Battery cell assembly and battery pack including same

Abstract

The technical idea of ​​the present invention provides a battery assembly including a first cell block, a first cover coupled to a first side of the first cell block, and a second cover coupled to a second side of the first cell block opposite the first side, wherein the first cover includes a first extension extending from one side of the first cover, the first extension including a first plate spaced apart from the one side of the first cover in a first direction, and the first extension further including a second plate between the first plate and the one side of the first cover.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as energy sources for a variety of wireless devices, such as handsets, laptops, and wireless vacuum cleaners. In recent years, improvements in energy density and economies of scale have dramatically reduced the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries. As the driving range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to the same level as fuel-powered vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries has shifted from mobile devices to mobility.

[0003] As secondary batteries are used in mobility, there is a growing demand for the safety of secondary batteries. If a secondary battery used in mobility were to cause an accident such as a fire, it could put the driver's life at risk, so research into technologies to improve the safety of secondary batteries is essential.

[0004] The background discussion provided herein is intended to generally present the context of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise expressly stated herein, the material described in this section is not prior art to the claims of this application and is not admitted as prior art or an admission of prior art by inclusion in this section. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the technical idea of ​​the present invention is to provide a battery cell assembly and a battery pack with improved safety.

[0006] These and other objects and advantages of the present disclosure can be understood from the following detailed description and will become more fully apparent from exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be readily apparent that the objects and advantages of the present disclosure can be realized by the means and combinations set forth in the appended claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one example, a battery assembly may include a first cell block, a first cover coupled to a first side of the first cell block, and a second cover coupled to a second side of the first cell block opposite the first side. The first cover may include a first extension extending from one side of the first cover. The first extension may include a first plate spaced apart in a first direction from the one side of the first cover. The first extension may further include a second plate between the first plate and the one side of the first cover.

[0008] In other aspects, the battery assembly described herein may include one or more of the following features. The first plate may have a rectangular shape. The first plate and the second plate may extend in a second direction transverse to the first direction. The battery assembly may further include a third plate between the first plate and one side of the first cover. A first edge of the second plate may extend in the first direction between the first plate and the first cover. The second plate and the third plate may be spaced apart from each other. The first cover, the first plate, the second plate, and the third plate may form a single integrated structure. The first plate, the second plate, and the third plate may be arranged to form a thermal insulation space between the first plate and one side of the first cover and between the second plate and the third plate. The thermal insulation space may extend in the second direction from the first edge of the second plate to the second edge of the second plate. The second cover may include a second extension extending in the third direction from a second side of the first cell block. The battery cell assembly may further include a third cover coupled to a third side of the first cell block. The third cover may include a cooling channel. The battery assembly may further include: a second cell block; a first side of the second cell block; a third cover coupled to a first side of the second cell block facing the first side of the second cell block; and a fourth cover coupled to a second side of the second cell block opposite the first side of the second cell block. The third cover may include a second extension extending from one surface of the third cover. The second extension of the third cover may include a plurality of connecting flanges spaced apart from each other and connected to the first extension of the first cover. The third cover and the plurality of connecting flanges may form a single integrated structure. The battery assembly may further include a third cell block; a fifth cover coupled to the first side of the third cell block; and a third extension extending from one surface of the fifth cover. The third extension may be configured to be fastened to the housing. The fourth cover may include a fourth extension, and the fourth extension may be configured to be coupled to the housing.The battery pack may further include a third cell block, a fifth cover coupled to a first side of the third cell block, and a third extension extending from one side of the fifth cover, The third extension may be coupled to the second cover and the housing.

[0009] In another example, the battery pack may include a housing that houses a battery assembly. The battery assembly may include a first cell block, a first cover coupled to a first side of the first cell block, and a second cover coupled to a second side of the first cell block opposite the first side. The first cover may include a first extension extending from one side of the first cover. The battery assembly may also include a third cover coupled to the housing and covering the battery assembly. The first side of the battery assembly may be coupled to the third cover, and the second side of the battery assembly may be spaced apart from one side of the housing.

[0010] In other aspects, the battery pack described herein may include one or more of the following features. The first cell block may include a plurality of battery cells arranged in a direction between the first cover and the second cover. The housing may include a support structure on one side of the housing. The first extension may be fastened to the support structure by a fastening member. The battery assembly may further include a second cell block; a fourth cover coupled to a first side of the second cell block, the fourth cover facing the first cell block; and a fifth cover coupled to a second side of the second cell block opposite the first side of the second cell block. The fourth cover may include a second extension extending from one side of the fourth cover. The battery assembly may also include a fourth cover coupled to a third side of the first cell block. The third cover may include a cooling channel. The fourth cover may be positioned between the third cover and the third side of the first cell block.

