END PLATE ASSEMBLY INCLUDING THERMISTOR, BATTERY MODULE AND BATTERY PACK INCLUDING THE SAME

A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells stacked in one direction; and an end plate assembly covering an outermost battery cell disposed on the outermost among the plurality of battery cells, wherein the end plate assembly includes at least one thermistor for measuring a temperature of the outermost battery cell.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0031552 filed on Mar. 14, 2022 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to an end plate assembly including a thermistor, a battery module including the same, and a battery pack.

2. Description of Related Art

A lithium secondary battery may be applied to fields requiring high energy, such as automobiles or power storage devices, in the form of a battery pack.

The secondary battery may include a plurality of battery cells, the plurality of battery cells may form an intermediate assembly such as a battery module, and the intermediate assemblies may form a battery pack.

A battery cell, which is the smallest unit of a secondary battery, may include an electrode assembly in which a plurality of electrodes are stacked. The electrode assembly may have a form in which negative electrode plates and positive electrode plates are alternately stacked, and a separator for insulating a negative electrode plate and a positive electrode plate from each other may be interposed between the negative electrode plate and the positive electrode plate.

Meanwhile, a short circuit may occur between electrodes included in the electrode assembly due to an external shock, which may lead to ignition of a battery cell, and may further cause chain ignition of other battery cells adjacent to the battery module. Fire occurring in the battery module may lead to fire in the entire battery pack.

For this reason, to prevent chain ignition of other battery cells and other battery modules, a means for effectively discharging flames or gases generated by battery cells may be necessary.

Meanwhile, ignition of the battery cell may be prevented in advance by measuring a maximum temperature of a battery cell separately from a means for discharging flame or gas generated by the battery cell.

However, since charge and discharge performance of a battery cell may tend to deteriorate at low temperature, to prevent ignition of the battery cell, it may be necessary to measure a maximum temperature and to measure a minimum temperature of the battery cell to maintain performance of the battery cell.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure is to prevents ignition of battery cells and to maintain constant charge/discharge performance of battery cells regardless of external temperature.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an end plate assembly mounted on a battery module including a plurality of battery cells includes a first plate; and a second plate disposed on one side of the first plate and including at least one thermistor.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module includes a plurality of battery cells stacked in one direction; and an end plate assembly covering an outermost battery cell disposed on the outermost among the plurality of battery cells, wherein the end plate assembly includes at least one thermistor for measuring a temperature of the outermost battery cell.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a battery pack includes a pack housing; a plurality of battery modules of one of claims1to10disposed in the pack housing; and a controller wirelessly communicating with the plurality of battery modules.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure may, however, be exemplified in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the specific embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided such that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, shapes and sizes of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity of description. Also, elements having the same function within the scope of the same concept represented in the drawing of each example embodiment will be described using the same reference numeral.

In the drawings, same elements will be indicated by same reference numerals. Also, redundant descriptions and detailed descriptions of known functions and elements which may unnecessarily make the gist of the present disclosure obscure will not be provided. In the accompanying drawings, a portion of elements may be exaggerated, omitted or briefly illustrated, and the sizes of the elements do not necessarily reflect the actual sizes of these elements.

In example embodiments, terms such as an upper side (an upper portion), a lower side (a lower portion), a side surface, and the like, are represented based on the directions in the drawings, and may be used differently when the direction of an element is changed.

FIG.1is a perspective diagram illustrating a battery module according to an example embodiment.FIG.2is an exploded perspective diagram illustrating a battery module according to an example embodiment.FIG.3is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating a battery module, taken along line I-I′ inFIG.1.FIG.4is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating a battery module, taken along line II-II′ inFIG.1.FIG.5is a perspective diagram illustrating an end plate assembly according to an example embodiment.FIGS.9A and9Bare cross-sectional diagrams illustrating a battery module, taken along line III-III′ inFIG.1.

FIG.5is a perspective diagram illustrating an end plate assembly according to an example embodiment.FIG.6is an enlarged diagram illustrating a portion to which a temperature sensor is applied in a battery module according to an example embodiment.

