Battery pack

Abstract

According to exemplary embodiments, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack comprises: a pack housing including a base plate and a lead; a plurality of battery cell assemblies accommodated in the pack housing and including a plurality of battery cells and a plurality of spacers between the plurality of battery cells; and a coolant at least partially filling the pack housing, wherein each of the plurality of spacers includes a lower flange, an upper flange, and a body between the lower flange and the upper flange, the body includes a plurality of cooling channels extending in a first direction parallel to a mounting surface of the base plate, and the width of each of the lower flange and the upper flange in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the mounting surface is different from the width of the body in the second direction.

Description

battery pack

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack. The present application claims the benefit of Korean application No. 10-2024-0130736, filed on September 26, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as energy sources for various wireless devices such as handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, as the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has decreased dramatically due to improved energy density and economies of scale, and as the driving range of BEVs (battery electric vehicles) has increased to a level equivalent to that of fuel vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0003] The trend in the technological development of secondary batteries for mobility is the improvement of energy density and safety. The safety of secondary batteries for mobility is critical as it is directly related to the lives of passengers. The safety of secondary batteries can be achieved through mechanical robustness, the reliability of electrical insulation, and the delay of heat transfer in the event of a thermal runaway event.

[0004] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery pack having enhanced safety.

[0005] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack comprises: a pack housing including a base plate and a lid; a plurality of battery cell assemblies within the pack housing, each comprising a plurality of battery cells and a plurality of spacers between the plurality of battery cells; and a coolant that at least partially fills the pack housing, wherein each of the plurality of spacers comprises a lower flange, an upper flange, and a body between the lower flange and the upper flange, wherein the body comprises a plurality of cooling channels extending in a first direction parallel to the mounting surface of the base plate, and the width in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the mounting surface of each of the lower flange and the upper flange is different from the width in the second direction of the body.

[0006] Each of the above plurality of battery cell assemblies further includes a plurality of pads interposed between the plurality of battery cells.

[0007] Each of the above plurality of spacers is spaced apart from each of the above plurality of pads.

[0008] Each of the above plurality of pads contacts a corresponding one among the above plurality of battery cells.

[0009] Each of the above plurality of spacer pads contacts a corresponding one among the above plurality of battery cells.

[0010] The above body includes a plurality of slits extending in the first direction.

[0011] Each of the above plurality of slits is connected to a corresponding one of the above plurality of cooling channels.

[0012] The length of each of the plurality of slits in the first direction is different from the length of each of the plurality of cooling channels in the first direction.

[0013] The length of each of the plurality of slits in the first direction is shorter than the length of each of the plurality of cooling channels in the first direction.

[0014] The above coolant fills the above cooling channels.

[0015] The above coolant fills the above plurality of slits.

[0016] The height of each of the plurality of spacers in the third direction perpendicular to each of the first and second directions is different from the height of each of the plurality of battery cells in the third direction.

[0017] The height of each of the plurality of spacers in the third direction perpendicular to each of the first and second directions is greater than the height of each of the plurality of battery cells in the third direction.

[0018] The height of the third direction perpendicular to each of the first and second directions of the body is the same as the height of the third direction of each of the plurality of battery cells.

[0019] The width of the second direction of each of the upper flange and the lower flange is greater than the width of the second direction of the body.

[0020] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, each of the battery cell assemblies of a battery pack can be cooled by an immersion method. Accordingly, the cooling efficiency of the battery pack can be improved, and the safety of the battery pack can be improved.

[0021] The effects obtainable from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of 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.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0023] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 1A-1A' of Figure 1.

[0024] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 1B-1B' of Figure 1.

[0025] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 2A-2A' of Figure 2.

[0026] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 2B-2B' of Figure 2.

[0027] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 2C-2C' of Figure 2.

[0028] FIGS. 7 to 9 are cross-sectional views showing battery packs according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0029] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Instead, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best describe his invention, they should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0030] Therefore, 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; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0031] In addition, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions may obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0032] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the size or proportion of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size or proportion.

