Face-to-face cooling plate and battery pack including same

Abstract

The invention relates to a face-to-face cooling plate and a battery pack including the same. The face-to-face cooling plates can absorb displacement occurring when the battery cells expand to prevent sudden reduction in battery life and prevent leakage of coolant caused by expansion compression. The face-to-face cooling plate includes: a cooling chamber provided between the plurality of battery cells and forming a space in which a cooling fluid circulates; and a leakage prevention unit provided in the cooling chamber and accommodating a cooling fluid when the battery cells are expanded. The present disclosure aims to provide a face-to-face cooling plate and a battery pack including the same, the face-to-face cooling plate being capable of receiving an occurring displacement when a battery cell is expanded to prevent a sudden reduction in battery life and to prevent a leakage of a coolant caused by expansion compression, and a battery pack including the face-to-face cooling plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to face-to-face cooling plates and battery packs including the face-to-face cooling plates. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, due to the rapid proliferation of battery-powered electronic devices (such as mobile phones, laptops, and electric vehicles), the demand for high-energy-density and high-capacity rechargeable batteries is increasing rapidly. Therefore, research and development to improve the performance of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries is actively underway.

[0003] A lithium secondary battery is a battery that includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode containing active materials capable of inserting and deintercalating lithium ions, as well as an electrolyte. The lithium secondary battery generates electrical energy through oxidation and reduction reactions when lithium ions are inserted into or deintercalated from the positive and negative electrodes.

[0004] The information disclosed in this background section is provided to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute related (or prior art). Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure aims to provide a face-to-face cooling plate and a battery pack including the face-to-face cooling plate, which is capable of receiving the displacement that occurs when a battery cell expands, in order to prevent a sudden reduction in battery life and to prevent coolant leakage caused by expansion and compression.

[0006] These and other aspects and features of this disclosure will be described in or will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a face-to-face cooling plate is provided, comprising: a cooling chamber disposed between a plurality of battery cells and forming a space within the cooling chamber for circulating cooling fluid; and a leak-proof unit disposed within the cooling chamber and for containing cooling fluid when the battery cells expand.

[0008] The cooling chamber may include a pair of support plates spaced apart from each other and guide ribs formed on the inner surfaces of the pair of support plates.

[0009] The guide rib may include a first guide rib formed to protrude from the inner surface of the support plate on one side, and a second guide rib formed to protrude from the inner surface of the support plate on the other side, and the first guide rib and the second guide rib may be formed to protrude in an alternating manner.

[0010] The length of the guide ribs can be reduced towards the center of the battery cell.

[0011] The leak-proof unit may include a receiving section configured to form an independent space inside the cooling chamber, and a receiving operation section configured to open the receiving section when the battery cell expands, so that the cooling fluid is contained in the receiving section.

[0012] The housing operation section may include a separator that connects to the inward-facing surface of the cooling chamber to rupture under the pressure generated when the battery cells expand.

[0013] A notch can be formed in the separator.

[0014] The thickness of the separator can be reduced towards the notch.

[0015] The notch can be formed into a zigzag shape.

[0016] Unevenness can be formed on the separator, causing leakage holes to form when the separator breaks due to a notch.

[0017] The uneven portion can be formed substantially symmetrically on the upper and lower surfaces of the separator relative to the notch, and the inclined surface can be formed to guide the broken portion of the separator when the separator breaks due to the notch.

[0018] The upper end of the receiving part can be circular, and the receiving part can be configured to correspond to the cover plate of the battery cell.

[0019] A reinforcing rib that corresponds to the welded portion of the cover plate and spans across the receiving portion can be formed inside the receiving portion.

[0020] The thickness of the upper part of the receiving section can be greater than the thickness of the support plate.

[0021] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack is provided, the battery pack comprising: a housing; a plurality of battery cells disposed in the housing; and one or more face-to-face cooling plates according to another aspect of this disclosure disposed between the plurality of battery cells. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings illustrate some embodiments of the present disclosure and further describe aspects and features of the disclosure together with the detailed description thereof. However, the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the drawings: Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating the construction of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A sectional view taken from line II-II; Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the construction of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 4This is a perspective view schematically illustrating the structure of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken by line VV; Figure 6 This is a view schematically illustrating the construction of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 7 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows an enlarged view of portion VII of the guide ribs of the face-to-face cooling plate according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 8 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows an enlarged view of portion VIII of the receiving portion of the face-to-face cooling plate according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 9 This is a view used to illustrate the operation of the face-to-face cooling plate according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 10 This is a graph showing the expansion force caused by the face-to-face cooling plates according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 11 It is a graph showing the overall elongation of the single stacked part caused by the face-to-face cooling plates according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 12 yes Figure 9 A magnified view of part of XII; Figure 13 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a face-to-face cooling plate according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 14 This is a schematic perspective view of a face-to-face cooling plate according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 15 This is a view used to describe the operation of the face-to-face cooling plate according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 16 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a face-to-face cooling plate (with a notch) according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 17 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a face-to-face cooling plate (with reinforcing ribs) according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 18 This is a view showing a modified example of the reinforcing ribs of the face-to-face cooling plate according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Some embodiments of this disclosure will be described in more detail here with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted as having meanings and concepts consistent with the technical ideas of this disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of the terms as his / her own lexicographer.

[0024] The embodiments described in this specification and the constructions shown in the accompanying drawings are provided as some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and do not represent all technical ideas, aspects, and features of this disclosure. Therefore, it will be understood that various equivalents and modifications may exist to replace or modify the embodiments described herein at the time of filing of this application.

[0025] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "bonded to" another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly bonded to the other element or layer, or one or more intermediary elements or layers may be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly bonded to" another element or layer, no intermediary element or layer is present. For example, when a first element is described as being "bonded" or "connected" to a second element, the first element may be directly bonded to or directly connected to the second element, or the first element may be indirectly bonded to or indirectly connected to the second element via one or more intermediary elements.

[0026] In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc., may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of this disclosure, the use of "may" refers to "one or more embodiments of this disclosure." When expressions such as "at least one of..." and "any one of..." are placed after a list of elements, the entire list of elements is modified, not the individual elements within that list. When a list of elements A, B, and C is specified using phrases such as “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “at least one of the group selected from A, B, and C,” or “at least one of A, B, and C,” the phrase may refer to any suitable combination (or subset) of A, B, and C and all suitable combinations (or subsets), such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the term “use” and its variations may be considered synonymous with the term “utilize” and its variations, respectively. As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree and are intended to explain the inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0027] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, first component, first region, first layer, or first portion discussed below may be referred to as a second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second portion.

