Battery pack including battery assembly and electric vehicle including battery pack

Abstract

The technical concept of the present invention provides a battery pack comprising: a battery pack housing; the battery pack comprises a battery pack shell and a battery assembly, the battery assembly is accommodated in the battery pack shell, and the battery assembly comprises a first battery cell block and a second battery cell block, and the first battery cell block comprises a plurality of first battery cells; the second battery cell block comprises a plurality of second battery cells; a case having a first accommodation space for accommodating the first cell block and a second accommodation space for accommodating the second cell block, and supported by the battery pack case; and an isolation structure arranged between the first battery cell block and the second battery cell block so as to separate the first accommodation space and the second accommodation space of the housing, and including a plurality of exhaust passages extending in a vertical direction, in which the housing includes a first exhaust hole overlapping the isolation structure in the vertical direction, and a second exhaust hole overlapping the first exhaust hole in the vertical direction. And the plurality of exhaust channels of the isolation structure are communicated with an exhaust space between the shell and the battery pack shell through the first exhaust holes of the shell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack including a battery assembly and an electric vehicle including the battery pack.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0119644, filed on September 8, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0105823, filed on August 8, 2024, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. Background Art

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries have been widely used as energy sources for various types of wireless devices such as mobile phones, laptop computers, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, as the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has been significantly reduced due to improvements in energy density and economies of scale, and the range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to the same level as fuel vehicles, the main use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility. Since secondary batteries are used for mobility, technologies to increase the energy density of secondary batteries are being studied. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] The present invention is directed to providing a battery pack including a battery assembly and an electric vehicle including the battery pack.

[0006] Technical Solution

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a battery pack, which includes: a battery pack housing; and a battery assembly housed in the battery pack housing, wherein the battery assembly includes: a first battery block having a plurality of first battery cells; a second battery block having a plurality of second battery cells; a shell, which includes a first accommodating space for accommodating the first battery block and a second accommodating space for accommodating the second battery block, and is supported by the battery pack housing; and an isolation structure, which is arranged between the first battery block and the second battery block to separate the first accommodating space and the second accommodating space of the shell, the isolation structure including a plurality of exhaust channels extending in a vertical direction, the shell including a first exhaust hole overlapping with the isolation structure in a vertical direction, and the plurality of exhaust channels of the isolation structure are connected to the exhaust space between the shell and the battery pack housing through the first exhaust hole of the shell.

[0008] In an example embodiment, the shell may include: a first cover plate, which faces the upper surface of the first battery block and the upper surface of the second battery block; a second cover plate, which faces the lower surface of the first battery block and the lower surface of the second battery block and includes a first exhaust hole; and a pair of side cover plates, which are spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction, and the first battery block and the second battery block are inserted between the pair of side cover plates, and the pair of side cover plates are respectively connected to the first cover plate and the second cover plate, and the battery pack housing may include: a bottom plate, which is spaced apart from the second cover plate, and the exhaust space is located between the bottom plate and the second cover plate; and a plurality of support structures, which are arranged on the bottom plate and are configured to support the pair of side cover plates, and the plurality of support structures can support the pair of side cover plates to space the shell from the bottom plate of the battery pack housing.

[0009] In example embodiments, each of the pair of side cover plates may include a fastening frame configured to be fastened to a corresponding support structure among the plurality of support structures.

[0010] In example embodiments, the plurality of first battery cells may be arranged between the pair of side cover plates in a horizontal direction, and the plurality of second battery cells may be arranged between the pair of side cover plates in a horizontal direction.

[0011] In example embodiments, the second cover plate may further include a plurality of second exhaust holes communicating with the exhaust space, and the plurality of second exhaust holes may overlap with the first cell block or the second cell block in a vertical direction.

[0012] In example embodiments, the first cover plate may include a cooling channel configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow therethrough.

[0013] In example embodiments, the battery pack may further include a thermally conductive adhesive layer configured to attach each of the first cell block and the second cell block to the first cover plate.

[0014] In example embodiments, the battery housing may further include a pack cover configured to cover the battery assembly, and the pack cover may be in contact with the first cover plate of the case.

[0015] In an example embodiment, the isolation structure may include: an isolation plate located between the first battery cell block and the second battery cell block; and a plurality of first guide members extending in a vertical direction along a first surface of the isolation plate facing the first battery cell block, and the plurality of exhaust channels may include a plurality of first exhaust channels defined by the plurality of first guide members.

[0016] In example embodiments, the isolation structure may further include a plurality of second guides extending in a vertical direction along a second surface of the isolation plate facing the second cell block, and the plurality of exhaust channels may further include a plurality of second exhaust channels defined by the plurality of second guides.

[0017] In an example embodiment, the battery pack may further include: a first bus bar frame on which a first bus bar connected to the first battery cell block is mounted; a first end plate configured to cover the first bus bar frame; a second bus bar frame on which a second bus bar connected to the second battery cell block is mounted; and a second end plate configured to cover the second bus bar frame and be spaced apart from the first end plate, with an isolation structure located between the first end plate and the second end plate, each of the plurality of first guide members may include a stepped portion that contacts the stepped portion of the first end plate, and each of the plurality of second guide members may include a stepped portion that contacts the stepped portion of the second end plate.

[0018] In example embodiments, the isolation structure may further include a connection plate connected to an upper end of the isolation plate and attached to the housing.

