Battery cell assembly and battery pack comprising same

Abstract

According to exemplary embodiments, a battery cell assembly is provided. The battery cell assembly comprises: a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction; first and second integrated circuit assemblies spaced apart from each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, with the plurality of battery cells interposed therebetween; and a top cover assembly on the first integrated circuit assembly and the plurality of battery cells, wherein the first integrated circuit assembly includes an insulating frame for supporting a positive electrode lead or a negative electrode lead of each of the plurality of battery cells, and an integrated circuit mounted on the insulating frame, and the top cover assembly includes a fire-resistant sheet on the plurality of battery cells, a fire-resistant frame on the fire-resistant sheet, and a fire-resistant cover on the fire-resistant frame, the fire-resistant sheet including a plurality of rupture guides, and the fire-resistant frame including a plurality of exhaust holes that expose corresponding guides from among the plurality of rupture guides.

Description

Battery cell assembly and battery pack including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell assembly and a battery pack including the same. This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2024-0100397, filed July 29, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. They are widely used as a power source for various wireless devices, including handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, improved energy density and economies of scale have dramatically reduced the per-unit manufacturing cost of secondary batteries. Furthermore, as the range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to match that of fuel-powered vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0003] The technological development trend for secondary batteries for mobility is improving energy density and safety. The safety of secondary batteries for mobility is crucial, as it directly impacts the lives of passengers. Safety in secondary batteries can be achieved through mechanical robustness, reliable electrical insulation, and delayed heat transfer in the event of thermal runaway.

[0004] The technical idea of ​​the present invention aims to solve a problem by providing a battery cell assembly with improved safety and a battery pack including the same.

[0005] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a battery cell assembly is provided. The battery cell assembly includes: a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction; first and second integrated circuit assemblies spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction with the plurality of battery cells interposed therebetween; and a top cover assembly on the first integrated circuit assembly and the plurality of battery cells, wherein the first integrated circuit assembly includes an insulating frame supporting one of a positive lead and a negative lead of each of the plurality of battery cells and an integrated circuit mounted on the insulating frame, and the top cover assembly includes a refractory sheet on the plurality of battery cells, a refractory frame on the refractory sheet, and a refractory cover on the refractory frame, the refractory sheet including a plurality of break guides, and the refractory frame including a plurality of exhaust holes exposing a corresponding one of the plurality of break guides.

[0006] The above refractory cover has a curved shape.

[0007] The cross-section of the above refractory cover has a Γ shape.

[0008] The refractory cover includes a first portion overlapping the refractory frame in a third direction perpendicular to each of the first and second directions.

[0009] The above refractory cover includes a second portion overlapping the first integrated circuit assembly in the second direction.

[0010] The first integrated circuit assembly further includes first fastening devices inserted into the first integrated circuit.

[0011] Each of the above first fastening devices is an insert nut.

[0012] The above refractory frame includes fastening holes overlapping the first fastening devices.

[0013] The above refractory cover includes fastening holes overlapping the first fastening devices.

[0014] It further includes second fastening devices that penetrate the top cover assembly and are coupled to the first fastening devices.

[0015] Each of the above second fastening devices is a bolt.

[0016] Each of the second fastening devices is configured to secure the top cover assembly to the insulating frame.

[0017] The refractory frame comprises metal, and the refractory cover comprises mica.

[0018] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the top cover assembly can be secured to the insulating frame of the integrated circuit assembly by bolting. Accordingly, deformation of the refractory frame during a thermal runaway event can prevent high-temperature gases from penetrating into the battery cell assembly, thereby enhancing the safety of the battery cell assembly.

[0019] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from practicing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0022] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 2.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view including a cross-section taken along the cutting line 1I-1I' of FIG. 1.

[0024] Figure 5 shows the first fastening device.

[0025] Figure 6 shows a second fastening device.

[0026] FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0027] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0028] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0029] In addition, when describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0030] Since the embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the sizes and proportions of each component do not fully reflect the actual sizes or proportions.

[0031]

[0032] (Example 1)

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell assembly (120) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell assembly (120) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0035] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a portion (POR) of Figure 2.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a perspective view including a cross-section taken along the cutting line 1I-1I' of FIG. 1.

[0037] Figure 5 shows the first fastening device (123IN).

