Battery pack

Abstract

According to exemplary embodiments, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack comprises: a pack housing including a base plate; and a plurality of battery cell assemblies on the base plate. Each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies includes: a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction; first and second side beams spaced apart from each other in the first direction with the plurality of battery cells therebetween; and a first fire-resistant structure coupled to the first side beam. The first fire-resistant structure includes: a first fire-resistant sheet; and a first fire-resistant adhesive layer applied to the first fire-resistant sheet, wherein the first fire-resistant sheet and the first fire-resistant adhesive layer are made of different materials.

Description

battery pack

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack. This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2024-0032639, filed March 7, 2024, 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 trend in technological development of secondary batteries for mobility is improving energy density and safety. The safety of secondary batteries for mobility is crucial, as it can directly impact the lives of passengers. Accordingly, various technologies are being studied to delay heat propagation during thermal runaway events.

[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 of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack includes: a pack housing including a base plate; and a plurality of battery cell assemblies on the base plate, each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies including a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction, first and second side beams spaced apart in the first direction with the plurality of battery cells interposed therebetween, and a first refractory structure coupled to the first side beam, the first refractory structure including a first refractory sheet and a first refractory adhesive layer applied to the first refractory sheet, and the first refractory sheet and the first refractory adhesive layer include different materials.

[0006] The first refractory structure further comprises a first refractory coating on the first refractory sheet, and the first refractory coating comprises a different material from the first refractory sheet.

[0007] The first side beam includes a first step structure, the second side beam includes a second step structure, and the first step structure and the second step structure have complementary shapes.

[0008] The above first refractory structure is bonded to the above first step structure.

[0009] The above first refractory structure has a conformal shape with respect to the above first step structure.

[0010] Each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies includes a second refractory structure coupled to the second side beam, and the second refractory structure includes a second refractory sheet and a second refractory adhesive layer applied to the second refractory sheet.

[0011] The second refractory structure further comprises a second refractory coating on the second refractory sheet.

[0012] According to exemplary embodiments, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack includes a pack housing including a base plate; and a plurality of battery cell assemblies on the base plate, each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies including a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction, first and second side beams spaced apart in the first direction with the plurality of battery cells interposed therebetween, and a first refractory coating on the first side beam.

[0013] Each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies further includes a second refractory coating on the second side beam.

[0014] Each of the first and second refractory coatings has a uniform thickness.

[0015] Each of the first and second refractory coatings comprises a ceramic.

[0016] The first side beam includes a first step structure, and the second side beam includes a second step structure.

[0017] The first and second side beams have different and complementary shapes.

[0018] Battery cell assemblies according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention include refractory coatings applied on side beams, which can prevent propagation of a thermal runaway event, 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] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the first side beam of Figure 2.

[0023] Figure 4 is a plan view illustrating the first side beam of Figure 2.

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

[0025] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 5I-5I' of Figure 5.

[0026] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the refractory structure of Figure 6.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031]

[0032] (Example 1)

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0034] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 1I-1I' of Figure 1.

[0035] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the first side beam of Figure 2.

[0036] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the second side beam of Fig. 2.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a battery pack (100) may include a pack housing (110) and a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4, 120_5, 120_6, hereinafter, 120_1 to 120_6). The battery pack (100) may be a final product mounted in an application such as a vehicle.

[0038] The pack housing (110) can provide a space for mounting a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6). The pack housing (110) can include a base plate (111) and side walls (112, 113, 114, 115).

[0039] Here, two directions substantially parallel to the mounting surface (111M) of the base plate (111) 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. The mounting surface (111M) may face a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6).

[0040] 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).

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] A plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) 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 (120_1 to 120_6). Side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) may horizontally surround the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6).

[0045] Hereinafter, the technical idea of ​​the present invention will be described focusing on an embodiment in which the battery pack (100) is of a modular type and each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) 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.

