Battery assembly and battery pack containing it

Abstract

The technical concept of the present invention provides a battery assembly comprising: a separation structure including a plurality of cell housing spaces separated from each other in a first direction; a plurality of battery cells housed in the plurality of cell housing spaces of the separation structure; and a fastening frame attached to the outermost battery cell in the first direction among the plurality of battery cells and fastened to an external support structure, wherein the separation structure includes a plurality of separation plates spaced apart from each other in the first direction to define the plurality of cell housing spaces; and a cover plate covering the plurality of cell housing spaces and connected to the plurality of separation plates, and each of the plurality of separation plates includes a hollow portion inside.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0150477 filed on November 3, 2023 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0145530 filed on October 23, 2024, and all the contents disclosed in the documents of the Korean patent applications are included as part of this specification.

Background Art

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as an energy source for various wireless devices such as handsets, notebook computers, and wireless vacuum cleaners. In recent years, due to the improvement of energy density and economies of scale, the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has decreased epochally, and as the cruising range of BEV (battery electric vehicle) increases to a level equivalent to that of fuel vehicles, the main application of secondary batteries has shifted from mobile devices to mobility.

[0004] As secondary batteries are used for mobility, the requirements for the safety of secondary batteries are increasing. When an accident such as a fire occurs in a secondary battery used for mobility, it can endanger the life of the driver, so research on technologies to improve the safety of secondary batteries is essential.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a battery assembly and a battery pack including the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the technical concept of the present invention provides a battery assembly comprising: a separation structure including a plurality of cell housing spaces separated from each other in a first direction; and a plurality of battery cells housed in the plurality of cell housing spaces of the separation structure, wherein the separation structure includes a plurality of separation plates spaced apart from each other in the first direction so as to define the plurality of cell housing spaces; and a cover plate that covers the plurality of cell housing spaces and is connected to the plurality of separation plates, and each of the plurality of separation plates includes a hollow portion inside.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of separation plates is characterized by including a pair of side plates spaced apart in the first direction to define the hollow portion, and a plurality of ribs extending between the pair of side plates.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of ribs are characterized in that each extends so as to be inclined with respect to the first direction.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of ribs are configured to separate the hollow portion into a plurality of subspaces, and a portion of the plurality of subspaces is configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the separation structure includes a plurality of unit separation structures arranged in the first direction, and each of the plurality of unit separation structures is characterized by including the separation plate and a unit cover plate which is part of the cover plate.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, among the plurality of unit separation structures, the unit cover plates included in adjacent unit separation structures are connected to each other.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of battery cells is attached to a corresponding separator plate among the plurality of separator plates.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of cell housing spaces is characterized by housing two battery cells spaced apart with a pad in between.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the lower surface of each of the plurality of battery cells is exposed to the outside of the separation structure without being covered by the separation structure.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the separation structure further includes a plurality of venting channels separated in the first direction by the plurality of separation plates, each of which is provided on a corresponding cell housing space among the plurality of cell housing spaces, and each of which extends in the second direction to guide gas in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, adjacent venting channels among the plurality of venting channels and adjacent cell housing spaces among the plurality of cell housing spaces are separated by corresponding separation plates among the plurality of separation plates.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of venting channels each extend in the second direction from a first end to a second end, and the battery assembly further includes a shut-off plate that closes the first end of each of the plurality of venting channels, and within each of the plurality of venting channels, gas flows in the venting direction from the first end to the second end.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the fastening frame is further characterized by being attached to the outermost battery cell in the first direction among the plurality of battery cells and fastened to an external support structure.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the fastening frame is characterized by including a hollow portion inside.

[0020] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the technical concept of the present invention includes a pack housing and a battery assembly mounted on the pack housing, wherein the battery assembly includes a separation structure including a plurality of cell housing spaces separated from each other in a first direction and a plurality of battery cells housed in the plurality of cell housing spaces of the separation structure, wherein the separation structure includes a plurality of separation plates spaced apart from each other in the first direction so as to define the plurality of cell housing spaces and a cover plate that covers the plurality of cell housing spaces and is connected to the plurality of separation plates, wherein each of the plurality of separation plates includes a pair of side plates spaced apart in the first direction so as to define a hollow portion and a plurality of ribs extending between the pair of side plates.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the pack housing includes a base plate supporting the battery assembly, the base plate includes cooling channels configured for the flow of a cooling fluid, and the lower surfaces of the plurality of battery cells facing the base plate are not covered by the separation structure.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the separation structure further includes a plurality of venting channels separated in the first direction by the plurality of separation plates, each of the venting channels extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction from a first end to a second end, and the battery assembly further includes a shielding plate that closes the first end of each of the plurality of venting channels.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the pack housing further includes a first side wall and a second side wall spaced apart in the second direction, and a third side wall and a fourth side wall spaced apart in the first direction, wherein the second ends of the plurality of venting channels face the first side wall, and a venting device is mounted on the third side wall of the pack housing.

[0024] An exemplary embodiment further includes an upper cooling plate attached to the above-mentioned separation structure.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the pack housing includes a base plate that supports the battery assembly and a support structure on the base plate. The battery assembly is attached to the outermost battery cell among the plurality of battery cells in the first direction and further includes a fastening frame fastened to the support structure.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in a battery assembly, a plurality of battery cells are separated by a separation plate of a separation structure, so that heat transfer between adjacent battery cells can be prevented or suppressed, and chain ignition of the battery cells can be prevented or suppressed.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the force generated by the swelling of the battery cell can be dispersed by the hollow portion and the plurality of ribs provided inside the separation plate, so that damage to the battery cell due to stress concentration during swelling of the battery cell and structural damage to the battery assembly including the battery cell can be prevented.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the battery assembly can have a cell-to-pack structure that is directly assembled to the pack housing of the battery pack. In the battery assembly, since a plurality of battery cells are exposed without being covered by a structure such as a frame, the cooling efficiency for the plurality of battery cells can be improved. Further, since the battery assembly includes a fastening frame configured to be fastened to the pack housing of the battery pack, an assembly gap between the battery assembly and the pack housing can be removed, and the energy density of the battery pack can be improved.

