Battery pack and vehicle comprising same

Abstract

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, provided is a battery pack. The battery pack comprises: a pack housing including a base plate; a battery cell assembly, including a plurality of battery cells, on the base plate; and a lower temperature control layer between the base plate and the battery cell assembly, wherein the lower temperature control layer may include a phase change material.

Description

Battery pack and vehicle including same

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the same.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2024-0093389, filed July 16, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] 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.

[0004] The technological development trend for secondary batteries for mobility is improving energy density and safety. The safety of secondary batteries for mobility is crucial, as it directly impacts the lives of passengers. Secondary battery safety can be achieved through mechanical robustness, reliable electrical insulation, and delayed heat transfer in the event of thermal runaway.

[0005] The technical idea of ​​the present invention aims to solve a problem by providing a battery pack with improved safety.

[0006] The technical idea of ​​the present invention aims to solve a problem by providing a battery pack with improved performance and reliability.

[0007] The problem that the technical idea of ​​the present invention seeks to solve is to provide a vehicle with improved safety.

[0008] The technical idea of ​​the present invention aims to solve a problem by providing a vehicle with improved performance and reliability.

[0009] 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; a battery cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells on the base plate; and a lower temperature control layer between the base plate and the battery cell assembly, wherein the lower temperature control layer may include a phase change material.

[0010] The above lower temperature control layer may be based on negative feedback.

[0011] When the temperature of the above battery cell assembly exceeds a reference temperature, the lower temperature control layer can absorb heat.

[0012] When the temperature of the battery cell assembly is below a reference temperature, the lower temperature control layer can release heat.

[0013] The lower temperature control layer may be in contact with the battery cell assembly.

[0014] The pack housing may further include side walls on the base plate, and the lower temperature control layer may be disposed between the side walls.

[0015] The pack housing further includes a pack lead coupled to the base plate, wherein the pack lead can be spaced apart from the lower temperature control layer with the battery cell assembly interposed therebetween.

[0016] The battery cell assembly may further include an upper temperature control layer spaced apart from the lower temperature control layer.

[0017] The above lower temperature control layer is a pad placed under the battery semiconductor assembly,

[0018] The above pad may include a pad case and the phase change material packaged by the pad case.

[0019] The above pad case may comprise one selected from silicone, polyurethane, polypropylene, metal, and stainless steel.

[0020] The lower temperature control layer may include a polymer film that seals the phase change material.

[0021] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a battery pack may include a temperature control layer comprising a phase change material, thereby managing the temperature within the battery pack by absorbing or releasing heat through phase change.

[0022] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a battery pack with enhanced safety can be provided.

[0023] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a battery pack with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0024] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a vehicle may include a battery pack including a temperature regulating layer comprising a phase change material, thereby managing the temperature within the battery pack by absorbing or releasing heat by phase change.

[0025] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a vehicle with enhanced safety can be provided.

[0026] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a vehicle with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0027] 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.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments according to the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments according to the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell for explaining a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing heat movement within a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing heat movement within a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments according to the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a vehicle including a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042]

[0043] (Example 1)

[0044] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery pack (100) according to exemplary embodiments according to the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack (100) according to exemplary embodiments according to the technical concept of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a battery pack (100) according to exemplary embodiments according to the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 2 is a plan view taken along the line X-X' of FIG. 1.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery pack (100) may include a pack housing (110), a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120), and a lower temperature control layer (130). The battery pack (100) may be a final product mounted in an application such as a vehicle.

[0047] The pack housing (110) may provide a space for mounting battery cell assemblies (120). The pack housing (110) may include a base plate (111), side walls (112, 113, 114, 115), a center beam (116), and cross beams (117).

[0048] Here, the first direction (X direction) and the second direction (Y direction) may be substantially parallel to the mounting surface of the base plate (111) (i.e., the surface facing the battery cell assembly (120)), and the third direction (Z direction) may be substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface of the base plate (111).

[0049] 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 first direction (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).

[0050] 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.

[0051] The center beam (116) can extend in the first direction (X direction). The center beam (116) can be interposed between the side walls (112, 113). The center beam (116) can 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) can be formed together with the center plate, and the center beam (116) can be a continuous element integrally formed with the center plate.

[0052] The cross beams (117) can extend in the second direction (Y direction). The cross beams (117) can be interposed between the side walls (114, 115).

[0053] 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 a first direction (X direction). The plurality of cooling channels may be spaced apart in a second direction (Y direction).

[0054] A plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) 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). Side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) may horizontally surround the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) may protect the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may be arranged in a space defined by cross beams (117) on the base plate (111).

