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 sidewall perpendicular to the base plate; a lead on the sidewall of the pack housing; a battery cell assembly on the base plate of the pack housing, wherein the battery cell assembly includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction parallel to a mounting surface of the base plate and an upper cover covering the plurality of battery cells; and a plurality of spacers between the lead and the upper cover, wherein each of the plurality of spacers is inserted into the upper cover.

Description

battery pack

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack. This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2024-0058596, filed May 2, 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] In the current trend emphasizing secondary batteries for mobility, the primary direction of secondary battery technology development is to reduce production costs and enhance safety. Secondary batteries account for the largest portion of BEV manufacturing costs. Therefore, the most crucial factor in increasing the market share of BEVs compared to internal combustion engine vehicles is secondary battery production costs. Reducing production costs can be achieved by reducing raw materials, reducing the number of steps in the production process, and shortening takt time. The safety of secondary batteries is crucial, as they directly impact the lives of vehicle occupants. A key challenge in enhancing secondary battery safety is delaying heat propagation in the event of a thermal runaway event.

[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 comprises: a pack housing including a base plate and a side wall perpendicular to the base plate; a lid on the side wall of the pack housing; a battery cell assembly on the base plate of the pack housing, the battery cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction parallel to a mounting surface of the base plate and an upper cover covering the plurality of battery cells; and a plurality of spacers between the lid and the upper cover, each of the plurality of spacers being inserted into the upper cover.

[0006] Each of the plurality of spacers includes a body having a square pillar shape extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and a first tongue protruding from the body toward the upper cover.

[0007] The upper cover includes a plurality of grooves overlapping the plurality of spacers.

[0008] The first tongues of the plurality of spacers are inserted into the plurality of grooves.

[0009] Each of the plurality of spacers includes a second tongue protruding from the body toward the lead.

[0010] The above lead includes a plurality of grooves overlapping the plurality of spacers.

[0011] The second tongues of the plurality of spacers are inserted into the plurality of grooves.

[0012] Each of the above plurality of spacers has a cylindrical shape.

[0013] The above plurality of spacers are interposed between the lead and the upper cover.

[0014] The above plurality of spacers are in contact with the lead and the upper cover.

[0015] The above plurality of spacers are arranged in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the mounting surface.

[0016] The length of each of the plurality of spacers in the second direction is shorter than the length of each of the plurality of battery cells in the second direction.

[0017] The upper cover includes a plurality of exhaust holes, and the plurality of spacers are interposed between the plurality of exhaust holes in the first direction.

[0018] The length of each of the plurality of spacers in the first direction is smaller than the length between adjacent ones of the plurality of exhaust holes in the first direction.

[0019] Each of the above plurality of spacers is solid.

[0020] Each of the above plurality of spacers is hollow.

[0021] A battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes a plurality of spacers interposed between a lid and a top cover. Accordingly, even if the top cover on a plurality of battery cell assemblies is deformed in a thermal runaway event, an exhaust path between the lid and the top cover can be secured, thereby enhancing the safety of the battery pack.

[0022] 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.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0024] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 1I-1I' of Figure 1.

[0025] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a spacer according to exemplary embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery pack according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0027] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a spacer according to exemplary embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery pack according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0029] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a spacer according to exemplary embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery pack according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035]

[0036] (Example 1)

[0037] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack (100) according to exemplary embodiments. For a more complete understanding of the arrangement between elements of the battery pack (100), leads (150, see FIG. 2) are omitted in FIG. 1.

[0038] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 1I-1I' of Figure 1.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a spacer (160) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery pack (100) may include a pack housing (110), a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120), a plurality of fire-resistant sheets (130), a plurality of upper covers (140), a lid (150), and a plurality of spacers (160). The battery pack (100) is the final form of a battery system mounted on a mobility device, etc.

[0041] The pack housing (110) can provide a space for arranging a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The pack housing (110) can include a base plate (111), side walls (112, 113, 114, 115), a center beam (116), and supporting beams (117, 118, 119).

[0042] 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. Each of the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction can be substantially perpendicular to each other. Unless otherwise stated, the definitions of directions are the same for the drawings below.

