Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack is disclosed. The battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a case which provides a space therein and has a base plate; a partition wall which partitions the interior of the case, extends in a left-right direction, and has a first accommodating portion on a right face thereof; and a first battery module which is located on the right side of the partition wall and of which at least a portion is accommodated in the first accommodating portion.

Description

battery pack

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack.

[0002] This application is a priority application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0156037 filed on November 6, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of said application are incorporated into this application by reference.

[0003] As the demand for portable electronic products such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and smartwatches increases significantly and electric vehicles become increasingly widespread, research on batteries installed in them, particularly secondary batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging, is actively underway.

[0004] Currently commercialized rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium, nickel-hydrogen, nickel-zinc, and lithium-ion batteries. Among these, lithium-ion batteries are gaining attention for their advantages, such as the ability to freely charge and discharge with almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based batteries, a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0005] These lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative active materials, respectively. The lithium secondary battery comprises an electrode assembly in which a positive plate and a negative plate, each coated with the positive and negative active materials, are arranged with a separator in between, and an outer casing, namely a battery case, that seals and houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0006] Generally, lithium secondary batteries can be classified according to the shape of the casing into can-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch of aluminum laminate sheet.

[0007] Recently, secondary batteries are widely used for driving or energy storage not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices but also in medium-to-large devices such as electric vehicles and Energy Storage Systems (ESS). A single battery module can be formed by housing multiple such secondary batteries together inside a module case while electrically connected. In this case, each secondary battery included in a single battery module can be referred to as a battery cell. Furthermore, multiple such battery modules can be connected to form a single battery pack.

[0008] However, when a battery pack contains multiple battery modules, and each module contains multiple battery cells, it may be vulnerable to thermal chain reactions between modules or cells. For example, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs within a single battery module, it is necessary to suppress the propagation of this runaway to other battery modules or cells. If the propagation of thermal runaway between modules or cells is not properly suppressed, an event originating in a specific module or cell may trigger a chain reaction of thermal reactions in other modules or cells, potentially causing explosions or fires, or significantly amplifying their scale.

[0009] In particular, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in a single battery module, gases or flames may be randomly released to the outside. If the release of such gases or flames is not properly controlled, they may be released toward other battery modules, potentially causing a thermal chain reaction in those modules. Specifically, module terminals may be located on the front side of a battery module to provide electrical connections to other battery modules or battery packs, such as module busbars. Therefore, if flames are released toward the front of such a battery module, they can damage the module terminals within the battery pack and cause an electrical short circuit. Furthermore, since other battery modules may be located in front of a specific battery module, if flames are released toward the front of that module, the emitted flames may spread toward other modules, making it easy for fire to spread between battery modules.

[0010] If thermal propagation between battery modules or between battery cells is not properly controlled, a rapid voltage drop in the battery module or battery pack may occur. This can lead to a sudden shutdown of the device equipped with the battery module or battery pack, causing unexpected damage. For example, if a sudden voltage drop in the battery pack occurs while an electric vehicle is in operation, there may not be enough time to move the electric vehicle to a safe location.

[0011] Furthermore, if thermal propagation between battery modules or battery cells is not properly controlled and a fire or explosion occurs suddenly, there is a high possibility of causing casualties to users. For example, if thermal runaway occurs in an electric vehicle and a certain amount of time is not secured before it progresses into a full-scale fire, the occupants may not be able to escape safely.

[0012] In addition, increasing energy density while ensuring the stability of battery modules or battery packs is emerging as an important challenge.

[0013] Accordingly, the present invention is devised to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a battery pack with an improved structure capable of appropriately controlling the discharge of flames, etc. generated inside the battery pack, and a vehicle including the same.

[0014] Another objective of the present invention may be to improve the energy density of the battery pack.

[0015] Another objective of the present invention may be to reduce the gap between the battery module and the partition wall.

[0016] Another objective of the present invention may be to provide a structure capable of smoothly discharging venting gas generated inside a battery pack.

[0017] Another objective of the present invention may be to provide a structure that can minimize damage to the battery pack when a thermal event occurs.

[0018] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0019] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose may include: a case having a base plate that provides a space inside; a partition wall that partitions the interior of the case, extends along the left and right directions, and has a first receiving portion on its right side; and a first battery module located to the right of the partition wall, at least a portion of which is received in the first receiving portion.

[0020] Additionally, the partition wall may have a second receiving portion on its left side, and the battery pack may include a second battery module located on the left side of the partition wall, with at least a portion of it being received in the second receiving portion.