[0055] The battery cell assembly (120) may further include a plurality of battery cells (121) arranged in a first direction (X direction) and pads (122) arranged between the plurality of battery cells (121). The pads (122) are arranged between the plurality of battery cells (121) in the first direction (X direction) and may overlap the plurality of battery cells (121) in the first direction (X direction). For example, the pads (122) may be parallel to the plurality of battery cells (121).

[0056] The pad (122) can absorb the swelling of the plurality of battery cells (121). The pad (122) can include an elastic material. The pad (122) can include PU (Poly Urethane). The pad (122) can also include a fire-resistant material.

[0057] The lower temperature control layer (130) may be disposed between the base plate (111) and the battery cell assembly (120). The lower temperature control layer (130) may be disposed on the base plate (111) and may be disposed under each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The lower temperature control layer (130) may be disposed between the base plate (111) and each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The lower temperature control layer (130) may overlap the battery cell assembly (120) in the third direction (Z direction). The lower temperature control layer (130) may be attached to the base plate (111).

[0058] The lower temperature control layer (130) may be placed between the side walls (112, 113). The lower temperature control layer (130) may be placed between the side walls (114, 115). The lower temperature control layer (130) may be placed between the cross beams (117).

[0059] The battery cell assembly (120) may be in contact with the lower temperature control layer (130). The battery cells (121) may be in contact with the lower temperature control layer (130). The battery cell assembly (120) may be spaced apart from the base plate (111) with the lower temperature control layer (130) interposed therebetween.

[0060] The lower temperature control layer (130) may include a phase change material (PCM). A phase change material may refer to a material that changes phase by absorbing or releasing heat. For example, a phase change material may change phase by absorbing heat. For example, a phase change material may change phase by releasing heat.

[0061] The battery pack (100) may further include a pack lead (119) coupled to side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) of the pack housing (110). The pack lead (119) may cover elements mounted inside the battery pack (100), such as a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) and electrical components. The pack lead (119) may be fixed to the pack housing (110) by a mechanical coupling means, such as bolting. The pack lead (119) may be spaced apart from the lower temperature control layer (130) with the battery cell assembly (120) interposed therebetween.

[0062] The arrangement of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) in FIG. 2 can be referred to as a 3 * 2 arrangement. The arrangement of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) disclosed in FIG. 2 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) arranged in M ​​* N (wherein, M and N are each integers greater than or equal to 2) based on the description herein.

[0063] The battery pack (100) may further include a Battery Management System (BMS). The BMS may be configured to monitor, balance, and control the battery pack (100). Monitoring of the battery pack (100) may include measuring voltage and current of specific nodes within a plurality of battery cell assemblies (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.

[0064] 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).

[0065] 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) 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. Additional electrical components may be interposed between the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) and the sidewall (115). The space between the battery cell assemblies (120) and the sidewall (115) may also be referred to as an electrical component mounting area.

[0066] The battery pack (100) may further include a plurality of inter-busbars configured to electrically connect a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may be connected in series by the plurality of inter-busbars. Accordingly, the battery pack (100) may be configured to output a high voltage to an external load (e.g., a vehicle motor).

[0067]

[0068] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell (121) for explaining a battery pack (100) according to exemplary embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 3 together, the battery cell (121) may include a case (121C), an electrode assembly (121EA), a positive terminal (121P), and a negative terminal (121N). The battery cell (121) may further include an electrolyte.

[0070] According to exemplary embodiments, the battery cell (121) may include one of a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, and a pouch-type battery cell. The electrode assembly of the cylindrical battery cell is housed in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of the prismatic battery cell is housed in a prismatic metal can. The electrode assembly of the pouch-type battery cell is housed in a pouch case including an aluminum laminate sheet. Hereinafter, the technical idea of ​​the present invention will be described based on an example in which the battery cell (121) includes a pouch-type battery cell, but one of ordinary skill in the art will be able to easily arrive at an example in which the battery cell (121) includes one of a cylindrical battery cell and a prismatic battery cell based on the description herein.

[0071] The electrode assembly (121EA) may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The electrode assembly (121EA) may be either a jelly-roll type or a stack type. The jelly-roll type electrode assembly (121EA) may include a winding structure of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between them. The stack type electrode assembly (121EA) may include a plurality of sequentially stacked positive electrodes, a plurality of negative electrodes, and a plurality of separators interposed between them.

[0072] In the stack type electrode assembly (121EA), a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes can be arranged in a first direction (X direction). In the stack type electrode assembly (121EA), a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes can be stacked in a first direction (X direction).

