Battery assembly

Abstract

A battery assembly is disclosed. A battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a plurality of battery cells stacked in a left-right direction, each battery cell including a receiving portion having an electrode assembly and a sealing portion extending forward from the receiving portion; an upper plate having a flat portion on which the plurality of battery cells are placed, and a main groove extending in the left-right direction and accommodating at least a portion of the sealing portion; and a lower plate coupled to a lower surface of the upper plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery assembly.

[0002] This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0119301, filed on September 7, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0182352, filed on December 14, 2023, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] Currently, commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among these secondary batteries, lithium secondary batteries have almost no memory effect or no memory effect. Therefore, they have the advantages of being able to be recharged at any convenient time, having an extremely low self-discharge rate and a high energy density. Therefore, lithium secondary batteries have received more attention than nickel-based secondary batteries.

[0004] With the recent rise of issues such as power shortages and environmentally friendly energy, energy storage systems (ESS) for storing electricity for later use have garnered increasing attention. For example, one proposed method for controlling power supply is the smart grid system. Electricity usage is not constant but can change at any time. Typically, during the summer, daytime electricity usage increases dramatically due to cooling equipment, while it decreases sharply at night. From the perspective of power consumption, power consumption is not constant but can fluctuate frequently. From the perspective of power supply, the amount of power generated can be controlled to some extent, but in reality, it is difficult to meet the required amount of power. Therefore, due to the imbalance between power supply and power consumption, oversupply or undersupply can occur. To address this problem, smart grid systems can flexibly store and control power. The concept of a smart grid system is to store power during times or areas with excess power and to supply the stored power during times and areas with shortages. One of the fundamental elements of a smart grid system may be an energy storage system for storing power. With the recent widespread use of electric vehicles, energy storage systems are being used in facilities that charge electric vehicles, such as charging stations.

[0005] An energy storage system may include multiple battery assemblies. Each battery assembly may include multiple battery cells. During the manufacturing process of the battery cells, a portion of the housing that seals the electrode assembly may form a protrusion. In this case, friction or interference may occur between the protrusion and its adjacent components, causing damage to the battery cells. As a result, the thermal safety of the battery assembly may deteriorate. Therefore, a structure is needed to prevent friction or interference between the protrusion of the battery cell and adjacent components. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] The present disclosure aims to address these and other problems.

[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a battery assembly including a structure that accommodates a plurality of battery cells therein without causing damage.

[0009] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a battery assembly for preventing damage to a plurality of battery cells and improving cooling efficiency.

[0010] Technical Solution

[0011] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the battery assembly according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a plurality of battery cells, which are stacked in the left-right direction, each battery cell including a receiving portion having an electrode assembly and a sealing portion extending forward from the receiving portion; an upper plate, which has a flat portion and a main groove, wherein the plurality of battery cells are placed on the flat portion, the main groove extends in the left-right direction and accommodates at least a portion of the sealing portion; and a lower plate, which is connected to the lower surface of the upper plate.

[0012] Additionally, a cooling channel may be formed between the upper and lower plates.

[0013] In addition, the main groove may protrude downward, and the lower plate may have a coupling groove to receive the main groove.

[0014] In addition, the lower plate may have a first groove extending in the front-rear direction, and a cooling channel may be formed between the main groove and the first groove.

[0015] Additionally, the upper plate may include a port in communication with the first groove.

[0016] In addition, the lower plate may have a plurality of second grooves extending in the left-right direction and arranged in the front-rear direction, and a cooling channel may be formed between the upper plate and the plurality of second grooves.

[0017] In addition, the main groove may be located between adjacent second grooves among the plurality of second grooves.

[0018] In addition, the plurality of second grooves and the first groove may be in communication with each other.

[0019] In addition, the sealing portion may have a protrusion that protrudes downward and is received in the main groove.

[0020] In addition, the battery assembly may further include a connector disposed between the plurality of battery cells and the upper plate.

[0021] Additionally, the battery assembly may further include a side wall coupled to the upper plate and having a protrusion received in the main groove.