[0021] In addition, the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion may be arranged along the length direction of the partition wall.

[0022] In addition, the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion may be arranged alternately along the length direction of the partition wall.

[0023] Additionally, the first battery module may include: a rear end cover; and a first control unit that protrudes from the rear of the rear end cover and is received in the first receiving portion.

[0024] Additionally, the second battery module may include: a front end cover; and a second control unit that protrudes forward from the front end cover and is received in the second receiving portion.

[0025] Additionally, the first control unit may be located on the right side of the rear end cover, and the second control unit may be located on the left side of the front end cover.

[0026] In addition, the first battery module further includes a plurality of battery cells, and the first control unit may be electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells.

[0027] Additionally, the first battery module may further include: a bottom cover located below the plurality of battery cells; a heat transfer member disposed between the bottom cover and the plurality of battery cells and between the rear end cover and the plurality of battery cells; a top cover located above the plurality of battery cells; and a top pad compressed between the top cover and the plurality of battery cells.

[0028] In addition, an automobile according to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose includes a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0029] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the energy density of the battery module and battery pack can be improved.

[0030] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the gap between the partition wall and the battery module can be reduced.

[0031] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, venting gas generated inside a battery pack can be easily discharged.

[0032] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, external damage to the battery pack can be prevented even if a thermal event occurs.

[0033] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the electrical safety of the battery pack can be improved.

[0034] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, heat propagation can be suppressed.

[0035] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery pack of Figure 1 separated.

[0038] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the battery module of Figure 2.

[0039] Figure 4 is a drawing showing the battery module of Figure 3 in a different direction.

[0040] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery module of Figure 3 separated.

[0041] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the laminate of Figure 5 separated.

[0042] Figure 7 is a diagram showing the change in Figure 4 when a thermal event occurs.

[0043] Figure 8 is a drawing showing the second partition wall of Figure 2.

[0044] Figure 9 is a drawing showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Figure 8.

[0045] Figure 10 is a diagram showing the combination of the second partition wall and the battery module.

[0046] Figure 11 is a drawing showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' of Figure 10.

[0047] FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a partial configuration of the battery pack of FIG. 1.

[0048] Figure 13 is an enlarged view of section C of Figure 12.

[0049] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of FIG. 8.

[0050] Figure 15 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Figure 11.

[0051] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0052] Hereinafter, 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, and should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0053] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely examples of the present invention and do not represent all aspects of the technical concept 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.

[0054] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery pack (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a partial configuration of the battery pack (1000) of FIG. 1 separated.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery pack (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a case (100). The case (100) may form the exterior of the battery pack (1000). The case (100) may have a rectangular shape. The case (100) may provide space inside. The case (100) may include a pack cover (150). The pack cover (150) may have a rectangular plate shape. A battery module (200) may be located inside the case (100). A plurality of battery modules (200) may be provided.

[0056] The case (100) may include a base plate (110). The base plate (110) may have a square shape. The base plate (110) may form the exterior of the battery pack (1000). The base plate (110) may provide an internal space for the battery pack (1000).

[0057] The case (100) may include side walls (120). The side walls (120) may be installed, fastened, joined, fixed, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate (110). The side walls (120) may consist of four. The side walls (120) may be arranged along the perimeter of the base plate (110). The side walls (120) may form the exterior of the battery pack (1000). The side walls (120) may provide an internal space.

[0058] The side wall (120) may be equipped with a connector (610). The connector (610) may output power from the battery pack (1000). Additionally, the connector (610) may charge power to the battery pack (1000). Multiple connectors (610) may be provided.

[0059] The side wall (120) may be provided with a port (620). The port (620) may function as a passage for the inflow or outflow of a cooling fluid (CM). Multiple ports (620) may be provided.

[0060] The BMS (700, battery management system) can be located inside the case. The BMS (700) can control the charging and discharging of the battery module. The BMS (700) can obtain status information of the battery module.

[0061] The pack cover (150) can be installed, fastened, joined, fixed, or attached to the side wall (120). The pack cover (150) can cover the internal space of the battery pack (1000).

[0062] The battery pack (1000) may include a venting device (500). The venting device (500) may be installed on a base plate (110). For example, the venting device (500) may be a gas valve. The venting device (500) may open to discharge gas when the pressure inside the case (100) increases. Additionally, the venting device (500) may block external air from entering the case (100). Multiple venting devices (500) may be provided.

