Battery pack and automobile including same

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack that can increase energy density while ensuring rigidity, and a vehicle including the battery pack. [Solution] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a busbar assembly having a plurality of battery cells and a first side and a second side, wherein the second side of the busbar assembly is provided on the first side of the plurality of battery cells and is electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells; a cooling unit arranged on the second side of the busbar assembly and arranged between the plurality of battery cells along the length of the battery pack; and a side structure unit that houses the cooling unit and the plurality of battery cells, and is characterized in that the battery pack is connected so that the side structure unit, the first set of the plurality of battery cells, the cooling unit, the second set of the plurality of battery cells, and another side structure unit are arranged sequentially in the width direction of the battery pack in the order named in that order.

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. 10-2021-0135352 filed on October 12, 2021, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0101126 filed on August 12, 2022, and the contents disclosed in the specifications and drawings of those applications are incorporated herein in their entirety. [Background technology]

[0003] Secondary batteries, which are easily applicable to various products and have 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 are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving energy efficiency, as they are environmentally friendly in that they do not produce any by-products due to energy use, in addition to their main advantage of dramatically reducing the use of fossil fuels.

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

[0005] On the other hand, when constructing a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series / parallel, it is common to first construct a battery module including at least one battery cell, and then use this at least one battery module to add other components to construct a battery pack or 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 houses the plurality of battery cells and is composed of an assembly of a plurality of plates, such as a front plate, a rear plate, side plates, a lower plate, and an upper plate, to ensure rigidity.

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

[0008] Furthermore, in the case of a conventional battery pack, the cell frame structure formed by assembling a plurality of plates increases the size of the entire battery pack, which is detrimental 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 increase energy density while ensuring rigidity, and a vehicle including the battery pack.

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

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

[0012] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a battery pack including: 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 the first side 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 length direction of the battery pack; and a side structure unit accommodating the cooling unit and the plurality of battery cells, wherein the battery pack is coupled so that one side structure unit, a first set of the plurality of battery cells, the cooling unit, a second set of the plurality of battery cells, and another side structure unit are sequentially arranged in the width direction of the battery pack in this named order.

[0013] Preferably, at least one side structure unit may include a main plate formed to a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction of the battery pack, and a pair of end plates that accommodate and support the battery cells together with the main plate and are provided on both sides of the outermost edge along the width direction of the at least one side structure unit.

[0014] Preferably, a plurality of main plates are provided, and the main plates can accommodate the battery cells so that they are arranged in two rows in the width direction of the battery pack.

[0015] Preferably, the main plate may include a first cell accommodating portion arranged on a first side of the main plate to accommodate a plurality of battery cells arranged in the longitudinal direction of the battery pack, and a second accommodating portion arranged on a second side of the main plate opposite the first accommodating portion to accommodate a plurality of battery cells arranged in the longitudinal direction of the battery pack.

[0016] Preferably, the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion are recessed to correspond to the outer surface of the battery cell, and may partially surround the outer surface of the battery cell.

[0017] Preferably, the second housing portions may be arranged alternately with the first housing portions from the first side to the second side of the main plate.

[0018] Preferably, the battery pack may include a filling member that forms an outer surface of the battery pack together with the at least one side structure unit and that fills spaces between the cooling unit and the plurality of battery cells.

[0019] Preferably, the filling member is provided as a potting resin.

[0020] Preferably, the filling member is provided as a silicone resin.

[0021] Preferably, the filler member may be filled into the busbar assembly so as to cover the first side of the busbar assembly.

[0022] Preferably, the filling member may be continuously filled between the bus bar assembly and the battery cell in the length direction of the battery cell without any disconnected or separated space between the bus bar assembly and the battery cell.

[0023] Preferably, the filling member can be filled in a portion of the at least one side structure unit excluding the outer side of the side surface.

[0024] Preferably, the busbar assembly may include a main busbar unit electrically connected to battery cells arranged at the outermost positions in the length direction of the battery pack, and connection busbar units arranged between the main busbar units in the length direction of the battery pack and electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells.

[0025] Preferably, the cooling unit may include a cooling tube formed to a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction of the battery pack and disposed between the plurality of battery cells, a cooling flow path provided within the cooling tube for circulating a cooling fluid for cooling the battery cells, and a cooling fluid outlet portion connected to the cooling tube so as to communicate with the cooling flow path.

[0026] Preferably, the side structure unit may include a high-voltage bus bar unit attached along both ends of the main plate of the side structure unit in the width direction of the battery pack, allowing current to flow from the plurality of battery cells to the outside.

[0027] Preferably, the high-voltage busbar unit may include a first voltage line portion and a second voltage line portion arranged in parallel, a connecting line portion extending from the second voltage line portion to the second voltage line portion, and a pair of connector mounting members located at both ends of the high-voltage busbar unit.

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

[0029] The present invention also provides a battery pack case structure, characterized in that it includes at least one battery pack according to the above-described aspect of the present invention.

[0030] Furthermore, the present invention provides a vehicle comprising a battery pack case structure according to one aspect of the present invention described above, wherein the length direction of the at least one battery pack is aligned perpendicular to the length direction of the vehicle so that the side structure unit can protect the plurality of battery cells in the event of a frontal or rearal collision of the vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] According to the above-described various aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide a battery pack that can increase energy density and ensure rigidity, and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0032] Furthermore, according to the various aspects of the present invention as described above, it is possible to provide a battery pack that can improve cost competitiveness and manufacturing efficiency, and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0033] Furthermore, according to the above-described various aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide a battery pack capable of improving cooling performance, and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0034] 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 only the matters described in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [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 of the battery pack of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] 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 of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a diagram illustrating a connection busbar unit of the busbar assembly of FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the connection busbar unit of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] 10 is an enlarged view for explaining a main part of the connection busbar unit of FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a cooling unit of the battery pack of 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] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a side structure unit of the battery pack of FIG. 2. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a main plate of the side structure unit of FIG. 15. [Figure 17] 16 is a diagram for explaining the connection structure between the battery cell and the cooling unit by 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 by 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 in 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 in 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 of FIG. 15 when the battery cells are coupled. FIG. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is an enlarged bottom view of the 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 of 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 of 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 of 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 of FIG. 30. FIG. [Figure 33] 33 is a diagram illustrating a high-voltage busbar unit of the busbar assembly of FIG. 32. FIG. [Figure 34] FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining a side structure unit of the battery pack of FIG. 30. [Figure 35] FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining the main plate of the side structure unit of FIG. 33. [Figure 36]35 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the battery cell and the cooling unit in 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 bus bar unit in FIG. 34. FIG. [Figure 38] 35 is a diagram for explaining the mounting structure of the side structure unit and the high-voltage bus bar unit in FIG. 34. FIG. [Figure 39] 35 is a diagram for explaining the mounting structure of the side structure unit and the high-voltage bus bar unit in FIG. 34. FIG. [Figure 40] 35 is a diagram for explaining the mounting structure of the side structure unit and the high-voltage bus bar unit in 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] 1 is a diagram for explaining an automobile according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] The following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention will be made more clear by referring to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described herein are illustrative for the purpose of understanding the invention, and it should be understood that the present invention can be implemented in various forms different from the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated for the purpose of understanding the invention.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of FIG.

[0038] 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 will be described in more detail with reference to the following related drawings.