[0046]

[0047] Each of the plurality of battery assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) may include a plurality of battery cells (121), a plurality of separators (122), a first side beam (125a), a second side beam (125b), a first refractory coating (127a), and a second refractory coating (127b). Each of the plurality of battery assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) may further include an integrated circuit assembly for providing electrical connection to the plurality of battery cells (121) and for monitoring the plurality of battery cells (121).

[0048] Each of the plurality of battery cells (121) is a basic unit of a lithium ion battery, i.e., a secondary battery. Each of the plurality of battery cells (121) may include 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 case of the cylindrical battery cell may be a cylindrical metal can. The case of the square battery cell may be a square can. The case of the pouch-type battery cell may include an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0049] An electrode assembly may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The electrode assembly is classified into a jelly-roll type and a stack type depending on the assembly form. A jelly-roll type electrode assembly includes a winding structure of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between them. A stack type electrode assembly includes a plurality of sequentially stacked positive electrodes, a plurality of negative electrodes, and a plurality of separators interposed between them.

[0050] According to exemplary embodiments, a plurality of battery cells (121) may be connected in series and / or in parallel. Among the plurality of battery cells (121), those that are parallel to each other may form a plurality of banks, and each of the plurality of banks may be connected in series to each other.

[0051] The plurality of separators (122) may include a flexible material and may absorb swelling of the plurality of battery cells (121). According to exemplary embodiments, the plurality of separators (122) may be thermal barriers. According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of separators (122) may have a high melting temperature and low thermal conductivity. According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of separators (122) may include a flame retardant material, such as a ceramic or coated glass material. According to exemplary embodiments, the plurality of separators (122) may be configured to release a fire retardant material and a fire extinguishing agent when a thermal runaway event occurs.

[0052] The first side beam (125a) and the second side beam (125b) can be spaced apart from each other in the X direction with a plurality of battery cells (121) therebetween. The first side beam (125a) and the second side beam (125b) can horizontally cover the plurality of battery cells (121). The first side beam (125a) and the second side beam (125b) can be fixed to the plurality of battery cells (121) by an adhesive material or the like.

[0053] According to exemplary embodiments, the first side beam (125a) and the second side beam (125b) may have different and complementary shapes. The first side beam (125a) and the second side beam (125b) may be interlocked with each other. The complementary shapes of the first and second side beams (125a, 125b) include a clearance between them for an assembly margin.

[0054] The first side beam (125a) may include vertical ribs (P1a, P2a) and horizontal ribs (R1a, R2a, R3a, R4a). The vertical ribs (P1a, P2a) may be substantially perpendicular to the X direction. The vertical ribs (P1a, P2a) may be spaced apart from each other in the X direction. The vertical rib (P1a) may contact one of the plurality of battery cells (121). The vertical rib (P2a) may be spaced apart from the plurality of battery cells (121) with the vertical rib (P1a) therebetween. The length of the vertical rib (P1a) in the Z direction may be greater than the length of the vertical rib (P2a) in the Z direction. The vertical rib (P2a) may overlap an upper portion of the vertical rib (P1a) in the X direction.

[0055] The horizontal ribs (R1a, R2a, R3a, R4a) can be substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. The horizontal ribs (R1a, R2a, R3a, R4a) can be spaced apart from each other in the Z direction. The horizontal ribs (R1a, R2a, R3a, R4a) can be interposed between the vertical ribs (P1a, P2a). The horizontal ribs (R1a, R2a, R3a, R4a) can be connected to the vertical ribs (P1a, P2a). The horizontal ribs (R3a, R4a) can be interposed between the horizontal ribs (R1a, R2a).

[0056] There may be an empty space (125aC) between the vertical ribs (P1a, P2a) and the horizontal ribs (R1a, R2a, R3a, R4a). Accordingly, the first side beam (125a) can be lightweight, and the energy density of the battery pack (100) can be increased.

[0057] The first side beam (125a) may include a step structure (STa). More specifically, the lower portion of the vertical rib (P1a), the vertical rib (P2a), and the horizontal rib (R2a) may form the step structure (STa). The step structure (STa) may face the outside of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6).