[0028] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” “above,” etc., are used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature as shown in the accompanying drawings and another element(s). It will be understood that, in addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings, the spatial relative terms are also intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will subsequently be oriented “above” or “above” said other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can cover both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented additionally (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0029] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to be limiting of this disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “an” are also intended to include the plural forms. It will also be understood that when the terms “comprising,” “including,” and / or variations thereof are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0030] Furthermore, any numerical range disclosed and / or described herein is intended to include all subranges with the same numerical precision contained within the described range. For example, the range “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include all subranges between the described minimum value of 1.0 and the described maximum value of 10.0 (and includes both the described minimum value of 1.0 and the described maximum value of 10.0), i.e., having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit described herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit described in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification (including the claims) to expressly describe any subranges contained within the range expressly described herein.

[0031] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc., as “identical” can mean that they are “substantially identical.” Therefore, the phrase “substantially identical” can include cases with deviations considered low in the art, such as 5% or less. Additionally, when a parameter is said to be uniform in a given region, it can mean that it is uniform in terms of the mean.

[0032] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0033] When any element is referred to as being arranged (or located or positioned) "above (or below)" or "on (or below)" an assembly, it can mean that the element is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the assembly, and it can also mean that another assembly can be placed between the assembly and any element arranged (or located or positioned) on (or below) the assembly.

[0034] Additionally, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "joined," "linked," or "connected" to another element, the elements may be directly "joined," "linked," or "connected" to each other, or there may be one or more intermediary elements between them, through which the element may be "joined," "linked," or "connected" to the other element. Furthermore, when a component (or part) is referred to as being "electrically joined" to another component (or part), the component (or part) may be directly electrically connected to the other component (or part), or there may be one or more intermediary components (or parts) between them, such that the component (or part) and the other component (or part) are indirectly electrically connected to each other.

[0035] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, when “A and / or B” is stated, it means A, B, or A and B. That is, “and / or” includes any or all combinations of the listed items. Unless otherwise specified, when “C to D” is stated, it means C or greater and D or less.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating the construction of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The sectional view taken from line II-II, and Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the construction of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] In the following text, the first direction will be described relative to Figure 1 The direction exemplified as parallel to the X-axis, the second direction can be relative to... Figure 1 Instantiated as a direction parallel to the Y-axis, and the third direction can be relative to... Figure 1 It is exemplified as a direction parallel to the Z-axis.

[0038] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The battery pack according to the embodiment may include a housing 10, battery cells 20 and face-to-face cooling plates 30.

[0039] The housing 10 can serve as a component to support the battery cell 20 and protect it from external impacts and foreign objects. The housing 10 can provide space for accommodating the battery cell 20 therein.

[0040] The housing 10 may include a housing body 11 and a housing cover 12.

[0041] The outer casing 11 can be formed into the shape of a box having an empty interior and an open side. For example, the open side of the outer casing 11 can be relative to... Figure 1 Set to face upwards. The shape of the cross-section of the outer casing 11 is not limited to... Figure 1 The quadrilateral shape shown can be changed into various shapes, such as other polygonal shapes, circular shapes, elliptical shapes, etc.

[0042] The outer casing 11 according to this embodiment may include a bottom plate, an end plate 11b, and a side plate 11c.

[0043] The base plate can form the exterior of the lower part of the outer shell body 11.

[0044] According to this embodiment, the base plate 11a can be formed to have a generally flat plate shape. The base plate can be configured to be perpendicular to a third direction.

[0045] End plate 11b can extend from the base plate and form part of the side exterior of the housing body 11.

[0046] According to this embodiment, the end plate 11b can be formed into a flat plate extending from the base plate in a direction parallel to a third direction. The lower end of the end plate 11b can be connected to an edge of the base plate that is parallel to a second direction. The end plate 11b can be configured to be perpendicular to a first direction.

[0047] End plates 11b can be configured as a pair of end plates 11b. A pair of end plates 11b can be configured to face each other in a first direction.

[0048] Side plate 11c can extend from the base plate to form the remaining portion of the side exterior of the housing body 11.

[0049] According to an embodiment, the side plate 11c can be formed as a flat plate extending from the base plate in a direction parallel to a third direction. The lower end of the side plate 11c can be connected to an edge of the base plate that is parallel to a first direction. The side plate 11c can be configured to be perpendicular to a second direction. The side plates 11c can be configured as a pair of side plates 11c. The pair of side plates 11c can be configured to face each other in the second direction.

[0050] The housing cover 12 can be attached to the housing body 11 and enclose the internal space of the housing body 11. For example, the housing cover 12 can be formed in a generally plate-like shape. The housing cover 12 can be positioned facing the upper surface of the housing body 11, i.e., the upper end of the end plate 11b and the side plate 11c. The housing cover 12 can be fixed to the upper end of the end plate 11b and the side plate 11c using various types of joining methods (such as bolting, welding, mating, etc.).

[0051] The battery cell 20 can be used as a unit structure for storing and supplying power in a battery module. The battery cell 20 can be disposed inside the housing 10.

[0052] The battery cell 20 can be configured as a plurality of battery cells 20. The plurality of battery cells 20 can be arranged in multiple rows inside the housing 10. For example, the plurality of battery cells 20 can be arranged in multiple rows along a first direction inside the housing body 11. However, the arrangement of the plurality of battery cells 20 is not limited to this, and the plurality of battery cells 20 can be arranged in multiple rows along a second direction inside the housing body 11, or can be arranged in multiple rows along both the first and second directions.

[0053] Multiple battery cells 20 can be connected in series or in parallel through electrical connection units such as busbars.

[0054] In the following description, an example of a battery cell 20 being a lithium-ion secondary battery and having a prismatic shape will be described. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the battery cell 20 may be a lithium polymer battery or a cylindrical battery.

[0055] Figure 4 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating the structure of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken from line VV.

[0056] Reference Figures 1 to 5 According to the embodiment, the battery cell 20 includes an electrode assembly 100, a cell housing 200, and a cover plate 300.

[0057] The electrode assembly 100 can be used as a unit structure to perform charging or discharging operations in the battery cell 20. The electrode assembly 100 can be housed inside the cell housing 200.