[0033]

[0034] (1st and 2nd embodiments)

[0035] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a battery pack (100) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0036] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 1A-1A' of Figure 1.

[0037] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 1B-1B' of Figure 1.

[0038] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 2A-2A' of Figure 2.

[0039] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 2B-2B' of Figure 2.

[0040] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line 2C-2C' of Figure 2.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, the battery pack (100) may include a pack housing (110), a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120), adhesive layers (131, 133), and a coolant (140).

[0042] 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) and a lead (116).

[0043] Two directions substantially parallel to the mounting surface (111M) of the base plate (111) are defined as the X direction and the Y direction. The mounting surface (111M) of the base plate (111) may face a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). A direction substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface (111M) of the base plate (111) is defined as the Z direction. Each of the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction may be substantially perpendicular to one another. Unless otherwise noted, the definitions of directions are the same for the following drawings.

[0044] Side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) can be attached to the base plate (111). Side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) can be welded to the base plate (111). Each of the side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) can be perpendicular to the base plate (111). The lead (116) can have a plate shape. The lead (116) can be attached to the side walls (112, 113, 114, 115). The lead (116) can be welded to the side walls (112, 113, 114, 115).

[0045] The side walls (112, 113) may be substantially perpendicular to the Y direction. Multiple battery cell assemblies (120) may be located between the side walls (112, 113). The side walls (114, 115) may be substantially perpendicular to the X direction. Multiple battery cell assemblies (120) may be located between the side walls (114, 115). The side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) may horizontally surround the multiple battery cell assemblies (120).

[0046] A plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may be on a base plate (111). The battery pack (100) may be of a modular type, and each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may not include a module frame. As another example, the battery pack (100) may be of a modular type, and each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may include a module frame.

[0047] Multiple battery cell assemblies (120) may be arranged in the X direction and the Y direction. In FIG. 1, the number of multiple battery cell assemblies (120) arranged in the X direction is three, and the number of multiple battery cell assemblies (120) arranged in the Y direction is two. Thus, these multiple battery cell assemblies (120) can be arranged in a 3 * 2 configuration. A person skilled in the art will be able to easily arrive at multiple battery cell assemblies (120) arranged in an M * N configuration (where M and N are each integers greater than or equal to 2) based on what is described herein.

[0048] Each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may include a plurality of battery cells (121), a plurality of pads (122), a plurality of spacers (123), a first integrated circuit assembly (124), a second integrated circuit assembly (125), and side plates (126). Each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may further include a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC) assembly connecting the first integrated circuit assembly (124) and the second integrated circuit assembly (125) to each other.

[0049] 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 may be any 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 embedded in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of the prismatic battery cell is embedded in a prismatic metal can. The electrode assembly of the pouch-type battery cell is embedded in a pouch case containing an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0050] 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. A jelly-roll type electrode assembly may include a wound structure of an anode, a cathode, and a separator interposed between them. A stack type electrode assembly may include a plurality of sequentially stacked anodes, a plurality of cathodes, and a plurality of separators interposed between them.

[0051] Multiple battery cells (121) may be arranged in the Y direction. Multiple battery cells (121) may form multiple banks. Each of the multiple banks may include one or more battery cells (121) connected in parallel. Multiple banks may be connected in series with each other. The number of series-connected banks and the number of parallel-connected battery cells (121) may be determined according to the magnitude of the voltage and current to be output from each of the battery cell assemblies (120).

[0052] A plurality of battery cells (121) may be interposed between a plurality of pads (122). The plurality of pads (122) may be arranged in the Y direction. Each of the plurality of pads (122) may come into contact with a corresponding one of the plurality of battery cells (121). The plurality of pads (122) may include a compressible material, such as polyurethane, and thus can absorb swelling of the plurality of battery cells (121).

[0053] A plurality of spacers (123) may be arranged in the Y direction. A plurality of spacers (123) may be interposed between a plurality of battery cells (121). Each of the plurality of spacers (123) may be in contact with a corresponding one of the plurality of battery cells (121). Each of the plurality of spacers (123) may comprise a material having high rigidity, such as plastic or aluminum, but is not limited thereto. The cross-section of each of the plurality of spacers (123) may have a shape of any one of a dogbone, an H, and a dumbbell.

