Battery pack and vehicle comprising same

The battery pack design addresses heat transfer and rigidity issues by using resin and foam layers with specific thickness ratios, along with cooling tubes and support members, achieving improved thermal management and structural integrity.

WO2025249681A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-12-04LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/KR2024/021179
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-12-10
Filing Date
2024-12-26
Publication Date
2025-12-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing battery packs face issues with heat transfer and rigidity due to empty spaces, which can compromise their structural integrity and thermal management.

Method used

A battery pack design that includes a resin layer and a foam layer to fill empty spaces, with specific thickness ratios and arrangements to prevent heat transfer and enhance rigidity, combined with cooling tubes and support members for additional thermal management and structural support.

Benefits of technology

The design effectively prevents heat transfer and ensures rigidity, improving thermal management and structural integrity while enhancing earthquake resistance and impact resistance.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure KR2024021179_04122025_PF_FP_ABST
    Figure KR2024021179_04122025_PF_FP_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a pack housing that accommodates the battery cells; and a filling part that fills the spaces between the battery cells within the pack housing. In addition, the filling part includes a resin layer and a foam layer. The battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention has the effect of preventing heat transfer and securing rigidity by including the filling part including the resin layer and the foam layer in the empty spaces within the pack.
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Description

Battery pack and vehicle including same

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack, and more particularly, to a battery pack capable of preventing heat transfer between cells within the pack and ensuring rigidity.

[0002] Secondary batteries, unlike primary batteries that cannot be recharged, are batteries that can be charged and discharged. They are used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that are driven by electrical power sources.

[0003] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, i.e., unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5 V to 4.6 V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Furthermore, depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be set in various ways depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0004] When configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series / parallel, it is common to first configure a battery pack comprising at least one battery cell, preferably multiple battery cells, and then use at least one such battery pack and add other components to configure the battery pack. Here, a battery pack refers to a component in which multiple battery cells are connected in series or parallel, and a battery pack refers to a component in which multiple battery packs are connected in series or parallel to increase capacity and output, etc.

[0005] A battery pack or battery pack is structured to house a number of battery cells within a case. If there is empty space within the case, it may be detrimental to the rigidity of the pack or the entire pack and to heat transfer.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a battery pack capable of preventing heat transfer and securing rigidity, and an automobile including the same.

[0007] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including a plurality of battery cells; a pack housing that accommodates the battery cells; and a filling part that fills a space between the battery cells within the pack housing.

[0008] Additionally, the filling portion includes a resin layer and a foam layer.

[0009] Additionally, the resin layer includes a first resin layer and a second resin layer, and the foam layer is disposed between the first resin layer and the second resin layer.

[0010] Additionally, the battery pack further includes a lower plate, wherein the battery cells are arranged on the lower plate.

[0011] Additionally, the pack housing includes a bottom frame, the lower plate is spaced apart from the upper side of the bottom frame, and further includes a venting space between the bottom frame and the lower plate.

[0012] Additionally, the resin layer includes silicone resin.

[0013] Additionally, the foam layer is made of urethane foam or polyurethane foam.

[0014] Additionally, the pack housing further includes two side walls disposed within the pack housing, and the battery cell is disposed between the two side walls.

[0015] Additionally, the thickness of the foam layer may be 2 to 4 times that of the first resin layer.

[0016] Additionally, the thickness of the second resin layer may be 0.5 to 1.5 times that of the first resin layer.

[0017] Additionally, the resin layer is placed on the upper side of the foam layer.

[0018] Additionally, the thickness of the resin layer may be 0.3 to 0.8 times that of the foam layer.

[0019] Additionally, the battery cell may be a cylindrical cell.

[0020] Additionally, the battery cells are arranged in multiple rows, and cooling tubes through which coolant flows are arranged between two adjacent rows of the battery cells.

[0021] Additionally, the battery cells form a plurality of rows, and a support member that supports the battery cells is arranged between two adjacent rows of the battery cells.

