Battery assembly, battery pack and automobile including the same

Abstract

The battery assembly of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells, a cell frame that houses the plurality of battery cells, and a filling member that seals the upper end of the cell frame, and is provided with an isolation part that defines a cooling flow path space between the plurality of battery cells so that a cooling medium can be filled therein, and that isolates the cooling flow path space from the filling member.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0106480 dated August 14, 2023 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0107034 dated August 9, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery assembly, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same, and more particularly to a battery assembly with a direct cooling structure, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same. [Background technology]

[0003] Secondary batteries, which are easy to apply to various products and have electrical properties such as high energy density, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that are driven by electrical sources. These secondary batteries not only have the primary advantage of dramatically reducing the use of fossil fuels, but are also widely used as an energy source for improving environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, as they do not produce any by-products from energy use.

[0004] 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, a battery pack may be configured by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel depending on the required charge / discharge capacity of the battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack may be variously set depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] When configuring a battery pack by connecting battery cells in series / parallel, a common method is to first configure a battery module by creating a battery cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells and housing it in a module case, and then configure the battery pack by assembling one or more such battery modules and adding other components to the battery module. As the required battery capacity increases in battery modules, the importance of technology that can efficiently cool the heat generated from the battery cells has increased, and bottom cooling and side cooling methods have been used in which a heat sink is attached to the module case of the battery module for cooling.

[0006] However, in a battery module using this cooling method, heat generated from the battery cells is transferred to a heat sink on one side of the module case for cooling, and a heat transfer path is not easily provided on the other side of the module case. As a result, there is a limit to the temperature difference between one end and the other end of the battery cell assembly, and overall cooling efficiency is insufficient. If the temperature difference is not resolved, safety and durability of the battery module may be compromised. Insufficient cooling efficiency may accelerate deterioration of the battery cells, or if thermal runaway occurs in some battery cells, it may be difficult to quickly address the problem, and if the thermal runaway spreads severely, it may lead to disasters such as fires and explosions of the battery module or a battery pack including the battery module, which may cause not only property damage but also safety issues.

[0007] To address these issues, a method has been proposed in which battery modules are filled with cooling water or insulating oil to directly cool the battery cells, rather than relying on bottom or side cooling. However, existing battery modules using direct cooling methods use various components to achieve their waterproof structure, such as a silicone rubber double-injection assembly structure and a waterproof foam tape overlap structure. This waterproof structure achieves its waterproof performance by inserting additional components between components that require sealing and applying pressure with additional fixing components. This requires various components, such as waterproof foam tape, sealant, silicone rubber components such as O-rings, and bolt structures, at the battery module end, and double or triple sealing components and thermal grease materials at the battery pack end. The use of such various components increases the number of parts, complicates the assembly and manufacturing processes, and requires additional fixing structures, which increases costs. Furthermore, the assembly and manufacturing processes are sensitive to foreign matter, increasing the risk of defects. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] One problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a direct cooling battery assembly with simplified assembly and manufacturing processes.

[0009] Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a direct cooling battery pack with simplified assembly and manufacturing processes.

[0010] Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a vehicle including such a battery pack. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above problem, a battery assembly according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a plurality of battery cells; a cell frame that houses the plurality of battery cells; and a filling member that seals an upper end of the cell frame; and an isolation part that defines a cooling channel space that allows a cooling medium to be filled between the plurality of battery cells, the isolation part providing isolation between the cooling channel space and the filling member.

[0012] The battery assembly according to one aspect of the present invention may further include a porous member having a plurality of holes, the porous member being positioned between the isolation part and the filling member or inside the filling member.

[0013] The filling member may extend through the holes of the porous member to an upper end of the battery cell.

[0014] The porous member may be one or more layers.

[0015] Preferably, the porous member may be a non-metallic mesh net.

[0016] The non-metallic mesh body may have a mesh size of 5 to 50.

[0017] The non-metallic mesh body may have a thickness of 30 μm to 500 μm.

[0018] The material of the non-metallic mesh may be nylon, PP, or PE.

[0019] In one aspect, the cell frame includes a bottom part including a cell accommodating portion that accommodates the plurality of battery cells, and a frame wall that stands upright upward from the bottom part, and the frame wall has a step portion on the inside of the cell frame, and the isolation part can be fixed on the step portion.

[0020] The cell frame may include a bottom part including a cell receiving portion that receives the plurality of battery cells. The cell receiving portion may include cell receiving grooves that receive the plurality of battery cells, each cell receiving groove having a depth that allows a portion of the height of the battery cell to be inserted therein, and an adhesive may be provided between the cell receiving grooves and the battery cells.

[0021] The separator may have holes formed therein, each of which passes through the plurality of stepped battery cells.

[0022] The battery assembly may further include bus bars at upper ends of the battery cells to electrically connect the battery cells.

[0023] The upper end of the isolation part may be located below the bus bar.

[0024] The filling member may comprise a potting resin.

[0025] The cooling medium may be water or insulating oil.

[0026] In order to achieve the above object, a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention includes a battery assembly according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0027] A battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention includes a battery assembly and a pack case that houses the battery assembly. The battery assembly includes a plurality of battery cells, a cell frame that houses the plurality of battery cells, a filler member that seals the upper end of the cell frame, and an isolation part that defines a cooling channel space between the plurality of battery cells and through which a cooling medium is filled, the isolation part separating the cooling channel space from the filler member. The cell frame forms a venting channel between the cell frame and the pack case for gas and / or flame generated in the battery assembly.

[0028] Preferably, the cell frame includes a protrusion that protrudes downward from a bottom surface thereof, and the protrusion comes into surface contact with the pack case, thereby defining the venting flow path.

[0029] The cell frame may include a bottom part including a cell accommodating portion that accommodates the plurality of battery cells, and a frame wall that stands upright upward from the bottom part, and the frame wall may have a step portion on an inner side of the cell frame, and the isolation part may be fixed on the step portion.

[0030] The cell frame may include a bottom part including a cell receiving portion that receives the plurality of battery cells. The cell receiving portion may include cell receiving grooves that receive the plurality of battery cells, each cell receiving groove having a depth that allows a portion of the height of the battery cell to be inserted therein, and an adhesive may be provided between the cell receiving grooves and the battery cells.

[0031] The battery pack may further include a bus bar at an upper end of the battery cells to electrically connect the battery cells, the isolation part may have a hole penetrating each of the battery cells, the upper end of the isolation part may be located below the bus bar, and the filling member may be formed of a potting resin.

[0032] The battery cell may include a vent provided at a lower end of the battery cell through which gas inside the battery cell is discharged.

[0033] To achieve the above and other objects, the present invention also provides a vehicle including a battery pack according to an aspect of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery assembly using a direct water cooling (immersion cooling) method and a battery pack including the same, which have excellent cooling performance. The battery assembly and battery pack according to the present invention have excellent cooling performance, and therefore can solve heat generation problems, especially heat generation problems associated with fast charging requirements.