[0038] Figure 6 shows a second fastening device (129).

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may include a plurality of battery cells (121), a first integrated circuit assembly (123), a second integrated circuit assembly (124), an FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) assembly (127), and a top cover assembly (128).

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] Each of the plurality of battery cells (121) may include a positive lead (121P) and a negative lead (121N). The electrode assembly of each of the plurality of battery cells (121) may be connected to the positive lead (121P) and the negative lead (121N).

[0043] 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 plurality of banks may include a first bank, a last bank, and intermediate banks therebetween.

[0044] The positive leads (121P) of one or more battery cells (121) of the first bank may be short-circuited to a bus bar (123P). The positive leads (121P) of one or more battery cells (121) of the first bank may be welded to the bus bar (123P).

[0045] The negative leads (121N) of one or more battery cells (121) of the last bank may be short-circuited to a bus bar (123N). The negative leads (121N) of one or more battery cells (121) of the last bank may be welded to a bus bar (123N).

[0046] The negative leads (121N) of one or more battery cells (121) of each of the intermediate banks may be short-circuited with the positive leads (121P) of one or more battery cells (121) of a subsequent bank. The negative leads (121N) of one or more battery cells (121) of each of the intermediate banks may be welded with the positive leads (121P) of one or more battery cells (121) of a subsequent bank.

[0047] The positive leads (121P) of one or more battery cells (121) of each of the intermediate banks may be short-circuited with the negative leads (121N) of one or more battery cells (121) of a preceding bank. The positive leads (121P) of one or more battery cells (121) of each of the intermediate banks may be welded with the negative leads (121N) of one or more battery cells (121) of a preceding bank.

[0048] In FIG. 2, three battery cells (121) are illustrated as forming one bank and the battery cell assembly (120) is illustrated as including eight banks, but this is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the technical spirit of the present invention in any sense. The number of serially connected banks and the number of battery cells (121) included in multiple banks may be determined depending on the magnitude of the voltage and current to be output from the battery cell assembly (120).

[0049] A plurality of battery cells (121) may be arranged in the X direction. A plurality of pads (122) may be provided between the plurality of battery cells (121). The plurality of pads (122) may horizontally press the plurality of battery cells (121) and prevent or alleviate swelling of the plurality of battery cells (121). The plurality of pads (122) may isolate the plurality of battery cells (121) from each other. According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of pads (122) may include PU (Poly Urethane). According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of pads (122) may include a refractory material such as silicone.

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

[0051] The first integrated circuit assembly (123) and the second integrated circuit assembly (124) may be spaced apart in the Y direction with a plurality of battery cells (121) therebetween. The first integrated circuit assembly (123) and the second integrated circuit assembly (124) may be electrically connected by an FFC assembly (127). Accordingly, sensing values ​​(e.g., voltage, current, and / or temperature) of the second integrated circuit assembly (124) may be transmitted to the first integrated circuit assembly (123) via the FFC assembly (127).

[0052] The first integrated circuit assembly (123) may include an insulating frame (123F), an integrated circuit (123I), bus bars (123B), sensing plates (123S), sensing bars (123SB), first fastening devices (123IN), and wires (123Y).

[0053] The insulating frame (123F) may include an insulating material such as plastic. The insulating frame (123F) may cover the front of a plurality of battery cells (121). The insulating frame (123F) may support an integrated circuit (123I), bus bars (123P, 123N), sensing plates (123S), sensing bars (123SB), and wires (123Y).

[0054] The insulating frame (123F) may include rib structures, thereby reducing the weight of the insulating frame (123F) while providing sufficient rigidity to the insulating frame (123F). The rib structures of the insulating frame (123F) may alternate with the lead supports of the insulating frame (123F). The lead supports of the insulating frame (123F) may overlap in a direction with the positive leads (121P) of the plurality of battery cells (121) and the negative leads (121N) of the plurality of battery cells (121). Slits may be interposed between the rib structures and the lead supports. The positive leads (121P) and the negative leads (121N) may pass through the slits. As the positive leads (121P) and negative leads (121N) penetrating the slits are welded to each other, a plurality of battery cells (121) and an insulating frame (123F) can be joined to each other.

[0055] The insulating frame (123F) may include fastening holes (123FCH). First fastening devices (123IN) may be inserted into the fastening holes (123FCH). Each of the first fastening devices (123IN) may include a fastening hole (INH) including a screw thread. The fastening hole (INH) may extend in the Z direction.