[0039] The battery pack 1 may include a plurality of battery cells 100 , a bus bar assembly 200 , a cooling unit 300 , a side structure unit 400 , and a filling member 500 .

[0040] The plurality of battery cells 100 may be cylindrical secondary batteries, pouch secondary batteries, or prismatic secondary batteries. In the following, the present embodiment will be described with the plurality of battery cells 100 being limited to cylindrical secondary batteries.

[0041] Each battery cell 100 will be discussed in more detail below with reference to the following related drawings.

[0042] 3 is a diagram for explaining the battery cell of the battery pack of 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The electrode assembly 10 may have, for example, a jelly roll shape. That is, the electrode assembly 10 may be manufactured by stacking a first electrode plate, a separator, and a second electrode plate in order at least once, and 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.

[0046] 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 (along the Z axis). The uncoated portion functions as a first electrode tab. The first electrode tab 11 is provided at the upper portion in the height direction (along the Z axis) of the electrode assembly 10 housed in the battery can 20.

[0047] 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 (along the Z axis). 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 (along the Z axis) of the electrode assembly 10 housed in the battery can 20.

[0048] The battery can 20 is a cylindrical container having an opening formed at the bottom and made of 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 and an electrolyte through the opening formed at the bottom.

[0049] 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.

[0050] The battery can 20 may have a beading portion 21 and a crimping portion 22 formed at its lower end. The beading portion 21 is formed at the bottom of the electrode assembly 10. The beading portion 21 is formed by press-fitting around the outer periphery 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 through an opening formed at the lower end of the battery can 20, and may function as a support for seating the cap plate 30.

[0051] The crimping portion 22 is formed below the beading portion 21. The crimping portion 22 extends and bends 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.

[0052] The cap plate 30 is a component including a conductive metal material and covers an opening formed at the bottom of the battery can 20. That is, the cap plate 30 forms the bottom surface of the battery cell 100. The cap plate 30 is seated on a beading portion 21 formed on the battery can 20 and fixed by a crimping portion 22. A sealing 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.

[0053] 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, when an abnormality occurs in the battery cell 100 and the internal pressure increases above a certain level, the vent portion 31 ruptures, thereby discharging the gas generated inside the battery can 20.

[0054] 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. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other methods for forming the hole may be used. For example, the hole may be formed while the first electrode terminal 40 is being inserted, holes of different diameters may be pre-formed, or the top surface may be notched or pre-notched to allow for the insertion of the first electrode terminal 40. That is, the hole may be expanded to a desired size, or a small hole may be formed by notching and then expanded to a desired size. Needless to say, other methods for forming the hole may also be used.

[0055] The battery cell 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a structure in which both a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal are present 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 a lower surface of the battery cell 100 to smoothly discharge gas generated inside the battery can 20.

[0056] The vent portion 31 may be formed continuously in a circular shape on the cap plate 30. However, without being limited thereto, the vent portion 31 may be formed discontinuously in a circular shape on the cap plate 30, linearly, or in other shapes.

[0057] The first electrode terminal 40 includes a conductive metal material and passes through the upper 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.

[0058] 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 upper surface of the battery can 20. The inserted terminal portion 42 penetrates the center of the upper 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.

[0059] 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, when the top surface of the battery can 20 has a flat shape or a shape that protrudes upward from its center, the exposed terminal portion 41 of the first electrode terminal 40 may protrude higher than the top surface of the battery can 20. Conversely, when the top surface of the battery can 20 has a shape that is concave downward from its center, i.e., toward the electrode assembly 10, the top surface of the battery can 20 may protrude higher than the exposed terminal portion 41 of the first electrode terminal 40.

[0060] 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. As a result, the upper surface of the battery can 20, which has a substantially flat shape, can function as the second electrode terminal of the battery cell 100.

[0061] 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 be made of, for example, a resin material having insulating properties.

[0062] When the insulating gasket 50 is made of 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 fusion. In this case, the airtightness at the bonding interface between the insulating gasket 50 and the first electrode terminal 40 and at the bonding interface between the insulating gasket 50 and the battery can 20 can be strengthened.

[0063] The entire area of ​​the upper surface of the battery can 20, excluding the area occupied by the first electrode terminal 40 and the insulating gasket 50, corresponds to a second electrode terminal 20a having a polarity opposite to that of the first electrode terminal 40.

[0064] 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 in its length direction (direction aligned with the Z axis). 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, so that when electrically connecting a plurality of battery cells 100, electrical connection components such as the bus bar assembly 200 described below can be disposed on only one side of the battery cell 100. This can simplify the structure of the battery pack 1 and improve the energy density.

[0065] Hereinafter, the bus bar assembly 200 for electrically connecting with the plurality of battery cells 100 will be considered in more detail.

[0066] 2, the bus bar 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 the plurality of battery cells 100. The electrical connection of the bus bar assembly 200 may be parallel and / or series connection.

[0067] The bus bar assembly 200 is electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 40 (see FIG. 3) having a first polarity of the plurality of battery cells 100 and the second electrode terminal 20a (see FIG. 3) of the battery can 20 (see FIG. 3) having a second polarity, and may be electrically connected to an external charge / discharge line, etc., via a connector terminal 290, etc. Here, the first polarity may be a positive pole, and the second polarity may be a negative pole.

[0068] The configuration of the busbar assembly 200 will be considered in more detail below.

[0069] 8 is a diagram for explaining the busbar assembly of the battery pack of FIG. 2, FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the connection busbar unit of the busbar assembly of FIG. 8, FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the connection busbar unit of FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is an enlarged view for explaining the main parts of the connection busbar unit of FIG. 9.

[0070] 8 to 11 and above FIG. 2, the bus bar assembly 200 may include a main bus bar unit 210, a connection bus bar unit 230, an interconnection board 260, and a connector terminal 290.

[0071] The main bus bar units 210 are provided in plurality and can be electrically connected to the battery cells 100 arranged at the outermost positions in the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery pack 1. The main bus bar units 210 can be electrically connected to connector terminals 290, which will be described later.

[0072] The connection busbar units 230 are arranged between the main busbar units 210 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery pack 1, are electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells 100, and can cover the plurality of battery cells 100.

[0073] The connection busbar unit 230 may be provided singly or in a number large enough to cover all of the battery cells 100. In the following, the present embodiment will be described only with reference to the case where a plurality of connection busbar units 230 are provided.

[0074] Each of the plurality of connecting busbar units 230 may include a busbar cover 240 and a sub-busbar 250 .

[0075] The bus bar cover 240 may have a substantially flat plate shape and cover the upper sides of the battery cells 100. The shape and size of the bus bar cover 240 may be changed depending on the number and capacity of the battery cells 100 required in the battery pack 1.

[0076] The bus bar cover 240 may be made of an insulating material. For example, the bus bar cover 240 may be made of a polyimide film. However, the bus bar cover 240 is not limited thereto, and may be made of other insulating members made of insulating materials.

[0077] 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, a 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.

[0078] The bus bar cover 240 may include a positive bus bar hole 242 , a negative bus bar hole 244 , and a guide hole 246 .

[0079] The positive electrode busbar hole 242 has an opening space of a predetermined size and may be provided in plurality. A positive electrode connection part 254 (described later) may be exposed in the positive electrode busbar hole 242. Here, the positive electrode busbar hole 242 may be formed to have an opening space larger than the size of the positive electrode connection part 254 (described later) in order to improve process operability and injection efficiency of the filler 500 (described later).