[0022] Therefore, the battery pack and vehicle according to the present invention have the effect of preventing heat transfer and securing rigidity by filling the empty space within the battery pack with resin and foam.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of Figure 1.

[0025] Figure 3 is a detailed drawing of a part of the top frame in Figure 1,

[0026] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a cylindrical battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the battery cell in Figure 4,

[0028] Figure 6 is a plan view of a battery pack in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a partial plan view showing a battery cell housed in a battery pack in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 9 is a partial detailed view of Figure 8.

[0032] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 11 is a partial detailed view of Figure 10.

[0034] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating an electric vehicle equipped with a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Accordingly, in some embodiments, well-known process steps, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not specifically described to avoid ambiguity in the interpretation of the present invention. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0036] In order to clearly represent multiple layers and regions in the drawings, the thickness may be enlarged. Similar parts are designated by the same drawing reference numerals throughout the specification. When an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "over" another element, this includes not only the case where it is "directly over" that element but also the case where there are other elements in between. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly over" another element, this means that there are no other elements in between. Furthermore, when an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "under" another element, this includes not only the case where it is "directly under" that element but also the case where there are other elements in between. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly under" another element, this means that there are no other elements in between.

[0037] The structure of a battery pack (1000) according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a portion of a top frame in FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a cylindrical battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the battery cell in FIG. 4.

[0039] A battery pack (1000) may include a plurality of battery cells (100), a pack housing (200), a plurality of busbars (300), and may additionally include a sensing plate (400) connected to the busbars (300) and configured to sense the voltage of each cell (100).

[0040] The battery cell (100) may be a cylindrical battery cell (100) in which an electrode assembly (110) is built into a metal can.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a cylindrical battery cell (100) may include a jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (110) and a battery case (120) for accommodating the electrode assembly (110). An upper insulating member (150) may be placed on the upper side of the electrode assembly (110), and a lower insulating member (160) may be placed on the lower side of the electrode assembly (110).

[0042] The electrode assembly (110) has a jelly roll-shaped structure in which a first electrode (111), a second electrode (113), and a separator (112) are interposed between them and wound, and a center pin (140) can be inserted into the center thereof.

[0043] A cylindrical battery cell (100) can be formed by housing an electrode assembly (110) in a battery case (120), injecting an electrolyte into the battery case (120), and then joining a cap assembly (130) to the top of the battery case (120). The battery case (120) is cylindrical, and a jelly-roll-shaped electrode assembly (110) can be housed in the cylindrical battery case (120) to implement a cylindrical secondary battery.

[0044] The battery case (120) may include a beading portion (122) and a crimping portion (123).

[0045] The above beading portion (122) is for stable bonding of the cap assembly (130), and may be formed along the circumferential direction on the upper portion of the outer surface of the battery case (120), or may be formed by recessing in the center direction of the electrode assembly (110) on the outer surface of the battery case (120). The beading portion (122) may prevent movement of the electrode assembly (110).

[0046] The crimping portion (123) may be positioned on top of the beading portion (122) and formed to wrap around the edge portion of the cap assembly (130) along the circumferential direction. The crimping portion (123) may facilitate stable bonding of the cap assembly (130).

[0047] The cap assembly (130) may include a top cap (131) forming an electrode terminal, a cap plate (132) to which a first electrode tab extending upward from the electrode assembly (110) is connected, and a gasket (133) for maintaining confidentiality.

[0048] The top cap (131) can form a positive terminal. A gasket (133) can be mounted on the upper inner surface of the clamping portion (123) and the beading portion (122) to increase the sealing force between the cap assembly (130) and the battery case (120).

[0049] The first electrode tab (111c) may extend upward from the electrode assembly (110). Specifically, it may extend from the first electrode (111) of the electrode assembly (110). The first electrode tab (111c) may be a positive electrode tab.

[0050] This first electrode tab (111c) is connected to the cap plate (132), so that the upper cap (131) can function as an electrode terminal (positive terminal). An opening (151) is formed in the upper insulating member (150), and the positive tab can pass through the opening (151) and be connected to the cap plate (132).