In an example embodiment, the battery module100may include a plurality of battery cells10and plates and plate assemblies110and120disposed to cover the plurality of battery cells10in a length direction and a stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells10.

The battery cell10may include an electrode assembly in which a plurality of electrodes are stacked, and the battery module100may include a plurality of battery cells10stacked in one direction. Referring toFIG.1, a plurality of battery cells10may be stacked in the Z-direction. Accordingly, in example embodiments, the Z-direction may refer to a stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells10.

The battery cell10may include an electrode lead13. The electrode lead13may be drawn out in the length direction of the battery cell10. Referring toFIG.1, a plurality of battery cells10may have a length in the X-direction. Accordingly, in example embodiments, the X-direction may refer to a length direction of the plurality of battery cells10.

Referring toFIG.1, the Y-direction may refer to a height direction of the plurality of battery cells10. Also, with respect to the viewpoint of the battery module100, the Y-direction may refer to a height direction of the battery module100.

Referring toFIGS.1and2, plates and plate assemblies may be disposed to cover the plurality of battery cells10in the stacking direction (Z-direction) and the length direction (X-direction) of the plurality of battery cells10. Here, the plate and the plate assembly may refer to the side plate110and the end plate assembly120described later, respectively.

The plate and the plate assembly may bind a plurality of battery cells10as a single assembly. Also, it may be disposed on an external side of the plurality of battery cells10and may protect the plurality of battery cells10.

To this end, the plate and the plate assembly may be formed of a material having high strength. For example, the plates and plate assemblies may be formed of a metal material such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or steel or may include components formed of such metal material.

The plate and the plate assembly may form the exterior of the battery module100, and other components may be disposed between the plurality of battery cells10and the plate and the plate assembly, which will be described later.

A plurality of battery cells10may be at least partially covered by the plate and the plate assembly. Referring toFIGS.1and2, two side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells10in the stacking direction (Z-direction) and two side surfaces in the length direction (X-direction) may be covered by the plate and the plate assembly.

Upper or lower portions of the plurality of battery cells10may be exposed to the outside. That is, a plate or plate assembly covering the plurality of battery cells10may not be provided in the height direction (Y-direction) of the plurality of battery cells10. However, this is merely an example embodiment, and in another example embodiment, the plurality of battery cells10and a sensing module assembly may be protected from the outside by covering the upper portion of the battery module with a plate.

The plate and the plate assemblies110and120may include a side plate110disposed in the length direction (X-direction) of the plurality of battery cells10and an end plate assembly120disposed in the stacking direction (Z-direction) of the plurality of battery cells10.

The side plate110may be disposed in the length direction (X-direction) of the plurality of battery cells10. In other words, the side plate110may be disposed in a direction in which the electrode lead13of the battery cell10is drawn out.

The side plate110may include a plurality of venting holes111. The venting hole111may communicate with a venting guide151formed in the insulating cover150, and may work as a flow path through which gas or flame generated in the battery cell10is discharged to the outside.

The end plate assembly120may be disposed in a stacking direction (Z-direction) of the plurality of battery cells10. That is, the end plate assembly120may be disposed to oppose the wide surface of the battery cell10. The end plate assembly120may cover the outermost battery cells (hereinafter, referred to as outermost battery cells11) with respect to the stacking direction (Z-direction) of the plurality of battery cells10.

Referring toFIGS.2and5, the end plate assembly120may include a plurality of plates. Specifically, the end plate assembly120may include a first plate121and a second plate122, and may optionally further include a third plate123.

The first plate121may be disposed on the outermost side in the stacking direction (Z-direction) of the plurality of battery cells10and may form the exterior of the battery module100. The first plate121may be formed of a metal material such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or steel to secure rigidity.

The second plate122may be disposed on one side of the first plate121. Since the first plate121forms the exterior of the battery module100, the second plate122may be disposed in the first plate121.

When the end plate assembly120only consists of the first plate121and the second plate122, the second plate122may be disposed between the first plate121and the outermost battery cell11.

The second plate122may be formed of an insulating material such as plastic, and may insulate the plurality of battery cells10and the first plate121from each other.

