Unit cell monobloc assembly and battery module, battery pack and vehicle comprising the same

Abstract

A unit cell module according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes a battery cell that is erected in an up-down direction with electrode leads protruding from both end portions in a front-rear direction, a cooling plate that is in surface contact with the battery cell, a heat resin applied to at least a portion of the cooling plate, and a connector block that couples the battery cell to the cooling plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a single-cell battery assembly, as well as a battery module, battery pack, and vehicle including the single-cell battery assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike non-rechargeable primary batteries, secondary batteries are rechargeable and are used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric power sources.

[0003] Currently widely used types of rechargeable batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these individual rechargeable battery cells (i.e., single-cell batteries) ranges from approximately 2.5V to 4.6V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Alternatively, battery packs can be configured by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel according to the required charge / discharge capacity. Thus, the number of battery cells included in a battery pack can be varied based on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0004] When configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, a battery module comprising at least one battery cell (preferably multiple battery cells) is typically configured first, and then at least one of these battery modules is used along with other components to configure the battery pack. Here, a battery module refers to a component that connects multiple battery cells in series or parallel, and a battery pack refers to a component that connects multiple battery modules in series or parallel to increase capacity and output, etc.

[0005] Existing pouch cell technology primarily employs edge cooling at the sealed portions on the three sides of the cell. Indirect water cooling has been used, however, this introduces a temperature difference across the entire cell surface. Furthermore, existing cell technology features a top venting structure, where, in the event of heat propagation, flames are directed towards the passenger area, which is detrimental to the driver. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] This disclosure improves fast charging performance and durability degradation performance through direct contact cooling of individual battery cells.

[0008] Furthermore, this disclosure improves thermal propagation delay performance and enhances user safety through the bottom venting structure of the battery cell.

[0009] However, the technical problems to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description other problems not mentioned.

[0010] Technical solution

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a single-cell battery assembly includes: a battery cell that is erected in a vertical direction and electrode leads that extend from two ends in a front-rear direction; a cooling plate that is in surface contact with the battery cell and at least a portion of the cooling plate is coated with a thermosetting resin; and a connector block that connects the battery cell to the cooling plate.

[0012] In one aspect of this disclosure, a battery cell may include: an electrode assembly; a housing that houses the electrode assembly; a seal that is formed around the housing; and a pair of electrode leads that are connected to the electrode assembly and extend to the outside of the seal.

[0013] Here, the sealing part can be configured in such a way that two ends and a side connecting the two ends are bonded together, and the side can be located in the lower direction of the battery cell.

[0014] Preferably, a side portion may be partially attached with a taping member.

[0015] In another aspect of this disclosure, the connector block can be configured to be coupled to a cooling plate at both ends of a battery cell.

[0016] The connector block can cover the electrode leads of the battery cell, allowing a portion of the electrode leads to be exposed to the outside.

[0017] The connector block can be positioned adjacent to the electrode leads of the battery cell and can be configured to be electrically connected to the battery cell adjacent to the battery cell.

[0018] The connector block can be electrically connected to the electrode leads of the battery cells.

[0019] The connector block may include at least one of a busbar and a solder plate.

[0020] In another aspect of this disclosure, the cooling plate may include: a cooling body having internal cooling channels through which coolant can flow; a first end member disposed at one end of the cooling body and including a coolant inlet configured to allow coolant to flow into it; and a second end member disposed at the other end of the cooling body and including a coolant outlet configured to allow coolant flowing in from the coolant inlet to flow through the cooling channels and out to the outside.

[0021] Here, the cooling body may include: a body portion configured to contact the surface of a battery cell and having a planar shape; an upper flange portion bent and extending from one end of the body portion and configured to surround at least a portion of the upper end of the battery cell; and a lower flange portion bent and extending from the other end of the body portion and configured to surround at least a portion of the lower end of the battery cell.

[0022] Preferably, the lower flange may include at least one recess formed by concavening at least a portion of the area.

[0023] In one aspect of this disclosure, the battery cell may be partially attached to a strip member, and the recess may be located at a position corresponding to a region where the strip member attached to the battery cell may not be present.