[0029] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, high-temperature gases generated from multiple battery cells are discharged along one venting direction provided by the separation structure, thereby enabling directional venting that discharges vented gases in a predetermined specific direction.

[0030] The effects that can be obtained from exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects associated with carrying out exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can also be derived by a person of ordinary skill in the art from exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] [Figure 1] A perspective view showing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention: a battery assembly. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the battery assembly along the line AA-AA' in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the separation structure and fastening frame of the battery assembly. [Figure 4a] This is an enlarged view showing a portion of the battery assembly corresponding to the area indicated as "EX1" in Figure 2. [Figure 4b] This is an enlarged view showing a portion of the battery assembly corresponding to the area indicated as "EX1" in Figure 2. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the battery assembly along the line BB-BB' in Figure 1. [Figure 6] A perspective view showing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack along the CC-CC' line. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a battery assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Before that, however, terms and words used herein and in the claims shall not be interpreted to be limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but rather to be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, based on the principle that inventors may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their own invention.

[0033] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings represent only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention; there may be a variety of equivalents and modifications that can substitute for them at the time of filing.

[0034] Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0035] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to give a more complete explanation to an ordinary person of the art, the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or shown schematically for the sake of clarity. Accordingly, the sizes and proportions of each component do not fully reflect the actual sizes and proportions.

[0036] In this specification, the vertical direction may be defined as the Z direction, and the horizontal direction may be defined as the direction perpendicular to the Z direction. The first horizontal direction and the second horizontal direction may be orthogonal to each other, with the first horizontal direction being defined as the X direction and the second horizontal direction being defined as the Y direction.

[0037] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a battery assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the battery assembly 100 along the line AA-AA' in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the separation structure 110 and fastening frame 160 of the battery assembly 100 in Figure 1.

[0038] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the battery assembly 100 may include a separation structure 110, a plurality of battery cells 130, and a fastening frame 160.

[0039] The separation structure 110 may include a plurality of separation plates 111 spaced apart in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) and a cover plate 113 placed on the plurality of separation plates 111. Each separation plate 111 may have a flat plate shape extending in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) and a vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction). The cover plate 113 may be connected to the upper ends of each of the plurality of separation plates 111. The cover plate 113 may have a flat plate shape extending in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction).

[0040] The separation structure 110 can provide a plurality of cell housing spaces 121 that are separated from each other. Each of the plurality of cell housing spaces 121 can house one or more battery cells 130. The plurality of cell housing spaces 121 can be separated from each other in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). Each of the plurality of cell housing spaces 121 can extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). Adjacent cell housing spaces 121 among the plurality of cell housing spaces 121 can be separated by corresponding separation plates 111 among the plurality of separation plates 111.

[0041] The isolation structure 110 can provide a plurality of venting channels 125 that are separated from each other. The plurality of venting channels 125 can be separated from each other in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). Adjacent venting channels 125 can be separated by corresponding isolation plates 111 from a plurality of isolation plates 111. Individual venting channels 125 can extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). Individual venting channels 125 are provided above a corresponding cell housing space 121 from a plurality of cell housing spaces 121 and can communicate with the corresponding cell housing space 121. Individual venting channels 125 can be defined by the isolation plates 111, the cover plate 113, and the upper surface of one or more battery cells 130 housed in the corresponding cell housing space 121. Individual venting channels 125 can be provided in the vertical direction (e.g., Z direction) between one or more battery cells 130 housed in a cover plate 113 and a corresponding cell housing space 121, and in the first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) between two adjacent separation plates 111.

[0042] Each venting channel 125 can guide hot gases generated from one or more battery cells 130 housed in the corresponding cell housing space 121 in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The cover plate 113 can cover multiple venting channels 125 and multiple battery cells 130 so as to block gas flow in the vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction) between the individual venting channels 125 and the external space of the battery assembly 100. In each venting channel 125, hot gases can flow in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) along the underside of the cover plate 113 facing the multiple battery cells 130. Each venting channel 125 can extend in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). Each venting channel 125 can have a first end (1251 in Figure 5) and a second end (1253 in Figure 5) opposite to the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). At least one of the first end 1251 and second end 1253 of each venting channel 125 can be exposed to the external space of the battery assembly 100. Gas flow between the external space of the battery assembly 100 and each venting channel 125 can occur through at least one of the first end 1251 and second end 1253 of each venting channel 125 that is exposed to the external space of the battery assembly 100.

[0043] In exemplary embodiments, the separation structure 110 may include a plurality of unit separation structures 110a. Each unit separation structure 110a may include one separation plate 111 and one unit cover plate 115 connected to the upper end of the separation plate 111. The plurality of unit separation structures 110a may be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). The plurality of unit cover plates 115 of the plurality of unit separation structures 110a may be arranged and connected in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). The cover plate 113 may be composed of a plurality of unit cover plates 115.

[0044] In exemplary embodiments, individual unit separation structures 110a can be manufactured by an extrusion process.