[0035] According to one aspect of the present invention, a waterproof structure of a large-area battery assembly can be achieved by applying a potting resin. In particular, according to the present invention, a simple waterproof sealing can be achieved by applying a top potting method. Therefore, the structure of the battery assembly and battery pack can be simplified, and a direct cooling battery assembly and battery pack with simplified assembly and manufacturing processes can be obtained.

[0036] According to one aspect of the present invention, by realizing a waterproof structure using potting resin, conventional silicone rubber double injection structures and waterproof foam tape are no longer necessary, the number of parts is reduced, and the assembly process is simplified, which allows for cost reduction.

[0037] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the application of a porous member such as a non-metallic mesh ensures reliable sealing, thereby improving waterproof reliability. According to one aspect of the present invention, the potting resin penetrates between the pores of the porous member, increasing the bonding strength of the potting resin. This eliminates the risk of cracks occurring at the potting resin interface or inside the potting resin layer during the manufacturing process or when subjected to vibration or impact, further improving waterproof reliability.

[0038] According to one aspect of the present invention, the cooling channel space realized inside the battery assembly allows the use of all common cooling water and insulating oil for vehicles.

[0039] In a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention, a venting passage is formed between a cell frame and a pack case of a battery assembly, and high-temperature gas and flames generated in an abnormal state of a battery cell can be efficiently discharged, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery pack.

[0040] In addition, when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell and high-temperature gas or flame is generated, the high-temperature gas and flame can be guided in a specific direction and quickly discharged to the outside of the pack case.

[0041] In addition, by minimizing thermal damage to other battery cells during the process of discharging high-temperature gases vented from the battery cells to the outside of the pack case, further chain fires can be prevented. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0042] The drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical concept of the present invention, and the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to only the matters depicted in these drawings. [Figure 1] 1 is an assembled perspective view of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the battery assembly of FIG. 1 taken along line III-III'. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the battery assembly of FIG. 4 taken along the line VV'. [Figure 6] 6 is a modified example of the battery assembly shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 6 is another example of the porous member of the battery assembly shown in FIG. 5, showing a mesh-like body. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a partially exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an assembled perspective view of a battery assembly that can be included in the battery pack of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the battery assembly of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a side view showing the protrusion of the battery assembly of FIG. 10. [Figure 13] 11 is a bottom view of the battery assembly of FIG. 10, showing protrusions formed on the cell frame. [Figure 14] 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIV-XIV′ of FIG. 10. [Figure 15] 1 is a diagram illustrating a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in the specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept that is consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, based on the principle that an inventor can appropriately define the concept of a term in order to best describe his or her invention.

[0044] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and that there are various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0045] In the drawings, the size of each component or specific parts constituting the component may be exaggerated, omitted, or illustrated schematically for convenience and clarity of explanation. Therefore, the size of each component does not completely reflect the actual size. If it is determined that a detailed description of related known functions or configurations may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, such a description will be omitted. Furthermore, since the same reference numerals refer to the same components, overlapping or repeated descriptions across various embodiments will be omitted.

[0046] FIG. 1 is an assembled perspective view of a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery assembly of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the battery assembly of FIG. 1 taken along line III-III'.

[0047] 1 to 3, a battery assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells 100, a cell frame 200, and a filling member 500. The battery assembly 10 also includes an isolation part 300.

[0048] The battery cell 100 can be applied to any type of secondary battery, such as a prismatic, cylindrical, or pouch-type battery cell. Within the battery assembly 10, the battery cells 100 can be arranged in rows and columns. The battery cells 100 can be electrically connected to each other.

[0049] The cell frame 200 accommodates the battery cells 100. For example, the cell frame 200 may have an upper end opening 210. For example, the cell frame 200 may have a box shape with an open top and four walls. Some of the walls extend along the X-axis direction in the drawing, and other parts of the walls extend along the Y-axis direction. The battery cells 100 may be accommodated in the cell frame 200 in an upright state in the Z-axis direction.

[0050] The cell frame 200 may secure the battery cell 100. The cell frame 200 may be provided at the lower part of the battery cell 100 to secure and fix the battery cell 100. The cell frame 200 may have a structure into which the lower part of the battery cell 100 is inserted.

[0051] In a preferred example, the cell frame 200 may include a bottom part 220 to which the battery cells 100 are fixed, and a frame wall 230 that stands upright upward from the bottom part 220. The bottom part 220 forms the lower surface of the cell frame 200 and may be substantially square in shape. The frame wall 230 extends upward from each corner of the bottom part 220 to form side surfaces that surround the battery cells 100. The frame wall 230 and the bottom part 220 may be integral. However, this is just one example. In another embodiment of the present invention, the bottom part 220 and the frame wall 230 may be separate components that are separated from each other, or the cell frame 200 may be formed by assembling the bottom part 220 and the frame wall 230. This will be described later.

[0052] The bottom part 220 may include a cell receiving portion that receives the battery cell 100. A lower portion of each battery cell 100 may be fixed to the cell frame 200 and inserted into or supported by the cell receiving portion. The shape of the cell receiving portion is not limited. The height (H) of the frame wall 230 is greater than the length (L) of the battery cell 100, so that the battery cell 100 can be completely received within the cell frame 200. The frame wall 230 has a step portion 240 on the inside of the cell frame 200, and the isolation part 300 can be fixed on the step portion 240.

[0053] However, this is just one example, and in another embodiment of the present invention, the cell frame 200 and the isolation part 300 may be an integrated unit, as will be described later.

[0054] The cell frame 200 may be coupled to the isolation part 300 at a lower side thereof. The lower side of the battery cell 100 may be fixed to the cell frame 200. The isolation part 300 supports a portion of the battery cell 100. The isolation part 300 supports a portion of the battery cell 100 above the position supported by the cell frame 200. Here, the battery cells 100 may be inserted into the isolation part 300 and supported.

[0055] The cell frame 200 and the isolation part 300 can collect the battery cells 100 into a single unit and maintain it as a single unit, and can protect the battery cells 100 from external impacts. In particular, the cell frame 200 serves as the main rigid body. The cell frame 200 and the isolation part 300 can be made of metal materials such as stainless steel (SUS) for mechanical rigidity and aluminum (Al) for thermal conductivity. The cell frame 200 and the isolation part 300 can also be made of composite materials such as fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) that meet all the requirements of electrical insulation, mechanical rigidity, and light weight. Preferably, the cell frame 200 and the isolation part 300 are made of materials that can be formed by plastic injection molding.

[0056] The isolation part 300 can maintain the gap (G) between the battery cells 100 at the upper ends of the battery cells 100. The isolation part 300 may have holes 310 formed therein through which the battery cells 100 pass. The upper parts of the battery cells 100 can be inserted into the holes 310.