[0011] In another example, to solve the above-mentioned problems, the technical idea of ​​the present invention provides a battery cell assembly including: a cell block including a plurality of battery cells; a first side frame provided on a first side of the cell block; and a second side frame provided on a second side of the cell block opposite the first side of the cell block, wherein the first side frame includes a fixing frame coupled to the first side of the cell block; a barrier plate connected to the fixing frame and spaced apart from the first side of the cell block in a first direction to form a thermal insulation space; and a connecting plate extending between the barrier plate and the fixing frame.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the barrier plate is characterized by having the form of a flat plate.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the barrier plate and the connecting plate each extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting plate includes a lower connecting plate extending in the first direction from a lower end of the barrier plate to the fixing frame, and an upper connecting plate extending in the first direction from an upper end of the barrier plate to the fixing frame, and the lower connecting plate and the upper connecting plate are spaced apart with the insulating space therebetween.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the fixed frame, the barrier plate, the lower connecting plate, and the upper connecting plate are characterized by being one body.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, when viewed in cross section, the insulation space is defined by being surrounded by the barrier plate, the lower connecting plate, and the upper connecting plate, and the insulation space extends continuously in the second direction intersecting the first direction from one end of the barrier plate to the other end.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the second side frame is characterized by including a plurality of connecting flanges protruding in the first direction from the second side of the cell block and spaced apart from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the battery cell assembly further includes a cooling plate attached to the upper surface of the cell block so as to cover the upper surface of the cell block, the cooling plate having cooling channels.

[0019] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the technical idea of ​​the present invention includes a pack housing, and a plurality of battery cell assemblies mounted in the pack housing and arranged in a first direction, the plurality of battery cell assemblies including a first battery cell assembly and a second battery cell assembly adjacent to each other in the first direction, the first battery cell assembly including a first cell block including a plurality of first battery cells, a first side frame coupled to one side of the first cell block, and a second side frame coupled to another side of the first cell block opposite to the one side of the first cell block, the second side frame including a plurality of first connecting flanges spaced apart from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and each fastened to the pack housing. the second battery cell assembly includes a second cell block including a plurality of second battery cells, a third side frame coupled to one side of the second cell block facing the first cell block, and a fourth side frame coupled to another side of the second cell block opposite the one side of the second cell block, the third side frame comprising: a fixing frame coupled to the one side of the second cell block; a barrier plate connected to the fixing frame and spaced apart from the one side of the second cell block in the first direction to form a heat insulating space; and a connecting plate extending between the barrier plate and the fixing frame and fastened to the plurality of first connecting flanges and the pack housing.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting plate includes a lower connecting plate extending in the first direction from a lower end of the barrier plate to the fixing frame, and an upper connecting plate extending in the first direction from an upper end of the barrier plate to the fixing frame, and the insulating space is defined by being surrounded by the barrier plate, the lower connecting plate, and the upper connecting plate.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the fixed frame, the barrier plate, the lower connecting plate, and the upper connecting plate are characterized by being integral.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of battery cell assemblies further includes a third battery cell assembly on one side of the second battery cell assembly, the fourth side frame includes a plurality of second connecting flanges spaced apart in the second direction and each fastened to the pack housing, and the third battery cell assembly includes a third cell block including a plurality of third battery cells, and a fifth side frame coupled to one side of the third cell block facing the second cell block and including a plurality of third connecting flanges spaced apart in the second direction and each fastened to the pack housing.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of battery cell assemblies further includes a third battery cell assembly on one side of the second battery cell assembly, the fourth side frame includes a plurality of second connecting flanges spaced apart from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction and each fastened to the pack housing, the third battery cell assembly includes a third cell block including a plurality of third battery cells and a fifth side frame coupled to one side surface of the third cell block facing the second cell block, a heat insulating space defined by being surrounded by the fifth side frame is provided on one side of the third cell block, and the fifth side frame is coupled to the plurality of second connecting flanges and the pack housing.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the pack housing includes a lower housing that houses the plurality of battery cell assemblies, and a top plate that is coupled onto the lower housing so as to cover the plurality of battery cell assemblies, and the plurality of battery cell assemblies are supported by hanging from the top plate.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of battery cell assemblies each include a cell block in which pouch-type battery cells are stacked. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of battery cell assemblies in a battery pack are coupled to a pack housing using a side mounting method, thereby reducing damage caused by swelling of the battery cells and improving the structural safety of the plurality of battery cell assemblies.

[0027] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a heat insulating space formed by the side frame is provided between adjacent battery cell assemblies, thereby suppressing heat transfer between the adjacent battery cell assemblies and preventing chain fires, thereby improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0028] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood from the following description by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong. In other words, unintended effects accompanying the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure by a person having ordinary skill in the art.

[0029] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical concept of the present invention, and therefore the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited solely to the matters depicted in such drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a side frame provided in a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an electric vehicle equipped with a battery pack according to the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before that, it should be noted that the terms and words used in the specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that are consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of the terms in order to best describe his / her invention.

[0032] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0033] Furthermore, in the description of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related publicly known structures or functions may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0034] The embodiments of the present invention are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, and therefore the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or shown in a schematic manner for clearer explanation. Therefore, the sizes and proportions of each component do not completely reflect the actual sizes and proportions.

[0035] The subject matter of this specification will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and which show, by way of example, exemplary embodiments. Any embodiment or implementation described herein as "exemplary" should not be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or implementations, for example, but rather as reflecting or indicating that the embodiment is an "exemplary" embodiment. Subject matter may be embodied in a variety of forms, and therefore, subject matter disclosed or claimed herein should not be construed as limited to any exemplary embodiment set forth herein, which exemplary embodiments are provided merely as examples. Similarly, a reasonable breadth of subject matter encompassed by the claims or scope thereof is intended.

[0036] Throughout the specification and claims, terms may imply or imply subtle meanings in addition to their explicitly stated meanings. Similarly, the phrase "in one embodiment" used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, and the phrase "in another embodiment" used herein does not necessarily refer to other embodiments. For example, claimed subject matter is intended to include combinations of example embodiments, in whole or in part.