[0080] The positive electrode bus bar hole 242 can more efficiently guide the electrical connection between a positive electrode connection part 254 (described later) and the first electrode terminal 40 (see FIG. 3) which is the positive electrode of the battery cell 100.

[0081] Furthermore, it is possible to significantly improve the injection efficiency of the filling member 500 when the filling member 500, which will be described later, is injected through the opening space of the positive bus bar hole 242. Specifically, the filling member 500, which is provided as a potting resin, which will be described later, can be more directly injected in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) from the top to the bottom of the battery pack 1 through the opening space of the positive bus bar hole 242, thereby significantly improving the injection efficiency between the battery cells 100.

[0082] The negative electrode busbar hole 244 is disposed to face 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 connection part 256 (described later) in order to improve process operability and injection efficiency of a filler member 500 (described later).

[0083] The negative electrode busbar hole 244 can more efficiently guide the electrical connection between the negative electrode connection 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.

[0084] Furthermore, it is possible to significantly improve the injection efficiency of the filling member 500 when the filling member 500, which will be described later, is injected through the opening space of the negative electrode bus bar hole 244. Specifically, the filling member 500, which is provided as a potting resin, which will be described later, can be more directly injected in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) from the top to the bottom of the battery pack 1 through the opening space of the negative electrode bus bar hole 244, so that the injection efficiency between the battery cells 100 can be significantly improved.

[0085] The guide holes 246 can guide the assembly position of the busbar assembly 200. Specifically, the guide holes 246 can fix the connection busbar unit 230 to the side structure unit 400 and guide the fixed position arrangement of the connection busbar unit 230.

[0086] A plurality of guide holes 246 may be provided, into which bus bar guide protrusions 416 of the side structure unit 400, which will be described later, may be inserted.

[0087] The sub-busbar 250 is for electrically connecting 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 a pair of busbar covers 240. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, the description will be limited to the one inserted into or coupled to the busbar cover 240.

[0088] The sub-busbar 250 may include a busbar bridge 252 , a positive electrode connection portion 254 , and a negative electrode connection portion 256 .

[0089] The bus bar bridges 252 may be inserted into the bus bar cover 240 and formed to a predetermined length along the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery pack 1. The bus bar bridges 252 may be provided 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 to improve the efficiency of electrical connection with the battery cells 100. Thus, in this embodiment, the bus bar bridges 252 may be arranged in a staggered pattern in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery pack 1.

[0090] A plurality of 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 from each other by a predetermined distance in the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery pack 1.

[0091] The busbar bridge 252 may be made of a conductive material. For example, the busbar bridge 252 may be made of a metal material such as aluminum or copper. However, the busbar bridge 252 is not limited thereto, and may be made of other materials for the electrical connection.

[0092] The positive electrode connection portion 254 may extend integrally from the bus bar bridge 252 and be disposed within the positive electrode bus bar hole 242. The positive electrode connection portion 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 performed by a welding process for electrical connection, such as laser welding or ultrasonic welding.

[0093] The connection between the positive electrode connection portion 254 and the positive electrode (first electrode terminal 40) of the battery cell 100 is performed in the open space of the positive electrode busbar hole 242, so that during the connection, a welding process or the like for the connection can be performed immediately in the open space without any additional process.

[0094] The negative electrode connection portion 256 may extend integrally from the bus bar bridge 252, protrude in the opposite direction from the positive electrode connection portion 254, and be disposed in the negative electrode bus bar hole 244. The negative electrode connection portion 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 performed by a welding process for electrical connection, such as laser welding or ultrasonic welding.

[0095] The connection between the negative electrode connection portion 256 and the negative electrode (second electrode terminal 20a) of the battery cell 100 is performed in the open space of the negative electrode busbar hole 244, so that during the connection, a welding process or the like for the connection can be immediately performed in the open space without any additional process.

[0096] The interconnection board 260 is connected to the external sensing line and may be provided at one end (-Y axis direction) of the battery pack 1. The mounting position of the interconnection board 260 may be changed depending on the design, etc., and may be provided at another position that allows connection 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.

[0097] The interconnection board 260 may be exposed to the outside of the battery pack 1 for connection to 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.

[0098] The interconnection board 260 may be provided with a thermistor for checking the temperature state of the battery cell 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 is for connection to external charge / discharge lines and may be provided as high-voltage connector terminals.

[0099] Also, referring to FIG. 2, the cooling unit 300 is for cooling the battery cells 100 and is disposed below the bus bar assembly 200 (-Z axis direction) and may be disposed between the plurality of battery cells 100 along the length direction (Y axis direction) of the battery pack 1.

[0100] A plurality of cooling units 300 may be provided.

[0101] 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 contact the facing battery cells 100 to improve cooling performance.

[0102] The cooling unit 300 will be considered in more detail below.

[0103] 12 is a diagram for explaining the cooling unit of the battery pack of 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.

[0104] 12 to 14 and above FIG. 2, the cooling unit 300 may include a cooling tube 310, a cooling flow path 350, and a cooling fluid outlet portion 370.

[0105] The cooling tube 310 may be formed to a predetermined length along the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery pack 1, be disposed between the plurality of battery cells 100, and may have a cooling passage 350 therein for circulating a cooling fluid, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the cooling fluid may be water, and may include one or more fluids capable of exchanging heat with the surrounding environment.

[0106] The cooling tubes 310 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the outer surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 100 facing each other in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery pack 1.

[0107] The cooling tube 310 may be formed such that a plurality of convex portions 312 and concave portions 316 formed in a convex and concave shape in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery pack 1 are alternately arranged along the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery pack 1.

[0108] The cooling tube 310 may be disposed in contact with the outer surfaces of the battery cells 100 to further improve the cooling performance of the battery cells 100. The cooling tube 310 may be adhesively fixed to the battery cells 100 by a filling member 500 (described later) or another adhesive member.

[0109] A cooling fluid guide portion 318 for guiding a cooling fluid into a cooling channel 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 provided as a pair and may be formed at one end (-Y-axis direction) of the cooling tube 310 in the length direction (Y-axis direction). One of the pair of cooling fluid guide portions 318 may be connected to an upper channel 352 of the cooling channel 350 (described later), and the other of the pair of cooling fluid guide portions 318 may be connected to a lower channel 354 of the cooling channel 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 channel 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 channel 354 (described later).

[0110] The cooling passage 350 circulates a cooling fluid for cooling the battery cell 100, and may be provided in the cooling tube 310 and connected to communicate with a cooling fluid outlet portion 370, which will be described later.

[0111] The cooling passage 350 may include an upper passage 352 , a lower passage 354 , and a connecting passage 356 .

[0112] 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 length 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 outlet portion 370.

[0113] The upper flow passage 352 may be provided in plural numbers, i.e., at least one, in order to ensure cooling performance. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the description will be limited to the case where the upper flow passage 352 is provided in plural numbers.

[0114] The lower flow passage 354 may be disposed below the cooling tube 310 (in the -Z-axis direction) and spaced apart from the at least one upper flow passage 352, and may have a predetermined length along the length 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 outlet portion 370.

[0115] There may be at least one or more lower flow passages 354. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the description will be limited to the case where a plurality of lower flow passages 354 are provided in order to ensure cooling performance.

