Battery pack

Abstract

According to exemplary embodiments, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack includes: a base plate; first and second battery cell assemblies mounted on the base plate and including a plurality of battery cells; thermal interface material (TIM) layers between the first and second battery cell assemblies and the pack housing; and a serviceable tape interposed between the TIM layers and the base plate.

Description

battery pack

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack. This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2023-0178211, filed December 11, 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 for secondary batteries for mobility is improving energy density and safety. The safety of secondary batteries for mobility is crucial, as it directly impacts the lives of passengers. Safety in secondary batteries can be achieved through mechanical robustness, reliable electrical insulation, and delayed heat transfer in the event of thermal runaway.

[0004] The technical idea of ​​the present invention aims to solve a problem by providing a battery pack that is easy to service after-sales.

[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 base plate; first and second battery cell assemblies mounted on the base plate and including a plurality of battery cells; TIM (Thermal Interface Material) layers between the first and second battery cell assemblies and the base plate; and a serviceable tape interposed between the TIM layers and the base plate.

[0006] The above serviceable tape overlaps the first and second battery cell assemblies.

[0007] The above serviceable tape can be removed by pulling it in a direction parallel to the mounting surface of the base plate.

[0008] The first battery cell assembly includes first and second cross beams spaced apart from each other with the plurality of battery cells therebetween, the second battery cell assembly includes third and fourth cross beams spaced apart from each other with the plurality of battery cells therebetween, the second cross beam having a shape complementary to the third cross beam; and the first cross beam includes a pressure relief member.

[0009] The pressure relief portion of the first cross beam faces the base plate.

[0010] The above pressure relief portion has a round shape or includes a chamfered surface.

[0011] The battery pack further includes a supporting beam coupled to the base plate, the first battery cell assembly includes first and second cross beams spaced apart from each other with the plurality of battery cells therebetween, the second battery cell assembly includes third and fourth cross beams spaced apart from each other with the plurality of battery cells therebetween, the first cross beam being coupled to the supporting beam, the second cross beam having a shape complementary to the third cross beam; and the supporting beam includes a pressure relief member.

[0012] The pressure relief portion of the above supporting beam faces the base plate.

[0013] The above pressure relief portion has a round shape or includes a chamfered surface.

[0014] The first and second battery cell assemblies partially cover the serviceable tape.

[0015] The first and second battery cell assemblies are arranged in a first direction, and the serviceable tape protrudes in the first direction with respect to the first and second battery cell assemblies.

[0016] The above serviceable tape covers the above base plate.

[0017] The above serviceable tape is in contact with each of the base plate and the TIM layer.

[0018] The above TIM layer is spaced from the base plate.

[0019] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a battery pack includes a tape interposed between a TIM (Thermal Interface Material) layer and a base plate. By tensioning the tape, the adhesive strength of the TIM layer can be removed, allowing the battery cells to be separated and replaced when quality issues arise.

[0020] 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.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0022] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 1I-1I' of Figure 1.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a method according to exemplary embodiments.

[0024] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method according to exemplary embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0026] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 5I-5I' of Figure 5.

[0027] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 5II-5II' of Figure 5.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032]

[0033] (Example 1)

[0034] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0035] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 1I-1I' of Figure 1.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery pack (100) may include a pack housing (110), a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F), supporting beams (131, 133), serviceable tapes (141), and TIM (Thermal Interface Material) layers (143). The battery pack (100) may be a final product mounted in an application such as a vehicle.

[0037] The pack housing (110) can provide a space for mounting battery cell assemblies (120). The pack housing (110) can include a base plate (111) and side walls (112, 113, 114, 115).

[0038] Here, two directions substantially parallel to the mounting surface (111M) of the base plate (111) (i.e., the surface facing the battery cell assembly (120)) are defined as the X direction and the Y direction, and a direction substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface (111M) of the base plate (111) is defined as the Z direction. The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction may be substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0039] The base plate (111) and the side walls (112, 113) may each be provided by an extrusion process. The extrusion direction of each of the base plate (111) and the side walls (112, 113) may be the X direction. The side walls (114, 115) may also be provided by an extrusion process. The side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) may be substantially perpendicular to the base plate (111).

[0040] According to exemplary embodiments, the base plate (111) and side walls (112, 113) may be joined by friction stir welding. The base plate (111) may include a plurality of unit plates joined by friction stir welding.