[0019] One aspect of the present invention provides an electric vehicle, which includes: a body frame; and a battery pack, the battery pack including a battery pack housing mounted on the body frame and a battery assembly accommodated in the battery pack housing, wherein the battery assembly includes: a first battery block, the first battery block including a plurality of first battery cells; a second battery block, the second battery block having a plurality of second battery cells; a shell, the shell including a first accommodating space for accommodating the first battery block and a second accommodating space for accommodating the second battery block, the shell being supported by the battery pack housing; and an isolation structure, the isolation structure being arranged between the first battery block and the second battery block to separate the first accommodating space and the second accommodating space of the shell, the isolation structure including a plurality of exhaust channels extending in a vertical direction, the shell including a first exhaust hole overlapping with the isolation structure in a vertical direction, and the plurality of exhaust channels of the isolation structure being connected to the exhaust space between the shell and the battery pack housing through the first exhaust hole of the shell.

[0020] In an example embodiment, the housing may include: a first cover plate facing an upper surface of the first cell block and an upper surface of the second cell block and including a cooling channel configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow therethrough; a second cover plate facing a lower surface of the first cell block and a lower surface of the second cell block and including a first exhaust hole; and a pair of side cover plates spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction, with the first cell block and the second cell block interposed between the pair of side cover plates, the pair of side cover plates being coupled to the first cover plate and the second cover plate, respectively. The battery pack housing may include: a bottom plate spaced apart from the second cover plate, with an exhaust space located between the bottom plate and the second cover plate; and a plurality of support structures disposed on the bottom plate and configured to support the pair of side cover plates. The plurality of support structures may support the pair of side cover plates to space the housing apart from the bottom plate of the battery pack housing. The plurality of first battery cells may be arranged horizontally between the pair of side cover plates, and the plurality of second battery cells may be arranged horizontally between the pair of side cover plates.

[0021] In an example embodiment, the isolation structure may include: an isolation plate located between the first battery block and the second battery block; a connecting plate connected to the upper end of the isolation plate and attached to the shell; a plurality of first guide members extending in a vertical direction along a first surface of the isolation plate facing the first battery block; and a plurality of second guide members extending in a vertical direction along a second surface of the isolation plate facing the second battery block, and the plurality of exhaust channels may include a plurality of first exhaust channels defined by the plurality of first guide members and a plurality of second exhaust channels defined by the plurality of second guide members.

[0022] Beneficial effects

[0023] According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a battery assembly includes cell blocks each having a plurality of battery cells, thereby improving energy density and realizing a large-scale module.

[0024] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an isolation structure is provided in the housing to isolate adjacent cell blocks from one another, thereby preventing heat transfer between the cell blocks and improving the structural rigidity of the battery assembly. Furthermore, the isolation structure includes multiple exhaust channels connected to the exhaust holes in the housing, allowing high-temperature gases or flames generated within the battery assembly to be quickly exhausted to the outside. This improves the safety and reliability of the battery assembly including the cell blocks.

[0025] The effects achievable from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other effects not described herein will be clearly deduced and understood by those skilled in the art in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present invention pertain based on the following description. In other words, the unexpected effects obtained when implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be deduced from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention by those skilled in the art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery assembly according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the battery assembly.

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A plan view of a portion of a battery assembly.

[0029] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of an isolation structure included in a battery assembly.

[0030] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a battery assembly.

[0031] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an electric vehicle in which a battery pack according to an example embodiment of the present invention is installed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before describing the embodiments of the present invention, the terms or expressions used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to those generally understood or defined in commonly used dictionaries, but should be understood according to the meanings and concepts corresponding to the present invention based on the inventors of this application being able to appropriately define the terms or expressions to best explain the principles of the present invention.

[0034] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are merely examples of the present invention and do not reflect all technical concepts of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications have been made to replace these configurations on the filing date of this application.

[0035] When it is determined that known configurations or functions related to describing the present invention would obscure the subject matter of the present invention due to unnecessary detail, their detailed description is not made.

[0036] Since the embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes, sizes, etc. of components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for the sake of clarity. Therefore, it should not be understood that the sizes or ratios of the components completely reflect their actual sizes or ratios.

[0037] (First embodiment)

[0038] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery assembly 100 according to an example embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the battery assembly 100. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 1 is a plan view of a portion of a battery assembly 100. Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the isolation structure 180 included in the battery assembly 100. Figure 5 yes Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a battery assembly 100.

[0039] Reference Figures 1 to 5 The battery assembly 100 may include a first cell block 110 and a second cell block 140 arranged along a first horizontal direction (eg, the Y-axis direction). The first cell block 110 and the second cell block 140 may be spaced apart from each other in the first horizontal direction (eg, the Y-axis direction). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery assembly 100 is shown to include two cell blocks, but the number of cell blocks included in the battery assembly 100 is not limited to 2. For example, the battery assembly 100 may include two or more cell blocks arranged along a first horizontal direction (eg, the Y-axis direction).