[0116] The connecting passage 356 may connect the at least one upper passage, in this embodiment, a plurality of upper passages 352, and the at least one lower passage, in this embodiment, a plurality of lower passages 354.

[0117] The connecting passage 356 may be provided at the other end (+Y-axis direction) of the cooling tube 310 opposite to the cooling fluid outlet 370 to secure the cooling passage 350 as much as possible.

[0118] In this embodiment, when the cooling fluid circulates in the cooling passage 350, the cooling fluid supplied from the cooling fluid supply port 374 is supplied preferentially to the upper passage 352 arranged near the bus bar assembly 200, and then flows toward the cooling fluid discharge port 376 via the connecting passage 356 and the lower passage 354.

[0119] As a result, in this embodiment, cold cooling fluid is preferentially supplied to the area near the busbar assembly 200, which has a relatively higher temperature distribution within the battery pack 1, thereby significantly improving the cooling performance of the battery cell 100.

[0120] The cooling fluid outlet portion 370 may be connected to the cooling tube 310 so as to communicate with the cooling passage 350 of the cooling tube 310. The cooling fluid outlet portion 370 may be exposed to the outside of a side structure unit 400 (described later) and connected to communicate with an external cooling line.

[0121] The cooling fluid outlet portion 370 may be provided on one side (-Y-axis direction) of a side surface along the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery pack 1. The cooling tube 310 connected to the cooling fluid outlet portion 370 may be formed to a predetermined length from the cooling fluid outlet portion 370 toward the other side (+Y-axis direction) of the side surface of the battery pack 1 in the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery pack 1.

[0122] The cooling fluid outlet portion 370 may include an outlet portion body (a supply port body 371 and a discharge port body 372 ), a cooling fluid supply port 374 , and a cooling fluid discharge port 376 .

[0123] 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. The outlet body (supply port body 371, exhaust port body 372) may include the supply port body 371 and the exhaust port body 372.

[0124] 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 (described later). The supply port body 371 may have a supply port through-hole 371a through which a cooling fluid supply port 374 (described later) passes. The cooling fluid supply port 374 (described later) may pass through the supply port through-hole 371a and communicate with an upper flow passage 352 (described later) via the cooling fluid guide portion 318. Specifically, the cooling fluid supply port 374 (described later) may communicate with an upper flow passage 352 (described later) via a cooling fluid guide portion 318 located on the upper side (in the +Z-axis direction) of the cooling fluid guide portion 318 of the cooling tube 310.

[0125] The discharge port body 372 is coupled to the supply port body 371 on the opposite side of the supply port body 371 across one end (-Y axis direction) of the cooling tube 310, 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.

[0126] The discharge port body 372 may have a discharge port through-hole 372a through which a cooling fluid discharge port 376 (described later) passes. The cooling fluid discharge port 376 (described later) may pass through the discharge port through-hole 372a and communicate with a lower flow passage 354 (described later) via the cooling fluid guide portion 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 portion 318 (described later) located on the lower side (in the −Z-axis direction) of the cooling fluid guide portion 318 of the cooling tube 310.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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 the external cooling line.

[0129] Referring also to FIG. 2, the side structure unit 400 is made of a plastic resin material, supports the battery cell 100, ensures the rigidity of the battery cell 100, and forms the side appearance of the battery pack 1.

[0130] Hereinafter, the side structure unit 400 will be described in more detail with reference to the following related drawings.

[0131] 15 is a diagram for explaining a side structure unit of the battery pack of FIG. 2, and FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a main plate of the side structure unit of FIG.

[0132] 15 and 16, the side structure unit 400 supports the battery cell 100, ensures the rigidity of the battery cell 100, and forms the outer side of the battery pack 1 (see FIG. 2), thereby functioning as a pack case that forms the appearance of the battery pack 1 (see FIG. 2).

[0133] The side structure unit 400 is formed to a predetermined length along the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery pack 1, and can accommodate and support the battery cells 100.

[0134] The side structure unit 400 may include a main plate 410 and an end plate 450 .

[0135] The main plate 410 is formed to a predetermined length along the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery pack 1 and can accommodate the battery cells 100 so that they are arranged in two rows in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery pack 1. A plurality of such main plates 410 may be provided and arranged at a predetermined distance from each other along the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery pack 1.

[0136] The plurality of main plates 410 ensures the rigidity of the battery cells 100 and the cooling unit 300, and occupies a predetermined space in the battery pack 1 (see FIG. 2), thereby reducing the amount of filling member 500 to be injected, which will be described later. The filling member 500, which is provided as a silicone resin to be described later, is relatively expensive, and by using the plurality of main plates 410 to reduce the amount of silicone resin to be injected, cost competitiveness during manufacturing of the battery pack 1 can be further ensured.

[0137] 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 guide step 418.

[0138] The first cell receiving portion 411 may be provided in front of the main plate 410 (positive X-axis direction) along the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the main plate 410. The first cell receiving portion 411 may receive the plurality of battery cells 100 arranged in the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery pack 1. For this purpose, a plurality of first cell receiving portions 411 may be provided in front of the main plate 410 (positive X-axis direction).

[0139] Each of the plurality of first cell receiving portions 411 may be recessed to correspond to the outer surface of the battery cell 100 and may at least partially surround the outer surface of the battery cell 100 .

[0140] The second cell receiving portion 412 may be provided at the rear (-X-axis direction) of the main plate 410 along the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the main plate 410. The second cell receiving portion 412 may receive the plurality of battery cells 100 arranged in the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery pack 1. For this purpose, a plurality of second cell receiving portions 412 may be provided at the rear (-X-axis direction) of the main plate 410.

[0141] Each of the second cell receiving portions 412 is provided in a recessed shape corresponding to the outer surface of the battery cell 100 and may at least partially surround the outer surface of the battery cell 100 .

[0142] The plurality of second cell accommodating portions 412 can be arranged alternately with the plurality of first cell accommodating portions 411 in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction) of the main plate 410 so as to accommodate as many battery cells 100 as possible that are provided as the cylindrical secondary battery.

[0143] The interwings 413 may be provided in plurality and may be formed to protrude along the width direction (X-axis direction) of the main plate 410 so as to separate the plurality of first cell receiving portions 411 and the plurality of second cell receiving portions 412. Specifically, the plurality of interwings 413 may be formed both in the front (+X-axis direction) and rear (-X-axis direction) along the width direction (X-axis direction) of the main plate 410. More specifically, among the plurality of interwings 413, those protruding in the front (+axis direction) of the main plate 410 may separate the plurality of first cell receiving portions 411, and among the plurality of interwings 413, those protruding in the rear (-axis direction) of the main plate 410 may separate the plurality of second cell receiving portions 412.

[0144] 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 main plate 410 accommodates the battery cell 100 .

[0145] The bottom rib 415 may be formed to protrude downward (in the −Z-axis direction) from the bottom of the battery cell 100 when the main plate 410 of the battery cell 100 is accommodated therein.

[0146] The busbar guide protrusion 416 is for fixing the connection busbar unit 230 when assembling the busbar assembly 200, and is provided on the upper surface of the main plate 410. At least one or more busbar guide protrusions 416 may be provided. Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described assuming that a plurality of busbar guide protrusions 416 are provided.

