Battery cell assembly and battery pack comprising same

Abstract

A battery assembly includes: a first cell block; a first cover coupled to a first side of the first cell block; and a second cover coupled to a second side of the first cell block, the second side being opposite the first side. The first cover includes a first extension portion extending from the first cover. The first extended portion includes a first plate spaced apart from the surface of the first cover in a first direction. The first extension portion further includes a second plate between the first plate and a first surface of the first cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery cell assembly and a battery pack including the battery cell assembly. Background Art

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged many times. Secondary batteries are widely used as energy sources for various wireless devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. In recent years, the main use of secondary batteries has shifted from mobile devices to transportation tools as the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has been greatly reduced due to the improvement of energy density and economies of scale, and the cruising range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to a level comparable to that of fuel vehicles.

[0003] As secondary batteries are used in vehicles, people have higher and higher requirements for the safety of secondary batteries. When an accident such as a fire occurs in a secondary battery used in a vehicle, it may endanger the life of the driver, so it is very important to study the technology to improve the safety of secondary batteries.

[0004] The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art or suggestions of prior art by inclusion in this section. Summary of the invention

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide a battery cell assembly and a battery pack with improved safety.

[0007] This object and other objects and advantages of the present disclosure can be understood from the following detailed description and will become more apparent from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, it is easy to understand that the objects and advantages of the present disclosure can be achieved by the methods shown in the attached claims and their combinations.

[0008] Technical Solution

[0009] In one embodiment, a battery assembly may include: a first cover coupled to a first side of the first cell block; and a second cover coupled to a second side of the first cell block, the second side being opposite to the first side. The first cover may include a first extension portion extending from a surface of the first cover. The first extension portion may include a first plate spaced apart from the surface of the first cover in a first direction. The first extension portion may also include a second plate located between the first plate and the surface of the first cover.

[0010] In other aspects, the battery assembly described herein may include one or more of the following features. The first plate may include a rectangular shape. The first plate and the second plate may extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The battery assembly may also include a third plate located between the first plate and the surface of the first cover. The first edge of the second plate may extend between the first plate and the first cover along the first direction. The second plate and the third plate may be spaced apart from each other. The first cover, the first plate, the second plate, and the third plate may form a single integrated structure. The first plate, the second plate, and the third plate may be arranged to form an insulating space between the first plate and the surface of the first cover and between the second plate and the third plate. The insulating space may extend from the first edge of the second plate to the second edge of the second plate along the second direction. The second cover may include a second extension portion extending from the second side of the first cell block along the third direction. The battery cell assembly may also include a third cover coupled to the third side of the first cell block. The third cover may include a cooling channel. The battery assembly may further include: a second cell block; a third cover coupled to a first side of the second cell block, the first side of the second cell block facing the first cell block; and a fourth cover coupled to a second side of the second cell block, the second side of the second cell block being opposite to the first side of the second cell block. The third cover may include a second extension portion extending from a surface of the third cover. The second extension portion of the third cover may include a plurality of connection flanges spaced apart from each other and connected to the first extension portion of the first cover. The third cover and the plurality of connection flanges may form an integrated structure. The battery assembly may further include: a third cell block; a fifth cover coupled to a first side of the third cell block; and a third extension portion extending from a surface of the fifth cover. The third extension portion may be configured to be fastened to a housing. The fourth cover may include a fourth extension portion configured to be coupled to the housing. The battery pack may further include: a third cell block; a fifth cover coupled to a first side of the third cell block; and a third extension portion extending from a surface of the fifth cover. The third extension portion may be coupled to the second cover and the housing.

[0011] In another embodiment, a battery pack may include: a housing that accommodates a battery assembly. The battery assembly may include: a first core block; a first cover coupled to a first side of the first core block; and a second cover coupled to a second side of the first core block, the second side being opposite to the first side. The first cover may include a first extension portion extending from a surface of the first cover. The battery assembly may also include a third cover coupled to the housing and covering the battery assembly. The first side of the battery assembly may be coupled to the third cover, and the second side of the battery assembly may be spaced apart from the surface of the housing.

[0012] In other aspects, the battery pack described herein may include one or more of the following features. The first cell block may include a plurality of battery cells arranged in a direction between the first cover and the second cover. The housing may include a support structure on the surface of the housing. The first extension may be fastened to the support structure by means of a fastening member. The battery pack may also include: a second cell block; a fourth cover coupled to a first side of the second cell block, the first side of the second cell block facing the first cell block; and a fifth cover coupled to a second side of the second cell block, the second side of the second cell block being opposite to the first side of the second cell block. The fourth cover may include a second extension extending from a surface of the fourth cover. The battery assembly may also include a fourth cover coupled to a third side of the first cell block. The third cover may include a cooling channel. The fourth cover may be located between the third cover and the third side of the first cell block.

[0013] In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure may be intended to provide a battery cell assembly, comprising: a cell block comprising a plurality of battery cells; a first side frame arranged on a first side surface of the cell block; and a second side frame arranged on a second side surface of the cell block, the second side surface of the cell block being opposite to the first side surface of the cell block, wherein the first side frame comprises a fixed frame connected to the first side surface of the cell block, a barrier plate connected to the fixed frame and spaced apart from the first side surface of the cell block in a first direction to form an insulating space, and a connecting plate extending between the barrier plate and the fixed frame.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the barrier plate has a flat plate shape.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the barrier plate and the connection plate may extend in a second direction crossing the first direction.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting plate may include a lower connecting plate extending from a lower end portion of the barrier plate to the fixed frame along the first direction and an upper connecting plate extending from an upper end portion of the barrier plate to the fixed frame along the first direction, wherein the lower connecting plate and the upper connecting plate may be spaced apart from each other with an insulating space therebetween.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the fixing frame, the barrier plate, the lower connection plate, and the upper connection plate may be formed as one body.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, when viewed in cross section, the insulating space may be defined by being surrounded by the barrier plate, the lower connection plate, and the upper connection plate, and the insulating space may extend continuously from one end of the barrier plate to the other end along a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the second side frame may include a plurality of connection flanges protruding from the second side surface of the core block in a first direction and spaced apart from each other in a second direction crossing the first direction.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the battery cell assembly may further include a cooling plate attached to an upper surface of the cell block to cover the upper surface of the cell block, and the cooling plate includes a cooling channel.

