Battery pack and vehicle including the same

Abstract

The present disclosure is designed to solve the problems of the related art, and therefore the present disclosure is directed to providing a battery pack, which may improve energy density and secure rigidity, and a vehicle including the battery pack.SOLUTION: A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of battery cells, a bus bar assembly having a first side and a second side, wherein the second side of the bus bar assembly is provided at the first side of the battery cell and is electrically connected to the battery cell, a cooling unit disposed at the second side of the bus bar assembly and disposed between the battery cells along a longitudinal direction of the battery pack, and a side structure unit configured to accommodate the cooling unit and the battery cell, wherein a positive electrode and a negative electrode of the battery cell are electrically connected to a positive electrode connection portion and a negative electrode connection portion of a single-layered sub bus bar provided in the bus bar assembly, respectively.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0135356 filed on October 12, 2021, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0101130 filed on August 12, 2022, and the contents disclosed in the specifications and drawings of those applications are incorporated into this application in their entirety. [Background technology]

[0003] Secondary batteries, which have high applicability to various products and electrical properties such as high energy density, are commonly used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), which are powered by electrical sources. These secondary batteries not only have the primary advantage of dramatically reducing the use of fossil fuels, but also have the advantage of not producing any by-products from energy use, making them environmentally friendly and drawing attention as a new energy source for improving energy efficiency.

[0004] Currently, secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries are widely used. The operating voltage of such unit secondary battery cells, i.e., unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, a battery pack is constructed by connecting multiple battery cells in series. Alternatively, a battery pack may be constructed by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel depending on the required charge / discharge capacity of the battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack may be variously set depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] Meanwhile, when a battery pack is constructed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series or in parallel, a common method is to first construct a battery module including at least one battery cell, and then add other components to the at least one battery module to construct a battery pack or a battery rack.

[0006] A conventional battery pack generally includes a plurality of battery cells and a cell frame that houses the plurality of battery cells. The conventional cell frame generally includes an assembly of a plurality of plates, such as a front plate, a rear plate, a side plate, a bottom plate, and a top plate, for housing the plurality of battery cells and ensuring rigidity.

[0007] However, in the case of conventional battery packs, the cell frame structure formed by assembling a plurality of plates increases manufacturing costs, complicates the assembly process, and is disadvantageous in terms of price competitiveness and manufacturing efficiency.

[0008] Furthermore, in the case of a conventional battery pack, since the battery pack has a cell frame structure formed by an assembly of a plurality of plates, the overall size of the battery pack increases, which is disadvantageous in terms of energy density. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack that can improve energy density and ensure rigidity, and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack and a vehicle including the same that can improve price competitiveness and manufacturing efficiency.

[0011] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a battery pack and a vehicle including the same that can improve cooling performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] To achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention provides a battery pack including: a plurality of battery cells; and a busbar assembly having a first side and a second side, the second side of the busbar assembly being provided on the first sides of the plurality of battery cells and electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells; a cooling unit disposed on the second side of the busbar assembly and disposed between the plurality of battery cells along the longitudinal direction of the battery pack; and a side structural unit configured to be able to accommodate the cooling unit and the plurality of battery cells, wherein positive electrodes and negative electrodes of the plurality of battery cells are electrically connected to positive electrode connecting portions and negative electrode connecting portions, respectively, of single-layer sub-busbars provided on the busbar assembly.

[0013] Preferably, the busbar assembly may include a main busbar unit electrically connected to battery cells arranged at the outermost positions in the longitudinal direction of the battery pack, and connecting busbar units arranged between the main busbar units in the longitudinal direction of the battery pack and electrically connected to a plurality of the battery cells.

[0014] Preferably, the connecting busbar unit may include a busbar cover covering an upper side of the plurality of battery cells, and the single-layer sub-busbars inserted into the busbar cover for electrical connection with positive electrodes and negative electrodes of the plurality of battery cells.

[0015] Preferably, the bus bar cover may include an insulating material.

[0016] Preferably, the bus bar cover includes a polyimide film.

[0017] Preferably, the bus bar cover is provided in a pair, and the pair of bus bar covers may be configured to have corresponding shapes and sizes in a height direction of the battery pack and be coupled to each other.

[0018] Preferably, the busbar cover may include a positive busbar hole having an opening space of a predetermined size, a negative busbar hole disposed opposite the positive busbar hole and having an opening space of a predetermined size similar to the positive busbar hole, and a fastening hole configured to connect the side structural unit to the busbar cover.

[0019] Preferably, the side structural unit may include a stub aligned with and coupled to the fastening hole.

[0020] Preferably, the sub-busbar may include: a busbar bridge that is inserted into the busbar cover and has a predetermined length along a width direction of the battery pack; a positive electrode connector that extends integrally from the busbar bridge to protrude and be disposed in the positive electrode busbar hole; and a negative electrode connector that extends integrally from the busbar bridge to protrude in a direction opposite to the positive electrode connector and be disposed in the negative electrode busbar hole.

[0021] Preferably, the bus bar bridges may be arranged in a zigzag pattern in the width direction of the battery pack.

[0022] Preferably, a plurality of bus bar bridges may be provided, and the plurality of bus bar bridges may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction of the battery pack.

[0023] Preferably, the positive electrode connector and the positive electrode of the battery cell may be connected to each other through an open space of the positive electrode bus bar hole.

[0024] Preferably, the negative electrode connector and the negative electrode of the battery cell may be connected to each other through an open space of the negative electrode bus bar hole.

[0025] Preferably, the positive electrode connector and the negative electrode connector may be aligned parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the battery pack.

[0026] Another aspect of the present invention provides a battery pack case structure including at least one of the above-described battery packs.

[0027] Another aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle including the battery pack case structure described above, wherein the longitudinal direction of at least one battery pack is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle so as to protect a plurality of the battery cells in the event of a frontal or rearal collision of the vehicle.

[0028] Preferably, the plurality of battery cells may be compressed in a height direction of the battery can of each of the plurality of battery cells.

[0029] Another aspect of the present invention provides a battery pack including: a plurality of battery cells disposed within the battery pack; a side structural unit including a first main plate and a second main plate that form a support structure that allows the plurality of battery cells to be disposed within the battery pack and support the plurality of battery cells on both sides; a cooling unit that is disposed between the plurality of battery cells at a midpoint between the first main plate and the second main plate; and a busbar assembly that electrically connects the plurality of battery cells, wherein the busbar assembly includes a plurality of connecting busbar units that are in direct contact with the plurality of battery cells and extend along a longitudinal direction of the battery pack, and a plurality of main busbar units that are electrically connected to adjacent connecting busbar units and extend along a width direction of the battery pack, and the plurality of connecting busbar units and the plurality of main busbar units are located on only one side of the plurality of battery cells.

[0030] Preferably, the battery pack may further include a connecting terminal electrically connected to the bus bar assembly and formed on a first side of the battery pack, and the cooling unit may include a cooling fluid outlet portion formed on a second side of the battery pack, the first side and the second side facing each other in a longitudinal direction of the battery pack being the first side and the second side.

[0031] Preferably, the plurality of battery cells, the side structural unit, the cooling unit, and the busbar assembly may form a modular unit.

[0032] Preferably, the battery pack may include a plurality of modular units, each modular unit including a plurality of the battery cells, the side structural unit, the cooling unit, and the busbar assembly, and a filling member that encases the plurality of modular units.

[0033] Preferably, a plurality of the modular units may be provided, and the plurality of modular units may be arranged in the width direction of the battery pack so as to protect the plurality of battery cells from impact. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a battery pack that can improve energy density and ensure rigidity, and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery pack can be provided that can improve price competitiveness and manufacturing efficiency.

[0036] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a battery pack capable of improving cooling performance and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0037] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to further understand the technical concepts of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the matters described in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 3 is a diagram for explaining a battery cell included in the battery pack of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the battery cell of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the upper structure of the battery cell of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the lower structure of the battery cell of FIG. 3. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the battery cell of FIG. 3. [Figure 8] 3 is a diagram for explaining a bus bar assembly of the battery pack shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a diagram illustrating a coupling busbar unit of the busbar assembly shown in FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the coupling busbar unit of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] 10 is an enlarged view for explaining a main part of the coupling busbar unit of FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a cooling unit of the battery pack shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the cooling unit of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the cooling unit of FIG. [Figure 15]3 is a diagram for explaining a side structure unit of the battery pack shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 16] 16 is a diagram for explaining a main plate of the side structural unit of FIG. 15. FIG. [Figure 17] 16 is a diagram for explaining the connection structure between the battery cell and the cooling unit through the side structure unit of FIG. 15. FIG. [Figure 18] 16 is a diagram for explaining the connection structure between the battery cell and the cooling unit through the side structure unit of FIG. 15. FIG. [Figure 19] 16 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the battery cell and the cooling unit through the side structure unit of FIG. 15. FIG. [Figure 20] 16 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the battery cell and the cooling unit through the side structure unit of FIG. 15. FIG. [Figure 21] 21 is a diagram for explaining the contact structure between the battery cell in FIG. 20 and the cooling unit. FIG. [Figure 22] 21 is a diagram for explaining the contact structure between the battery cell in FIG. 20 and the cooling unit. FIG. [Figure 23] 21 is a diagram for explaining the contact structure between the battery cell in FIG. 20 and the cooling unit. FIG. [Figure 24] 16 is a diagram showing the bottom surface of the side structure unit when the side structure unit and the battery cell are coupled together in FIG. 15. FIG. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is an enlarged bottom view of a main part of the side structure unit of FIG. 24. [Figure 26] FIG. 25 is a side view of the main part of the side structure unit of FIG. 24. [Figure 27] 3 is a diagram for explaining the formation of a pack case structure by injecting a filling material into the battery pack shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 28] 3 is a diagram for explaining the formation of a pack case structure by injecting a filling material into the battery pack shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 29]3 is a diagram for explaining the formation of a pack case structure by injecting a filling material into the battery pack shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 30] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of FIG. 30. [Figure 32] 31 is a diagram for explaining a bus bar assembly of the battery pack shown in FIG. 30. FIG. [Figure 33] 33 is a diagram illustrating a high-voltage busbar unit of the busbar assembly shown in FIG. 32. FIG. [Figure 34] 31 is a diagram for explaining a side structure unit of the battery pack shown in FIG. 30. FIG. [Figure 35] 34 is a diagram for explaining the main plate of the side structural unit shown in FIG. 33. FIG. [Figure 36] 35 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the battery cell and the cooling unit through the side structure unit of FIG. 34. FIG. [Figure 37] 35 is a diagram for explaining the mounting structure of the side structure unit and the high-voltage busbar unit of FIG. 34. FIG. [Figure 38] 35 is a diagram for explaining the mounting structure of the side structure unit and the high-voltage busbar unit of FIG. 34. FIG. [Figure 39] 35 is a diagram for explaining the mounting structure of the side structure unit and the high-voltage busbar unit of FIG. 34. FIG. [Figure 40] 35 is a diagram for explaining the mounting structure of the side structure unit and the high-voltage busbar unit of FIG. 34. FIG. [Figure 41] 31 is a diagram for explaining the injection of a filling material into the battery pack of FIG. 30. FIG. [Figure 42] 31 is a diagram for explaining the injection of a filling material into the battery pack of FIG. 30. FIG. [Figure 43] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] The present invention will be more clearly understood by describing preferred embodiments of the present invention in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are shown by way of example to facilitate understanding of the invention, and it should be understood that the present invention can be implemented by modifying various aspects of the following embodiments. In addition, the accompanying drawings may be drawn not to scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated to facilitate understanding of the invention.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of FIG.