[0147] The plurality of busbar guide protrusions 416 may be inserted into the guide holes 246 of the busbar cover 240 during assembly of the busbar assembly 200 to guide the positioning of the connection busbar unit 230. Since the connection busbar unit 230 is fixed by being inserted into or coupled to the plurality of busbar guide protrusions 416, a welding process for electrical connection of the busbar assembly 200 may be more stably performed, and the welding quality during the welding process may be further improved.

[0148] The cooling unit insertion groove 417 is for receiving an end of the cooling unit 300 and may be provided at an end in the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the main plate 410. When the main plate 410 is assembled, the end of the cooling unit 300 is disposed in the cooling unit insertion groove 417, allowing for more stable fixation.

[0149] The guide steps 418 may be provided to protrude at a predetermined height from the upper ends of both sides along the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the main plate 410. When the side structure unit 400 is completely assembled by combining the main plate 410 with an end plate 450 (described later), the guide steps 418 may form the edge of the side structure unit 400 together with an end guide step 458 of an end plate 450 (described later).

[0150] The end plates 450 may be provided in pairs, and may be provided on both sides of the outermost edge along the width direction (X-axis direction) of the side structure unit 400. The pair of end plates 450 may accommodate and support the battery cells 100 together with the main plate 410 disposed on the opposite side.

[0151] The pair of end plates 450 may be provided with terminal holes 456 and end guide steps 458 .

[0152] The terminal hole 456 is for receiving the connector terminal 290 and may be provided on one side of the end of the end plate 450 .

[0153] The end guide step 458 may be formed along the upper edge of the end plate 450 and may be configured to protrude at the same height as the guide step 418. The end guide step 458 may form the edge of the side structure unit 400 together with the guide step 418 of the main plate 410 when the assembly of the side structure unit 400 is completed.

[0154] Hereinafter, the coupling structure between the battery cell 100 and the cooling unit 300 by the side structure unit 400 will be considered in more detail.

[0155] 17 and 18 are diagrams for explaining the connection structure between the battery cell and the cooling unit by the side structure unit of FIG.

[0156] 17 and 18, first, the cooling tubes 310 of the cooling unit 300 may be sandwiched between the battery cells 100 arranged in two rows, front and rear, along the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery pack 1 (see FIG. 2). The side structure units 400 may accommodate the battery cells 100 facing each other in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) of the battery cells 100 sandwiched between the cooling tubes 310.

[0157] Specifically, in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery pack 1 (see FIG. 2), an end plate 450 disposed at the outermost position, a battery cell 100, a cooling tube 310, a battery cell 100, and a main plate 410 may be arranged and coupled in this order: battery cell 100, cooling tube 310, battery cell 100, and main plate 410. Then, an end plate 450 disposed 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, thereby completing the coupling of the side structure unit 400, and the battery cell 100 and the cooling unit 300 may be housed within the side structure unit 400.

[0158] Here, both ends of the cooling unit 300 are inserted into the cooling unit insertion grooves 417 when the main plate 410 is joined and when the main plate 410 is joined to the end plate 450, thereby preventing interference with the cooling unit 300 and allowing the cooling unit 300 to be fixed more stably.

[0159] Meanwhile, a cooling fluid outlet 370 provided at one end of the cooling unit 300 may be disposed to protrude out of the side structure unit 400 for connection to an external cooling line or the like.

[0160] The side structure unit 400 according to the present embodiment can accommodate the battery cells 100 and the cooling unit 300 and form the side outer structure of the battery pack 1 (see FIG. 2) by coupling the main plate 410 and the end plate 450 together. That is, the side structure unit 400 can function as a pack case that forms the exterior of the battery pack 1.

[0161] As a result, the battery pack 1 (see FIG. 1) according to this embodiment can omit any additional pack case or pack housing structure by using the side structure unit 400, thereby reducing manufacturing costs, reducing the overall size of the battery pack 1, and increasing the energy density.

[0162] 19 and 20 are diagrams for explaining the positional relationship between the battery cells and the cooling unit in the side structure unit of FIG.

[0163] Referring to Figures 19 and 20, the distance A between the centers of the battery cells 100 provided between the first cell receiving portion 411 and the second cell receiving portion 412 of the main plate 410 is a distance set for close contact with the main plate 410 and can be changed depending on the thickness of the main plate 410.

[0164] In addition, a 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 set a contact angle between the battery cell 100 and the cooling tube 310 to a predetermined angle, for example, 60 degrees, and may be changed in conjunction with a distance C, which will be described later. A distance C between the centers of 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 adjacent battery cells 100 in contact with one side of the cooling tube 310.

[0165] The distances A to C may be set as optimal distances for closer contact between the battery cell 100 and the cooling tube 310 and the side structure 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, and the contact angle (θ) between the battery cell 100 and the cooling tube 310. 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.

[0166] Meanwhile, the optimum distance may refer to a case where the contact angle (θ) between the battery cell 100 and the cooling tube 310 is 60 degrees or an angle close to it. 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 set to 49 mm.

[0167] The distance d1 between the battery cells 100 disposed diagonally opposite each other across the cooling tube 310 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 the cooling tube 310 and the battery cells 100. For example, the distance d1 may be determined by taking into consideration the thickness of the cooling tube 310 as well as 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 set to 3.2 mm by 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).

[0168] Meanwhile, the end of the interwing 413 provided between the first cell receiving portion 411 and the second cell receiving 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.

[0169] 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 set to 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 set to 15 mm.

[0170] Meanwhile, the thickness 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 cell 100 .

[0171] Specifically, the thicknesses of the first cell accommodating portion 411 and the second cell accommodating portion 412 of the main plate 410 are set 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 set to approximately half the distance d2 between the battery cells 100. For example, in this embodiment, the distance d2 between the battery cells 100 is set to 1.5 mm, and the minimum thickness t of the first cell accommodating portion 411 and the second cell accommodating portion 412 may be set to approximately 0.75 mm, specifically 0.7 mm.

[0172] As a result, when the battery cell 100 is 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.

[0173] When the battery cell 100 is accommodated in each cell accommodating portion (first cell accommodating portion 411, second cell accommodating portion 412), the gap space g may be formed in the remaining area excluding the innermost area of ​​the concave shape of the first cell accommodating portion 411 and the second cell accommodating portion 412. Here, the innermost area of ​​the concave shape of the first cell accommodating portion 411 and the second cell accommodating portion 412 may refer to an area disposed 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.

[0174] Accordingly, when the battery cell 100 is received in the first cell receiving portion 411 and the second cell receiving portion 412 of the main plate 410, the battery cell 100 may contact the inner surfaces of the first cell receiving portion 411 and the second cell receiving portion 412 only in the innermost region of the recessed shape, and may be spaced apart from the inner surfaces of the first cell receiving portion 411 and the second cell receiving portion 412 by the gap space g in other regions of the inner surfaces of the first cell receiving portion 411 and the second cell receiving portion 412. Meanwhile, an adhesive or the like for adhering to the battery cell 100 may be applied to the innermost region of the recessed shape that contacts the battery cell 100.

[0175] In addition, when the battery cell 100 is 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 cell 100 by the gap space g.

[0176] In this embodiment, such gap space g prevents 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 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, thereby significantly improving assembly efficiency.

[0177] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the gap space g can absorb a considerable portion of the assembly tolerances of the members, and problems such as incorrect assembly and assembly defects due to assembly tolerances can be significantly reduced.

[0178] Furthermore, the gap space g can be filled with a filler 500, which will be described later. In this manner, in the present embodiment, since the gap space g is filled with the filler 500, the amount of filler 500 between the battery cells 100 can be further ensured.

