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 sidewall perpendicular to the base plate; a lead coupled to the pack housing; a plurality of battery cell assemblies on the base plate and each including an integrated circuit assembly; a communication device configured to communicate with an antenna of the integrated circuit assembly of each of the battery cell assemblies; and a junction box assembly connected to the communication device, wherein the junction box assembly includes a power connector configured to output power of the plurality of battery cell assemblies.

Description

battery pack

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack. The present application claims the benefit of Korean application No. 10-2025-0005543, filed on January 14, 2025, 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 technological development trend for rechargeable batteries in mobility is the improvement of energy density and safety. Here, the energy density of a rechargeable battery is defined as the maximum electrical energy that can be stored by the battery's mass. As high energy density is directly linked to driving efficiency and range in mobility applications, various studies are being conducted to improve this energy density.

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

[0005] According to exemplary embodiments for solving the above-described problem, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack comprises: a pack housing including a base plate and a side wall perpendicular to the base plate; a lead coupled to the pack housing; a plurality of battery cell assemblies each having an integrated circuit assembly on the base plate; a communication device configured to communicate with an antenna of the integrated circuit assembly of each of the battery cell assemblies; and a junction box assembly connected to the communication device, wherein the junction box assembly includes a power connector configured to output power from the plurality of battery cell assemblies.

[0006] The communication device is configured to communicate wirelessly with the antenna of the integrated circuit assembly of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies.

[0007] The above junction box assembly is configured to communicate with the communication device via a wire.

[0008] The junction box assembly is located outside the internal space defined by the pack housing and the lead.

[0009] The plurality of battery cell assemblies are located in the internal space defined by the pack housing and the lead.

[0010] The communication device is installed on the side wall.

[0011] It further includes a sealant interposed between the communication device and the side wall.

[0012] The above communication device is installed on the above lead.

[0013] The above junction box assembly is on the base plate.

[0014] The above junction box assembly is on the above lead.

[0015] The junction box assembly includes a Battery Management System (BMS) configured to control the battery cell assemblies.

[0016] The junction box assembly includes a signal connector configured to transmit a measurement signal representing the measured values ​​of the operation parameters of the plurality of battery cell assemblies.

[0017] The above signal connector is connected to the vehicle's VCU (Vehicle Control Unit).

[0018] In a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a junction box assembly including electrical components may be located in an external space of the battery pack. Accordingly, the battery pack is easy to repair, the degree of design freedom can be enhanced, and the space utilization rate of the battery pack can be improved. In addition, the manufacturing cost of the battery pack can be reduced and assembly ease can be improved.

[0019] 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.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a communication device and a junction box assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030]

[0031] (1st embodiment)

[0032] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments. In FIG. 1, the lead (140) is omitted for a more complete understanding of the positional relationships between the elements of the battery pack (100).

[0033] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a communication device (150) and a junction box assembly (170) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a battery pack (100) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the battery pack (100) may include a pack housing (110), a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4), interbus bars (131, 132, 133, 134, 135), a lead (140), a communication device (150), a sealant (161), bolts (163), a junction box assembly (170), connecting wiring (180), and power cables (191, 193). The battery pack (100) is the final form of a battery system mounted on mobility, etc.

[0036] The pack housing (110) may include a base plate (111), side walls (112, 113, 114, 115), a center beam (116), and cross beams (117). Here, two directions substantially parallel to the mounting surface (111M) of the base plate (111) are defined as the X direction and the Y direction, and a direction substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface (111M) of the base plate (111) is defined as the Z direction. The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction may be substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0037] The base plate (111) may have a flat shape. The side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) may be substantially perpendicular to the base plate (111). The side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) may be located at the edge portions of the base plate (111). The side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) may be joined to the edge portions of the base plate (111).

[0038] The base plate (111) may include a battery mounting portion (111B) and a junction box mounting portion (111M). The battery mounting portion (111B) may face a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4). The battery mounting portion (111B) may overlap with the lead (140) in the Z direction. The battery mounting portion (111B) may define the internal space (100I) of the battery pack (100) together with the side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) and the lead (140).

[0039] The junction box mounting portion (111M) may face the junction box assembly (170). The junction box mounting portion (111M) may not overlap with the lead (140) in the Z direction. The junction box mounting portion (111M) may be spaced horizontally (e.g., in the X direction) from the lead (140). The junction box mounting portion (111M) may be in the external space (100X) of the battery pack (100). The internal space (100I) may be isolated from the external space (100X) by the base plate (111), side walls (112, 113, 114, 115), and the lead (140).