[0043] Each of the base plate (111) and the side walls (112, 113) may 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. That is, the YZ cross-section of each of the base plate (111) and the side walls (112, 113) may be constant depending on the position in the X direction except for deformation due to additional tooling. Here, the YZ cross-section may be substantially parallel to the Y direction and the Z direction, and substantially perpendicular to the X direction. The base plate (111) and the side walls (112, 113) may be arranged in the Y direction. The side walls (114, 115) may also be provided by an extrusion process.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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 that is positioned at the center 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 in an extrusion process, and the center beam (116) may be a continuous element integrally formed with the center plate.

[0046] 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.

[0047] A plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may be on a base plate (111) of a pack housing (110). The base plate (111) may support the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). Side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) may horizontally surround the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120).

[0048] Each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may include a plurality of battery cells (121), a plurality of pads (122), and side beams (125). 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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). One or more battery cells (121) of each of the plurality of banks may be 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).

[0051] 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 battery cells (121) may include polyurethane (PU). According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of battery cells (121) may include a refractory material such as silicone.

[0052] According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of pads (122) may be arranged alternately with two banks. According to exemplary embodiments, two of the plurality of banks may be interposed between adjacent pads (122). According to other exemplary embodiments, only one bank may be interposed between adjacent pads (122), or three or more banks may be interposed between adjacent pads (122).

[0053] The side beams (125) may be spaced apart from each other with a plurality of battery cells (121) therebetween. The side beams (125) may cover the plurality of battery cells (121). The side beams (125) may horizontally support the plurality of battery cells (121). The side beams (125) may be fixed to the plurality of battery cells (121) by an adhesive material or the like.

[0054] According to exemplary embodiments, the side beams (125) may have the same shape. According to exemplary embodiments, the side beams (125) may be arranged symmetrically. The side beams (125) may be coupled to corresponding ones of the supporting beams (117, 118, 119). The side beams (125) may be fastened to corresponding ones of the supporting beams (117, 118, 119) through a mechanical method such as bolting.

[0055] The supporting beams (117, 118, 119) can extend in the Y direction. The supporting beams (117, 118, 119) can be welded to the base plate (111). The supporting beams (118) can be interposed between the supporting beams (117, 119). Accordingly, the battery cell assemblies (120) can be interposed between the supporting beams (117, 118), between the supporting beams (118), and between the supporting beams (118, 119).

[0056] Each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may further include an integrated circuit assembly. The integrated circuit assembly may further include an insulating frame, an integrated circuit, bus bars, sensing plates, sensing bars, temperature sensors, wiring, and an insulating cover.

[0057] The insulating frame may include an insulating material such as plastic. The insulating frame may cover the front of a plurality of battery cells (121). The insulating frame may support integrated circuits, bus bars, sensing plates, sensing bars, temperature sensors, and wiring.

[0058] The bus bars may be short-circuited to the positive leads of one or more battery cells (121) of a first bank and to the negative leads of one or more battery cells (121) of a last bank. The bus bars may be welded to the positive leads of one or more battery cells (121) of the first bank and to the negative leads of one or more battery cells (121) of the last bank. The resulting voltage of the plurality of battery cells (121) of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may be output through the bus bars. The bus bars may be fixed to the insulating frame.

[0059] The integrated circuit may be mounted on an insulating frame. The positive and negative leads welded together may form nodes within the battery cell assembly (120). The integrated circuit may be configured to measure the voltages of the nodes.

[0060] The sensing bars may include a conductive material. The sensing bars may have a rod-like shape. The sensing bars may be short-circuited to the bus bars. The sensing bars may be coupled to the bus bars. The voltage of the bus bars may be measured through the sensing bars.

[0061] Each of the plurality of sensing plates may have a patch shape or a pad shape. The plurality of sensing plates may include a conductive material. The plurality of sensing plates may be short-circuited to corresponding positive and negative leads of the plurality of battery cells (121).

[0062] Each of the plurality of sensing plates can be connected to an integrated circuit. Through the plurality of sensing plates, the voltages of the plurality of nodes of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) can be measured.

[0063] The temperature sensors can be configured to measure the temperature of multiple points of the battery cell assembly (120). The temperature sensors can be arranged in the X-direction, Y-direction, and Z-direction, whereby the temperature distribution within the battery cell assembly (120) can be monitored.