[0058] Figure 6 This is a view schematically illustrating the construction of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] Reference Figure 6 The electrode assembly 100 according to this embodiment may include a first electrode 110, a second electrode 120 and a diaphragm 130.

[0060] Hereinafter, an example of an electrode assembly 100 formed in the form of a stack in which a plurality of first electrodes 110, a plurality of second electrodes 120, and a plurality of diaphragms 130 are alternately stacked in a first direction will be described. However, the electrode assembly 100 is not limited thereto, and may be formed in the form of a roll in which the first electrodes 110, second electrodes 120, and diaphragms 130 are wound around a winding shaft in a sequentially stacked state.

[0061] The first electrode 110 can be used as the positive electrode of the electrode assembly 100.

[0062] The first electrode 110 according to this embodiment can be formed into the shape of a foil containing a metallic material such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The two surfaces of the first electrode 110 can be configured to be perpendicular to a first direction. The type, size, shape, etc., of the first electrode 110 are not particularly limited, as long as it is conductive and does not cause chemical changes in the battery cell 20. The cross-sectional shape of the first electrode 110 can be changed to various shapes other than a rectangular shape.

[0063] The first electrode 110 can be configured as multiple first electrodes 110. The multiple first electrodes 110 can be arranged in a first direction. The number of first electrodes 110 can be varied according to the charging capacity of the battery cell 20, etc.

[0064] The first electrode 110 may include a first active material layer 111.

[0065] The first active material layer 111 may be provided in the form of being applied to at least a portion of the first electrode 110. The first active material layer 111 may be applied to both surfaces of the first electrode 110, or alternatively, it may be applied to only one surface of the first electrode 110.

[0066] In an embodiment, since the first electrode 110 is used as a positive electrode, the first active material layer 111 may include a positive electrode active material.

[0067] The positive electrode active material can be a compound capable of reversibly inserting and deintercalating lithium (lithiation intercalation compound). More specifically, a composite oxide of lithium and one or more metals selected from cobalt, manganese, nickel, iron, and combinations thereof can be used.

[0068] For example, positive electrode active materials may include lithium iron phosphate (LFP) (LiFePO4), lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) (LiMnFePO4), and lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (NCM) (LiNi x Co y Mn zAt least one of O2). Here, 0 < x < 1, 0 < y < 1, 0 < z < 1, and x + y + z = 1 can be satisfied. The positive electrode active material may only include LFP (LiFePO4), LMFP (LiMnFePO4), and NCM (LiNi x Co y Mn z O2), or may include any one of LFP (LiFePO4), LMFP (LiMnFePO4), and NCM (LiNi x Co y Mn z O2), or may include two or all of LFP (LiFePO4), LMFP (LiMnFePO4), and NCM (LiNi

[0069] The first active material layer 111 may further include a positive electrode conductive material.

[0070] The positive electrode conductive material is used to provide conductivity to the first active material layer 111, and any material can be used as long as it does not cause chemical changes and is an electrically conductive material. Examples of the positive electrode conductive material may include: carbon-based materials such as natural graphite, artificial graphite, carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, carbon fiber, carbon nanofiber, and carbon nanotube; metal-based materials in the form of metal powders or metal fibers containing copper, nickel, aluminum, silver, etc.; conductive polymers such as polyphenylene derivatives; or mixtures thereof.

[0071] The first active material layer 111 may further include a positive electrode binder.

[0072] The positive electrode binder is used to make the particles constituting the positive electrode active material adhere to each other well and also to make the positive electrode active material adhere to the first electrode 110.

[0073] Examples of the positive electrode binder may include non-aqueous binders, aqueous binders, dry binders, or combinations thereof.

[0074] Examples of non-aqueous binders may include polyvinyl chloride, carboxylated polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, ethylene propylene copolymer, polystyrene, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamideimide, polyimide, or combinations thereof.

[0075] The aqueous binder may be selected from styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylate-modified styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylic rubber, butyl rubber, fluorine-containing elastomer, polyethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, epichlorohydrin rubber, polyphosphazene, poly(meth)acrylonitrile, ethylene propylene diene copolymer, polyvinylpyridine, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, latex, polyester resin, (meth)acrylic resin, phenolic resin, epoxy resin, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof.

[0076] When using an aqueous binder as the positive electrode binder, it may further include a cellulose compound capable of imparting viscosity. As a cellulose compound, one or more of carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, or their alkali metal salts may be used in combination. As an alkali metal, Na, K, or Li may be used.

[0077] Dry adhesives are fibrous polymeric materials and can be, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, polyethylene oxide, or combinations thereof.

[0078] The first electrode 110 may include a first uncoated portion 112 to which the first active material layer 111 is not applied. According to this embodiment, the first uncoated portion 112 may be disposed in a region at one end of the first electrode 110 facing the second direction. However, the first uncoated portion 112 is not limited to this form and may also be formed over the entire edge region of the first electrode 110.

[0079] The second electrode 120 can be used as the negative electrode of the electrode assembly 100.

[0080] The second electrode 120 according to this embodiment can be formed into the shape of a foil containing a metallic material such as copper, copper alloy, nickel, or nickel alloy. The two surfaces of the second electrode 120 can be configured to be perpendicular to the first direction. The type, size, shape, etc., of the second electrode 120 are not particularly limited, as long as it is conductive and does not cause chemical changes in the battery cell 20. The cross-sectional shape of the second electrode 120 can be changed except... Figure 4 Various shapes other than the rectangular shape shown.

[0081] The second electrode 120 can be configured as a plurality of second electrodes 120. The plurality of second electrodes 120 can be arranged in a first direction. The plurality of first electrodes 110 and the plurality of second electrodes 120 can be arranged alternately in the first direction.

[0082] The second electrode 120 may include a second active material layer 121 and a second uncoated portion 122.

[0083] The second active material layer 121 may be provided in the form of being applied to at least a portion of the second electrode 120. The second active material layer 121 may be applied to both surfaces of the second electrode 120, or alternatively, it may be applied to only one surface of the second electrode 120.

[0084] Since the second electrode 120 is used as a negative electrode, the second active material layer 121 may include a negative electrode active material.

[0085] The negative electrode active material may include materials capable of reversibly inserting / extracting lithium ions, such as lithium metal, alloys of lithium metal, materials capable of doping and undoping lithium, or transition metal oxides.