[0056] The bus bars (123P, 123N) may be external connection terminals of the battery cell assembly (120). The resulting voltages of the plurality of battery cells (121) may be output through the bus bars (123P, 123N). The bus bars (123P, 123N) may be fixed to the insulating frame (123F).

[0057] An integrated circuit (123I) may be mounted on an insulating frame (123F). Positive leads (121P) and negative leads (121N) welded to each other may form nodes within a battery cell assembly (120). The integrated circuit (123I) may be configured to measure the voltages of the nodes.

[0058] The sensing bars (123SB) may include a conductive material. The sensing bars (123SB) may have a rod shape. The sensing bars (123SB) may be short-circuited to the bus bars (123P, 123N). The sensing bars (123SB) may be coupled to the bus bars (123P, 123N). Through the sensing bars (123SB), the voltage of the bus bars (123P, 123N) may be measured.

[0059] Each of the plurality of sensing plates (123S) may have a patch shape or a pad shape. The plurality of sensing plates (123S) may include a conductive material. The plurality of sensing plates (123S) may be short-circuited to corresponding ones of the positive leads (121P) and the negative leads (121N) of the plurality of battery cells (121). For example, the plurality of sensing plates (123S) may be short-circuited to the positive leads (121P) of each of the battery cells (121) of an odd-numbered bank and the negative leads (121N) of each of the battery cells (121) of an even-numbered bank.

[0060] A plurality of sensing plates (123S) may be coupled to corresponding ones of the positive lead (121P) and the negative lead (121N) of the plurality of battery cells (121). The plurality of sensing plates (123S) may be on the positive lead (121P) of a corresponding one of the plurality of battery cells (121). The plurality of sensing plates (123S) may be welded to the positive lead (121P) of a corresponding one of the plurality of battery cells (121).

[0061] Each of the plurality of sensing wires (123Y) can be connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of sensing plates (123S). Each of the plurality of sensing wires (123Y) can be connected to a first integrated circuit (123I). The plurality of sensing plates (123S) can prevent damage to the positive lead (121P) and the negative lead (121N) of each of the plurality of battery cells (121) during the connection process of the sensing wires (123Y).

[0062] The sensing bars (123SB), the plurality of sensing wires (123Y) and the plurality of sensing plates (123S) can provide a path for sensing the voltage of nodes of a circuit composed of a plurality of battery cells (121) in the first integrated circuit (123I).

[0063] The first integrated circuit assembly (123) may further include an insulating cover. The insulating cover may include an insulating material such as plastic. The insulating cover may be fitted to an insulating frame (123F). The insulating cover may cover the integrated circuit (123I), bus bars (123P, 123N), sensing plates (123S), and sensing bars (123SB), thereby protecting electrical components of the first integrated circuit assembly (123).

[0064] The second integrated circuit assembly (124) may include an insulating frame, an integrated circuit, sensing plates, temperature sensors, wiring, and an insulating cover. The second integrated circuit assembly (124) is generally similar to the first integrated circuit assembly (123), except that it does not include bus bars and sensing bars.

[0065]

[0066] The top cover assembly (128) may include a refractory sheet (123FR), a refractory frame (128F), and a refractory cover (123S). The top cover assembly (128) may be on the first integrated circuit assembly (123) and the plurality of battery cells (121). The top cover assembly (128) may cover the first integrated circuit assembly (123) and the plurality of battery cells (121). The top cover assembly (128) may overlap the first integrated circuit assembly (123) and the plurality of battery cells (121) in the Z direction. The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction may be substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0067] The refractory sheet (128FR) may have either a sheet shape or a film shape. The refractory sheet (128FR) may include a refractory material. The refractory sheet (128FR) may have a high smoke point and low thermal conductivity. The refractory sheet (128FR) may include, but is not limited to, any one of silicone, glass fiber, aramid fiber, non-combustible rubber, ceramic fiber, and inorganic fiber board.