[0040] Each of the first core block 110 and the second core block 140 may include a plurality of battery cells. Each of the battery cells is a basic unit of a lithium-ion battery (i.e., a secondary battery). Each of the battery cells may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a cell shell. The electrode assembly in the cell shell may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator located between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. Depending on the assembly form, the electrode assembly may be a jellyroll-type electrode assembly or a laminated-type electrode assembly. The jellyroll-type electrode assembly may include a structure in which the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode are wound together. The laminated-type electrode assembly may include a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes stacked in sequence, and a plurality of separators located between the plurality of positive electrodes and the plurality of negative electrodes. The positive electrode may include a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material. The negative electrode may include a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material.

[0041] In each of the first cell block 110 and the second cell block 140, a plurality of battery cells may be connected in series and / or in parallel. For example, in each of the first cell block 110 and the second cell block 140, a plurality of battery cells may be connected in series. For example, in each of the first cell block 110 and the second cell block 140, a plurality of battery cells may be connected in parallel. For example, in each of the first cell block 110 and the second cell block 140, when a set of two or more battery cells connected in parallel is defined as a bank, one bank including two or more battery cells connected in parallel and another bank including two or more battery cells connected in parallel may be connected in series.

[0042] In each of the first cell block 110 and the second cell block 140, each battery cell may be a pouch-type battery cell, a cylindrical battery cell, or a prismatic battery cell. The electrode assembly of the pouch-type battery cell is embedded in a pouch-type casing comprising an aluminum laminate. The electrode assembly of the cylindrical battery cell is embedded in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of the prismatic battery cell is embedded in a prismatic metal can.

[0043] In an example embodiment, each battery cell may be a pouch-type battery cell. In each of the first cell block 110 and the second cell block 140, a plurality of battery cells may be stacked together in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction). In an example embodiment, in each of the first cell block 110 and the second cell block 140, a plurality of battery cells may be pouch-type battery cells whose length in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) is shorter than their length in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction).

[0044] In the present disclosure, the battery cells included in the first battery cell block 110 may be referred to as first battery cells 111. Each of the first battery cells 111 may include a first electrode assembly, a first cell housing accommodating the first electrode assembly, and a first electrode lead electrically connected to the first electrode assembly. Each of the first battery cells 111 may include a pair of first electrode leads. In each of the first battery cells 111, one of the pair of first electrode leads may protrude from one end of the first cell housing in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction), and the other of the pair of first electrode leads may protrude from the other end of the first cell housing in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction).

[0045] In the present disclosure, the battery cells included in the second battery cell block 140 may be referred to as second battery cells 141. Each of the second battery cells 141 may include a second electrode assembly, a second cell housing for accommodating the second electrode assembly, and a second electrode lead electrically connected to the second electrode assembly. Each of the second battery cells 141 may include a pair of second electrode leads. In each of the second battery cells 141, one of the pair of second electrode leads may protrude from one end of the second cell housing in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction), and the other of the pair of second electrode leads may protrude from the other end of the second cell housing in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction).

[0046] When viewed in a plan view, each of the first and second cell blocks 110, 140 may have a rectangular shape in which its length in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) is shorter than its length in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). Each of the first and second cell blocks 110, 140 may include two side surfaces facing each other in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction), a front surface and a rear surface facing each other in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction), and a first surface (e.g., an upper surface) and a second surface (e.g., a lower surface) facing each other in the vertical direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction). The rear surface of the first cell block 110 may face the front surface of the second cell block 140.

[0047] A first busbar frame 120, on which first busbars 125 are mounted, may be provided on the front and rear surfaces of the first cell block 110. The first busbar 125 may include a first internal busbar and a first terminal busbar. The first internal busbar may be coupled to the first electrode leads of different first battery cells 111 belonging to the first cell block 110 to electrically connect the different first battery cells 111. The first terminal busbar may be coupled to at least one of the first electrode leads of the first battery cells 111. The first terminal busbar may electrically connect the first cell block 110 to a second cell block 140 or another external electrical device. One or more first internal busbars and one or more first terminal busbars may be mounted on the first busbar frame 120 on the front surface of the first cell block 110, and one or more first internal busbars and one or more first terminal busbars may be mounted on the first busbar frame 120 on the rear surface of the first cell block 110.

[0048] The battery assembly 100 may include first end plates 130 connected to the first bus bar frame 120. One of the first end plates 130 may cover the first bus bar frame 120 on the front surface of the first cell block 110 and may at least partially cover each of the first bus bars 125 on the first bus bar frame 120 on the front surface of the first cell block 110. The other first end plate 130 may cover the first bus bar frame 120 on the rear surface of the first cell block 110 and may at least partially cover each of the first bus bars 125 on the first bus bar frame 120 on the rear surface of the first cell block 110.

[0049] A second busbar frame 150, on which second busbars 155 are mounted, may be provided on the front and rear surfaces of the second cell block 140. The second busbars 155 may include second internal busbars and second terminal busbars. The second internal busbars may be coupled to the second electrode leads of different second battery cells 141 belonging to the second cell block 140 to electrically connect the different second battery cells 141. The second terminal busbar may be coupled to at least one of the second electrode leads of the second battery cells 141. The second terminal busbar may electrically connect the second cell block 140 to the first cell block 110 or another external electrical device. One or more second internal busbars and one or more second terminal busbars may be mounted on the second busbar frame 150 on the front surface of the second cell block 140, and one or more second internal busbars and one or more second terminal busbars may be mounted on the second busbar frame 150 on the rear surface of the second cell block 140.