[0041] 1 and 2, a battery pack 1 may be provided in an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle as an energy source. Hereinafter, the battery pack 1 provided in such an electric vehicle or the like will be described in more detail with reference to the related drawings.

[0042] The battery pack 1 may include a plurality of battery cells 100, a busbar assembly 200, a cooling unit 300, a side structural unit 400, and a filling member 500.

[0043] The plurality of battery cells 100 are secondary batteries, and may be cylindrical secondary batteries, pouch-type secondary batteries, or prismatic secondary batteries. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the description will be limited to the case where the plurality of battery cells 100 are cylindrical secondary batteries.

[0044] The battery cell 100 will be described in more detail below with reference to the related drawings.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a battery cell included in the battery pack shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the battery cell of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the upper structure of the battery cell of FIG. 3, FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the lower structure of the battery cell of FIG. 3, and FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the battery cell of FIG. 3.

[0046] 3 to 7 , the battery cell 100 includes an electrode assembly 10, a battery can 20, a cap plate 30, and a first electrode terminal 40. In addition to the above-mentioned components, the battery cell 100 may further include an insulating gasket 50 and / or an upper current collecting plate 60 and / or an insulating plate 70 and / or a lower current collecting plate 80 and / or a sealing gasket 90.

[0047] The electrode assembly 10 includes a first electrode plate having a first polarity, a second electrode plate having a second polarity, and a separator interposed between the first and second electrode plates. The first electrode plate is a positive or negative electrode plate, and the second electrode plate is an electrode plate having the opposite polarity to the first electrode plate.

[0048] The electrode assembly 10 may be in the form of a jelly roll, for example. That is, the electrode assembly 10 may be manufactured by stacking a first electrode plate, a separator, and a second electrode plate in sequence at least once to form a stack, and then winding the stack around a winding center C. In this case, a separator may be provided on the outer periphery of the electrode assembly 10 to insulate it from the battery can 20.

[0049] The first electrode plate includes a first electrode collector and a first electrode active material coated on one or both sides of the first electrode collector. An uncoated portion where the first electrode active material is not coated is present at one end of the first electrode collector in the width direction (Z-axis direction). The uncoated portion functions as a first electrode tab. The first electrode tab 11 is provided at the upper portion in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the electrode assembly 10 housed in the battery can 20.

[0050] The second electrode plate includes a second electrode collector and a second electrode active material coated on one or both sides of the second electrode collector. An uncoated portion where the second electrode active material is not coated exists at the other end of the second electrode collector in the width direction (Z-axis direction). The uncoated portion functions as a second electrode tab 12. The second electrode tab 12 is provided at the lower portion in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the electrode assembly 10 housed in the battery can 20.

[0051] The battery can 20 is a cylindrical container with an opening formed at the bottom and contains a conductive metal material. The side and top surfaces of the battery can 20 are integrally formed. The top surface of the battery can 20 has a substantially flat shape. The battery can 20 accommodates the electrode assembly 10 through the opening formed at the bottom, and also accommodates an electrolyte.

[0052] The battery can 20 is electrically connected to the second electrode tab 12 of the electrode assembly 10. Therefore, the battery can 20 has the same polarity as the second electrode tab 12.

[0053] The battery can 20 may have a beading portion 21 and a crimping portion 22 formed at its bottom. The beading portion 21 is formed at the bottom of the electrode assembly 10. The beading portion 21 is formed by pressing into the outer circumferential surface of the battery can 20. The beading portion 21 prevents the electrode assembly 10, which has a size corresponding to the width of the battery can 20, from slipping out of the opening formed at the bottom of the battery can 20, and may function as a support on which the cap plate 30 is placed.

[0054] The crimping portion 22 is formed below the beading portion 21. The crimping portion 22 is extended and bent to surround the outer circumferential surface of the cap plate 30 disposed below the beading portion 21 and a portion of the lower surface of the cap plate 30.

[0055] The cap plate 30 is a component including a conductive metal material, and covers an opening formed at the bottom end of the battery can 20. That is, the cap plate 30 constitutes the bottom surface of the battery cell 100. The cap plate 30 is placed on a beading portion 21 formed on the battery can 20 and fixed by a crimping portion 22. An airtight gasket 90 may be interposed between the cap plate 30 and the crimping portion 22 of the battery can 20 to ensure airtightness of the battery can 20.

[0056] The cap plate 30 may further include a vent portion 31 formed to prevent an increase in internal pressure due to gas generated inside the battery can 20. The vent portion 31 corresponds to a region of the cap plate 30 that is thinner than the surrounding region. The vent portion 31 is structurally weaker than the surrounding region. Therefore, if an abnormality occurs in the battery cell 100 and the internal pressure increases above a certain level, the vent portion 31 ruptures, allowing the gas generated inside the battery can 20 to be released.

[0057] A hole may be pre-formed in the top surface of the battery can 20 before the first electrode terminal 40 and the insulating gasket 50 are disposed therein, but the hole may be formed in other ways. For example, the hole may be formed while inserting the first electrode terminal 40, or holes of different diameters may be pre-formed, or the top surface may be cut out, or the first electrode terminal 40 may be inserted into a pre-cut top surface. That is, the hole may be enlarged to a desired size, or a small hole may be formed by cutting out and then expanded to a desired size. Of course, other methods of forming a hole may also be used.

[0058] The battery cell 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a structure in which both the positive and negative electrode terminals are located at the upper portion, and therefore the structure of the upper portion is more complex than the structure of the lower portion. Therefore, a vent portion 31 may be formed in a cap plate 30 forming the lower surface of the battery cell 100 to smoothly release gas generated inside the battery can 20.

[0059] The vent portion 31 may be formed continuously in a circular pattern on the cap plate 30. However, without being limited thereto, the vent portion 31 may be formed discontinuously in a circular pattern on the cap plate 30, or may be formed in a linear or other shape.

[0060] The first electrode terminal 40 includes a conductive metal material and passes through the top surface of the battery can 20 to be electrically connected to the first electrode tab 11 of the electrode assembly 10. Therefore, the first electrode terminal 40 has a first polarity. The first electrode terminal 40 is electrically insulated from the battery can 20, which has a second polarity.

[0061] The first electrode terminal 40 includes an exposed terminal portion 41 and an inserted terminal portion 42. The exposed terminal portion 41 is exposed to the outside of the battery can 20. The exposed terminal portion 41 is located at the center of the top surface of the battery can 20. The inserted terminal portion 42 penetrates the center of the top surface of the battery can 20 and is electrically connected to the first electrode tab 11. The inserted terminal portion 42 may be rivet-connected to the inner surface of the battery can 20.

[0062] The top surface of the battery can 20 and the first electrode terminal 40 have opposite polarities and face the same direction. In addition, a step may be formed between the first electrode terminal 40 and the top surface of the battery can 20. Specifically, if the entire top surface of the battery can 20 has a flat shape or a shape that protrudes upward at its center, the exposed terminal portion 41 of the first electrode terminal 40 may protrude further above the top surface of the battery can 20. Conversely, if the top surface of the battery can 20 has a concave shape that is concave downward at its center, i.e., toward the electrode assembly 10, the top surface of the battery can 20 may protrude further above the exposed terminal portion 41 of the first electrode terminal 40.

[0063] The insulating gasket 50 is interposed between the battery can 20 and the first electrode terminal 40 to prevent the battery can 20 and the first electrode terminal 40, which have opposite polarities, from contacting each other. This allows the upper surface of the battery can 20, which has a substantially flat shape, to function as the second electrode terminal of the battery cell 100.

[0064] The insulating gasket 50 includes an exposed portion 51 and an inserted portion 52. The exposed portion 51 is interposed between the exposed terminal portion 41 of the first electrode terminal 40 and the battery can 20. The inserted portion 52 is interposed between the inserted terminal portion 42 of the first electrode terminal 40 and the battery can 20. The insulating gasket 50 may contain, for example, a resin material having insulating properties.

[0065] When the insulating gasket 50 contains a resin material, the insulating gasket 50 can be bonded to the battery can 20 and the first electrode terminal 40 by, for example, heat sealing. In this case, the airtightness at the bonding interface between the insulating gasket 50 and the first electrode terminal 40 and the bonding interface between the insulating gasket 50 and the battery can 20 can be strengthened.

[0066] The entire upper surface of the battery can 20 , excluding the area occupied by the first electrode terminal 40 and the insulating gasket 50 , corresponds to the second electrode terminal 20 a having the opposite polarity to the first electrode terminal 40 .

[0067] The battery cell 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided with a first electrode terminal 40 having a first polarity and a second electrode terminal 20a electrically insulated from the first electrode terminal 40 and having a second polarity, on one side of the battery cell 100 in its longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction). That is, in the battery cell 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, a pair of electrode terminals (the first electrode terminal 40 and the second electrode terminal 20a) are positioned in the same direction. Therefore, when electrically connecting a plurality of battery cells 100, electrical connection components such as a bus bar assembly 200 (described later) can be disposed on only one side of the battery cell 100. This simplifies the structure of the battery pack 1 and improves energy density.