The second plate122may be manufactured separately from the first plate121and may be attached to a surface of the first plate121oriented to the plurality of battery cells10. Alternatively, the second plate122may be integrally manufactured with the first plate121through double injection.

The end plate assembly120may be manufactured in the form of a sandwich panel. For example, the second plate122is provided with a plurality of layers, and the second plate122may include a layer formed of a heat-resistant and fire-resistant material, for example, a mica material. In this case, the first plate121may be disposed on one surface of the second plate122oriented to the outside of the battery module100. That is, the first plate121and the second plate122in the form of a sandwich panel may be disposed in order from the external side to the internal side of the battery module100.

The end plate assembly120may further include a third plate123. The third plate123may not be necessarily provided and may be provided selectively.

The third plate123may be disposed in the second plate122. When the end plate assembly120includes the third plate123, the third plate123may be disposed between the second plate122and the outermost battery cell11.

The third plate123may be formed of an elastic material. The third plate123may be an elastic plate or an elastic pad, and may fill an empty space between the battery cell10and the second plate122. For example, the third plate123may be formed of various foam materials.

The third plate123may be manufactured separately from the first plate121and the second plate122. Alternatively, the first plate121, the second plate122, and the third plate123may be integrally manufactured.

Referring toFIG.5, the first plate121may be formed longer in the length direction (X-direction) of the plurality of battery cells10than the second plate122and the third plate123. Also, the second plate122may be formed longer than the third plate123in the length direction (X-direction) of the plurality of battery cells10.

In an example embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS.9A and9B, the side plate110and the end plate assembly120may be coupled to each other.

The side plate110may include an extension portion112extending toward the end plate assembly120for coupling with the end plate assembly120. The extension portion112may be configured to extend from both ends of the side plate110in the length direction toward the end plate assembly120.

The side plate110may extend in the stacking direction (Z-direction) of the plurality of battery cells10, and the end plate assembly120may extend in the length direction (X-direction) of the plurality of battery cells10. Accordingly, the extension portion112of the side plate110may include a bent portion to extend toward the end plate assembly120.

The extension portion112of the side plate110may extend toward the end plate assembly120and may cover a portion of the end plate assembly120. A portion of the end plate assembly120covered by the extension portion112may be the first plate121. As described above, since the first plate121is formed longer in the length direction (X-direction) of the plurality of battery cells10than the second plate122and the third plate123, both ends of the end plate assembly120in the length direction may include a single plate, the first plate121.

The side plate110and the end plate assembly120may be coupled to each other in the extension portion112. That is, since the extension portion112of the side plate110covers a portion of the first plate121, an overlapping portion may be formed, and the side plate110and the end plate assembly120may be coupled to each other in the overlapping portion. The side plate110and the end plate assembly120may have an overlap portion in the height direction (Y-direction) of the battery module100by the extension portion112.

Also, since the extension portion112extends from both ends of the side plate110in the length direction, the side plate110may include four extension portions112, and accordingly, the side plate110and the end plate assembly120may be coupled to each other in four positions.

For example, as illustrated inFIG.9A, the side plate110and the end plate assembly120may be mutually coupled to each other by a bolting method B. Bolts may penetrate through the extension portion112and the first plate121in order and may be accommodated in a fastening groove of the insulating cover150, and accordingly, the side plate110and the end plate assembly120may be mutually coupled to each other. Also, the side plate110and the end plate assembly120may be coupled by a bolting method B at a plurality of points of the extension portion112on the battery module100in the height direction (Y-direction).

As another example, as illustrated inFIG.9B, the side plate110and the end plate assembly120may be coupled to each other by a welding method W. The side plate110and the end plate assembly120may be welded at a plurality of welding points of the extension portion112in the height direction (Y-direction) of the battery module100.

In an example embodiment, the battery module100may further include a busbar assembly140, an insulating cover150, an insulating sheet160, a heat resistant sheet170between the plurality of battery cells10and the side plate110. That is, the busbar assembly140, the insulating cover150, the insulating sheet160and the heat resistant sheet170may be disposed in the length direction (X-direction) of the plurality of battery cells10.