[0057] Between the cell frame 200 and the isolation part 300, a cooling channel space (S) is formed between the battery cells 100, allowing the cooling medium 400 to be filled. The cooling channel space (S) may be between the bottom part 220 of the cell frame 200, the frame wall body 230, and the isolation part 300. The filling member 500 seals the upper end of the cell frame 200. For example, the filling member 500 may seal the upper end opening 210 of the cell frame 200. The isolation part 300 separates the cooling channel space (S) from the filling member 500 before the cooling medium 400 is filled. After the cooling channel space (S) of the battery assembly 10 is filled with the cooling medium 400, the isolation part 300 separates the cooling medium 400 from the filling member 500. The isolation part 300 prevents the filling member 500 filled on the isolation part 300 from penetrating into the cooling channel space (S) and the cooling medium 400. The isolating part 300 blocks the filling member 500 in the Z-axis direction. The filling member 500 can be provided on the upper side of the isolating part 300 to prevent leakage of the cooling medium 400. The isolating part 300 and the filling member 500 can prevent the cooling medium 400 in the cooling channel space (S) from leaking to the upper end of the cell frame.

[0058] A cooling channel space (S) may be formed inside the battery assembly 10 so that the side surfaces of the battery cells 100 are exposed. The cooling channel space (S) may be filled with a cooling medium 400, which may flow and circulate or be maintained in a filled state. The cooling medium 400 may fill a portion or all of the battery cells 100 in the height direction. The cooling medium 400 may be both general vehicle cooling water and insulating oil. That is, the cooling medium 400 may be a fluid such as water or insulating oil. The cooling medium 400 may be directly filled between the battery cells 100 in the cooling channel space (S) between the isolation part 300 and the cell frame 200. In this way, the battery cells 100 may be immersed in the cooling medium 400 within the battery assembly 10. The cooling medium 400 may directly cool the battery cells 100 to prevent the temperature of the battery cells 100 from rising, and has excellent cooling performance. Specifically, although not shown, the battery assembly may include an inlet into which the cooling medium 400 flows and an outlet from which the cooling medium 400 is discharged. The cooling medium 400 may flow in through the inlet, directly cool the battery cells 100, and then be discharged through the outlet.

[0059] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, a direct cooling method is used instead of a bottom cooling method or a side cooling method, thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery cells 100. Furthermore, even if a problematic battery cell 100 catches fire and its temperature rises, the cooling medium 400 inside the battery assembly 10 is maintained, and heat is continuously transferred from the ignited battery cell 100 to cool the battery cell 100, thereby protecting the surrounding battery cells 100 from a temperature rise.

[0060] The cooling medium 400 may be a phase change material (PCM). The phase change material can be cyclically vaporized and liquefied, and may be a fluorine-based material with a low boiling point for more effective circulation. For example, the phase change material may be a material with a boiling point of 35°C to 50°C. Furthermore, the phase change material may include a material with a fire extinguishing function. This allows the fire to be quickly extinguished by the phase change material even if a fire breaks out inside the battery assembly 10.

[0061] When the cooling medium 400 is accommodated in the cooling channel space (S) between the isolation part 300 and the cell frame 200, leakage of the cooling medium 400 may become a problem. Therefore, a filling member 500 is provided on the upper side of the isolation part 300 to prevent leakage of the cooling medium 400. The filling member 500 may be made of potting resin. Here, potting refers to a method of injecting and applying a liquid resin onto the upper side of the isolation part 300, and then curing and packaging it.

[0062] The filling member 500 is a waterproof component that prevents the cooling medium 400, which may be a liquid, from leaking outside the battery assembly 10. Therefore, the potting resin may be a potting resin with waterproof properties. The filling member 500 may be filled into the cell frame 200 on top of the isolation part 300 to seal the upper end of the cell frame 200. The filling member 500 may be formed by fixing the battery cells 100 to the cell frame 200, and then injecting and applying liquid resin through the upper end opening 210 of the cell frame 200 with the isolation part 300 assembled on top of the battery cells 100, and then curing the resin.

[0063] As described above, according to one embodiment of the present invention, by realizing a waterproof structure using a filler member 500 such as potting resin, conventional silicone rubber double injection structure and waterproof foam tape are no longer necessary, reducing the number of parts and simplifying the assembly process, thereby enabling cost reduction.

[0064] The waterproof structure using the filling member 500 of the present invention simply requires filling the upper opening 210 on the isolation part 300, and does not require inserting a separate member between the components that require sealing and applying pressure with a separate fixing member to achieve waterproof performance. Waterproof foam tape, sealant, silicone rubber parts such as O-rings, bolting structures, etc. are all unnecessary. Therefore, the manufacturing process of the battery assembly 10 is extremely simple and costs are reduced.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a step portion 240 is formed in the cell frame 200, allowing the separator 300 to be housed within the cell frame 200, which is another structural feature. If the separator 300 were simply placed on the cell frame 200 and bonded without the step portion 240, there would be a risk of the filler member 500 leaking through the gap. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step portion 240 is provided in the frame wall 230, allowing the separator 300 to be housed within the cell frame 200, and the upper and lower interfaces between the cell frame 200 and the separator 300 are not exposed to the outside. Therefore, even if a gap is formed where the cell frame 200 and the separator 300 are bonded, there is no risk of the filler member 500 leaking through the gap. Therefore, no leakage prevention components such as gaskets or glue are required between the cell frame 200 and the separator 300, which reduces manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the size of the entire battery assembly 10 is not increased, which is advantageous in terms of energy density.

[0066] Meanwhile, the battery assembly 10 is sealed by the filling member 500, and the battery assembly 10 itself can form a closed system. The isolation part 300 serves as a guide that can maintain the gap (G) between the battery cells 100 while assembled with the battery cells 100, thereby maintaining a constant gap between the cells, which is important in a direct cooling structure, and forming a uniform cooling channel space (S), thereby reducing the pressure difference of the cooling medium 400 in the battery assembly 10. Furthermore, after the filling member 500 is applied and hardened, it is an important component for making the battery assembly 10 a closed system by preventing the filling member 500 from flowing into the cooling channel space (S).

[0067] The filling member 500 is a waterproof part that seals the upper end opening 210, and at the same time, it more stably fixes the upper end of the battery cell 100 that protrudes upward through the hole 310 of the isolation part 300, and can increase the heat dissipation efficiency of the battery cell 100, thereby further improving the cooling performance of the battery cell 100.

[0068] For example, the filler member 500 may be a potting resin mixed with beads such as glass bubbles. The potting resin may be formed by injecting a thin liquid resin material into the battery cell 100 and hardening it. Here, the resin material may be injected at room temperature, about 15°C to 25°C, to prevent thermal damage to the battery cell 100. The subsequent hardening may be performed at a higher temperature.

[0069] Furthermore, the filling member 500 can prevent the penetration of moisture or foreign matter into the battery cell 100, prevent a chain reaction of fire when a thermal event occurs due to an abnormality in the battery cell 100, and further increase the structural rigidity of the battery assembly 10.

[0070] Specifically, the filling member 500 may be made of a silicone resin, but is not limited thereto, and the filling member 500 may be made of other resin materials that can improve the fixing and heat dissipation efficiency of the battery cells 100 and achieve waterproof performance.