[0179] Therefore, in this embodiment, the filling member 500 filled in the gap space g allows the battery cell 100 to be more stably supported within the first cell accommodating portion 411 and the second cell accommodating portion 412 of the main plate 410.

[0180] Furthermore, 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 when an event such as thermal runaway of the battery cell 100 occurs.

[0181] 21 to 23 are diagrams for explaining the contact structure between the battery cell of FIG. 20 and the cooling unit.

[0182] 21 to 23, the outer surface of the battery cell 100 may contact the cooling tube 310 of the cooling unit 300 in a 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 and the height h2 of the cooling tube 310, taking into consideration ease of assembly and optimal cooling performance.

[0183] 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 surface of the battery cell 100.

[0184] For example, in this embodiment, the radius R of the battery cell 100 is 23 mm, the height h1 is 80 mm, the height h2 of the cooling tube 310 is 70 mm, and the contact angle (θ) between the battery cell 100 and the cooling tube 310 may be 60 degrees. In this case, the total area A1 of the outer surface of the battery cell 100 may be determined as the product of the circumference length (2πR), i.e., the base length (2πR), and the outer edge height h1 of the battery cell 100. Thus, the total area A1 of the outer 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 by the following mathematical formula:

[0185]

number

[0186] Therefore, the arc length l is about 0.077πm, which is about 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 about 0.169m, which is calculated by multiplying the arc length l by the height h2 of the cooling tube 310, which is 70mm. 2 It could be.

[0187] As described above, in this embodiment, the contact area A2 of the cooling tube 310 of the battery cell 100 can be set to a range of approximately 14.5% of the total area A1 of the outer surface of the battery cell 100 to ensure optimal cooling performance and also ensure ease of assembly with the cooling tube 310.

[0188] 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 connection busbar unit 230 and to prevent the possibility of a short circuit between the cooling tube 310 and the connection busbar unit 230.

[0189] Figure 24 is a diagram showing the bottom surface of the side structure unit of Figure 15 when the battery cells are connected, Figure 25 is an enlarged bottom view of the main parts of the side structure unit of Figure 24, and Figure 26 is a side view of the main parts of the side structure unit of Figure 24.

[0190] 24 to 26, the bottom rib 415 of the side structure unit 400 may be provided to protrude further downward (in the −Z-axis direction) than the bottom of the battery cell 100 so as not to 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.

[0191] Furthermore, the bottom rib 415 is provided to cover one side of the bottom of the battery cell 100, and can more firmly fix the battery cell 100 within the side structure unit 400 when the battery cell 100 is accommodated in the side structure unit 400.

[0192] As a result, the height h3 of the side structure unit 400 may be configured to be greater than the height of the battery cell 100 so as to cover both the upper and lower sides of the battery cell 100 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). For example, in this embodiment, since the height of the battery cell 100 is 80 mm, the height h3 of the side structure unit 400 may be greater than the height h3 of the battery cell 100 on both the upper and lower sides of the battery cell 100.

[0193] Furthermore, the height h3 of the side structure unit 400 may be set to a height that can cover the thickness of the bus bar assembly 200 and the filling member 500 seated on the battery cell 100. Specifically, taking all of these factors into consideration, the height h3 of the side structure unit 400 may be set to a range of approximately 85 mm to 95 mm. More specifically, the height h3 of the side structure unit 400 may be set to 90.3 mm, or approximately 90 mm.

[0194] 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, the filling member 500 is shown by a dotted line in a hexahedron shape for ease of understanding, and the filling member 500 may be filled in the entire space between the cooling unit 300 and the plurality of battery cells 100.

[0195] The filling member 500 can form a pack case structure of the battery pack 1 together with the side structure unit 400 by covering the upper and lower sides of the battery pack 1 (see FIG. 2).

[0196] In addition, the filling member 500 can fix the plurality of battery cells 100 more stably and improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the plurality of battery cells 100, thereby further improving the cooling performance of the battery cells 100.

[0197] The filling member 500 may be provided as a potting resin. The potting resin may be formed by injecting a thin resin material into the battery cells 100 and hardening it. Here, the resin material may be injected at room temperature, about 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, to prevent thermal damage to the battery cells 100.

[0198] Specifically, the filling member 500 may be made of a silicone resin, but is not limited thereto, and may be made of other resin materials that can improve the fixing and heat dissipation efficiency of the battery cell 100.

[0199] More specifically, the filling member 500 covers the portion of the battery cell 100 that does not contact the cooling tube 310, thereby guiding the thermal balance of the battery cell 100 and preventing deviation in 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 be significantly improved.

[0200] In addition, the filling member 500 can perform an insulating role to prevent 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.

[0201] In addition, the filling member 500 may include a material having high specific heat performance, thereby increasing the thermal mass of the filling member 500 and slowing down 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.

[0202] In addition, the filler member 500 may include glass bubbles, which may reduce the specific gravity of the filler member 500 and increase the energy density per weight.

[0203] In addition, the filling member 500 may include a material with high heat resistance, so that when a thermal event such as overheating occurs in at least one specific battery cell 100 among the plurality of battery cells 100, the filling member 500 can effectively prevent thermal runaway from spreading to an adjacent battery cell.

[0204] In addition, the filling member 500 may include a material with high flame retardancy, thereby minimizing 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.

[0205] The filling member 500 may be filled in the bus bar assembly 200 in addition to the battery cell 100. Specifically, the filling member 500 may be filled in the bus bar assembly 200 so as to cover an upper side of the bus bar assembly 200.

[0206] Here, the filling member 500 can 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 creating a disconnected space or a separated space between the bus bar assembly 200 and the battery cell 100.

[0207] As described above, the filling member 500 according to the present embodiment is continuously filled into the battery cell 100 and the bus bar assembly 200 without interruption, thereby realizing uniform heat dispersion without causing a heat dispersion deviation in the region between the battery cell 100 and the bus bar assembly 200, and significantly improving the cooling performance of the battery pack 1.

[0208] Furthermore, the filling member 500 may be filled in the portions other than the outer side of the side of the side structure unit 400. Here, the filling member 500 may be continuously filled in the battery cells 100, the bus bar assemblies 200, and the side structure units 400 without interruption, thereby further improving the cooling performance of the battery pack 1.

[0209] Hereinafter, the formation of the pack case structure by injecting the filling member 500 will be discussed in more detail.

[0210] 27 to 29 are diagrams for explaining the formation of the pack case structure by injecting the filling material of the battery pack of FIG.

[0211] 27 to 29, the manufacturer can form the pack case structure of the upper and lower portions of the battery pack 1 (see FIG. 2) using the filling member 500 provided as the resin material by injecting and applying the filling member 500 provided as the silicone resin using a resin injection device I. Specifically, the filling member 500 covers the upper side of the bus bar assembly 200 on the upper side (+Z-axis direction) of the battery pack 1 and covers the bottom of the battery cell 100 on the lower side (-Z-axis direction) of the battery pack 1, thereby filling the battery pack 1 up to a protruding height h4 of the bottom rib 415. Here, the protruding height h4 of the bottom rib 415 can be designed to a predetermined height taking into account the injection amount of the filling member 500.

[0212] During the injection and application process of the filling member 500 by the resin injection device I, an injection guider S may be provided at the bottom of the side structure 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 material or the like for easy detachment after the filling member 500 has hardened.