[0086] Materials capable of reversibly inserting / extracting lithium ions may include carbon-based negative electrode active materials, such as crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, or combinations thereof. Examples of crystalline carbon may include graphite, such as natural graphite or artificial graphite in irregular shapes, plate-like, flake-like, spherical, or fibrous forms, and examples of amorphous carbon may include soft carbon or hard carbon, mesophase pitch carbide, calcined coke, etc.

[0087] As an alloy of lithium metal, an alloy of lithium and a metal selected from Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Si, Sb, Pb, In, Zn, Ba, Ra, Ge, Al, and Sn may be used.

[0088] As materials capable of doping and undoping lithium, Si-based negative electrode active materials or Sn-based negative electrode active materials may be used. Examples of Si-based negative electrode active materials may include silicon, silicon-carbon composites, SiO x (0 < x ≤ 2), Si-Q alloys (where Q is selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, group 13 elements, group 14 elements (excluding Si), group 15 elements, group 16 elements, transition metals, rare earth elements, and combinations thereof), or combinations thereof. Examples of Sn-based negative electrode active materials may include Sn, SnO2, Sn-based alloys, or combinations thereof.

[0089] The silicon-carbon composite may be a composite of silicon and amorphous carbon. According to one embodiment, the silicon-carbon composite may be in the form of silicon particles and silicon particles surface-coated with amorphous carbon. For example, the silicon-carbon composite may include secondary particles (cores) in which silicon primary particles are assembled and an amorphous carbon coating (shells) located on the surfaces of the secondary particles. Amorphous carbon may also be located between the silicon primary particles, such that, for example, the silicon primary particles may be coated with amorphous carbon. The secondary particles may be dispersed and present in an amorphous carbon matrix.

[0090] The silicon-carbon composite may also include crystalline carbon. For example, the silicon-carbon composite may include a core containing crystalline carbon and silicon particles and an amorphous carbon coating located on the surface of the core.

[0091] Si-based negative electrode active materials or Sn-based negative electrode active materials may be used by mixing with carbon-based negative electrode active materials.

[0092] The second active material layer 121 may also include a negative electrode conductive material and a negative electrode binder.

[0093] The negative electrode conductive material is used to provide conductivity to the second active material layer 121, and any material can be used as long as it does not cause a chemical change and is electrically conductive. Examples of positive electrode conductive materials may include: carbon-based materials, such as natural graphite, artificial graphite, carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, carbon fibers, carbon nanofibers, and carbon nanotubes; metallic materials, in the form of metal powders or metal fibers containing copper, nickel, aluminum, silver, etc.; conductive polymers, such as polyphenylene derivatives; or mixtures thereof.

[0094] The negative electrode binder is used to ensure that the particles constituting the negative electrode active material adhere well to each other and also to ensure that the negative electrode active material adheres to the second electrode 120.

[0095] Examples of negative electrode adhesives may include non-aqueous adhesives, aqueous adhesives, dry adhesives, or combinations thereof.

[0096] Examples of non-aqueous adhesives may include polyvinyl chloride, carboxylated polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, ethylene-propylene copolymer, polystyrene, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide-imide, polyimide, or combinations thereof.

[0097] Waterborne adhesives may be selected from styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylated styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylic rubber, butyl rubber, fluorinated elastomers, polyethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyepoxychloropropane, polyphosphazene, poly(meth)acrylonitrile, ethylene propylene diene copolymer, polyvinylpyridine, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, latex, polyester resin, (meth)acrylic resin, phenolic resin, epoxy resin, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof.

[0098] When using an aqueous binder as the positive electrode binder, it may further include a cellulose compound capable of imparting viscosity. As a cellulose compound, one or more of carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, or their alkali metal salts may be used in combination. As an alkali metal, Na, K, or Li may be used.

[0099] Dry adhesives are fibrous polymeric materials and can be, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, polyethylene oxide, or combinations thereof.

[0100] The second electrode 120 may include a second uncoated portion 122 to which the second active material layer 121 is not applied. According to an embodiment, the second uncoated portion 122 may be disposed in a region at one end of the second electrode 120. However, the second uncoated portion 122 is not limited to this form and may also be formed over the entire edge region of the second electrode 120.

[0101] A separator 130 may be disposed between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120. The separator 130 can perform the function of preventing short circuits between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 while allowing lithium ions to move between them. The separator 130 may be configured to surround the entire surface area of ​​the electrode assembly 100. Therefore, the separator 130 can prevent the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 from being directly exposed to the outside of the electrode assembly 100.

[0102] As the separator 130, polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyvinylidene fluoride, or multilayer membranes of two or more layers thereof, or mixed multilayer membranes such as polyethylene / polypropylene two-layer separators, polyethylene / polypropylene / polyethylene three-layer separators, polypropylene / polyethylene / polypropylene three-layer separators, etc., can be used.

[0103] Examples of diaphragm 130 may include a porous substrate and a coating, comprising an organic material, an inorganic material, or a combination thereof, positioned on one or both surfaces of the porous substrate.

[0104] The porous matrix substrate can be a polymer film formed from any polymer selected from polyolefins (such as polyethylene and polypropylene), polyesters (such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate), polyacetal, polyamide, polyimide, polycarbonate, polyetherketone, polyaryletherketone, polyetherimide, polyamideimide, polybenzimidazole, polyethersulfone, polyphenylene ether, cyclic olefin copolymers, polyphenylene sulfide, polyethylene naphthalate, glass fiber, and Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene), or a polymer film formed from copolymers or mixtures of two or more of them.

[0105] Organic materials may include polymers such as polyvinylidene fluoride or (meth)acrylic acid polymers.

[0106] Inorganic materials may include inorganic particles selected from Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2, SnO2, CeO2, MgO, NiO, CaO, GaO, ZnO, ZrO2, Y2O3, SrTiO3, BaTiO3, Mg(OH)2, boehmite and combinations thereof, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0107] Organic and inorganic materials can be mixed and exist in a single coating, or they can exist in the form of a stack of coatings containing organic materials and coatings containing inorganic materials.

[0108] The electrode assembly 100 according to this embodiment may further include a first terminal block 101 and a second terminal block 102.

[0109] The first connector 101 can be connected to the first electrode 110.