[0064] The center beam (116) can extend in the X direction. The center beam (116) can overlap the center of the base plate. The center beam (116) can isolate the battery cell assemblies (120) in the Y direction. The center beam (116) can be interposed between the battery cell assemblies (120).

[0065] In this example, the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) are arranged in two rows and three columns. Accordingly, the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) can be said to be arranged in a 3 * 2 configuration. A person skilled in the art will easily arrive at a battery pack including a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) arranged in an M * N configuration based on the description herein. Here, M and N are each any integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0066] A plurality of refractory sheets (130) may be on a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). A plurality of upper covers (140) may be on a plurality of refractory sheets (130). The plurality of upper covers (140) may cover the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The plurality of refractory sheets (130) may be interposed between the plurality of upper covers (140) and the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120).

[0067] A plurality of refractory sheets (130) may correspond one-to-one with a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120), but is not limited thereto. Two or more refractory sheets (130) may cover one of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120), or one refractory sheet (130) may cover two or more battery cell assemblies (120).

[0068] Each of the plurality of upper covers (140) may include an insulating material. For example, each of the plurality of upper covers (140) may include a refractory plastic. According to other exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of upper covers (140) may include a metal such as aluminum and stainless steel.

[0069] A plurality of upper covers (140) may overlap a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) in the Z direction. The plurality of upper covers (140) may be substantially parallel to the mounting surface (111M) of the base plate (111). The plurality of upper covers (140) may be substantially perpendicular to the Z direction.

[0070] A plurality of upper covers (140) may be interposed between a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) and a lid assembly (150). The plurality of upper covers (140) may be spaced apart from the lid assembly (150) in the Z direction. The space between the plurality of upper covers (140) and the lid assembly (150) may be an exhaust path.

[0071] Each of the plurality of upper covers (140) may include a plurality of exhaust holes (140H) that expose portions of corresponding ones of the plurality of refractory sheets (130). The plurality of exhaust holes (140H) may overlap the plurality of battery cells (121) in the Z direction.

[0072] Each of the plurality of exhaust holes (140H) may be rectangular. The corners of each of the plurality of exhaust holes (140H) may have a round shape, but are not limited thereto. The length of each of the plurality of exhaust holes (140H) in the X direction may be different from the length of each of the plurality of exhaust holes (140H) in the Y direction. The length of each of the plurality of exhaust holes (140H) in the X direction may be smaller than the length of each of the plurality of exhaust holes (140H) in the Y direction.

[0073] The length of each of the plurality of exhaust holes (140H) in the Y direction may be different from the length of each of the plurality of battery cells (121) in the Y direction. The length of each of the plurality of exhaust holes (140H) in the Y direction may be shorter than the length of each of the plurality of battery cells (121) in the Y direction. Accordingly, each of the plurality of battery cells (121) may overlap with two or more (e.g., three) exhaust holes (140H) in the Z direction.

[0074] The length of each of the plurality of exhaust holes (140H) in the X direction may be different from the length of each of the plurality of battery cells (121) in the X direction. The length of each of the plurality of exhaust holes (140H) in the X direction may be longer than the length of each of the plurality of battery cells (121) in the X direction. Accordingly, the plurality of exhaust holes (140H) may overlap with portions of two or more battery cells (121) in the Z direction.

[0075] Each of the plurality of refractory sheets (130) may include a refractory material, such as mica. Each of the plurality of refractory sheets (130) may have low thermal conductivity and a high flash point.

[0076] Each of the plurality of refractory sheets (130) may include a plurality of open guides overlapping the plurality of exhaust holes (140H). Each of the plurality of open guides may have a relatively weak physical strength. The plurality of open guides may be provided by mechanically tooling a portion of the plurality of refractory sheets (130) that is to be fractured. When a thermal runaway event occurs in one of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120), the plurality of open guides overlapping the plurality of exhaust holes (140H) may be easily fractured, thereby providing an exhaust path for high-temperature gas through the plurality of exhaust holes (140H).