[0051] The center pin (140) typically comprises a metal material to impart a certain strength and is formed into a cylindrical structure formed by bending a plate. In addition to self-heating, the center pin (140) can also fix and support the electrode assembly (110) and function as a passage for releasing gases generated by internal reactions during charging, discharging, and operation.

[0052] The electrolyte injected into the battery case (120) may be a non-aqueous electrolyte containing a lithium salt, and the non-aqueous electrolyte containing a lithium salt is composed of a non-aqueous electrolyte and a lithium salt. Non-aqueous electrolytes include, but are not limited to, non-aqueous organic solvents, organic solid electrolytes, and inorganic solid electrolytes.

[0053] The upper cap (131) on the upper part of the battery case (120) is connected to the positive tab of the electrode assembly (110) and can function as a positive terminal, and the battery case (120) is connected to the negative tab of the electrode assembly (110) and can function as a negative terminal.

[0054] Cylindrical battery cells (100) can be inserted and placed in a pack housing (200), and the cylindrical battery cells (100) can be connected in series and / or in parallel with each other by being wire-bonded to bus bars (300) in a predetermined pattern.

[0055] Meanwhile, the present invention should not necessarily be interpreted as being limited to a battery pack (1000) using a cylindrical battery cell (100). For example, a battery pack (1000) according to the present invention may be configured using a can-shaped battery cell having a rectangular parallelepiped shape or other shapes other than a cylindrical shape.

[0056] The pack housing (200) is a structure for accommodating and fixing battery cells (100) inside and protecting the battery cells (100) from external shock or vibration, and in the case of the present embodiment, may be configured to include a bottom frame (220) and a top frame (210).

[0057] The bottom frame (220) may be formed in a square box shape, and battery cells (100) may be accommodated inside the outer rim of the bottom frame (220). The battery cells (100) may be arranged such that the top cap (131) faces upward and the bottom of the battery case (120) faces downward.

[0058] The bottom frame (220) can be firmly connected to the top frame (210) by a hook fastening and a long bolt (not shown).

[0059] The top frame (210) covers the upper area of ​​the battery cells (100) and can be configured to be mutually coupled with the bottom frame (220).

[0060] For example, the top frame (210) may be configured so that the upper area of ​​all battery cells (10) accommodated in the bottom frame (220) is covered by the top frame (21).

[0061] In addition, the top frame (210) may include an upper portion covering the upper portion of all battery cells (100) and four side portions forming a wall surrounding the outer portion of all battery cells (100) together with the bottom frame (220), and the upper portion of the top frame (210) may be provided with a plurality of holes (210a) and mounting grooves (210b) as illustrated in FIG. 3. A side plate (230) may be coupled to the side portion of the top frame (210).

[0062] The above holes (210a) may be configured to partially perforate the top frame (210) so that the top cap (131) of the battery cells (100) or the top of the battery case (120) can be partially exposed to the outside.

[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 3, battery cells (100) may be configured to form multiple rows in the X-axis or Y-axis direction of the pack housing (200) in the bottom frame (220), and when such battery cells (100) are covered with the top frame (210), the top cap (131) of each battery cell (100) or the top of the battery case (120) may be configured to be exposed to the outside.

[0064] These holes (210a) are used as passages to connect the battery cells (100) located inside the pack housing (200) to the bus bars (300) located outside the pack housing (200) with metal wires. For example, the bus bar (300) may be connected to the top of the top cap (131) or the battery case (120) exposed through the holes (210a) with a metal wire. For example, a wire bonding method may be employed in which one end of the metal wire is ultrasonically welded to the top of the top cap (131) or the battery case (120) and the other end of the metal wire is ultrasonically welded to the bus bar (300).

[0065] The above-mentioned mounting grooves (210b) are places where the bus bar (300) is mounted and fixed, and can extend along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the pack housing (200) and can be provided at predetermined intervals along the width direction (X-axis direction) of the pack housing (200). A bus bar (300), which is a straight metal conductor with the same left-right width, can be placed in each of these mounting grooves (210b).

