interposed between battery cell assemblies (125, 126).

[0126]

[0127] (Example 5)

[0128] FIG. 6 illustrates a battery pack (100d) according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 6, a battery pack (100d) may include a pack housing (110), a plurality of battery cell assemblies (121, 122, 123, 124d, 125d, 126d), exhaust devices (130), inter-bus bars (141, 142, 143, 144, 145), a center beam (151), and cross beams (153, 154).

[0130] The pack housing (110), the plurality of battery cell assemblies (121, 122, 123), the exhaust devices (130) and the inter-bus bars (141, 142, 143, 144, 145) are substantially the same as those described with reference to FIG. 1, so a duplicate description thereof is omitted.

[0131] The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (124d) may be aligned in the X direction. The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (124d) may be closer to the center of the pack housing (110) in the Y direction than the edge of the pack housing (110) in the Y direction (i.e., the edge parallel to the X direction). The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (124d) may be spaced apart from each other and overlap each other in the X direction.

[0132] The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (125d) may be spaced apart from each other in the X direction and the Y direction. The positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (125d) may be closer to the center of the pack housing (110) in the Y direction than the negative terminal (NT). The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (125d) may be arranged diagonally (i.e., obliquely with respect to each of the X direction and the Y direction).

[0133] The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (126d) may be spaced apart from each other in the X direction and the Y direction. The positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (126d) may be further from the center of the pack housing (110) in the Y direction than the negative terminal (NT). The positive terminal (PT) and the negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (126d) may be arranged diagonally (i.e., obliquely with respect to each of the X direction and the Y direction).

[0134] The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (123) can be aligned with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (124d) in the Y direction. The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (123) can be spaced apart from and overlapped with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (124d) in the Y direction.

[0135] The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (124d) can be aligned with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (125d) in the X direction. The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (124d) can be spaced apart from and overlapped with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (125d) in the X direction.

[0136] The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (125d) can be aligned with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (126d) in the X direction. The negative terminal (NT) of the battery cell assembly (125d) can be spaced apart from and overlapped with the positive terminal (PT) of the battery cell assembly (126d) in the X direction.

[0137] According to exemplary embodiments, the distance in the Y direction between the inter-busbar (141) and the inter-busbar (145) may be different from the distance in the Y direction between the inter-busbar (142) and the inter-busbar (144). According to exemplary embodiments, the distance in the Y direction between the inter-busbar (141) and the inter-busbar (145) may be greater than the distance in the Y direction between the inter-busbar (142) and the inter-busbar (144). According to exemplary embodiments, the distance in the Y direction between the inter-busbar (141) and the inter-busbar (144) may be substantially equal to the distance in the Y direction between the inter-busbar (142) and the inter-busbar (145).

[0138] A cross beam (153) may be interposed between battery cell assemblies (121, 122), a cross beam (154) may be interposed between battery cell assemblies (122, 123), a cross beam (153) may be interposed between battery cell assemblies (124, 125), and a cross beam (154) may be interposed between battery cell assemblies (125, 126).

[0139]

[0140] 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. First to third battery cell assemblies arranged in a first direction; As fourth to sixth battery cell assemblies arranged in the first direction, the fourth to sixth battery cell assemblies are spaced apart from the first to third battery cell assemblies in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; A first inter-bus bar electrically connected to each of the first and second battery cell assemblies; A second inter bus bar electrically connected to each of the second and third battery cell assemblies; A third inter-bus bar electrically connected to each of the third and fourth battery cell assemblies; a fourth inter-bus bar electrically connected to each of the fourth and fifth battery cell assemblies; and Including a fifth inter-bus bar electrically connected to each of the fifth and sixth battery cell assemblies, A battery pack, characterized in that the first inter-bus bar and the second inter-bus bar are spaced apart in the second direction.

2. In paragraph 1, The second battery cell assembly comprises a second positive terminal connected to the first inter-bus bar and a second negative terminal connected to the second inter-bus bar, and A battery pack, characterized in that the second positive terminal and the second negative terminal are spaced apart in a third direction oblique to each of the first and second directions.

3. In paragraph 1, A battery pack, characterized in that the fourth inter-bus bar and the fifth inter-bus bar are spaced apart in the second direction.

4. In paragraph 1, A battery pack, characterized in that the distance in the second direction between the first inter-bus bar and the fifth inter-bus bar is the same as the distance in the second direction between the second inter-bus bar and the fourth inter-bus bar.

5. In paragraph 4, A battery pack, characterized in that the distance in the second direction between the first inter-bus bar and the fourth inter-bus bar is the same as the distance in the second direction between the second inter-bus bar and the fifth inter-bus bar.

6. In paragraph 4, A battery pack, characterized in that the distance in the second direction between the first inter-bus bar and the fourth inter-bus bar is different from the distance in the second direction between the second inter-bus bar and the fifth inter-bus bar.

7. In paragraph 6, A battery pack, characterized in that the distance in the second direction between the first inter-bus bar and the fourth inter-bus bar is greater than the distance in the second direction between the second inter-bus bar and the fifth inter-bus bar.

8. In paragraph 6, A battery pack, characterized in that the distance in the second direction between the first inter-bus bar and the fourth inter-bus bar is smaller than the distance in the second direction between the second inter-bus bar and the fifth inter-bus bar.

9. In paragraph 1, A battery pack, characterized in that the distance in the second direction between the first inter-bus bar and the fifth inter-bus bar is different from the distance in the second direction between the second inter-bus bar and the fourth inter-bus bar.

10. In paragraph 1, A battery pack, characterized in that the distance in the second direction between the first inter-bus bar and the fifth inter-bus bar is greater than the distance in the second direction between the second inter-bus bar and the fourth inter-bus bar.

11. In paragraph 10, A battery pack, characterized in that the distance in the second direction between the first inter-bus bar and the fourth inter-bus bar is the same as the distance in the second direction between the second inter-bus bar and the fifth inter-bus bar.

12. In paragraph 1, A battery pack, characterized in that the distance in the second direction between the first inter-bus bar and the fifth inter-bus bar is smaller than the distance in the second direction between the second inter-bus bar and the fourth inter-bus bar.

13. In paragraph 12, A battery pack, characterized in that the distance in the second direction between the first inter-bus bar and the fourth inter-bus bar is the same as the distance in the second direction between the second inter-bus bar and the fifth inter-bus bar.

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