[0068] Hereinafter, the bus bar assembly 200 for electrical connection with the plurality of battery cells 100 will be described in more detail.

[0069] 2, the busbar assembly 200 may be provided on one side of the battery cell 100, specifically, on the upper side (+Z-axis direction) of the battery cell 100, and may be electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells 100. The electrical connection of the busbar assembly 200 may be a parallel connection and / or a series connection.

[0070] The bus bar assembly 200 is electrically connected to first electrode terminals 40 (see FIG. 3) having a first polarity of the plurality of battery cells 100 and second electrode terminals 20a (see FIG. 3) of battery cans 20 (see FIG. 3) having a second polarity, and may be electrically connected to external charge / discharge lines, etc., through connector terminals 290, etc. Here, the first polarity may be a positive pole, and the second polarity may be a negative pole.

[0071] The configuration of the busbar assembly 200 will be described in more detail below.

[0072] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the busbar assembly of the battery pack shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the connecting busbar unit of the busbar assembly shown in FIG. 8, FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the connecting busbar unit of FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is an enlarged view illustrating a main portion of the connecting busbar unit of FIG. 9.

[0073] 8 to 11 and 2, the busbar assembly 200 may include a main busbar unit 210, a connecting busbar unit 230, an interconnection board 260, and a connector terminal 290.

[0074] A plurality of main busbar units 210 may be provided and may be electrically connected to battery cells 100 arranged at the outermost positions in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery pack 1. Such main busbar units 210 may be electrically connected to connector terminals 290, which will be described later.

[0075] The coupling busbar units 230 are disposed between the main busbar units 210 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery pack 1, and are electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells 100, and can cover the plurality of battery cells 100.

[0076] The connecting bus bar unit 230 may be provided in a size sufficient to cover all of the battery cells 100, or a plurality of connecting bus bar units 230 may be provided to cover the battery cells 100. Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in terms of a case in which a plurality of connecting bus bar units 230 are provided.

[0077] Each of the multiple connected busbar units 230 may include a busbar cover 240 and a sub-busbar 250 .

[0078] The bus bar cover 240 may be configured in a substantially flat plate shape and cover the upper sides of the plurality of battery cells 100. The shape and size of the bus bar cover 240 may vary depending on the number and capacity of the battery cells 100 required by the battery pack 1.

[0079] The bus bar cover 240 may be made of an insulating material. For example, the bus bar cover 240 may include a polyimide film. However, the bus bar cover 240 is not limited thereto, and may of course include other insulating members made of insulating materials.

[0080] The bus bar covers 240 may be provided in pairs and coupled to each other to have corresponding shapes and sizes in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) of the battery pack 1. Here, the sub-bus bar 250, which will be described later, may be a single layer and may be inserted between the pair of bus bar covers 240.

[0081] Such a busbar cover 240 may include a positive busbar hole 242 , a negative busbar hole 244 , and a guide hole 246 .

[0082] The positive electrode busbar holes 242 each have an opening space of a predetermined size, and may be provided in plurality. A positive electrode connecting portion 254 (described later) may be exposed through the positive electrode busbar holes 242. Here, the positive electrode busbar holes 242 may be formed to have an opening space larger than the size of the positive electrode connecting portion 254 (described later) in order to improve process operability and injection efficiency of the filler 500 (described later).

[0083] The positive electrode bus bar hole 242 can more efficiently guide the electrical connection between the positive electrode connecting portion 254 (described later) and the first electrode terminal 40 (see FIG. 3) which is the positive electrode of the battery cell 100.

[0084] Furthermore, it is possible to significantly improve the injection efficiency of the filling member 500 when injecting the filling member 500 described later through the open space of the positive bus bar hole 242. Specifically, the filling member 500 provided as a potting resin described later can be injected more directly in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) from above the battery pack 1 downward through the open space of the positive bus bar hole 242, thereby significantly improving the injection efficiency between the battery cells 100.

[0085] The negative electrode busbar hole 244 is disposed opposite the positive electrode busbar hole 242, has an opening space of a predetermined size like the positive electrode busbar hole 242, and may be provided in plurality. Here, the negative electrode busbar hole 244 may be formed to have an opening space larger than the size of a negative electrode connecting portion 256 (described later) in order to improve process operability and improve injection efficiency of a filler member 500 (described later).

[0086] The negative electrode busbar hole 244 can more efficiently guide the electrical connection between the negative electrode connecting portion 256 described later and the battery can 20 (see FIG. 3), which is the negative electrode of the battery cell 100, specifically, the second electrode terminal 20a.

[0087] Furthermore, it is possible to significantly improve the injection efficiency of the filling member 500 when injecting the filling member 500, which will be described later, through the open space of the negative bus bar hole 244. Specifically, the filling member 500, which is provided as a potting resin, which will be described later, can be injected more directly in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) from above the battery pack 1 downward through the open space of the negative bus bar hole 244, thereby significantly improving the injection efficiency between the battery cells 100.

[0088] The guide holes 246 can guide the assembly position of the busbar assembly 200. Specifically, the guide holes 246 can fix the connecting busbar unit 230 to the side structural unit 400 and guide the accurate positioning of the connecting busbar unit 230.

[0089] There may be a plurality of guide holes 246. Bus bar guide protrusions 416 of the side structural unit 400, which will be described later, may be inserted into the plurality of guide holes 246.

[0090] The sub-busbar 250 is for electrical connection with the first electrode terminal 40, which is a positive electrode, and the second electrode terminal 20a, which is a negative electrode, of the plurality of battery cells 100, and may be provided on the upper side of the busbar cover 240 or inserted into the pair of busbar covers 240. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the sub-busbar 250 will be described only as being inserted into or coupled to the busbar cover 240.

[0091] Such a sub-busbar 250 may include a busbar bridge 252 , a positive electrode connection portion 254 , and a negative electrode connection portion 256 .

[0092] The busbar bridge 252 may be inserted into the busbar cover 240 and formed to a predetermined length along the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery pack 1. Such a busbar bridge 252 may be configured in a shape corresponding to the arrangement structure of the battery cells 100 in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery pack 1 so as to improve the efficiency of electrical connection with the battery cells 100. As a result, in this embodiment, the busbar bridge 252 may be arranged in a zigzag pattern in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery pack 1.

[0093] A plurality of such bus bar bridges 252 may be provided. The plurality of bus bar bridges 252 may be inserted into the bus bar cover 240 and spaced apart by a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery pack 1.

[0094] The busbar bridge 252 may include a conductive material. For example, the busbar bridge 252 may include a metal material such as aluminum or copper. However, the busbar bridge 252 is not limited thereto, and may of course include other materials for electrical connection.

[0095] The positive electrode connector 254 may extend integrally from the bus bar bridge 252 and be disposed within the positive electrode bus bar hole 242. The positive electrode connector 254 may be electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 40 (see FIG. 3 ), which is the positive electrode of the battery cell 100. The electrical connection may be achieved through a welding process for electrical connection, such as laser welding or ultrasonic welding.

[0096] The connection between the positive electrode connecting part 254 and the positive electrode (first electrode terminal 40) of the battery cell 100 is performed in the open space of the positive electrode bus bar hole 242, so that a welding process for the connection can be performed directly in the open space without any additional process during the connection.

[0097] The negative electrode connector 256 may extend integrally from the bus bar bridge 252, protrude in the opposite direction from the positive electrode connector 254, and be disposed within the negative electrode bus bar hole 244. The negative electrode connector 256 may be electrically connected to the second electrode terminal 20a (see FIG. 3 ), which is the negative electrode of the battery cell 100. The electrical connection may be achieved through a welding process for electrical connection, such as laser welding or ultrasonic welding.

[0098] The connection between the negative electrode connector 256 and the negative electrode (second electrode terminal 20a) of the battery cell 100 is performed in the open space of the negative electrode bus bar hole 244, so that a welding process for the connection can be performed directly in the open space without any additional process during the connection.

[0099] The interconnection board 260 may be connected to the external sensing line and provided at one end (-Y-axis direction) of the battery pack 1. The position of the interconnection board 260 may be changed depending on the design, and the interconnection board 260 may be provided at another position that can be connected to the external sensing line. Furthermore, a plurality of interconnection boards 260 may be provided depending on the number and capacity of the battery cells 100 of the battery pack 1.

[0100] The interconnection board 260 may be provided to be exposed to the outside of the battery pack 1 for connection with the external sensing line. The external sensing line may connect the interconnection board 260 to a battery management system (not shown). The battery management system may determine the state of charge of the battery cells connected in parallel based on the voltages of the battery cells connected in parallel.

[0101] The interconnection board 260 may be provided with a thermistor for checking the temperature state of the battery cells 100. The thermistor may be built into the interconnection board 260 or may be separately attached to the outside of the interconnection board 260. The connector terminals 290 may be provided in pairs. The pair of connector terminals 290 may be configured as high-voltage connector terminals for connection to external charge / discharge lines.

[0102] Referring further to FIG. 2, the cooling unit 300 is for cooling the battery cells 100 and is arranged below the busbar assembly 200 (-Z axis direction) and can be arranged between multiple battery cells 100 along the longitudinal direction (Y axis direction) of the battery pack 1.

[0103] A plurality of such cooling units 300 may be provided.

[0104] The plurality of cooling units 300 may be arranged to face the plurality of battery cells 100 in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery pack 1. Here, the plurality of cooling units 300 may be arranged to come into contact with the facing battery cells 100 in order to improve cooling performance.

[0105] Such a cooling unit 300 will be described in more detail below.

[0106] 12 is a diagram for explaining the cooling unit of the battery pack shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the cooling unit of FIG. 12, and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the cooling unit of FIG.

[0107] 12-14 and 2, the cooling unit 300 may include a cooling tube 310, a cooling channel 350, and a cooling fluid outlet portion 370.

[0108] The cooling tube 310 is formed to a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery pack 1, is disposed between the plurality of battery cells 100, and may have a cooling flow path 350 therein for circulating a cooling fluid (described later). In this embodiment, the cooling fluid may be water, but may also include one or more fluids capable of exchanging heat with the surrounding environment.