[0050] The battery assembly 100 may include a second end plate 160 connected to the second bus bar frame 150. One of the second end plates 160 may cover the second bus bar frame 150 on the front surface of the second cell block 140 and may at least partially cover each of the second bus bars 155 on the second bus bar frame 150 on the front surface of the second cell block 140. The other second end plate 160 may cover the second bus bar frame 150 on the rear surface of the second cell block 140 and may at least partially cover each of the second bus bars 155 on the second bus bar frame 150 on the rear surface of the second cell block 140.

[0051] The battery assembly 100 may include a housing 210 configured to house the first cell block 110 and the second cell block 140 and secured to and supported by the external battery pack housing 501 (see FIG. Figure 6The housing 210 may include a first accommodation space for accommodating the first cell block 110 and a second accommodation space for accommodating the second cell block 140. The first accommodation space and the second accommodation space of the housing 210 may be separated from each other by an isolation structure 180 described below. The housing 210 may include a first cover plate 211, a pair of side cover plates 213, and a second cover plate 215. The first cover plate 211 may be referred to as an upper cover plate, and the second cover plate 215 may be referred to as a lower cover plate.

[0052] The first cover plate 211 may cover the first surface of the first cell block 110 and the first surface of the second cell block 140. The first cover plate 211 may be attached to the first surface of the first cell block 110 and the first surface of the second cell block 140 and may be thermally coupled to the first cell block 110 and the second cell block 140. The first cover plate 211 may be attached to each of the first cell block 110 and the second cell block 140 via a thermally conductive adhesive layer 290. For example, the thermally conductive adhesive layer 290 may include a thermal resin and / or a thermal interface material (TIM).

[0053] The first cover plate 211 may include a cooling channel 2111 configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow therethrough and to cool the first and second cell blocks 110 and 140. The first cover plate 211 may be referred to as a cooling plate. The first cover plate 211 may be thermally coupled to the first and second cell blocks 110 and 140 via a thermally conductive adhesive layer to cool the first and second cell blocks 110 and 140. Cooling fluid supplied from outside the battery assembly 100 may flow into the cooling channel 2111 through the pipe 220 and the inlet of the cooling channel 2111, flow along the cooling channel 2111, exit through the outlet of the cooling channel 2111, and then exit to the outside through another pipe 220. For example, the cooling channel 2111 may provide a single path from the inlet to the outlet. As the cooling fluid flows along the cooling channel 2111, the battery assembly 100 may be cooled. For example, the first cover plate 2111 may be manufactured by bonding two plates together, with the cooling channel 2111 comprising a space defined between the two plates.

[0054] The second cover plate 215 may cover the second surface of the first cell block 110 and the second surface of the second cell block 140. The second cover plate 215 may be spaced apart from the first cover plate 211 in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) with the first cell block 110 and the second cell block 140 interposed therebetween.

[0055] The second cover plate 215 may include a plurality of first exhaust holes 2511 and a plurality of second exhaust holes 2513 to discharge high-temperature gas generated in the first cell block 110 and / or the second cell block 140 to a space outside the first cell block 110 and the second cell block 140. The plurality of first exhaust holes 2511 of the second cover plate 215 may overlap with the isolation structure 180 to be described below in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction). The plurality of first exhaust holes 2511 of the second cover plate 215 may be disposed below the isolation structure 180. Some of the plurality of second exhaust holes 2513 of the second cover plate 215 may overlap with the first cell block 110 in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction), and the remaining second exhaust holes 2513 may overlap with the second cell block 140 in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction).

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first exhaust holes 2511 may be an elliptical hole or a slotted hole having a major axis in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction). The length of the first exhaust holes 2511 in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) may be smaller than the length in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction).

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the second exhaust holes 2513 may be an elliptical hole or a slotted hole having a major axis in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). The length of the second exhaust holes 2513 in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) may be greater than the length in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction).

[0058] The two side cover plates 213 may be spaced apart from each other in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction), with the first cell block 110 and the second cell block 140 interposed therebetween. One of the two side cover plates 213 may cover the first side surface of the first cell block 110 and the first side surface of the second cell block 140, and be coupled to the first cover plate 211 and the second cover plate 215. The other side cover plate 213 may cover the second side surface of the first cell block 110 and the second side surface of the second cell block 140, and be coupled to the first cover plate 211 and the second cover plate 215. Each of the side cover plates 213 may include a plurality of fastening flanges 2131 to be fastened to Figure 6 The battery pack housing 501 is external and supported by it.

[0059] In an example embodiment, a cover sheet may be provided between the second cover plate 215 and the first cell block 110, and between the second cover plate 215 and the second cell block 140. The cover sheet may have heat and fire resistance. For example, the cover sheet may cover the second surface of the first cell block 110 and the second surface of the second cell block 140. The cover sheet may include a plurality of cutouts in an area overlapping with the plurality of second vent holes 2513. Each of the plurality of cutouts may be intended to allow gas to be discharged therethrough.