[0054] Between two adjacent of the plurality of battery cells (121), there may be one of the plurality of pads (122) or one of the plurality of spacers (123). Between two adjacent of the plurality of pads (122), there may be two of the plurality of battery cells (121) and one of the plurality of spacers (123). Between two adjacent of the plurality of spacers (123), there may be two of the plurality of battery cells (121) and one of the plurality of pads (122).

[0055] Each of the plurality of spacers (123) may be spaced apart from each of the plurality of pads (122). Each of the plurality of spacers (123) may not be in contact with the plurality of pads (122). A first surface of each of the plurality of battery cells (121) (e.g., a surface substantially perpendicular to the Y direction) may be in contact with one of the plurality of spacers (123), and a second surface of each of the plurality of battery cells (121) (e.g., a surface substantially perpendicular to the Y direction and opposite to the first surface) may be in contact with one of the plurality of pads (122).

[0056] The height in the Z direction of each of the plurality of spacers (123) may differ from the height in the Z direction of each of the plurality of battery cells (121). The height in the Z direction of each of the plurality of spacers (123) may be greater than the height in the Z direction of each of the plurality of battery cells (121). Accordingly, the lower part of each of the plurality of battery cells (121) is spaced apart from the base plate (111), and the upper part of each of the plurality of battery cells (121) is spaced apart from the lead (116), so that the upper and lower parts of each of the plurality of battery cells (121) can be cooled by the coolant (140).

[0057] The height in the Z direction of each of the multiple spacers (123) may differ from the height in the Z direction of each of the multiple pads (122). The height in the Z direction of each of the multiple spacers (123) may be greater than the height in the Z direction of each of the multiple pads (122).

[0058] Each of the plurality of spacers (123) may include a lower flange (123L), an upper flange (123U), and a body (123B). The body (123B) may be located between the lower flange (123L) and the upper flange (123U). The body (123B) may be connected to each of the lower flange (123L) and the upper flange (123U).

[0059] The width of the lower flange (123L) in the Y direction may differ from the width of the body (123B) in the Y direction. The width of the lower flange (123L) in the Y direction may be greater than the width of the body (123B) in the Y direction.

[0060] The width of the upper flange (123U) in the Y direction may differ from the width of the body (123B) in the Y direction. The width of the upper flange (123U) in the Y direction may be greater than the width of the body (123B) in the Y direction.

[0061] The Y-direction protrusion width of the lower flange (123L) relative to the body (123B) may be smaller than the Y-direction width of each of the plurality of battery cells (121). Accordingly, the lower flange (123L) may partially overlap with the corresponding one of the plurality of battery cells (121) in the Z-direction. The lower portion of each of the plurality of battery cells (121) may be exposed without being covered by the lower flange (123L) at least partially.

[0062] The Y-direction protrusion width of the upper flange (123U) relative to the body (123B) may be smaller than the Y-direction width of each of the plurality of battery cells (121). Accordingly, the upper flange (123U) may partially overlap with the corresponding one of the plurality of battery cells (121) in the Z-direction. The upper portion of each of the plurality of battery cells (121) may be exposed without being covered by the upper flange (123U) at least partially.

[0063] The height of the body (123B) in the Z direction may be substantially the same as the height of each of the plurality of battery cells (121) in the Z direction. The height of the body (123B) in the Z direction may be substantially the same as the height of each of the plurality of pads (122) in the Z direction.

[0064] Each of the plurality of spacers (123) may include a first groove (123G1) defined by a first surface (123F1) of the lower flange (123L), upper flange (123U), and body (123B), and a second groove (123G2) defined by a second surface (123F2) of the lower flange (123L), upper flange (123U), and body (123B). Each of the battery cells (121) may be partially inserted into one of the first and second grooves (123G1, 123G2) of the corresponding of the plurality of spacers (123).