[0037] The terms used below can be interpreted in the broadest sense, even when used in conjunction with the detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the present disclosure. Indeed, certain terms may be emphasized below, but terms that should be interpreted in a restrictive manner are expressly and specifically defined in this detailed description section. The general description above and the detailed description below are both exemplary and explanatory only and do not limit the features as claimed.

[0038] In this disclosure, the term "based on" means "based at least in part on." Terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first" and "second," may be used to distinguish one element from another among various elements, but are not intended to limit the elements. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "exemplary" is used in the sense of "exemplary" rather than "ideal." The term "or" is used in the inclusive sense to refer to one, some, or all of the listed items. The terms "comprise," "comprise," or other variants are used to include a non-exclusive inclusion, where a process, method, or product comprising a list of elements does not necessarily include only the listed elements, but may include other elements not explicitly listed or inherent in the process, method, item, or apparatus. Relative terms, such as "substantially" and "generally," are used to indicate a possible variation of ±5% from the stated or understood value.

[0039] Also, throughout this specification, when a moiety is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another moiety, this is not limited to when they are "directly connected" or "directly coupled," but also includes when one or more elements are disposed between them, resulting in "indirectly connected" or "indirectly coupled."

[0040] 1 to 3 are drawings showing a battery pack 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the battery pack 10, FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the battery pack 10, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a side frame provided in the battery pack 10.

[0041] 1 to 3, a battery pack 10 may include a pack housing 900 and a plurality of battery cell assemblies (e.g., a first battery cell assembly 100 and a second battery cell assembly 200) mounted in the pack housing 900. The battery cell assemblies may be referred to as battery assemblies.

[0042] The plurality of battery cell assemblies may be arranged in a first direction (X direction) within the pack housing 900. In FIG. 1, as an example, the plurality of battery cell assemblies is illustrated as including two battery cell assemblies (i.e., a first battery cell assembly 100 and a second battery cell assembly 200). However, this is not limiting, and the battery pack 10 may include one battery cell assembly or three or more battery cell assemblies arranged in the first direction (X direction).

[0043] Each battery cell assembly includes a cell block (e.g., the first cell block 110 of the first battery cell assembly 100 or the second cell block 210 of the second battery cell assembly 200), and the cell block may include a plurality of battery cells BC. In an exemplary embodiment, the battery cell assembly may be a battery module having a module case surrounding the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the cell block, or may be a device having a form in which part or all of the module case has been removed.

[0044] Each battery cell BC is the basic unit of a lithium-ion battery, i.e., a secondary battery.

[0045] Each battery cell BC may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a case or housing. The electrode assembly housed in the case may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes. The electrode assembly may be either a jelly roll type or a stack type depending on the assembly form. A jelly roll type electrode assembly may include a wound structure of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween. A stack type electrode assembly may include a plurality of sequentially stacked positive electrodes, a plurality of negative electrodes, and a plurality of positive electrode separators interposed therebetween.

[0046] A plurality of battery cells BC may be connected in series and / or parallel. For example, a plurality of battery cells BC may be connected in series with each other. For example, a plurality of battery cells BC may be connected in parallel with each other. For example, a plurality of battery cells BC connected in parallel with each other may form a group, and a group of a plurality of battery cells BC may be connected in series. The plurality of battery cells BC may be grouped to obtain a required electrical capacity.

[0047] Each battery cell BC may be a pouch-type battery cell, a cylindrical battery cell, or a prismatic battery cell, but is not limited thereto. The electrode assembly of a pouch-type battery cell may be housed in a pouch case including an aluminum laminate sheet. The electrode assembly of a cylindrical battery cell may be housed in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of a prismatic battery cell may be housed in a prismatic metal can.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, each battery cell BC may correspond to a pouch-type battery cell, and a plurality of battery cells BC may be stacked in a first direction (X direction) within one battery cell assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of battery cells BC in each battery cell assembly may correspond to a pouch-type battery cell whose length along the first direction (X direction) is shorter than its length along a second direction (Y direction), and the plurality of battery cells BC may be stacked in the first direction (X direction).

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, each battery cell assembly may include a single cell block. However, without being limited thereto, each battery cell assembly may also include a plurality of sub-cell blocks arranged in the second direction (Y direction), and each of the plurality of sub-cell blocks may include a plurality of battery cells BC stacked in the first direction (X direction). For example, each battery cell assembly may include two sub-cell blocks arranged in the second direction (Y direction).

[0050] 2, when viewed from above, each cell block may have a rectangular shape (e.g., the first cell block 110 of the first battery cell assembly 100 or the second cell block 210 of the second battery cell assembly 200). In this case, each cell block 110 or 210 may have a first side and a second side opposite each other in a first direction (X direction), a front side and a rear side opposite each other in a second direction (Y direction), and an upper side and a lower side opposite each other in a third direction (Z direction). For example, in each battery cell assembly 100, 200, the first side of the cell block may be the left side, and the second side of the cell block may be the right side.