[0060] The battery assembly 100 may include an isolation structure 180 positioned between the first cell block 110 and the second cell block 140. The first end plate 130 may be spaced apart from the second end plate 160 with the isolation structure 180 interposed therebetween. The isolation structure 180 may be disposed within the housing 210. The isolation structure 180 may extend in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) between the first cover plate 211 and the second cover plate 215 of the housing 210. The isolation structure 180 may isolate the first and second accommodation spaces from each other, thereby blocking the flow of gas between the first accommodation space accommodating the first cell block 110 and the second accommodation space accommodating the second cell block 140. Furthermore, the isolation structure 180 may include a plurality of exhaust channels configured to direct gas in a predetermined direction. For example, the plurality of exhaust channels of the isolation structure 180 may extend in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) to direct gas toward the first exhaust holes 2511 in the housing 210 in the vertical direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction).

[0061] The isolation structure 180 may include an isolation plate 181, a plurality of first guides 183, a plurality of second guides 185, and a connection plate 187. The isolation plate 181, the plurality of first guides 183, the plurality of second guides 185, and the connection plate 187 may be formed as one body and have the same material composition.

[0062] The isolation plate 181 may isolate the first and second receiving spaces of the housing 210 from each other. The isolation plate 181 may have a flat plate shape extending in a first horizontal direction (eg, Y-axis direction) and a vertical direction (eg, Z-axis direction).

[0063] A plurality of first guide members 183 may extend in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) along the first surface of the isolation plate 181 facing the first battery cell block 110. Each first guide member 183 may be a fin-shaped structure protruding from the first surface of the isolation plate 181 toward the first accommodation space of the housing 210. The plurality of first guide members 183 may be spaced apart from each other in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) and extend parallel to each other. The plurality of first guide members 183 may define a plurality of first exhaust channels 184 communicating with the first accommodation space. Among the plurality of first guide members 183, two first guide members 183 adjacent in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) may define a single first exhaust channel 184 extending in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction). The upper portion of each first exhaust channel 184 is blocked by the connecting plate 187 and / or the first cover plate 211. Therefore, high-temperature gas generated from the first battery cell 111 can be guided to the plurality of first exhaust channels 184 for downward flow. The width of the first exhaust channel 184 (i.e., the distance between two adjacent first guide members 183 in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction)) can be several millimeters to several tens of millimeters. For example, the width of the first exhaust channel 184 can be in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, 2 mm to 9 mm, 3 mm to 8 mm, or 4 mm to 7 mm.

[0064] Each of the plurality of first guides 183 may include a stepped portion 1833 that contacts the stepped portion 131 of the first end plate 130. The width of each of the first guides 183 in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) may vary according to the stepped portion 1833. For example, the width of the upper portion of each of the first guides 183 in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) may be smaller than the width of the lower portion thereof in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction).

[0065] A plurality of second guide members 185 may extend in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) along the second surface of the isolation plate 181 facing the second battery cell block 140. Each of the second guide members 185 may be a fin-shaped structure protruding from the second surface of the isolation plate 181 toward the second accommodation space of the housing 210. The plurality of second guide members 185 may be spaced apart from each other in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) and extend parallel to each other. The plurality of second guide members 185 may define a plurality of second exhaust channels 186 connected to the second accommodation space. The plurality of second exhaust channels 186 may be separated or isolated from the plurality of first exhaust channels 184 by the isolation plate 181. Among the plurality of second guide members 185, two second guide members 185 adjacent in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) may define a second exhaust channel 186 extending in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction). The upper portion of each of the second exhaust channels 186 is blocked by the connecting plate 187 and / or the first cover plate 211, so that the high-temperature gas generated from the second battery cells 141 can be guided to the multiple second exhaust channels 186 to flow downward. The width of the second exhaust channels 186 (i.e., the distance between two adjacent second guide members 185 in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction)) can be several millimeters to tens of millimeters. For example, the width of the second exhaust channels 186 can be in the range of 1mm to 10mm, 2mm to 9mm, 3mm to 8mm, or 4mm to 7mm. The width of the first exhaust channel 184 can be the same as the width of the second exhaust channels 186.

[0066] Each of the plurality of second guide members 185 may include a stepped portion 1853 that contacts the stepped portion 161 of the second end plate 160. The width of each of the second guide members 185 in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) may vary according to the stepped portion 1853. For example, the width of the upper portion of each of the second guide members 185 in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) may be smaller than the width of the lower portion thereof in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction).

[0067] When viewed in a plan view, the first exhaust hole 2511 in the second cover plate 215 may overlap with an end portion of each of the corresponding first guide members 183 and an end portion of each of the corresponding second guide members 185 in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction). The first exhaust hole 2511 may overlap with and communicate with the corresponding first exhaust channel 184 and the corresponding second exhaust channel 186 in the vertical direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction).

[0068] The connecting plate 187 can be connected to the upper end of the isolation plate 181. The connecting plate 187 can have a flat plate shape that extends generally along a first horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction). The connecting plate 187 can be attached to the first cover plate 211. When the connecting plate 187 is attached to the first cover plate 211, the isolation structure 180 can be fixed to the first cover plate 211. The connecting plate 187 can be connected to the end of each of the plurality of first guide members 183 and the end of each of the plurality of second guide members 185.

[0069] According to an example embodiment of the present invention, the battery assembly 100 includes cell blocks (eg, a first cell block 110 and a second cell block 140 ) each including a plurality of battery cells, thereby improving energy density and realizing a large-scale module.