[0073] Each of the plurality of anodes of the electrode assembly (121EA) may include an anode tab (not shown). The anode tab (not shown) of each of the plurality of anodes of the electrode assembly (121EA) may be short-circuited with the anode terminal (121P). The anode tab (not shown) of each of the plurality of anodes of the electrode assembly (121EA) may be welded with the anode terminal (121P).

[0074] Each of the plurality of cathodes of the electrode assembly (121EA) may include a cathode tab (121NT). The cathode tab (121NT) of each of the plurality of cathodes of the electrode assembly (121EA) may be short-circuited with the cathode terminal (121N). The cathode tab (121NT) of each of the plurality of cathodes of the electrode assembly (121EA) may be welded with the cathode terminal (121N).

[0075] The case (121C) may include an inner resin layer, a metal layer, and an outer resin layer. An adhesive and an anti-corrosion layer may further be provided between the inner resin layer and the metal layer and between the outer resin layer and the metal layer.

[0076] The inner resin layer may have heat-sealing properties and may be referred to as a sealant layer. The inner resin layer enables sealing of the case (121C). The inner resin layer may include a polyolefin-based resin, such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). The metal layer may include any one of an alloy of iron, carbon, chromium, and manganese, an alloy of iron, chromium, and nickel, and aluminum. The metal layer may be a gas barrier. The metal layer may block the ingress and egress of gas through the case (121C). The outer resin layer may be a surface protection layer. The outer resin layer may include a material having wear resistance and heat resistance, such as a nylon resin.

[0077] The case (121C) may be provided by joining a first case (121C1) and a second case (121C2). In this example, the first case (121C1) may be substantially flat. The first case (121C1) may not include a receiving portion. The second case (121C2) may include a receiving portion (121R). The receiving portion (121R) may be formed by a pouch forming process. The receiving portion (121R) is a portion of the second case (121C2) formed into a bowl shape to receive the electrode assembly (121EA).

[0078] The terrace (121T) of the second case (121C2) can surround the receiving portion (121R). The terrace (121T) of the second case (121C2) can be joined to the edge of the first case (121C1), thereby providing a case (121C). The sealing portion (121CS) can be provided by joining the first and second cases (121C1, 121C2). That is, the sealing portion (121CS) can be a joining portion of the first and second cases (121C1, 121C2).

[0079] An insulating tape (121I) may be applied on the positive terminal (121P) and the negative terminal (121N). The positive terminal (121P) and the negative terminal (121N) may protrude outside the case (121C). The positive terminal (121P) and the negative terminal (121N) may protrude in a second direction (Y direction) from the case (121C). Accordingly, the resulting voltage and current of the battery cell (121) may be output through the positive terminal (121P) and the negative terminal (121N). The positive terminal (121P) may be a positive lead. The negative terminal (121N) may be a negative lead.

[0080] The positive terminal (121P) and the negative terminal (121N) may be spaced apart in a second direction (Y direction). The second direction (Y direction) may be substantially parallel to each of the plurality of positive electrodes of the electrode assembly (121EA) and each of the plurality of negative electrodes of the electrode assembly (121EA).

[0081]

[0082] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating heat movement within a battery pack (100) according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating heat movement between a battery cell assembly (120) and a lower temperature control layer (130).

[0083] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating heat movement within a battery pack (100) according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating heat movement between a battery cell assembly (120) and a lower temperature control layer (130).

[0084] The lower temperature control layer (130) may be based on negative feedback. Specifically, when the temperature within the battery pack (100) rises, the lower temperature control layer (130) may act to lower the temperature. Conversely, when the temperature within the battery pack (100) falls, the lower temperature control layer (130) may act to raise the temperature. For example, heat may be transferred between the battery cell assembly (120) and the lower temperature control layer (130) within the battery pack (100).

[0085] Referring to FIG. 4, when the battery cell assembly (120) emits heat, the lower temperature control layer (130) can absorb the heat. For example, when the battery cell assembly (120) emits heat, the heat can be transferred to the lower temperature control layer (130) positioned adjacent thereto. As described above, the lower temperature control layer (130) can include a phase change material, and the phase change material can absorb heat and change phase. For example, the phase change material can change from a solid to a liquid or a gas, or from a liquid to a gas. As a result, the temperature inside the battery pack (100) can be lowered.

[0086] For example, when the temperature within the battery pack (100) exceeds a reference temperature, the lower temperature control layer (130) can absorb heat. For example, the lower temperature control layer (130) can absorb heat generated from the battery cell (121) to lower the temperature within the battery pack (100). The reference temperature may be a value preset for the stability of the battery pack (100). Alternatively, the reference temperature may not be a specific value, but may refer to the initial temperature within the battery pack (100).