[0022] In addition, the battery assembly may further include a pair of side walls coupled to the upper plate, and the plurality of battery cells and the main tank may be located between the pair of side walls.

[0023] A battery container according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include the battery assembly described in the present disclosure.

[0024] An energy storage system according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include the battery assembly described in the present disclosure.

[0025] Beneficial effects

[0026] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, thermal safety of a battery assembly can be improved.

[0027] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent a sealing portion of a battery cell from being damaged.

[0028] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cooling efficiency of a battery assembly can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the following detailed description, serve to provide a better understanding of the technical aspects of the present disclosure, and thus the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 is a view showing a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 An exploded view of some components of the battery assembly.

[0032] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A view of a battery cell of a battery assembly.

[0033] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A view of the heat sink of the battery assembly.

[0034] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 Exploded view of some components of the radiator.

[0035] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 View of the flow of cooling fluid.

[0036] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 An enlarged view of section E in FIG.

[0037] Figure 8 It is intercepted along the K-K' line Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of .

[0038] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 An enlarged view of segment M in FIG.

[0039] Figure 10 It is taken along the C-C' line Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of .

[0040] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 An enlarged view of section F in FIG.

[0041] Figure 12 It is taken along the L-L' line Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of .

[0042] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 An enlarged view of section N in FIG.

[0043] Figure 14 It is intercepted along the D-D' line Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of .

[0044] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 An enlarged view of section G in FIG.

[0045] Figure 16 It shows Figure 1 A view of the heat sink and connectors of a battery assembly.

[0046] Figure 17 It is taken along line A-A' Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of .

[0047] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 An enlarged view of section H in FIG.

[0048] Figure 19 yes Figure 17 An enlarged view of section I in FIG.

[0049] Figure 20 It is taken along the line B-B' Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of .

[0050] Figure 21 yes Figure 20 An enlarged view of section J in FIG.

[0051] Figure 22 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of section P in FIG.

[0052] Figure 23 It shows Figure 22 A variant view of .

[0053] Figure 24 is a view illustrating a heat sink of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 25 It shows Figure 24 Exploded view of some components of the radiator.

[0055] Figure 26 is an exploded view showing some components of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 27 is a view illustrating a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Figure 28 yes Figure 27 An enlarged view of section Q in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terms or words used in the specification and the appended claims should not be interpreted as limited to the general and dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted based on the principle that the inventor is allowed to appropriately define the terms for the best interpretation, on the basis of the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure.

[0059] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the illustrations in the accompanying drawings are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure to describe the technical aspects of the present disclosure, but are not intended to be limiting, and it should be understood that various other equivalents and modifications may be proposed when the present application is filed.

[0060] Figure 1 is a view showing a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 An exploded view of some components of the battery assembly. Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A view of a battery cell of a battery assembly. Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a view of a heat sink 100 of a battery assembly.

[0061] refer to Figures 1 to 4 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery assembly may include a battery cell 300, an upper plate 110, and a lower plate 120. The battery cell 300 may be a secondary battery.

[0062] The battery cell 300 may be a battery cell 300 having a pouch shape. The battery cell 300 may include a plurality of battery cells. The battery cell 300 may extend in the front-to-back direction or the X-axis direction. The battery cell 300 may include a receiving portion 310 having an electrode assembly. The receiving portion 310 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The electrode assembly may be accommodated in a shell of the receiving portion 310. The shell may cover the electrode assembly, and the shell may be folded once so that the electrode assembly is received in the shell. A sealing portion 320 may extend from the receiving portion 310. The sealing portion 320 may extend forward and backward from the receiving portion 310 and extend upward from the receiving portion 310. The lower surface of the receiving portion 310 may be referred to as a folding portion 340. The folding portion 340 may be formed by folding the shell.

[0063] In this case, the lower ends of the front sealing portion 320 and the rear sealing portion 320 may protrude downward. The front sealing portion 320 and the rear sealing portion 320 may protrude downward below the receiving portion 310. In this case, the protruding portion may be referred to as a protrusion 321. The protrusion 321 may be formed during the folding and sealing process of the housing. The protrusion 321 may be in the shape of a bat's ear.