The busbar assembly140may be electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells10. The busbar assembly140may include at least one busbar141connected to the battery cell10and an insulating plate142on which the busbar is disposed.

The busbar141may electrically connect two or more adjacent battery cells10to each other. For example, the electrode lead13drawn out from the battery cell10may be connected to the busbar141, and accordingly, the battery cells10may be electrically connected to each other.

The insulating cover150may be disposed to cover the busbar assembly140. The insulating cover150may be disposed between the side plate110and the plurality of battery cells10and may insulate the side plate110from the plurality of battery cells10.

The insulating cover150may include a venting guide151. The venting guide151may be configured to discharge flame or gas generated by the battery cell10on one side of the insulating cover150to a desired direction or position. For example, referring toFIGS.2to4, the venting guide151may be open in the length direction (X-direction) of the plurality of cells10, and accordingly, flames or gases generated by the battery cells10may be discharged in the length direction (X-direction), rather than being discharged in the height direction (Y-direction) or the stacking direction (Z-direction).

The venting guide151may be configured to be open in a direction opposing the plurality of battery cells10, and may also be configured to be open in a direction in which the electrode lead13is drawn out.

Since sealing strength of the exterior material surrounding the electrode assembly is relatively weak in the portion in which the electrode lead131is drawn out, gas or flame tends to be discharged in the direction in which the electrode lead13of the battery cell10is drawn out when the battery cell10is ignited. As the venting guide151is open in the withdrawal direction of the electrode lead13, flame or gas may be effectively discharged to the outside of the battery module100, which may prevent or delay chain ignition or thermal runaway of the plurality of battery cells10.

The venting guide151may be configured in a structure which may be more easily damaged than other portions due to flame or gas ejected from the battery cell10. For example, the venting guide151may be provided in the form of a hole penetrating the insulating cover150.

However, the venting guide151may not be necessarily provided in the form of a hole penetrating the insulating cover150, and may be formed to be vulnerable to heat or pressure than other portions such that the venting guide151may be first penetrated by gas or flame ejected from the battery cell10and the gas or flame may be discharged to the corresponding portion.

For example, the insulating cover150may include a portion having a thickness thinner than those of other portions, and the corresponding portion may function as the venting guide151. In this case, the portion functioning as the venting guide151in the insulating cover150may be more easily melted by flame or high-temperature gas than other portions due to the thin thickness, and may provide a flow path through which flame or gas ejected from the battery cell10is discharged.

The insulating cover150may include a plurality of venting guides151, and the venting guides151may be arranged in a stacking direction (Z-direction) of the plurality of battery cells10on the insulating cover150. Also, the number of the venting guides151and the size thereof may vary.

The side plate110may include a venting hole111corresponding to the venting guide151. The venting holes111may be arranged on the side plate110in a stacking direction (Z-direction) of the plurality of battery cells10, and may be provided in a number corresponding to the number of the venting guides151.

The insulation sheet160may be disposed on the insulating cover150. That is, the insulation sheet160may be disposed between the side plate110and the insulating cover150.

The insulation sheet160may be configured to block foreign substances from entering through the venting hole111from the outside of the battery module100, and to not interfere with the discharge of flame or gas through the venting hole111.

The insulation sheet160may be formed of a material which may be easily melted than the insulating cover150by flame or gas. For example, the insulation sheet160may be formed of a material such as polycarbonate (PC). Also, the insulation sheet160may be manufactured integrally with the insulating cover150.

Also, a heat resistant sheet170may be disposed between the busbar assembly140and the insulating cover150. The heat-resistant sheet170may prevent flames or gases discharged from a portion of venting guides151from flowing into other venting guides151.

The heat-resistant sheet170may be formed of a material having excellent fire resistance, heat resistance or heat insulation. For example, the heat resistant sheet170may be formed of a ceramic fiber material.

In an example embodiment, the battery module100may optionally include an insulation sheet160and a heat resistant sheet170. That is, at least one of the insulation sheet160and the heat resistant sheet170may not be provided.

In an example embodiment, the battery module100may include a thermistor T between the plurality of battery cells10and the end plate assembly120.