[0051] Referring further to FIG. 2 , in an exemplary embodiment, a busbar frame BFA may be coupled to each of the front and rear surfaces of a cell block in an individual battery cell assembly (e.g., the first cell block 110 of the first battery cell assembly 100 or the second cell block 210 of the second battery cell assembly 200). A busbar may be mounted on each busbar frame BFA to electrically connect multiple battery cells BC to one another. The busbar may be an inter-busbar that is connected to each battery cell BC to electrically connect the multiple battery cells BC, or a terminal busbar that electrically connects the battery cell assembly 100, 200 to an external electrical device. However, the arrangement of the busbar frame BFA in each battery cell assembly 100, 200 is not limited thereto, and may be determined depending on the type of battery cell BC, the arrangement of the electrode leads connected to the battery cells BC, etc. For example, in each battery cell assembly 100, 200, the busbar frame BFA on which the busbars are mounted may be disposed on the upper or lower surface of the cell block 110, 210. Although not shown in the drawings, each battery cell assembly 100, 200 may further include end plates for covering the busbar frame BFA coupled to the front and rear surfaces of the cell block.

[0052] Referring again to FIG. 1 , in an exemplary embodiment, a cooling plate CP may be provided on the upper surface of the cell block in each battery cell assembly 100, 200. For example, the cooling plate CP may be attached to the upper surface of the cell block via a thermal interface material (TIM) layer. The cooling plate CP may also be referred to as a cover. The cooling plate CP may have cooling channels CH configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow. Cooling fluid provided from outside the battery cell assembly may flow into the cooling channels CH through the inlets of the cooling channels CH, flow along the cooling channels CH, and then flow out to the outside through the outlets of the cooling channels CH. While the cooling fluid flows along the cooling channels CH, cooling of the battery cell assemblies 100, 200 may be performed.

[0053] 1 , each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies 100, 200 may have a side mounting structure in which the plurality of battery cell assemblies 100, 200 is fastened to a support block 920 of the pack housing 900 via a side frame provided on the side of the battery cell assemblies 100, 200. The support block 920 may be referred to as a support structure. The side frame may be connected or coupled to one side of the corresponding battery cell assembly. The side mounting structure of the first battery cell assembly 100 and the side mounting structure of the second battery cell assembly 200 will be described in more detail below.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, the first battery cell assembly 100 may include a first cell block 110, a first side frame 120 coupled to a first side of the first cell block 110 and the pack housing 900, and a second side frame 130 coupled to a second side of the first cell block 110 and the pack housing 900.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 2 , the first side frame 120 may include a first fixing frame 121 fixed to a first side of the first cell block 110 and a plurality of first connecting flanges 125 connected to the first fixing frame 121. The first side frame 120 may be referred to as a cover. The plurality of first connecting flanges 125 may each extend laterally (e.g., in a direction opposite to the X direction) from the first side of the first cell block 110. The plurality of first connecting flanges 125 may also be referred to as extensions extending from one side of the first side frame 120. The plurality of first connecting flanges 125 may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction (Y direction) and may be at approximately the same height in the third direction (Z direction). The plurality of first connecting flanges 125 may each be fastened to a corresponding one of a plurality of support blocks 920 provided in the pack housing 900 via fastening members such as bolts BT, as shown in FIG. 1 . The first side frame 120 may have a single, integrated structure.

[0056] Referring further to FIG. 2 , the second side frame 130 may include a second fixing frame 131 fixed to the second side of the first cell block 110 and a plurality of second connecting flanges 135 connected to the second fixing frame 131. The second side frame 130 may be referred to as a cover. Each of the second connecting flanges 135 may extend laterally (e.g., in the first direction (X direction)) from the second side of the first cell block 110. The second connecting flanges 135 may be referred to as extensions extending from one side of the second side frame 130. The second connecting flanges 135 may be spaced apart from one another in the second direction (Y direction) and may be arranged at substantially the same height in the third direction (Z direction). Each of the second connecting flanges 135 may be fastened to a corresponding one of a plurality of support blocks 920 provided in the pack housing 900 via a fastening member such as a bolt BT, as shown in FIG. 1 . The second side frame 130 may have a single, integrated structure.

[0057] In this specification, a side frame having a plurality of connecting flanges may be referred to as a first type side frame, and a battery cell assembly having a first type side frame may be referred to as a first type battery cell assembly. In this case, the first battery cell assembly 100 may correspond to the first type battery cell assembly, and the first side frame 120 and the second side frame 130 may each correspond to the first type side frame.

[0058] Further referring to FIG. 2 , in an exemplary embodiment, the second battery cell assembly 200 may include a second cell block 210, a third side frame 220 coupled to a first side of the second cell block 210 and the pack housing 900, and a fourth side frame 230 coupled to a second side of the second cell block 210 and the pack housing 900.

[0059] The third side frame 220 may include a third fixing frame 221 fixed to a first side of the second cell block 210 and a thermal insulation partition wall 223 connected to the third fixing frame 221. The third side frame 220 may be referred to as a cover. The thermal insulation partition wall 223 may be fastened to the pack housing 900 via fastening members such as bolts BT, as shown in FIG. 1, to form a thermal insulation space 225 between the first cell block 110 and the second cell block 210. The thermal insulation partition wall 223 may be referred to as an extension extending from one side of the third side frame 220. The third side frame 220 may have a single, integrated structure.