[0024] In another aspect of this disclosure, the cell assembly may further include a compression pad that contacts one side surface of the cell.

[0025] Preferably, the compression pad can be inserted between the battery cell and the cooling plate.

[0026] On the other hand, this disclosure provides a battery module comprising a plurality of unit battery cell assemblies according to the above embodiments as a battery module, and the plurality of unit battery cell assemblies may be configured to be stacked in one direction, and may include a weld portion formed by welding electrode leads protruding from a first unit battery cell assembly and electrode leads protruding from a second unit battery cell assembly adjacent to the first unit battery cell assembly to each other, and may include an adhesive coated on at least one side of the unit battery cell assembly.

[0027] On the other hand, this disclosure provides a battery pack comprising at least one battery cell or battery module according to the above embodiments as a battery pack.

[0028] In addition, this disclosure provides a vehicle that includes at least one battery pack according to the above embodiments as a vehicle.

[0029] Beneficial effects

[0030] This disclosure enables direct contact cooling of individual battery cells.

[0031] In addition, this disclosure can improve fast charging performance and durability degradation performance.

[0032] Furthermore, this disclosure can improve thermal propagation delay performance.

[0033] In addition, this disclosure can enhance user security.

[0034] However, the effects achieved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description of this disclosure other technical effects not mentioned. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The following figures accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description of the present disclosure below, are used to further understand the technical concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the content described in these figures.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a single-cell battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating a connector block according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a cooling plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the connection relationship between the first end member or the second end member of the cooling plate and the cooling body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 7 This is a bottom perspective view of a cooling plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating a single-cell battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating a single-cell battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the process of assembling a combined unit battery cell assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating a battery module including a single-cell battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 12 It shows including Figure 11 A diagram of the battery module and battery pack.

[0048] Figure 13 It shows including Figure 12 A picture of a vehicle with a battery pack. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The advantages and features of this disclosure, as well as the methods for implementing them, will become apparent from the embodiments described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various different forms, and these embodiments are provided only to make the disclosure complete and fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, which is defined only by the scope of the claims. Therefore, in some embodiments, well-known process steps, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not specifically described to avoid obscuring the interpretation of this disclosure. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0050] In the accompanying drawings, the thicknesses of layers, films, panels, regions, etc., have been enlarged for clarity. Therefore, the various drawings are not drawn to scale. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same elements. It should be understood that when an element (such as a layer, film, region, or substrate) is referred to as being "on" another element, it may be directly on top of the other element, or there may be intermediate elements present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly" on another element, there are no intermediate elements. Furthermore, it should be understood that when an element (such as a layer, film, region, or substrate) is referred to as being "below" another element, it may be directly below the other element, or there may be intermediate elements present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly" below another element, there are no intermediate elements.

[0051] When two components are referred to as identical, it means they are "substantially identical." Therefore, "substantially identical" can cover all cases in the corresponding technical field where there is a deviation considered low (e.g., 5% or less). Additionally, the uniformity parameter in the predetermined region can be uniform from an average perspective.

[0052] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0053] When one element is "above (or below)" or "on (or below)" another element, the element may be on the upper (or lower) surface of the other element, and there may be an intermediate element between the element and the other element above (or below) the element.

[0054] Furthermore, when an element is referred to as “connected,” “combined,” or “linked” to another element, the element may be directly connected or combined to the other element. However, it should be understood that there may be intermediate elements between each element, or each element may be “connected,” “combined,” or “linked” to each other through another element.

[0055] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise expressly stated, “A and / or B” means A or B or both A and B, and unless otherwise expressly stated, “C to D” means above C and below D.

[0056] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a single-cell battery assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view.

[0057] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cell assembly 10 according to this disclosure includes a cell 100, a connector block 200, and a cooling plate 300. The cell assembly 10 may also include a compression pad 400.