The thermistor T may be integrally formed with the end plate assembly120and may be provided on the second plate122. The thermistor T may be provided on an inner surface of the second plate122, that is, on one surface oriented to the outermost battery cell11. For example, the thermistor T may be attached to one surface of the second plate122through a tape or may be inserted into a groove formed in the second plate122. When the thermistor T is inserted into a groove formed in the second plate122, the second plate122may additionally undergo a process of forming grooves for disposing the thermistor T.

The structure in which the thermistor T is provided on the end plate assembly120as described above may have an advantage of reducing the effect on the plurality of battery cells10.

Specifically, the plurality of battery cells10may have a swelling phenomenon in which the thickness increases in the direction of the wide surface due to internal gas generation due to design issues or repetitive charging and discharging. Accordingly, pressure acting in the corresponding direction may become non-uniform, such that reduction in the lifespan of the battery cell10or a side reaction which may reduce the lifespan may occur.

In this state, when the thermistor T having volume and rigidity is provided between the plurality of battery cells10, uneven pressure may act in the direction of the wide surface of the battery cells10, which may affect the lifespan of the plurality of battery cells10.

When the thermistor T is provided in the outermost battery cell11, the above-described effect may be relatively reduced.

When the end plate assembly120further includes the third plate123, the third plate123may include a hole H1and H2in a position opposing the thermistor T on the second plate122such that the thermistor T may be exposed toward the outermost battery cell11side.

In an example embodiment, since the second plate122includes two thermistors T1and T2, the third plate123may also include two holes H1and H2.

The thermistor T may measure the temperature of the plurality of battery cells10including the outermost battery cell11to the outermost battery cell11in a state of being provided on the second plate122, and to this end, the thermistor T may be in contact with the outermost battery cell11.

The thermistor T may include a first thermistor T1and a second thermistor T2. That is, a first thermistor T1and a second thermistor T2may be provided on the second plate122, and the first thermistor T1and the second thermistor T2may be simultaneously in contact with the outermost battery cell11. However, the first thermistor T1and the second thermistor T2may be in contact with different regions of the outermost battery cell11.

Since the first thermistor T1and the second thermistor T2are configured to measure different temperatures, the first thermistor T1and the second thermistor T2may be in contact with regions having different temperature properties of the outermost battery cell11, respectively.

Specifically, the first thermistor T1may be disposed in a region in which the maximum temperature of the outermost battery cell11may be measured to cope with overheating of the battery module100, and the second thermistor T2may be disposed in a region in which the lowest temperature of the outermost battery cell11may be measured to prevent performance deterioration of the battery module100due to low temperature. To this end, the first thermistor T1may be in contact with the first region of the outermost battery cell11, and the second thermistor T2may be in contact with the second region of the outermost battery cell11.

The first region may have the highest average temperature in the outermost battery cell11. The outermost battery cell11may have a temperature distribution internally, and when the outermost battery cell11is divided into a plurality of regions, a region having the highest average temperature may become the first region.

For example, referring toFIG.6, the first region may be adjacent to a corner of the upper portion of the outermost battery cell11, and the first thermistor T1may be provided to be in contact with the outermost battery cell11adjacent to the edge of the upper portion of the outermost battery cell11, and may measure the highest temperature of the plurality of battery cells10including the outermost battery cell11.

The second region may be a region having the lowest average temperature in the outermost battery cell11. The outermost battery cell11may have a temperature distribution internally, and when the outermost battery cell11is divided into a plurality of regions, a region having the lowest average temperature may become the second region.

For example, referring toFIG.6, the second region may be adjacent to the lower central portion of the outermost battery cell11, and the second thermistor T2may be provided to be in contact with the outermost battery cell11adjacent to the lower central portion of the outermost battery cell11and may measure the lowest temperature of the plurality of battery cells10including the outermost battery cell11.

Generally, since the battery module100is cooled by a water cooling method in the lower portion of the battery cell10, the upper portion of the battery module100may exhibit relatively high-temperature properties and the lower portion may exhibit low-temperature properties. Accordingly, the first thermistor T1may be attached to an upper portion of the outermost battery cell11, and the second thermistor T2may be attached to a lower portion of the outermost battery cell11.