[0060] 3, the heat insulating partition wall 223 may include a barrier plate 2231 and connecting plates 2233 and 2235 extending between the barrier plate 2231 and the third fixing frame 221, and may connect the barrier plate 2231 to the third fixing frame 221. The barrier plate 2231 may have a flat plate shape that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction (X direction). The connecting plates 2233 and 2235 may include a lower connecting plate 2233 extending from a lower end (or lower end edge) of the barrier plate 2231 to the third fixing frame 221, and an upper connecting plate 2235 extending from an upper end (or upper end edge) of the barrier plate 2231 to the third fixing frame 221. 3, the barrier plate 2231 may be continuously extended in a second direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction (X direction), the lower connecting plate 2233 may be continuously extended in the second direction (Y direction) along the lower edge of the barrier plate 2231, and the upper connecting plate 2235 may be continuously extended in the second direction (Y direction) along the upper edge of the barrier plate 2231. The third fixing frame 221, barrier plate 2231, lower connecting plate 2233, and upper connecting plate 2235 may be integral or formed as a single, integrated structure and may include, but are not limited to, the same material. The insulating space 225 may be defined as being surrounded by the third fixing frame 221, barrier plate 2231, lower connecting plate 2233, and upper connecting plate 2235. The insulating space 225 may be extended in the second direction (Y direction). For example, the insulating space 225 may extend continuously or discontinuously in the second direction (Y direction) from one end of the barrier plate 2231 to the other end. As shown in FIG. 1 , the third side frame 220 may be fastened to one of a plurality of support blocks 920 included in the pack housing 900 via a fastening member such as a bolt BT. In an exemplary embodiment, the bolt BT configured to fasten the insulating partition wall 223 of the third side frame 220 to the support block 920 may be configured to fasten the second connecting flange 135 of the second side frame 130 to the support block 920. In this example, the insulating partition wall 223 of the third side frame 220 may be fastened to the second connecting flange 135 of the second side frame 130.Alternatively, in the exemplary embodiment, the insulating bulkhead 223 of the third side frame 220 and the second connecting flange 135 of the second side frame 130 may be fastened to the support block 920 by a variety of different suitable fasteners.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 2 , the fourth side frame 230 may include a fourth fixing frame 231 fixed to the second side of the second cell block 210 and a plurality of fourth connecting flanges 235 connected to the fourth fixing frame 231. The fourth side frame 230 may be referred to as a cover. Each of the plurality of fourth connecting flanges 235 may extend laterally (e.g., in the first direction (X direction)) from the first side of the second cell block 210. The plurality of fourth connecting flanges 235 may be referred to as an extension extending from one side of the fourth side frame 230. The plurality of second connecting flanges 235 may be spaced apart from one another in the second direction (Y direction) and arranged at substantially the same height in the third direction (Z direction). The fourth side frame 230 may have a single, integrated structure. As shown in FIG. 1 , each of the plurality of fourth connecting flanges 235 may be fastened to a corresponding one of a plurality of support blocks 920 included in the pack housing 900 via a fastening member such as a bolt BT. The fourth side frame 230 can correspond to the first type of side frame.

[0062] In the present disclosure, a side frame having a partition wall structure including an insulating partition wall configured to form an insulating space between cell blocks of adjacent battery cell assemblies may be referred to as a second type side frame, and a battery cell assembly including the second type side frame may be referred to as a second type battery cell assembly. In this case, the second battery cell assembly 200 may correspond to the second type battery cell assembly, and the third side frame 220 may correspond to the second type side frame.

[0063] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, each battery assembly may be mounted in the pack housing 900 by a side mounting method. In the side mounting method, side frames fastened to the pack housing 900 may be provided on both sides of each battery assembly along the stacking direction of the battery cells BC. Because the plurality of battery cell assemblies are fastened to the pack housing 900 by the side mounting method in the battery pack 10, damage caused by expansion of the battery cells BC may be reduced and the structural safety of the plurality of battery cell assemblies may be improved.

[0064] Furthermore, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the heat insulating space 225 formed by the second side frame is provided between the adjacent battery cell assemblies, thereby suppressing heat transfer between the adjacent battery cell assemblies and preventing chain fires, thereby improving the safety of the battery pack 10.

[0065] 4 is a plan view showing a battery pack 10A according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The battery pack 10A shown in FIG. 4 will be described below, emphasizing additional features not shown in the battery pack 10 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 4, the battery pack 10A includes a plurality of battery cell assemblies mounted in a pack housing (see 900 in FIG. 1), and the plurality of battery cell assemblies may include a first battery cell assembly 100, a second battery cell assembly 200, a third battery cell assembly 300, and a fourth battery cell assembly 400 arranged sequentially along a first direction (X direction).

[0067] In the battery pack 10A, the first battery cell assembly 100 and the third battery cell assembly 300 may correspond to a first type battery cell assembly, and the second battery cell assembly 200 and the fourth battery cell assembly 400 may correspond to a second type battery cell assembly.

[0068] The third battery cell assembly 300 may include a third cell block 310, a fifth side frame 320 coupled to a first side of the third cell block 310 and the pack housing 900, and a sixth side frame 330 coupled to a second side of the third cell block 310 and the pack housing 900.