[0045] In exemplary embodiments, each unit cover plate 115 may include a first segment and a second segment extending in opposite directions from the upper end of the corresponding separation plate 111. The first segment of each unit cover plate 115 may at least partially cover one of two adjacent venting channels 125, and the second segment of each unit cover plate 115 may at least partially cover the remaining one of the two adjacent venting channels 125. When viewed in cross-section, each unit separation structure 110a may have a T-shape.

[0046] Multiple battery cells 130 can be housed in multiple cell housing spaces 121 of the separation structure 110. Multiple battery cells 130 can be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). Battery cells 130 housed in different cell housing spaces 121 of the separation structure 110 can be separated by separation plates 111. Individual battery cells 130 can be attached to a corresponding separation plate 111 from among the multiple separation plates 111 by an adhesive member (181 in Figure 4a). The adhesive member may include, for example, an adhesive tape or a resin layer.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the multiple cell housing spaces 121 of the separation structure 110 can accommodate multiple battery cells 130 arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction), for example, two battery cells 130.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the multiple cell housing spaces 121 of the separation structure 110 may include a pad 140 and two battery cells 130 separated by the pad 140. The pad 140 may be attached to each of the two battery cells 130 by an adhesive member consisting of adhesive tape or a resin layer. The pad 140 may correspond to a thermal barrier pad configured to thermally separate the two battery cells 130 and support the two battery cells 130.

[0049] The battery cell 130 can be housed in the cell housing space 121 of the isolation structure 110 and can extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) within the cell housing space 121. At least one of the ends of the battery cell 130 along the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) can be provided with an electrode lead (131 in Figure 5). When the battery cell 130 is housed in the cell housing space 121 of the isolation structure 110, two sides of the battery cell 130 opposite in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) can be covered by two adjacent isolation plates in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction), and the top surface of the battery cell 130 can be covered by a cover plate 113. In an exemplary embodiment, the bottom surface of the battery cell 130 can be exposed to the outside of the isolation structure 110 without being covered by the isolation structure 110.

[0050] Each battery cell 130 is the basic unit of a lithium-ion battery, i.e., a secondary battery. Each battery cell 130 may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a cell case. The electrode assembly housed in the cell case may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator membrane interposed between the positive and negative electrodes. Depending on the form of assembly, the electrode assembly may be either a jelly roll type or a stack type. A jelly roll type electrode assembly may include a winding structure of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator membrane interposed between them. A stack type electrode assembly may include a plurality of sequentially stacked positive electrodes, a plurality of negative electrodes, and a plurality of separator membranes interposed between them. The positive electrode may include a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material. The negative electrode may include a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material.

[0051] Multiple battery cells 130 can be connected in series and / or in parallel. In one example, multiple battery cells 130 can be connected in series with each other. In another example, multiple battery cells 130 may be connected in parallel with each other. In one example, if a set of two or more battery cells 130 connected in parallel with each other is defined as a bank, then one bank consisting of two or more battery cells 130 connected in parallel with each other and another bank consisting of two or more battery cells 130 connected in parallel with each other can be connected in series.

[0052] Each battery cell 130 can be a pouch-type battery cell, a cylindrical battery cell, or a prismatic battery cell. The electrode assembly of a pouch-type battery cell is housed in a pouch case containing an aluminum laminate sheet. The electrode assembly of a cylindrical battery cell is housed in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of a prismatic battery cell is housed in a prismatic metal can. In an exemplary embodiment, each battery cell 130 can be a pouch-type battery cell, and the length of each battery cell 130 along a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) may be longer than the length of each battery cell 130 along a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction).

[0053] Multiple battery cells 130 can be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) to form a cell stack. When viewed from above, the cell stack may have a rectangular shape. The cell stack may have two opposite sides (i.e., a first side and a second side) in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction), a front and a rear surface opposite in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction), and a top and a bottom surface opposite in the vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction).

[0054] Frames 171 supporting the electrode leads 131 of multiple battery cells 130 can be arranged on both the front and rear surfaces of the cell stack. The frame 171 on the front of the cell stack may be provided with slits into which the electrode leads 131 are inserted, and the frame 171 on the rear of the cell stack may also be provided with slits into which the electrode leads 131 are inserted.

[0055] The frame 171 can support the busbar 173. The busbar 173 can be electrically and physically connected to at least one of the electrode leads 131 of a plurality of battery cells 130. The busbar 173 can be joined to at least one of the electrode leads 131 of a plurality of battery cells 130 by welding. The busbar 173 may include terminal busbars for electrically connecting the cell stack of a battery assembly 100 to the cell stack of another battery assembly or to an external device. In an exemplary embodiment, the busbar 173 may include interbusbars for electrically connecting different battery cells 130 to each other, by connecting to the electrode leads 131 of different battery cells 130.

[0056] The battery assembly 100 may further include insulating covers 175 connected to the frame 171. One insulating cover 175 may cover the frame 171 at the front of the cell stack and may at least partially cover each of the electrode leads 131 and each of the busbars 173 supported by the frame 171 at the front of the cell stack. Another insulating cover 175 may cover the frame 171 at the rear of the cell stack and may at least partially cover each of the electrode leads 131 and each of the busbars 173 supported by the frame 171 at the rear of the cell stack.

[0057] The fastening frame 160 can be attached to each of the battery cells 130 that are furthest out in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) among the plurality of battery cells 130. The fastening frame 160 can be fastened to an external support structure 530. For example, the external support structure 530 can be provided to the pack housing (501 in Figure 6) of a battery pack (500 in Figure 6) on which the battery assembly 100 is mounted, and the battery assembly 100 can be mounted to the pack housing 501 in a side-mounting manner via the fastening frame 160.