[0021] The present disclosure is also intended to provide a battery pack, the battery pack comprising a battery pack housing, a plurality of battery cell assemblies installed in the battery pack housing and arranged along a first direction, wherein the plurality of battery cell assemblies comprise a first battery cell assembly and a second battery cell assembly adjacent to each other along the first direction, wherein the first battery cell assembly comprises: a first cell block, the first cell block comprising a plurality of first battery cells; a first side frame, the first side frame being coupled to a side surface of the first cell block; a second side frame, the second side frame being coupled to another side surface of the first cell block, the other side surface of the first cell block being opposite to the one side surface of the first cell block, and the second side frame comprising a plurality of first connecting flanges, the first connecting flanges being spaced apart from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, Wherein, each of the plurality of first connecting flanges is fastened to the battery pack housing, and the second battery cell assembly includes: a second battery cell block, the second battery cell block includes a plurality of second battery cells; a third side frame, the third side frame is connected to a side surface of the second battery cell block facing the first battery cell block; and a fourth side frame, the fourth side frame is connected to another side surface of the second battery cell block opposite to the one side surface of the second battery cell block, wherein the third side frame includes a fixed frame connected to the one side surface of the second battery cell block, a barrier plate connected to the fixed frame and spaced apart from the one side surface of the second battery cell block in a first direction to form an insulating space, and a connecting plate extending between the barrier plate and the fixed frame and fastened to the plurality of first connecting flanges and the battery pack housing.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting plate may include a lower connecting plate extending from a lower end portion of the barrier plate to the fixed frame in a first direction and an upper connecting plate extending from an upper end portion of the barrier plate to the fixed frame in a first direction, and an insulating space may be defined by being surrounded by the barrier plate, the lower connecting plate and the upper connecting plate.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the fixing frame, the barrier plate, the lower connection plate, and the upper connection plate may be formed as one body.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of battery cell assemblies may further include a third battery cell assembly located on one side of the second battery cell assembly, the fourth side frame may include a plurality of second connecting flanges spaced apart from each other in a second direction, and each second connecting flange is fastened to the battery pack housing, and the third battery cell assembly may include: a third battery block, the third battery block including a plurality of third battery cells; and a fifth side frame, the fifth side frame being connected to a side surface of the third battery block facing the second battery cell block and including a plurality of third connecting flanges spaced apart from each other in the second direction, wherein each of the plurality of third connecting flanges is fastened to the battery pack housing.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of battery cell assemblies may further include a third battery cell assembly located on one side of the second battery cell assembly, and the fourth side frame may include a plurality of second connecting flanges spaced apart from each other in a second direction, wherein each of the plurality of second connecting flanges is fastened to the battery pack housing, wherein the third battery cell assembly may include a third battery cell block (the third battery cell block includes a plurality of third battery cells) and a fifth side frame connected to a side surface of the third battery cell block facing the second battery cell block, an insulating space defined by the fifth side frame may be provided on one side of the third battery cell block, and the fifth side frame may be connected to the plurality of second connecting flanges and the battery pack housing.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the battery pack case may include a lower case accommodating the plurality of battery cell assemblies and a top plate coupled to the lower case to cover the plurality of battery cell assemblies, and the plurality of battery cell assemblies may be suspended and supported by the top plate.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies may include a cell block in which pouch type battery cells are stacked.

[0028] Beneficial Effects

[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of battery cell assemblies are coupled to a battery pack case by a side mounting method in a battery pack, so that damage due to expansion of the battery cells may be reduced and structural safety of the plurality of battery cell assemblies may be improved.

[0030] In addition, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an insulating space formed by the side frame is provided between adjacent plurality of battery cell assemblies, thereby suppressing heat transfer between adjacent battery cell assemblies and preventing chain fire. Therefore, the safety of the battery pack can be improved.

[0031] The effects obtained in the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above effects, and those skilled in the art of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can clearly derive and understand other effects not mentioned above from the following description. That is, those skilled in the art can also derive unexpected effects when implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the above disclosure, are used to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not to be construed as being limited to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 2 is a plan view showing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating a side frame provided in a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 4 is a plan view showing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 5 is a plan view showing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an electric vehicle equipped with the battery pack of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be understood as limited to general terms or dictionary terms, but should be interpreted in accordance with the technical ideas of the present disclosure and in accordance with the principle that the inventors appropriately define the terminology concepts in order to interpret the present disclosure in the best manner, and their meanings and concepts.

[0041] Therefore, since the implementation described in this article and the configuration shown in the accompanying drawings are merely one of the most preferred implementations of the present disclosure and do not represent the overall technical concept of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the present disclosure covers various equivalent examples, modified examples, and replacement examples at the time of submission of this application.

[0042] Furthermore, in the following description of the present disclosure, if it is determined that detailed descriptions of known configurations or functions incorporated in the present disclosure may make the gist of the present disclosure rather unclear, such descriptions will be omitted.

[0043] Since the embodiments of the present disclosure are provided to more fully explain the present disclosure to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted or schematically shown for the sake of clarity. Therefore, the size or ratio of each component does not fully reflect the actual size or ratio.