[0064] The battery cell 300 may include a plurality of battery cells, and the plurality of battery cells 300 may be stacked in a left-right direction or a Y-axis direction.

[0065] The upper plate 110 may have a square or rectangular plate shape. The upper plate 110 may include a first flat portion 113. The receiving portion 310 may be placed on the first flat portion 113. The plurality of battery cells 300 may be arranged, positioned, or stacked along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The receiving portions 310 of the plurality of battery cells 300 may be placed on the first flat portion 113. Alternatively, the folding portions 340 of the plurality of battery cells 300 may be placed on the first flat portion 113.

[0066] The upper plate 110 may include a main groove 111. The main groove 111 may be referred to as a receiving portion 111 or an escape portion 111. The main groove 111 may extend in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The upper plate 110 may include a pair of main grooves 111. The main grooves 111 may be formed by bending a portion of the upper plate 110 downward. The pair of main grooves 111 may be arranged in the front-to-back direction or the X-axis direction.

[0067] The battery cell 300 may refer to the following battery cell 300: the battery cell 300 includes: a receiving portion 310 having an electrode assembly and a sealing portion 320 extending from the receiving portion 310; and an upper plate 110 having a first flat portion 113 and a main groove 111, the receiving portion 310 is placed on the first flat portion 113, and the main groove 111 is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the sealing portion 320.

[0068] The lower plate 120 may have a square or rectangular plate shape. The lower plate 120 may be fastened, coupled, fixed, or attached to the lower surface of the upper plate 110 .

[0069] This configuration of the present disclosure improves the thermal safety of the battery assembly. Since the protrusion 321 of the battery cell 300 is received in the main groove 111, interference or friction between the protrusion 321 and the upper plate 110 can be avoided. Therefore, damage to the protrusion 321 can be prevented.

[0070] refer to Figures 1 to 4 , the battery assembly may include a heat sink 100 , a connector 200 , a side wall 600 , a bus bar frame assembly 500 , the plurality of battery cells 300 , and a gasket 400 .

[0071] The plurality of battery cells 300 and the gasket 400 may be positioned on the heat sink 100. The heat sink 100 may have a square or rectangular plate shape.

[0072] The side wall 600 may be located on each of the left and right sides of the plurality of battery cells 300. A bottom of the side wall 600 may be fastened, coupled, fixed, or attached to the heat sink 100.

[0073] The bus bar frame assembly 500 may be located on each of the front and rear sides of the plurality of battery cells 300. A bottom portion of the bus bar frame assembly 500 may be fastened, coupled, fixed, or attached to the heat sink 100. In addition, the bus bar frame assembly 500 may be fastened, coupled, fixed, or attached to the sidewall 600.

[0074] The following description is based on the front busbar frame assembly 500. The busbar frame assembly 500 may include a frame 510, busbars 520, and a connecting plate 530. The frame 510 may form the exterior of the busbar frame assembly 500. The frame 510 may extend in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. Each of the left and right ends of the frame 510 may be fastened, coupled, fixed, or attached to the side wall 600. A plurality of busbars 520 may be placed on the front side of the frame 510. The plurality of busbars 520 may be arranged in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The plurality of busbars 520 may be physically and electrically connected to the electrode leads 330 of the plurality of battery cells 300. The connecting plate 530 may be placed in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The connecting plate 530 may be physically and electrically connected to the plurality of busbars 520.

[0075] The pad 400 may be located between the plurality of battery cells 300. The pad 400 may have a plate shape. The pad 400 may extend in the front-to-back direction or the X-axis direction. The pad 400 may include a plurality of pads. The pad 400 may include a silicone material. The pad 400 may absorb impact that may occur between the plurality of battery cells 300. In addition, when expansion occurs in the battery cells 300, the pad 400 may reduce expansion pressure.

[0076] In this case, the plurality of battery cells 300 and the plurality of pads 400 may be collectively referred to as a battery cell module assembly.