[0213] During the injection and application process of the filling member 500, the side structure unit 400, together with the injection guider S, supports the battery cell 100 and the cooling unit 300 and may function as a formwork to prevent the resin from leaking out.

[0214] As a result, in this embodiment, the side structure unit 400 does not require an additional injection guide jig structure in the side direction during the injection and application process of the filling material 500, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and significantly improving work efficiency.

[0215] Furthermore, the side structure unit 400 guides the connection busbar unit 230 into a fixed position using the busbar guide protrusions 416 inserted into the connection busbar unit 230, thereby effectively preventing twisting or misalignment of the connection busbar unit 230 that may occur when the filling material 500 is injected.

[0216] In addition, the guide step 418 and the end guide step 458 formed on the upper edge of the side structure unit 400 improve the injection accuracy of the filling member 500 when injecting the filling member 500, making it easier to inject the filling member 500 so that the filling member 500 more reliably covers the bus bar assembly 200, and also effectively preventing the filling member 500 from overflowing.

[0217] Here, the side structure unit 400 exposes components connected to external devices such as the interconnection board 260, the connector terminal 290, and the cooling fluid outlet portion 370 to the outside, so that there is no problem of interference with these components when injecting or applying the filling material 500.

[0218] As a result, in this embodiment, the pack case structure of the battery pack 1 (see Figure 1) is formed by the side structure unit 400 and the filling member 500, which simplifies the assembly process of the battery pack 1 compared to when the pack case structure is formed as a complex assembly of multiple plates as in the conventional case, significantly reducing manufacturing costs and ensuring cost competitiveness.

[0219] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pack case structure formed by the side structure 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 pack case structure formed by a conventional cell frame structure consisting of an assembly of multiple plates.

[0220] FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining 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.

[0221] The battery pack 2 of this embodiment is similar to the battery pack 1 of the above embodiment, so we will omit redundant explanations of configurations that are substantially identical or similar to those of the above embodiment, and will focus on the differences from the above embodiment below.

[0222] 30 and 31, the battery pack 2 may include a plurality of battery cells 100, a bus bar assembly 205, a cooling unit 300, a side structure unit 405, and a filling member 500.

[0223] 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 embodiment, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0224] The busbar assembly 205 will be discussed in more detail below with reference to the associated drawings.

[0225] 32 is a diagram illustrating the busbar assembly of the battery pack of FIG. 30, and FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating a high-voltage busbar unit of the busbar assembly of FIG.

[0226] Referring to Figures 32, 33, and above Figure 31, the busbar assembly 205 may include a main busbar unit 210, a connection 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.

[0227] The main bus bar unit 210, the connection bus bar unit 230, and the interconnection board 260 are substantially the same as or similar to those in the above embodiment, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0228] The high-voltage busbar unit (high-voltage line member 270, connector mounting member 280) is intended to ensure the electrical safety of the busbar assembly 200, and may be formed to have a thickness greater than that of the main busbar unit 210. For example, in this embodiment, the main busbar unit 210 may have a thickness of 0.4 mm, and the high-voltage busbar unit (high-voltage line member 270, connector mounting member 280) may have a thickness of 4 mm, which is thicker than the main busbar unit 210.

[0229] The high-voltage busbar unit (high-voltage line member 270, connector mounting member 280) may include a high-voltage line member 270 and a connector mounting member 280.

[0230] The high-voltage line member 270 may be disposed at the bottom of the main busbar unit 210 and may have a predetermined length for stable current flow. The high-voltage line member 270 may be attached to both ends of a main plate 410 of a side structure unit 405 (described later) along the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery pack 2. 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 be variable depending on the number and capacity of the battery cells 100.

[0231] The high voltage line member 270 will be considered in more detail below.

[0232] 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 .

[0233] The first high-voltage line portion 271 may be formed to the predetermined length and may be mounted on the main plate 410 so as to be disposed at the bottom of the main bus bar unit 210. Here, the first high-voltage line portion 271 may be formed to have a thickness greater than that of the main bus bar unit 210 in consideration of current capacity. The first high-voltage line portion 271 may be mounted on a first line receiving portion 419a of the main plate 410, which will be described later.

[0234] The second high voltage line portion 273 is spaced apart from the first high voltage line portion 271 in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the battery pack 2 and may be seated on the bottom of the main plate 410. The second high voltage line portion 273 is formed to the same thickness as the first high voltage line portion 271 and may form a current path together with the first high voltage line portion 271.

[0235] 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 may be 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.

[0236] In this embodiment, one of the first high voltage line section 271 and the second high voltage line section 273 may include a single line 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.

[0237] A plurality of the connection line portions 275 may be provided. The connection line portions 275 may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance 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.

[0238] The connector mounting members 280 may be provided in pairs. 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 structure unit 405, which will be described later.

[0239] The pair of connector mounting members 280 may include a high voltage line portion 281 and a connector coupling portion 285 .

[0240] The high voltage line portion 281 may be formed to a predetermined length and may be mounted 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 mounted on a connector mounting member receiving 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.

[0241] The connector connection portion 285 may extend from the high voltage line portion 281 and be disposed on a side portion along the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the end plate 450. A connector terminal 290, which will be described later, may be attached to the connector connection portion 285.

[0242] The connector terminals 290 may be provided in pairs and connected to the connector mounting member 280. Specifically, the pair of connector terminals 290 may be attached to connector coupling portions 285 of the respective connector mounting members 280. The pair of connector terminals 290 may be attached to a pair of end plates 450 (described later) in a state where they are connected to the connector mounting member 280.

[0243] In this embodiment, the high-voltage busbar unit (high-voltage line member 270, connector mounting member 280) guides a stable flow of current in the battery pack 2, thereby improving the electrical safety of the battery pack 2 and further increasing efficiency during charging and discharging.

[0244] Figure 34 is a diagram for explaining the side structure unit of the battery pack of Figure 30, Figure 35 is a diagram for explaining the main plate of the side structure unit of Figure 33, Figure 36 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the battery cell and the cooling unit in the side structure unit of Figure 34, and Figures 37 to 40 are diagrams for explaining the mounting structure of the side structure unit and high-voltage busbar unit of Figure 34.

[0245] 34 to 40 and above FIG. 31, the side structure unit 405 may include a plurality of main plates 410 and a pair of end plates 450.

[0246] 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 (first line accommodating portion 419a, second line accommodating portion 419b).

[0247] The first cell accommodating portion 411, the second cell accommodating portion 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 embodiment, so duplicated descriptions will be omitted below.

[0248] 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 length 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 seated in the high-voltage line member accommodating portions (first line accommodating portion 419a, second line accommodating portion 419b).

[0249] The high voltage line member housing (first line housing 419a, second line housing 419b) may include a first line housing 419a and a second line housing 419b.

[0250] The first line accommodating portion 419a accommodates the first high-voltage line portion 271 and may be formed on the edges of the upper ends (+Z-axis direction) of both ends along the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the main plate 410. The first line accommodating portion 419a may be formed with a step at 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.

[0251] The second line accommodating portion 419b accommodates the second high-voltage line portion 273 and may be formed on the edges of the lower ends (-Z-axis direction) of both ends along the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the main plate 410. The second line accommodating portion 419b may be formed with a step at a predetermined depth to prevent the second high-voltage line portion 273 from protruding downward (-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.