[0069] The fifth side frame 320 and the sixth side frame 330 may be a first type of side frame. More specifically, the fifth side frame 320 may include a fifth fixing frame 321 fixed to a first side of the third cell block 310 and a plurality of fifth connecting flanges 325 connected to the fifth fixing frame 321. Each of the plurality of fifth connecting flanges 325 may be fastened to a corresponding support block 920 (see 920 in FIG. 1 ) of a plurality of support blocks that may be included in the pack housing 900 via a fastening member (see BT in FIG. 1 ) such as a bolt. The plurality of fifth connecting flanges 325 may be positioned at substantially the same level in the third direction (Z direction), and the plurality of sixth connecting flanges 335 may be positioned at substantially the same level in the third direction (Z direction). The fifth connecting flanges 325 and the sixth connecting flanges 335 may be alternately arranged between the second cell block 210 and the third cell block 310. The sixth side frame 330 may include a sixth fixing frame 331 fixed to the second side of the third cell block 310, and a plurality of sixth connecting flanges 335 connected to the sixth fixing frame 331. Each of the plurality of sixth connecting flanges 335 may be fastened to a corresponding one of a plurality of support blocks 920 (see 920 in FIG. 1) provided in the pack housing 900 via a fastening member (see BT in FIG. 1) such as a bolt BT.

[0070] The fourth battery cell assembly 400 may include a fourth cell block 410, a seventh side frame 420 coupled to a first side of the fourth cell block 410 and the pack housing 900, and an eighth side frame 430 coupled to a second side of the fourth cell block 410 and the pack housing 900.

[0071] The seventh side frame 420 may correspond to the second side frame, and the eighth side frame 430 may correspond to the first side frame. For example, the seventh side frame 420 may include a seventh fixing frame 421 fixed to the first side of the fourth cell block 410 and an insulating partition wall 423 defining an insulating space between the third cell block 310 and the fourth cell block 410. In an exemplary embodiment, the bolts BT configured to fasten the seventh side frame 420 to the support block 920 may be configured to fasten the sixth connecting flange 335 of the sixth side frame 330 to the support block 920. In this case, the insulating partition wall 423 of the seventh side frame 420 may be fastened to the sixth connecting flange 335 of the sixth side frame 330. The eighth side frame 430 may include an eighth fixing frame 431 fixed to the second side of the fourth cell block 410 and a plurality of eighth connecting flanges 435 connected to the eighth fixing frame 431. Each of the multiple eighth connecting flanges 435 can be fastened to a corresponding one of multiple support blocks 920 (see 920 in Figure 1) provided in the pack housing 900 via a fastening member such as a bolt BT (see BT in Figure 1).

[0072] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the seventh side frame 420 provides a heat insulating space between the third cell block 310 and the fourth cell block 410, thereby suppressing heat transfer between adjacent battery cell assemblies and preventing chain fires, thereby improving the safety of the battery pack 10A.

[0073] 5 is a plan view showing a battery pack 10B according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The battery pack 10B shown in FIG. 5 will be described below, emphasizing additional features not shown in the battery pack 10A described with reference to FIG.

[0074] 5, in the battery pack 10B, the plurality of battery cell assemblies may include a first battery cell assembly 100, a second battery cell assembly 200, a third battery cell assembly 300A, and a fourth battery cell assembly 400, which are sequentially arranged along a first direction (X direction). In this case, the first battery cell assembly 100 may correspond to a first type battery cell assembly, and the second to fourth battery cell assemblies 200, 300A, and 400 may correspond to second type battery cell assemblies.

[0075] Specifically, in the 3-A battery cell assembly 300A, the 5-A side frame 320A may correspond to the second side frame, and the sixth side frame 330 may correspond to the first side frame. The 5-A side frame 320A may include a sixth fixing frame 321 fixed to the first side of the third cell block 310 and an insulating partition wall 323 defining an insulating space between the second cell block 210 and the third cell block 310. In an exemplary embodiment, the bolts BT configured to fix the third side frame 320A to the support block 920 may be configured to fix the fourth connecting flange 235 of the fourth side frame 230 to the support block 920 (see 920 and BT in FIG. 1 ). In this case, the insulating partition wall 323 of the 5-A side frame 320A may be fastened to the fourth connecting flange 235 of the fourth side frame 230.

[0076] 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack 10C according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The battery pack 10C shown in FIG. 6 will be described below, emphasizing additional features not shown in the battery pack 10 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0077] 6, in battery pack 10C, pack housing 900 may include a lower housing 910 having an accommodation space for accommodating a plurality of battery cell assemblies (e.g., a first battery cell assembly 100 and a second battery cell assembly 200), and a top plate 950 coupled to the lower housing 910 so as to cover the lower housing 910 accommodating the plurality of battery cell assemblies. The accommodation space of the lower housing 910 may be defined by a bottom wall and side walls (e.g., four walls) located on edges of the bottom wall.

[0078] In one embodiment, the lower housing 910 may include one or more exhaust holes and / or exhaust devices in one or more walls of the lower housing 910. The exhaust holes and / or exhaust devices are not shown in the drawings for clarity of the drawings and description. The top plate 950 may be a pack lid that covers the plurality of battery cell assemblies. The lower housing 910 may be referred to as a housing. The top plate 950 may be referred to as a cover. When the battery pack 10C is installed in a vehicle, a cabin room where passengers board may be located above the top plate 950, and the ground on which the vehicle travels may be located below the lower housing 910.

[0079] In the exemplary embodiment, the plurality of battery cell assemblies may each be supported by hanging from the top plate 950. Each battery cell assembly may be coupled to a lower surface of the top plate 950. A free volume FV may be provided between the lower surface of each battery cell assembly and the bottom wall of the lower housing 910. The free volume FV may be defined as a space formed by separating the bottom wall of the lower housing 910 and each battery cell assembly from each other. For example, a first side of each battery cell assembly may be coupled to the top plate 950, and a second side of each battery cell assembly may be separated from the bottom wall of the lower housing 910.