[0087] In particular, when a thermal runaway event occurs in a battery cell (121), heat may be transferred to an adjacent battery cell (121), and the lower temperature control layer (130) may absorb the heat, thereby delaying the heat transfer.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 5, the lower temperature control layer (130) can release heat and transfer it to the battery cell assembly (120). As described above, the lower temperature control layer (130) may include a phase change material, and the phase change material can release heat and change phase. For example, the phase change material can change from a gas to a liquid or solid, or from a liquid to a solid. As a result, the temperature inside the battery pack (100) can increase.

[0089] For example, if the temperature within the battery pack (100) is below a reference temperature, the lower temperature control layer (130) can release heat. For example, the lower temperature control layer (130) can release heat to increase the temperature within the battery pack (100).

[0090]

[0091] The battery pack (100) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 is disposed below the battery cell assembly (120) and may include a lower temperature control layer (130) including a phase change material. As a result, the temperature within the battery pack (100) can be managed by absorbing or releasing heat through phase change.

[0092] According to embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, a battery pack (100) with improved safety can be provided.

[0093] According to embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, a battery pack (100) with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0094]

[0095] (Example 2)

[0096] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a battery pack (101) according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack (101) according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Below, the differences from the battery pack (100) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 will be primarily described.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 6, the battery pack (101) may include a pack housing (110), a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120), a lower temperature control layer (130), and an upper temperature control layer (140).

[0098] A plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) can be arranged on a base plate (111) of a pack housing (110).

[0099] The lower temperature control layer (130) may be disposed between the base plate (111) and the battery cell assembly (120). The lower temperature control layer (130) is disposed on the base plate (111) and may be disposed under each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The lower temperature control layer (130) may be disposed between the base plate (111) and each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The lower temperature control layer (130) may overlap the battery cell assembly (120) in a third direction (Z direction).

[0100] The battery cell assembly (120) may be in contact with the lower temperature control layer (130). The battery cells (121) may be in contact with the lower temperature control layer (130). The battery cell assembly (120) may be spaced apart from the base plate (111) with the lower temperature control layer (130) interposed therebetween.

[0101] The upper temperature control layer (140) may be disposed between the pack lead (119) and the battery cell assembly (120). The upper temperature control layer (140) may be disposed on the battery cell assembly (120). The upper temperature control layer (140) may be on the battery cell assembly (120) and may be in contact with the battery cell assembly (120).

[0102] The upper temperature control layer (140) may be disposed between the pack lead (119) and each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The upper temperature control layer (140) may overlap the battery cell assemblies (120) in a third direction (Z direction). The upper temperature control layer (140) may be disposed between the side walls (112, 113). The upper temperature control layer (140) may be disposed between the side walls (114, 115). The upper temperature control layer (140) may be disposed between the cross beams (117).

[0103] The upper temperature control layer (140) can be spaced apart from the lower temperature control layer (130) with the battery cell assembly (120) interposed therebetween. The upper temperature control layer (140) can be spaced apart from the base plate (111) with the battery cell assembly (120) and the lower temperature control layer (130) interposed therebetween.

[0104] The upper temperature control layer (140) may include a phase change material.

[0105] Similar to the description with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the upper temperature control layer (140) may be based on negative feedback. Specifically, the upper temperature control layer (140) may act to lower the temperature within the battery pack (100) when it rises. Conversely, the upper temperature control layer (140) may act to raise the temperature within the battery pack (100) when it falls. For example, heat may be transferred between the battery cell assembly (120) and the upper temperature control layer (140) within the battery pack (100).

[0106]

[0107] The battery pack (101) described with reference to FIG. 6 is disposed below and above the battery cell assembly (120), respectively, and may include a lower temperature control layer (130) and an upper temperature control layer (140) containing a phase change material. As a result, the temperature within the battery pack (101) can be managed by absorbing or releasing heat through phase change.

[0108] According to embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, a battery pack (101) with improved safety can be provided.

[0109] According to embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, a battery pack (101) with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0110]

[0111] (Example 3)

[0112] Fig. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery pack (100) according to exemplary embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Specifically, Fig. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to area A of Fig. 1, showing the lower temperature control layer (131) of the battery pack (100).

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7, the battery pack (100) may include a lower temperature control layer (131) disposed under the battery cell assembly (120).