[0058] The second side beam (125b) may include vertical ribs (P1b, P2b) and horizontal ribs (R1b, R2b, R3b). The vertical ribs (P1b, P2b) may be substantially perpendicular to the X direction. The vertical ribs (P1b, P2b) may be spaced apart from each other in the X direction. The vertical rib (P1b) may contact one of the plurality of battery cells (121). The vertical rib (P2b) may be spaced apart from the plurality of battery cells (121) with the vertical rib (P1b) therebetween. The length of the vertical rib (P1b) in the Z direction may be greater than the length of the vertical rib (P2b) in the Z direction. The vertical rib (P2b) may overlap a lower portion of the vertical rib (P1b) in the X direction.

[0059] The horizontal ribs (R1b, R2b, R3b) can be substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. The horizontal ribs (R1b, R2b, R3b) can be spaced apart from each other in the Z direction. The horizontal ribs (R1b, R2b, R3b) can be interposed between the vertical ribs (P1b, P2b). The horizontal ribs (R1b, R2b, R3b) can be connected to the vertical ribs (P1b, P2b). The horizontal rib (R3b) can be interposed between the horizontal ribs (R1b, R2b).

[0060] There may be an empty space (125bC) between the vertical ribs (P1b, P2b) and the horizontal ribs (R1b, R2b, R3b). Accordingly, the second side beam (125b) can be made lighter, and the energy density of the battery pack (100) can be increased.

[0061] The second side beam (125b) may include a step structure (STb). More specifically, the upper portion of the vertical rib (P1b), the vertical rib (P2b), and the horizontal rib (R2b) may form the step structure (STb). The step structure (STb) may face the outside of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6).

[0062] The distance between the horizontal rib (R3b) and the base plate (111) may be greater than the distance between the horizontal rib (R2b) and the base plate (111). The distance between the horizontal rib (R1b) and the base plate (111) may be greater than the distance between the horizontal rib (R3b) and the base plate (111). The distance between the horizontal rib (R2a) and the base plate (111) may be greater than the distance between the horizontal rib (R1b) and the base plate (111). The distance between the horizontal rib (R4a) and the base plate (111) may be greater than the distance between the horizontal rib (R2a) and the base plate (111). The distance between the horizontal rib (R3a) and the base plate (111) may be greater than the distance between the horizontal rib (R4a) and the base plate (111). The distance between the horizontal rib (R1a) and the base plate (111) may be greater than the distance between the horizontal rib (R3a) and the base plate (111).

[0063] According to exemplary embodiments, the second side beam (125b) of each of the plurality of battery assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) may be coupled to the first side beam (125a) of the subsequent plurality of battery assemblies (120_1 to 120_6). According to exemplary embodiments, the second side beam (125b) of each of the plurality of battery assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) may be fixed to the base plate (111) by fasteners such as bolts and the first side beam (125a) of the subsequent plurality of battery assemblies (120_1 to 120_6).

[0064] The lower portion of the vertical rib (P1a) of the plurality of battery assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) may face the vertical rib (P2b) of a preceding one of the plurality of battery assemblies (120_1 to 120_6), the upper portion of the vertical rib (P1b) of the plurality of battery assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) may face the vertical rib (P2a) of a preceding one of the plurality of battery assemblies (120_1 to 120_6), and the horizontal rib (R1b) of the plurality of battery assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) may face the horizontal rib (R2a) of a preceding one of the plurality of battery assemblies (120_1 to 120_6).

[0065] Battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3) may be arranged in the X direction. The second side beam (125b) of the battery assemblies (120_1) may be coupled with the first side beam (125a) of the battery assembly (120_2). The second side beam (125b) of the battery assembly (120_2) may be coupled with the first side beam (125a) of the battery assembly (120_3). The second side beam (125b) of the battery assembly (120_3) may be coupled with a supporting beam on the base plate (111).

[0066] Battery cell assemblies (120_4, 120_5, 120_6) may be arranged in the X direction. The second side beam (125b) of the battery assemblies (120_4) may be coupled with the first side beam (125a) of the battery assembly (120_5). The second side beam (125b) of the battery assembly (120_5) may be coupled with the first side beam (125a) of the battery assembly (120_6). The second side beam (125b) of the battery assembly (120_6) may be coupled with a supporting beam on the base plate (111).