[0070] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an isolation structure 180 is provided in the housing 210 to isolate adjacent cell blocks from one another, thereby preventing heat transfer between the cell blocks and improving the structural rigidity of the battery assembly 100. Furthermore, the isolation structure 180 includes multiple exhaust channels that communicate with exhaust holes in the housing 210, allowing high-temperature gases or flames generated within the battery assembly to be quickly exhausted to the outside. Consequently, the safety and reliability of the battery assembly 100, including the cell blocks, can be improved.

[0071] (Second embodiment)

[0072] Figure 6 1 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack 500 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, descriptions of parts of the battery pack 500 that are the same as those described above will be omitted or simplified.

[0073] Reference Figure 6 The battery pack 500 may include a battery pack housing 501 and a battery assembly 100 located on the battery pack housing 501 . The battery pack 500 may include one or more battery assemblies 100 located on the battery pack housing 501 .

[0074] The battery pack housing 501 may include a lower housing 510 having a storage space for accommodating the battery assembly 100, and a battery pack cover 520 coupled to the lower housing 510 to cover the lower housing 510 containing the battery assembly 100. The storage space of the lower housing 510 may be defined by a bottom plate 511 facing the lower surface of the battery assembly 100 and a side wall 513 located on the edge of the bottom plate 511. A plurality of support structures 515 may be provided on the bottom plate 511 of the lower housing 510 to support the battery assembly 100. The plurality of support structures 515 may be spaced apart from each other in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) and extend along a first horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). The length of each of the support structures 515 in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) may be equal to or greater than the length of the battery assembly 100 in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction).

[0075] The battery assembly 100 can be mounted on the battery pack housing 501 in a side-mounted manner. Multiple support structures 515 extending along a first horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) can be provided on the bottom plate 511 of the battery pack housing 501. The battery assembly 100 can be fastened to the multiple support structures 515 using fastening members such as bolts BT. More specifically, the battery assembly 100 can be mounted on the battery pack housing 501 by fastening the fastening flanges 2131 of the side cover plates 213 to corresponding support structures 515 using bolts BT. The multiple first battery cells 111 of the first cell block 110 can be arranged along a second horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) between a pair of side cover plates 213 supported by the multiple support structures 515. The multiple second battery cells 141 of the second cell block 140 can be arranged along the second horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) between a pair of side cover plates 213 supported by the multiple support structures 515. Because the plurality of first battery cells 111 and the plurality of second battery cells 141 are supported by the pair of side cover plates 213 , thickness variation due to expansion of the plurality of first battery cells 111 and thickness variation due to expansion of the plurality of second battery cells 141 can be suppressed.

[0076] When the battery pack 500 is mounted on a vehicle, a cabin where passengers sit may be located above the battery pack cover 520 , and the ground on which the vehicle travels may be located below the lower housing 510 .

[0077] The battery assembly 100 can be supported by a support structure 515 on the bottom plate 511 of the lower housing 510 in a side-mounted manner, and when the bottom plate 511 of the lower housing 510 and the battery assembly 100 are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction), a free volume FV can be formed between the bottom plate 511 of the lower housing 510 and the battery assembly 100. A plurality of support structures 515 can support a pair of side cover plates 213 of the housing 210 so that the housing 210 is spaced apart from the bottom plate 511 of the battery pack housing 501. Gases and flames generated in the event of thermal runaway can move through the free volume FV. That is, the free volume FV serves as an exhaust passage through which high-temperature gases and flames can move. The free volume FV can be referred to as an exhaust space.

[0078] The second cover plate 215 of the housing 210 Figure 5 The first exhaust hole 2151 and Figure 5 The second exhaust hole 2153 may be in communication with a space (i.e., a free volume FV) formed when the housing 210 is spaced apart from the bottom plate 511. In the battery pack 500, the battery assembly 100 may have a downward exhaust structure for discharging high-temperature gases downward. The high-temperature gases and flames generated in the battery assembly 100 may be discharged to the free volume FV between the second cover plate 215 of the housing 210 and the bottom plate 511 through the first exhaust hole 2151 and the second exhaust hole 2153 in the second cover plate 215 of the housing 210. The high-temperature gases and flames discharged downward from the battery assembly 100 may flow to an exhaust device (e.g., a safety valve) on the lower housing 510 through the free volume FV and be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 500 through the exhaust device.

[0079] Even when a strong impact occurs due to foreign matter splashing onto the lower portion of the vehicle while driving on a hard surface such as an unpaved road, the impact can be absorbed by the free volume FV. Therefore, the battery assembly 100 can be prevented from being damaged by the impact. The free volume FV may include the empty space between the battery assembly 100 and the lower housing 510. When the lower housing 510 is deformed toward the battery assembly 100 due to an impact applied to the lower portion of the vehicle, the free volume FV can freely allow the lower housing 510 to deform to a certain extent.