[0109] The cooling tubes 310 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the outer surfaces of the plurality of opposing battery cells 100 in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery pack 1.

[0110] Such a cooling tube 310 may be formed so that multiple convex portions 312 and concave portions 316 formed in an uneven shape toward the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery pack 1 are alternately arranged along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery pack 1.

[0111] The cooling tube 310 may be arranged to contact outer surfaces of the battery cells 100 to further enhance the cooling performance of the battery cells 100. The cooling tube 310 may be adhesively fixed to the battery cells 100 using a filling member 500 (described below) or a separate adhesive member.

[0112] A cooling fluid guide portion 318 for guiding a cooling fluid into a cooling flow path 350 (described later) may be provided at one end (-Y-axis direction) of the cooling tube 310. The cooling fluid guide portion 318 may be formed in a pair at one end (-Y-axis direction) of the cooling tube 310 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). One of the pair of cooling fluid guide portions 318 may be connected to an upper flow path 352 of the cooling flow path 350 (described later), and the other of the pair of cooling fluid guide portions 318 may be connected to a lower flow path 354 of the cooling flow path 350 (described later). Specifically, one of the pair of cooling fluid guide portions 318 may be provided at an upper side (+Z-axis direction) in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the cooling tube 310 to communicate with the upper flow path 352 (described later), and the other of the pair of cooling fluid guide portions 318 may be provided at a lower side (-Z-axis direction) in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the cooling tube 310 to communicate with a lower flow path 354 (described later).

[0113] The cooling flow path 350 circulates a cooling fluid for cooling the battery cells 100, and may be provided in the cooling tube 310 and connected to communicate with a cooling fluid inlet / outlet portion 370 described later.

[0114] Such cooling channels 350 may include an upper channel 352 , a lower channel 354 , and a connecting channel 356 .

[0115] The upper flow passage 352 may be disposed above the cooling tube 310 so as to be provided near the bus bar assembly 200, and may be formed to a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the cooling tube 310. The upper flow passage 352 may be connected to communicate with the cooling fluid supply port 374 of the cooling fluid inlet / outlet portion 370.

[0116] There may be at least one upper flow passage 352. In the following, in this embodiment, in order to ensure cooling performance, the description will be limited to the case where a plurality of upper flow passages 352 are provided.

[0117] The lower flow passage 354 may be disposed below (in the −Z-axis direction) the cooling tube 310, spaced apart from at least one upper flow passage 352, and may be formed to a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction (in the Y-axis direction) of the cooling tube 310. The lower flow passage 354 may be connected to communicate with the cooling fluid discharge port 376 of the cooling fluid inlet / outlet unit 370.

[0118] There may be at least one lower flow passage 354. In the following, in this embodiment, in order to ensure cooling performance, the description will be limited to the case where a plurality of lower flow passages 354 are provided.

[0119] The connecting flow channel 356 can connect at least one upper flow channel, in this embodiment, a plurality of upper flow channels 352 , to at least one lower flow channel, in this embodiment, a plurality of lower flow channels 354 .

[0120] The connecting channel 356 may be provided at the other end (+Y-axis direction) of the cooling tube 310 opposite the cooling fluid inlet / outlet 370 in order to maximize the cooling channel 350 .

[0121] In this embodiment, when the cooling fluid circulates in the cooling flow path 350, the cooling fluid supplied from the cooling fluid supply port 374 is first supplied to the upper flow path 352 located near the bus bar assembly 200, and then flows through the connecting flow path 356 and the lower flow path 354 toward the cooling fluid discharge port 376.

[0122] As a result, in this embodiment, cold cooling fluid is preferentially supplied to the area near the busbar assembly 200, which has a relatively high temperature distribution within the battery pack 1, thereby significantly improving the cooling performance of the battery cells 100.

[0123] The cooling fluid inlet / outlet port 370 may be connected to the cooling tube 310 so as to communicate with the cooling flow path 350 of the cooling tube 310. The cooling fluid inlet / outlet port 370 may be exposed to the outside of the side structural unit 400 (described later) and connected to communicate with an external cooling line.

[0124] The cooling fluid inlet / outlet part 370 may be provided on one side (-Y axis direction) in the longitudinal direction (Y axis direction) of the battery pack 1. The cooling tube 310 connected to the cooling fluid inlet / outlet part 370 may be formed with a predetermined length from the cooling fluid inlet / outlet part 370 toward the other side (+Y axis direction) of the battery pack 1 in the longitudinal direction (Y axis direction) of the battery pack 1.

[0125] The cooling fluid outlet section 370 may include an outlet section body (a supply port body 371 , an exhaust port body 372 ), a cooling fluid supply port 374 , and a cooling fluid exhaust port 376 .

[0126] The outlet body (supply port body 371, exhaust port body 372) may be connected to one end (-Y axis direction) of the cooling tube 310. Such an outlet body may include the supply port body 371 and the exhaust port body 372.

[0127] The supply port body 371 covers one end (in the -Y-axis direction) of the cooling tube 310 and may be coupled to an exhaust port body 372, which will be described later. The supply port body 371 may have a supply port through-hole 371a formed therein, through which a cooling fluid supply port 374, which will be described later, passes. The cooling fluid supply port 374, which will be described later, may pass through the supply port through-hole 371a and communicate with an upper flow passage 352, which will be described later, via a cooling fluid guide 318. Specifically, the cooling fluid supply port 374, which will be described later, may communicate with an upper flow passage 352, which will be described later, via a cooling fluid guide 318, which is located on the upper side (in the +Z-axis direction) of the cooling fluid guide 318 of the cooling tube 310.

[0128] The discharge port body 372 may be coupled to the supply port body 371 on the opposite side of the supply port body 371 with one end (-Y axis direction) of the cooling tube 310 in between, and may cover one end (-Y axis direction) of the cooling tube 310. Here, the discharge port body 372 and the supply port body 371 may be assembled to each other by press hemming.

[0129] The discharge port body 372 may have a discharge port through-hole 372a formed therein through which a cooling fluid discharge port 376 (described later) passes. The cooling fluid discharge port 376 (described later) passes through the discharge port through-hole 372a and may communicate with a lower flow passage 354 (described later) via a cooling fluid guide 318. Specifically, the cooling fluid discharge port 376 (described later) may communicate with a lower flow passage 354 (described later) via a cooling fluid guide 318 (described later) that is located on the lower side (in the −Z-axis direction) of the cooling fluid guides 318 of the cooling tube 310.

[0130] The cooling fluid supply port 374 may be provided in the supply port body 371 of the outlet body (supply port body 371, discharge port body 372) and may be connected to communicate with the upper flow passage 352. Here, the cooling fluid supply port 374 may be caulked to the supply port body 371. The cooling fluid supply port 374 may be connected to communicate with the external cooling line.

[0131] The cooling fluid discharge port 376 may be provided in the discharge port body 372 of the outlet body (supply port body 371, discharge port body 372) and may be connected to communicate with the lower flow passage 354. Here, the cooling fluid discharge port 376 may be caulked to the discharge port body 372. The cooling fluid discharge port 376 may be spaced a predetermined distance from the cooling fluid supply port 374 and may be connected to communicate with an external cooling line.

[0132] 2, the side structural unit 400 includes a plastic resin material, and may support the battery cells 100, ensure the rigidity of the battery cells 100, and form the side appearance of the battery pack 1.

[0133] The side structural unit 400 will be described in more detail below with reference to the related drawings.

[0134] 15 is a diagram for explaining the side structural unit shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the main plate of the side structural unit of FIG.

[0135] 15 and 16, the side structural unit 400 supports the battery cells 100 and ensures the rigidity of the battery cells 100, while functioning as a pack case that forms the outer surface of the battery pack 1 (see FIG. 2) and defines the appearance of the battery pack 1 (see FIG. 2).

[0136] Such a side structural unit 400 is formed with a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery pack 1, and can accommodate and support the battery cells 100.

[0137] The side structural unit 400 may include a main plate 410 and an end plate 450 .

[0138] The main plate 410 is formed to a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery pack 1 and can accommodate the battery cells 100 arranged in two rows along the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery pack 1. A plurality of such main plates 410 can be provided and arranged at a predetermined distance from each other along the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery pack 1.

[0139] The plurality of main plates 410 ensures the rigidity of the battery cells 100 and the cooling unit 300, and at the same time, occupies a predetermined space within the battery pack 1 (see FIG. 2), thereby reducing the amount of filling member 500 to be injected, which will be described later. Since the filling member 500 containing a silicone resin, which will be described later, is relatively expensive, reducing the amount of silicone resin to be injected by using the plurality of main plates 410 can further ensure price competitiveness during the manufacture of the battery pack 1.

[0140] Each of the plurality of main plates 410 may include a first cell receiving portion 411 , a second cell receiving portion 412 , an interwing 413 , a bottom rib 415 , a busbar guide protrusion 416 , a cooling unit insertion groove 417 , and a guide step 418 .

[0141] The first cell accommodating portion 411 may be provided in front of the main plate 410 (positive X-axis direction) along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the main plate 410. Such a first cell accommodating portion 411 may accommodate a plurality of battery cells 100 arranged in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery pack 1. Therefore, a plurality of first cell accommodating portions 411 may be provided in front of the main plate 410 (positive X-axis direction).

[0142] Each of the multiple first cell accommodating portions 411 is configured in a concave shape corresponding to the outer surface of the battery cell 100 and can at least partially surround the outer surface of the battery cell 100.

[0143] The second cell accommodating portion 412 may be provided behind (negative X-axis direction) the main plate 410 along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the main plate 410. Such a second cell accommodating portion 412 may accommodate a plurality of battery cells 100 arranged in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery pack 1. Therefore, a plurality of second cell accommodating portions 412 may be provided behind (negative X-axis direction) the main plate 410.

[0144] Each of the multiple second cell accommodating portions 412 is configured in a concave shape corresponding to the outer surface of the battery cell 100 and can at least partially surround the outer surface of the battery cell 100.

[0145] The plurality of second cell accommodating portions 412 can be arranged alternately with the plurality of first cell accommodating portions 411 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) of the main plate 410 so as to accommodate a maximum number of battery cells 100, which are cylindrical secondary batteries.