[0110] According to this embodiment, the first contact piece 101 may have the shape of a foil extending from the first uncoated portion 112 of the first electrode 110 in a direction parallel to the second direction. The first contact piece 101 may have a generally rectangular shape. However, the shape of the first contact piece 101 is not limited to this and may be changed to various shapes.

[0111] The first contact piece 101 may be integrally formed with the first electrode 110. For example, the first contact piece 101 may be the remaining area of ​​the first uncoated portion 112 after a portion of the first uncoated portion 112 has been cut or removed by a grooving process or the like. Alternatively, the first contact piece 101 may be manufactured separately from the first electrode 110 and then connected to the first uncoated portion 112 by welding or the like. The material of the first contact piece 101 may be the same as the material of the first electrode 110.

[0112] The first contact piece 101 can be configured as a plurality of first contact pieces 101. Each corresponding first contact piece 101 can extend from a different first uncoated portion 112 of the first electrode 110. Adjacent first contact pieces 101 can be arranged to face each other in a first direction. That is, a plurality of first contact pieces 101 can be arranged in the first direction. Adjacent first contact pieces 101 can be arranged parallel to each other. Adjacent first contact pieces 101 can be in contact with each other, or can be spaced apart by the thickness of the diaphragm 130.

[0113] Multiple first terminals 101 may be disposed in each first electrode 110. For example, a pair of first terminals 101 may be formed in each first electrode 110. The pair of first terminals 101 formed in each first electrode 110 may be arranged in a third direction.

[0114] The second connector 102 can be connected to the second electrode 120.

[0115] The second contact 102 according to the embodiment may have the shape of a foil extending from the second uncoated portion 122 of the second electrode 120 in a direction parallel to the second direction. The extending directions of the first contact 101 and the second contact 102 may be opposite to each other. The second contact 102 may have a generally rectangular shape. However, the shape of the second contact 102 is not limited to this and may be changed to various shapes.

[0116] The second contact piece 102 can be integrally formed with the second electrode 120. For example, the second contact piece 102 can be the remaining area of ​​the second uncoated portion 122 after a portion of the second uncoated portion 122 has been cut or removed by grooving or the like. Alternatively, the second contact piece 102 can be manufactured separately from the second electrode 120 and then connected to the second uncoated portion 122 by welding or the like. The material of the second contact piece 102 can be the same as the material of the second electrode 120.

[0117] The second contact 102 can be configured as a plurality of second contact 102. Each corresponding second contact 102 can extend from a different second uncoated portion 122 of the second electrode 120. Adjacent second contact 102s can be arranged to face each other in a first direction. That is, a plurality of second contact 102s can be arranged in the first direction. Adjacent second contact 102s can be arranged parallel to each other. Adjacent second contact 102s can be in contact with each other, or can be spaced apart by the thickness of the diaphragm 130.

[0118] Multiple second terminals 102 may be disposed in each second electrode 120. For example, a pair of second terminals 102 may be formed in each second electrode 120. The pair of second terminals 102 formed in each second electrode 120 may be arranged in a third-order orientation.

[0119] The cell housing 200 can form a schematic exterior of the battery cell 20 and house the electrode assembly 100. The cell housing 200 can include a conductive metallic material such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel.

[0120] The single-unit housing 200 according to this embodiment may include a bottom 210, a rear portion 220, and a side portion 230.

[0121] The bottom 210 can form the lower exterior of the monolithic housing 200. According to an embodiment, the bottom 210 can have the shape of a rectangular plate. The bottom 210 can be configured to face the base plate of the housing body 11. The bottom 210 can be configured to face the base plate in a third-order upward direction.

[0122] The rear portion 220 can extend from the bottom portion 210 and form part of the side exterior of the monolithic housing 200.

[0123] According to an embodiment, the rear portion 220 may have the shape of a rectangular plate extending from the bottom 210 in a direction parallel to a third direction. The lower end of the rear portion 220 may be connected to an edge of the bottom 210 that is configured to be parallel to a second direction. The rear portion 220 may be configured to be perpendicular to a first direction. The end of the rear portion 220 may be configured to face the housing cover 12.

[0124] The rear portion 220 can be configured as a pair of rear portions 220. The pair of rear portions 220 can be configured to face each other in a first direction so as to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval. The pair of rear portions 220 can be configured to be parallel to each other. The corresponding rear portions 220 can be configured to face the inner surfaces of different end plates 11b inside the housing body 11.

[0125] Side 230 may extend from bottom 210 and form the remaining portion of the side exterior of the monolithic housing 200.

[0126] According to this embodiment, the side portion 230 may have the shape of a rectangular plate extending from the bottom 210 in a direction parallel to a third direction. The lower end of the side portion 230 may be connected to an edge of the bottom 210 that is parallel to the first direction. The side portion 230 may be intersecting with the rear portion 220. For example, the side portion 230 may be configured to be perpendicular to a second direction. The end of the side portion 230 may be configured to face the housing cover 12. The area of ​​the side portion 230 may be smaller than the area of ​​the rear portion 220.

[0127] Side portions 230 can be configured as a pair of side portions 230. The pair of side portions 230 can be configured to face each other in a second direction so as to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval. The pair of side portions 230 can be configured to be parallel to each other. Corresponding side portions 230 can be configured to face the inner surfaces of different side plates 11c inside the housing body 11.

[0128] Therefore, the monolithic housing 200 according to the embodiment can be formed to have a cuboid shape having an open upper end facing the outer casing 12.

[0129] The cover plate 300 can be attached to the single housing 200 and seal the single housing 200.

[0130] The cover plate 300 according to the embodiment can be formed to have a flat plate shape. The cover plate 300 can be configured to face the monocoque housing 200 in a third-party upward direction. For example, the cover plate 300 can be configured to face the open upper surface of the monocoque housing 200. The cover plate 300 can be disposed parallel to the bottom 210 of the monocoque housing 200.

[0131] The cover plate 300 can be mounted on the upper ends of the rear portion 220 and the side portion 230. Optionally, the cover plate 300 can be inserted into the interior of the single housing 200, and the circumferential surface of the cover plate 300 can contact the inner surfaces of the rear portion 220 and the side portion 230. The cover plate 300 can be attached to the upper ends of the rear portion 220 and the side portion 230 using various types of joining methods (such as welding, bolting, mating, etc.).

[0132] The cover plate 300 may include a terminal 310 electrically connected to the electrode assembly 100.