[0071] The filling member 500 may have a predetermined viscosity and may include at least two materials. Specifically, the filling member 500 may be prepared by mixing a predetermined resin and beads in a predetermined ratio. The filling member 500 may reduce the cost of the potting resin by mixing the beads, and the physical properties of the filling member 500, such as the viscosity, may be adjusted depending on the mixing ratio.

[0072] Such a filling member 500 can guide the thermal balance of the battery cell 100, prevent deviation in cooling of the battery cell 100, and prevent local deterioration of the battery cell 100. Furthermore, by preventing local deterioration of the battery cell 100, the safety of the battery assembly 10 can be significantly improved.

[0073] In addition, the filling member 500 may also serve as an insulator to prevent current from flowing to an adjacent battery cell 100 when at least one specific battery cell 100 among the battery cells 100 is damaged due to an abnormal situation.

[0074] In addition, the filling member 500 may be made of or further include a material having high specific heat performance, thereby increasing the thermal mass of the filling member 500 and delaying 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.

[0075] In addition, the filling member 500 may be made of or further include a material having high heat resistance, thereby effectively preventing the propagation of thermal runaway to other adjacent battery cells 100 when a thermal event such as overheating occurs in a specific battery cell 100.

[0076] In addition, the filling member 500 may be made of or further include a material having high flame retardancy, thereby minimizing the risk of fire when a thermal event such as overheating occurs in a specific battery cell 100.

[0077] As described above, according to one embodiment of the present invention, by applying a filler member 500 such as a potting resin, a waterproof structure can be easily and simply achieved even for a large-area battery assembly 10. In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a top potting method is used, which eliminates the need for other waterproofing components and achieves very simple waterproof sealing. Therefore, the structure of the battery assembly 10 and the battery pack including the same can be simplified, thereby providing a direct cooling battery assembly 10 and battery pack with simplified assembly and manufacturing processes. Furthermore, because the number of parts is small, the battery assembly 10 and battery pack are less susceptible to foreign matter during the assembly and manufacturing processes, reducing the risk of defects and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0078] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 5 is a V-V' cross-sectional view of the battery assembly of Fig. 4, and Fig. 6 is a modified example of the battery assembly shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 shows another example of a porous member of the battery assembly shown in Fig. 5, which is a mesh-like body.

[0079] The battery assembly 12 shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 further includes a porous member 600 compared to the battery assembly 10 described with reference to FIGS.

[0080] The porous member 600 can be included between the isolation part 300 and the filling member 500, or inside the filling member 500. The porous member 600 being included inside the filling member 500 can refer to a form in which the periphery of the porous member 600 is filled with the filling member 500 so that the porous member 600 enters the filling member 500.

[0081] The porous member 600 has a plurality of pores 610 .

[0082] The filler member 500 can penetrate the holes 610 of the porous member 600 and extend to the upper end of the battery cell 100. The filler member 500 applied to the upper end of the porous member 600 can pass through the holes 610 of the porous member 600 and extend to the upper end of the battery cell 100, thereby filling the periphery of the porous member 600 with the filler member 500.

[0083] The porous member 600 can securely fix the filling member 500 and prevent displacement due to impact, enabling more robust operation of the battery assembly 12. The filling member 500, such as a potting resin, penetrates between the pores 610 of the porous member 600 and increases the bonding strength of the filling member 500 after hardening. This eliminates the risk of cracks occurring at the interface between the filling member 500 and other components or inside the filling member 500 during the manufacturing process or due to vibration / impact, thereby further improving waterproof reliability. In this way, the inclusion of the porous member 600 in the filling member 500 ensures sealing reliability, thereby improving the waterproof reliability of the battery assembly 12.

[0084] The porous member 600 may have one or more layers. The battery assembly 12 of Figure 6 includes two layers of the porous member 600. The porous member 600 may have, for example, three layers.

[0085] The holes 610 of the porous member 600 allow the filling member 500 to pass through during injection. The porous member 600 is preferably made of a material that can withstand temperatures above a certain level. For example, the porous member 600 is preferably made of an insulating material to prevent electrical short circuits. The holes 610 of the porous member 600 are preferably arranged regularly so that the filling member 500 can be evenly positioned.

[0086] 4 to 6, the porous member 600 is a film-like plate that is very thin in the Z-axis direction and has a plurality of holes 610 punched into it. There are no restrictions on the shape of the holes 610, but an isotetragon is preferred because all properties are uniform in the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0087] FIG. 7 shows a mesh 600', another example of the porous member of the battery assembly shown in FIG. 5. For example, the porous member 600 of the battery assembly 12 of FIG. 5 can be replaced with the mesh 600' of FIG. 7. Preferably, the mesh 600' is non-metallic. That is, the mesh 600' may be a non-metallic mesh. The non-metallic nature prevents electrical short circuits and provides good material compatibility with the filler member 500, which may be a potting resin.

[0088] The mesh 600' may be formed by weaving together a plurality of wires, or by crossing wires to form a lattice. The thickness of the mesh 600' may be 30 μm to 500 μm. The material of the mesh 600' may be nylon, PP, or PE.

[0089] The mesh 600' may be 5 to 50 mesh. Mesh is a method of classifying mesh size, and is indicated by the number of meshes per 1 inch of length. That is, mesh is a unit indicating the size of the holes or particles in the mesh, and can be said to be the number of meshes contained within a 1-inch square. For example, 200 mesh means that wires with a diameter of 2 / 1000 inch are spaced at intervals of 3 / 1000 inch, and there are 200 meshes per 1 inch of length. Therefore, N mesh is N / 25.4 mm, and if a mesh of 5 mesh or more is used, for example, the size of one hole 610 is 5.08 x 5.08 mm. 2 The mesh size is selected taking into consideration the viscosity of the potting resin of the filling member 500. If the viscosity of the potting resin is high, a small mesh is preferable, and if the viscosity of the potting resin is low, a large mesh is acceptable. If the mesh is large and the spacing between the mesh elements is narrow, it may become clogged with foreign matter such as dust, so the size should be appropriate.

[0090] Because the mesh body 600' is a thin plate, it can be appropriately positioned within the battery assembly 12, thereby preventing an increase in the size of the battery assembly 12. Furthermore, because the mesh body 600' has a plurality of holes 610, an increase in weight can also be prevented. As such, according to one embodiment of the present invention, by using the mesh body 600', it is possible to prevent an increase in the size and weight of the battery assembly 12, ensure sealing reliability, and improve the waterproof reliability of the battery assembly 12.

[0091] FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 8, the battery pack 20 may include a battery assembly (10 or 12) and a pack case 700. One or more battery assemblies (10 or 12) may be provided. When multiple battery assemblies (10 or 12) are provided, they may be arranged in various ways. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the battery assemblies (10 or 12) may be arranged horizontally. Alternatively, the battery assemblies (10 or 12) may be arranged horizontally and vertically, but are not limited thereto.

[0093] The battery pack 20 is a control module for controlling the battery assembly (10 or 12) and may include a battery management system (BMS). The control module can manage the battery assembly (10 or 12) through charging / discharging, voltage, and temperature sensing of the battery assembly (10 or 12). The battery pack 20 may further include various other components, such as relays, current sensors, and other battery pack components known at the time of filing of the present invention.