[0044] The subject matter of the present description will be more fully described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this description and illustrate specific exemplary embodiments in a diagrammatic manner. An embodiment or implementation described herein as "exemplary" is not intended to be preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or implementations; rather, it is intended to reflect or indicate that the embodiment is an "exemplary" embodiment. The subject matter can be embodied in a variety of different forms, and therefore, the subject matter covered or claimed is intended to be construed as not being limited to any exemplary embodiment set forth herein; the exemplary embodiments are provided for illustration purposes only. Likewise, the subject matter claimed or covered should also be reasonably broad in scope.

[0045] Throughout the specification and claims, terms may have nuanced meanings that are suggested or implied by the context rather than the explicitly stated meanings. Likewise, the phrase "in one embodiment" as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, and the phrase "in another embodiment" as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment. For example, the claimed subject matter is intended to include combinations of all or part of the exemplary embodiments.

[0046] The terms used below are to be interpreted in the broadest reasonable manner, even though these terms are used in conjunction with the detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the present disclosure. In fact, certain terms may even be emphasized below; however, this detailed description section will provide an open, specific definition of any term that is intended to be interpreted in any limited manner. Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory and do not limit the claimed features.

[0047] In the present disclosure, the term "based on" means "based at least in part on". Terms including ordinal numbers (such as "first", "second", etc.) can be used to distinguish one element from another element in various elements, but are not intended to limit elements by terms. The singular forms "one" and "the" include plural references unless the context otherwise dictates. The term "exemplary" is used here in the sense of "embodiment" rather than "ideal". The term "or" is intended to be inclusive and refers to any one, any, several or all of the listed items. The terms "comprising", "including" or other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such as processes, methods or products that include a series of elements do not necessarily include only these elements, but may also include other elements that are not explicitly listed or elements inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices. Relative terms (such as "substantially" and "approximately") are used to indicate that there may be a ±5% change within a stated or understood value range.

[0048] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when one part is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another part, it is not limited to the case where they are “directly connected” or “directly coupled” but also includes the case where they are “indirectly connected” or “indirectly coupled” and one or more elements are arranged between them.

[0049] Figures 1 to 3 is a view showing a battery pack 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the battery pack 10, Figure 2 is a plan view showing the battery pack 10, and Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a side frame provided to the battery pack 10 .

[0050] Reference Figures 1 to 3 , the battery pack 10 may include a battery pack case 900 and a plurality of battery cell assemblies (eg, a first battery cell assembly 100 and a second battery cell assembly 200) installed in the battery pack case 900. The battery cell assembly may be referred to as a battery assembly.

[0051] A plurality of battery cell assemblies may be arranged in the battery pack housing 900 along a first direction (X direction). Figure 1 In one embodiment, the plurality of battery cell assemblies include two battery cell assemblies (i.e., a first battery cell assembly 100 and a second battery cell assembly 200). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the battery pack 10 may include one battery cell assembly or three or more battery cell assemblies arranged along the first direction (X direction).

[0052] Each battery cell assembly may include a cell block (e.g., the first cell block 110 of the first battery cell assembly 100 or the second cell block 210 of the second battery cell assembly 200), and the cell block may include a plurality of battery cells BC. In an exemplary embodiment, the battery cell assembly may be a battery module including a module shell surrounding the upper, lower, left, and right surfaces of the cell block, or may be a device having a shape in which a portion or all of the module shell is removed.

[0053] Each battery cell BC may be a basic unit of a lithium-ion battery, such as a secondary battery. Each battery cell BC may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte and a shell or a casing. The electrode assembly embedded in the shell may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a separator inserted between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. Depending on the type of assembly, the electrode assembly may be any one of a roll-type electrode assembly and a stacked electrode assembly. The roll-type electrode assembly may include a winding structure of a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a separator inserted between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The stacked electrode assembly may include a plurality of positive electrodes, a plurality of negative electrodes and a plurality of separators respectively inserted therebetween, and all these positive electrodes, negative electrodes and separators are stacked together in sequence.

[0054] A plurality of battery cells BC may be connected in series and / or in parallel. For example, a plurality of battery cells BC may be connected in series with each other. For example, a plurality of battery cells BC may be connected in parallel with each other. For example, a plurality of battery cells BC connected in parallel may form a group, and a group of a plurality of battery cells BC may be connected in series. A plurality of battery cells BC may be grouped to obtain a desired electrical capacity.

[0055] Each battery cell BC may correspond to a pouch-type battery cell, a cylindrical battery cell, or a prismatic battery cell, but is not limited thereto. The electrode assembly of the pouch-type battery cell may be embedded in a pouch case including an aluminum laminate. The electrode assembly of the cylindrical battery cell may be embedded in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of the prismatic battery cell may be embedded in a prismatic metal can.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, each battery cell BC may correspond to a pouch-type battery cell, and a plurality of battery cells BC may be stacked in a first direction (X direction) in one battery cell assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, in each battery cell assembly, each of a plurality of battery cells BC may correspond to a pouch-type battery cell having a length in the first direction (X direction) smaller than a length in the second direction (Y direction), and a plurality of battery cells BC may be stacked in the first direction (X direction).

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, each battery cell assembly may include a single cell block. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and each battery cell assembly may include a plurality of sub-cell blocks arranged along the second direction (Y direction), and each of the plurality of sub-cell blocks may include a plurality of battery cells BC stacked along the first direction (X direction). For example, each battery cell assembly may include two sub-cell blocks arranged along the second direction (Y direction).

[0058] Reference Figure 2 , when viewed in a plan view, each cell block may have a rectangular shape (e.g., the first cell block 110 of the first battery cell assembly 100 or the second cell block 210 of the second battery cell assembly 200). In this case, each cell block 110 or 210 may have a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to each other in a first direction (X direction), a front surface and a rear surface opposite to each other in a second direction (Y direction), and an upper and a lower surface opposite to each other in a third direction (Z direction). For example, in each battery cell assembly 100, 200, the first side surface of the cell block may be a left side surface, and the second side surface of the cell block may be a right side surface.