[0067] The first refractory coating (127a) may be on the first side beam (125a). The second refractory coating (127b) may be on the second side beam (125b). Each of the first and second refractory coatings (127a, 127b) may include a refractory material.

[0068] Each of the first and second refractory coatings (127a, 127b) may have a high melting point and / or ignition point. According to exemplary embodiments, the melting point and / or ignition point of each of the first and second refractory coatings (127a, 127b) may be about 300°C or higher. According to exemplary embodiments, the melting point and / or ignition point of each of the first and second refractory coatings (127a, 127b) may be about 600°C or higher. According to exemplary embodiments, the melting point and / or ignition point of each of the first and second refractory coatings (127a, 127b) may be about 1000°C or higher. According to exemplary embodiments, the melting point and / or ignition point of each of the first and second refractory coatings (127a, 127b) may be about 1500°C or higher.

[0069] Each of the first and second refractory coatings (127a, 127b) may have low thermal conductivity. According to exemplary embodiments, the thermal conductivity of each of the first and second refractory coatings (127a, 127b) may be about 20 W / mK or less. According to exemplary embodiments, the thermal conductivity of each of the first and second refractory coatings (127a, 127b) may be about 1 W / mK or less. According to exemplary embodiments, the thermal conductivity of each of the first and second refractory coatings (127a, 127b) may be about 0.3 W / mK or less. The thermal conductivity of each of the first and second refractory coatings (127a, 127b) described above may be measured at room temperature (about 25°C).

[0070] Each of the first and second refractory coatings (127a, 127b) can be provided by any one of the following methods: spraying, printing, vapor deposition, painting, dipping, spin coating, roller coating, floating coating, curtain coating, sputtering, coextrusion, etc.

[0071] According to exemplary embodiments, each of the first and second refractory coatings (127a, 127b) may have a uniform thickness. Accordingly, each of the first and second refractory coatings (127a, 127b) may have a conformal shape. That is, the shape of the first and second step structures (STa, STb) may be transferred to the first and second refractory coatings (127a, 127b). According to exemplary embodiments, the thickness of each of the first and second refractory coatings (127a, 127b) may be in a range of about 10 μm to about 50 μm.

[0072] Thermal Interface Material (TIM) layers (130) may be provided between the base plate (111) of the pack housing (110) and the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6). The TIM layers (130) may include a resin composition. The TIM layers (130) may be provided by a thermal resin application process.

[0073] 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.

[0074] The center beam (116) can extend in the X direction. The center beam (116) can isolate a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) in the Y direction. The center beam (116) can be interposed between the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6).

[0075] In Fig. 1, the arrangement of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) can be said to be a 3 * 2 arrangement. The arrangement of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) 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 skilled in the art will be able to easily arrive at a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) arranged in an M * N configuration (wherein, M and N are each integers equal to or greater than 2) based on the description herein.

[0076] 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 (120_1 to 120_6) and electrical components. The leads may be fixed to the pack housing (110) by mechanical coupling means, such as bolting.

[0077] 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 the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6).

[0078] Here, thermal runaway of multiple battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) is a state in which temperature changes of multiple battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) further accelerate the temperature change, which is an uncontrollable positive feedback. Multiple battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) in a state of thermal runaway exhibit a rapid temperature increase and emit a large amount of high-pressure gas and combustion debris.

[0079] Furthermore, each of the battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) according to exemplary embodiments includes first and second refractory coatings (127a, 127b), which can prevent a thermal runaway event from propagating in the X direction, thereby improving the safety of the battery pack (100).

[0080] The battery pack (100) may further include a Battery Management System (BMS). The BMS may be configured to perform monitoring, balancing, and control of the battery pack (100). Monitoring of the battery pack (100) may include monitoring the voltage and current of specific nodes within a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) and monitoring the temperature distribution of set locations within the battery pack (100).