[0058] Due to its unit design, the structure of the aforementioned unit battery cell assembly 10 allows for the replacement of individual battery cells 100. For example, if a defect occurs during the lead soldering of the battery cell 100, the defective unit battery cell assembly 10 can be selectively replaced only according to this disclosure.

[0059] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating a battery cell 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] Reference Figure 3 The battery cell 100 can be a rechargeable battery, such as a pouch cell 100. The battery cell 100 can be configured to stand vertically. (See reference...) Figure 3 The battery cell 100 may include: an electrode assembly 110, a receiving portion 130 for accommodating the electrode assembly 110, a sealing portion 150 formed around the receiving portion 130, and a pair of electrode leads 170 connected to the electrode assembly 110 and extending outward from the sealing portion 150.

[0061] The battery cell 100 can be configured such that the electrode assembly 110 is housed in the receiving portion 130, and the two ends 150a and 150b of the receiving portion 130 and a side portion 150c connecting the two ends 150a and 150b of the receiving portion 130 are joined together. In other words, the battery cell 100 according to this embodiment has a total of three sealing portions 150. The sealing portions 150 are sealed using a method such as heat welding, and the other side portion can be formed as a connecting portion 151. The receiving portion 130 can be formed of a laminate including a resin layer and a metal layer.

[0062] A pair of electrode leads 170 are coupled to electrode tabs (not shown) disposed in the electrode assembly 110 and can extend from the seal 150 through the seal 150. The pair of electrode leads 170 can extend in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 100. In this case, the longitudinal direction can refer to the front-to-back direction. That is, the pair of electrode leads 170 can extend in the same or opposite directions. Preferably, the electrode leads 170 can protrude and extend to both ends in the front-to-back direction.

[0063] On the other hand, the battery cell 100 may include a venting section. In the pouch cell 100, when abnormal heating occurs and the resulting internal pressure rises, venting typically occurs at the sealing portion 150 of the battery cell 100. That is, when the internal pressure increases, in many cases, one side 150c of the sealing portion 150 formed in the vertical direction of the battery cell 100 is destroyed first, compared to the two ends of the sealing portion 150 formed in the direction in which the electrode leads 170 extend. Therefore, a venting section may be provided on one side 150c of the battery cell 100.

[0064] According to the configuration of this disclosure, when venting or flames are generated in the battery cell 100 due to an event such as thermal runaway, the gas or flames can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery cell 100. Therefore, explosion of the battery module including the battery cell 100 can be prevented.

[0065] In one aspect of this disclosure, a side portion 150c may be provided in the lower direction of the battery cell 100.

[0066] Specifically, refer to Figure 3 One of the three sides 150c of the sealing portion 150 can be provided in the downward direction of the battery cell 100. Since the vent is provided in one side 150c of the sealing portion 150, the vent can be provided in the lower end region of the battery cell 100.

[0067] For example, a prior art battery cell 100 includes an upward-facing vent. In this case, a battery module or battery pack including the battery cell 100 can be included in the lower region of the vehicle. In this case, if heat transfer (TP) occurs within the battery module or battery pack, flames may be ejected toward the vehicle occupants, potentially causing injury to the driver.

[0068] In contrast, according to this disclosure, since the venting portion of the battery cell 100 is located in the lower region of the battery cell 100, the thermal propagation delay performance can be improved by venting the battery cell 100 downwards. Furthermore, this configuration enhances user safety.

[0069] In another aspect of this disclosure, the battery cell 100 may be partially attached to the strap member 190. For example, a side portion 150c may be partially attached to the strap member 190.

[0070] Reference Figure 3 The strip member 190 may have an adhesive on at least one surface for attachment to the battery cell 100. Furthermore, the strip member 190 may be attached to the sealing portion 150 of the battery cell 100. Specifically, as... Figure 3 As shown, the strap member 190 can be attached to a side 150c of the battery cell 100. More specifically, the strap member 190 can be attached to the lower end region of the battery cell 100.

[0071] To reduce the space occupied by the battery cells 100 within the battery module, a portion of the sealing portion 150 can be folded. For example, see reference... Figure 3 The electrode lead 170, which is not located on one of the sides 150c, can be folded.