[0059] Still refer to Figure 2 In an exemplary embodiment, in each battery cell assembly, a bus bar frame BFA may be coupled to each of the front and rear surfaces of a cell block (e.g., the first cell block 110 of the first battery cell assembly 100 or the second cell block 210 of the second battery cell assembly 200). A bus bar may be mounted to each bus bar frame BFA to electrically connect a plurality of battery cells BC to one another. The bus bar may be an intermediate bus bar that may be connected to each battery cell BC and electrically connect a plurality of battery cells BC, or may be a terminal bus bar for electrically connecting the battery cell assembly 100, 200 to an external electrical device. However, the arrangement of the bus bar frame BFA in each battery cell assembly 100, 200 is not limited thereto, and the arrangement of the bus bar frame BFA in each battery cell assembly 100, 200 may be determined by the type of battery cell BC, the arrangement of electrode leads connected to the battery cell BC, and the like. For example, in each battery cell assembly 100, 200, a bus bar frame BFA equipped with bus bars may be arranged on the upper surface or the lower surface of the cell block 110, 210. Although not shown in the drawings, each battery cell assembly 100, 200 may further include an end plate for covering the bus bar frame BFA coupled to the front and rear surfaces of the cell block.

[0060] Replay Figure 1In an exemplary embodiment, in each battery cell assembly 100, 200, a cooling plate CP may be provided on the upper surface of the cell block. For example, the cooling plate CP may be attached to the upper surface of the cell block via a thermal interface material (TIM) layer. The cooling plate CP may be referred to as a cover. The cooling plate CP may have a cooling channel CH, which is configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow through. The cooling fluid provided from outside the battery cell assembly may flow into the cooling channel CH via the inlet of the cooling channel CH, flow along the cooling channel CH, and then may flow out to the outside via the outlet of the cooling channel CH. When the cooling fluid flows along the cooling channel CH, the battery cell assemblies 100, 200 may be cooled.

[0061] Still refer to Figure 1 , each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies 100, 200 may have a side mounting structure that is fastened to a support block 920 of a battery pack housing 900 by means of a side frame provided at each side portion thereof. The support block 920 may be referred to as a support structure. The side frame may be connected or coupled to one side surface of the corresponding battery cell assembly. Hereinafter, the side mounting structures of the first battery cell assembly 100 and the second battery cell assembly 200 will be described in more detail.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the first battery cell assembly 100 may include a first cell block 110 , a first side frame 120 connected to a first side surface of the first cell block 110 and a battery pack case 900 , and a second side frame 130 connected to a second side surface of the first cell block 110 and the battery pack case 900 .

[0063] Reference Figure 2 , the first side frame 120 may include a first fixing frame 121 fixed to the first side surface of the first battery cell block 110 and a plurality of first connecting flanges 125 connected to the first fixing frame 121. The first side frame 120 may be referred to as a cover. Each of the plurality of first connecting flanges 125 may extend from the first side surface of the first battery cell block 110 in a lateral direction (e.g., opposite to the X direction). The plurality of first connecting flanges 125 may be referred to as extensions extending from the surface of the first side frame 120. The plurality of first connecting flanges 125 may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction (Y direction) and may be at substantially the same height in the third direction (Z direction). As Figure 1 As shown in , each of the plurality of first connection flanges 125 may be fastened to a corresponding support block 920 among a plurality of support blocks 920 provided in the battery pack case 900 by means of a fastening member such as a bolt BT. The first side frame 120 may have an integral integrated structure.

[0064] Still refer to Figure 2, the second side frame 130 may include a second fixing frame 131 fixed to the second side surface of the first battery cell block 110 and a plurality of second connecting flanges 135 connected to the second fixing frame 131. The second side frame 130 may be referred to as a cover. Each of the plurality of second connecting flanges 135 may extend from the second side surface of the first battery cell block 110 in a lateral direction, for example, in the first direction (X direction). The plurality of second connecting flanges 135 may be referred to as extensions extending from the surface of the second side frame 130. The plurality of second connecting flanges 135 may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction (Y direction) and may be at substantially the same height in the third direction (Z direction). As Figure 1 As shown in , each of the plurality of second connection flanges 135 may be fastened to a corresponding support block 920 among a plurality of support blocks 920 provided in the battery pack case 900 by means of a fastening member such as a bolt BT. The second side frame 130 may have an integral integrated structure.

[0065] In the present disclosure, a side frame having a plurality of connection flanges may be referred to as a first type side frame, and a battery cell assembly having the first type side frame may be referred to as a first type battery cell assembly. In this case, the first battery cell assembly 100 may correspond to the first type battery cell assembly, and the first side frame 120 and the second side frame 130 may correspond to the first type side frames, respectively.

[0066] Still refer to Figure 2 In an exemplary embodiment, the second battery cell assembly 200 may include a second battery cell block 210, a third side frame 220 connected to a first side surface of the second battery cell block 210 and a battery pack housing 900, and a fourth side frame 230 connected to a second side surface of the second battery cell block 210 and the battery pack housing 900.

[0067] The third side frame 220 may include a third frame 221 fixed to the first side surface of the second cell block 210 and an insulating partition 223 connected to the third fixing frame 221. The third side frame 220 may be referred to as a cover. The insulating partition 223 may be fastened to the battery pack case 900 by means of a fastening member such as a bolt BT, and may form an insulating space 225 between the first cell block 110 and the second cell block 210, such as Figure 1 As shown in . The insulating partition wall 223 may be referred to as an extension portion extending from the surface of the third side frame 220. The third side frame 220 may have an integrated structure.