[0094] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there are provided battery assemblies 10, 12 using a direct water-cooling method with excellent cooling performance, and a battery pack 20 including the same. The battery assemblies 10, 12 and the battery pack 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention have excellent cooling performance, so they can solve heat generation problems, especially heat generation problems due to fast charging requirements.

[0095] Since the battery assemblies 10, 12 have a simple waterproof sealing structure using a top potting method, the structure of the battery pack 20 including them is also simplified, and therefore the assembly and manufacturing processes of the battery pack 20 are simplified.

[0096] The battery assemblies 10, 12 have a reduced number of parts and a simplified assembly process, so the battery pack 20 including them can be manufactured at reduced cost.

[0097] Furthermore, the battery assembly 12 has improved waterproof reliability because the application of the porous member 600, such as the non-metallic mesh member 600′, ensures reliable sealing. Therefore, the battery pack 20 including the battery assembly 12 has further improved waterproof reliability.

[0098] FIG. 9 is a partially exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] 9, the battery pack 22 includes a battery assembly 14 and a pack case 700 that houses the battery assembly 14. The pack case 700 may include, for example, a lower case 710, a side case 720, and an upper case 730.

[0100] The lower case 710 is configured to accommodate at least one battery assembly 14. The lower case 710 may be formed in the shape of, but is not limited to, a square plate. The lower case 710 forms the bottom of the pack case 700. The side case 720 may be configured to extend upward from an edge of the lower case 710. The side case 720 determines the height of the pack case 700 and forms a predetermined space between the side case 720 and the lower case 710. At least one battery assembly 14 is accommodated in the space between the side case 720 and the lower case 710. The side case 720 may include a long-side side frame that is relatively long and a short-side side frame that is relatively short. Alternatively, the side case 720 may include side frames that are all the same length. The upper case 730 may be coupled to the side case 720.

[0101] The pack case 700 may further include a cross beam 740 that accommodates a plurality of battery assemblies 14 and separates the plurality of battery assemblies 14. The battery assemblies 14 may include a flange portion 250. The flange portion 250 may be provided to fix the battery assemblies 14 to the side case 720 or the cross beam 740 by bolting.

[0102] Fig. 10 is an assembled perspective view of a battery assembly that can be included in the battery pack of Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the battery assembly of Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a side view showing the protrusions of the battery assembly of Fig. 10. Fig. 13 is a bottom view of the battery assembly of Fig. 10, showing the protrusions formed on the cell frame. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along XIV-XIV' of Fig. 10.

[0103] 10 to 14, the battery assembly 14 is similar to the battery assembly 12 and includes a plurality of battery cells 100, a cell frame 200 that houses the battery cells 100, a filling member 500 that seals the upper end of the cell frame 200, and an isolation part 300 that defines a cooling channel space (S) between the battery cells 100 that is filled with a cooling medium 400 and isolates the cooling channel space (S) from the filling member 500. The cell frame 200 forms a venting channel (P) for gases and flames generated in the battery assembly 14 between the cell frame 200 and the pack case 700.

[0104] 11 shows the bottom surface of the filling member 500. When the filling member 500 potted on the upper side of the isolation part 300 is molded, the upper case 730 of the pack case 700 can be configured to be covered by the upper side of the filling member 500.

[0105] In this embodiment, the battery cell 100 may be a cylindrical battery cell or a prismatic battery cell. The battery cell 100 includes an electrode assembly housed in a battery can 110. The electrode assembly may be formed in a jelly roll shape with a central hole, having a structure in which a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrode plates are wound in one direction. The battery can 110 may be cylindrical or prismatic, and the electrode assembly may be housed inside the battery can 110 and electrically connected to the negative electrode plate of the electrode assembly. As a result, the battery can 110 may have the same polarity as the negative electrode plate, i.e., a negative electrode. A cell terminal 120 protrudes from the outside of the battery can 110 and is electrically connected to the positive electrode plate of the electrode assembly. The cell terminal 120 has a positive polarity.

[0106] The enlarged view of portion B in FIG. 11 shows the bottom surface of the battery cell 100. The battery cell 100 may include a vent portion C at its lower end, which discharges gas inside the battery cell 100. The vent portion C may also include a venting structure such as a vent notch. The vent portion C is broken when the pressure inside the battery cell 100 increases abnormally, thereby discharging the internal gas to the outside. In this manner, when the vent portion C is included at the lower end, particularly the bottom, of the battery cell 100, it can help guide the discharge direction of the venting gas downward in the battery pack 22. Such a vent portion C may be provided near the center of the bottom, which is the lower end of the battery cell 100. However, the vent portion C is not limited thereto, and may be provided at other positions that can discharge gas toward the bottom of the battery cell 100.

[0107] The battery assembly 14 may further include a bus bar 800 that electrically connects the upper ends of the battery cells 100 to the battery cells 100 .

[0108] The cell frame 200 may include a protrusion 260 protruding downward from a bottom surface, and the protrusion 260 may be in surface contact with the pack case 700 to define a venting passage (P). The protrusion 260 may maintain a gap (D) in the Z-axis direction between the lower end of the battery cell 100 inside the battery assembly 14 and the pack case 700. The protrusion 260 may include a first protrusion 260a, a second protrusion 260b, and a third protrusion 260c.

[0109] The lower surface of the protrusion 260 may be in contact with and supported by the upper surface of the pack case 700. As a result, the venting passage (P) may be formed by being surrounded by the lower surface of the cell frame 200, the protrusion 260, and the upper surface of the pack case 700, and a predetermined space through which gas or flame flows from the underside of the battery assembly 14 may be provided. Because the contact is surface rather than point or line contact, a relatively wide contact area is ensured, and the surface contact portion acts as a kind of barrier, preventing gas discharged from the battery cells 100 included in the battery assembly 14 from spreading in all directions. In addition, the venting gas is guided to move in a predetermined direction, i.e., along the venting passage (P), thereby ensuring safety.

[0110] When the vent portion (C) opens due to an abnormality in a specific battery cell 100, it ruptures the lower end of the cell frame 200 (for example, the portion where the cell receiving groove 270 in FIG. 11 is formed) and can normally eject flames. The ejected flames move along the venting flow path (P) and can be ejected to the outside of the battery pack 22 through a venting device (not shown) provided in the pack case 700. In this case, the bottom of the cell frame 200 is preferably made of a material that can rupture above a certain pressure or melt due to heat, for example, a plastic material. Because the bottom of the cell frame 200 is normally closed, even if venting is occurring in an adjacent battery cell 100, venting gas or flames do not flow into other battery cells 100 through the bottom of the cell frame 200.

[0111] The cell frame 200 may be fixed by being adhered to the pack case 700 or the lower case 710. For example, the cell frame 200 may be adhered to the pack case 700 or the lower case 710 using a structural adhesive or the like. By being adhered to each other using a structural adhesive or the like, the connection and fixing structure may be made more solid.