[0077] Here, thermal runaway of multiple battery cell assemblies (120) is a state in which temperature changes of multiple battery cell assemblies (120) further accelerate the temperature change, which is an uncontrollable positive feedback. Multiple battery cell assemblies (120) in a state of thermal runaway exhibit a rapid temperature increase and emit a large amount of high-pressure gas and combustion debris.

[0078] The plurality of upper covers (140) may include a plurality of grooves (140G). The plurality of grooves (140G) may be on an upper surface of the plurality of upper covers (140) (i.e., a surface facing the lid (150). Each of the plurality of grooves (140G) may extend in the Y direction. The depth of each of the plurality of grooves (140G) may be in a range of about 30% to about 70% of the thickness of each of the plurality of upper covers (140) in the Z direction.

[0079] The lid (150) may be coupled to the side walls (112, 113, 114, 115). The lid (150) may be fixed to the side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) by mechanical means such as bolts. The lid (150) may cover elements disposed inside the battery pack (100), such as battery cell assemblies (120) and electrical components. A gasket may be interposed between the lid (150) and the side walls (112, 113, 114, 115). The gasket may provide a liquid-tight seal to the battery pack (100).

[0080] The lead (150) may be provided, for example, through a casting process. The lead (150) may have a roughly flat shape, but may include protrusions to enhance shock and vibration resistance. The protrusions of the lead (150) may also be used as a guide for communication within the battery pack (100).

[0081] A plurality of spacers (160) may contact corresponding ones of the leads (150) and the upper covers (140). The plurality of spacers (160) may be arranged in a matrix. The plurality of spacers (160) may be arranged in the X direction.

[0082] The plurality of spacers (160) may be on the center of a corresponding one of the plurality of upper covers (140) in the X direction. Some of the plurality of spacers (160) may be on the edge of a corresponding one of the plurality of upper covers (140) in the X direction. Some of the plurality of spacers (160) may overlap the side beams (125) in the Z direction, thereby alleviating heat transfer between adjacent battery cell assemblies (120) in the X direction.

[0083] Each of the plurality of spacers (160) may include a body (160B) having a roughly square pillar shape and a tongue (160T) protruding from the body (160B). The tongue (160T) of each of the plurality of spacers (160) may protrude toward the plurality of upper covers (140). The tongue (160T) of each of the plurality of spacers (160) may extend in the Y direction. Each of the plurality of spacers (160) may be solid.

[0084] A plurality of spacers (160) may be inserted into a plurality of upper covers (140). The plurality of spacers (160) may be partially inserted into the plurality of upper covers (140). The tongue (160T) of each of the plurality of spacers (160) may be inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of grooves (140G). The tongues (160T) of the plurality of spacers (160) and the grooves (140G) may have complementary shapes. The height of the tongue (160T) of each of the plurality of spacers (160) and the depth of the corresponding one of the plurality of grooves (140G) may be substantially the same, but are not limited thereto.

[0085] A plurality of spacers (160) may be arranged in the Y direction. The length of each of the plurality of spacers (160) in the Y direction may be different from the length of each of the plurality of spacers (160) in the X direction. The length of each of the plurality of spacers (160) in the Y direction may be greater than the length of each of the plurality of spacers (160) in the X direction. The length of each of the plurality of spacers (160) in the Y direction may be different from the length of each of the plurality of spacers (160) in the Z direction. The length of each of the plurality of spacers (160) in the Y direction may be greater than the length of each of the plurality of spacers (160) in the Z direction.

[0086] The length of each of the plurality of spacers (160) in the Y direction may be different from the length of each of the plurality of battery cells (121) in the Y direction. The length of each of the plurality of spacers (160) in the Y direction may be shorter than the length of each of the plurality of battery cells (121) in the Y direction, and thus, in this example, some of the battery cells (121) may overlap with three spacers (150S) in the Z direction. According to exemplary embodiments, since the spacers (150S) arranged in the Y direction are spaced apart from each other and there is an empty space between them, the plurality of spacers (160) may be prevented from blocking the exhaust path.

[0087] According to exemplary embodiments, the length in the Z direction of each of the plurality of spacers (160) may be substantially equal to the distance in the Z direction between the lead (150) and the upper cover (140). According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of spacers (160) may contact each of the lead (150) and the upper covers (140).