[0058] The fastening frame 160 can cover one side of the battery cell 130 and can be attached to that side of the battery cell 130 by an adhesive member made of adhesive tape or a resin layer. The fastening frame 160 can be fastened to an external support structure 530 by bolts 551. For example, the fastening frame 160 may include a fixing plate 161 attached to the battery cell 130 and a flange 163 fastened to the external support structure 530 by bolts 551. The flange 163 can be connected to the top of the fixing plate 161 and placed on the external support structure 530.

[0059] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the battery assembly 100, the multiple battery cells 130 are separated by the separation plate 111 of the separation structure 110, so that thermal propagation between adjacent battery cells 130 can be prevented or suppressed, and chain ignition of the battery cells 130 can be prevented or suppressed.

[0060] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the battery assembly 100 may have a cell-to-pack structure that is directly assembled to the pack housing 501 of the battery pack 500. In the battery assembly 100, the multiple battery cells 130 are exposed without being covered by structures such as frames, thus improving the cooling efficiency for the multiple battery cells 130. Furthermore, since the battery assembly 100 includes a fastening frame 160 configured to be fastened to the pack housing 501 of the battery pack 500, the assembly gap between the battery assembly 100 and the pack housing 501 can be eliminated, thereby improving the energy density of the battery pack 500.

[0061] Figures 4a and 4b are enlarged views showing a portion of the battery assembly 100 corresponding to the area indicated as "EX1" in Figure 2.

[0062] Figure 4a shows a portion of the battery assembly 100 in its initial state, without deformation of the battery cells 130 due to swelling, while Figure 4b shows a portion of the battery assembly 100 in a state where the battery cells 130 have been deformed due to swelling.

[0063] Referring to Figures 4a and 4b, the unit separation structure 110a may have a hollow section 1117 inside. In the unit separation structure 110a, the separation plate 111 may include a pair of side plates 1111 spaced apart in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) to define the hollow section 1117, and a bottom plate 1113 extending between the lower ends of the pair of side plates 1111. Each of the pair of side plates 1111 may have a flat shape generally perpendicular to the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). The bottom plate 1113 may have a flat shape generally perpendicular to the vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction). The hollow section 1117 may extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) inside the separation plate 111. Both ends of the hollow section 1117 along the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) may be exposed to the outside of the separation plate 111.

[0064] As shown in Figure 4b, when the force generated by the swelling of the battery cell 130 acts on the separator plate 111, deformation of the pair of side plates 1111 of the separator plate 111 is permitted, and the force generated by the swelling of the battery cell 130 can be absorbed and dispersed by the hollow portion 1117 provided inside the separator plate 111. This prevents damage to the battery cell 130 and structural damage to the battery assembly 100 including the battery cell 130 due to stress concentration when the battery cell 130 is swollen.

[0065] In exemplary embodiments, the separation plate 111 of the unit separation structure 110a may include a plurality of ribs 1115 provided within the hollow portion 1117. Each of the plurality of ribs 1115 may extend inclined with respect to a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). Each of the plurality of ribs 1115 may have a flat plate shape that extends inclined with respect to the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). Each of the plurality of ribs 1115 may extend continuously in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the second direction) from one end to the other of the side plate 1111. When forces generated by the swelling of the battery cell 130 act on the separation plate 111, the plurality of ribs 1115 can distribute the forces more effectively. This prevents damage to the battery cell 130 and structural damage to the battery assembly 100 including the battery cell 130 due to stress concentration when the battery cell 130 swells.

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, the multiple ribs 1115 can separate the hollow portion 1117 of the unit separation structure 110a into multiple subspaces P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5. Each of the multiple subspaces P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5 can extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction).

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the multiple subspaces P1, P2, P3, P4, P5 of the unit separation structure 110a may be a cooling channel configured for the flow of a cooling fluid. Cooling of the multiple battery cells 130 of the battery assembly 100 can be performed while the cooling fluid flows along at least one of the multiple subspaces P1, P2, P3, P4, P5. The cooling fluid may include coolant and / or refrigerant. For example, some of the multiple subspaces P1, P2, P3, P4, P5 of the unit separation structure 110a may be cooling channels configured for the flow of a cooling fluid, and the remaining portion of the multiple subspaces P1, P2, P3, P4, P5 of the unit separation structure 110a may be empty space for distributing forces acting during swelling.

[0068] In exemplary embodiments, when the subspaces P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5 of the unit separation structure 110a that are configured for the flow of cooling fluid are referred to as the side cooling channels of the unit separation structure 110a, the cooling fluid supplied from outside the unit separation structure 110a can be supplied to the inlet of the side cooling channels of the unit separation structure 110a, flow along the side cooling channels of the separation structure 110a in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction), and discharged to the outside of the unit separation structure 110a through the outlet of the side cooling channels of the separation structure 110a. In exemplary embodiments, the inlet and outlet of the side cooling channels of the unit separation structure 110a can communicate with cooling channels provided to the pack housing (501 in Figure 5). For example, the inlet and outlet of the side cooling channel of the unit separation structure 110a can communicate with the cooling channel (511 in Figure 6) of the base plate (510 in Figure 6), and the cooling fluid can pass through the cooling channel 511 of the base plate 510 and the side cooling channel of the unit separation structure 110a.

[0069] (Second Embodiment) Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the battery assembly 100 along the line BB-BB' in Figure 1.

[0070] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, the battery assembly 100 may include a shut-off plate 150 connected to the end of the isolation structure 110 along the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The shut-off plate 150 can close off one end of each of the multiple venting channels 125 of the isolation structure 110 so that gas can be discharged from the multiple venting channels 125 in only one direction.