[0065] The body (123B) may include a plurality of cooling channels (123CH). Each of the plurality of cooling channels (123CH) may extend in the X direction. Each of the plurality of cooling channels (123CH) may penetrate the body (123B) in the X direction. The length of each of the plurality of cooling channels (123CH) in the X direction may be substantially the same as the length of the body (123B) in the X direction.

[0066] The width in the Y direction of each of the plurality of cooling channels (123CH) may be smaller than the width in the Y direction of the body (123B). The height in the Z direction of each of the plurality of cooling channels (123CH) may be smaller than the height in the Z direction of the body (123B). The plurality of cooling channels (123CH) may be arranged in the Z direction. The plurality of cooling channels (123CH) may be spaced apart from each other in the Z direction.

[0067] The body (123B) may further include a plurality of first slits (123S1) and a plurality of second slits (123S2). A plurality of cooling channels (123CH) may be present between the plurality of first slits (123S1) and the plurality of second slits (123S2). Each of the plurality of first slits (123S1) may be spaced apart in the Y direction from each of the plurality of second slits (123S2).

[0068] The length in the X direction of each of the plurality of first slits (123S1) and the plurality of second slits (123S2) may differ from the length in the X direction of each of the plurality of cooling channels (123CH). The length in the X direction of each of the plurality of first slits (123S1) and the plurality of second slits (123S2) may be shorter than the length in the X direction of each of the plurality of cooling channels (123CH).

[0069] In this example, the height in the Z direction of each of the plurality of first slits (123S1) and the plurality of second slits (123S2) is depicted as being substantially the same as the height in the Z direction of each of the plurality of cooling channels (123CH), but this is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the technical scope of the invention in any sense.

[0070] The height in the Z direction of each of the plurality of first slits (123S1) and the plurality of second slits (123S2) may differ from the height in the Z direction of each of the plurality of cooling channels (123CH). The height in the Z direction of each of the plurality of first slits (123S1) and the plurality of second slits (123S2) may be greater than the height in the Z direction of each of the plurality of cooling channels (123CH). The height in the Z direction of each of the plurality of first slits (123S1) and the plurality of second slits (123S2) may be smaller than the height in the Z direction of each of the plurality of cooling channels (123CH).

[0071] Each of the plurality of first slits (123S1) can connect a corresponding one of the first groove (123G1) and the plurality of cooling channels (123CH). The plurality of second slits (123S2) can connect a corresponding one of the first groove (123G2) and the plurality of cooling channels (123CH). Accordingly, the coolant (140) can fill the plurality of cooling channels (123CH), the plurality of first slits (123S1), and the plurality of second slits (123S2). The coolant (140) can come into contact with the plurality of battery cells (121) through the plurality of first slits (123S1) and the plurality of second slits (123S2), and accordingly, the plurality of battery cells (121) can be cooled by the coolant (140).

[0072] There may be a plurality of battery cells (121) between the first integrated circuit assembly (124) and the second integrated circuit assembly (125). The first integrated circuit assembly (124) may be spaced apart from the second integrated circuit assembly (125) in the X direction with the plurality of battery cells (121) in between.

[0073] The first integrated circuit assembly (124) may include a first insulating frame (124F), an integrated circuit, bus bars, sensing plates, sensing bars, temperature sensors, wiring, and an insulating cover.

[0074] The first insulating frame (124F) may include an insulating material such as plastic. The first insulating frame (124F) may cover the front of a plurality of battery cells (121). The first insulating frame (124F) may support an integrated circuit, bus bars, sensing plates, sensing bars, temperature sensors, and wiring.

[0075] The bus bars may be short-circuited to the positive leads of one or more battery cells (121) of the first bank and to the negative leads of one or more battery cells (121) of the last bank. The bus bars may be welded to the positive leads of one or more battery cells (121) of the first bank and to the negative leads of one or more battery cells (121) of the last bank. The resulting voltage of each of the plurality of battery cells (121) of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may be output through the bus bars. The bus bars may be fixed to the first insulating frame (124F).

[0076] The integrated circuit can be mounted on a first insulating frame (124F). Positive leads and negative leads welded to each other can form nodes within a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The integrated circuit can be configured to measure the voltage of the nodes.