[0077] The connector 200 may be located between the plurality of battery cells 300 and the heat sink 100 .

[0078] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 Exploded view of some components of the heat sink 100. Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 View of the flow of cooling fluid. Figure 7 yes Figure 5 An enlarged view of section E in FIG. Figures 4 to 7 A cooling channel may be formed between the upper and lower plates of the battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The radiator 100 may include an upper plate 110 and a lower plate 120. A cooling fluid may flow through the cooling channel of the radiator. The cooling fluid may cool the heat generated by the plurality of battery cells 300.

[0079] With this configuration of the present disclosure, the heat sink 100 can maintain a cooling effect without damaging the protrusion 321. Therefore, the thermal stability of the battery assembly can be improved.

[0080] Figure 8 It is intercepted along the K-K' line Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of . Figure 9 yes Figure 8 An enlarged view of section M in FIG. Figures 4 to 9 , the main groove 111 of the battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may protrude downward, and the lower plate 120 may have a coupling groove 123 in which the main groove 111 is received.

[0081] The lower plate 120 may include the coupling groove 123. The coupling groove 123 may be formed by bending a portion of the lower plate 120 downward. The coupling groove 123 may extend in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The coupling groove 123 may include a pair of coupling grooves. The pair of coupling grooves 123 may be arranged in the front-to-back direction or the X-axis direction. The pair of coupling grooves 123 may be positioned to respectively match the pair of main grooves 111. The front main groove 111 may be received in the front coupling groove 123. Additionally, the rear main groove 111 may be received in the rear coupling groove 123.

[0082] Through such a configuration of the present disclosure, the coupling of the heat sink 100 can be improved.

[0083] Figure 10 It is taken along the C-C' line Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of . Figure 11 yes Figure 10 An enlarged view of section F in FIG. Figure 12 It is taken along the L-L' line Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of . Figure 13 yes Figure 12 An enlarged view of section N in FIG.

[0084] refer to Figures 4 to 13 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lower plate 120 of the battery assembly may have a first groove 121 extending in the front-to-back direction. In addition, a cooling channel may be formed between the main groove 111 and the first groove 121.

[0085] The lower plate 120 may include a second flat portion 124. The lower plate 120 may include a first groove 121. The first groove 121 may be formed by bending a portion of the lower plate 120 downward. The first groove 121 may form a flow channel through which a cooling fluid flows. The first groove 121 may extend in a front-to-back direction or in the X-axis direction. The first groove 121 may include a pair of first grooves. The pair of first grooves 121 may be arranged in a left-to-right direction or in the Y-axis direction.

[0086] The first groove 121 and the main groove 111 may be positioned facing each other. The first groove 121 and the main groove 111 may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance h3. Alternatively, a gap G1 may be formed between the first groove 121 and the main groove 111. In this case, the gap G1 between the first groove 121 and the main groove 111 may serve as a cooling channel.

[0087] The depth of the first groove 121 may be greater than that of the coupling groove 123. Therefore, the gap G1 may be formed between the first groove 121 and the main groove 111. The main groove 111 may have a depth h1 of about 2 mm to 3 mm compared to the first flat portion.

[0088] With this configuration of the present disclosure, the heat sink 100 of the present disclosure can have a cooling channel extending across the main groove 111. The heat sink 100 can maintain a cooling effect without damaging the protrusion 321. Therefore, the thermal stability of the battery assembly can be improved.

[0089] Figure 14 It is intercepted along the D-D' line Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of . Figure 15 yes Figure 14 An enlarged view of section G in FIG. Figure 4 、 Figure 14 and Figure 15 The lower plate 120 may have a plurality of second grooves 122 extending in the left-right direction and arranged in the front-rear direction. In addition, a cooling channel may be formed between the upper plate 110 and the plurality of second grooves 122.

[0090] The lower plate 120 may include a second flat portion 124. The lower plate 120 may include a second groove 122. The second groove 122 may be formed by bending a portion of the lower plate 120 downward. The second groove 122 may form a flow channel through which a cooling fluid flows. The second groove 122 may extend in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. Alternatively, the second groove 122 may extend along the main groove 111. The second groove 122 may include a plurality of second grooves. The plurality of second grooves 122 may be arranged in the front-to-back direction or the X-axis direction.