[0133] Terminal 310 can extend through cover 300 in a third-order direction. The upper end of terminal 310 can protrude outward from cover 300, and the lower end of terminal 310 can protrude inward from the housing 200. The specific shape of terminal 310 is not limited to... Figures 1 to 6 The shape shown can be changed into various shapes.

[0134] Terminal 310 may be formed of a conductive material such as aluminum, nickel, or copper.

[0135] Terminal 310 can be configured as a pair of terminals 310. The pair of terminals 310 can be disposed on the cover plate 300 in a second direction and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval.

[0136] Terminal 310 can be electrically connected via current collector 311. A pair of terminals 310 can be connected to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 of the electrode assembly 100, respectively. Therefore, a pair of terminals 310 can each be used as the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal of the battery cell 20.

[0137] For example, either of the pair of terminals 310 may be connected to the current collector 311 engaged with the first terminal 101. Furthermore, the other of the pair of terminals 310 may be connected to the current collector 311 engaged with the second terminal 102. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the pair of terminals 310 may be directly connected to the first terminal 101 and the second terminal 102.

[0138] An insulator G can be installed between the electrode assembly 100 and the cover plate 300. The insulator G can be configured as a pair of insulators G. The pair of insulators G can be spaced apart from each other in a second direction between the electrode assembly 100 and the cover plate 300. The pair of insulators G can be configured to surround different terminals 310 respectively. The insulator G can be formed of insulating materials such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), rubber, etc.

[0139] The cover plate 300 may also include an exhaust port 320 and an exhaust plate 330.

[0140] The vent 320 can be shaped to have a hole extending through the cover 300 in a third-order upward direction. The vent 320 can serve as a component providing a path for flames, gases, smoke, etc., formed inside the cell housing 200 to escape from the cell 20 in the event of thermal runaway. The lower side of the vent 320 can be connected to the internal space of the cell housing 200. The upper side of the vent 320 can be connected to the external space of the cover 300. The cross-sectional shape of the vent 320 can be varied, such as elliptical, circular, or polygonal shapes.

[0141] The vent plate 330 can open or close in response to changes in the internal pressure of the cell housing 200. That is, the vent plate 330 can seal the cell housing 200 by remaining closed during normal operation of the battery cell 20. When the internal pressure of the cell housing 200 increases to a set value or greater due to overcharging, fire, or other reasons affecting the battery cell 200, the vent plate 330 can open and discharge any generated flames, gases, smoke, etc., from the inside of the cell housing 200 to the outside.

[0142] According to this embodiment, the exhaust plate 330 can be formed into a flat plate shape. The exhaust plate 330 can be configured to face the exhaust hole 320 in a third-party upward direction. The thickness of the exhaust plate 330 can be less than the thickness of the cover plate 300. The area of ​​the exhaust plate 330 can be greater than the area of ​​the cross-section of the exhaust hole 320. The upper surface of the exhaust plate 330 can be joined to the lower surface of the cover plate 300 using various types of joining methods (such as welding, bolting, mating, etc.). Optionally, the exhaust plate 330 can be inserted into the interior of the exhaust hole 320, and the circumferential surface of the exhaust plate 330 can be joined to the inner surface of the exhaust hole 320.

[0143] An exhaust recess 331 for guiding the breaking operation of the exhaust plate 330 can be formed in the exhaust plate 330. According to this embodiment, the exhaust recess 331 can have a groove shape that is recessed from the outer surface of the exhaust plate 330 toward the inner side of the exhaust plate 330. The shape of the exhaust recess 331 is not limited to... Figure 3 The shape shown is provided, and the exhaust notch 331 can be formed into various patterns on the exhaust plate 330.

[0144] The cover plate 300 may also include an electrolyte injection port 340 in which a sealing stop can be installed.

[0145] The face-to-face cooling plate 30 according to this embodiment can be used as a component disposed between the battery cells 20 and maintaining the thermal control performance of the battery cells 20. Furthermore, the face-to-face cooling plate 30 can be used as a component capable of receiving the expansion displacement of the battery cells 20.

[0146] For example, the face-to-face cooling plate 30 may include a cooling chamber 400.

[0147] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 An enlarged view of portion VII of the guide rib of the face-to-face cooling plate according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, and Figure 8 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows an enlarged view of portion VIII of the receiving portion of the face-to-face cooling plate according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0148] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8The cooling chamber 400 can be used as a component disposed between the battery cells 20 and forming a space therein for the circulation of cooling fluid.

[0149] The cooling chamber 400 may include a pair of support plates 410 spaced apart from each other and guide ribs 420 formed on the inner surface of the support plates 410.

[0150] Each battery cell 20 can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other, and the cooling chamber 400 can be arranged between each battery cell 20. That is, the support plate 410 on one side is arranged to contact the side surface of the battery cell 20 on one side, and the support plate 410 on the other side is arranged to contact the side surface of the battery cell 20 on the other side.

[0151] The guide rib 420 may be formed to protrude from the inner surface of the support plate 410. More specifically, the guide rib 420 may include a first guide rib 422 formed to protrude from the inner surface of the support plate 410 on one side and a second guide rib 424 formed to protrude from the inner surface of the support plate 410 on the other side.

[0152] The first guide rib 422 and the second guide rib 424 can be formed to protrude alternately. The first guide rib 422 and the second guide rib 424 can each extend toward the inner surface of a corresponding one of the support plates 410, and can extend toward the inner surface of a corresponding one of the support plates 410 at certain intervals.

[0153] Reference Figure 7 The guide rib 420 can be formed with a length that decreases toward the center of the battery cell 20.

[0154] This is because the length of the guide rib 420 decreases as it moves toward the center of the guide rib 420, thereby effectively absorbing the expansion of the center of the battery cell 20.

[0155] Figure 9 This is a view used to illustrate the operation of the face-to-face cooling plate according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 10 It is a graph showing the expansion force caused by the face-to-face cooling plates according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, and Figure 11 It is a graph showing the overall elongation of the single stacked parts caused by the face-to-face cooling plates according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0156] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 11 When the battery cell 20 expands, the face-to-face cooling plate 30 can effectively undergo elastic deformation to effectively absorb the deformation of the battery cell 20.

[0157] In other words, such as Figure 9 As shown, because the length of the guide rib 420 decreases as it moves toward the center of the battery cell 20, it can effectively absorb displacement occurring at the center of the battery cell 20. Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, when the face-to-face cooling plate 30 according to the first embodiment is applied, the expansion force is reduced and the overall elongation of the single stacked parts is reduced compared to the prior art.