[0040] Each of the base plate (111), side walls (112, 113, 114, 115), center beam (116), and cross beams (117) can be provided by an extrusion process. The base plate (111) may include a plurality of plates joined by friction stir welding. The base plate (111) may also be provided by a casting process.

[0041] The center beam (116) may be located on the battery mounting portion (111B). The center beam (116) may be surrounded by side walls (112, 113, 114, 115). Accordingly, the center beam (116) may divide the internal space (100I). The center beam (116) may be formed by an extrusion process together with the base plate (111), or may be welded to one of the plurality of plates of the base plate (111).

[0042] The center beam (116) may extend along the X direction. The center beam (116) may isolate the battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2) and the battery cell assemblies (120_3, 120_4) in the Y direction. The center beam (116) may be interposed between the battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2) and the battery cell assemblies (120_3, 120_4).

[0043] Cross beams (117) may be on the battery mounting portion (111B). Cross beams (117) may be surrounded by side walls (112, 113, 114, 115). Cross beams (117) may extend along the Y direction. Cross beams (117) may isolate a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) in the X direction. Cross beams (117) may be interposed in the X direction between the battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) or between the battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) and the side walls (114, 115). Cross beams (117) may be interposed between the side wall (112) and the center beam (116) in the Y direction, or between the side wall (113) and the center beam (116).

[0044] A person skilled in the art will be able to easily arrive at an embodiment in which cross beams (117) are integrated into battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) based on what is described herein.

[0045] A plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) may be on the mounting surface (111M) of the base plate (111) of the pack housing (110). A plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) may be on the battery mounting portion (111B).

[0046] In this example, battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2) may be arranged in the X direction, battery cell assemblies (120_3, 120_4) may be arranged in the X direction, battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_3) may be arranged in the Y direction, and battery cell assemblies (120_2, 120_4) may be arranged in the Y direction. Accordingly, a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) may form a matrix of 2 rows and 2 columns, but this is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the technical scope of the invention in any sense.

[0047] The base plate (111) can support a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4). Side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) can horizontally surround the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4).

[0048] Hereinafter, the technical concept of the present invention is described with reference to an embodiment in which the battery pack (100) is of the modular type and each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) does not include a module frame. However, this is a non-limiting example and does not limit the technical concept 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 including a module frame and a modular type battery pack including the same based on what is described herein.

[0049] Each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) may include a plurality of battery cells (121), a first integrated circuit assembly (123), a second integrated circuit assembly (124), and FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) assemblies (127).

[0050] Each of the plurality of battery cells (121) may include an electrode assembly, positive leads connected to positive tabs of the electrode assembly, negative leads connected to negative tabs of the 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 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 comprising an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0051] An electrode assembly includes an anode, a cathode, and a separator interposed between the anode and the cathode. A jelly roll type electrode assembly is formed by winding an anode, a cathode, and a separator interposed between them. A stack type electrode assembly includes a plurality of anodes, a plurality of cathodes, and a plurality of separators interposed between them, which are stacked sequentially.

[0052] According to exemplary embodiments, a plurality of battery cells (121) may form a plurality of banks. Each of the plurality of banks may include one or more parallel-connected battery cells (121). The plurality of banks may be connected in series with each other.

[0053] The negative leads of one or more battery cells (121) of each of the multiple banks may be short-circuited with the positive leads of one or more battery cells (121) of the subsequent bank. The negative leads of one or more battery cells (121) of each of the multiple banks may be welded with the positive leads of one or more battery cells (121) of the subsequent bank.

[0054] The positive leads of one or more battery cells (121) of each of the multiple banks may be short-circuited with the negative leads of one or more battery cells (121) of the preceding bank. The positive leads of one or more battery cells (121) of each of the multiple banks may be welded with the negative leads of one or more battery cells (121) of the preceding bank.

[0055] The number of battery cells (121) included in each of the plurality of banks and the number of banks connected in series with each other can be determined according to the voltage and current to be output through each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4).

[0056] According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies ((120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) may further include a plurality of separators. The plurality of separators may include a compressible material of the plurality of battery cells (121). The plurality of separators may absorb swelling of the plurality of battery cells (121).

[0057] According to exemplary embodiments, a plurality of separators may be thermal barriers. According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of separators may have a high melting temperature and low thermal conductivity. According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of separators may include a flame-retardant material, such as ceramic and coated glass material. According to exemplary embodiments, the plurality of separators may be configured to release a fire retarding material and a fire extinguishing agent in the event of a thermal runaway event.