[0072] Using this configuration, the strip member 190 can stably maintain its folded shape. For example, the strip member 190 can be attached to the battery cell 100 by fixing the upper sealing portion 150 and the two side receiving portions 130 while the sealing portion 150 is folded twice. Furthermore, using this configuration, the space occupied by the battery cell 100 can be reduced, thereby increasing the energy density.

[0073] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating a connector block 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] Reference Figure 4 The connector block 200 may be located near the electrode lead 170 of the battery cell 100. The connector block 200 may be configured to enable electrical connection with a battery cell 100 adjacent to it.

[0075] The connector block 200 can be configured to be coupled to the cooling plate 300 at both ends of the battery cell 100. For example, the connector block 200 can be coupled to a first end member 320 or a second end member 330 of the cooling plate 300, as will be described below. For example, the connector block 200 can be fixed to the first end member 320 or the second end member 330 by coupling. Alternatively, the connector block 200 can be fixed to the first end member 320 or the second end member 330 by a structural coupling method.

[0076] In this way, the connector block 200 can maintain the size of the cell assembly 10 in the thickness direction. Specifically, the connector block 200 can maintain the width of the cell assembly 10 in the left-right direction by integrally combining the cell 100 constituting the cell assembly 10 and the cooling plate 300. When the cell assembly 10 also includes a compression pad 400, the connector block 200 can integrally combine the cell 100, the compression pad 400, and the cooling plate 300 to maintain the width of the cell assembly 10 in the left-right direction. For example, the cell 100 may experience expansion in the left-right direction due to repeated charging and discharging. In this case, the compression pad 400 (described below) is compressed to compensate for the expansion. Here, the connector block 200 restricts the cell assembly 10 in the left-right direction, thereby maintaining the thickness of the cell assembly 10 in the left-right direction.

[0077] On the other hand, the connector block 200 can be configured to surround and spaced apart from the electrode lead 170. The connector block 200 can cover the electrode lead 170, such that a portion of the electrode lead 170 is exposed to the outside. The cooling plate 300 can be disposed on one surface of the battery cell 100, and the connector block 200 can be disposed on the other surface of the battery cell 100. More specifically, the connector block 200 may include a flat portion 210, an upper cover 220, and a lower cover 230. The flat portion 210 may have a flat shape disposed substantially parallel to the two ends 150a and 150b of the sealing portion 150 of the battery cell 100. The flat portion 210 may be disposed on one surface of the two ends 150a and 150b of the sealing portion 150 of the battery cell 100. The upper cover 220 may have a structure extending from the upper edge of the flat portion 210 perpendicular to the flat portion 210. The upper cover 220 may have an inner edge shape that follows the shape of the sealing portion 150 and the electrode lead 170. The lower cover 230 may have a structure that extends from the lower edge of the flat portion 210 perpendicular to the flat portion 210. The lower cover 230 may have an inner edge shape that follows the shape of the sealing portion 150 and the electrode lead 170.

[0078] like Figure 4 As can be seen, the electrode lead 170 can be inclined upward relative to the centerline of the battery cell 100. This can be a structure to ensure the flow path of coolant for the cooling plate 300, which will be described below. On the other hand, if the electrode lead 170 is inclined upward relative to the centerline of the battery cell 100, the lower cover 230 can extend longer in the vertical direction than the upper cover 220 of the connector block 200.

[0079] In another aspect of this disclosure, connector block 200 may be configured to extend the electrical connections of battery cell 100. For example, connector block 200 may include at least one of busbar and solder plate.

[0080] Here, the busbar may include a busbar used as a welded connection between one battery cell 100 and an adjacent battery cell 100. That is, the connector block 200 may be configured for a high-voltage (HV) connection for a positive or negative connection.

[0081] On the other hand, connector block 200 can be configured for low-voltage (LV) connections, such as voltage sensing lines for battery control. For example, connector block 200 may include solder plates for voltage sensing lines, etc.