[0091] The second groove 122 and the first flat portion 113 may be positioned facing each other. The second groove 122 and the first flat portion 113 may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. Alternatively, a gap G2 may be formed between the second groove 122 and the first flat portion 113. In this case, the gap G2 between the second groove 122 and the first flat portion 113 may serve as a cooling channel.

[0092] With this configuration of the present disclosure, the heat sink 100 of the present disclosure can have a cooling channel extending along the main groove 111. The heat sink 100 can maintain a cooling effect without damaging the protrusion 321. Therefore, the thermal stability of the battery assembly can be improved.

[0093] refer to Figure 4 、 Figure 14 and Figure 15 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the main groove 111 of the battery assembly may be located between adjacent second grooves 122 of the plurality of second grooves 122. Alternatively, the coupling groove 123 may be located between adjacent second grooves 122. The coupling groove 123 may be formed to straddle the first groove 121.

[0094] The main groove 111 may be received in the coupling groove 123. The coupling groove 123 may stably support the main groove 111. In addition, the coupling groove 123 may be deeper than the second groove 122.

[0095] Some of the plurality of second grooves 122 may be located adjacent to the main groove 111. For example, the coupling groove 123 may lead to a pair of second grooves 122 from the front and rear sides. Alternatively, the coupling groove 123 may be located between the pair of second grooves 122 or may connect the pair of second grooves 122.

[0096] With this configuration of the present disclosure, the heat sink 100 can maintain a cooling effect without damaging the protrusion 321. Therefore, the thermal stability of the battery assembly can be improved.

[0097] refer to Figures 5 to 15 The plurality of second grooves 122 of the battery assembly according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can connect the pair of first grooves 121 to each other. In addition, the plurality of second grooves 122 can be located between the pair of first grooves 121.

[0098] With this configuration of the present disclosure, the heat sink 100 can maintain a cooling effect without damaging the protrusion 321. Therefore, the thermal stability of the battery assembly can be improved.

[0099] refer to Figures 6 to 15 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the upper plate 110 of the battery assembly may include a port 112 that communicates with the first groove 121. The upper plate 110 may have the port 112 on the upper surface of the front side. The port 112 may include a pair of ports. The port 112 may serve as a passage for the cooling fluid to enter or exit.

[0100] The port 112, the first groove 121, and the second groove 122 of the upper plate 110 can be connected to each other to form a flow channel for the cooling fluid. For example, the cooling fluid entering through the port 112 on the right side can flow in the rearward direction or the -X-axis direction along the first groove 121 on the right side. In addition, the cooling fluid can flow from the first groove 121 on the right side into the second groove 122. The cooling fluid entering the second groove 122 can flow in the left direction or the -Y-axis direction. The cooling fluid leaving the second groove 122 can enter the first groove 121 on the left side. The cooling fluid entering the first groove 121 on the left side can flow in the forward direction or the +X-axis direction and leave the radiator 100 along the port 112 on the left side.

[0101] With this configuration of the present disclosure, the heat sink 100 can maintain a cooling effect without damaging the protrusion 321. Therefore, the thermal stability of the battery assembly can be improved.

[0102] Figure 16 It shows Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a view of a heat sink 100 and a connector 200 of a battery assembly. Figure 16 The battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a connector 200 disposed between the plurality of battery cells 300 and the upper plate 110 .

[0103] The connector 200 may be placed on the upper surface of the upper plate 110. For example, the connector 200 may be a lubricant such as grease or resin. The connector 200 may be applied to the upper surface of the upper plate 110 with a uniform thickness.

[0104] The connector 200 may function as an adhesive member and may adhere or fix the battery cells 300 to the upper plate 110 . The connector 200 may adhere or fix the receiving portions 310 or the folding portions 340 of the battery cells 300 to the upper plate 110 .