[0058] 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) in between. The first integrated circuit assembly (123) and the second integrated circuit assembly (124) may be electrically connected by FFC assemblies (127). Accordingly, physical quantities (e.g., voltage, current, and / or temperature) sensed by the second integrated circuit assembly (124) may be transmitted to the first integrated circuit assembly (123) through the FFC assemblies (127).

[0059] According to exemplary embodiments, the first integrated circuit assembly (123) of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) may be located at the center of the pack housing (110) (e.g., the center in the Y direction). The first integrated circuit assembly (123) of each of the plurality of battery assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) may face the center beam (116).

[0060] According to exemplary embodiments, the second integrated circuit assembly (124) of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) may be located at an edge portion of the pack housing (110) (e.g., an edge portion in the Y direction). The second integrated circuit assembly (124) of each of the plurality of battery assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) may face the side walls (112, 113).

[0061] According to exemplary embodiments, the distance between the first integrated circuit assembly (123) of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) and the center beam (116) may be less than the distance between the second integrated circuit assembly (124) of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) and the center beam (116).

[0062] The first integrated circuit assembly (123) may include an antenna (123A). The first integrated circuit assembly (123) may further include an insulating frame, an integrated circuit, a positive bus bar, a negative bus bar, sensing plates, sensing bars, temperature sensors, wiring, and an insulating cover.

[0063] The insulating frame may include an insulating material such as plastic. The insulating frame may cover the front of a plurality of battery cells (121). The insulating frame may support an integrated circuit, a positive bus bar, a negative bus bar, sensing plates, sensing bars, temperature sensors, and wiring.

[0064] The positive bus bar can be short-circuited to the positive leads of one or more battery cells (121) of the first bank. The negative bus bar can be short-circuited to the negative leads of one or more battery cells (121) of the last bank.

[0065] The positive bus bar can be welded to the positive leads of one or more battery cells (121) of the first bank. The negative bus bar can be welded to the negative leads of one or more battery cells (121) of the last bank.

[0066] Power can be output through the positive bus bar and the negative bus bar according to the electrical connection of the multiple battery cells (121) of each of the multiple battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4). The positive bus bar and the negative bus bar can be fixed to an insulating frame.

[0067] The integrated circuit can be mounted on an insulating frame. Positive leads and negative leads welded to each other can form nodes inside the battery cell assembly (120). The integrated circuit can be configured to measure the voltage of the nodes.

[0068] 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 positive bus bar and the negative bus bar. The sensing bars may be coupled to the positive bus bar and the negative bus bar. Through the sensing bars, the voltage of the positive bus bar and the negative bus bar can be measured.

[0069] 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).

[0070] 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_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) can be measured.

[0071] Temperature sensors may be configured to measure the temperature at multiple points of the battery cell assembly (120). The temperature sensors may be arranged in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction, and accordingly, the temperature distribution within the battery cell assembly (120) may be measured.

[0072] Each antenna (123A) of a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) may be configured to communicate with a communication device (150). As a non-limiting example, each antenna (123A) of a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) may use a wireless LAN frequency, such as the 2.4 GHz band, for example. The bandwidth of the 2.4 GHz band is approximately 80 MHz and may include 14 overlapping channels. Generally, about 3 of the 14 overlapping channels may be used simultaneously without signal interference.

[0073] The antenna (123A) may be mounted on the integrated circuit of the first integrated circuit assembly, but is not limited thereto. The antenna (123A) may be configured to transmit a signal indicating a measurement of the operating parameters (e.g., voltage, current, and / or temperature) of the battery cell assembly (120).

[0074] The insulating cover may include an insulating material such as plastic. The insulating cover may be fitted into an insulating frame. The insulating cover may cover an integrated circuit, a positive bus bar, a negative bus bar, sensing plates, sensing bars, and temperature sensors, and accordingly, the electrical elements of the first integrated circuit assembly (123) may be protected.

[0075] 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 a positive bus bar, a negative bus bar, and sensing bars.

[0076] The interbus bar (131) can be connected to the positive bus bar of the battery cell assembly (120_1). The interbus bar (132) can be connected to the negative bus bar of the battery cell assembly (120_1) and the positive bus bar of the battery cell assembly (120_2). The interbus bar (133) can be connected to the negative bus bar of the battery cell assembly (120_2) and the positive bus bar of the battery cell assembly (120_3). The interbus bar (134) can be connected to the negative bus bar of the battery cell assembly (120_3) and the positive bus bar of the battery cell assembly (120_4). The interbus bar (135) can be connected to the negative bus bar of the battery cell assembly (120_4).

[0077] Interbus bars (131, 132, 133, 134, 135) can be configured to electrically connect a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4). The plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) can be connected in series by the interbus bars (132, 133, 134), and power resulting from the series connection of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) can be output through the interbus bars (131, 135).