[0082] Compared to existing technologies that use busbar frame assemblies to connect individual battery cells, the above configuration allows for direct connection between leads. Therefore, by eliminating unnecessary connecting components during welding, material costs can be reduced and energy density can be increased.

[0083] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a cooling plate 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the connection relationship between the first end member 320 or the second end member 330 of the cooling plate 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and the cooling body 310. Figure 7 This is a bottom perspective view of a cooling plate 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] Reference Figures 5 to 7 The cooling plate 300 can be in contact with the surface of the battery cell 100. A thermoplastic resin TR can be coated onto at least a portion of the cooling plate 300. The cooling plate 300 may include a cooling body 310, a first end member 320, and a second end member 330. The first end member 320 may be configured to be attached to one end of the cooling body 310. The second end member 330 may be configured to be attached to the other end of the cooling body 310.

[0085] Reference Figure 6The cooling body 310 can be configured to have a planar shape extending generally in the vertical and horizontal directions. The cooling body 310 can have cooling channels C through which coolant can flow. Multiple cooling channels C can be provided. The cooling channels C can be configured to have a tube structure extending in the horizontal direction. Multiple cooling channels C can be arranged parallel to each other. Multiple cooling channels C can be configured to be connected in parallel. Therefore, the housing portion of the battery cell 100 in contact with the surface of the cooling body 310 can always be cooled simultaneously. Therefore, temperature variations across the entire area of ​​the battery cell 100 can be minimized.

[0086] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first end member 320 may be disposed at one end of the cooling body 310. The first end member 320 includes a coolant inlet P1 configured to allow coolant to flow in. Coolant flowing in from the coolant inlet P1 may travel along an internal space formed within the first end member 320 and then flow into a cooling channel C of the cooling body 310 which is connected to the first end member 320.

[0087] Here, the coolant inlet P1 can be located on the lower surface of the cooling plate 300. More specifically, the coolant inlet P1 can be located on the lower surface of the first end member 320. That is, coolant can flow into the first end member 320 through the lower surface of the first end member 320.

[0088] The internal space formed within the first end member 320 can have an upwardly narrowing structure. That is, the internal space can be configured as a conical structure with an upwardly narrowing flow area.

[0089] Refer to the return Figure 5 and Figure 6 The second end member 330 may be disposed at the other end of the cooling body 310. The second end member 330 includes a coolant outlet P2 configured to allow coolant to flow out. Coolant flowing through the cooling channel C of the cooling body 310 may flow into the internal space of the second end member 330.

[0090] In this configuration, the coolant outlet P2 can be located on the lower surface of the cooling plate 300. More specifically, the coolant outlet P2 can be located on the lower surface of the second end member 330. That is, the coolant can be discharged through the lower surface of the second end member 330 toward the outside of the second end member 330. The discharged coolant can then be recooled and circulated through a separate external cooling process before flowing back into the coolant inlet P1 of the first end member 320.

[0091] On the other hand, the internal space formed within the second end member 330 can have an upwardly narrowing structure. That is, the internal space can be configured as a conical structure with an upwardly narrowing flow area.

[0092] In this regard, existing battery cells 100 employ indirect water cooling as a method of cooling the edges of the sealing portions 150 on the three sides of the battery cell 100, resulting in a temperature difference across the entire surface of the battery cell 100. However, according to this disclosure, including the above configuration, effective cooling can be performed through direct contact cooling of the battery cell 100. Specifically, the above-described direct contact cooling structure minimizes temperature variations across the entire area of ​​the battery cell 100. Therefore, the fast-charging performance of the battery cell 100 can be improved, and furthermore, the durability and resistance to degradation of the battery cell 100 can be enhanced.

[0093] Reference Figure 7 The cooling body 310 may include a main body portion 311, an upper flange portion 313, and a lower flange portion 315.