[0068] The refractory sheet (128FR) may include a plurality of break guides (128FRG). The plurality of break guides (128FRG) may be formed by non-cutting processing of the refractory sheet (128FR), for example, using a knife or the like. Each of the plurality of break guides (128FRG) may have a weaker physical strength than other portions of the refractory sheet (128FR). Accordingly, when a thermal runaway event occurs due to the plurality of break guides (128FRG), the portion of the refractory sheet (128FR) where the plurality of break guides (128FRG) are formed may be easily broken, and high-temperature gases generated from some of the battery cells (121) may be discharged through the plurality of exhaust holes (128FH).

[0069] The refractory frame (128F) may have a roughly flat shape. The refractory frame (128F) may include a material having higher rigidity than the refractory sheet (128FR). The overall shape of the top cover assembly (128) may be maintained by the refractory frame (128F). The refractory frame (128F) may include a metal material such as aluminum and stainless steel. The refractory frame (128F) may include a plurality of exhaust holes (128FH).

[0070] Each of the plurality of exhaust holes (128FH) may overlap with a corresponding one of the plurality of fracture guides (128FRG). Each of the plurality of exhaust holes (128FH) may expose a corresponding one of the plurality of fracture guides (128FRG).

[0071] Each of the plurality of exhaust holes (128FH) may be arranged in a matrix in the X direction and the Y direction. The length of each of the plurality of exhaust holes (128FH) in the Y direction may be different from the length of each of the plurality of exhaust holes (128FH) in the X direction. The length of each of the plurality of exhaust holes (128FH) in the Y direction may be greater than the length of each of the plurality of exhaust holes (128FH) in the X direction.

[0072] The length of each of the plurality of exhaust holes (128FH) 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 (128FH) in the Y direction may be smaller than the length of each of the plurality of battery cells (121) in the Y direction. Each of the plurality of battery cells (121) may overlap two or more exhaust holes (128FH) arranged in the Y direction in the Z direction.

[0073] The length of each of the plurality of exhaust holes (128FH) 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 (128FH) in the X direction may be greater than the length of each of the plurality of battery cells (121) in the X direction. Accordingly, each of the plurality of exhaust holes (128FH) may overlap with two or more of the plurality of battery cells (121) in the Z direction.

[0074] The refractory cover (128C) may include a refractory material. The refractory cover (128C) may have high rigidity, a high flash point, low conductivity, low thermal flexibility, and low thermal conductivity. According to exemplary embodiments, the refractory cover (128C) may include any one of mica, glass fiber, aramid, ceramic fiber, gabon fiber, and inorganic fiber board.

[0075] The refractory cover (128C) may be on the refractory frame (128F). The refractory cover (128C) may extend in the X direction. The refractory cover (128C) may have a curved shape. The cross section of the refractory cover (128C) may have a Γ shape. The refractory cover (128C) may include a first portion (128CZ) and a second portion (128CY).

[0076] The first portion (128CZ) may be substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. The first portion (128CZ) may overlap the refractory frame (128F) in the Z direction. The first portion (128CZ) may overlap the insulating frame (123F) in the Z direction.

[0077] The first part (128CZ) of the refractory cover (128C) may include fastening holes (128CH). The refractory frame (128F) may include fastening holes (128FCH). Each of the fastening holes (128CH) may overlap with a corresponding one of the fastening holes (123FCH). Each of the fastening holes (128CH) may overlap with a corresponding one of the fastening holes (128FCH). Each of the fastening holes (128FCH) may overlap with a corresponding one of the fastening holes (123FCH). Each of the fastening holes (128CH) may overlap with a fastening hole (123INH) of a corresponding one of the first fastening devices (123IN). Each of the fastening holes (128CH) may overlap with a fastening hole (123INH) of a corresponding one of the first fastening devices (123IN).

[0078] Each of the second fastening devices (129) can pass through a corresponding one of the fastening holes (128CH). Each of the second fastening devices (129) can pass through a corresponding one of the fastening holes (128FCH). Each of the second fastening devices (129) can be coupled to a corresponding one of the first fastening devices (123IN). Each of the second fastening devices (129) can be a bolt.

[0079] The second fastening devices (129) may be configured to secure the top cover assembly (128) to the insulating frame (123F). According to exemplary embodiments, the top cover assembly (128) may be secured to the insulating frame (123F) by the first and second fastening devices (123IN, 129). Accordingly, even when a gas flow occurs around the battery cell assembly (120) due to a thermal runaway event, the top cover assembly (128) may be secured to the plurality of battery cells (121) and the first integrated circuit assembly (123), and the safety of the battery cell assembly (120) may be improved.