[0078] The lead (140) can be coupled to the side walls (112, 113, 114, 115). The lead (140) can cover elements placed inside the battery pack (100), such as a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) and electrical components. The lead (140) can be secured to the pack housing (110) by mechanical coupling means, such as bolts. A sealant comprising a compressible material, such as EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) rubber, may be further interposed between the lead (140) and the side walls (112, 113, 114, 115).

[0079] A communication device (150) may be installed in a pack housing (110). The communication device (150) may be installed, for example, in a side wall (114) of the pack housing (110). The side wall (114) may include an installation hole (114H) for installing the communication device (150). The communication device (150) may be at least partially embedded in the installation hole (114H).

[0080] The communication device (150) may be an antenna module. The communication device (150) may include an antenna (150A). The antenna (150A) may be closer to a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) than to a side wall (114) in the X direction. The antenna (150A) may be in the internal space (100I) of the battery pack (100).

[0081] A sealant (161) may be present between the communication device (150) and the side wall (114). Liquid sealing of the internal space of the battery pack (100) may be provided by the sealant (161). The communication device (150) may be secured to the side wall (114) by bolts (163). The communication device (150) may include a bracket portion for the application of the bolts (163).

[0082] The junction box assembly (170) may be on the base plate (111). The junction box assembly (170) may be on the junction box mounting portion (111J) of the base plate (111). The junction box assembly (170) may be outside the internal space (100I) of the battery pack. The junction box assembly (170) may be in the external space (100X). The junction box assembly (170) may not overlap with the lead (140).

[0083] The junction box assembly (170) may include a box (171), a Battery Management System (BMS) (173), a signal connector (175), and a power connector (177). The junction box assembly (170) may further include a Battery Disconnect Unit (BDU), a relay, a fuse, and a shunt.

[0084] A relay may be configured to supply or cut off power from a high-voltage battery pack (100) to an external load (e.g., a vehicle motor). The relay may protect the battery pack (100) and the 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, such as a voltage surge, occurs. A fuse may be configured to cut off the current of the battery pack (100) in the event of an abnormal current. A shunt may be a type of current sensor.

[0085] The BDU may include a high-voltage contactor, a pre-charge circuit, and a protection element. The high-voltage contactor is a component that connects or disconnects the battery pack (100) to the main circuit (e.g., the vehicle's dynamometer). The high-voltage contactor may be configured to transmit power to the inverter and motor, etc., when starting the electric vehicle, and to quickly cut off the current of the battery pack (100) in emergency situations. The pre-charge circuit is a component that gradually reduces the voltage difference between the battery pack (100) and the main circuit to prevent a large initial inrush current, thereby preventing overloading of circuit elements. The protection element cuts off the current in abnormal situations such as overcurrent and short circuits to protect the battery pack (100) and the main circuit, and can minimize the risk of fire, explosion, etc.

[0086] The box (171) can provide liquid seals for internal components such as the BMS (173), relays, fuses, shunts, and BDU. A signal connector (175) and a power connector (177) may be coupled to the box (171). The signal connector (175) may be connected to a channel (e.g., a signal cable) for communication of measurements inside a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4). The channel connected to the signal connector (175) may be connected, for example, to a Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) of a vehicle.

[0087] Here, the VCU can be installed in an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid vehicle (HEV). The VCU may be a higher-level controller of the vehicle. The VCU may be configured to integrally control the driving signals and operations of the powertrain, including the motor and inverter. The VCU communicates with the BMS (173) through a channel connected to the signal connector (175) to receive the status of the battery pack (100), and can comprehensively perform motor control, establish charging and discharging strategies, and thermal management according to vehicle driving requirements (e.g., accelerator pedal, braking energy recovery, etc.).

[0088] The power connector (177) can be connected to a channel (e.g., a power cable) for outputting power from a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4). For example, the power connector (177) can be connected to the vehicle's dynamometer through the channel.

[0089] The BMS (173) 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_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) and measuring the temperature of set locations within the battery pack (100). Balancing of the battery pack (100) is an operation to reduce deviations between the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4). Control of the battery pack (100) includes preventing overcharging, over-discharging, and overcurrent.

[0090] 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_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) can be prevented.

[0091] The BMS (173) may include an antenna for wireless communication, but is not limited thereto. The BMS (173) may be wired to the communication device (150). The BMS (173) may be connected to the communication device (150) via a connecting wire (180). The connecting wire (180) may be connected to the communication device (150) and the BMS (173). The connecting wire (180) may be directly connected to the communication device (150) and the BMS (173).