[0146] A plurality of interwings 413 may be provided, protruding along the width direction (X-axis direction) of the main plate 410 so as to separate the plurality of first cell accommodating portions 411 and the second cell accommodating portions 412. Specifically, the plurality of interwings 413 may be formed both forward (+X-axis direction) and rearward (-X-axis direction) along the width direction (X-axis direction) of the main plate 410. More specifically, of the plurality of interwings 413, those protruding forward (+axis direction) of the main plate 410 may separate the plurality of first cell accommodating portions 411, and those protruding rearward (-axis direction) of the main plate 410 may separate the plurality of second cell accommodating portions 412.

[0147] The bottom rib 415 is provided on the bottom of the main plate 410 and can support the bottom of the battery cell 100 when the battery cell 100 is accommodated in the main plate 410 .

[0148] Such a bottom rib 415 may be formed to protrude downward (in the −Z axis direction) from the bottom of the battery cell 100 when the battery cell 100 is housed in the main plate 410.

[0149] The bus bar guide protrusion 416 is provided to fix the connecting bus bar unit 230 when assembling the bus bar assembly 200, and is provided on the upper surface of the main plate 410, and at least one bus bar guide protrusion 416 may be provided. Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described limited to the case where a plurality of bus bar guide protrusions 416 are provided.

[0150] When assembling the busbar assembly 200, the busbar guide protrusions 416 are inserted into the guide holes 246 of the busbar cover 240 to guide the accurate positioning of the connecting busbar unit 230. Since the connecting busbar unit 230 is fixed by being inserted into or coupled to the busbar guide protrusions 416, a welding process for electrical connection of the busbar assembly 200 can be performed more stably, and the welding quality during the welding process can be further improved.

[0151] The cooling unit insertion groove 417 is for receiving the end of the cooling unit 300 and may be provided at the end of the main plate 410 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). The end of the cooling unit 300 is disposed in the cooling unit insertion groove 417 when the main plate 410 is assembled, thereby enabling more stable fixation.

[0152] The guide steps 418 may be protruded at a predetermined height from the upper end portions of both sides in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the main plate 410. When the assembly of the side structural unit 400 is completed by combining the main plate 410 with an end plate 450 (described later), the guide steps 418 may form the periphery of the side structural unit 400 together with end guide steps 458 of the end plate 450 (described later).

[0153] The end plates 450 may be provided in pairs on both sides of the outermost edge in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the side structural unit 400. The pair of end plates 450 may accommodate and support the battery cells 100 together with the main plate 410 disposed opposite to them.

[0154] The pair of end plates 450 may be provided with terminal holes 456 and end guide steps 458 .

[0155] Terminal holes 456 are for receiving connector terminals 290 and may be provided at one end of end plate 450 .

[0156] The end guide step 458 may be formed along the upper edge of the end plate 450 and protrude at the same height as the guide step 418. When the assembly of the side structural unit 400 is complete, the end guide step 458, together with the guide step 418 of the main plate 410, may form the periphery of the side structural unit 400.

[0157] Hereinafter, the coupling structure between the battery cell 100 and the cooling unit 300 through the side structure unit 400 will be described in more detail.

[0158] 17 and 18 are diagrams for explaining the connection structure between the battery cell and the cooling unit through the side structure unit of FIG.

[0159] 17 and 18, first, the cooling tubes 310 of the cooling unit 300 are sandwiched between the battery cells 100 arranged in two rows in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery pack 1 (see FIG. 2) among the battery cells 100. In this manner, in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) of the battery cells 100 between which the cooling tubes 310 are sandwiched, the side structural units 400 can accommodate the opposing battery cells 100.

[0160] Specifically, the end plate 450, the battery cell 100, the cooling tube 310, the battery cell 100, and the main plate 410 may be arranged at the outermost position in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery pack 1 (see FIG. 2 ), and then may be coupled again while being arranged in the order of the battery cell 100, the cooling tube 310, the battery cell 100, and the main plate 410. Thereafter, the end plate 450 at the outermost position on the opposite side in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery pack 1 (see FIG. 2 ) is finally arranged and coupled to complete the coupling of the side structural unit 400, and the battery cell 100 and the cooling unit 300 may be housed within the side structural unit 400.

[0161] Here, when the main plates 410 are joined together and when the main plate 410 is joined to the end plate 450, both ends of the cooling unit 300 are inserted into the cooling unit insertion groove 417, thereby preventing interference with the cooling unit 300 and allowing the cooling unit 300 to be fixed more stably.

[0162] Meanwhile, the cooling fluid outlet 370 provided at one end of the cooling unit 300 may be disposed protruding outward from the side structural unit 400 for connection to an external cooling line or the like.

[0163] The side structural unit 400 according to the present embodiment can form the side outer structure of the battery pack 1 (see FIG. 2 ) while accommodating the battery cells 100 and the cooling unit 300 through the coupling between the main plate 410 and the end plate 450. That is, the side structural unit 400 can function as a pack case that forms the exterior of the battery pack 1.

[0164] As a result, the battery pack 1 (see FIG. 1) according to this embodiment can omit a separate additional pack case or pack housing structure through the side structural unit 400, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and further increasing the energy density by reducing the overall size of the battery pack 1.

[0165] 19 and 20 are diagrams for explaining the positional relationship between the battery cells and the cooling unit through the side structure unit of FIG.

[0166] Referring to Figures 19 and 20, the distance A between the center of the battery cell 100 provided in the first cell accommodating portion 411 of the main plate 410 and the center of the battery cell 100 provided in the second cell accommodating portion 412 is a distance set for close contact with the main plate 410 and may vary depending on the thickness of the main plate 410.

[0167] The distance B between the centers of adjacent battery cells 100 in contact with one side of the cooling tube 310 is a distance set to make the contact angle between the battery cell 100 and the cooling tube 310 a predetermined angle, for example, 60°, and can be changed in conjunction with the distance C described below.

[0168] The distance C between the centers of the battery cells 100 arranged opposite each other across the cooling tube 310 is a distance that reflects the thickness of the cooling tube 310, and may be determined in conjunction with the distance B between the centers of the adjacent battery cells 100 that contact one side of the cooling tube 310.

[0169] The distances A, B, and C may be set as optimal distances for closer contact between the battery cell 100 and the tube 310 and the side structural unit 400. Specifically, the optimal distances may be determined in consideration of the diameter of the battery cell 100, the thickness of the cooling tube 310, the contact angle θ between the battery cell 100 and the cooling tube 310, etc. For example, in this embodiment, the diameter of the battery cell 100 may be 46 mm, and the thickness of the cooling tube 310 may be 2.5 mm.

[0170] Meanwhile, the optimum distance may mean that the contact angle θ between the battery cell 100 and the cooling tube 310 is 60° or an angle close to 60°. Here, the pitch P1 between the contact portions of the cooling tube 310 may be linked to the spacing between the battery cells 100, and in this embodiment, the pitch P1 may be 49 mm.

[0171] The distance d1 between the battery cells 100 disposed diagonally opposite each other with the cooling tube 310 therebetween may be determined depending on the ease of assembly of the battery cells 100 and the cooling tube 310, the thickness of the cooling tube 310, and the thickness of a coating or glue for bonding between the cooling tube 310 and the battery cell 100. For example, the distance d1 may be determined taking into consideration not only the thickness of the cooling tube 310 but also the thickness of the coating and glue applied to both sides of the cooling tube 310. Specifically, when the thickness of the cooling tube 310 is 2.5 mm, the thickness of the coating (e.g., epoxy coating) is a maximum of 0.25 mm, and the thickness of the glue is 0.1 mm, the distance d1 may be 3.2 mm taking into consideration the thickness of the cooling tube 310 (2.5 mm), the thickness of the coating applied to both sides of the cooling tube 310 (2*0.25 mm), and the thickness of the glue (2*0.1 mm).

[0172] Meanwhile, the end of the interwing 413 provided between the first cell accommodating portion 411 and the second cell accommodating portion 412 of the main plate 410 may be formed shorter than one side of the battery cell 100 that contacts the cooling tube 310 to prevent interference with the opposing cooling tube 310.

[0173] For example, the distance P2 between the end of the interwing 413 of the main plate 410 and the center of the battery cell 100 may be determined as a distance that can avoid interference with the cooling tube 310, taking into consideration the diameter of the battery cell 100 and the thickness of the cooling tube 310. For example, the distance P2 between the end of the interwing 413 and the center of the battery cell 100 may be 15 mm.

[0174] Meanwhile, the thicknesses of the first cell receiving portion 411 and the second cell receiving portion 412 of the main plate 410 may be determined in consideration of the ease of assembly with the battery cells 100 .

[0175] Specifically, the thicknesses of the first cell accommodating portion 411 and the second cell accommodating portion 412 of the main plate 410 are determined in consideration of the distance d2 between the battery cells 100, and the minimum thickness t of the first cell accommodating portion 411 and the second cell accommodating portion 412 may be approximately half the distance d2 between the battery cells 100. For example, in this embodiment, the distance d2 between the battery cells 100 is 1.5 mm, and the minimum thickness t of the first cell accommodating portion 411 and the second cell accommodating portion 412 may be approximately 0.75 mm, specifically 0.7 mm.

[0176] As a result, when the battery cells 100 are accommodated in the first cell accommodating portion 411 and the second cell accommodating portion 412 of the main plate 410, a predetermined gap space g may be formed between the first cell accommodating portion 411 and the second cell accommodating portion 412.

[0177] When the battery cell 100 is accommodated in each cell accommodating portion (the first cell accommodating portion 411, the second cell accommodating portion 412), the gap space g may be formed in the remaining area excluding the area of ​​the innermost part of the concave shape of the first cell accommodating portion 411 and the second cell accommodating portion 412. Here, the area of ​​the innermost part of the concave shape of the first cell accommodating portion 411 and the second cell accommodating portion 412 may refer to the area located on the opposite side of the protruding portion of the interwing 413 on the inner surface of the concave shape of the first cell accommodating portion 411 and the second cell accommodating portion 412.