[0094] The main body 311 is configured to contact the surface of the battery cell 100 and can be configured to have a flat shape. The main body 311 can be configured to have a planar shape extending substantially in the vertical and horizontal directions. The main body 311 can be provided with cooling channels C through which coolant can flow. Multiple cooling channels C can be provided. The cooling channels C can be configured to have a tube structure extending in the horizontal direction. Multiple cooling channels C can be arranged parallel to each other. Multiple cooling channels C can be configured to be connected in parallel. Therefore, the receiving portion of the battery cell 100 that contacts the surface of the main body 311 can be cooled simultaneously at all times.

[0095] The upper flange portion 313 can be bent and extended from one end of the main body portion 311. The upper flange portion 313 can be configured to surround at least a portion of the upper end of the battery cell 100.

[0096] The lower flange portion 315 can be bent and extended from the other end of the main body portion 311. The lower flange portion 315 can be configured to surround at least a portion of the lower part of the battery cell 100. In this case, the lower flange portion 315 may include at least one recess G formed by recessing at least a portion. Preferably, there may be multiple recesses G.

[0097] With this structure, the recess G is adjacent to the venting portion of the battery cell 100. Therefore, if venting or flame occurs in the battery cell 100 due to an event such as thermal runaway, the gas or flame can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery cell 100 through the recess G.

[0098] In one aspect of this disclosure, the recess G may be configured to correspond to a region in which the strip member 190 attached to the battery cell 100 is not located.

[0099] For example, refer to Figure 3 The strap member 190 can be attached to a side 150c of the battery cell 100. That is, the strap member 190 can be attached to the lower end region of the battery cell 100. More specifically, the strap member 190 can be attached to the region of the lower end region of the battery cell 100 adjacent to the two ends in the front-rear direction.

[0100] On the other hand, refer to Figure 7 The recessed portion G can be provided in the lower end region of the battery cell 100, excluding the regions adjacent to the two ends in the front-rear direction. More specifically, multiple recessed portions G can be provided in the lower end region of the battery cell 100, excluding the regions adjacent to the two ends in the front-rear direction.

[0101] Using this structure, when venting occurs in the battery cell 100, the venting and / or flame can be released first through the unattached portion of the belt member 190. Therefore, when the recess G is formed in the region corresponding to the unattached portion of the belt member 190, the gas or flame ejected from the battery cell 100 can be more easily discharged to the outside.

[0102] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating a single-cell battery assembly 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] Reference Figure 8 The cell assembly 10 may further include a compression pad 400. Preferably, the compression pad 400 may be configured to be inserted between the cell 100 and the cooling plate 300.

[0104] The compression pad 400 can be configured to contact one side surface of the battery cell 100. The compression pad 400 can be configured to compensate for the expansion that occurs during the charging and discharging of the battery cell 100. That is, the compression pad 400 can be configured to be compressible. Preferably, the pad can be configured to be both compressible and expandable.

[0105] With this configuration, even if the individual battery cell 100 expands in the lateral direction due to repeated charging and discharging, the total thickness of the individual battery cell assembly 10 can be kept constant by the compression of the compression pad 400. In other words, the compression pad 400 can keep the thickness of the individual battery cell assembly 10 constant in the lateral direction.

[0106] Preferably, the compression pad 400 may contain at least one of polyurethane and silicone resin. In particular, when the compression pad 400 contains silicone resin, the compression pad 400 may also have a heat transfer prevention function.

[0107] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating a single-cell battery assembly 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] Reference Figure 9 The thermally conductive resin (TR) may be disposed in at least a portion of the cooling plate 300. Preferably, the thermally conductive resin (TR) may be coated onto the upper part of the cooling plate 300. The thermally conductive resin (TR) may include a thermal interface material (TIM). The thermal interface material may include at least one of, for example, a heat sink, a heat fin, a thermal paste, a thermally conductive adhesive, and a phase change material.

[0109] With this configuration, heat dissipation can be further enhanced by the thermal resin TR. More specifically, the thermal resin TR can effectively dissipate the heat generated during the charging and discharging of the battery cell 100 by thermally connecting the battery cell 100 and the cooling plate 300.