[0077] The sensing bars may include a conductive material. The sensing bars may have a rod shape. The sensing bars may be short-circuited to the bus bars. The sensing bars may be coupled to the bus bars. Through the sensing bars, the voltage of the bus bars can be measured.

[0078] Each of the plurality of sensing plates may have a patch shape or a pad shape. The plurality of sensing plates may include a conductive material. The plurality of sensing plates may be short-circuited to corresponding positive leads and negative leads of the plurality of battery cells (121).

[0079] Each of the multiple sensing plates can be connected to an integrated circuit. Through the multiple sensing plates, the voltage of each of the multiple nodes of the multiple battery cell assemblies (120) can be measured.

[0080] Temperature sensors may be configured to measure the temperature at multiple points of multiple battery cell assemblies (120). The temperature sensors may be arranged in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction, and accordingly, the temperature distribution within the multiple battery cell assemblies (120) may be measured.

[0081] The insulating cover may include an insulating material such as plastic. The insulating cover may be fitted into the first insulating frame (124F). The insulating cover may cover the integrated circuit, bus bars, sensing plates, sensing bars, and temperature sensors, and accordingly, the electrical elements of the first integrated circuit assembly (124) may be protected.

[0082] The second integrated circuit assembly (125) may include a second insulating frame (125F), an integrated circuit, sensing plates, temperature sensors, wiring, and an insulating cover. The second integrated circuit assembly (125) is generally similar to the first integrated circuit assembly (124), except that it does not include bus bars and sensing bars.

[0083] The first insulating frame (124F) may include a plurality of cooling channels (124CH) connected to a plurality of cooling channels (123F). The second insulating frame (125F) may include a plurality of cooling channels (125CH) connected to a plurality of cooling channels (123F).

[0084] Each of the side plates (126) may have a flat shape. Each of the side plates (126) may extend in the X direction. The length of each of the side plates (126) in the X direction may be greater than the length of each of the plurality of battery cells (121) in the X direction.

[0085] The side plates (126) may be spaced apart in the Y direction. There may be multiple battery cells (121) between the side plates (126). The side plates (126) may be coupled to the outermost pads (122) in the Y direction. The side plates (126) may be attached to the outermost pads (122) in the Y direction.

[0086] An adhesive layer (131) may be present between each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) and the base plate (111). The plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may be fixed to the base plate (111) by the adhesive layer (131).

[0087] An adhesive layer (133) may be present between each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) and the lead (116). The plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may be fixed to the lead (116) by the adhesive layer (133).

[0088] The coolant (140) may fill at least partially the space inside the pack housing (110). The coolant (140) may have high thermal conductivity and insulation properties. The coolant (140) may include one or more of mineral oil, synthetic oil, silicone oil, and fluorinated fluid. The coolant (140) may also include deionized water.

[0089] The battery pack (100) may further include an inlet port configured to introduce a coolant (140) into the pack housing (110) and an outlet port configured to discharge the coolant (140) from the pack housing (110). The inlet port and the outlet port may be connected to a coolant circulation system.

[0090] 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. Monitoring of the battery pack (100) may include measuring the voltage and current of specific nodes within a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) and measuring the 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.

[0091] Balancing of the battery pack (100) is an operation that reduces deviations between multiple battery cell assemblies (120). Control of the battery pack (100) includes preventing overcharging, over-discharging, and overcurrent. Through monitoring, balancing, and control, the battery pack (100) can operate under optimal conditions, and accordingly, the shortening of the lifespan of each of the multiple battery cell assemblies (120) can be prevented.

[0092] The battery pack (100) may further include additional electrical components such as a Power Relay Assembly (PRA) and a safety plug. 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 can protect multiple battery cell assemblies (120) and an external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) by cutting off power supply to the external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) in situations where abnormal voltage occurs, such as a voltage surge.

[0093] The battery pack (100) may further include a plurality of bus bars 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 bus bars. Accordingly, the battery pack (100) may be configured to output a high voltage to an external load (e.g., a motor of a vehicle).