[0041] The pack housing (110) may include a center beam (116). The center beam (116) may extend in the X direction. The center beam (116) may be interposed between the side walls (112, 113). The center beam (116) may be included in a center plate, which is one of a plurality of unit plates that are friction stir welded to each other. Accordingly, the center beam (116) may be formed together with the center plate, and the center beam (116) may be an integral and continuous element with the center plate.

[0042] The base plate (111) may include a plurality of cooling channels. The plurality of cooling channels may provide passages for the movement of a coolant, such as water, for example. The plurality of cooling channels may be formed by an extrusion process. The plurality of cooling channels may extend in the X direction. The plurality of cooling channels may be spaced apart in the Y direction.

[0043] A plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) may be arranged on a base plate (111) of a pack housing (110). The base plate (111) may support the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F). Side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) may horizontally surround the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F). The side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) can protect a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F).

[0044] Hereinafter, the technical idea of ​​the present invention will be described based on an embodiment in which the battery pack (100) is of a modular type and each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) does not include a module frame. However, this is for illustrative purposes and does not limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention in any sense. A person skilled in the art will easily arrive at an embodiment in which the battery pack may be of a modular type and each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies includes a module frame based on the description herein.

[0045] A plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) may be arranged on a base plate (111). Each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) may include a plurality of battery cells (121), pads (122), and first and second cross beams (125A, 125B).

[0046] Each of the plurality of battery cells (121) may be a lithium ion battery. Each of the plurality of battery cells (121) includes an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a case. Each of the plurality of battery cells (121) may be any one of a cylindrical battery cell, a square 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 square battery cell is housed in a square metal can. The electrode assembly of the pouch-type battery cell is housed in a pouch case including an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0047] The electrode assembly may include an anode, a cathode, and a separator interposed between the anode and the cathode. The electrode assembly may be either a jelly-roll type or a stack type. The jelly-roll type electrode assembly may include a winding structure of the anode, the cathode, and the separator interposed therebetween. The stack type electrode assembly may include a plurality of sequentially stacked anodes, a plurality of cathodes, and a plurality of separators interposed therebetween.

[0048] A plurality of battery cells (121) may constitute a plurality of banks. Each of the plurality of banks may include one or more battery cells (121). Each of the plurality of banks may have one or more battery cells (121) connected in parallel with each other. The plurality of banks may be connected in series with each other. The number of series-connected banks and the number of battery cells (121) included in the plurality of banks may be determined according to the magnitude of voltage and current to be output from each of the battery cell assemblies (120).

[0049] A plurality of pads (122) may be interposed between a plurality of battery cells (121). The plurality of pads (122) may horizontally pressurize the plurality of battery cells (121) and prevent or alleviate swelling of the plurality of battery cells (121). The plurality of pads (122) may isolate the plurality of battery cells (121) from each other. According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of pads (122) may include polyurethane (PU). According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of pads (122) may include a refractory material such as silicone.

[0050] According to exemplary embodiments, the plurality of pads (122) may be arranged alternately with the plurality of banks. According to exemplary embodiments, one of the plurality of banks may be interposed between adjacent pads (122), and one of the plurality of pads (122) may be interposed between adjacent banks. According to other exemplary embodiments, two or more banks may be interposed between adjacent pads (122).

[0051] Each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) may include first and second bus bar assemblies. The first bus bar assembly and the second bus bar assembly may be spaced apart in the Y direction with the plurality of battery cells (121) therebetween. Each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) may further include a cable configured to electrically connect the first bus bar assembly and the second bus bar assembly.

[0052] The first bus bar assembly may include a first bus bar frame, a first integrated circuit, and bus bars. The second bus bar assembly may include a second bus bar frame and a second integrated circuit.

[0053] The first and second bus bar frames may comprise an insulating material, such as plastic. The first bus bar frame may be configured to support elements of the first bus bar assembly, such as the bus bars and the first integrated circuit. The second integrated circuit may be mounted on the second bus bar frame.

[0054] The first and second integrated circuits of the first and second bus bar assemblies (123, 124) may be connected to sensors for sensing voltage, current, and / or temperature within the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The voltage, current, and / or temperature within the battery cell assemblies (120) received by the second integrated circuit may be transmitted to the first integrated circuit via a cable. The first integrated circuit may be configured to transmit an electrical signal representing the voltage, current, and / or temperature within the battery cell assemblies (120), for example, to a battery management system (BMS).