[0071] The shut-off plate 150 can close the first end 1251 of each venting channel 125 so that gas flow through the first end 1251 of each venting channel 125 provided to the separation structure 110 is not permitted. Since the first end 1251 of each venting channel 125 is closed by the shut-off plate 150, the gas in each venting channel 125 can flow in one venting direction VD1 from the first end 1251 to the second end 1253 of the venting channel 125 and be released to the outside of the battery assembly 100 through the second end 1253 of the venting channel 125. The second end 1253 of each venting channel 125 can be the outlet of the venting channel 125 through which the gas is discharged to the outside.

[0072] When gas is generated from the battery cell 130, the gas generated from the battery cell 130 can flow into the venting channel 125 located above the battery cell 130, then flow through the venting channel 125 in one venting direction VD1, and then be released to the outside through the second end 1253 of the venting channel 125.

[0073] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the high-temperature gas generated from the multiple battery cells 130 is discharged along one venting direction VD1 provided by the separation structure 110, thereby realizing directional venting that discharges the vented gas in a predetermined specific direction.

[0074] (Third embodiment) Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a battery pack 500 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack 500 along the line CC-CC' in Figure 6.

[0075] Referring to Figures 6 and 7 in conjunction with Figures 1 to 5, the battery pack 500 may include a pack housing 501 and battery assemblies 100 mounted within the pack housing 501. The battery pack 500 may include one or more battery assemblies 100 mounted within the pack housing 501. In an exemplary embodiment, the battery pack 500 may include a plurality of battery assemblies 100 arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction).

[0076] The pack housing 501 can provide a housing space in which a battery assembly 100 is housed. The pack housing 501 may include a base plate 510 and side walls (i.e., first to fourth side walls 521, 523, 525, 527) connected to the edge of the base plate 510. The pack housing 501 may further include a pack lid connected to the side walls of the pack housing 501 so as to cover the housing space. The housing space of the pack housing 501 may be a sealed space.

[0077] The base plate 510 may have a flat plate shape parallel to a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The base plate 510 can support the battery assembly 100. The battery assembly 100 can be thermally and physically bonded to the base plate 510 via a thermally conductive adhesive layer interposed between the battery assembly 100 and the base plate 510. In an exemplary embodiment, the lower surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 130 are not covered by the separation structure 110 so as to be exposed to the outside of the separation structure 110, and the lower surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 130 can be bonded to the base plate 510. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of battery cells 130 can be thermally and physically bonded to the base plate 510 via a thermally conductive adhesive layer. The thermally conductive adhesive layer may include a thermal interface material (TIM) or a thermal resin.

[0078] The base plate 510 may include cooling channels 511 configured for the flow of a cooling fluid and may be configured to cool the battery assembly 100. The cooling fluid, supplied from outside the battery pack 500, can be supplied to the inlet of the cooling channels 511, flow along the cooling channels 511, and be discharged to the outside through the outlet of the cooling channels 511. While the cooling fluid flows along the cooling channels 511, cooling can be performed on the multiple battery cells 130 of the battery assembly 100. The cooling fluid may include cooling water and / or a refrigerant. In an exemplary embodiment, the base plate 510 may be formed by an extrusion process.

[0079] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, since the lower surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 130 are not covered by the separation structure 110 or other frame, the plurality of battery cells 130 can be thermally bonded to the base plate 510 having cooling channels 511 using a thermally conductive adhesive layer. Since the plurality of battery cells 130 of the battery assembly 100 are thermally bonded to the base plate 510 of the pack housing 501 having cooling channels 511, cooling to the plurality of battery cells 130 can be enhanced.

[0080] The side walls of the pack housing 501 may include a first side wall 521 and a second side wall 523 that are opposite and spaced apart in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction), and a third side wall 525 and a fourth side wall 527 that are opposite and spaced apart in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). The side walls of the pack housing 501 can enclose a housing space. The third side wall 525 of the pack housing 501 may be a front wall constituting the front part of the battery pack 500, and the fourth side wall 527 of the pack housing 501 may be a rear wall constituting the rear part of the battery pack 500.

[0081] A venting device 540 may be mounted on the third side wall 525 of the pack housing 501. The venting device 540 is mounted in an exhaust passage provided between the containment space of the pack housing 501 and the external space of the pack housing 501 and can be configured to selectively exhaust gas between the containment space of the pack housing 501 and the external space of the pack housing 501. In exemplary embodiments, the venting device 540 may include a check valve, a relief valve, a safety valve, and / or a rupture disc.

[0082] In an exemplary embodiment, the venting device 540 may be a relief valve or check valve configured to selectively open and close a gas exhaust passage in response to the internal pressure of the containment space of the pack housing 501. The relief valve or check valve may be configured to open a gas exhaust passage to discharge gas to the outside of the pack housing 501 when the internal pressure of the containment space of the pack housing 501 rises above a reference pressure, and to close the gas exhaust passage when the gas has been discharged and the internal pressure of the containment space of the pack housing 501 falls below the reference pressure.

[0083] The pack housing 501 may include a plurality of support structures 530 provided on a base plate 510. The plurality of support structures 530 are provided on the upper surface of the base plate 510 and can be spaced apart from each other in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). Each of the plurality of support structures 530 may extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). Each of the plurality of support structures 530 may be called a crossbeam structure. The plurality of support structures 530 can separate or partition the accommodation space of the pack housing 501 into a plurality of sub-accommodation spaces. The plurality of sub-accommodation spaces are separated or partitioned in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction), and one battery assembly 100 can be placed in each sub-accommodation space.