[0178] As a result, when the battery cells 100 are accommodated in the first cell accommodating portion 411 and the second cell accommodating portion 412 of the main plate 410, the battery cells 100 may contact the inner surfaces of the first cell accommodating portion 411 and the second cell accommodating portion 412 only in the innermost concave portion region, and may be spaced apart by a gap space g in other inner surfaces of the first cell accommodating portion 411 and the second cell accommodating portion 412. Meanwhile, an adhesive or the like that adheres to the battery cells 100 may be applied to the innermost concave portion region that comes into contact with the battery cells 100.

[0179] In addition, when the battery cells 100 are received in the first cell receiving portion 411 and the second cell receiving portion 412 of the main plate 410, the interwing 413 may also be spaced apart from the battery cells 100 by the gap space g.

[0180] In this embodiment, when assembling the battery cell 100 and the main plate 410, specifically when accommodating the battery cell 100 in the first cell accommodating portion 411 and the second cell accommodating portion 412, such gap space g can prevent interference or collision between the battery cell 100 and the first cell accommodating portion 411, the second cell accommodating portion 412, and the interwing 413, etc., thereby significantly improving assembly efficiency.

[0181] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the assembly tolerances of the members can be absorbed to a large extent through the gap space g, and problems such as incorrect assembly or assembly defects due to the assembly tolerances can be significantly reduced.

[0182] Furthermore, the gap space g may be filled with a filler member 500, which will be described later. In this manner, in the present embodiment, since the gap space g is filled with the filler member 500, the amount of filler member 500 between the battery cells 100 can be further ensured.

[0183] Therefore, in this embodiment, the battery cells 100 can be more stably supported in the first cell accommodating portion 411 and the second cell accommodating portion 412 of the main plate 410 through the filling member 500 filled in the gap space g.

[0184] Furthermore, when an event such as thermal runaway of a battery cell 100 occurs, the filling member 500 filled in the gap space g can more effectively prevent current flow to the adjacent battery cell 100 or thermal runaway.

[0185] 21 to 23 are diagrams for explaining the contact structure between the battery cell of FIG. 20 and the cooling unit.

[0186] 21 to 23, the outer circumferential surface of the battery cell 100 may contact the cooling tube 310 of the cooling unit 300 in the height direction (Z-axis direction). Here, the contact area A2 between the battery cell 100 and the cooling tube 310 may be determined depending on the contact angle θ between the battery cell 100 and the cooling tube 310, the height h2 of the cooling tube 310, etc., in consideration of ease of assembly and optimal cooling performance.

[0187] In this embodiment, the contact area A2 of the cooling tube 310 of the battery cell 100 may be in the range of about 14% to 15% of the entire area A1 of the outer circumferential surface of the battery cell 100.

[0188] For example, in this embodiment, the radius R of the battery cell 100 may be 23 mm, the height h1 may be 80 mm, the height h2 of the cooling tube 310 may be 70 mm, and the contact angle θ between the battery cell 100 and the cooling tube 310 may be 60°. In this case, the total area A1 of the outer peripheral surface of the battery cell 100 may be determined as the product of the circumferential length (2πR), i.e., the base length (2πR), and the outer side height h1 of the battery cell 100. As a result, the total area A1 of the outer peripheral surface of the battery cell 100 is 0.368πm 2 If we replace π with 3.14, we get about 1.16m 2 In addition, the contact area A2 of the cooling tube 310 of the battery cell 100 can be determined as the product of the arc length l according to the contact angle θ and the height h2 of the cooling tube 310. Here, the arc length l can be derived from the following Equation 1.

[0189]

number

[0190] As a result, the arc length l is approximately 0.077πm, which is approximately 0.242m when π is replaced by 3.14. Therefore, the contact area A2 of the cooling tube 310 of the battery cell 100 is approximately 0.169m, which is calculated by multiplying the arc length l by the height h2 of the cooling tube 310, which is 70 mm. 2 It could be.

[0191] As described above, in this embodiment, the contact area A2 of the cooling tube 310 of the battery cell 100 may be set to a range of approximately 14.5% of the total area A1 of the outer circumferential surface of the battery cell 100 to ensure optimal cooling performance and also ensure ease of assembly with the cooling tube 310.

[0192] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the height h1 of the battery cell 100 may be formed to be greater than the height h2 of the cooling tube 310 so as to avoid contact between the cooling tube 310 and the connecting busbar unit 230, thereby preventing the possibility of a short circuit between the cooling tube 310 and the connecting busbar unit 230.

[0193] Figure 24 is a diagram showing the bottom of the side structural unit of Figure 15 when it is connected to a battery cell, Figure 25 is an enlarged bottom view of the main parts of the side structural unit of Figure 24, and Figure 26 is a side view of the main parts of the side structural unit of Figure 24.

[0194] 24 to 26, the bottom rib 415 of the side structural unit 400 may be provided to protrude further downward (in the −Z-axis direction) than the bottom of the battery cell 100 and not interfere with the vent portion 31 of the battery cell 100. As a result, when gas is discharged through the vent portion 31 due to overheating of the battery cell 100, the gas can be discharged more quickly without interference from the bottom rib 415.

[0195] Furthermore, the bottom rib 415 is formed to cover one side of the bottom of the battery cell 100, and when the battery cell 100 is accommodated in the side structural unit 400, the battery cell 100 can be more firmly fixed within the side structural unit 400.

[0196] As a result, the height h3 of the side structural unit 400 may be configured to be greater than the height of the battery cell 100 so as to cover all of the upper and lower sides of the battery cell 100 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). For example, in the present embodiment, since the height of the battery cell 100 is 80 mm, the height h3 of the side structural unit 400 may be greater than the height h3 of the battery cell 100 on all of the upper and lower sides of the battery cell 100.

[0197] Furthermore, the height h3 of the side structural unit 400 may be set to a height that covers the thickness of the busbar assembly 200 and the filler member 500 placed on the battery cell 100. Specifically, taking all of these factors into consideration, the height h3 of the side structural unit 400 may be set to a range of approximately 85 mm to 95 mm. More specifically, the height h3 of the side structural unit 400 may be 90.3 mm, or approximately 90 mm.

[0198] 2, the filling member 500 may be filled in the space between the cooling unit 300 and the plurality of battery cells 100 in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the battery pack 1. Meanwhile, in FIG. 2, for ease of understanding, the filling member 500 is shown by a rectangular parallelepiped dotted line (two-dot chain line), but the filling member 500 may be filled in the entire space between the cooling unit 300 and the plurality of battery cells 100.

[0199] The filling member 500 can form a pack case structure of the battery pack 1 together with the side structural unit 400 by covering the upper and lower sides of the battery pack 1 (see FIG. 2).

[0200] In addition, the filling member 500 can fix the plurality of battery cells 100 more stably, and at the same time, can increase the heat dissipation efficiency of the plurality of battery cells 100, thereby further improving the cooling performance of the battery cells 100.

[0201] The filling member 500 may include a potting resin. The potting resin may be formed by injecting a loose resin material into the plurality of battery cells 100 and hardening it. Here, the injection of the resin material may be performed at room temperature of about 15°C to 25°C to prevent thermal damage to the plurality of battery cells 100.

[0202] Specifically, the filling member 500 may include a silicone resin. However, without being limited thereto, the filling member 500 may include other resin materials other than the silicone resin that can improve the fixing and heat dissipation efficiency of the battery cells 100.

[0203] More specifically, the filling member 500 covers the portion of the battery cell 100 that is not in contact with the cooling tube 310, thereby guiding the thermal balance of the battery cell 100 and preventing uneven cooling of the battery cell 100, thereby preventing local deterioration of the battery cell 100. Furthermore, by preventing local deterioration of the battery cell 100, the safety of the battery cell 100 can also be significantly improved.

[0204] In addition, the filling member 500 can act as an insulator that prevents current from flowing to an adjacent battery cell 100 when at least one specific battery cell 100 among the plurality of battery cells 100 is damaged due to an abnormal condition.

[0205] In addition, the filling member 500 may include a material having high specific heat performance. As a result, the filling member 500 increases the thermal mass and delays a temperature rise of the battery cell 100 even in a situation such as rapid charging and discharging of the battery cell 100, thereby preventing a rapid temperature rise of the battery cell 100.

[0206] The filler member 500 may also include glass bubbles, which can reduce the specific gravity of the filler member 500 and increase the energy density per weight.

[0207] Furthermore, the filling member 500 may include a material with high heat resistance, which allows the filling member 500 to effectively prevent thermal runaway from spreading to adjacent battery cells when a thermal event such as overheating occurs in at least one specific battery cell 100 among the plurality of battery cells 100.

[0208] Furthermore, the filling member 500 may include a material with high flame retardancy, which can minimize the risk of fire when a thermal event such as overheating occurs in at least one specific battery cell 100 among the plurality of battery cells 100.

[0209] The filling member 500 may be filled into the bus bar assembly 200 in addition to the battery cells 100. Specifically, the filling member 500 may be filled into the bus bar assembly 200 so as to cover the upper side of the bus bar assembly 200.

[0210] Here, the filling member 500 may be continuously filled between the bus bar assembly 200 and the battery cell 100 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) of the battery cell 100 without any disconnected or separated space between the bus bar assembly 200 and the battery cell 100.

[0211] In this way, the filling member 500 according to this embodiment is continuously filled between the battery cells 100 and the bus bar assemblies 200 without any breaks, thereby realizing uniform heat dispersion without any variations in heat dispersion in the region between the battery cells 100 and the bus bar assemblies 200, and significantly improving the cooling performance of the battery pack 1.

[0212] Furthermore, the filling member 500 may be filled in portions other than the outer surface of the side structural unit 400. Here, the filling member 500 may be continuously filled in the battery cells 100, the busbar assemblies 200, and the side structural unit 400 without any breaks, thereby further improving the cooling performance of the battery pack 1.

[0213] The formation of the pack case structure by injecting the filling member 500 will be described in more detail below.

[0214] 27 to 29 are diagrams for explaining the formation of a pack case structure by injecting a filling material into the battery pack shown in FIG.

[0215] 27 to 29, an operator may use a resin injection device I to inject and apply the filling member 500 containing the silicone resin, thereby forming the upper and lower pack case structures of the battery pack 1 (see FIG. 2) through the filling member 500 containing the resin material. Specifically, the filling member 500 may be filled up to a protruding height h4 of the bottom rib 415 while covering the upper side of the busbar assembly 200 on the upper side (+Z-axis direction) of the battery pack 1 and covering the bottom of the battery cell 100 on the lower side (-Z-axis direction) of the battery pack 1. Here, the protruding height h4 of the bottom rib 415 may be designed to a predetermined height taking into consideration the injection amount of the filling member 500.