[0068] Reference Figure 3, the insulating partition 223 may include a barrier plate 2231 and connecting plates 2233 and 2235, which extend between the barrier plate 2231 and the third fixed frame 221 and may connect the barrier plate 2231 to the third fixed frame 221. The barrier plate 2231 may have a flat plate shape substantially perpendicular to the first direction (X direction). The connecting plates 2233 and 2235 may include a lower connecting plate 2233 and an upper connecting plate 2235, the lower connecting plate 2233 extending from the lower end portion (or lower edge) of the barrier plate 2231 to the third fixed frame 221, and the upper connecting plate 2235 extending from the upper end portion (or upper edge) of the barrier plate 2231 to the third fixed frame 221. As Figure 3 As shown in , the barrier plate 2231 can extend continuously along a second direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction (X direction), the lower connecting plate 2233 can extend continuously along the second direction (Y direction) along the lower edge of the barrier plate 2231, and the upper connecting plate 2235 can extend continuously along the second direction (Y direction) along the upper edge of the barrier plate 2231. The third fixed frame 221, the barrier plate 2231, the lower connecting plate 2233 and the upper connecting plate 2235 can be formed as an integral or integrated structure, and can include the same material, but is not limited to this. The insulating space 225 can be surrounded by the third fixed frame 221, the barrier plate 2231, the lower connecting plate 2233 and the upper connecting plate 2235 to define. The insulating space 225 can extend along the second direction (Y direction). For example, the insulating space 225 can extend continuously or discontinuously from one end of the barrier plate 2231 to the other end in the second direction (Y direction). As Figure 1 As shown in , the third side frame 220 may be fastened to a corresponding support block 920 among a plurality of support blocks 920 provided in the battery pack case 900 by means of a fastening member such as a bolt BT. In an exemplary embodiment, the bolt BT configured to fasten the insulating partition 223 of the third side frame 220 to the support block 920 may be configured to fasten the second connection flange 135 of the second side frame 130 to the support block 920. In this embodiment, the insulating partition 223 of the third side frame 220 may be fastened to the second connection flange 135 of the second side frame 130. Alternatively, in an exemplary embodiment, the insulating partition 223 of the third side frame 220 and the second connection flange 135 of the second side frame 130 may be fastened to the support block 920 by means of various suitable different fastening members.

[0069] Reference Figure 2, the fourth side frame 230 may include a fourth fixed frame 231 fixed to the second side surface of the second battery cell block 210 and a plurality of fourth connecting flanges 235 connected to the fourth fixed frame 231. The fourth side frame 230 may be referred to as a cover. Each of the plurality of fourth connecting flanges 235 may extend from the second side surface of the second battery cell block 210 in a lateral direction, for example, in the first direction (X direction). The plurality of fourth connecting flanges 235 may be referred to as extensions extending from the surface of the fourth side frame 230. The plurality of fourth connecting flanges 235 may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction (Y direction) and may be at substantially the same height in the third direction (Z direction). The fourth side frame 230 may have an integrated structure. As Figure 1 As shown in , each of the plurality of fourth connection flanges 235 may be fastened to a corresponding support block 920 of a plurality of support blocks 920 provided in the battery pack case 900 by a fastening member such as a bolt BT. The fourth side frame 230 may correspond to the first type side frame.

[0070] In the present disclosure, a side frame having a partition structure including an insulating partition, which is configured to form an insulating space between the cell blocks of adjacent battery cell assemblies, may be referred to as a second type of side frame, and a battery cell assembly including the second type of side frame may be referred to as a second type of battery cell assembly. In this case, the second battery cell assembly 200 may correspond to the second type of battery cell assembly, and the third side frame 220 may correspond to the second type of side frame.

[0071] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, each battery assembly may be mounted to the battery pack housing 900 by a side mounting method. In the side mounting method, side frames fastened to the battery pack housing 900 may be provided on both sides of each battery assembly along the stacking direction of the battery cells BC. Since in the battery pack 10, a plurality of battery cell assemblies are fastened to the battery pack housing 900 by the side mounting method, damage due to expansion of the battery cells BC may be reduced, and the structural safety of the plurality of battery cell assemblies may be improved.

[0072] In addition, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, since the insulating space 225 formed by the second type side frame is provided between the plurality of battery cell assemblies adjacent to each other, heat transfer between the adjacent battery cell assemblies can be suppressed and chain fire can be prevented. Therefore, the safety of the battery pack 10 can be improved.

[0073] Figure 4 1 is a plan view showing a battery pack 10A according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 The battery pack 10A shown in FIG. 1 is described with emphasis on reference to Figures 1 to 3 Other features of the battery pack 10 are described that are not shown.

[0074] Reference Figure 4 The battery pack 10A may include a battery pack housing (see Figure 1 900), the multiple battery cell assemblies may include a first battery cell assembly 100, a second battery cell assembly 200, a third battery cell assembly 300 and a fourth battery cell assembly 400 arranged in sequence along a first direction (X direction).

[0075] In the battery pack 10A, the first battery cell assembly 100 and the third battery cell assembly 300 may correspond to the first type of battery cell assembly, and the second battery cell assembly 200 and the fourth battery cell assembly 400 may correspond to the second type of battery cell assembly.

[0076] The third battery cell assembly 300 may include a third cell block 310 , a fifth side frame 320 coupled with a first side surface of the third cell block 310 and the pack case 900 , and a sixth side frame 330 coupled with a second side surface of the third cell block 310 and the pack case 900 .