[0066] The above bus bar (300) has a width approximately equal to that of the mounting groove (210b), so that flow can be prevented in the width direction (X-axis direction).

[0067] In addition, a pin or pillar protruding (in the Z-axis direction) may be provided on the surface of the mounting groove (210b), and a pin hole into which the pin of the mounting groove (210b) is inserted may be arranged in the bus bar (300). Accordingly, the pin of the mounting groove (210b) may be inserted into the pin hole of the bus bar (300) to prevent flow.

[0068] These bus bars (300) can be attached to the mounting groove (210b) of the top frame (210) using an adhesive such as glue.

[0069] Figures 6 and 7 are drawings illustrating a battery pack (1000) in another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a plan view of a battery pack in another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 7 is a partial plan view showing a battery cell housed in a battery pack in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] In another embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack (1000) may include a plurality of battery cells (100) and a pack housing (200), and may further include a coolant moving pipe (275) through which a coolant for cooling the battery cells (100) moves.

[0071] Battery cells (100) can be accommodated within the pack housing (200), and the pack housing (200) can be a structure for protecting the battery cells (100) from external impact or vibration. The pack housing (200) can include a bottom frame (220), a side wall (215), and a top frame (210).

[0072] The bottom frame (220) may be positioned at the bottom of the pack housing (200) and may be formed, for example, in the shape of a square plate. The bottom frame (220) may be positioned at the bottom of the battery cells (100). The battery cells (100) may be positioned such that the top cap (131) faces upward and the bottom of the battery case (120) faces downward.

[0073] The side wall (215) can be arranged along the circumference of the bottom frame (210) at the edge of the bottom frame (220).

[0074] The top frame (210) can cover the upper area of ​​the battery cells (100) and can be configured to be mutually coupled with the bottom frame (220).

[0075] A plurality of battery cells (100) can be arranged to form a battery cell assembly (10) within the pack housing (200).

[0076] A battery cell assembly (10) may include a plurality of battery cells (100). In the present embodiment, a plurality of battery cell assemblies (10) may be arranged within a pack housing (200), and FIG. 6 illustrates an example in which two battery cell assemblies (10) are arranged within a pack housing (200).

[0077] The battery cell assembly (10) may be placed on the lower plate (250). In addition, both side walls (260) may be placed on both sides of the battery cell assembly (10). The both side walls (260) may be placed to face both edges of the lower plate (250). The side walls (260) may extend along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell assembly (10) and may be coupled to the pack housing (200).

[0078] Accordingly, the battery cell assembly (10) can be placed on the lower plate (250) between the two side walls (260), and the lower plate (250), the two side walls (260), and the plurality of battery cells (100) can form one battery cell assembly (10) as a set. In addition, a filling part (500) can be placed between the two side walls (260) forming one battery cell assembly (10).

[0079] The lower plate (250) can be placed at a predetermined distance from the bottom frame (220) of the pack housing (200).

[0080] The bottom frame (220) may include a plurality of convex portions (221) that are formed convexly upward. The convex portions (221) may be formed integrally by convexly bending the entire thickness of the bottom frame (220) upward.

[0081] The lower plate (250) can be mounted on a plurality of convex portions (221), and a venting space (S) can be formed between the bottom frame (220) and the lower plate (250). Accordingly, by forming a venting space between the lower plate (250) and the bottom frame (220), gas can move and be discharged through the venting space (S) in the event of a fire.

[0082] The lower plate (250) may be formed in a roughly rectangular shape, and a plurality of battery cells (100) may be arranged in a plurality of rows on the square-shaped lower plate (250) as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0083] In FIGS. 6 and 7, the battery cells (100) of the first row can be arranged from left to right along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) just below the side wall (260) (in the drawing). In addition, the battery cells (100) of the second row can be arranged below the battery cells (100) of the first row in the drawing, and each of the battery cells (100) of the second row can be arranged between two battery cells (100) of the first row.

[0084] Additionally, a cooling tube (270) may be placed between the battery cells (100) of the first row and the battery cells (100) of the second row.