[0080] The second portion (128CY) may be substantially perpendicular to the Y direction. The second portion (128CY) may overlap with the first integrated circuit assembly (123) in the Y direction. The second portion (128CY) may overlap with the insulating frame (123F) in the Y direction.

[0081]

[0082] (Example 2)

[0083] FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 1, 4, and 7, a battery pack (100) may include a pack housing (110) and a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4, 120_5, 120_6, hereinafter referred to as 120_1 to 120_6). The battery pack (100) may be a final product mounted in an application such as a vehicle.

[0085] The pack housing (110) can provide a space for mounting a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6). The pack housing (110) can include a base plate (111), side walls (112, 113, 114, 115), and a center beam (116).

[0086] The mounting surface of the base plate (111) (i.e., the surface facing the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6)) may be substantially parallel to each of the X direction and the Y direction. The mounting surface of the base plate (111) may be substantially perpendicular to the Z direction.

[0087] The base plate (111) and the side walls (112, 113) may each be provided by an extrusion process. The extrusion direction of each of the base plate (111) and the side walls (112, 113) may be the X direction. The side walls (114, 115) may also be provided by an extrusion process. The side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) may be substantially perpendicular to the base plate (111).

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] Each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) is substantially the same as the battery cell assembly (120) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. The plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) 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_1 to 120_6). Side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) may horizontally surround the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6).

[0091] The center beam (116) may extend in the X direction. The center beam (116) may be interposed between the side walls (112, 113). The center beam (116) may be included in a center plate, which is one of a plurality of unit plates that are friction stir welded to each other. Accordingly, the center beam (116) may be formed together with the center plate, and the center beam (116) may be a continuous element integrally formed with the center plate.

[0092] The center beam (116) can extend in the X direction. The center beam (116) can isolate a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) in the Y direction. The center beam (116) can be interposed between the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6).

[0093] The first integrated circuit assembly (123) of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) may face the center beam (116). The first integrated circuit assembly (123) of the battery cell assemblies (120_1) may face the first integrated circuit assembly (123) of the battery cell assemblies (120_6). The first integrated circuit assembly (123) of the battery cell assemblies (120_2) may face the first integrated circuit assembly (123) of the battery cell assemblies (120_5). The first integrated circuit assembly (123) of the battery cell assemblies (120_3) may face the first integrated circuit assembly (123) of the battery cell assemblies (120_4).

[0094] The cover frame of the battery cell assembly of a conventional battery pack is deformed by gas generated in a thermal runaway event, and there is a problem that the thermal runaway event propagates due to the high-temperature gas penetrating through the space between the cover frame and the battery cells.

[0095] Accordingly, the risk of heat transmission between facing battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6), such as battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_6), battery cell assemblies (120_2, 120_5), and battery cell assemblies (120_3, 120_4), is relatively high.

[0096] According to exemplary embodiments, the top cover assembly (128) is secured to the first insulating frame by the first and second fastening devices (123IN, 129), and has a curved structure having a Γ-shaped cross-section, so as to cover the first integrated circuit assembly (123), and heat transmission between the facing battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) can be alleviated or prevented.

[0097] In Fig. 1, the arrangement of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) can be said to be a 3 * 2 arrangement. The arrangement of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) disclosed in Fig. 1 is a non-limiting example and does not limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention in any sense. A person skilled in the art will be able to easily arrive at a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) arranged in an M * N configuration (wherein, M and N are each integers equal to or greater than 2) based on the description herein.

[0098] TIM (Thermal Interface Material) layers may be provided between the base plate (111) of the pack housing (110) and the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6). The TIM layers may include a resin composition. The TIM layers may be provided by a thermal resin application process.

[0099] The resin composition may be a room temperature curable composition. That is, the curing reaction of the resin composition may be initiated and proceed at room temperature. The curing reaction of the resin composition may be accelerated at a temperature higher than room temperature. The curing reaction rate of the resin composition at a temperature higher than room temperature may be faster than the curing reaction rate of the resin composition at room temperature. As a non-limiting example, the subject of the resin composition may be any one of a silicone resin, a polyol resin, an epoxy resin, and an acrylic resin.