[0055] The bus bars of the first bus bar assembly may be external connection terminals. The external connection terminals may be configured to output a resulting voltage (or current) according to the electrical connection of a plurality of battery cells (121).

[0056] The cross beams (125A, 125B) of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) may be spaced apart in the X direction with the plurality of battery cells (121) therebetween. The cross beams (125A, 125B) of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) may cover the plurality of battery cells (121). The cross beams (125A, 125B) of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) may be fixed to the plurality of battery cells (121). The cross beams (125A, 125B) of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) can be fixed to the base plate (111) by a method such as bolting.

[0057] The cross beams (125A, 125B) of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) may include ribs defining cavities. Accordingly, the cross beams (125A, 125B) of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) may be lightweight, and the energy density of the battery pack (100) may be increased.

[0058] According to exemplary embodiments, the cross beams (125A, 125B) of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) may have a stepped structure. According to exemplary embodiments, the cross beams (125A, 125B) of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) may have complementary shapes. Accordingly, the cross beams (125B) of the battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120D, 120E) may be coupled with the cross beam (125A) of the subsequent one of the battery cell assemblies (120B, 120C, 120E, 120F). The complementary shape of the cross beams (125A, 125B) is a concept that includes a clearance between them for an assembly margin.

[0059] The cross beams (125A, 125B) of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) may be provided by, for example, but not limited to, an extrusion process.

[0060] According to exemplary embodiments, the cross beams (125A) of the battery cell assemblies (120A, 120D) may be coupled to the supporting beams (131) on the base plate (111). The cross beams (125A) of the battery cell assemblies (120A, 120D) may be fixed to the supporting beams (131) by bolting. According to exemplary embodiments, the supporting beams (133) may be coupled to the cross beams (125B) of the battery cell assemblies (120C, 120F). According to exemplary embodiments, the cross beams (125B) and the supporting beams (133) of the battery cell assemblies (120C, 120F) may be coupled to the base plate (111) by bolting. The supporting beams (131, 133) may be provided by an extrusion process and may include a cavity.

[0061] TIM layers (143) may be provided on the base plate (111B) of the pack housing (110). The TIM layers (143) may be interposed between each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) and the base plate (111). The TIM layers (143) may include a resin composition. The TIM layers (143) may be provided by a thermal resin application process.

[0062] In the example of FIG. 3, there are no TIM layers (143) at the center of the Y direction of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F), and two TIM layers (143) are shown corresponding to each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) (i.e., overlapping in the Z direction), but this is for illustration only and does not limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention in any sense.

[0063] The resin composition may be a room temperature curable composition. That is, the curing reaction of the resin composition may be initiated and proceed at room temperature. The curing reaction of the resin composition may be accelerated at a temperature higher than room temperature. The curing reaction rate of the resin composition at a temperature higher than room temperature may be faster than the curing reaction rate of the resin composition at room temperature. As a non-limiting example, the subject of the resin composition may be any one of a silicone resin, a polyol resin, an epoxy resin, and an acrylic resin.

[0064] The curing agent of the resin composition may be selected depending on the subject matter of the resin composition. For example, if the subject matter of the resin composition is a silicone resin, the curing agent may be a siloxane compound. If the subject matter of the resin composition is a polyol resin, the curing agent may use an isocyanate compound. If the subject matter of the resin composition is an epoxy resin, the curing agent may use an amine compound. If the subject matter of the resin composition is an acrylic resin, the curing agent may be an isocyanate compound.

[0065] The inorganic filler of the resin composition may have relatively high thermal conductivity. According to exemplary embodiments, the thermal conductivity of the inorganic filler of the resin composition may be about 1 W / mK or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the thermal conductivity of the inorganic filler of the resin composition may be about 5 W / mK or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the thermal conductivity of the inorganic filler of the resin composition may be about 10 W / mK or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the thermal conductivity of the inorganic filler of the resin composition may be about 15 W / mK or more.

[0066] According to exemplary embodiments, the inorganic filler of the resin composition may include a ceramic. For example, the inorganic filler of the resin composition may include any one of aluminum oxide (Al2O3), aluminum nitride (AlN), boron nitride (BN), silicon nitride (Si3N4), silicon carbide (SiC), beryllium oxide (BeO), zinc oxide (ZnO), aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3), and boehmite. The resin composition may also include a carbon filler. For example, the resin composition may include any one of fumed silica, clay, and calcium carbonate.