[0158] This reduces the degree of physical expansion or contraction of the individual battery cells 20 that make up the battery pack, thus maintaining the structural stability of the entire battery pack and reducing the risk of battery pack deformation or damage.

[0159] Furthermore, as the battery cell 20 repeatedly expands and contracts, the internal materials may become fatigued, leading to reduced performance or damage to the joints between cells. This fatigue phenomenon can be mitigated, thereby extending battery life, and the battery cell 20 can expand and contract uniformly, thus maintaining a more uniform heat distribution.

[0160] Furthermore, battery packs can be designed to be more compact, thus improving design flexibility.

[0161] Figure 12 yes Figure 9 An enlarged view of part XII. (Refer to...) Figure 8 and Figure 12 In the first embodiment, the face-to-face cooling plate 30 may further include a leak-proof unit 500.

[0162] The leak-proof unit 500 can be used as a component that is installed in the cooling chamber 400 and contains cooling fluid when the battery cell 20 expands.

[0163] For example, the leak prevention unit 500 may include a receiving portion 510 that forms an independent space inside the cooling chamber 400, and a receiving operation portion 520 that opens the receiving portion 510 when the battery cell 20 expands so that the cooling fluid is contained in the receiving portion 510.

[0164] The receiving portion 510 can be provided at the upper end of the cooling chamber 400. The receiving portion 510 can be formed at the upper end of the battery cell 20, that is, at a height corresponding to the height of the cover plate 300.

[0165] The upper end of the receiving portion 510 may be circular. The receiving portion 510 is used to form a space for receiving cooling fluid by the operation of the receiving operation portion 520 described below, and can be used as a component to form a wide receiving space by being formed into an upwardly convex shape.

[0166] The housing operation section 520 may include a separator 522 that connects to the inward-facing surface of the cooling chamber 400 to rupture under the pressure generated when the battery cell 20 expands.

[0167] Additionally, a notch 524 may be formed in the partition 522. The notch 524 may be formed in the center of the partition 522 and may have the shape of a groove that is recessed upward from the lower surface of the partition 522.

[0168] The notch 524 can be formed to extend in the length direction of the separator 522. That is, the notch 524 can be formed to extend in a second direction.

[0169] In this case, the separator 522 can be formed to have a thickness that decreases as it moves toward the notch 524.

[0170] The lower surface of the separator 522 can be formed to be inclined upward in the direction of the recess 524. The recess 524 can be broken when the battery cell 20 expands. The two separators 522 centered on the broken recess 524 can be opened by internal pressure to form a leakage hole, and cooling fluid can be introduced into the receiving part 510 through the leakage hole.

[0171] The face-to-face cooling plate according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0172] The face-to-face cooling plate 30 according to the second embodiment can be configured to differ only in the detailed construction of the receiving operation section 520 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0173] Therefore, when describing the face-to-face cooling plate 30 according to the second embodiment, only the detailed structure of the receiving operation section 520, which is different from the receiving operation section 520 of the face-to-face cooling plate 30 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, will be described.

[0174] The description of the face-to-face cooling plate 30 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure can be applied to the remaining components of the face-to-face cooling plate 30 according to the second embodiment without any change.

[0175] Figure 13 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a face-to-face cooling plate according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 14 This is a perspective view schematically showing a face-to-face cooling plate according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 15 This is a view used to describe the operation of the face-to-face cooling plate according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0176] Reference Figures 13 to 15The receiving operation section 520 may include a separator 522, which connects to the inward-facing surface of the cooling chamber 400 to rupture under the pressure generated when the battery cell 20 expands. Additionally, a notch 524 may be formed in the center of the separator 522.

[0177] Unevenness 530 can be formed on partition 522 such that a leakage hole is formed when partition 522 breaks due to notch 524. Unevenness 530 can be used as a component that can improve the reliability of leakage hole formation.

[0178] In other words, it can prevent the following error: due to the pressure applied to the support plate 410 when the battery cell 20 expands, the separator 522 breaks due to the notch 524, and the ends of the separator 522 that break due to the notch 524 overlap each other, thereby blocking the leakage hole.

[0179] Specifically, the uneven portion 530 may be formed symmetrically on the upper and lower surfaces of the separator 522 relative to the notch 524, and may include an inclined surface 530a that guides the end of the separator 522 when the separator 522 breaks due to the notch 524.

[0180] In other words, such as Figure 13 As shown, the separator 522 can be formed in the form of a facing arrow due to the uneven portion 530 formed around the notch 524.

[0181] like Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the uneven portions 530 can be arranged along the length direction of the separator 522 to be spaced apart from each other.

[0182] Therefore, if the notch 524 breaks due to the pressure applied to the support plate 410 when the battery cell 20 expands and the ends of the separator 522 are not aligned, the ends of the separator 522 can be guided by the uneven portion 530 to be raised or lowered, thereby forming a leakage hole between the uneven portions 530.

[0183] Therefore, by improving the reliability of ensuring the leakage hole, the cooling fluid of the cooling chamber 400 can be contained in the receiving part 510, and leakage of the cooling fluid can be prevented.

[0184] In this embodiment, although the uneven portion 530 is described as being symmetrically formed around the notch 524 and at the upper and lower ends of the separator 522, the uneven portion 530 may be formed only at the upper or lower ends of the separator 522.

[0185] In the following, a face-to-face cooling plate according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0186] The face-to-face cooling plate 30 according to the third embodiment can be configured to differ only in the detailed construction of the receiving operation section 520 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0187] Therefore, when describing the face-to-face cooling plate 30 according to the third embodiment, only the detailed structure of the receiving operation section 520, which is different from the receiving operation section 520 of the face-to-face cooling plate 30 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, will be described.

[0188] The description of the face-to-face cooling plate 30 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure can be applied to the remaining components of the face-to-face cooling plate 30 according to the third embodiment without any change.

[0189] Figure 16 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a face-to-face cooling plate according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0190] Reference Figure 16 The receiving operation section 520 may include a separator 522, which connects to the inward-facing surface of the cooling chamber 400 to rupture under the pressure generated when the battery cell 20 expands. Additionally, a notch 524 may be formed in the center of the separator 522.

[0191] The notch 524 can be formed in a zigzag shape along the length of the separator 522.