[0084] The fastening frame 160 of each battery assembly 100 can be placed on a corresponding support structure 530 from among a plurality of support structures 530. Each battery assembly 100 can be fastened to the pack housing 501 by fastening the fastening frame 160 to a corresponding support structure 530 from among the plurality of support structures 530 using bolts 551. More specifically, each battery assembly 100 can be fastened to the pack housing 501 by fastening a pair of fastening frames 160 to a corresponding pair of support structures 530 from among a plurality of battery support structures 530.

[0085] In an exemplary embodiment, two battery assemblies 100 adjacent to each other in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) may share the same single support structure 530. That is, one of the two battery assemblies 100 adjacent to each other in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) may be fastened to the single support structure 530, and the other of the two battery assemblies 100 adjacent to each other in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) may be fastened to the same single support structure 530.

[0086] In exemplary embodiments, each battery assembly 100 may be configured to discharge gas in one venting direction VD1, and the outlet of each battery assembly 100 in one venting direction VD1 may face either a first side wall 521 or a second side wall 523. Each battery assembly 100 may be mounted in the pack housing 501 such that the second end 1253 of a venting channel 125, which has an outlet for the venting channel 125, faces either a first side wall 521 or a second side wall 523. The gas discharged from each battery assembly 100 may flow along the first side wall 521 or the second side wall 523 along a venting direction VD2 parallel to a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) to a third side wall 525, and the gas guided to the third side wall 525 may be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 500 via a venting device 540 provided on the third side wall 525.

[0087] In an exemplary embodiment, the battery pack 500 may include a plurality of battery assemblies 100 arranged in two rows. The first row of battery assemblies 100 may be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) and may be adjacent to the first side wall 521 rather than to the second side wall 523. The second row of battery assemblies 100 may be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) and may be adjacent to the second side wall 523 rather than to the first side wall 521. Each of the first row of battery assemblies 100 may be positioned so that the outlet in one venting direction VD1 faces the first side wall 521, and each of the second row of battery assemblies 100 may be positioned so that the outlet in one venting direction VD1 faces the second side wall 523. In each of the first row of battery assemblies 100, the second end 1253 of the venting channel 1250 of the isolation structure 110 that is not closed by the shut-off plate 150 can face the first side wall 521, and the first end 1251 of the venting channel 1250 of the isolation structure 110 that is closed by the shut-off plate 150 can face the second side wall 523. In each of the second row of battery assemblies 100, the second end 1253 of the venting channel 1250 of the isolation structure 110 that is not closed by the shut-off plate 150 can face the second side wall 523, and the first end 1251 of the venting channel 1250 of the isolation structure 110 that is closed by the shut-off plate 150 can face the first side wall 521. Gas discharged from the first row of battery assemblies 100 can flow along the first side wall 521 in a venting direction VD2 parallel to the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) and flow to the third side wall 525, where it can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 500 via a venting device 540 provided on the third side wall 525. Similarly, gas discharged from the second row of battery assemblies 100 can flow along the second side wall 523 in a venting direction VD2 parallel to the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) and flow to the third side wall 525, where it can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 500 via a venting device 540 provided on the third side wall 525.

[0088] In an exemplary embodiment, an inter-assembly busbar for electrically connecting the battery assemblies 100 can be provided in the space provided between the first row of battery assemblies 100 and the second row of battery assemblies 100. Since the main venting path for the high-temperature venting gas does not pass through the space provided by the inter-assembly busbar through which the high voltage flows, physical damage to the inter-assembly busbar can be prevented, and the reliability of the electrical connection via the inter-assembly busbar can be increased.

[0089] (Fourth Embodiment) Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a battery pack 500A according to an exemplary embodiment. Below, the battery pack 500A shown in Figure 8 will be described, focusing on the differences from the battery pack 500 described with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0090] Referring to Figure 8 in conjunction with Figures 1 to 5, in the battery pack 500A, each battery assembly 100 can be configured to discharge gas in one venting direction VD3, and the outlet of each battery assembly 100 in one venting direction VD3 can be directed toward the center of the battery pack 500A.

[0091] When the battery pack 500A includes a plurality of battery assemblies 100 arranged in two rows, each battery assembly 100 in the first row adjacent to the first side wall 521 can be positioned such that the outlet in one venting direction VD3 faces the second side wall 523, and each battery assembly 100 in the second row adjacent to the second side wall 523 can be positioned such that the outlet in one venting direction VD3 faces the first side wall 521. In each of the battery assemblies 100 in the first row, the second end 1253 of the venting channel 1250 of the isolation structure 110 not closed by the shut-off plate 150 can face the second side wall 523, and the first end 1251 of the venting channel 1250 of the isolation structure 110 closed by the shut-off plate 150 can face the first side wall 521. In each of the second row of battery assemblies 100, the second end 1253 of the venting channel 1250 of the separation structure 110 that is not closed by the shut-off plate 150 can face the first side wall 521, and the first end 1251 of the venting channel 1250 of the separation structure 110 that is closed by the shut-off plate 150 can face the second side wall 523. Gas discharged from the first row of battery assemblies 100 and / or gas discharged from the second row of battery assemblies 100 can flow along a venting direction VD4 parallel to the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) along the space provided between the first row of battery assemblies 100 and the second row of battery assemblies 100, and can flow to the third side wall 525, and the gas guided to the third side wall 525 can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 500A via a venting device 540 provided on the third side wall 525.