[0114] In some embodiments, the lower temperature control layer (131) may be a pad disposed under the battery cell assembly (120). The lower temperature control layer (131) may include a pad case (131C) and a phase change material (131I). The phase change material (131I) may be packaged by the pad case (131C). The phase change material (131I) may be surrounded by the pad case (131C) and may not leak out of the pad case (131C). In particular, even if the phase of the phase change material (131I) changes by absorbing or releasing heat, it may not leak out of the pad case (131C).

[0115] For example, the pad case (131C) may include one selected from silicone, polyurethane, polypropylene, metal, and stainless steel.

[0116]

[0117] (Example 4)

[0118] Fig. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, Fig. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to area A of Fig. 1, illustrating the lower temperature control layer (132) of the battery pack (100).

[0119] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 8, the battery pack (100) may include a lower temperature control layer (132) disposed under the battery cell assembly (120).

[0120] In some embodiments, the lower temperature control layer (132) may include a laminated form of a plurality of polymer films. Specifically, the lower temperature control layer (132) may include a plurality of first films (132F1) and second films (132F2) that are alternately laminated. The first film (132F1) may be a polymer film and may be formed by alternately laminating the second film (132F2) that includes a phase change material. The first film (132F1) may not include a phase change material. In other embodiments, the first film (132F1) may include a phase change material. The second film (132F2) may be sealed to prevent the phase change material from leaking.

[0121]

[0122] (Example 5)

[0123] FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to area A of FIG. 1, illustrating the lower temperature control layer (133) of the battery pack (100).

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 9, the battery pack (100) may include a lower temperature control layer (133) disposed under the battery cell assembly (120).

[0125] In some embodiments, the lower temperature control layer (133) may include an outer layer (133OF) and an inner layer (133IF) in the form of a polymer film. Specifically, the inner layer (133IF) may be formed by including a phase change material. For example, the inner layer (133IF) may be a polymer film including a phase change material. The outer layer (133OF) may not include a phase change material and may be a layer for laminating the inner layer (133IF). The outer layer (133OF) may laminate the phase change material therebetween to prevent leakage of the phase change material.

[0126]

[0127] (Example 6)

[0128] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a vehicle (1000) including a battery pack (100) according to exemplary embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 10, a vehicle (1000) may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and may include a battery pack (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (1000) may include a four-wheeled vehicle and a two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle (1000) may operate by receiving power from the battery pack (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0130] In Fig. 10, a case in which a vehicle (1000) includes a battery pack (100) is illustrated as an example, but it is of course possible to include a battery pack (101) described with reference to Fig. 6.

[0131] As described above, the battery pack (100) may include a lower temperature control layer (130, 131, 132, 133) described with reference to FIGS. 1, 7 to 9, thereby controlling the temperature within the battery pack (100) by absorbing or releasing heat through phase change.

[0132] According to embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, a vehicle (1000) including a battery pack (100) with improved safety can be provided.

[0133] According to embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, a vehicle (1000) including a battery pack (100) with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0134] According to embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, a vehicle (1000) with enhanced safety can be provided.

[0135] According to embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, a vehicle (1000) with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0136]

[0137] The present invention has been described in more detail through the 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. Pack housing including base plate; A battery cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells on the base plate; and comprising a lower temperature control layer between the base plate and the battery cell assembly; A battery pack, characterized in that the lower temperature control layer includes a phase change material.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the lower temperature control layer is based on voice feedback.

3. In paragraph 2, A battery pack characterized in that the lower temperature control layer absorbs heat when the temperature of the battery cell assembly exceeds a reference temperature.

4. In paragraph 2, A battery pack characterized in that the lower temperature control layer releases heat when the temperature of the battery cell assembly is below a reference temperature.

5. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the lower temperature control layer is in contact with at least some of the plurality of battery cells.

6. In paragraph 1, The above pack housing further includes cross beams on the base plate, A battery pack characterized in that the lower temperature control layer is disposed between the cross beams.

7. In paragraph 1, The pack housing further includes a pack lead coupled to the base plate, A battery pack characterized in that the pack lead is spaced apart from the lower temperature control layer with the battery cell assembly interposed therebetween.

8. In paragraph 1, A battery pack further comprising an upper temperature control layer spaced apart from the lower temperature control layer with the battery cell assembly interposed therebetween.

9. In paragraph 1, The lower temperature control layer is a pad placed under the battery cell assembly, A battery pack characterized in that the pad includes a pad case and the phase change material packaged by the pad case.

10. In paragraph 9, A battery pack characterized in that the pad case comprises one selected from silicone, polyurethane, polypropylene, metal, and stainless steel.

11. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the lower temperature control layer includes a polymer film that seals the phase change material.

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