[0192] When the battery cell 20 expands and the notch 524 forms a zigzag shape, the notch 524 can rupture due to the pressure applied to the support plate 410. Therefore, the end of the ruptured separator 522 can rupture into a zigzag shape due to the notch 524. In this case, the end of the separator 522 can be raised upward by pressure applied from below to form a leakage hole.

[0193] Therefore, by improving the reliability of ensuring the leakage hole, the cooling fluid of the cooling chamber 400 can be contained in the receiving part 510, and leakage of the cooling fluid can be prevented.

[0194] In the following, a face-to-face cooling plate according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0195] The face-to-face cooling plate 30 according to the fourth embodiment can be configured to differ only in the detailed construction of the receiving portion 510 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0196] Therefore, when describing the face-to-face cooling plate 30 according to the fourth embodiment, only the detailed structure of the receiving portion 510, which is different from that of the receiving portion 510 of the face-to-face cooling plate 30 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, will be described.

[0197] The description of the face-to-face cooling plate 30 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure can be applied to the remaining components of the face-to-face cooling plate 30 according to the fourth embodiment without any change.

[0198] Figure 17 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a face-to-face cooling plate according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0199] Reference Figure 17 According to the fourth embodiment, the receiving portion 510 may include a reinforcing rib 600. The reinforcing rib 600, which corresponds to the welded portion of the cover plate 300 and spans across the receiving portion 510, may be formed inside the receiving portion 510.

[0200] The cover plate 300 and the cell housing 200 of the battery cell 20 are assembled and fixed by welding. When the battery cell 20 expands, stress may be generated at the weld between the cover plate 300 and the cell housing 200, and the weld may crack.

[0201] According to the fourth embodiment, the reinforcing rib 600 can be used as a component to prevent the welded joints of the cover plate 300 and the monocoque housing 200 from cracking.

[0202] The reinforcing rib 600 can be formed at a height corresponding to the height of the welded portion of the cover plate 300 and the monocoque 200.

[0203] The outer surface of the receiving portion 510 can be supported by reinforcing ribs 600, so that when the battery cell 20 expands, the cooling chamber 400 area can absorb the displacement caused by the expansion, and the outer surface of the receiving portion 510 can support the welded joint between the cover plate 300 and the cell housing 200 to prevent the welded joint between the cover plate 300 and the cell housing 200 from cracking. As a result, a sudden reduction in battery life can be prevented.

[0204] Figure 18 This is a view showing a modified example of the reinforcing ribs of the face-to-face cooling plate according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0205] Reference Figure 18 The reinforcing rib 600 is removed, and the thickness D of the receiving part 510 itself can be made thicker.

[0206] The receiving portion 510 is formed to have a thickness greater than the thickness d of the cooling chamber 400, and thus can support the welded portion of the cover plate 300 and the monolithic housing 200 to prevent the welded portion from cracking.

[0207] According to this disclosure, a sudden reduction in battery life can be prevented by absorbing the displacement that occurs when a battery cell expands.

[0208] According to this disclosure, coolant leakage can be prevented by providing a containment portion that can hold coolant when expansion and compression occur.

[0209] According to this disclosure, since the overall elongation of the individual stacked parts is reduced by means of a structure in which coolant can be accommodated, the design burden of the sidewall structure of the individual stacked parts can be reduced, and specifically, reinforcing ribs corresponding to the welded parts of the cover plate can be formed in the accommodating parts to prevent the welded parts from cracking due to expansion.

[0210] However, the effects that can be obtained through this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the description of this disclosure other technical effects not mentioned.

[0211] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, these embodiments are merely illustrative, and it should be understood that those skilled in the art can derive various modifications and equivalent other embodiments based on the embodiments.

[0212] Therefore, the technical scope of this disclosure should be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A face-to-face cooling plate, the face-to-face cooling plate comprising: A cooling chamber is disposed between multiple battery cells, and a space is formed in the cooling chamber for the circulation of cooling fluid; as well as A leak-proof unit is provided in the cooling chamber and contains the cooling fluid when the battery cell expands.

2. The face-to-face cooling plate according to claim 1, wherein, The cooling chamber includes: A pair of support plates, spaced apart from each other; and Guide ribs are formed on the inner surfaces of the pair of support plates.

3. The face-to-face cooling plate according to claim 2, wherein, The guide rib includes: A first guide rib is formed to protrude from the inner surface of the support plate on one side; and The second guide rib is formed to protrude from the inner surface of the support plate on the other side, and The first guide rib and the second guide rib are formed to protrude in an alternating manner.

4. The face-to-face cooling plate according to claim 3, wherein, The length of the guide rib decreases toward the center of the battery cell.

5. The face-to-face cooling plate according to claim 2, wherein, The leak-proof unit includes: The receiving section is configured to form an independent space inside the cooling chamber; and The receiving operation section is configured to open when the battery cell expands, so that the cooling fluid is contained in the receiving section.

6. The face-to-face cooling plate according to claim 5, wherein, The housing operation section includes a partition that connects to the inward-facing surface of the cooling chamber to rupture under the pressure generated when the battery cell expands.

7. The face-to-face cooling plate according to claim 6, wherein, A notch is formed in the separator.

8. The face-to-face cooling plate according to claim 7, wherein, The thickness of the separator decreases toward the notch.

9. The face-to-face cooling plate according to claim 8, wherein, The notch is formed in a zigzag shape.

10. The face-to-face cooling plate according to claim 7, wherein, An uneven portion is formed on the separator, causing a leakage hole to form when the separator breaks due to the notch.

11. The face-to-face cooling plate according to claim 10, wherein, The uneven portion is formed symmetrically with respect to the notch on the upper and lower surfaces of the separator, and The inclined surface is formed to guide the broken portion of the separator when the separator breaks due to the notch.

12. The face-to-face cooling plate according to claim 5, wherein, The upper end of the receiving portion is circular, and the receiving portion is configured to correspond to the cover plate of the battery cell.

13. The face-to-face cooling plate according to claim 12, wherein, A reinforcing rib is formed inside the receiving portion, the reinforcing rib corresponding to the weld portion of the cover plate and spanning the receiving portion.

14. The face-to-face cooling plate according to claim 12, wherein, The thickness of the upper end of the receiving portion is greater than the thickness of the support plate.

15. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: shell; Multiple battery cells are disposed within the housing; as well as One or more face-to-face cooling plates according to any one of claims 1 to 14 are disposed between the plurality of battery cells.

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