[0080] The height of the free volume FV and the distance between the bottom plate 511 of the lower housing 510 and the battery assembly 100 can be determined to be sufficient to absorb external impact. The height of the free volume FV can be determined by taking into account the size and rigidity of the vehicle frame, the size and rigidity of the lower housing 510, the size of the battery pack 500, the amount of gas generated during thermal runaway and the gas emission rate, and other factors. For example, when the thickness or rigidity of the vehicle frame or the bottom plate 511 of the lower housing 510 is relatively large, at least one of the size and height of the free volume FV can be relatively reduced. When the thickness or rigidity of the vehicle frame or the bottom plate 511 of the lower housing 510 is relatively small, the bottom plate 511 of the lower housing 510 is highly susceptible to deformation, so at least one of the size and height of the free volume FV can be relatively increased to protect the battery assembly 100. When the size of the battery pack 500 is relatively large compared to its specifications, a relatively large free volume FV can be ensured. When the size of the battery pack 500 is relatively small, the height of the free volume FV to be ensured can be relatively small, and therefore the thickness and rigidity of the bottom plate 511 of the lower housing 510 can be relatively increased. When the height of the free volume FV is extremely small, the gas exhaust path can be small, and therefore the internal pressure of the battery pack 500 may increase sharply during the thermal runaway process. Therefore, the size and height of the free volume FV can be determined by taking into account the amount of gas generated and the gas exhaust rate.

[0081] The maximum height of the free volume FV can be determined based on the damage tolerance of the battery cells 111 included in the battery assembly 100. For example, when the damage tolerance of the battery cells 111 is 1 mm, the free volume FV can be determined to prevent the battery cells 111 from deforming by more than 1 mm when the lower housing 510 deforms and presses against the lower surface of the battery cells 111. In this case, the degree of deformation of the lower housing 510 can vary depending on the thickness or rigidity of the lower housing 510. Therefore, the size or height of the free volume FV can be determined while taking into account the overall damage tolerance of the battery cells 111 and the thickness and rigidity of the lower housing 510.

[0082] In an example embodiment, the upper surface of the battery assembly 100 or the first cover plate 211 of the housing 210 may be in close contact with the lower surface of the battery pack cover 520. For example, the first cover plate 211 of the housing 210 may be attached to the battery pack cover 520 via an adhesive layer. In an example embodiment, the battery assembly 100 may be supported while suspended from the battery pack cover 520. When there is a space between the battery assembly 100 and the battery pack cover 520, during thermal runaway, high-temperature gases may flow into the space between the battery assembly 100 and the battery pack cover 520, and heat and flames may propagate to adjacent battery assemblies 100 and be transferred to the battery pack cover 520. As a result, the compartment above the battery pack cover 520 may be affected by the heat and flames. Therefore, by bringing the upper surface of the battery assembly 100 and the lower surface of the battery pack cover 520 into close contact with each other, gases or flames generated in the battery pack 500 can be guided to the free volume FV.

[0083] (Third embodiment)

[0084] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an electric vehicle 1000 in which a battery pack 1100 according to an example embodiment of the present invention is mounted.

[0085] For simplicity, Figure 7 Only the vehicle body frame 1200 as the lower frame of the electric vehicle 1000, the battery pack 1100 coupled to the vehicle body frame 1200, and the driving wheel 1300 mounted on the vehicle body frame 1200 are shown. The battery pack 1100 may include the battery pack 1100 described above with reference to FIG. Figure 6 The battery pack 500 is described. The battery pack 1100 may be mounted on the vehicle body frame 1200 such that the bottom plate 511 of the battery pack housing 501 faces the ground on which the electric vehicle 1000 travels.

[0086] In the case of a general battery pack, the battery module is mounted on the bottom of the battery pack housing of the battery pack. Figure 6The free volume FV can be provided below the battery assembly 100 of the battery pack 1100, and there may be no space or a very narrow space between the battery assembly 100 and the battery pack cover 520. Therefore, the gas generated in the battery assembly 100 can be prevented from being transferred to the compartment corresponding to the upper part of the electric vehicle 1000, and the gas can be guided to the free volume FV between the battery assembly 100 and the battery pack housing 501 of the battery pack 1100. The gas can flow through the free volume FV and then be discharged from the lower side of the electric vehicle 1000 through the exhaust device installed in the battery pack 1100. The exhaust device of the battery pack 1100 may include a safety valve located on the side wall 513 of the battery pack housing 501. According to this embodiment, in the battery pack 1100, the free volume FV is provided between the battery assembly 100 and the battery pack housing 501 to prevent the battery assembly 100 from being damaged regardless of whether the battery pack housing 501 is deformed.

[0087] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery pack 1100 and the electric vehicle 1000 including the battery pack 1100 can improve the safety of passengers. In addition, the battery assembly 100 as a key component can be protected, and the durability of the battery pack 1100 and the electric vehicle 1000 can be enhanced.

[0088] The present invention has been described in more detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments, etc. However, the configurations shown in the drawings or the embodiments described in this specification are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not reflect all of the technical concepts of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications have been made to replace these configurations as of the filing date of this application.