[0063] The battery pack (1000) may include a partition wall (300). The partition wall (300) may include a first partition wall (310) and a second partition wall (320). The partition wall (300) may be provided in multiple numbers. The partition wall (300) may be installed, fastened, fixed, coupled, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate (110). The partition wall (300) may partition the internal space of the battery pack (1000). The battery module (200) may be located in the space partitioned by the partition wall (300).

[0064] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the battery module (200) of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the battery module (200) of FIG. 3 in a different direction. FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a part of the battery module (200) of FIG. 3 separated. FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the laminate (201) of FIG. 5 separated. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the change of FIG. 4 when a thermal event occurs.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 3 through 7, the battery module (200) may include a bottom cover (211). The bottom cover (211) may be provided as a pair. The pair of bottom covers (211) may be arranged along the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. The bottom cover (211) may form the exterior of the battery module (200). The bottom cover (211) may have a flat shape.

[0066] A venting cover (212) may be positioned between a pair of bottom covers (211). The venting cover (212) may be fastened, coupled, fixed, or attached to a pair of bottom covers (211). The venting cover (212) may cover the space between a pair of bottom covers (211). The venting cover (212) may form the exterior of a battery module (200). The venting cover (212) may include a material with high heat resistance. The venting cover (212) may include a material with high fire resistance. The venting cover (212) may include a material with high thermal insulation. For example, the venting cover (212) may include a mica material.

[0067] The battery module (200) may include a battery cell (220). The battery cell (220) may refer to a secondary battery. In particular, the battery cell (220) may be a pouch-type secondary battery. However, the shape of the battery cell (220) is not limited to a pouch shape and may have various shapes, such as a cylindrical shape or a rectangular shape.

[0068] The battery cell (220) may be extended along the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. The battery cell (220) may include a storage portion (221) having an electrode assembly, a first sealing portion (222) protruding toward the front and rear sides of the storage portion (221), and a second sealing portion (223) protruding downward from the storage portion (221). Additionally, the battery cell (220) may include electrode leads (224) protruding toward the front and rear sides of the first sealing portion (222), respectively. The electrode leads (224) may protrude toward the front and rear sides of each storage portion (221).

[0069] A plurality of battery cells (220) may be provided. A plurality of battery cells (220) may be located on top of a bottom cover (211). A plurality of battery cells (220) may be located on top of a venting cover (212). A plurality of battery cells (220) may form a laminate (201).

[0070] Multiple battery cells (220) can be stacked along one direction. For example, multiple battery cells (220) can be stacked along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0071] When a thermal event occurs, venting gas (G) may be discharged from the battery cell (220). The venting gas (G) may be discharged through the second sealing part (223).

[0072] The battery module (200) may include a cartridge (270). The cartridge (270) may be mounted, coupled, fastened, fixed, or received in the first sealing portion (222) of the battery cell (220). A pair of cartridges (270) may be mounted, coupled, fastened, fixed, or received in the front first sealing portion (222) and the rear first sealing portion (222), respectively. A plurality of cartridges (270) may be provided. A pair of cartridges (270) may be provided to correspond one-to-one with a single battery cell (220). A plurality of cartridges (270) may form a laminate (201).

[0073] The battery module (200) may include a cooling plate (240). The cooling plate (240) may have a flow path (241) inside. A cooling fluid (CM) may flow along the flow path (241). The cooling plate (240) may be in contact with, coupled with, fastened to, or fixed to the battery cell (220). The cooling plate (240) may be provided in multiple numbers. The cooling plate (240) may be stacked along one direction. For example, the cooling plate (240) may be stacked along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The cooling plate (240) may be placed between multiple battery cells (220). For example, the cooling plate (240) may be placed every two battery cells (220). Multiple cooling plates (240) may form a stack (201).

[0074] The cooling plate (240) may have a flat plate shape. The cooling plate (240) may be provided with an inlet (244) and an outlet (245). A flow path (241) may connect the inlet (244) and the outlet (245). A cooling fluid (CM) may be introduced into the inlet (244) and discharged through the outlet (245).

[0075] The first tube (242) and the second tube (243) may be connected. The first tube (242) may be provided in multiple numbers. The second tube (243) may be provided in multiple numbers. The first tube (242) and the second tube (243) may be arranged alternately. The first tube (242) or the second tube (243) may be connected to the inlet (244) of the cooling plate (240). The first tube (242) or the second tube (243) may be connected to the outlet (245) of the cooling plate (240). The first tube (242) and the second tube (243) may be connected to multiple cooling plates (240).