[0112] The lower ends of the battery cells 100 are fixed to the cell frame 200. To this end, the bottom part 220 of the cell frame 200 includes cell receiving portions that receive the battery cells 100, and the cell receiving portions may be provided with cell receiving grooves 270 that receive the battery cells 100, respectively. The depth of the cell receiving grooves 270 is such that a portion of the height of the battery cells 100 is inserted therein, and an adhesive 280 may be provided between the cell receiving grooves 270 and the battery cells 100.

[0113] The cell accommodating grooves 270 are arranged next to each other so that the battery cells 100 can be inserted therein. The cell accommodating grooves 270 are configured to have a shape that follows the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical battery cell 100. Therefore, the cell accommodating grooves 270 are also cylindrical. The cell accommodating grooves 270 can support the side and bottom surfaces of the battery cells 100 from the lower ends of the battery cells 100.

[0114] The cell receiving grooves 270 can separately receive the battery cells 100. When the battery cells 100 are inserted and received upright in the cell receiving grooves 270, they are prevented from moving up and down or left and right.

[0115] The vent portion (C) of each battery cell 100 is assembled in the vertical fixing direction of the cell frame 200, and is isolated from the vent portions (C) of other battery cells 100 by the structure of the cell frame 200 including the adhesive 280 and the cell receiving groove 270. Therefore, in the event of thermal runaway due to an abnormality occurring in any of the battery cells 100, flames will not be transmitted to the surrounding battery cells 100, and heat propagation can be delayed.

[0116] The adhesive 280 is a waterproof adhesive interposed between the cell frame 200 and the battery cell 100. The adhesive 280 may be filled in a partial area of ​​the side surface of the battery cell 100 and between the vent portion (C) and the cell frame 200. Here, the waterproof adhesive may be an epoxy-based waterproof resin.

[0117] The adhesive 280 is applied not only to the side of the battery cell 100 but also to the vent portion (C) to prevent the vent portion (C) from being exposed. Therefore, even if a thermal runaway occurs due to an abnormality in one of the battery cells 100, the flame will not be transmitted to the surrounding battery cells 100, and the battery is not vulnerable to a chain fire.

[0118] The adhesive 280 is applied to the cell frame 200 to stably fix the battery cells 100 and improve waterproof performance. The structure of the cell receiving groove 270 is such that a sufficient contact area is provided between the adhesive 280 and the battery cell 100.

[0119] As described above, the cell frame 200 fixes the basic position of the battery cells 100. Furthermore, it serves as the main rigid body of the battery assembly 14. Furthermore, when the battery pack 22 is manufactured, the protrusion 260 allows the venting channel (P) to be realized through the protrusion 260. By providing the protrusion 260 on the lower part of the battery assembly 14, the space in which the battery assembly 14 is disposed and the space through which the venting gas moves can be separated vertically within the pack case 700. Furthermore, the protrusion 260 separates the space through which the gas flows, i.e., the venting channel (P), into various regions, thereby diversifying the gas exhaust path and increasing the total volume of the exhaust path. Therefore, the venting channel (P) formed in the battery pack 22 according to an embodiment of the present invention is effective in smoothly exhausting the venting gas to the outside of the battery pack 22 even when a large amount of venting gas is generated.

[0120] As described above, the frame wall 230 stands upright above the bottom part 220 , and the isolation part 300 can be fixed on the stepped portion 240 of the frame wall 230 .

[0121] The isolation part 300 may be located on the stepped part 240 at the upper end of the battery cell 100. The position of the stepped part 240 is determined taking this into consideration. The upper end of the isolation part 300 may be located below the bus bar 800. A non-metallic mesh body 600' may be located on the isolation part 300 and on the bus bar 800. As described above, the bus bar 800 is a component that provides electrical connection between the battery cells 100. If the leaked cooling medium 400 comes into contact with the bus bar 800 and the cell terminals, it may cause a deterioration in performance of the battery assembly including the battery cell 100. Furthermore, if the cooling medium 400 is water, a short circuit may occur when the cooling medium 400 comes into contact with the bus bar 800, which may result in a fire or explosion. The isolation part 300 and the filling member 500 according to this embodiment separate the cooling flow path space (S) filled with the cooling medium 400 from the space electrically connected to the battery cell 100, thereby minimizing the influence of the cooling medium 400 on the electrical connection of the battery cell 100 while maintaining the effect of improving the cooling performance due to the direct cooling of the cooling medium 400.

[0122] The isolation part 300 is formed with holes 310 through which the battery cells 100 pass, respectively. The isolation part 300 may be configured to provide a cooling flow path space (S) for the cooling medium 400 for direct cooling between the isolation part 300 and the cell frame 200. If the battery cells 100 are cylindrical, the holes 310 of the isolation part 300 may be circular, and if the battery cells 100 are rectangular, the holes 310 of the isolation part 300 may be rectangular.

[0123] The manufacturing process of such a battery assembly 14 is as follows.

[0124] The battery cell 100 is assembled by applying adhesive 280 to the cell frame 200. The isolation member 300 is placed on the stepped portion 240. After welding the bus bar 800 to the battery cell 100, the mesh member 600' is placed on the isolation member 300, and the filling member 500 is applied. In the case of a structure in which the cooling medium 400 flows, after the battery assembly 14 is manufactured into the battery pack 22, the cooling medium 400 is flowed and supplied into the battery assembly 14 to fill the cooling channel space (S). In the case of a structure in which the cooling medium 400 does not flow, a process of injecting the cooling medium 400 into the battery assembly 14 before or after applying the filling member 500 may be included.

[0125] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery assembly 14 can be easily assembled and has excellent processability. Furthermore, sealing components such as O-rings can be omitted, thereby reducing the number of components in the battery assembly 14. Therefore, this aspect of one embodiment of the present invention can reduce manufacturing costs, time, weight, etc., and improve the productivity of the battery assembly 14.

[0126] As described above, one embodiment of the present invention can provide a simple and compact battery assembly 14 without complicating the overall structure or occupying a large amount of space, and can suppress temperature deviation between one end and the other end of the battery cell 100 by using a direct cooling method. At the same time, it can provide a battery pack 22 including such a battery assembly 14 and a vehicle including such a battery pack 22. The safety and durability of such a battery pack 22 and a vehicle including such a battery pack 22 can be improved.

[0127] Referring mainly to FIGS. 12 and 13, the cell frame 200 has a protrusion 260. Here, the protrusion 260 may be formed in various ways. For example, the protrusion 260 may include a first protrusion 260a, a second protrusion 260b, and a third protrusion 260c. The first protrusion 260a may be provided in pairs, and the pair of first protrusions 260a may be formed on both side edges of the bottom part. The second protrusion 260b may be formed between the pair of first protrusions 260a so as to be parallel to the pair of first protrusions 260a. Here, the second protrusion 260b may be formed exactly at the center of the pair of first protrusions 260a, but is not limited to this, and may be formed at various positions between the pair of first protrusions 260a. Furthermore, the second protrusion 260b may be formed parallel to the pair of first protrusions 260a, but is not limited to this. The third protrusion 260c may be formed to intersect with the second protrusion 260b. Here, the third protrusion 260c may be formed to pass through the exact center of the second protrusion 260b, but is not limited to this, and may be formed to pass through various positions on the second protrusion 260b. Furthermore, the third protrusion 260c may be formed to be perpendicular to the second protrusion 260b, but is not limited to this.