[0092] In an exemplary embodiment, an inter-assembly busbar for electrically connecting the battery assemblies 100 can be provided on the outer casing of the battery pack 500A. For example, the inter-assembly busbar can extend along the outer casing region of the battery pack 500A adjacent to the first side wall 521, the second side wall 523, and the fourth side wall 527. Since the main venting path for the high-temperature venting gas does not pass through the space provided by the inter-assembly busbar through which the high voltage flows, physical damage to the inter-assembly busbar can be prevented, and the reliability of the electrical connection via the inter-assembly busbar can be increased.

[0093] (Fifth embodiment) Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a battery pack 500B according to an exemplary embodiment. Below, the battery pack 500B shown in Figure 9 will be described, focusing on the differences from the battery pack 500 described with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0094] Referring to Figure 9 in conjunction with Figures 1 to 5, the battery pack 500B may further include an upper cooling plate 560 provided on the battery assembly 100.

[0095] The upper cooling plate 560 may include cooling channels 561 configured for the flow of a cooling fluid. Cooling fluid supplied from outside the battery pack 500B can be supplied to the inlet of the cooling channels 561, flow along the cooling channels 561, and be discharged to the outside through the outlet of the cooling channels 561. Cooling of the battery cells 130 of the battery assembly 100 can be performed while the cooling fluid flows along the cooling channels 561. The cooling fluid may include cooling water and / or refrigerant.

[0096] The upper cooling plate 560 can be attached to the isolation structure 110 of the battery assembly 100. A thermally conductive adhesive layer 571 can be interposed between the upper cooling plate 560 and the isolation structure 110 of the battery assembly 100. The upper cooling plate 560 can be thermally and physically bonded to the isolation structure 110 of the battery assembly 100 by the thermally conductive adhesive layer 571. The thermally conductive adhesive layer 571 can extend along the upper surface of the isolation structure 110. The thermally conductive adhesive layer 571 is not provided in the venting channels 125 and cell housing spaces 121 provided within the isolation structure 110 and is not in contact with the battery cells 130. For example, the thermally conductive adhesive layer 571 may include TIM or thermal resin.

[0097] The separation structure 110 can be configured to thermally bond the battery cell 130 to the upper cooling plate 560. The separation structure 110 may include a material with good thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, copper, gold, silver, or a combination thereof. Heat generated from the battery cell 130 can be transferred to the upper cooling plate 560 via the separation structure 110 and the thermally conductive adhesive layer 571.

[0098] (Sixth Embodiment) Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. Hereafter, explanations that overlap with those described above will be omitted or simplified.

[0099] Referring to Figure 10 in conjunction with Figures 1 to 3, the fastening frame 160A may have a hollow section 1617 inside. The fixing plate 161A of the fastening frame 160A may include a pair of side plates 1611 spaced apart in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) to define the hollow section 1617, and a bottom plate 1613 extending between the lower ends of the pair of side plates 1611. Each of the pair of side plates 1611 may have a flat shape generally perpendicular to the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). The bottom plate 1613 may have a flat shape generally perpendicular to the vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction). The hollow section 1617 may extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) inside the fixing plate 161A. Both ends of the hollow section 1617 along the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) may be exposed to the outside of the fixing plate 161A.

[0100] The hollow portion 1617 of the fastening frame 160A, together with the hollow portion (1117 in Figure 4a) provided inside the fixing plate 161A, can absorb and disperse the force generated by the swelling of the battery cell 130. This prevents damage to the battery cell 130 and structural damage to the battery assembly including the battery cell 130 due to stress concentration when the battery cell 130 is swollen.

[0101] In an exemplary embodiment, the fixing plate 161A of the fastening frame 160A may include a plurality of ribs 1615 provided within a hollow portion 1617. Each of the plurality of ribs 1615 may extend inclined with respect to a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). Each of the plurality of ribs 1615 may have a flat plate shape that extends inclined with respect to the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). Each of the plurality of ribs 1615 may extend continuously in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the second direction) from one end to the other of the side plate 1611. When forces generated by the swelling of the battery cell 130 act on the fixing plate 161A, the plurality of ribs 1615 can more effectively distribute the forces.

[0102] In an exemplary embodiment, the multiple ribs 1615 can separate the hollow portion 1617 of the fastening frame 160A into multiple subspaces R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5. Each of the multiple subspaces R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 can extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction).

[0103] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the multiple subspaces R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 of the fastening frame 160A may be a cooling channel configured for the flow of a cooling fluid. Cooling of the multiple battery cells 130 of the battery assembly can be performed while the cooling fluid flows along at least one of the multiple subspaces R1, R2, R3, R4, R5. The cooling fluid may include cooling water and / or a refrigerant. For example, some of the multiple subspaces R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 of the fastening frame 160A may be cooling channels configured for the flow of a cooling fluid, while the remaining portion of the multiple subspaces R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 of the fastening frame 160A may be empty space for distributing forces acting during swelling.

[0104] In exemplary embodiments, when the subspaces R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 of the fastening frame 160A that are configured for the flow of cooling fluid are referred to as the side cooling channels of the fastening frame 160A, cooling fluid supplied from outside the fastening frame 160A can be supplied to the inlets of the side cooling channels of the fastening frame 160A, flow along the side cooling channels of the fastening frame 160A in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction), and discharged to the outside of the fastening frame 160A through the outlets of the side cooling channels of the fastening frame 160A. In exemplary embodiments, the inlets and outlets of the side cooling channels of the fastening frame 160A can communicate with cooling channels supplied to the pack housing (501 in Figure 5). For example, the inlets and outlets of the side cooling channels of the fastening frame 160A can communicate with cooling channels of the base plate 510 (511 in Figure 6), and cooling fluid can pass through the cooling channels 511 of the base plate 510 and the side cooling channels of the fastening frame 160A.