Claims

1. A battery pack, comprising: Battery pack housing; as well as a battery assembly housed in the battery pack housing, Wherein, the battery assembly includes: a first cell block, wherein the first cell block comprises a plurality of first battery cells; a second cell block having a plurality of second battery cells; a housing, the housing comprising a first accommodation space for accommodating the first cell block and a second accommodation space for accommodating the second cell block, the housing being supported by the battery pack casing; and an isolation structure, the isolation structure being arranged between the first battery core block and the second battery core block to separate the first accommodation space and the second accommodation space of the housing, the isolation structure comprising a plurality of exhaust channels extending in a vertical direction, The housing includes a first exhaust hole overlapping the isolation structure in the vertical direction, and The plurality of exhaust passages of the isolation structure communicate with an exhaust space between the housing and the battery pack casing through the first exhaust hole of the housing.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The housing comprises: a first cover plate, the first cover plate facing an upper surface of the first battery cell block and an upper surface of the second battery cell block; a second cover plate facing a lower surface of the first cell block and a lower surface of the second cell block and comprising the first exhaust hole; and a pair of side cover plates, the pair of side cover plates being spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction, with the first cell block and the second cell block interposed between the pair of side cover plates, the pair of side cover plates being coupled to the first cover plate and the second cover plate, respectively, and The battery pack housing comprises: a bottom plate, the bottom plate being spaced apart from the second cover plate, and the exhaust space being located between the bottom plate and the second cover plate; and a plurality of support structures disposed on the bottom plate and configured to support the pair of side cover plates, The plurality of support structures support the pair of side cover plates to space the housing from the bottom plate of the battery pack casing.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the pair of side cover plates includes a fastening frame configured to be fastened to a corresponding support structure among the plurality of support structures.

4. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of first battery cells are arranged between the pair of side covers in the horizontal direction, and The plurality of second battery cells are arranged between the pair of side cover plates in the horizontal direction.

5. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein: The second cover plate further includes a plurality of second exhaust holes communicating with the exhaust space. The plurality of second exhaust holes overlap with the first battery core block or the second battery core block in the vertical direction.

6. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein: The first cover plate includes a cooling channel configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow therethrough. 7 . The battery pack according to claim 6 , further comprising a thermally conductive adhesive layer configured to attach each of the first cell block and the second cell block to the first cover plate.

8. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein: The battery pack housing further includes a battery pack cover configured to cover the battery assembly, Wherein, the battery pack cover contacts the first cover plate of the housing.

9. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The isolation structure includes: a separator, the separator being located between the first cell block and the second cell block; and a plurality of first guides extending in the vertical direction along a first surface of the separator facing the first cell block, The plurality of exhaust passages include a plurality of first exhaust passages defined by the plurality of first guide members.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein: The isolation structure further includes a plurality of second guides extending in the vertical direction along a second surface of the isolation plate facing the second cell block. The plurality of exhaust passages further include a plurality of second exhaust passages defined by the plurality of second guide members.

11. The battery pack according to claim 10, further comprising: a first busbar frame, on which a first busbar connected to the first cell block is mounted; a first end plate configured to cover the first busbar frame; a second busbar frame, on which a second busbar connected to the second cell block is mounted; as well as a second end plate configured to cover the second busbar frame and spaced apart from the first end plate, with the isolation structure located between the first end plate and the second end plate; wherein each of the plurality of first guides includes a stepped portion contacting the stepped portion of the first end plate, and Each of the plurality of second guides includes a stepped portion that contacts the stepped portion of the second end plate.

12. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein: The isolation structure further includes a connection plate connected to an upper end of the isolation plate and attached to the housing.

13. An electric vehicle, comprising: body frame; as well as a battery pack comprising a battery pack housing mounted on the vehicle body frame and a battery assembly housed in the battery pack housing, Wherein, the battery assembly includes: a first battery cell block, the first battery cell block comprising a plurality of first battery cells; a second cell block having a plurality of second battery cells; a housing, the housing comprising a first accommodation space for accommodating the first cell block and a second accommodation space for accommodating the second cell block, the housing being supported by the battery pack casing; and an isolation structure, the isolation structure being arranged between the first battery core block and the second battery core block to separate the first accommodation space and the second accommodation space of the housing, the isolation structure comprising a plurality of exhaust channels extending in a vertical direction, The housing includes a first exhaust hole overlapping the isolation structure in the vertical direction, and The plurality of exhaust passages of the isolation structure communicate with an exhaust space between the housing and the battery pack casing through the first exhaust hole of the housing.

14. The electric vehicle according to claim 13, wherein: The housing comprises: a first cover plate facing an upper surface of the first cell block and an upper surface of the second cell block and comprising a cooling channel configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow therethrough; a second cover plate facing a lower surface of the first cell block and a lower surface of the second cell block and comprising the first exhaust hole; and a pair of side cover plates, the pair of side cover plates being spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction, the first cell block and the second cell block being interposed between the pair of side cover plates, the pair of side cover plates being coupled to the first cover plate and the second cover plate, respectively; The battery pack housing comprises: a bottom plate, the bottom plate being spaced apart from the second cover plate, and the exhaust space being located between the bottom plate and the second cover plate; and a plurality of support structures disposed on the bottom plate and configured to support the pair of side cover plates, The plurality of support structures support the pair of side cover plates to space the housing from the bottom plate of the battery pack casing. The plurality of first battery cells are arranged between the pair of side covers in the horizontal direction, and The plurality of second battery cells are arranged between the pair of side cover plates in the horizontal direction.

15. The electric vehicle according to claim 13, wherein: The isolation structure includes: an isolation plate, the isolation plate being located between the first battery core block and the second battery core block; a connecting plate connected to an upper end of the isolation plate and attached to the housing; a plurality of first guides extending in the vertical direction along a first surface of the separator facing the first cell block; and a plurality of second guides extending in the vertical direction along a second surface of the separator facing the second cell block, and The plurality of exhaust passages include a plurality of first exhaust passages defined by the plurality of first guides and a plurality of second exhaust passages defined by the plurality of second guides.

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