[0067] Serviceable tapes (141) may be interposed between the TIM layers (143) and the base plate (111). The serviceable tapes (141) may contact each of the TIM layers (143) and the base plate (111). The serviceable tapes (141) may cover the base plate (111), and thus, each of the TIM layers (143) may not contact the base plate (111). Each of the TIM layers (143) may be spaced apart from the base plate (111).

[0068] The plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) may partially cover the serviceable tapes (141). The plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) may expose portions of the serviceable tapes (141). One of the serviceable tapes (141) may protrude in the X direction with respect to the battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C). One of the serviceable tapes (141) may protrude in the X direction with respect to the battery cell assemblies (120D, 120E, 120F). Serviceable tapes (141) may include battery cell assemblies (120C, 120D) and interposed portions of side walls (115).

[0069] The TIM layers (143) may partially cover the serviceable tapes (141). The TIM layers (143) may expose portions of the serviceable tapes (141). The serviceable tapes (141) may protrude in the Y direction with respect to the TIM layers (143). The serviceable tapes (141) may include a portion interposed between the TIM layer (143) and the sidewall (112) or a portion interposed between the TIM layer (143) and the sidewall (113).

[0070] The center beam (116) can extend in the X direction. The center beam (116) can isolate the battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C) and the battery cell assemblies (120D, 120E, 120F) in the Y direction. The center beam (116) can be interposed between the battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C) and the battery cell assemblies (120D, 120E, 120F). The battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C) can be interposed between the side wall (112) and the center beam (116). The battery cell assemblies (120D, 120E, 120F) can be interposed between the side wall (113) and the center beam (116).

[0071] In Fig. 1, the arrangement of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) can be said to be a 3 * 2 arrangement. The arrangement of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) disclosed in Fig. 1 is a non-limiting example and does not limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention in any sense. A person of ordinary skill in the art will be able to easily arrive at a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) arranged in M ​​* N (wherein, M and N are each integers greater than or equal to 2) based on the description herein.

[0072] The battery pack (100) may further include leads coupled to side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) of the pack housing (110). The leads may cover elements mounted inside the battery pack (100), such as a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) and electrical components. The leads may be fixed to the pack housing (110) by mechanical coupling means, such as bolting.

[0073] The battery pack may further include exhaust devices coupled to the side walls (114, 115). Either of the side walls (114, 115) may include exhaust holes connected to the exhaust devices. The exhaust devices may be configured to delay thermal propagation by releasing high-temperature gas within the battery pack (100) to the outside when a thermal runway event occurs in a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F).

[0074] Here, thermal runaway of multiple battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) is an uncontrollable positive feedback in which a temperature change of multiple battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) further accelerates the temperature change. Multiple battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) in a thermal runaway state exhibit a rapid temperature increase and emit a large amount of high-pressure gas and combustion debris.

[0075] The battery pack (100) may further include a Battery Management System (BMS). The BMS may be configured to monitor, balance, and control the battery pack (100). Monitoring of the battery pack (100) may include measuring voltage and current of specific nodes within a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) 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.

[0076] Balancing of the battery pack (100) is an operation to reduce the deviation between the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F). 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 accordingly, shortening of the lifespan of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) can be prevented.

[0077] The battery pack (100) may further include additional electrical components such as a cooling device, a PRA (Power Relay Assembly), and a safety plug. The cooling device may include a cooling fan. The cooling fan may prevent overheating of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) 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 (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) 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. Additional electrical components may be interposed between the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) and the side wall (115). The space between the battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) and the side wall (115) may also be referred to as an electrical component mounting area.

[0078] The battery pack (100) may further include a plurality of bus bars configured to electrically connect a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F). The plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) may be connected in series by the plurality of bus bars. Accordingly, the battery pack (100) may be configured to output a high voltage to an external load (e.g., a motor of a vehicle).

[0079]

[0080] (Example 2)

[0081] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a method according to exemplary embodiments.

[0082] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method according to exemplary embodiments.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, at P120, the serviceable tape (141) can be removed. Before removing the serviceable tape (141), the lead can be separated from the pack housing (110). In this process, the serviceable tapes (141) that overlap the problematic battery cell assembly (120) in the Z direction can be removed. The serviceable tape (141) can be removed by tension. The serviceable tape (141) can have sufficient tensile strength so that it does not break while the serviceable tape (141) is removed.