[0085] The cooling tube (270) may extend along one row of the battery cells (100) (in the Y-axis direction), and a flow path for a coolant to flow may be formed inside. The cooling tube (270) may be connected to a coolant flow pipe (275). In the present embodiment, the cooling tube (270) may be arranged between the first row and the second row of the battery cells (100) to cool the side surfaces of the battery cells (100) in the first row and the second row. In addition, the cooling tube (270) may be formed in a meandering manner along a portion of the outer surface of the battery cells (100) in the first row and a portion of the outer surface of the battery cells (100) in the second row.

[0086] The third row of battery cells (100) may be arranged below the second row of battery cells (100), and each of the third row of battery cells (100) may be arranged between two second row of battery cells (100).

[0087] And, a support member (280) can be placed between the battery cells (100) of the second row and the battery cells (100) of the third row.

[0088] The support member (280) can extend along one row of battery cells (100) (in the Y-axis direction) and can be formed in a zigzag shape as shown. The lower end of the support member (280) can be placed on the lower plate, and the upper end of the support member (280) can extend to the upper end of the battery cell (100) or the top frame (210).

[0089] The support member (280) is positioned between two rows of battery cells (100) in this manner to fix the battery cells (100) and ensure the rigidity of the battery pack (1000).

[0090] A fourth row of battery cells (100) may be arranged below a third row of battery cells (100), and a cooling tube (270) may be arranged between the third and fourth rows of battery cells (100). Between the third and fourth rows of battery cells (100), the cooling tube (270) may cool the third row of battery cells (100) through one side thereof, and may cool the fourth row of battery cells (100) through the other side thereof.

[0091] In this way, a cooling tube (270) can be placed between odd and even rows of battery cells (100), and two rows of battery cells on both sides of the cooling tube (270) are cooled through one side and the other side of the cooling tube (270).

[0092] Additionally, a support member (280) may be placed between even and odd rows of battery cells (100).

[0093] In this way, a plurality of battery cells (100) constituting the battery cell assembly (10) can be arranged between both side walls (260), and battery cells (100) of the first row, the second row, … nth row can be arranged sequentially from one side wall (260) toward the opposite side wall (260). In addition, cooling tubes (270) and support members (280) can be arranged alternately between the plurality of rows of battery cells (100).

[0094] And, in one embodiment of the present invention, a filling part (500) may be filled in the empty space between battery cells (100). As illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 11, the filling part (500) may include a resin layer (510, 530, 540) and a foam layer (520, 550), and may be formed by stacking the resin layers (510, 530, 540) and the foam layers (520, 550).

[0095] In FIGS. 8 and 9, the filling part (500) may include a first resin layer (510), a foam layer (520), and a second resin layer (530) from below between the battery cells (100).

[0096] The first resin layer (510) is disposed at the lower portion of the filling portion (500), and may be disposed on the lower plate (250) on which the battery cells (100) are mounted. The formation of the first resin layer (510) may be achieved by allowing a molten resin to flow into the space between the battery cells (100) to fill the space between the battery cells (100), and the filled resin may be hardened to form the first resin layer (510). The first resin layer (510) may be formed of, or include, a silicone resin, for example. The first resin layer (510) may also be disposed in the form of a resin pad.

[0097] The above foam layer (520) is arranged in the middle of the filling part (500) and may be arranged on the upper side of the first resin layer (510). The foam layer (520) may be made of foam, and may be made of, for example, resin foam, urethane foam, or polyurethane foam.

[0098] The thickness (T2) of the foam layer (520) may be about 2 to 4 times the thickness (T1) of the first resin layer (510), or may be about 3 times the thickness. This ratio of the foam layer (520) to the resin layer (510, 530) ensures sufficient structural rigidity of the pack while preventing heat transfer from the upper to lower sides by the resin layer (510, 530).

[0099] The foam layer (520) of urethane foam or polyurethane foam can play a significant role in securing inter-element fixation and structural rigidity of the pack as a high-hardness, rigid material. In addition, the foam layer (520) can cushion external impacts and thus improve the earthquake resistance and impact resistance of the pack (1000).