[0080] The present invention provides an upright support structure in which individual battery cell assemblies are suspended and supported by a top plate 950. A free volume FV is provided between the bottom of the battery pack 10C (i.e., the bottom wall of the lower housing 910) and each individual battery cell assembly. Gases and flames generated in a thermal runaway situation can be transferred through the free volume FV. That is, the free volume FV serves as a venting passage through which high-temperature gases and flames can be transferred. The high-temperature gases and flames transferring through the free volume FV can be exhausted to the outside of the battery pack 10C through one or more exhaust holes and / or exhaust devices described in the above disclosure.

[0081] In addition, even when a strong impact occurs due to foreign objects flying onto the underside of the vehicle while driving on a hard surface such as an unpaved road, the impact can be absorbed via the free volume FV. Therefore, damage to the battery cell assemblies (e.g., 100, 200) caused by the impact can be prevented. The free volume FV has an empty space between each of the battery cell assemblies (e.g., 100, 200) and the lower housing 910. When the lower housing 910 deforms toward the battery cell assemblies (e.g., 100, 200) due to an impact applied to the underside of the vehicle, the free volume FV can be used as a space to allow the lower housing 910 to deform to a certain extent. The free volume FV does not need to have any other structures installed. Alternatively, structures for supporting the battery cell assemblies (e.g., 100, 200) can be installed partially within the free volume FV. When installing a structure within the free volume FV, as shown in FIG. 6, a sufficient amount of space must be provided between the battery cell assembly (e.g., 100, 200) and the lower housing 910 to allow deformation of the lower housing 910.

[0082] The height of the free volume FV and the distance between the bottom wall of the lower housing 910 and the battery cell assembly (e.g., 100, 200) may be set sufficiently to absorb external impacts. The height of the free volume FV may be determined taking into consideration the dimensions and rigidity of the vehicle frame, the dimensions and rigidity of the lower housing 910, the dimensions of the battery pack 10C, the amount of gas generated and the rate of gas discharge during thermal runaway, etc. For example, when the thickness or rigidity of the vehicle frame or the bottom wall of the lower housing 910 is relatively large, at least one of the size and height of the free volume FV may be relatively reduced. Furthermore, when the thickness or rigidity of the vehicle frame or the bottom wall of the lower housing 910 is relatively small, the bottom wall of the lower housing 910 is likely to deform, so at least one of the size and height of the free volume FV may be relatively increased to protect the battery cell assembly (e.g., 100, 200). Furthermore, when the size of the battery pack 10C is relatively large according to the specifications of the battery pack 10C, a relatively large free volume FV may be ensured. If the size of the battery pack 10C is relatively small, the height of the free volume FV that can be secured may be relatively low, and it may be necessary to relatively increase the thickness and rigidity of the bottom wall of the lower housing 910. Furthermore, if the height of the free volume FV is too low, the gas discharge path becomes small, and the internal pressure of the battery pack 10C may rise rapidly during thermal runaway. Therefore, the size and height of the free volume FV can be determined taking into account the amount of gas generated and the discharge speed.

[0083] The maximum height of the free volume FV may be determined depending on the degree of damage to the battery cell BC included in the battery cell assembly (e.g., 100, 200). For example, if the damage tolerance limit of the battery cell BC is 1 mm, the free volume FV may be determined so that the battery cell BC does not deform more than 1 mm when the lower housing 910 deforms and presses the lower surface of the battery cell BC. In this case, the amount of deformation of the lower housing 910 may vary depending on the thickness and rigidity of the lower housing 910. Therefore, the size and height of the free volume FV may be determined taking into consideration both the damage tolerance limit of the battery cell BC and the thickness and rigidity of the lower housing 910.

[0084] The upper surface of each battery cell assembly (e.g., 100, 200) may be tightly coupled to the lower surface of the top plate 950. If there is a gap between the battery cell assembly (e.g., 100, 200) and the top plate 950, high-temperature gas may be introduced into the gap between one battery cell assembly (e.g., 100, 200) and the top plate 950 during thermal runaway, causing heat and fire to spread to other adjacent battery cell assemblies (e.g., 100, 200). Heat and fire may also be transferred to the top plate 950, potentially affecting the passenger compartment above the top plate 950. Therefore, by tightly coupling the upper surface of each battery cell assembly (e.g., 100, 200) to the lower surface of the top plate 950, gas and fire generated inside the battery pack 10C can be guided to the free volume FV.

[0085] For example, each battery cell assembly (e.g., 100, 200) may be tightly bonded to the underside of the top plate 950 by a TIM layer interposed between the battery cell assembly (e.g., 100, 200) and the top plate 950. The TIM layer may prevent an air gap from forming between the battery cell assembly (e.g., 100, 200) and the top plate 950. The TIM layer may be configured to transfer heat between the battery cell assembly (e.g., 100, 200) and the top plate 950. Therefore, heat from the battery cell assembly (e.g., 100, 200) may be dissipated to the top plate 950 side through the TIM layer.