[0128] The number and height of the protrusions 260 can be changed depending on the required rigidity and the designer's intention. In addition, the height of the protrusions 260 and the distance between adjacent protrusions 260 must be set to ensure a minimum space for rapid exhaust of gases, flames, etc. The volume of the venting passage (P) can be set in various ways depending on the height of the protrusions 260 and the distance between adjacent protrusions 260.

[0129] 14, the protrusion 260 of the cell frame 200 abuts against the lower case 710 of the pack case 700, thereby defining a venting flow path (P). The protrusion 260 is fixed to the pack case 700, and can prevent the movement of gas and flames in a direction crossing the protrusion 260.

[0130] Flames can be discharged through this venting passage (P). By optimizing the thickness of the cell accommodating groove 270 in the venting direction, it is possible to facilitate the discharge of flames when any of the battery cells 100 ignites. In this way, the venting passage (P) can be formed through the bottom structure of the cell frame 200, and when a battery cell 100 ignites, the flames can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 22.

[0131] The battery cells 100 are stably accommodated in the cell accommodating grooves 270 and can be accommodated inside the pack case 700 with the vent portions (C) isolated from other battery cells 100 by the adhesive 280. In addition, the battery cells 100 can be accommodated inside the pack case 700 while being pushed up by the protrusions 260 of the cell frame 200. As described above, since the vent portions (C) of the battery cells 100 are formed on the bottom side of the battery cells 100, high-temperature gas and flames discharged downward through the vent portions (C) can flow through the venting passages (P) between the cell frame 200 and the pack case 700. The pack case 700 further includes a venting device, which can quickly exhaust the gas and flames flowing through the venting passages (P) to the outside of the pack case 700. The gas or flame generated from any battery cell 100 is prevented from spreading laterally from the inside of the battery assembly 14 by the cell frame 200, and is prevented from spreading laterally from the inside of the battery pack 22 by the cell frame 200 and the cross beam 740. In addition, the gas or flame is prevented from spreading upward from the inside of the battery assembly 14 by the filler member 500, and is prevented from spreading upward from the inside of the battery pack 22 by the filler member 500 and the upper case 730.

[0132] As such, in the battery pack 22 according to one embodiment of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell 100 and high-temperature gas or flame is generated, the gas or flame can be guided through the cell frame 200 in a specific direction through the venting passage (P) rather than in all directions, and discharged to the outside of the pack case 700. In the process of discharging the gas or flame to the outside of the pack case 700, other battery cells 100 can be prevented from being thermally damaged as much as possible.

[0133] In addition, when gas is generally emitted from a battery cell, electrode plates or active material pieces inside the battery cell may be heated to a high temperature and emitted to the outside, and these high-temperature particles may appear in the form of sparks. In the battery pack 22 according to an embodiment of the present invention, even if high-temperature particles are emitted from the battery cell 100, the particles are prevented from easily escaping to the outside of the battery pack 22, and are sufficiently cooled while being guided through the venting passage (P), which is the space between the cell frame 200 and the pack case 700, so that they can be released and prevented from acting as an ignition source outside the battery pack 22.

[0134] That is, in conventional battery packs, venting gas spreads in all directions from inside the battery pack and then is discharged upward, or the venting gas cannot be easily discharged to the outside of the battery pack, which lengthens the time it takes to discharge the venting gas and can significantly reduce the safety of the battery pack. However, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the venting gas is discharged downwards in the battery assembly 14 and is quickly guided in a specific direction through the venting flow path (P), which reduces the possibility of the venting gas spreading in all directions from inside the battery pack 22 and prevents further chain fires.

[0135] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the venting flow path (P) formed by the cell frame 200 and the pack case 700 is located below the battery pack 22, not above it, so that when high-temperature gas or flame is emitted from the battery cell 100 in a situation such as thermal runaway, the emitted gas or flame can be prevented from heading upward. In particular, when a passenger is positioned above the battery pack 22, such as in an electric vehicle, this embodiment can prevent or delay gas or flame from heading toward the passenger. In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, directional venting can be performed below the battery pack 22 and to the side connected thereto, thereby improving the safety of users positioned above the passenger.

[0136] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0137] Meanwhile, one embodiment of the present invention may provide a vehicle (V) including the battery pack (20 or 22) according to the above-described embodiment. That is, the battery pack (20 or 22) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be applied to vehicles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. For example, the battery pack (20 or 22) may be installed in the body frame under the vehicle seats or in the trunk space.

[0138] The battery pack (20 or 22) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied to an energy storage system (ESS) and various electrical devices in addition to automobiles. Thus, devices, mechanisms, and equipment equipped with the battery pack (20 or 22), such as the automobile (V) according to an embodiment of the present invention, include the battery pack (20 or 22) described above, and can be realized with all of the advantages of the battery pack (20 or 22) described above.

[0139] That is, the vehicle (V) includes a battery pack (20 or 22), which, as described above, can include a battery pack (20 or 22) with excellent cooling performance and improved waterproof reliability by including the battery assemblies 10, 12, and 14. Therefore, the vehicle (V) including the same is safe and easy to operate.

[0140] In addition, the battery pack 22 can efficiently exhaust high-temperature gas and flame, ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery pack 22 and lengthening the flame travel path. Therefore, even if a problem occurs in the battery pack 22 while the vehicle (V) is running, stability is maintained. Furthermore, since such a battery pack 22 has excellent stability and can be used for a long time, the vehicle (V) including the battery pack 22 is safe and easy to operate.

[0141] As such, the safety and durability of a vehicle (V) including a battery pack (20 or 22) according to an embodiment of the present invention is improved.

[0142] In addition, the battery assemblies 12 and 14 can eliminate the risk of cracks occurring at the potting resin interface or inside the potting resin layer when subjected to vibration / impact, thereby further improving waterproof reliability. Therefore, a battery pack (20 or 22) including the battery assemblies 12 and 14 is highly advantageous for application to automobiles (V) and the like, which are frequently exposed to external vibrations.

[0143] As is well known, an energy storage system (ESS) stores renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, which are difficult to generate at the desired time, in advance so that they can be used when needed. To configure a standalone system capable of storing hundreds of kWh or more of power, a battery pack (20 or 22) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used to store power in such an energy storage system (ESS). As described above, the battery pack (20 or 22) according to the present invention includes the battery assemblies 10, 12, and 14 according to an embodiment of the present invention, thereby providing excellent cooling performance and reliable waterproofing. Even if a thermal event occurs in the battery cells 100 and hot gases or flames are generated, the gases or flames can be quickly vented to the outside of the pack case 700. Therefore, even if a problem occurs in one of the battery packs, the stability of the energy storage system (ESS) can be maintained and the spread of fire can be prevented.