[0077] The fifth side frame 320 and the sixth side frame 330 may be first-type side frames. More specifically, the fifth side frame 320 may include a fifth fixing frame 321 fixed to the first side surface of the third battery cell block 310 and a plurality of fifth connecting flanges 325 connected to the fifth fixing frame 321. Each of the plurality of fifth connecting flanges 325 may be connected to the first side surface of the third battery cell block 310 by means of a fastening member such as a bolt (see FIG. Figure 1 BT) is fastened to a plurality of support blocks (see Figure 1 920) in the corresponding support block 920. A plurality of fifth connecting flanges 325 may be located at substantially the same height in the third direction (Z direction), and a plurality of sixth connecting flanges 335 may be located at substantially the same height in the third direction (Z direction). The fifth connecting flanges 325 and the sixth connecting flanges 335 may be alternately arranged between the second battery cell block 210 and the third battery cell block 310. The sixth side frame 330 may include a sixth fixing frame 331 fixed to the second side surface of the third battery cell block 310 and a plurality of sixth connecting flanges 335 connected to the sixth fixing frame 331. Each of the plurality of sixth connecting flanges 335 may be fastened by means of bolts such as bolts BT (see Figure 1 The fastening member such as BT) is fastened to a plurality of support blocks 920 (see FIG. Figure 1 920) in the corresponding support block 920.

[0078] The fourth battery cell assembly 400 may include a fourth cell block 410 , a seventh side frame 420 coupled to a first side surface of the fourth cell block 410 and the pack case 900 , and an eighth side frame 430 coupled to a second side surface of the fourth cell block 410 and the pack case 900 .

[0079] The seventh side frame 420 corresponds to the second type of side frame, and the eighth side frame 430 may correspond to the first type of side frame. For example, the seventh side frame 420 may include a seventh fixing frame 421 fixed to the first side surface of the fourth cell block 410 and an insulating partition 423 defining an insulating space between the third cell block 310 and the fourth cell block 410. In an exemplary embodiment, the bolt BT configured to fasten the seventh side frame 420 to the support block 920 may be configured to fasten the sixth connecting flange 335 of the sixth side frame 330 to the support block 920. In this case, the insulating partition 423 of the seventh side frame 420 may be fastened to the sixth connecting flange 335 of the sixth side frame 330. The eighth side frame 430 may include an eighth fixing frame 431 fixed to the second side surface of the fourth cell block 410 and a plurality of eighth connecting flanges 435 connected to the eighth fixing frame 431. Each of the plurality of eighth connecting flanges 435 may be connected by means of bolts such as bolts BT (see Figure 1 The fastening member such as BT) is fastened to a plurality of support blocks 920 (see FIG. Figure 1 920) in the corresponding support block 920.

[0080] According to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, since an insulating space is provided between the third cell block 310 and the fourth cell block 410 by means of the seventh side frame 420, heat transfer can be suppressed and chain fire can be prevented between adjacent battery cell assemblies. Therefore, the safety of the battery pack 10A can be improved.

[0081] Figure 5 1 is a plan view showing a battery pack 10B according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 The battery pack 10B shown in FIG. Figure 4 Additional features are shown in the battery pack 10A.

[0082] Reference Figure 5 , in the battery pack 10B, the plurality of battery cell assemblies may include a first battery cell assembly 100, a second battery cell assembly 200, a third battery cell assembly 300A, and a fourth battery cell assembly 400 sequentially arranged along a first direction (X direction). In this case, the first battery cell assembly 100 may correspond to a first type of battery cell assembly, and the second to fourth battery cell assemblies 200, 300A, and 400 may correspond to a second type of battery cell assembly.

[0083] Specifically, in the third A battery cell assembly 300A, the fifth A side frame 320A corresponds to the second type of side frame, and the sixth side frame 330 may correspond to the first type of side frame. The fifth A side frame 320A may include a sixth fixing frame 321 fixed to the first side surface of the third cell block 310 and an insulating partition 323 defining an insulating space between the second cell block 210 and the third cell block 310. In an exemplary embodiment, the bolt BT configured to fasten the third A side frame 320A to the support block 920 may be configured to fasten the fourth connecting flange 235 of the fourth side frame 230 to the support block 920 (see Figure 1 In this case, the insulating partition wall 323 of the fifth A side frame 320A may be fastened to the fourth connection flange 235 of the fourth side frame 230.

[0084] Figure 6 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack 10C according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 The battery pack 10C shown in FIG. Figures 1 to 3 Additional features of the battery pack 10 are described that are not shown.

[0085] Reference Figure 6 In the battery pack 10C, the battery pack housing 900 may include: a lower housing 910 having a housing space in which a plurality of battery cell assemblies (e.g., a first battery cell assembly 100 and a second battery cell assembly 200) are accommodated; and a top plate 950, which is coupled to the lower housing 910 to cover the lower housing 910 in which a plurality of battery cell assemblies are accommodated. The accommodation space of the lower housing 910 may be defined by a bottom wall and side walls (e.g., four walls) located around the bottom wall. In one embodiment, the lower housing 910 may include one or more exhaust holes and / or exhaust devices located on one or more walls of the lower housing 910. For ease of clear illustration and explanation, the exhaust holes and / or exhaust devices are not shown in the figure. The top plate 950 may be a battery pack cover covering a plurality of battery cell assemblies. The lower housing 910 may be referred to as a housing. The top plate 950 may be referred to as a cover. When the battery pack 10C is installed in a vehicle, the passenger compartment in which the passengers sit may be located above the top plate 950, and the ground on which the vehicle travels may be located below the lower housing 910.

[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of battery cell assemblies may each be suspended and supported by a top plate 950. Each battery cell assembly may be coupled to the lower surface of the top plate 950. In addition, a free volume FV may be provided between the lower surface of each battery cell assembly and the bottom wall of the lower housing 910. The free volume FV may be defined as a space formed by the bottom wall of the lower housing 910 and each battery cell assembly being spaced apart from each other. For example, a first side of each battery cell assembly may be connected to the top plate 950, and a second side of each battery cell assembly may be spaced apart from the bottom wall of the lower housing 910.