[0100] The battery pack (100) may further include leads coupled to side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) of the pack housing (110). The leads may cover elements mounted inside the battery pack (100), such as a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) and electrical components. The leads may be fixed to the pack housing (110) by mechanical coupling means, such as bolting.

[0101] The battery pack may further include exhaust devices coupled to the side walls (114, 115). Either of the side walls (114, 115) may include exhaust holes connected to the exhaust devices. The exhaust devices may be configured to delay thermal propagation by releasing high-temperature gas within the battery pack (100) to the outside when a thermal runway event occurs in the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6).

[0102] Here, thermal runaway of multiple battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) is a state in which temperature changes of multiple battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) further accelerate the temperature change, which is an uncontrollable positive feedback. Multiple battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) in a state of thermal runaway exhibit a rapid temperature increase and emit a large amount of high-pressure gas and combustion debris.

[0103] The battery pack (100) may further include a Battery Management System (BMS). The BMS may be configured to perform monitoring, balancing, and control of the battery pack (100). Monitoring of the battery pack (100) may include monitoring the voltage and current of specific nodes within a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) and monitoring the temperature distribution of set locations within the battery pack (100).

[0104] Balancing of the battery pack (100) is an operation to reduce the deviation between the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6). Control of the battery pack (100) includes preventing the occurrence of overcharge, overdischarge, and overcurrent. Through monitoring, balancing, and control, the battery pack (100) can operate under optimal conditions, thereby preventing shortening of the lifespan of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6).

[0105] The battery pack (100) may further include additional electrical components, such as a cooling device, a PRA (Power Relay Assembly), and a safety plug. The cooling device may include a cooling fan. The cooling fan may prevent overheating of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) by circulating air inside the battery pack (100). The PRA may be configured to supply or cut off power from the high-voltage battery to an external load (e.g., a vehicle motor). The PRA may protect the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) and the external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) by cutting off power supply to the external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) in a situation where an abnormal voltage, such as a voltage surge, occurs. Additional electrical components may be interposed between the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) and the side wall (115). The space between the battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) and the side wall (115) may be referred to as an electrical component mounting area.

[0106] The battery pack (100) may further include a plurality of inter-bus bars configured to electrically connect a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6). The plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1 to 120_6) may be connected in series by the plurality of inter-bus bars. Accordingly, the battery pack (100) may be configured to output a high voltage to an external load (e.g., a vehicle motor).

[0107]

[0108] 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 plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction; First and second integrated circuit assemblies spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction with the plurality of battery cells interposed therebetween; and Including the first integrated circuit assembly and the top cover assembly on the plurality of battery cells, The first integrated circuit assembly includes an insulating frame supporting one of the positive and negative leads of each of the plurality of battery cells and an integrated circuit mounted on the insulating frame, The top cover assembly includes a refractory sheet on the plurality of battery cells, a refractory frame on the refractory sheet, and a refractory cover on the refractory frame, The above refractory sheet comprises a plurality of fracture guides, and A battery cell assembly characterized in that the refractory frame includes a plurality of exhaust holes exposing corresponding ones of the plurality of fracture guides.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the above refractory cover has a curved shape.

3. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the cross-section of the above refractory cover has a Γ shape.

4. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the refractory cover includes a first portion overlapping the refractory frame in a third direction perpendicular to each of the first and second directions.

5. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the refractory cover includes a second portion overlapping the first integrated circuit assembly in the second direction.

6. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly, wherein the first integrated circuit assembly further comprises first fastening devices inserted into the first integrated circuit.

7. In paragraph 6, A battery cell assembly, wherein each of the first fastening devices is an insert nut.

8. In paragraph 6, A battery cell assembly, wherein the refractory frame includes fastening holes overlapping the first fastening devices.

9. In paragraph 6, A battery cell assembly, wherein the refractory cover includes fastening holes overlapping the first fastening devices.

10. In paragraph 6, A battery cell assembly further comprising second fastening devices penetrating the top cover assembly and coupled to the first fastening devices.

11. In paragraph 10, A battery cell assembly, wherein each of the second fastening devices is a bolt.

12. In paragraph 10, A battery cell assembly, wherein each of the second fastening devices is configured to secure the top cover assembly to the insulating frame.

13. In paragraph 1, The refractory frame comprises metal, and A battery cell assembly characterized in that the above refractory cover comprises mica.

Images