[0086] When the top plate 950 is provided with an appropriate cooling device, heat from the battery cell assemblies (e.g., 100, 200) can be transferred to the cooling device via the TIM layer. The cooling device can include, for example, cooling channels 951 provided in the top plate 950 and through which a cooling fluid flows. Because the TIM layer is disposed between the upper surface of each battery cell assembly (e.g., 100, 200) and the top plate 950 and the cooling channels 951 are provided in the top plate 950, heat from the battery cell assemblies (e.g., 100, 200) can be efficiently cooled.

[0087] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an electric vehicle 1000 equipped with a battery pack 1100 of the present invention.

[0088] For simplicity of illustration, Fig. 7 shows only a body frame 1200 that forms the lower framework of the vehicle, a battery pack 1100 coupled to the body frame 1200, and tires. The battery pack 1100 may correspond to, for example, any one of the battery packs 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C described with reference to Figs. 1 to 6.

[0089] In a typical battery pack, a battery cell assembly is installed at the bottom of the battery pack housing. However, in this embodiment, the battery cell assembly 1110 of the battery pack 1100 has a structure in which it is suspended from and supported by the top plate 1120 of the housing. That is, there is no space between the battery cell assembly 1110 and the top plate 1120, preventing gas generated in the battery cell assembly 1110 from being transmitted to the cabin room above the vehicle. The gas is guided to a free volume FV (see FIG. 6 ) provided below the battery cell assembly 1110 and the housing of the battery pack 1100. The gas flows through the free volume FV and can be discharged to the underside of the vehicle through a gas exhaust port installed in the battery pack 1100. In addition, according to this embodiment, the free volume FV is provided between the battery cell assembly 1110 and the housing within the battery pack 1100, preventing damage to the battery cell assembly 1110 even if the housing is deformed.

[0090] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the battery pack 1100 and the electric vehicle 1000 equipped with the battery pack 1100 can enhance passenger safety, and also protect the battery cell assembly 1110, which is a core component, and improve the durability of the battery pack 1100 and the electric vehicle 1000.

[0091] The present invention has been described in more detail above through the drawings and embodiments, etc. However, the configurations shown in the drawings or embodiments in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and therefore, there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of filing this application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 10: Battery pack 100, 200: Battery cell assembly 110, 210: Cell Block 120, 130, 210, 230: Side frame 900: Pack housing 910: Lower housing 920: Support block BC: Battery cell CP: Cooling plate

Claims

1. a first cell block; a first cover coupled to a first side of the first cell block; and a second cover coupled to a second side of the first cell block opposite the first side; the first cover includes a first extension portion extending from one surface of the first cover, the first extension portion includes a first plate spaced apart from one surface of the first cover in a first direction; The first extension further includes a second plate between the first plate and one surface of the first cover.

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

3. The battery assembly of claim 2 , wherein the first plate and the second plate extend in a second direction transverse to the first direction.

4. a third plate between the first plate and one surface of the first cover; a first edge of the second plate extending in a first direction between the first plate and the first cover; The battery assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the second plate and the third plate are spaced apart from each other.

5. The battery assembly of claim 4 , wherein the first cover, the first plate, the second plate, and the third plate form a single, integral structure.

6. the first plate, the second plate, and the third plate are arranged to form a heat insulating space between the first plate and one surface of the first cover, and between the second plate and the third plate; The battery assembly of claim 5 , wherein the heat insulating space extends in a second direction from the first edge of the second plate to a second edge of the second plate.

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

8. a third cover coupled to a third side of the first cell block; The battery assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the third cover includes a cooling channel.

9. a second cell block; a third cover coupled to a first side surface of the second cell block and facing the first side surface of the second cell block; a fourth cover coupled to a second side of the second cell block opposite the first side of the second cell block; The battery assembly of claim 1 , wherein the third cover includes a second extension extending from one surface of the third cover.

10. The battery assembly of claim 9 , wherein the second extension of the third cover includes a plurality of connecting flanges spaced apart from one another and connected to the first extension of the first cover.

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

12. a third cell block; a fifth cover coupled to a first side of the third cell block; and a third extension extending from one side of the fifth cover, the third extension is configured to be fastened to a housing; The battery assembly according to claim 9 , wherein the fourth cover includes a fourth extension, the fourth extension being configured to be coupled to a housing.

13. a third cell block; a fifth cover coupled to the first side surface of the third cell block; a third extension portion extending from one surface of the fifth cover, The battery assembly according to claim 9 , wherein the third extension is coupled to the second cover and the housing.

14. The battery pack includes a housing that houses a battery assembly; a first cell block; a first cover coupled to a first side of the first cell block; a second cover coupled to a second side of the first cell block opposite the first side, the first cover includes a first extension portion extending from one surface of the first cover; and a third cover coupled to the housing and covering the battery assembly; A battery pack, wherein a first side of the battery assembly is coupled to a third cover, and a second side of the battery assembly is spaced apart from one side of the housing.

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

16. The battery pack of claim 14 , wherein the housing includes a support structure on one side of the housing.

17. The battery pack according to claim 16 , wherein the first extension is fastened to the support structure by a fastening member.

18. a second cell block; a fourth cover coupled to a first side surface of the second cell block, the first side surface of the second cell block facing the first cell block; a fifth cover coupled to a second side of the second cell block opposite the first side of the second cell block; The battery pack of claim 16 , wherein the fourth cover includes a second extension extending from one surface of the fourth cover.

19. The battery pack of claim 14 , wherein the battery assembly further comprises a fourth cover coupled to a third side of the first cell block, the third cover comprising a cooling channel.

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

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