[0094]

[0095] (3rd Example)

[0096] FIGS. 7 through 9 are cross-sectional views illustrating a battery pack (100') according to other exemplary embodiments. More specifically, FIG. 7 shows a portion corresponding to FIG. 3, FIG. 8 shows a portion corresponding to FIG. 4, and FIG. 9 shows a portion corresponding to FIG. 5.

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 7 through 9, the battery pack (100') is substantially the same as the battery pack (100) described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 6, except for the battery cell assembly (120'). The battery cell assembly (120') may include a plurality of battery cells (121), a plurality of pads (122), a plurality of spacers (123'), a first integrated circuit assembly (124), a second integrated circuit assembly (125), and side plates (126).

[0098] Since the plurality of battery cells (121), plurality of pads (122), first integrated circuit assembly (124), second integrated circuit assembly (125) and side plates (126) are substantially the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, a redundant description thereof is omitted.

[0099] Each of the plurality of spacers (123') may include a first opening (123O1) and a second opening (123O2). The first opening (123O1) may connect a plurality of cooling channels (123CH) and a first groove (123G1). The second opening (123O2) may connect a plurality of cooling channels (123CH) and a second groove (123G21). The first opening (123O1) replaces a plurality of first slits (123S1, see FIG. 4), and the second opening (123O2) replaces a plurality of second slits (123S2, see FIG. 4).

[0100] According to exemplary embodiments, by providing a plurality of spacers (123') including a first opening (123O1) and a second opening (123O2) connected to a plurality of cooling channels (123CH), the contact area between the coolant (140) and the plurality of battery cells (121) can be increased, and the cooling efficiency of the battery pack (100') can be improved.

[0101]

[0102] The present invention has been described in more detail above through drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all technical concepts of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

Claims

1. Pack housing including a base plate and a lead; and A plurality of battery cell assemblies having a plurality of battery cells and a plurality of spacers between the plurality of battery cells, wherein the assemblies are located within the pack housing; and The above pack housing includes a coolant that at least partially fills, and Each of the above plurality of spacers includes a lower flange, an upper flange, and a body between the lower flange and the upper flange, and The above body includes a plurality of cooling channels extending in a first direction parallel to the mounting surface of the base plate, and A battery pack characterized in that the width of a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the mounting surface of each of the lower flange and the upper flange is different from the width of the second direction of the body.

2. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies further includes a plurality of pads interposed between the plurality of battery cells.

3. In Paragraph 2, A battery pack characterized in that each of the plurality of spacers is spaced apart from each of the plurality of pads.

4. In Paragraph 2, A battery pack characterized in that each of the plurality of pads contacts a corresponding one of the plurality of battery cells.

5. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that each of the plurality of spacer pads contacts a corresponding one of the plurality of battery cells.

6. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the body includes a plurality of slits extending in the first direction.

7. In Paragraph 6, A battery pack characterized in that each of the plurality of slits is connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of cooling channels.

8. In Paragraph 6, A battery pack characterized in that the length of each of the plurality of slits in the first direction is different from the length of each of the plurality of cooling channels in the first direction.

9. In Paragraph 6, A battery pack characterized in that the length in the first direction of each of the plurality of slits is shorter than the length in the first direction of each of the plurality of cooling channels.

10. In Paragraph 6, A battery pack characterized by the above-mentioned coolant filling the above-mentioned cooling channels.

11. In Paragraph 6, A battery pack characterized by the above-mentioned coolant filling the plurality of slits.

12. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the height of each of the plurality of spacers in a third direction perpendicular to each of the first and second directions is different from the height of each of the plurality of battery cells in the third direction.

13. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the height of each of the plurality of spacers in a third direction perpendicular to each of the first and second directions is greater than the height of each of the plurality of battery cells in the third direction.

14. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the height of the third direction perpendicular to each of the first and second directions of the body is the same as the height of the third direction of each of the plurality of battery cells.

15. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the width in the second direction of each of the upper flange and the lower flange is greater than the width in the second direction of the body.

Images