Accordingly, in the drawings, the first region in which the first thermistor T1is disposed and the second region in which the second thermistor T2is disposed may vary depending on the cooling position. That is, the first region and the second region may be determined according to temperature properties of the outermost battery cell11or the plurality of battery cells10, and may not indicate specific positions.

In an example embodiment, the thermistor T may be provided as a negative temperature coefficient thermistor (NTC thermistor) which may measure temperature through resistance change. Accordingly, the thermistor T may be easily applied to a structure in which the plurality of battery cells10and the end plate assembly120are closely disposed, and may sensitively measure temperature changes, which may be advantageous.

FIG.7is a perspective diagram illustrating a sensing module assembly of a battery module according to an example embodiment.FIGS.8A and8Bare diagrams illustrating a portion to which a sensing module assembly is coupled in a battery module according to an example embodiment.

In an example embodiment, the battery module100may include a sensing module assembly (SMA)130. Referring toFIG.7, the sensing module assembly130may include a first substrate132, a second substrate133and a connection substrate135.

The first substrate132may be configured as a printed circuit board (PCB) or a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) extending in a stacking direction (Z-direction) of the plurality of battery cells10. The first substrate132may be provided on a base plate. The first substrate132may be disposed on one side of the plurality of battery cells10in the length direction (X-direction).

The first substrate132may be electrically connected to the thermistor T provided on the second plate122. The first substrate132may be electrically connected to the entirety of thermistors T provided on the second plates122of the end plate assembly120disposed on both sides of the plurality of battery cells10in the stacking direction (Z-direction).

That is, the first substrate132may be electrically connected to the two first thermistors T1and the two second thermistors T2, and accordingly, the first substrate132may receive data about temperatures of the plurality of battery cells10including at least the outermost battery cell11. In the first substrate132, temperature data of the plurality of battery cells10including each outermost battery cell11may be collected. In addition to temperature data, current and voltage data may be collected in the first substrate132.

The first substrate132and the thermistor T may be connected to each other through a connector134. For example, the connector134may be provided as a wire, and may be provided as a flexible printed circuit (FPC) type or a flexible flat cable (FFC) type in addition to a general wire. Also, the connector134may be directly soldered on the first board132or may be connected to the first board132through a separate connector.

The first substrate132may be disposed on one side of the plurality of battery cells10in the length direction (X-direction) and may be coupled to the busbar assembly140. For example, as illustrated inFIG.8A, the first board132may include a plurality of sensing terminals137, and the plurality of sensing terminals137of the first board132may be coupled to the busbar141of the busbar assembly140through bolts.

The second substrate133may be implemented as a printed circuit board (PCB) or a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) extending in a stacking direction (Z-direction) of the plurality of battery cells10. The second substrate133may be provided on the base plate. The second substrate133may be disposed on the other side of the plurality of battery cells10in the length direction (X-direction). That is, the second substrate133may be spaced apart from the first substrate132in the length direction (X-direction) of the plurality of battery cells10.

The first substrate132and the second substrate133may be structurally and electrically connected to each other through a connection substrate135. To this end, the connection substrate135may be implemented as a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) extending in the length direction (X-direction) of the plurality of battery cells10.

The second substrate133may include a cell monitoring unit (CMU). The second substrate133may receive data such as the temperature of the outermost battery cells11from the first substrate132, and may communicate with a controller (hereinafter, a battery monitoring unit (BMU)) of the battery pack1000to be described later. Specifically, the second board133may transfer data received from the first board132to the BMU of the battery pack1000and may receive a control signal from the BMU. The CMU on the second board133and the BMU on the battery pack may communicate wirelessly.

The sensing module assembly130may include a first substrate132, a second substrate133, and a connection substrate135in the drawings, but the second substrate133may be optionally provided. In this case, the first substrate132may perform the above-described function of the second substrate133while being connected to the thermistor T. Also, since the second substrate133is not provided, the connection substrate135may not be provided.