[0252] The pair of end plates 450 may include terminal holes 456 , end guide steps 458 , and connector mounting member receiving portions 459 .

[0253] The terminal hole 456 and the end guide step 458 are similar to those in the above embodiment, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0254] The connector mounting member receiving portion 459 receives the high voltage line portion 281 and may be formed on the upper (+Z-axis direction) edges of both ends along the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the end plate 450. The connector mounting member receiving portion 459 may be formed with a step at a predetermined depth to prevent the high voltage line portion 281 from protruding upward (+Z-axis direction) of the battery pack 2 when receiving 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.

[0255] Furthermore, the connector mounting member accommodating portion 459 may accommodate a portion of the first high-voltage line portion 271 seated in the first line accommodating portion 419a of the main plate 410 adjacent to the end plate 450 on the side opposite to where the connector terminal 290 is arranged. To this end, the connector mounting member accommodating portion 459 may be disposed on the same line as the first line accommodating portion 419a in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the battery pack 2.

[0256] 41 and 42 are diagrams for explaining the injection of the filling material into the battery pack of FIG.

[0257] Referring to Figures 41 and 42, the manufacturer 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 guide S to inject and apply a filling member 500 provided as the silicone resin.

[0258] In this embodiment, the filling member 500 can 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 connection busbar unit 230 of the busbar assembly 200.

[0259] Here, the filling member 500 may be filled to cover only the electrode connection portions of the battery cells 100 electrically connected to the main busbar unit 210 and the connection busbar unit 230 above (in the +Z-axis direction) the main busbar unit 210 and the connection busbar unit 230, which are seated on the upper side (in the +Z-axis direction) of the side structure unit 400. That is, the filling member 500 may be filled to a height sufficient to cover only the electrode connection portions of the main busbar unit 210 and the connection busbar unit 230 that are bent downward (in the -Z-axis direction) for the electrical connection.

[0260] Specifically, the filling member 500 may be filled to an extent that it covers only the positive busbar hole 242 and the negative busbar hole 244 of the connection 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. Thus, after the filling member 500 is completely filled, the horizontal portion of the main busbar unit 210 and the busbar cover 240 of the connection busbar unit 230 may be partially exposed on the upper side (+Z-axis direction) of the battery pack 2.

[0261] 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 connection 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 the silicone resin and effectively ensuring the safety of the electrical connection.

[0262] FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0263] Referring to FIG. 43, the automobile V may be equipped as an electric or hybrid automobile and may include at least one battery pack 1 (2) of the above embodiments as an energy source.

[0264] In this embodiment, the battery pack 1(2) described above is provided in a compact structure with high energy density, so that when mounted on the automobile V, it is easy to realize a modular structure of multiple battery packs 1(2), and a relatively high degree of freedom in mounting can be ensured even in various shapes of the interior space of the automobile V. That is, in this embodiment, the at least one battery pack 1(2) can be provided as a battery pack case structure that is easy to realize a modular structure and has a high degree of freedom in mounting.

[0265] In addition, the length direction of the at least one battery pack 1 (2) may be arranged perpendicular to the length direction of the vehicle so that the side structure unit 400 can protect the plurality of battery cells 100 during front and rear collisions of the vehicle.

[0266] According to the various embodiments described above, it is possible to provide a battery pack 1 (2) that can increase energy density and ensure rigidity, and an automobile V that includes the battery pack 1 (2).

[0267] Furthermore, the various embodiments described above can provide a battery pack 1 (2) that can improve cost competitiveness and manufacturing efficiency, and an automobile V including the battery pack 1 (2).

[0268] Furthermore, the various embodiments described above can provide a battery pack 1 (2) that can improve cooling performance, and an automobile V that includes the battery pack 1 (2).

[0269] While 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, and it goes without saying that various modified embodiments can be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims, and such modified embodiments should not be understood separately from the technical ideas and prospects of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0270] 1, 2 Battery pack 100 battery cells 200, 205 Busbar Assembly 300 Cooling Unit 400, 405 Side Structure Unit 500 Filler

Claims

1. In the 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 a first side 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 bus bar assembly and disposed between the plurality of battery cells along a length direction of the battery pack; a side structure unit that houses the cooling unit and the plurality of battery cells; Including, A battery pack characterized in that the battery pack is connected so that one side structure unit, the first set of the plurality of battery cells, the cooling unit, the second set of the plurality of battery cells, and another side structure unit are arranged sequentially in the width direction of the battery pack in the order named.

2. At least one side structure unit comprises: a main plate formed to a predetermined length along the length direction of the battery pack; a pair of end plates that accommodate and support the battery cells together with the main plate and are provided on both sides of the outermost wall along the width direction of the at least one side structure unit; 10. The battery pack of claim 1, comprising:

3. The main plate is 3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of the battery cells are provided, and the battery cells are accommodated so as to be arranged in two rows in the width direction of the battery pack.

4. The main plate is a first cell accommodating portion that accommodates a plurality of battery cells arranged in a longitudinal direction of the battery pack and is arranged on a first side of the main plate; a second cell accommodating portion that is disposed on a second side of the main plate opposite to the first cell accommodating portion and that accommodates a plurality of battery cells that are arranged in a longitudinal direction of the battery pack; 4. The battery pack according to claim 2 or 3, comprising:

5. The first cell housing portion and the second cell housing portion are The battery pack according to claim 4 , wherein the recess is provided in a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the battery cell and partially surrounds the outer surface of the battery cell.

6. The battery pack according to claim 4 , wherein the second cell housing portions and the first cell housing portions are arranged alternately from the first side to the second side of the main plate.

7. 2. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising a filling member that forms an outer surface of the battery pack together with the at least one side structure unit and fills a space between the cooling unit and the plurality of battery cells.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein the filling member is provided as a potting resin.

9. 9. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein the filling member is provided as a silicone resin.

10. The battery pack according to claim 7 , wherein the filling member fills the bus bar assembly so as to cover the first side of the bus bar assembly.

11. 8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein the filling member is continuously filled between the bus bar assembly and the battery cell in a length direction of the battery cell without any disconnected or separated space between the bus bar assembly and the battery cell.

12. 8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein the filling member fills a portion of a side surface of the at least one side structure unit excluding an outer side thereof.

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

14. The cooling unit includes: a cooling tube formed to a predetermined length along the length direction of the battery pack and disposed between the plurality of battery cells; a cooling flow path provided in the cooling tube for circulating a cooling fluid for cooling the battery cell; a cooling fluid outlet portion connected to the cooling tube so as to communicate with the cooling flow path; 10. The battery pack of claim 1, comprising:

15. 3. The battery pack according to claim 2, further comprising a high-voltage bus bar unit attached along both ends of the main plate of the side structure unit in the width direction of the battery pack, and allowing current to flow from the plurality of battery cells to the outside.

16. The high voltage busbar unit comprises: a first voltage line portion and a second voltage line portion arranged in parallel; a connecting line portion extending from the second voltage line portion to the second voltage line portion; a pair of connector mounting members located at both ends of the high-voltage bus bar unit; 16. The battery pack of claim 15, comprising:

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

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

19. In automobiles, The battery pack case structure according to claim 18, A vehicle, characterized in that a length direction of the at least one battery pack is arranged perpendicular to a length direction of the vehicle so that the side structure unit can protect the plurality of battery cells in the event of a front or rear collision of the vehicle.

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