[0216] During the injection and application process of the filling member 500 using the resin injection device I, an injection guider S may be provided at the bottom of the side structural unit 400 to prevent resin from flowing downward (in the -Z axis direction) when the filling member 500 is injected. The injection guider S may be made of a Teflon (registered trademark) material or the like for easy detachment after the filling member 500 has hardened.

[0217] During the injection and application process of the filling member 500, the side structural unit 400, together with the injection guider S, can serve as a formwork that supports the battery cells 100 and the cooling unit 300 and prevents the resin from leaking out.

[0218] As a result, in this embodiment, the side structure unit 400 eliminates the need for an additional injection guide jig structure in the side direction during the injection and application process of the filling material 500, thereby significantly improving work efficiency while reducing manufacturing costs.

[0219] Furthermore, the side structural unit 400 guides the accurate positioning of the connecting busbar unit 230 through the busbar guide protrusions 416 inserted into the connecting busbar unit 230, thereby effectively preventing twisting or misalignment of the connecting busbar unit 230 that may occur when the filling material 500 is injected.

[0220] In addition, the guide step 418 and end guide step 458 formed on the upper edge of the side structural unit 400 make it easier to inject the filling member 500 so that it more reliably covers the busbar assembly 200 by improving the injection accuracy of the filling member 500, and also effectively prevents the filling member 500 from overflowing.

[0221] Here, the side structural unit 400 exposes components connected to external devices such as the interconnection board 260, connector terminal 290, and cooling fluid inlet / outlet port 370 to the outside, so there are no problems such as interference with these components when injecting or applying the filling material 500.

[0222] As a result, in this embodiment, the pack case structure of the battery pack 1 (see Figure 1) is formed using the side structural unit 400 and the filling member 500, which simplifies the assembly process of the battery pack 1 compared to the conventional case in which the pack case structure is formed as a complex assembly of multiple plates, significantly reducing manufacturing costs and ensuring price competitiveness.

[0223] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the pack case structure formed by the side structural unit 400 and the filling member 500 can reduce the overall size of the battery pack 1 and significantly increase the energy density compared to a conventional pack case structure provided as a cell frame structure including an assembly of multiple plates.

[0224] FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 31 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of FIG.

[0225] Since the battery pack 2 according to this embodiment is similar to the battery pack 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the description of the configurations that are substantially the same as or similar to those of the above-described embodiment will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the differences from the above-described embodiment.

[0226] 30 and 31, the battery pack 2 may include a plurality of battery cells 100, a busbar assembly 205, a cooling unit 300, a side structural unit 405, and a filling member 500.

[0227] The plurality of battery cells 100, the cooling unit 300, and the filling member 500 are substantially the same as or similar to those in the above-described embodiments, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0228] The busbar assembly 205 will be described in more detail below with reference to the associated drawings.

[0229] FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating the busbar assembly of the battery pack shown in FIG. 30, and FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating the high-voltage busbar unit of the busbar assembly shown in FIG.

[0230] 32, 33, and 31, the busbar assembly 205 may include a main busbar unit 210, a connecting busbar unit 230, an interconnection board 260, a high-voltage busbar unit (high-voltage line member 270, connector mounting member 280), and a connector terminal 290.

[0231] The main bus bar unit 210, the connecting bus bar unit 230, and the interconnection board 260 are substantially the same as or similar to those in the above-described embodiments, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0232] The high-voltage busbar units (high-voltage line members 270, connector mounting members 280) are intended to ensure the electrical safety of the busbar assembly 200, and may be formed to be thicker than the main busbar unit 210. For example, in this embodiment, the main busbar unit 210 has a thickness of 0.4 mm, and the high-voltage busbar units (high-voltage line members 270, connector mounting members 280) have a thickness of 4 mm, which is thicker than the main busbar unit 210.

[0233] Such a high voltage busbar unit may include a high voltage line member 270 and a connector mounting member 280 .

[0234] The high-voltage line member 270 may be disposed at the bottom of the main busbar unit 210 and configured to have a predetermined length for stable current flow. Such high-voltage line member 270 may be attached to both ends of a main plate 410 of a side structural unit 405 (described later) in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery pack 2.

[0235] A plurality of high-voltage line members 270 may be provided depending on the number and capacity of the battery cells 100 of the battery pack 2. That is, the number of high-voltage line members 270 may vary depending on the number and capacity of the battery cells 100.

[0236] Such high voltage line member 270 will be described in more detail below.

[0237] The high voltage line member 270 may include a first high voltage line portion (first voltage line portion) 271 , a second high voltage line portion (second voltage line portion) 273 , and a connecting line portion 275 .

[0238] The first high-voltage line portion 271 may be formed to a predetermined length and placed on the main plate 410 so as to be disposed at the bottom of the main busbar unit 210. Here, the first high-voltage line portion 271 may be formed to be thicker than the main busbar unit 210 in consideration of current capacity. The first high-voltage line portion 271 may be placed on a first line accommodating portion 419a of the main plate 410, which will be described later.

[0239] The second high-voltage line part 273 may be spaced apart from the first high-voltage line part 271 in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the battery pack 2 and may be located at the bottom of the main plate 410. The second high-voltage line part 273 may be formed to the same thickness as the first high-voltage line part 271 and may form a current path together with the first high-voltage line part 271.

[0240] The connecting line portion 275 connects the first high-voltage line portion 271 and the second high-voltage line portion 273 and may be disposed on both sides of the main plate 410 in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the main plate 410. The connecting line portion 275 is integrally formed with the first high-voltage line portion 271 and the second high-voltage line portion 273 and may form the current path together with the first high-voltage line portion 271 and the second high-voltage line portion 273.

[0241] In this embodiment, one of the first high voltage line section 271 and the second high voltage line section 273 may include an open circuit section that allows current to flow from the first high voltage line section 271 to the second high voltage line section 273 or vice versa via the connecting line section 275.

[0242] A plurality of such connection line portions 275 may be provided. The connection line portions 275 may be arranged at predetermined distances from each other in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery pack 2. Furthermore, the connection line portions 275 may be arranged between the cooling units 300 to prevent interference with the cooling units 300 in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery pack 2.

[0243] A pair of connector mounting members 280 may be provided. The pair of connector mounting members 280 may be disposed between the high-voltage line members 270 and attached to a pair of end plates 450 (see FIG. 34 ) of a side structural unit 405, which will be described later.

[0244] Such a pair of connector fittings 280 may include a high voltage line portion 281 and a connector mating portion 285 .

[0245] The high-voltage line portion 281 may be formed to a predetermined length and placed on the end plate 450 so as to be disposed at the bottom of the main bus bar unit 210. The high-voltage line portion 281 may be placed on a connector mounting member accommodating portion 459 of the end plate 450, which will be described later. An upper portion of the high-voltage line portion 281 may be disposed on the same line as the first high-voltage line portion 271 in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery pack 2.

[0246] Connector coupling portion 285 extends from high-voltage line portion 281 and can be disposed on a side surface along the height direction (Z-axis direction) of end plate 450. Connector terminals 290, which will be described later, can be attached to such connector coupling portion 285.

[0247] The connector terminals 290 are provided in pairs and can be connected to the connector mounting member 280. Specifically, the pair of connector terminals 290 can be attached to the connector coupling portions 285 of the respective connector mounting members 280. Such a pair of connector terminals 290 can be attached to a pair of end plates 450, which will be described later, while being connected to the connector mounting member 280.

[0248] In this embodiment, the high-voltage busbar unit (high-voltage line member 270, connector mounting member 280) guides a stable current flow in the battery pack 2, thereby improving the electrical safety of the battery pack 2 and further improving efficiency during charging and discharging.

[0249] Figure 34 is a diagram for explaining the side structure unit of the battery pack shown in Figure 30, Figure 35 is a diagram for explaining the main plate of the side structure unit shown in Figure 33, Figure 36 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the battery cell and the cooling unit through the side structure unit of Figure 34, and Figures 37 to 40 are diagrams for explaining the mounting structure of the side structure unit of Figure 34 and the high-voltage busbar unit.

[0250] 34 to 40 and 31, the side structural unit 405 may include a plurality of main plates 410 and a pair of end plates 450.

[0251] Each of the multiple main plates 410 may include a first cell accommodating portion 411, a second cell accommodating portion 412, an interwing 413, a bottom rib 415, a busbar guide protrusion 416, a cooling unit insertion groove 417, and a high-voltage line component accommodating portion (a first line accommodating portion 419a, a second line accommodating portion 419b).

[0252] The first cell accommodating section 411, the second cell accommodating section 412, the interwing 413, the bottom rib 415, the bus bar guide protrusion 416, and the cooling unit insertion groove 417 are substantially the same as or similar to the above-described embodiments, so duplicate descriptions will be omitted.

[0253] The high-voltage line member accommodating portions (first line accommodating portion 419a, second line accommodating portion 419b) may be formed at both ends along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the main plate 410. The first high-voltage line portion 271 and the second high-voltage line portion 273 of the high-voltage line member 270 may be placed in these high-voltage line member accommodating portions (first line accommodating portion 419a, second line accommodating portion 419b).

[0254] The high voltage line member housing may include a first line housing 419a and a second line housing 419b.

[0255] The first line accommodating portion 419a accommodates the first high-voltage line portion 271 and may be formed at the edge of the upper end (+Z-axis direction) of both ends along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the main plate 410. The first line accommodating portion 419a may be formed with a step of a predetermined depth to prevent the first high-voltage line portion 271 from protruding upward (+Z-axis direction) of the battery pack 2 when accommodating the first high-voltage line portion 271. Here, the predetermined depth may be at least equal to the thickness of the first high-voltage line portion 271.

[0256] The second line accommodating portion 419b accommodates the second high-voltage line portion 273 and may be formed on the edge of the lower end (-Z-axis direction) of both ends along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the main plate 410. The second line accommodating portion 419b may be formed with a step of a predetermined depth to prevent the second high-voltage line portion 273 from protruding downward (in the -Z-axis direction) of the battery pack 2 when accommodating the second high-voltage line portion 273. Here, the predetermined depth may be at least equal to the thickness of the second high-voltage line portion 273.