[0076] A pad (250) may be placed between a plurality of battery cells (220). A plurality of pads (250) may be provided. A pad (250) may be placed between at least some of the battery cells (220) and / or outside the stack (201). For example, a pad (250) may be configured to be placed between every two battery cells (220) stacked in the left-right direction. A plurality of pads (250) may form the stack (201).

[0077] These pads (250) may be provided with an elastic material to absorb swelling of the battery cell (220). For example, the pads (250) may be made of a foam material such as polyurethane. Alternatively, the pads (250) may be provided with a material capable of blocking heat or flames. For example, the pads (250) may be provided with an insulating or fireproof material such as silicone or mica.

[0078] A busbar frame assembly (230) may be provided on the front and rear sides of a plurality of battery cells (220), respectively. The busbar frame assembly (230) may be electrically connected to the electrode leads (224) of the plurality of battery cells (220).

[0079] The front busbar frame assembly (230) can be electrically connected to the front electrode leads (224) of a plurality of battery cells (220). The front busbar frame assembly (230) can cover the front of the cooling plate (240). The front busbar frame assembly (230) can cover the front of the pad (250). The front busbar frame assembly (230) can cover the front of the cartridge (270).

[0080] The rear busbar frame assembly (230) can be electrically connected to the rear electrode leads (224) of a plurality of battery cells (220). The rear busbar frame assembly (230) can cover the rear of the cooling plate (240). The rear busbar frame assembly (230) can cover the rear of the pad (250). The rear busbar frame assembly (230) can cover the rear of the cartridge (270).

[0081] A pair of end covers (280) can cover the front and rear sides of the busbar frame assembly (230), respectively. The end covers (280) can have a rectangular shape. A pair of end covers (280) can form the exterior of the battery module (200).

[0082] The front end cover (280) can be fastened, coupled, assembled, or fixed to the front bottom cover (211). The rear end cover (280) can be fastened, coupled, assembled, or fixed to the rear bottom cover (211).

[0083] The control unit (290) may be fastened, coupled, assembled, or fixed to the front end cover (280). The control unit (290) may be provided on the outer surface of the front end cover (280) or on the front surface of the front end cover (280). The control unit (290) may be electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells (220). The control unit (290) may control the charging and discharging of the plurality of battery cells (220). The control unit (290) may obtain status information of the plurality of battery cells (220).

[0084] Side covers (213) may be provided in pairs. Side covers (213) may have a flat shape. Side covers (213) may have a square shape. A pair of side covers (213) may each cover both sides of the laminate (201). Side covers (213) may be fastened, coupled, assembled, or fixed to end covers (280). Side covers (213) may be fastened, coupled, assembled, or fixed to bottom covers (211). Side covers (213) may be fastened, coupled, assembled, or fixed to venting covers (212). A pair of side covers (213) may form the exterior of the battery module (200).

[0085] The top cover (215) may be positioned on top of the laminate (201). The top cover (215) may cover the upper surface of the laminate (201). The top cover (215) may have a flat shape. The top cover (215) may have a square shape. The top cover (215) may form the exterior of the battery module (200). The top cover (215) may be fastened, coupled, assembled, or fixed to the side cover (213). The top cover (215) may be fastened, coupled, assembled, or fixed to the end cover (280).

[0086] The top pad (214) may be positioned between the top cover (215) and the laminate (201). The top cover (215) may have a square shape. The top pad (214) may have a flat shape. The top pad (214) may be provided with an elastic material to absorb swelling of the battery cell (220). For example, the top pad (214) may be composed of a foam material such as polyurethane. Alternatively, the top pad (214) may be provided with a material capable of blocking heat or flames. For example, the top pad (214) may be provided with an insulating material or a fire-resistant material such as silicone or mica. The top pad (214) may be compressed between the top cover (215) and the laminate (201).

[0087] The battery module (200) may include a heat transfer member (260). The heat transfer member (260) may include a material with high thermal conductivity. For example, the heat transfer member (260) may be resin.

[0088] The bottom cover (211) may be provided with a plurality of injection holes (211c). A heat transfer member (260) may be introduced into the interior of the battery module (200) through the injection holes (211c). At this time, the heat transfer member (260) may be in a liquid state. The heat transfer member (260) may be in a liquid state at high temperatures. The injected heat transfer member (260) may become a solid state as the temperature decreases.