[0100] The second resin layer (530) is disposed on the upper portion of the filling portion (500) and may be disposed on the upper side of the foam layer (520). The formation of the second resin layer (530) may be similar to the first resin layer (510). That is, the molten resin may flow from the foam layer (520) into the space between the battery cells (100) to fill the space between the battery cells (100), and the filled resin may be hardened to form the second resin layer (530). The second resin layer (530) may be made of, or include, silicone resin, for example. The second resin layer (530) may be disposed in the form of a resin pad. The upper end of the second resin layer (530) may be in contact with the lower surface of the top frame (210).

[0101] The thickness (T3) of the second resin layer (530) may be about 0.5 to 1.5 times the thickness (T1) of the first resin layer (510), and may be the same as or similar to the thickness (T1) of the first resin layer (510).

[0102] The thickness ratio of the first resin layer (510), the foam layer (520), and the second resin layer (530) in the filling portion (500) may be, for example, 1:3:1.

[0103] In this embodiment, a filling part (500) is filled in the space between the battery cells (100), and the filling part (500) is formed of first and second resin layers (510, 530) having flame retardant performance and a foam layer (520) therebetween, so that thermal propagation can be prevented based on flame retardant performance, and at the same time, the rigidity of the pack can be secured.

[0104] In addition, there is a risk in the process because it is difficult to control the foaming rate when the foam layer (520) is filled to the top of the pack, but the second resin layer (530) is placed on top of the foam layer (520) to resolve the process difficulty and at the same time have the effect of protecting the upper welding part and preventing corrosion.

[0105] In addition, a first resin layer (510) is arranged at the bottom of the battery cell (100) to block flames and high-temperature particles from entering adjacent cells when cell venting occurs at the bottom, thereby preventing thermal propagation. The first resin layer (510) may also cover the bottom surface of the battery cell (100).

[0106] Since the cooling tube (270) or the support member (280) is placed between the battery cells (100), as shown, the filling part (500) can be filled not only in the space between the cells (100), but also in the space between the cooling tube (270) and the cell or between the support member (280) and the cell (100).

[0107] And the resin layer (510, 530) can increase heat dissipation efficiency.

[0108] Meanwhile, FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a filling unit (500) according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a partial detailed view of FIG. 10.

[0109] In FIGS. 10 and 11, the filling part (500) may include a foam layer (550) and a resin layer (540) from below.

[0110] In this embodiment, the foam layer (550) may be placed under the filling portion (500) and may be placed on the lower plate (250) on which the battery cell (100) is mounted. The composition of the foam layer (550) may be the same as the foam layer (520) of the above embodiment. That is, the foam layer (550) may be formed of a foamed foam, and may be formed of, for example, a urethane foamed foam or a polyurethane foamed foam.

[0111] In this embodiment, when the foam layer (550) is placed under the cell (100), it can have the effect of preventing thermal runaway by securing sufficient venting space (S) between the bottom frame (220) and the lower plate (250) while ensuring rigidity. In addition, the foam layer (550) can improve earthquake resistance and impact resistance by alleviating external impact.

[0112] The resin layer (540) may be disposed on the upper portion of the filling portion (500) and may be disposed on the upper side of the foam layer (520). The formation of the resin layer (540) may be similar to that of the first resin layer (510) or the second resin layer (530). That is, the molten resin may flow from the foam layer (550) into the space between the battery cells (100) to fill the space between the battery cells (100), and the filled resin may be hardened to form the resin layer (540). The composition of the resin layer (540) may be the same as or similar to that of the first resin layer (510) or the second resin layer (530). That is, the resin layer (540) may be made of, for example, a silicone resin and may include a silicone resin. The resin layer (540) may also be disposed in the form of a resin pad. The upper part of the resin layer (540) may be in contact with the lower surface of the top frame (210).