[0084] According to exemplary embodiments, the serviceable tapes (141) may protrude in the X direction toward the electrical component mounting area for the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) and TIM layers. Since the electrical component mounting area includes an empty space, no separate space is provided for removing the serviceable tapes (141), so that the energy density of the battery pack can be increased.

[0085] Since the TIM layers (143) are already hardened during the assembly stage of the battery pack (100), if the serviceable tape (141) is removed, there may be no adhesive force between the TIM layers (143) and the base plate (111). Accordingly, in P130, a faulty one among the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 120E, 120F) can be replaced with a normal battery cell assembly.

[0086]

[0087] (Example 3)

[0088] FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack (101) according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0089] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 5I-5I' of Figure 5.

[0090] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 5II-5II' of Figure 5.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, a battery pack (100) may include a pack housing (110), a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120C', 120D, 120E, 120F), supporting beams (131, 131', 133), serviceable tapes (141), and TIM layers (143). The battery pack (100) may be a final product mounted in an application such as a vehicle.

[0092] The pack housing (110), battery cell assemblies (120A, 120B, 120D, 120E, 120F), supporting beams (133, 135, see FIG. 2), supporting beams (131, 133), serviceable tapes (141), and TIM layers (143) are substantially the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, and therefore, redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0093] The battery cell assembly (120C') is identical to the battery cell assembly (120C) of FIG. 1, except that the cross beam (125B') includes a pressure relief member (125BC). The pressure relief member (125BC) may have a round shape or may include a chamfered surface. The pressure relief member (125BC) may face the base plate (111).

[0094] The supporting beam (131') is identical to the supporting beam (131) except that it includes a pressure relief member (131C). The pressure relief member (131C) may have a round shape or may include a chamfered surface. The pressure relief member (131C) may face the base plate (111).

[0095] According to exemplary embodiments, the formation of the pressure relief portions (125BC, 131C) can reduce the pressure applied to the serviceable tapes (141) during removal of the serviceable tapes (141), and can prevent or alleviate the serviceable tapes (141) from breaking.

[0096]

[0097] 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. Base plate; First and second battery cell assemblies mounted on the base plate and including a plurality of battery cells; TIM (Thermal Interface Material) layers between the first and second battery cell assemblies and the base plate; and A battery pack comprising a serviceable tape interposed between the TIM layers and the base plate.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery pack, characterized in that the serviceable tape overlaps the first and second battery cell assemblies.

3. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the above serviceable tape is removable by pulling in a direction parallel to the mounting surface of the base plate.

4. In paragraph 1, The first battery cell assembly includes first and second cross beams spaced apart from each other with the plurality of battery cells interposed therebetween, The second battery cell assembly includes third and fourth cross beams spaced apart from each other with the plurality of battery cells interposed therebetween, The second cross beam has a shape complementary to the third cross beam; and A battery pack, characterized in that the first cross beam includes a pressure relief member.

5. In paragraph 4, A battery pack, characterized in that the pressure relief portion of the first cross beam faces the base plate.

6. In paragraph 4, A battery pack, characterized in that the pressure relief member has a round shape or includes a chamfered surface.

7. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a supporting beam coupled to the base plate, The first battery cell assembly includes first and second cross beams spaced apart from each other with the plurality of battery cells interposed therebetween, The second battery cell assembly includes third and fourth cross beams spaced apart from each other with the plurality of battery cells interposed therebetween, The above first cross beam is coupled with the above supporting beam, The second cross beam has a shape complementary to the third cross beam; and A battery pack, characterized in that the supporting beam includes a pressure relief member.

8. In paragraph 7, A battery pack, characterized in that the pressure relief portion of the supporting beam faces the base plate.

9. In paragraph 7, A battery pack, characterized in that the pressure relief member has a round shape or includes a chamfered surface.

10. In paragraph 1, A battery pack, wherein the first and second battery cell assemblies partially cover the serviceable tape.

11. In paragraph 1, The above first and second battery cell assemblies are arranged in a first direction, and A battery pack, wherein the serviceable tape protrudes in the first direction with respect to the first and second battery cell assemblies.

12. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the above serviceable tape covers the base plate.

13. In paragraph 1, A battery pack, characterized in that the serviceable tape is in contact with each of the base plate and the TIM layer.

14. In paragraph 1, A battery pack, characterized in that the TIM layer is spaced apart from the base plate.

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