[0089] A heat transfer member (260) may be placed between the bottom cover (211) and the laminate (201). The heat transfer member (260) may connect the bottom cover (211) and the laminate (201). The heat transfer member (260) may be placed between the bottom cover (211) and a plurality of battery cells (220). The heat transfer member (260) may connect the plurality of battery cells (220) and the bottom cover (211).

[0090] The heat transfer member (260) may not be placed between the venting cover (212) and the laminate (201).

[0091] A heat transfer member (260) may be positioned between the front busbar frame assembly (230) and the front end cover (280). The heat transfer member (260) may connect the front busbar frame assembly (230) and the front end cover (280). The heat transfer member (260) may be positioned between the rear busbar frame assembly (230) and the rear end cover (280). The heat transfer member (260) may connect the rear busbar frame assembly (230) and the rear end cover (280).

[0092] The venting cover (212) may be provided with a separation line (212b). The separation line (212b, score line) may be used as a general term including a perforated line (212b, perforated line), a notching line (212b, notching line), a cutting line (212b, cutting line), a shredding line (212b, shredding line), a tear line (212b, tear line), or a separation line (212b, separation line). The separation line (212b) may be configured to be easily separated by pressure applied to the venting cover (212).

[0093] The separation line (212b) may have a rectangular trajectory. The portion of the venting cover (212) surrounded by the separation line (212b) may be referred to as the separation part (212c). The venting section (212a) may include the separation line (212b) and the separation part (212c). The separation line (212b) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple separation lines (212b) may be arranged along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The separation part (212c) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple separation parts (212c) may be arranged along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0094] The separation part (212c) can be separated from the venting cover (212) by pressure applied to the venting cover (212). As a result, a venting hole (212d) can be formed in the venting cover (212).

[0095] The venting portion (212a) may face the second sealing portion (223). When a thermal event occurs, the venting gas (G) may be discharged through the second sealing portion (223). The venting gas (G) may be discharged in a downward direction or in the -Z axis direction. The venting gas (G) may apply pressure to the separation part (212c). The separation part (212c) may be separated by the venting gas (G), and a venting hole (212d) may be formed. The venting gas (G) may be discharged to the outside of the battery module (200) through the venting hole (212d).

[0096] At this time, the venting hole (212d) may be formed only in the separation part (212c) facing the battery cell (220) where the thermal event occurred. The other separation part (212c) may not be separated. The separation part (212c) that is not separated may block the venting gas (G) from flowing into the interior of the battery module (200).

[0097] The bottom cover (211) can be in close contact with the laminate (201). The venting cover (212) can be in close contact with the laminate (201). The top cover (215) can be in close contact with the laminate (201). The side cover (213) can be in close contact with the laminate (201). The end cover (280) can be in close contact with the laminate (201). The heat transfer member (260) can fill the internal space of the battery module (200). By densely configuring the internal space of the battery module (200), the energy density can be increased. The control unit (290) can be provided on the outside of the end cover (280) rather than being placed inside the battery module (200), thereby increasing the energy density.

[0098] The second partition wall (320) may be extended along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. A plurality of battery modules (200) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the second partition wall (320). A battery module (200) placed on the front side of the second partition wall (320) may be referred to as the first battery module (200a). A battery module (200) placed on the rear side of the second partition wall (320) may be referred to as the second battery module (200b). The second partition wall (320) may partition a plurality of first battery modules (200a) and a plurality of second battery modules (200b).

[0099] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the second partition wall (320) of FIG. 2. FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the combination of the second partition wall (320) and the battery module (200). FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a part of the configuration of the battery pack (1000) of FIG. 1. FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of section C of FIG. 12.

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 8 through 13, the second partition wall (320) may have a first receiving portion (321) on its right side. The first receiving portion (321) may be a groove formed inwardly. At least a portion of the first battery module (200a) may be received or inserted into the first receiving portion (321). As a result, the gap between the first battery module (200a) and the second partition wall (320) may be reduced. And the energy density of the battery pack (1000) may be improved.

[0101] The second partition wall (320) may have a second receiving portion (322) on its left side. The second receiving portion (322) may be a groove formed inwardly. At least a portion of the second battery module (200b) may be received or inserted into the second receiving portion (322). As a result, the gap between the second battery module (200b) and the second partition wall (320) may be reduced. And the energy density of the battery pack (1000) may be improved.

[0102] The first receiving section (321) and the second receiving section (322) may be arranged along the length direction of the second partition wall (320). The first receiving section (321) and the second receiving section (322) may be arranged along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0103] The first receiving portion (321) may be provided to correspond one-to-one with the first battery module (200a). The second receiving portion (322) may be provided to correspond one-to-one with the second battery module (200b).