[0113] If the foam layer (550) fills the space between the battery cells (100) to the upper part, it is difficult to manage flatness and foaming rate, and it is difficult to sufficiently and evenly cover the upper surface of the cells (100). In the present embodiment, by arranging the resin layer (540) on top of the foam layer, this problem can be solved, and thermal propagation can be prevented based on flame retardancy.

[0114] The thickness (T5) of the resin layer (540) may be about 0.3 to 0.8 times the thickness (T4) of the foam layer (550), and may be about 2 / 3 of the thickness (T4) of the foam layer (550). In this way, since the foam layer (550) is formed thicker than the resin layer (540), there is an advantage in terms of rigidity and an advantage in terms of cost. In the present embodiment, with this ratio of the resin layer (540) and the foam layer (550), the rigidity can be secured and the thermal runaway prevention function can be stably implemented.

[0115] The thickness ratio of the resin layer (540) and the foam layer (550) in the filling section (500) may be, for example, 2:3. As another example, the resin layer (540) may be placed below and the foam layer (550) may be placed above in the filling section (500).

[0116] The thickness of the filling portion (500) may be the same as or similar to the height of the battery cell (100). That is, the thickness of the filling portion (500) may be smaller or larger than the height of the battery cell (100).

[0117] In another embodiment of the present invention, the filling part (500) also includes a resin layer (540) and a foam layer (550), which has the advantage of preventing thermal propagation based on flame retardancy and at the same time ensuring the rigidity of the pack (1000).

[0118] The battery pack (1000) may additionally include various control and protection systems, such as a BMS (Battery Management System), and the battery pack (2000) may be applied to various devices. Specifically, it may be applied to means of transportation such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles, or an ESS (Energy Storage System), but is not limited thereto and may be applied to various devices that can use secondary batteries.

[0119] Fig. 12 is a drawing illustrating an electric vehicle (V) equipped with a battery pack (1000). In the electric vehicle (V), the wheels are driven by a motor that receives power from the battery pack (1000) so that the electric vehicle can be driven.

[0120] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments as described above, it is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains within a scope that does not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

[0121] The present invention can provide a battery pack and a vehicle capable of preventing heat transfer and securing rigidity by filling a hollow space within the battery pack with resin and foam together.

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells; a pack housing accommodating the battery cells; and A filling member that fills the space between the battery cells within the pack housing; A battery pack comprising:

2. In paragraph 1, The above filling part is a battery pack including a resin layer and a foam layer.

3. In paragraph 2, The above resin layer includes a first resin layer and a second resin layer, A battery pack wherein the foam layer is disposed between the first resin layer and the second resin layer.

4. In paragraph 2, further comprising a lower plate; A battery pack in which the above battery cells are arranged on the lower plate.

5. In paragraph 4, The above pack housing includes a bottom frame, The above lower plate is spaced apart from the upper side of the bottom frame, A battery pack further comprising a venting space between the bottom frame and the lower plate.

6. In paragraph 2, A battery pack wherein the above resin layer includes silicone resin.

7. In paragraph 2, A battery pack wherein the above foam layer is made of urethane foam or polyurethane foam.

8. In paragraph 2, Further comprising two side walls disposed within the pack housing, A battery pack in which the above battery cells are placed between the two side walls.

9. In paragraph 3, A battery pack wherein the thickness of the foam layer is 2 to 4 times that of the first resin layer.

10. In paragraph 9, A battery pack wherein the thickness of the second resin layer is 0.5 to 1.5 times that of the first resin layer.

11. In paragraph 2, A battery pack in which the resin layer is placed on the upper side of the foam layer.

12. In paragraph 11, A battery pack wherein the thickness of the above resin layer is 0.3 to 0.8 times that of the above foam layer.

13. In paragraph 1, A battery pack wherein the above battery cells are cylindrical cells.

14. In paragraph 1, The above battery cells form multiple rows, A battery pack further comprising a cooling tube through which a coolant flows between two adjacent rows of battery cells.

15. In paragraph 1, The above battery cells form multiple rows, A battery pack further comprising a support member supporting the battery cells between two adjacent rows of the battery cells.

Citation Information

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