[0087] The present disclosure provides an upright support structure in which each battery cell assembly can be suspended and supported by a top plate 950. In addition, a free volume FV can be provided between the bottom of the battery pack 10C (i.e., the bottom wall of the lower housing 910) and each battery cell assembly. The gases and flames generated in the case of thermal runaway can move through the free volume FV. That is, the free volume FV becomes a ventilation channel through which high-temperature gases and flames can move. In addition, the high-temperature gases and flames moving through the free volume FV can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 10C via one or more exhaust holes and / or exhaust devices described in the aforementioned disclosure.

[0088] In addition, even when driving on hard or rough ground (such as an unpaved road), the free volume FV can absorb the impact force due to the strong impact caused by the impact of foreign matter or objects on the lower part of the vehicle. Therefore, multiple battery cell assemblies (e.g., 100, 200) can be prevented from being damaged by impact. The free volume FV may include an empty space between each of the multiple battery cell assemblies (e.g., 100, 200) and the lower shell 910, and when the lower shell 910 is deformed toward the battery cell assembly (e.g., 100, 200) due to the impact applied to the lower part of the vehicle, the free volume FV can be used as a space allowing the lower shell 910 to deform to a certain extent. No other structures shall be installed in the free volume FV. Alternatively, a structure or a similar structure for supporting the battery cell assembly (e.g., 100, 200) may be installed in a portion of the free volume FV. When the structure is installed in a portion of the free volume FV, a space that allows the lower case 910 to deform can be provided between the battery cell assembly (eg, 100, 200) and the lower case 910. Figure 6 as shown in .

[0089] The height of the free volume FV and the distance between the bottom wall of the lower housing 910 and the battery cell assembly (e.g., 100, 200) can be set to be sufficient to absorb external impact. The height of the free volume FV can be determined in consideration of the size and rigidity of the vehicle frame, the size and rigidity of the lower housing 910, the size of the battery pack 10C, the amount of gas generated during thermal runaway and the discharge speed, etc. For example, when the thickness or rigidity of the bottom wall of the vehicle frame or the lower housing 910 is relatively large, at least one of the size and height of the free volume FV can be relatively reduced. In addition, when the thickness or rigidity of the bottom wall of the vehicle frame or the lower housing 910 is relatively small, the deformation tolerance of the bottom wall of the lower housing 910 may be large, so at least one of the size and height of the free volume FV may be relatively increased to protect the battery cell assembly (e.g., 100, 200). In addition, when the size of the battery pack 10C is relatively large according to the specifications of the battery pack 10C, a relatively large free volume FV can be ensured. When the size of the battery pack 10C is relatively small, the height of the free volume FV that can be ensured may be relatively small, and the thickness and rigidity of the bottom wall of the lower case 910 may need to be relatively increased. In addition, when the height of the free volume FV is too small, the gas exhaust channel may be reduced, so that the internal pressure of the battery pack 10C may increase sharply during thermal runaway. Therefore, the size and height of the free volume FV can be determined according to the amount of gas generated and the exhaust speed.

[0090] The maximum height of the free volume FV may be determined based on the degree of damage of the battery cell BC included in the battery cell assembly (e.g., 100, 200). For example, when the allowable damage limit of the battery cell BC is 1 mm, the free volume FV may be determined such that when the lower housing 910 is deformed and presses or contacts the lower surface of the battery cell BC, the deformation of the battery cell BC does not exceed 1 mm. In this case, the amount of deformation of the lower housing 910 may be changed based on the thickness or rigidity of the lower housing 910. Therefore, the size or height of the free volume FV may be determined in consideration of the allowable damage limit of the battery cell BC and the thickness and rigidity of the lower housing 910.

[0091] The upper surface of each battery cell assembly (e.g., 100, 200) may be tightly coupled to the lower surface of the top plate 950. When there is a space between the battery cell assembly (e.g., 100, 200) and the top plate 950, during thermal runaway, high-temperature gas may be introduced into the space between the battery cell assembly (e.g., 100, 200) and the top plate 950, and thus heat and flame may propagate to another adjacent battery cell assembly (e.g., 100, 200). In addition, there is a concern that heat and flame may also be conducted to the top plate 950, thereby affecting the passenger compartment above the top plate 950. Therefore, by tightly coupling the upper surface of each battery cell assembly (e.g., 100, 200) to the lower surface of the top plate 950, the gas or flame generated in the battery pack 10C may be directed to the free volume FV.

[0092] For example, each battery cell assembly (such as 100, 200) can be closely connected to the lower surface of the top plate 950 by means of a TIM layer inserted between each battery cell assembly (such as 100, 200) and the top plate 950. The TIM layer can prevent the formation of an air layer between the battery cell assembly (such as 100, 200) and the top plate 950. The TIM layer can be configured to conduct heat to the space between the battery cell assembly (such as 100, 200) and the top plate 950. Therefore, the heat of the battery cell assembly (such as 100, 200) can be discharged toward the top plate 950 via the TIM layer.

[0093] By providing a suitable cooling device for the top plate 950, the heat of the battery cell assembly (such as 100, 200) can be conducted to the cooling device via the TIM layer. The cooling device may include a cooling channel 951, which is, for example, provided to the top plate 950, and through which a cooling fluid flows. Since the TIM layer is provided between the upper surface of each battery cell assembly (such as 100, 200) and the top plate 950, and the cooling channel 951 is provided in the top plate 950, the heat of the battery cell assembly (such as 100, 200) can be effectively cooled.

[0094] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an electric vehicle 1000 equipped with a battery pack 1100 of the present disclosure.

[0095] exist Figure 7 In the figure, for the sake of clarity of illustration and explanation, only the body frame 1200 forming the lower frame of the vehicle, the battery pack 1100 coupled to the body frame 1200, and the tire are shown. For example, the battery pack 1100 may correspond to the reference Figures 1 to 6 Any one of the battery packs 10, 10A, 10B and 10C.