[0081] Balancing of the battery pack (100) is an operation to reduce the deviation between the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6). Control of the battery pack (100) includes preventing the occurrence of overcharge, overdischarge, and overcurrent. Through monitoring, balancing, and control, the battery pack (100) can operate under optimal conditions, thereby preventing shortening of the lifespan of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6).

[0082] 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 (120_1 to 120_6) by circulating air inside the battery pack (100). The PRA may be configured to supply or cut off power from the high-voltage battery to an external load (e.g., a vehicle motor). The PRA may protect the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) 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 (120_1 to 120_6) and the side wall (115). The space between the battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) and the side wall (115) may be referred to as an electrical component mounting area.

[0083] The battery pack (100) may further include a plurality of inter-bus bars configured to electrically connect a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6). The plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) may be connected in series by the plurality of inter-bus bars. Accordingly, the battery pack (100) may be configured to output a high voltage to an external load (e.g., a vehicle motor).

[0084]

[0085] (Example 2)

[0086] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a battery pack (100') according to exemplary embodiments.

[0087] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 5I-5I' of Figure 5.

[0088] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the refractory structures (127a', 127b') of Fig. 6.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, a battery pack (100') may include a pack housing (110) and a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1', 120_2', 120_3', 120_4', 120_5', 120_6', hereinafter, 120_1' to 120_6'). The battery pack (100') may be a final product mounted in an application such as a vehicle.

[0090] The pack housing (110) is substantially the same as that described with reference to FIG. 1. The plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1' to 120_6') may be substantially the same as the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6), except that they include first and second refractory structures (127a', 127b') instead of the first and second refractory coatings (127a, 127b).

[0091] The first refractory structure (127a') may be on the first side beam (125a). The second refractory structure (127b') may be on the second side beam (125b). Each of the first and second refractory structures (127a', 127b') may include a refractory adhesive layer (L1), a refractory sheet (L2), and a refractory coating (L3).

[0092] Each of the refractory adhesive layer (L1), the refractory sheet (L2), and the refractory coating (L3) may have a high melting point and / or ignition point. According to exemplary embodiments, the melting point and / or ignition point of each of the refractory adhesive layer (L1), the refractory sheet (L2), and the refractory coating (L3) may be about 300°C or higher. According to exemplary embodiments, the melting point and / or ignition point of each of the refractory adhesive layer (L1), the refractory sheet (L2), and the refractory coating (L3) may be about 600°C or higher. According to exemplary embodiments, the melting point and / or ignition point of each of the refractory adhesive layer (L1), the refractory sheet (L2), and the refractory coating (L3) may be about 1000°C or higher. According to exemplary embodiments, the melting point and / or ignition point of each of the refractory adhesive layer (L1), the refractory sheet (L2), and the refractory coating (L3) may be about 1500°C or higher.

[0093] Each of the refractory adhesive layer (L1), the refractory sheet (L2), and the refractory coating (L3) may have low thermal conductivity. According to exemplary embodiments, the thermal conductivity of each of the refractory adhesive layer (L1), the refractory sheet (L2), and the refractory coating (L3) may be about 20 W / mK or less. According to exemplary embodiments, the thermal conductivity of each of the refractory adhesive layer (L1), the refractory sheet (L2), and the refractory coating (L3) may be about 1 W / mK or less. According to exemplary embodiments, the thermal conductivity of each of the refractory adhesive layer (L1), the refractory sheet (L2), and the refractory coating (L3) may be about 0.3 W / mK or less. The thermal conductivity of each of the above-described refractory adhesive layer (L1), the refractory sheet (L2), and the refractory coating (L3) may be measured at room temperature (about 25°C).

[0094] The refractory adhesive layer (L1) may be a refractory adhesive tape. By the refractory adhesive layer (L1) of the first and second refractory structures (127a', 127b'), the first and second refractory structures (127a', 127b') may be bonded to the first and second side beams (125a, 125b).