[0110] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the process of assembling a combined unit battery cell assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating a battery module 1 including a single-cell battery assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 The battery module 1 may include a plurality of individual battery cell assemblies 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In this case, the plurality of individual battery cell assemblies 10 may be configured to be stacked in one direction. Specifically, the plurality of individual battery cell assemblies 10 may be stacked side by side in a vertically upright position.

[0112] On the other hand, the electrode leads 170 protruding from the first unit cell assembly 10 and the electrode leads 170 protruding from the second unit cell assembly 10 adjacent to the first unit cell assembly 10 can be welded to each other to form a welded portion. The electrode leads 170 on both sides of the battery cell 100 can protrude outward from both sides of the unit cell assembly 10. More specifically, the connection of the unit cell assemblies 10 will be described in detail. Two first unit cell assemblies and two unit cell assemblies 10 are arranged in a straight line in the length direction. Then, the electrode leads 170 of the first unit cell assembly and the second unit cell assembly 10 arranged adjacent to each other are directly connected by welding. Therefore, the connection of the unit cell assembly 10 does not require a separate busbar. After the electrode leads 170 of the first unit cell assembly and the second unit cell assembly 10 are connected in this way, one unit cell assembly 10 can be stacked to overlap the side of another unit cell assembly 10. Here, the connected electrode leads 170 can be bent to stack the two unit cell assemblies 10. Then, the electrode lead 170 of another cell assembly 10 can be connected to the two cell assemblies 10 connected by the electrode lead 170, and the connected cell assemblies 10 can be stacked on top of the two stacked cell assemblies 10. As another example, for the connection of multiple cell assemblies 10, after connecting all the electrode leads 170 of the cell assemblies 10, the cell assemblies 10 can be stacked by bending the connected electrode leads 170.

[0113] In this way, in this embodiment, the battery assembly or battery module 1 can be configured by stacking multiple individual battery cell assemblies 10. In the prior art, multiple battery cells 100 are stacked and then the electrode leads 170 are bent and welded. This results in insufficient space behind the electrode leads during welding, making it difficult to confirm contact at the weld surfaces. Furthermore, if defects occur during welding, the reuse of the battery cells 100 is difficult. However, in this embodiment, the electrode leads 170 are bent after the battery cells 100 are electrically connected, and the battery cells 100 are stacked, thereby solving this problem.

[0114] Reference Figure 10 Adhesive A can be applied to at least one side of the cell assembly 10. Adhesive A can be used to bond multiple cell assemblies 10.

[0115] exist Figure 11In the battery module 1, the connector blocks 200 of the individual battery cell assemblies 10 located at the outermost left and right ends can be used as terminals. That is, the connector blocks 200 of the individual battery cell assemblies 10 located at the outermost left and right ends can be used as positive (+) terminals or negative (-) terminals of the battery module 1. The connector blocks 200 can be electrically connected to the electrode leads 170 of the individual battery cells 100. Furthermore, the connector blocks 200 can also be electrically connected to a sensing board (sensing circuit board) for voltage sensing, etc.

[0116] On the other hand, although Figure 10 and Figure 11 The battery module housing is not shown separately, but it should be understood that it may be additionally included in some cases. Alternatively, the battery module 1 may be housed in the battery pack housing 50 without a separate housing to have a cell-to-pack structure.

[0117] Figure 12 It shows including Figure 11 The diagram shows the battery module 1 and the battery pack 3.

[0118] Reference Figure 12 The battery pack 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a battery assembly or battery module 1 electrically connected to a plurality of individual battery cell assemblies 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as described above, and a battery pack housing 50 housing the battery modules. In the accompanying drawings of this disclosure, for ease of illustration, components for electrical connections, such as busbars, cooling units, and power terminals, are omitted. Furthermore, the battery pack 3 may also include various components, such as a battery management system (BMS), a battery pack housing, relays, current sensors, and other components known at the time of filing of this disclosure.

[0119] Figure 13 It shows including Figure 12 The image shows the battery pack 3 of vehicle 5.