[0088] Each of the plurality of spacers (160) may be staggered with the exhaust holes (140H) of the upper covers (140). Each of the plurality of spacers (160) may not overlap with the exhaust holes (140H) of the upper covers (140) in the Z direction, and thus, the battery pack (100) may have high exhaust efficiency. Each of the plurality of spacers (160) may be interposed between adjacent ones of the exhaust holes (140H) of the upper covers (140). Each of the plurality of spacers (160) may not cover the exhaust holes (140H). The length of each of the plurality of spacers (160) in the X direction may be different from the distance in the X direction between adjacent ones of the plurality of exhaust holes (140H). The length in the X direction of each of the plurality of spacers (160) may be smaller than the distance in the X direction between adjacent ones of the plurality of exhaust holes (140H).

[0089] Each of the plurality of spacers (160) can maintain a gap between the upper cover (140) and the lid (150) in a thermal runaway event. Accordingly, the upper cover (140) can be prevented from being deformed in a thermal runaway event, thereby preventing the exhaust path of the battery pack (100) from being blocked, and the safety of the battery pack (100) can be improved.

[0090] The battery pack (100) may further include electrical components. The electrical components may include any electronic components necessary to operate the battery pack. The electrical components may be located on an electrical component mounting area (EMR). The electrical component mounting area (EMR) may be the space between the side wall (114) and the supporting beam (117).

[0091] The electrical components may include, for example, a Battery Management System (BMS). The BMS may be configured to monitor, balance, and control the battery pack. Monitoring of the battery pack (100) may include measuring voltage and current of specific nodes within a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) 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.

[0092] Balancing of a battery pack (100) is an operation that reduces the deviation between multiple battery cell assemblies (120). Control of the battery pack (100) includes preventing 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 multiple battery cell assemblies (120).

[0093] The electrical components may further include a cooling device, a PRA (Power Relay Assembly), a safety plug, etc. The cooling device may include a cooling fan. The cooling fan may prevent overheating of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) 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) 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.

[0094] The battery pack (100) may further include a plurality of exhaust devices. The plurality of exhaust devices may be installed in the lid assembly (150) and one of the side walls (112, 113, 114, 115). The plurality of exhaust devices may provide a path for discharging high-temperature gases inside the battery pack (100) to the outside when a thermal runaway event occurs in some of the battery cell assemblies (120). Accordingly, thermal propagation may be delayed, and the stability of the battery pack (100) may be improved.

[0095]

[0096] (Example 2)

[0097] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery pack (101) according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0098] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a spacer (161) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a battery pack (101) may include a pack housing (110), a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120), a plurality of refractory sheets (130), a plurality of upper covers (140) and a lid (150), and a plurality of spacers (161). The battery pack (101) is the final form of a battery system mounted on mobility, etc.

[0100] The pack housing (110), the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120), the plurality of refractory sheets (130), the plurality of upper covers (140) and the lid (150) are substantially the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, so a duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

[0101] According to exemplary embodiments, the plurality of spacers (161) may include cavities (161C) extending in the Y direction. The plurality of spacers (161) are substantially the same as the plurality of spacers (160) of FIG. 2, except that they are hollow. According to exemplary embodiments, the battery pack (101) includes the plurality of hollow spacers (161), so that the energy density of the battery pack (101) can be increased.

[0102]

[0103] (Example 3)

[0104] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery pack (102) according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0105] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a spacer (162) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a battery pack (102) may include a pack housing (110), a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120), a plurality of refractory sheets (130), a plurality of upper covers (140) and a lid (151), and a plurality of spacers (162). The battery pack (101) is the final form of a battery system mounted on a mobility device, etc.

[0107] The pack housing (110), the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120), the plurality of refractory sheets (130) and the plurality of upper covers (140) are substantially the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, so a duplicate description thereof is omitted.

[0108] The lead (151) may include a plurality of grooves (151G). The plurality of grooves (151G) may be on the lower surface of the lead (151) (i.e., the surface facing the plurality of upper covers (140). Each of the plurality of grooves (151G) may extend in the Y direction. The lead (151) is substantially the same as the lead (150) of FIG. 2, except that it includes the plurality of grooves (151G).