[0092] The communication device (150) may be configured to relay communication between the BMS (173) and the first integrated circuit assembly (123) of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4). Accordingly, a control signal generated from the BMS (173) is transmitted to the communication device (150) through the connecting wire (180), and the control signal transmitted to the communication device (150) may be transmitted to the antenna (123A) of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) via wireless communication. A measurement signal representing the measured values ​​of operation parameters (e.g., voltage, current, and / or temperature) of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) collected by the first integrated circuit assembly (123) of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) is transmitted to a communication device (150) via wireless communication, and the measurement signal transmitted to the communication device (150) can be transmitted to a BMS (173) via a connecting wire (180).

[0093] Power cables (191, 193) may be connected to a junction box assembly (170). Power cables (191, 193) may be connected to interbus bars (131, 135). Power cables (191, 193) may be configured to transmit power from a battery pack (100) to the junction box assembly (170). Accordingly, power from a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) may be output through a power connector (177). A person skilled in the art will be able to easily arrive at an embodiment in which the power cables (191, 193) are replaced by bus bars based on what is described herein.

[0094] The battery pack (100) may further include exhaust devices. The exhaust devices may be coupled to any one of the side walls (112, 113, 114, 115). The side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) coupled to the exhaust devices may include an exhaust hole connected to the exhaust devices. The exhaust devices may be configured to delay thermal propagation by releasing high-temperature gas inside the battery pack (100) to the outside when at least one of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) is in a thermal runway state.

[0095] Here, thermal runaway of multiple battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) is a state in which a temperature change of multiple battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) further accelerates that temperature change, which is an uncontrollable positive feedback. Multiple battery cell assemblies (120_1, 120_2, 120_3, 120_4) in a thermal runaway state exhibit a rapid temperature rise and emit a large amount of high-pressure gas and combustion residue.

[0096]

[0097] (2nd Example)

[0098] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a battery pack (100A) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 4, the battery pack (100A) is substantially the same as the battery pack (100) described with reference to FIG. 1 to 3, except that the communication device (150) is installed on the lead (140') instead of the side wall (114').

[0100] In this example, the side wall (114') may not include an installation hole (114H, see FIG. 3) for installing the communication device (150), and the lead (140') may include an installation hole (140H) for installing the communication device (150).

[0101]

[0102] (3rd Example)

[0103] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a battery pack (100B) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 5, the battery pack (100B) is substantially the same as the battery pack (100) described with reference to FIG. 1 through 3, except that the junction box assembly (170) is installed on the lead (140') instead of the base plate (111'). In this example, the base plate (111') may not include a junction box mounting portion.

[0105]

[0106] (Fourth Example)

[0107] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a battery pack (100C) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 6, the battery pack (100C) is substantially the same as the battery pack (100) described with reference to FIG. 1 through 3, except that the communication device (150) is installed on the lead (140') instead of the side wall (114'), and the junction box assembly (170) is installed on the lead (140') instead of the base plate (111').

[0109] In this example, the side wall (114') may not include an installation hole (114H, see FIG. 3) for installing a communication device (150), the lead (140') may include an installation hole (140H) for installing a communication device (150), and the base plate (111') may not include a junction box mounting portion.

[0110]

[0111] 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. A pack housing comprising a base plate and a side wall perpendicular to the base plate; A lead coupled to the above pack housing; A plurality of battery cell assemblies located on the above base plate, each comprising an integrated circuit assembly; A communication device configured to communicate with the antenna of the integrated circuit assembly of each of the above battery cell assemblies; and It includes a junction box assembly connected to the above communication device, and A battery pack characterized in that the junction box assembly includes a power connector configured to output power from the plurality of battery cell assemblies.

2. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized by the communication device being configured to communicate wirelessly with the antenna of the integrated circuit assembly of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies.

3. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the above junction box assembly is configured to communicate with the above communication device via a wire.

4. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the junction box assembly is located outside the internal space defined by the pack housing and the lead.

5. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the plurality of battery cell assemblies are located in an internal space defined by the pack housing and the lead.

6. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized by the communication device being installed on the side wall.

7. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack further comprising a sealant interposed between the communication device and the side wall.

8. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized by the communication device installed on the lead.

9. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the above junction box assembly is located on the above base plate.

10. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized by the above junction box assembly being located on the above lead.

11. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the junction box assembly includes a Battery Management System (BMS) configured to control the battery cell assemblies.

12. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the junction box assembly includes a signal connector configured to transmit a measurement signal representing the measured values ​​of the operation parameters of the plurality of battery cell assemblies.

13. In Paragraph 12, A battery pack characterized by the above signal connector being connected to the Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) of a vehicle.

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