[0105] In addition, the connector 200 may function as a heat transfer member, and the connector 200 may transfer heat generated from the plurality of battery cells 300 to the upper plate 110 . Therefore, the cooling performance of the battery assembly may be improved.

[0106] In addition, the connecting member 200 may be placed on the first flat portion 113 and the main groove 111. The connecting member 200 may be applied to the first flat portion 113 and the main groove 111 with a uniform thickness. In this case, a height difference h2 between the connecting member 200 applied to the main groove 111 and the connecting member applied to the first flat portion 113 may be approximately 2 mm to 3 mm.

[0107] Figure 17 It is taken along line A-A' Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of . Figure 18 yes Figure 17 An enlarged view of section H in FIG. Figure 19 yes Figure 17 An enlarged view of section I in FIG.

[0108] refer to Figures 17 to 19 , the receiving portion 310 or the folding portion 340 of the battery cell 300 may be located on the first flat portion 113. In addition, the connector 200 may be placed between the receiving portion 310 or the folding portion 340 and the first flat portion 113. In addition, at least a portion of the front side of the receiving portion 310 or the folding portion 340 may be positioned facing the main groove 111. In addition, at least a portion of the rear side of the receiving portion 310 or the folding portion 340 may be positioned facing the main groove 111. In this case, the gap h2 between the connector 200 applied to the receiving portion 310 or the folding portion 340 and the connector 200 applied to the main groove 111 may be approximately 2 mm to 3 mm.

[0109] The protrusion 321 may be received in the main groove 111. Furthermore, the protrusion 321 may not contact the main groove 111. Alternatively, the protrusion 321 may be spaced apart from the main groove 111. The connector 200 may be disposed between the protrusion 321 and the main groove 111. The connector 200 may contact the protrusion 321. The connector 200 may secure the protrusion 321. Furthermore, the connector 200 may transfer heat generated from the protrusion 321 to the main groove 111.

[0110] With this configuration, the protrusion 321 protrudes below the receiving portion 310 but does not interfere with the upper plate 110 due to the main groove 111. Therefore, the protrusion 321 is prevented from being broken or damaged due to friction, and the thermal safety of the battery cell 300 is improved.

[0111] Figure 20 It is taken along the line B-B' Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of . Figure 21 yes Figure 20 An enlarged view of section J in FIG. Figure 20 and Figure 21 The plurality of protrusions 321 of the plurality of battery cells 300 arranged in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction may be received in the main groove 111. The protrusion length of the protrusion 321 may vary according to the production tolerance of the battery cells 300. The main groove 111 may be formed with a sufficient depth to accommodate the protrusions 321 having different protrusion lengths.

[0112] In addition, the connector 200 may be located between the pad 400 and the upper plate 110. Alternatively, the connector 200 may be located between the pad 400 and the first flat portion 113. The connector 200 may adhere or fix the bottom of the pad 400 to the upper plate 110.

[0113] Figure 22 yes Figure 1 1 is an enlarged view of section P in FIG. A battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a sidewall 600. The bottom of the sidewall 600 may be fastened, coupled, fixed, or attached to the heat sink 100. A gap may be formed between the sidewall 600 and the main tank 111. The interior of the battery assembly may be exposed through the gap between the sidewall 600 and the main tank 111.

[0114] With such a configuration of the present disclosure, heat generated from the plurality of battery cells 300 may be discharged through the gap between the sidewall 600 and the main groove 111 .

[0115] Figure 23 It shows Figure 22 A modified view of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a sidewall 600 having a protrusion 610. The protrusion 610 may be formed on the bottom of the sidewall 600. The protrusion 610 may be received in the main groove 111. In addition, the protrusion 610 may seal the gap between the main groove 111 and the sidewall 600.

[0116] With this configuration of the present disclosure, the sealing performance of the battery assembly can be improved.

[0117] Figure 24 is a view illustrating a heat sink 100 of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 25 It shows Figure 24 Exploded view of some components of the heat sink 100.