[0095] The refractory sheet (L2) may include a different material from the refractory adhesive layer (L1). The refractory sheet (L2) may include a refractory material. The refractory sheet (L2) may include either a Non-Combustible Glass Fiber Sheet (NCG) or a Modified Polyphenylene Oxide (mPPO) containing glass fiber.

[0096] The refractory coating (L3) may include a different material from the refractory adhesive layer (L1). The refractory coating (L3) may include a different material from the refractory sheet (L2). The refractory coating (L3) may include ceramic. The refractory coating (L3) may be provided by a paint-type coating agent. The refractory coating (L3) may be provided using a ceramic water-soluble coating agent. The refractory coating (L3) may be provided by any one of the following methods: spraying, painting, printing, vapor deposition, dipping, spin coating, roller coating, floating coating, curtain coating, sputtering, coextrusion, etc.

[0097] The refractory adhesive layer (L1) and the refractory coating (L3) may be provided around the refractory sheet (L2). That is, the refractory adhesive layer (L1) and the refractory coating (L3) may be provided by a tape attachment process and a coating process for the refractory sheet (L2). The refractory sheet (L2) may be, for example, a substrate for forming the first and second refractory structures (127a', 127b'). According to exemplary embodiments, the refractory sheet (L2) may be a refractory sheet.

[0098] According to exemplary embodiments, each of the refractory adhesive layer (L1), the refractory sheet (L2), and the refractory coating (L3) may have a uniform thickness. According to exemplary embodiments, the thickness of each of the refractory adhesive layer (L1), the refractory sheet (L2), and the refractory coating (L3) may be in a range of about 10 μm to about 50 μm. According to exemplary embodiments, the sum of the thicknesses of the refractory adhesive layer (L1), the refractory sheet (L2), and the refractory coating (L3) may be in a range of about 50 μm to about 200 μm.

[0099] The present invention has been described in more detail through drawings and examples. However, the configurations described in the drawings or examples described in this specification are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modified examples may exist as of the time of this application.

Claims

1. A pack housing including a base plate; and Including a plurality of battery cell assemblies on the base plate, Each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction, first and second side beams spaced apart in the first direction with the plurality of battery cells interposed therebetween, and a first refractory structure coupled to the first side beam, The first refractory structure comprises a first refractory sheet and a first refractory adhesive layer applied to the first refractory sheet, and A battery pack, characterized in that the first refractory sheet and the first refractory adhesive layer comprise different materials.

2. In paragraph 1, The first refractory structure further comprises a first refractory coating on the first refractory sheet, and A battery pack, characterized in that the first refractory coating comprises a different material from the first refractory sheet.

3. In paragraph 1, The first side beam includes a first step structure, The second side beam includes a second step structure, and A battery pack characterized in that the first step structure and the second step structure have complementary shapes.

4. In paragraph 3, A battery pack, characterized in that the first refractory structure is bonded to the first step structure.

5. In paragraph 4, A battery pack characterized in that the first refractory structure has a conformal shape with respect to the first step structure.

6. In paragraph 1, Each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies includes a second refractory structure coupled to the second side beam, and A battery pack, characterized in that the second refractory structure comprises a second refractory sheet and a second refractory adhesive layer applied to the second refractory sheet.

7. In paragraph 6, A battery pack characterized in that the second refractory structure further includes a second refractory coating on the second refractory sheet.

8. Pack housing including base plate; and Including a plurality of battery cell assemblies on the base plate, A battery pack, characterized in that each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction, first and second side beams spaced apart in the first direction with the plurality of battery cells interposed therebetween, and a first refractory coating on the first side beam.

9. In paragraph 8, A battery pack, wherein each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies further includes a second refractory coating on the second side beam.

10. In paragraph 9, A battery pack, wherein each of the first and second refractory coatings has a uniform thickness.

11. In paragraph 9, A battery pack, wherein each of the first and second refractory coatings comprises a ceramic.

12. In paragraph 8, The first side beam includes a first step structure, and A battery pack, characterized in that the second side beam includes a second step structure.

13. In paragraph 8, A battery pack characterized in that the first and second side beams have different and complementary shapes.

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