[0257] The pair of end plates 450 may include terminal holes 456 , end guide steps 458 , and connector mounting member receiving portions 459 .

[0258] The terminal holes 456 and the end guide steps 458 are similar to those in the above embodiment, and therefore a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0259] The connector mounting member accommodating portions 459 accommodate the high-voltage line portion 281, and may be formed on the edges of the upper ends (+Z-axis direction) of both ends along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the end plate 450. The connector mounting member accommodating portions 459 may be formed with a step of a predetermined depth to prevent the high-voltage line portion 281 from protruding upward (+Z-axis direction) of the battery pack 2 when accommodating the high-voltage line portion 281. Here, the predetermined depth may be at least equal to the thickness of the high-voltage line portion 281.

[0260] Furthermore, connector mounting member accommodating portion 459 can accommodate a portion of first high-voltage line portion 271 placed on first line accommodating portion 419a of main plate 410 adjacent to end plate 450 on the side opposite to where connector terminal 290 is arranged. Therefore, connector mounting member accommodating portion 459 can be disposed on the same line as first line accommodating portion 419a in the width direction (X-axis direction) of battery pack 2.

[0261] 41 and 42 are diagrams for explaining the injection of the filling material into the battery pack of FIG.

[0262] Referring to Figures 41 and 42, a worker or the like can form the pack case structure of the upper and lower parts of the battery pack 2 (see Figure 30) by using a resin injection device I and an injection guider S to inject and apply a filling member 500 provided as a silicone resin.

[0263] In this embodiment, the filling member 500 may be filled on the upper side (+Z-axis direction) of the battery pack 2 so as to cover a portion of the main busbar unit 210 and the coupling busbar unit 230 of the busbar assembly 200.

[0264] Here, the filling member 500 may be filled on the upper sides (+Z-axis direction) of the main busbar unit 210 and the connecting busbar unit 230, which are placed on the upper side (+Z-axis direction) of the side structure unit 400, so as to cover only the electrode connection portions of the battery cells 100 that are electrically connected to the main busbar unit 210 and the connecting busbar unit 230. In other words, the filling member 500 may be filled to a height that covers only the electrode connection portions of the main busbar unit 210 and the connecting busbar unit 230 that are bent downward (in the -Z-axis direction) for electrical connection.

[0265] Specifically, the filling member 500 may be filled to the extent that it covers only the positive busbar hole 242 and the negative busbar hole 244 of the connecting busbar unit 230. More specifically, the filling member 500 may be filled until it is aligned with the horizontal portion of the main busbar unit 210 and the horizontal portion of the busbar cover 240. As a result, after filling with the filling member 500 is complete, the horizontal portion of the main busbar unit 210 and the busbar cover 240 of the connecting busbar unit 230 may be partially exposed on the top surface (+Z-axis direction) of the battery pack 2.

[0266] As described above, in this embodiment, the filling member 500 covers only the electrode connection portions of the battery cells 100 that are electrically connected to the main busbar unit 210 and the connecting busbar unit 230 of the busbar assembly 200 on the upper surface (+Z-axis direction) of the battery pack 2, thereby optimizing the amount of application of the filling member 500 provided as silicone resin and effectively ensuring the safety of the electrical connection.

[0267] FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0268] Referring to FIG. 43, the vehicle V may be an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle and may include at least one of the battery packs 1, 2 of the above-described embodiments as an energy source.

[0269] In this embodiment, the above-described battery packs 1, 2 are provided in a compact structure with high energy density, and therefore, when mounted on the automobile V, a modular structure of the plurality of battery packs 1, 2 can be easily realized, and a relatively high degree of freedom in mounting can be ensured even in the various shapes of interior spaces of the automobile V. That is, in this embodiment, at least one of the battery packs 1, 2 can be provided as a battery pack case structure that can easily be realized as a modular structure and has a high degree of mounting freedom.

[0270] In addition, the longitudinal direction of at least one battery pack 1, 2 may be arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle V so that the side structural unit 400 can protect the plurality of battery cells 100 during front and rear collisions of the vehicle V.

[0271] Through the various embodiments described above, it is possible to provide battery packs 1 and 2 that can improve energy density and ensure rigidity, and a vehicle V including the battery packs.

[0272] Furthermore, through the various embodiments described above, it is possible to provide battery packs 1 and 2 and a vehicle V including the same that can improve price competitiveness and manufacturing efficiency.

[0273] Furthermore, through the various embodiments described above, it is possible to provide battery packs 1 and 2 capable of improving cooling performance, and a vehicle V including the same.

[0274] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Various modifications can be made by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood separately from the technical ideas and prospects of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0275] 1, 2 Battery pack 20 Battery can (negative electrode of battery cell) 40 First electrode terminal (positive electrode of battery cell) 100 battery cells 200, 205 Busbar Assembly 250 Single Layer Sub-Busbar 254 Positive electrode connection part 256 Negative electrode connection part 300 Cooling Unit 400, 405 side structural unit

Claims

1. A battery pack, a plurality of battery cells; a busbar assembly having a first side and a second side, the second side of the busbar assembly being provided on first sides of the plurality of battery cells and electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells; a cooling unit disposed on a second side of the bus bar assembly and disposed between the plurality of battery cells along a longitudinal direction of the battery pack; a side structural unit configured to be able to accommodate the cooling unit and the plurality of battery cells; Including, The positive and negative electrodes of the plurality of battery cells are electrically connected to the positive and negative electrode connecting portions of a single-layer sub-bus bar included in the bus bar assembly, respectively.

2. The busbar assembly includes: a main bus bar unit electrically connected to battery cells arranged at the outermost positions in the longitudinal direction of the battery pack; a connecting busbar unit disposed between the main busbar units in the longitudinal direction of the battery pack and electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells; 10. The battery pack of claim 1, comprising:

3. The connecting busbar unit includes: a bus bar cover covering an upper side of the plurality of battery cells; The single-layer sub-busbar is inserted into the busbar cover and is electrically connected to positive and negative electrodes of the plurality of battery cells; 3. The battery pack of claim 2, comprising:

4. The battery pack of claim 3 , wherein the bus bar cover comprises an insulating material.

5. The battery pack of claim 4 , wherein the bus bar cover comprises a polyimide film.

6. The bus bar covers are provided in pairs, The battery pack according to claim 3 , wherein the pair of bus bar covers are configured to have corresponding shapes and sizes in a height direction of the battery pack and are coupled to each other.

7. The bus bar cover is a positive bus bar hole having an opening space of a predetermined size; a negative electrode bus bar hole that is arranged opposite the positive electrode bus bar hole and has an opening space of a predetermined size like the positive electrode bus bar hole; a fastening hole configured to couple the side structural unit to the busbar cover; 7. The battery pack of claim 6, comprising:

8. The battery pack according to claim 7 , wherein the side structural unit includes a stub aligned with and coupled to the fastening hole.

9. The sub-busbar is a busbar bridge inserted into the busbar cover and formed to a predetermined length along the width direction of the battery pack; a positive electrode connecting portion that extends integrally from the bus bar bridge and protrudes, and is disposed within the positive electrode bus bar hole; a negative electrode connecting portion extending integrally from the bus bar bridge, protruding in a direction opposite to the positive electrode connecting portion, and disposed in the negative electrode bus bar hole; 8. The battery pack of claim 7, comprising:

10. The battery pack according to claim 9 , wherein the bus bar bridges are arranged in a zigzag pattern in the width direction of the battery pack.

11. The bus bar bridge is provided in a plurality of pieces, The battery pack according to claim 9 , wherein the plurality of bus bar bridges are arranged at predetermined distances in the longitudinal direction of the battery pack.

12. The battery pack according to claim 9 , wherein the positive electrode connection part and the positive electrode of the battery cell are connected to each other through an open space of the positive electrode bus bar hole.

13. The battery pack according to claim 9 , wherein the negative electrode connector and the negative electrode of the battery cell are connected through an open space of the negative electrode bus bar hole.

14. The battery pack according to claim 9 , wherein the positive electrode connector and the negative electrode connector are aligned parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction of the battery pack.

15. A battery pack case structure comprising at least one battery pack according to claim 1.

16. A motor vehicle, The battery pack case structure according to claim 15, A vehicle, wherein a longitudinal direction of at least one of the battery packs is arranged perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle so as to protect a plurality of the battery cells in the event of a front or rear collision of the vehicle.

17. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of battery cells are compressed in a height direction of a battery can of each of the plurality of battery cells.

18. A battery pack, a plurality of battery cells disposed within the battery pack; a side structural unit that forms a support structure in which the plurality of battery cells can be arranged within the battery pack, the side structural unit including a first main plate and a second main plate that support the plurality of battery cells on both sides; a cooling unit disposed between the plurality of battery cells at an intermediate point between the first main plate and the second main plate; a bus bar assembly that electrically connects the plurality of battery cells; Including, The busbar assembly includes: a plurality of connecting busbar units in direct contact with the plurality of battery cells and extending along a longitudinal direction of the battery pack; a plurality of main bus bar units electrically connected to adjacent coupling bus bar units and extending along the width direction of the battery pack; Including, The battery pack, wherein the plurality of connecting busbar units and the plurality of main busbar units are located on only one side of the plurality of battery cells.

19. a connecting terminal electrically connected to the bus bar assembly and formed on a first side of the battery pack; 19. The battery pack of claim 18, wherein the cooling unit is formed on a second side of the battery pack, and the first side and the second side include a cooling fluid outlet portion whose opposite sides in a longitudinal direction of the battery pack are the first side and the second side.

20. The battery pack according to claim 18 , wherein the plurality of battery cells, the side structural unit, the cooling unit, and the busbar assembly form a modular unit.

21. a plurality of modular units, each modular unit including a plurality of the battery cells, the side structural unit, the cooling unit, and the bus bar assembly; a filler member that encases the plurality of modular units; 21. The battery pack of claim 20, comprising:

22. The modular unit is provided in a plurality of pieces, The battery pack according to claim 20 , wherein the plurality of modular units are arranged in a width direction of the battery pack so as to protect the plurality of battery cells from impact.

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