[0120] Reference Figure 13 The vehicle 5 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and includes a battery pack 3 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Vehicle 5 includes four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, vehicle 5 operates when receiving power from the battery pack 3. Furthermore, in addition to the battery cells 100 or the battery pack 3, vehicle 5 according to the present disclosure may also include various other components. For example, in addition to the battery cells 100, vehicle 5 according to the present disclosure may also include a body, an electric motor, control devices such as an electronic control unit (ECU), etc.

[0121] At the same time, although terms such as up and down indicating direction are used in this specification, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these terms are for ease of description only and may vary depending on the position of the target object or the observer's position.

[0122] Although the present disclosure has been described above with limited embodiments and drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made within the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure and the equivalents of the claims described below.

[0123] Industrial applicability

[0124] This disclosure provides a cell assembly capable of directly contacting and cooling individual battery cells, and a battery module including the cell assembly.

Claims

1. A single-cell battery assembly, comprising: A battery cell, wherein the battery cell is erected in the vertical direction and the electrode leads extend from two ends in the front-back direction; A cooling plate that is in contact with the surface of the battery cell, and at least a portion of the cooling plate is coated with a thermoplastic resin; as well as A connector block that connects the battery cell to the cooling plate.

2. The single-cell battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The battery cell includes: Electrode assembly; A receiving portion, wherein the receiving portion houses the electrode assembly; A sealing portion, the sealing portion surrounding the receiving portion; and A pair of electrode leads are connected to the electrode assembly and extend to the outside of the seal.

3. The single-cell battery assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The sealing portion is formed by bonding two ends and a side portion connecting the two ends, and the side portion is disposed in the lower direction of the battery cell.

4. The single-cell battery assembly according to claim 3, wherein, One side portion is partially attached with a strap member.

5. The single-cell battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The connector block is attached to the cooling plate at both ends of the battery cell.

6. The single-cell battery assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The connector block covers the electrode leads of the battery cell, such that a portion of the electrode leads is exposed to the outside.

7. The single-cell battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The connector block is configured to be adjacent to the electrode lead of the battery cell, and the connector block is capable of being electrically connected to a battery cell adjacent to the battery cell.

8. The single-cell battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The connector block is electrically connected to the electrode lead of the battery cell.

9. The single-cell battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The connector block includes at least one of a busbar and a solder plate.

10. The single-cell battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The cooling plate includes: A cooling body having internal cooling channels through which coolant can flow; A first end member, located at one end of the cooling body, includes a coolant inlet for the coolant to flow into; and A second end member is located at the other end of the cooling body and includes a coolant outlet for coolant flowing in from the coolant inlet, through the cooling channel, and out to the outside.

11. The single-cell battery assembly according to claim 10, wherein, The cooling unit includes: The main body portion is in contact with the surface of the battery cell and has a planar shape; An upper flange portion, which bends and extends from one end of the main body portion and surrounds at least a portion of the upper end portion of the battery cell; and A lower flange portion, which bends and extends from the other end of the main body portion and surrounds at least a portion of the lower end of the battery cell.

12. The single-cell battery assembly according to claim 11, wherein, The lower flange includes at least one recess formed by concavening at least a portion of the area.

13. The single-cell battery assembly according to claim 12, wherein, The battery cell is partially attached to a strip member, and the recess is located in a region corresponding to the area where the strip member attached to the battery cell is not present.

14. The cell assembly according to claim 1 further includes a compression pad, the compression pad being in contact with one side surface of the cell.

15. The single-cell battery assembly according to claim 14, wherein, The compression pad is inserted between the battery cell and the cooling plate.

16. A battery module, comprising: The unit cell assembly as described in multiple claims 1.

17. The battery module according to claim 16, wherein, Multiple of the aforementioned cell battery units are stacked in one direction. This includes a welded portion formed by welding electrode leads protruding from a first cell assembly and electrode leads protruding from a second cell assembly adjacent to the first cell assembly to each other. Includes an adhesive applied to at least one side of the cell assembly.

18. A battery pack comprising a single cell assembly as claimed in claim 1 or a battery module as claimed in claim 16.

19. A vehicle comprising at least one battery pack as claimed in claim 18.

Images