[0109] Each of the plurality of spacers (162) may include a body (162B) having a roughly square pillar shape and first and second tongues (162T1, 162T2) protruding from the body (162B). The body (162B) and the first tongue (162T1) are substantially identical to the body (160B) and the tongue (160T) of FIG. 3.

[0110] The second tongue (162T2) of each of the plurality of spacers (162) may protrude toward the lead (151). The second tongue (162T2) of each of the plurality of spacers (162) may extend in the Y direction.

[0111] A plurality of spacers (162) can be inserted into the lead (151). The plurality of spacers (162) can be partially inserted into the lead (151). The second tongue (162T2) of each of the plurality of spacers (162) can be inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of grooves (151G). The second tongues (162T2) of the plurality of spacers (162) and the plurality of grooves (151G) can have complementary shapes. The height of the second tongue (162T2) of each of the plurality of spacers (162) and the depth of the corresponding one of the plurality of grooves (151G) may be substantially the same, but are not limited thereto.

[0112]

[0113] (Example 4)

[0114] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery pack (103) according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 8, a battery pack (103) may include a pack housing (110), a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120), a plurality of refractory sheets (130), a plurality of upper covers (141) and a lid (150), and a plurality of spacers (163). The battery pack (101) is the final form of a battery system mounted on a mobility device, etc.

[0116] The pack housing (110), the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120), the plurality of refractory sheets (130) and the lead (150) are substantially the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, so a duplicate description thereof is omitted.

[0117] In this example, each of the plurality of spacers (163) may have a cylindrical rod shape. According to exemplary embodiments, the plurality of spacers (163) may not include a tongue. The description of the dimensions and arrangement of the plurality of spacers (160, see FIG. 2) may apply to the plurality of spacers (163), excluding the cross-sectional shape.

[0118] The plurality of upper covers (141) may include a plurality of round-shaped grooves (141G). The plurality of grooves (141G) may have a shape complementary to the plurality of spacers (163). The plurality of spacers (163) may be partially inserted into the plurality of grooves (141G).

[0119]

[0120] 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 comprising a base plate and side walls perpendicular to the base plate; A lead on the side wall of the pack housing; A battery cell assembly on the base plate of the pack housing, wherein the battery cell assembly includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction parallel to the mounting surface of the base plate and an upper cover covering the plurality of battery cells; and Including a plurality of spacers between the lead and the upper cover, A battery pack, characterized in that each of the plurality of spacers is inserted into the upper cover.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery pack, characterized in that each of the plurality of spacers includes a body having a square pillar shape extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and a first tongue protruding from the body toward the upper cover.

3. In paragraph 2, A battery pack characterized in that the upper cover includes a plurality of grooves overlapping the plurality of spacers.

4. In paragraph 3, A battery pack, characterized in that the first tongues of the plurality of spacers are inserted into the plurality of grooves.

5. In paragraph 2, A battery pack, wherein each of the plurality of spacers includes a second tongue protruding from the body toward the lead.

6. In paragraph 5, A battery pack characterized in that the lead includes a plurality of grooves overlapping the plurality of spacers.

7. In paragraph 6, A battery pack, characterized in that the second tongues of the plurality of spacers are inserted into the plurality of grooves.

8. In paragraph 1, A battery pack, characterized in that each of the plurality of spacers has a cylindrical shape.

9. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the plurality of spacers are interposed between the lead and the upper cover.

10. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the plurality of spacers are in contact with the lead and the upper cover.

11. In paragraph 1, A battery pack, characterized in that the plurality of spacers are arranged in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the mounting surface.

12. In paragraph 11, A battery pack, characterized in that the length of each of the plurality of spacers in the second direction is shorter than the length of each of the plurality of battery cells in the second direction.

13. In paragraph 1, The upper cover includes a plurality of exhaust holes, and A battery pack characterized in that the plurality of spacers are interposed between the plurality of exhaust holes in the first direction.

14. In paragraph 13, A battery pack, characterized in that the length of each of the plurality of spacers in the first direction is smaller than the length between adjacent ones of the plurality of exhaust holes in the first direction.

15. In paragraph 1, A battery pack, wherein each of the plurality of spacers is solid.

16. In paragraph 1, A battery pack, wherein each of the plurality of spacers is hollow.

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