FIG.10is a perspective diagram illustrating a battery pack according to an example embodiment.FIG.11is a diagram illustrating an internal flow path of the battery pack inFIG.10.FIG.12is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating a battery pack, taken along line IV-IV′ inFIG.10.FIG.13is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating a battery pack, taken along line V-V′ inFIG.10.FIG.14is a block diagram illustrating communication between a controller of a battery pack and a battery module according to an example embodiment.

Referring toFIG.10, a battery pack1000in an example embodiment may include a pack housing1200and a plurality of battery modules100disposed in the pack housing1200.

The pack housing1200may include a lower plate1210, a side frame1220extending from an edge of the lower plate1210, and an upper plate1240covering the plurality of battery modules100.

The plurality of battery modules100may be the battery module100described above, and may be a battery module100including the entirety or a portion of the components of the battery module100described above.

The battery modules100may include a venting hole111, and the battery modules100may be disposed in the pack housing1200such that the venting hole111may be disposed in the X-direction inFIG.10.

The pack housing1200may include a partition wall1230partitioning an internal space. At least one battery module100may be disposed in the space partitioned by the partition wall1230. Referring toFIG.11, flame or gas discharged from the battery module100may move into the side frame1220through the partition wall1230. Flame or gas flowing in the side frame1220may be ejected to the outside of the battery pack1000through a hole provided in the pack housing.

Referring toFIGS.11and12, flame or gas discharged from the battery cell10may be discharged through the venting guide151provided on the insulating cover150and the venting hole1111provided on the side plate1110. The discharged flame or gas may flow into the first flow path1231provided by the partition wall1230. The first flow path1231may extend in the length direction of the partition wall1230.

The partition wall1230may form two or more first flow paths1231spatially separated from each other. One partition wall1230may be configured to form two or more first flow paths1231spatially separated through the structure.

Referring toFIG.12, the partition wall1230may define first flow paths1231disposed on both sides of the partition wall1230, respectively. For example, the partition wall1230may be provided in the form of a beam having an “I”-shaped cross section, and may define a flow path on each of both sides. However, the shape of the partition wall1230illustrated inFIG.12is an example, and the partition wall1230may have a different shape.

Referring toFIG.13, the side frame1220may include a second flow path1221. The second flow path1221may be connected to the first flow path1231of the partition wall1230. The second flow path1221may include an inner space of the side frame1220. For example, the side frame1220may be provided in a form of beam including an inner space, and may include a hole1222communicating the first flow path1231of the partition wall1230to the inner space. Gas or flame ejected from the venting hole111of the battery module100may primarily flow into the first flow path1231of the partition wall1230, and gas or flame moving along the first flow path1231in the length direction of the partition wall1230may secondarily flow into the second flow path1221provided by the side frame1220. Gas or flame flowing into the second flow path1221may be discharged out of the pack housing1200through an outlet provided in the pack housing1200.

Also, the battery modules100may include a thermistor T and a sensing module assembly130. The sensing module assembly130may be disposed in the X-direction inFIG.10.

The sensing module assembly130may communicate with the battery pack1000. In the battery modules100, temperature data measured by the thermistor T may be collected in the substrate of the sensing module assembly130, and such data may be transmitted to the battery pack1000.

Referring toFIG.14, the battery pack1000may include a controller. The controller may include a battery monitoring unit (BMU) including an MCU. The controller may communicate with each battery module100included in the battery pack1000. That is, the controller may receive current and voltage data including temperature data of the sensing module assembly130of each battery module100, specifically, the battery cell10of each battery module100from the second substrate133(or the first substrate132), and may control each battery module100by transmitting a control signal to each battery module100based on the received data.

The battery modules100may control the current and/or voltage of the battery cell10based on the control signal transmitted from the controller such that the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature of the battery cell10may be maintained within a predetermined range.

The above-described process may be performed in a wired or wireless manner, preferably in a wireless manner.

Accordingly, ignition of the battery cell10may be prevented, charging and discharging performance of the battery cell10may be maintained regardless of external temperature, and stability and performance of the battery module100and the battery pack1000may be improved.

According to the aforementioned example embodiments, it may be possible to prepare for thermal runaway due to overheating of the battery cell and degradation of performance at low temperatures, and accordingly, stability and performance of the battery module and battery pack may be improved.