[0144] Meanwhile, referring again to FIG. 3, in the case of the battery assembly 10 described above, the cell frame 200 and the separator 300 may be separate components, or the bottom part 220 and the frame wall 230 of the cell frame 200 may be integral with each other. However, as described above, this is an exemplary structure, and the bottom part 220 and the frame wall 230 of the cell frame 200 and the separator 300 may be integral with each other or may be separate components. That is, the separator 300 in one embodiment of the present invention is a term that collectively refers to both a component that is separate from the cell frame and a component that is integral with the cell frame. Hereinafter, modified embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18.

[0145] 16 to 18 are cross-sectional views of a battery assembly according to a modified embodiment of the present invention.

[0146] 16, in a battery assembly 10a according to a modified embodiment, the isolation part 300 and the frame wall 230 of the cell frame 200 may be integral with each other. Alternatively, the bottom part 220 and the frame wall 230 of the cell frame 200 may be separate parts, or the frame wall 230 may be assembled on the bottom part 220.

[0147] The isolation part 300 and the frame wall 230 of the cell frame 200 may be an integral part manufactured by integral injection molding.

[0148] A step structure for assembly may be provided between the bottom part 220 and the frame wall 230, and an additional waterproof adhesive may be applied to the assembled portion of the bottom part 220 and the frame wall 230. Although not specifically shown, a fastening structure using bolts and nuts may be applied to the assembly between the bottom part 220 and the frame wall 230.

[0149] 17 , in a battery assembly 10b according to a modified embodiment, the isolation part 300 and the frame wall 230 of the cell frame 200 are separate parts, similar to the battery assembly 10 of FIG. 3 . The isolation part 300 may be placed on a stepped portion 240 of the frame wall 230. However, the bottom part 220 and the frame wall 230 of the cell frame 200 may be separate parts, or the frame wall 230 may be assembled on the bottom part 220. A stepped structure for assembly may be provided between the bottom part 220 and the frame wall 230, and an additional waterproof adhesive may be applied to the portion where the bottom part 220 and the frame wall 230 are assembled. Although not specifically shown, a fastening structure using bolts and nuts may be applied to the assembly between the bottom part 220 and the frame wall 230.

[0150] 18, in a battery assembly 10c according to a modified embodiment, the bottom part 220, frame wall 230, and isolation part 300 of the cell frame 200 may all be integrally formed. The bottom part 220, frame wall 230, and isolation part 300 may all be integrally injection molded to form an integral part manufactured at one time.

[0151] As described above, the present invention has been described using limited examples and drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that various modifications and variations can be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains within the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0152] 10, 12, 14 Battery Assembly 20, 22 Battery pack 100 battery cells 200 cell frames 210 Top opening 220 Bottom Parts 230 Frame Wall 240 Step 250 flange 260 Protrusion 270 Cell storage groove 280 Adhesive 300 isolation parts 310 holes 400 Cooling medium 500 Filler 600 Porous member 610 holes 710 Lower Case 720 Side Case 730 upper case 740 Cross Beam 800 busbar C Vent P venting channel S Cooling passage space V Automobile

Claims

1. a plurality of battery cells; a cell frame that houses the plurality of battery cells; a filling member that seals the upper end of the cell frame; Including, A battery assembly comprising an isolation part that defines a cooling channel space between the plurality of battery cells, into which a cooling medium is filled, and that isolates the cooling channel space from the filling member.

2. The battery assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising a porous member having a plurality of holes, the porous member being located between the isolation part and the filling member or inside the filling member.

3. The battery assembly according to claim 2 , wherein the filling member extends through the holes of the porous member to the upper ends of the battery cells.

4. The battery assembly according to claim 2 , wherein the porous member has one or more layers.

5. The battery assembly according to claim 2 , wherein the porous member is a non-metallic mesh.

6. 6. The battery assembly according to claim 5, wherein the non-metallic mesh has a mesh size of 5 to 50.

7. 6. The battery assembly according to claim 5, wherein the thickness of the non-metallic mesh is 30 μm to 500 μm.

8. The battery assembly according to claim 5, wherein the non-metallic mesh body is made of nylon, PP, or PE.

9. The cell frame includes a bottom part including a cell accommodating portion that accommodates the plurality of battery cells; a frame wall body standing upright upward from the bottom part; Including, the frame wall has a step portion on the inner side of the cell frame, The battery assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the isolation part is fixed on the stepped portion.

10. the cell frame includes a bottom part including a cell accommodating portion that accommodates the plurality of battery cells; 2. The battery assembly of claim 1, wherein the cell receiving portions are formed as cell receiving grooves that respectively receive the plurality of battery cells, the cell receiving grooves have a depth into which a portion of the height of the battery cells is inserted, and an adhesive is provided between the cell receiving grooves and the battery cells.

11. The battery assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the separator part has holes formed therein that penetrate the plurality of battery cells, respectively.

12. The battery assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising a bus bar electrically connecting the battery cells at upper ends of the battery cells.

13. The battery assembly according to claim 12 , wherein an upper end of the isolation part is located below the bus bar.

14. The battery assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the filling member is made of a potting resin.

15. The battery assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the cooling medium is water or insulating oil.

16. A battery pack comprising the battery assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. a battery assembly; a pack case that houses the battery assembly; Including, The battery assembly includes: a plurality of battery cells; a cell frame that houses the plurality of battery cells; a filling member that seals the upper end of the cell frame; an isolation part that defines a cooling channel space between the plurality of battery cells and allows a cooling medium to be filled therein, and that isolates the cooling channel space from the filling member; Including, The cell frame forms a venting passage between the cell frame and the pack case for gas and flame generated in the battery assembly.

18. The battery pack according to claim 17, wherein the cell frame includes a protrusion protruding downward from a bottom surface thereof, the protrusion being in surface contact with the pack case to define the venting passage.

19. The cell frame includes a bottom part including a cell accommodating portion that accommodates the plurality of battery cells; a frame wall body standing upright upward from the bottom part; Including, the frame wall has a step portion on the inner side of the cell frame, The battery pack according to claim 17, wherein the isolation part is fixed on the stepped portion.

20. the cell frame includes a bottom part including a cell accommodating portion that accommodates the plurality of battery cells; 18. The battery pack of claim 17, wherein the cell accommodating portions are formed as cell accommodating grooves that accommodate the plurality of battery cells, the cell accommodating grooves have a depth into which a portion of the height of the battery cells is inserted, and an adhesive is provided between the cell accommodating grooves and the battery cells.

21. further comprising a bus bar electrically connecting the battery cells at upper ends of the battery cells; The isolation part has holes formed therein through which the plurality of battery cells pass, an upper end of the isolation part is located below the bus bar; The battery pack according to claim 17, wherein the filling member is made of a potting resin.

22. The battery pack according to claim 17, wherein the battery cell includes a vent provided at a lower end of the battery cell through which gas inside the battery cell is discharged.

23. A motor vehicle comprising the battery pack according to any one of claims 17 to 22.

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