[0105] The present invention has been described in more detail above with reference to the drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described herein are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, there may be a variety of equivalents and modifications that can be substituted for them at the time of filing. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 100 Battery Assembly 110 Separation structure 110a Unit Separation Structure 111 Separation plate 113 Cover plate 115 Unit Cover Plate 121 Cell containment space 125 Venting Channels 130 battery cells 131 Electrode Leads 140 pads 150 Shut-off Plate 160, 160A fastening frame 161, 161A Fixed plate 163 Flange 171 frames 173 Bus Bar 175 Insulating cover 500, 500A, 500B Battery Packs 501 Pack Housing 510 Base Plate 511 Cooling Channels 521 First side wall 523 Second side wall 525 Third side wall 527 Fourth side wall 530 Support Structure 540 Venting device 551 volts 560 Upper cooling plate 561 Cooling Channels 571 Thermally conductive adhesive layer 1111 Side panel 1113 Bottom plate 1115 Rib 1117 Hollow part 1250 Venting Channels 1251 First end 1253 Second end 1611 Side panel 1613 Bottom plate 1615 Rib 1617 Hollow part P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 subspace

Claims

1. A separation structure including a plurality of cell housing spaces separated from each other in a first direction, A plurality of battery cells housed in the plurality of cell housing spaces of the separation structure, Includes, The aforementioned separation structure is A plurality of separation plates spaced apart from each other in the first direction to define the plurality of cell housing spaces, A cover plate that covers the plurality of cell housing spaces and is connected to the plurality of separation plates, Includes, The aforementioned plurality of separation plates each contain a hollow portion inside, forming a battery assembly.

2. Each of the aforementioned plurality of separation plates is, A pair of side plates spaced apart in the first direction so as to define the hollow portion, A plurality of ribs extending between the pair of side plates, The battery assembly according to claim 1, including the following:

3. The battery assembly according to claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of ribs extends so as to be inclined with respect to the first direction.

4. The battery assembly according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of ribs separate the hollow portion into a plurality of subspaces, and a portion of the plurality of subspaces is configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow.

5. The separation structure includes a plurality of unit separation structures arranged in the first direction, The battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of unit separation structures includes the separation plate and a unit cover plate which is part of the cover plate.

6. The battery assembly according to claim 5, wherein the unit cover plates included in adjacent unit separation structures are connected to each other among the plurality of unit separation structures.

7. The battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of battery cells is attached to a corresponding separator plate among the plurality of separator plates.

8. The battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of cell housing spaces houses two battery cells separated by a pad in between.

9. The battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lower surface of each of the plurality of battery cells is exposed to the outside of the separation structure without being covered by the separation structure.

10. The separation structure further includes a plurality of venting channels separated in the first direction by the plurality of separation plates, Each of the aforementioned multiple venting channels is provided on a corresponding cell accommodation space among the aforementioned multiple cell accommodation spaces, The battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of venting channels extends in the second direction so as to guide gas in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

11. The battery assembly according to claim 10, wherein adjacent venting channels among the plurality of venting channels and adjacent cell housing spaces among the plurality of cell housing spaces are separated by corresponding separation plates among the plurality of separation plates.

12. Each of the aforementioned venting channels extends in the second direction from the first end to the second end, The battery assembly further includes a shielding plate that closes the first end of each of the plurality of venting channels. The battery assembly according to claim 10, wherein, within each of the plurality of venting channels, the gas flows in a venting direction from the first end toward the second end.

13. A fastening frame is attached to the outermost battery cell in the first direction among the plurality of battery cells and fastened to an external support structure. The battery assembly according to claim 1, further comprising:

14. The battery assembly according to claim 13, wherein the fastening frame includes a hollow portion inside.

15. Pack housing and The battery assembly mounted in the aforementioned pack housing, Includes, The aforementioned battery assembly is A separation structure including a plurality of cell housing spaces separated from each other in a first direction, A plurality of battery cells housed in the plurality of cell housing spaces of the separation structure, Includes, The aforementioned separation structure is A plurality of separation plates spaced apart from each other in the first direction to define the plurality of cell housing spaces, A cover plate that covers the plurality of cell housing spaces and is connected to the plurality of separation plates, Includes, Each of the aforementioned plurality of separation plates is, A pair of side plates spaced apart in the first direction to define the hollow portion, A plurality of ribs extending between the pair of side plates, Includes a battery pack.

16. The pack housing includes a base plate that supports the battery assembly, The base plate includes cooling channels configured for the flow of a cooling fluid, The battery pack according to claim 15, wherein the lower surfaces of the plurality of battery cells facing the base plate are not covered by the separation structure.

17. The separation structure further includes a plurality of venting channels separated in the first direction by the plurality of separation plates, Each of the aforementioned venting channels extends from a first end to a second end in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The battery pack according to claim 15, further comprising a shielding plate that closes the first end of each of the plurality of venting channels.

18. The aforementioned pack housing is The first side wall and the second side wall, which are separated in the second direction, The third and fourth side walls, which are spaced apart in the first direction, It further includes, The second ends of the plurality of venting channels face the first side wall, The battery pack according to claim 17, wherein a venting device is attached to the third side wall of the pack housing.

19. The battery pack according to claim 15, further comprising an upper cooling plate attached to the separation structure.

20. The pack housing includes a base plate that supports the battery assembly and a support structure on the base plate, The battery pack according to claim 15, further comprising a fastening frame attached to the outermost battery cell in the first direction among the plurality of battery cells and fastened to the support structure.

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