[0096] In the case of a typical battery pack, the battery cell assembly is mounted on the bottom of the battery pack housing. However, in the present embodiment, each battery cell assembly 1110 of the battery pack 1100 may include a structure suspended and supported by the top plate 1120 of the housing. That is, since there is no space between the battery cell assembly 1110 and the top plate 1120, the gas generated in the battery cell assembly 1110 can be prevented from being conducted to the passenger compartment at the upper part of the vehicle. The gas is introduced into the free volume FV (see FIG. 1 ) provided below the battery cell assembly 1110 and in the lower part of the housing of the battery pack 1100. Figure 6 ). The gas flows through the free volume FV and is discharged to the lower side of the vehicle via the exhaust portion installed in the battery pack 1100. In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the free volume FV is located between the battery cell assembly 1110 and the case in the battery pack 1100, the battery cell assembly 1110 can be prevented from being damaged even if the case is deformed.

[0097] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery pack 1100 and the electric vehicle 1000 having the battery pack 1100 can improve the safety of passengers. In addition, the battery cell assembly 1110 as a key component can be protected, and the durability of the battery pack 1100 and the electric vehicle 1000 can be improved.

[0098] As described above, the present disclosure has been described in more detail with the aid of the accompanying drawings and embodiments. However, since the configuration described in the accompanying drawings or embodiments described herein is only one embodiment of the present disclosure and does not represent the overall technical concept of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the present disclosure covers various equivalent examples, modified examples, and replacement examples at the time of filing this application.

[0099] [Description of Reference Signs]

[0100] 10: Battery pack, 100 and 200: Battery cell assembly

[0101] 110 and 210: battery blocks, 120, 130, 210 and 230: side frames

[0102] 900: battery pack housing, 910: lower housing

[0103] 920: Support block, BC: Battery cell

[0104] CP: Cooling Plate

Claims

1. A battery assembly, comprising: A first battery cell block; a first cover coupled to a first side of the first cell block; as well as a second cover coupled to a second side of the first cell block, the second side being opposite to the first side, wherein the first cover comprises a first extending portion extending from a surface of the first cover, wherein the first extension portion comprises a first plate spaced apart from the surface of the first cover along a first direction; and Wherein, the first extension portion further includes a second plate located between the first plate and the surface of the first cover.

2. The battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first plate has a rectangular shape.

3. The battery assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The first plate and the second plate extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

4. The battery assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a third plate located between the first plate and the surface of the first cover, in, A first edge of the second plate extends between the first plate and the first cover along the first direction, and Wherein, the second plate and the third plate are spaced apart from each other.

5. The battery assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The first cover, the first plate, the second plate, and the third plate form an integral structure.

6. The battery assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The first plate, the second plate, and the third plate are arranged to form an insulating space between the first plate and the surface of the first cover and between the second plate and the third plate, and The insulating space extends from the first edge of the second board to the second edge of the second board along a second direction.

7. The battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The second cover includes a second extending portion extending from the second side of the first cell block in a third direction.

8. The battery cell assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a third cover coupled to a third side of the first cell block, and in, The third cover includes a cooling channel.

9. The battery assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: A second battery cell block; a third cover, the third cover being coupled to a first side of the second cell block, the first side of the second cell block facing the first cell block; as well as a fourth cover coupled to a second side of the second cell block, the second side of the second cell block being opposite to the first side of the second cell block, Wherein, the third cover includes a second extending portion extending from a surface of the third cover.

10. The battery assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The second extending portion of the third cover includes a plurality of connecting flanges that are spaced apart from each other and connected to the first extending portion of the first cover.

11. The battery assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The third cover and the plurality of connecting flanges form an integral structure.

12. The battery assembly according to claim 9, further comprising: The third battery cell block; a fifth cover coupled to the first side of the third cell block; as well as a third extending portion, the third extending portion extending from a surface of the fifth cover, wherein the third extension portion is configured to be fastened to the housing, and Wherein, the fourth cover includes a fourth extending portion, and the fourth extending portion is configured to be connected to the shell.

13. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein the battery assembly further comprises: The third battery cell block; a fifth cover coupled to the first side of the third cell block; as well as a third extending portion, the third extending portion extending from a surface of the fifth cover, Wherein, the third extending portion is connected to the second cover and the housing.

14. A battery pack, comprising: A housing for accommodating a battery assembly, the battery assembly comprising: A first battery cell block; a first cover coupled to a first side of the first cell block; and a second cover coupled to a second side of the first cell block, the second side being opposite to the first side, wherein the first cover comprises a first extending portion extending from a surface of the first cover; and The battery pack further includes a third cover coupled to the housing and covering the battery assembly, Wherein, a first side of the battery assembly is coupled to the third cover, and a second side of the battery assembly is spaced apart from a surface of the housing.

15. The battery pack according to claim 14, wherein: The first cell block includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in a direction between the first cover and the second cover.

16. The battery pack according to claim 14, wherein: The housing includes a support structure on the surface of the housing.

17. The battery pack according to claim 16, wherein: The first extension portion is fastened to the support structure by means of fastening members.

18. The battery pack according to claim 16, wherein the battery assembly further comprises: A second battery cell block; a fourth cover, the fourth cover being coupled to a first side of the second cell block, the first side of the second cell block facing the first cell block; as well as a fifth cover coupled to a second side of the second cell block, the second side of the second cell block being opposite to the first side of the second cell block, Wherein, the fourth cover includes a second extending portion extending from a surface of the fourth cover.

19. The battery pack according to claim 14, wherein: The battery assembly further includes a fourth cover coupled to a third side of the first cell block, and Wherein, the third cover includes a cooling channel.

20. The battery pack according to claim 19, wherein: The fourth cover is located between the third cover and the third side of the first cell block.

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