[0104] The first receiving section (321) and the second receiving section (322) may be alternately arranged along the length direction of the second partition wall (320). The first receiving section (321) and the second receiving section (322) may be alternately arranged along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0105] The second partition wall (320) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple second partition walls (320) may be arranged along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0106] The control unit (290) of the first battery module (200a) may be received or inserted into the first receiving portion (321). The control unit (290) of the first battery module (200a) may be provided in the rear end cover (280) of the first battery module (200a). By positioning the control unit (290) of the first battery module (200a) in the first receiving portion (321), the rear end cover (280) of the first battery module (200a) may be in close contact with the second partition wall (320). By positioning the control unit (290) of the first battery module (200a) in the first receiving portion (321), the gap between the rear end cover (280) of the first battery module (200a) and the second partition wall (320) may be reduced.

[0107] The control unit (290) of the second battery module (200b) may be received or inserted into the second receiving portion (322). The control unit (290) of the second battery module (200b) may be provided in the front end cover (280) of the second battery module (200b). By positioning the control unit (290) of the second battery module (200b) in the second receiving portion (322), the front end cover (280) of the second battery module (200b) may be in close contact with the second partition wall (320). By positioning the control unit (290) of the second battery module (200b) in the second receiving portion (322), the gap between the front end cover (280) of the second battery module (200b) and the second partition wall (320) may be reduced.

[0108] The control unit (290) of the first battery module (200a) may be located on the right side of the rear end cover (280) of the first battery module (200a). The control unit (290) of the second battery module (200b) may be located on the left side of the front end cover (280) of the second battery module (200b). As a result, the first receiving portion (321) and the second receiving portion (322) can be positioned without overlapping. Additionally, the thickness of the second partition wall (320) may not increase.

[0109] Alternatively, the control unit (290) of the first battery module (200a) may be located on the left side of the rear end cover (280) of the first battery module (200a), and the control unit (290) of the second battery module (200b) may be located on the right side of the front end cover (280) of the second battery module (200b).

[0110] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of FIG. 8. FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of FIG. 11.

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the first receiving portion (321) may be extended along the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. The second receiving portion (322) may be extended along the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. The cross-section of the second partition wall (320) in the XY plane may have a constant shape along the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction.

[0112] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a vehicle (V) according to one aspect of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 16, the vehicle (V) according to the present invention may include a battery pack (1000) of the present invention.

[0113] The battery pack (1000) according to the present invention may be applied to a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. The vehicle (V) according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the vehicle in addition to the battery pack (1000). For example, the vehicle (V) according to the present invention may further include a vehicle body, a motor, an electronic control unit (ECU), and other control devices.

[0114] As described above, although the present invention has been explained by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

Claims

1. A case that provides an internal space and is equipped with a base plate; A partition wall that partitions the interior of the above case, extends along the left-right direction, and has a first receiving portion on the right side; and, A battery pack comprising a first battery module located to the right of the partition wall and at least a portion thereof accommodated in the first receiving portion.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above partition wall is, A second receiving portion is provided on the left side, and The above battery pack is, A battery pack comprising a second battery module located to the left of the partition wall and at least a portion thereof accommodated in the second receiving portion.

3. In Paragraph 2, The first receiving part and the second receiving part are A battery pack positioned along the length direction of the above partition wall.

4. In Paragraph 3, The first receiving portion and the second receiving portion are battery packs alternately arranged along the length direction of the partition wall.

5. In Paragraph 2, The above-mentioned first battery module is: Rear end cover; and, A battery pack comprising a first control unit that protrudes to the rear of the rear end cover and is received in the first receiving portion.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above second battery module is: Front end cover; and, A battery pack comprising a second control unit that protrudes forward from the front end cover and is received in the second receiving portion.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above first control unit is, Located on the right side of the rear end cover, and The above second control unit is, A battery pack located on the left side of the front end cover.

8. In Paragraph 2, The first battery module above is, It further includes multiple battery cells, and The above first control unit is, A battery pack electrically connected to the above plurality of battery cells.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above-mentioned first battery module is: A bottom cover located below the plurality of battery cells above; A heat transfer member disposed between the bottom cover and the plurality of battery cells, and disposed between the rear end cover and the plurality of battery cells; A top cover positioned on top of the plurality of battery cells; and, A battery pack further comprising a top pad that is compressed between the top cover and the plurality of battery cells.

10. An automobile comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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