[0118] refer to Figure 24 and Figure 25 The heat sink 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main groove 111. The main groove 111 may be formed at a portion of the upper plate 110. Alternatively, the main groove 111 may be surrounded by the first flat portion 113. Alternatively, the length of the main groove 111 may be smaller than the width of the upper plate 110 in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0119] Furthermore, the coupling groove 123 may be formed to correspond to the length of the main groove 111. The length of the coupling groove 123 and the length of the main groove 111 may be substantially equal. The coupling groove 123 may be formed in a portion of the lower plate 120. Alternatively, the coupling groove 123 may be surrounded by the second flat portion 124. Alternatively, the length of the coupling groove 123 may be less than the width of the lower plate 120 in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0120] Figure 26 is an exploded view showing some components of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 27 is a view illustrating a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 28 yes Figure 27 An enlarged view of section Q in FIG.

[0121] refer to Figures 26 to 28 The bottom of the side wall 600 may be fastened, coupled, fixed or attached to the first flat portion 113 of the upper plate 110. No gap may be formed between the side wall 600 and the first flat portion 113. Alternatively, the main groove 111 may be located between a pair of side walls 600.

[0122] With this configuration of the present disclosure, the sealing performance of the battery assembly can be improved.

[0123] The battery assembly of the present disclosure may refer to a battery module or a battery pack according to additional components and structures.

[0124] A battery container according to the present disclosure may include a battery assembly according to the present disclosure. The battery assembly may include multiple battery assemblies. The battery container may include a container housing. The container housing may provide a storage space for receiving the battery assembly. Furthermore, the battery container may include a control unit for controlling the multiple battery assemblies. Furthermore, the battery container may also include sensors for detecting the condition of the battery assembly or a fire protection module for controlling thermal events.

[0125] An energy storage system (ESS) according to the present disclosure may include a battery assembly according to the present disclosure. The energy storage system may include multiple battery containers. Furthermore, the battery containers may include multiple battery assemblies. The energy storage system may include a predetermined number of battery containers combined with a control container to form a link group. For example, the control container may control or diagnose the entire battery container. Furthermore, the control container may include a direct current (DC) section, an alternating current (AC) section, and a battery system controller (BSC) section to control the battery containers. Each control container may be connected to a power conversion system (PCS).

[0126] For convenience of description, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and rear are used, but it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms may change according to positions of the elements or observers.

[0127] Although the present disclosure has been described above with respect to a limited number of embodiments and drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made thereto within the technical aspects of the present disclosure and the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A battery assembly comprising: a plurality of battery cells stacked in a left-right direction, each battery cell including a receiving portion and a sealing portion, the receiving portion having an electrode assembly, the sealing portion extending forward from the receiving portion; an upper plate having a flat portion on which the plurality of battery cells are placed and a main groove extending in the left-right direction and accommodating at least a portion of the sealing portion; as well as A lower plate is coupled to a lower surface of the upper plate.

2. The battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein: A cooling channel is formed between the upper plate and the lower plate.

3. The battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein the main groove protrudes downward, and in, The lower plate has a coupling groove that receives the main groove.

4. The battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The lower plate has a first groove extending in the front-to-back direction, and Wherein, a cooling channel is formed between the main groove and the first groove.

5. The battery assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The upper plate includes a port in communication with the first groove.

6. The battery assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The lower plate has a plurality of second grooves extending in the left-right direction and arranged in the front-back direction, and Wherein, the cooling channel is formed between the upper plate and the plurality of second grooves.

7. The battery assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The main groove is located between adjacent second grooves among the plurality of second grooves.

8. The battery assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The plurality of second grooves and the first groove are in communication with each other.

9. The battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The sealing portion has a protrusion that protrudes downward and is received in the main groove. 10 . The battery assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising a connector interposed between the plurality of battery cells and the upper plate. 11 . The battery assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising a side wall coupled to the upper plate and having a protrusion received in the main groove.

12. The battery assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of side walls coupled to the upper plate, in, The plurality of battery cells and the main groove are located between the pair of side walls.

13. A battery container comprising the battery assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. An energy storage system comprising the battery assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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