Battery cell stack and battery pack containing the same

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery cell stack assembly and a battery pack including the same that can improve thermal runaway delay performance and rapid charging performance of lithium secondary batteries. A battery cell stack assembly and a battery pack including the same are provided. A battery cell stack assembly according to one aspect of this specification includes a cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are vertically stacked such that leads are arranged on at least one side of a first horizontal direction and the other side thereof, and a cooling plate disposed between the plurality of battery cells, wherein a plurality of the cell stacks are provided and are arranged in a second horizontal direction intersecting the first horizontal direction, and the cooling plate extends in the second horizontal direction so as to be provided over the plurality of cell stacks arranged in the second horizontal direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell laminate and a battery pack including the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a battery cell laminate capable of efficiently performing a surface cooling method and a battery pack including the same.

Background Art

[0002] A lithium secondary battery is a battery that stores and produces electrical energy by insertion (intercalation) and desorption (deintercalation) of lithium ions at a positive electrode and a negative electrode. Lithium secondary batteries have excellent storage capacity, voltage, and life characteristics, and are used as batteries for laptops, smartphones, and of course electric vehicles.

[0003] Generally, a lithium secondary battery is often configured in a form in which a large number of battery cells are electrically connected in series and / or in parallel to each other. In particular, a large number of battery cells are horizontally stacked on top of each other in a standing state to form a battery cell laminate (for example, a battery module), and such a battery cell laminate is used alone or two or more are electrically connected in series and / or in parallel to each other to form a higher-level device such as a battery pack.

[0004] However, when a large number of battery cells are concentrated in a narrow space in this way, there is a risk of being vulnerable to fire. For example, a thermal runaway situation may occur in any one of the battery cells, and a situation where high-temperature gas is discharged may occur, and such a thermal runaway phenomenon may spread to other battery cells in the vicinity and further to other battery packs.

[0005] Therefore, the lithium-ion battery industry continues to work to prevent thermal runaway of battery cells, and as part of these efforts, various cooling methods for battery cells are being researched. For example, conventional methods have included placing a heatsink for cooling the battery cells on the top or bottom of the battery cell stack.

[0006] However, conventional top or bottom cooling methods suffer from insufficient contact area between the heatsink and the battery cells, resulting in ineffective cooling. This limits the ability to delay thermal runaway in battery cells and improve the rapid charging performance of lithium-ion batteries.

[0007] Furthermore, conventional battery cell stacks have a structure in which multiple battery cells are stacked horizontally in an upright position, making it difficult to derive an efficient cooling structure in which a single cooling plate for surface cooling can simultaneously cool a large number of battery cells. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The problem that this specification aims to solve is one in which at least some of the problems of the prior art have been devised, and it provides a battery cell stack and battery pack including the same that can effectively cool battery cells through a surface cooling method, thereby improving the delay performance of thermal runaway and the rapid charging performance of lithium secondary batteries.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention provides a battery cell stack assembly and a battery pack including the same, which enable more efficient cooling of battery cells through a structure in which a single cooling plate can cool a large number of battery cells simultaneously. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A battery cell stack assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above objectives includes a cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are vertically stacked such that leads are positioned on at least one side of a first horizontal direction and the other side thereof, and a cooling plate positioned between the plurality of battery cells, wherein the cell stacks are provided in a plurality and are arranged in a second horizontal direction intersecting the first horizontal direction, and the cooling plate may extend in the second horizontal direction so as to be provided over the plurality of cell stacks arranged in the second direction.

[0011] This effectively cools the battery cells, delaying thermal runaway and improving the rapid charging performance of lithium-ion batteries.

[0012] Furthermore, a structure that allows a single cooling plate to cool multiple battery cells simultaneously may enable more efficient cooling of the battery cells.

[0013] Furthermore, the cooling plate includes an inlet into which the refrigerant flows and an outlet into which the refrigerant is discharged, the inlet being formed on one side of the cooling plate in the second direction and the outlet being formed on the other side of the cooling plate in the second direction.

[0014] Furthermore, multiple cell stacks are arranged spaced apart from each other so that a gap is formed between two adjacent cell stacks, allowing venting gas generated from the battery cells to flow through the gap.

[0015] Furthermore, the cooling plate may have openings that allow venting gas to pass vertically, corresponding to the positions where gaps are formed.

[0016] Furthermore, the opening can be formed in a shape that is recessed inward from each end of the cooling plate in the first horizontal direction, both on one and the other side.

[0017] Furthermore, the opening can be formed as an opening extended in the first horizontal direction.

[0018] The cell stack also includes a base plate positioned at least one of the upper and lower parts, the base plate having a first venting hole formed therein, through which a venting gas can pass vertically, corresponding to the location where a gap is formed.

[0019] The battery cell stack assembly may further include side plates bonded to a base plate and covering the cell stack in a first horizontal direction, and an upper plate bonded to the side plates and covering the cell stack on the opposite side of the base plate.

[0020] Furthermore, the upper plate may be equipped with a second venting hole through which venting gas can pass.

[0021] Furthermore, multiple cooling plates may be provided at any level, each extending in a second horizontal direction, and the multiple cooling plates may be arranged in a first horizontal direction.

[0022] Furthermore, cooling plates may be provided at the bottom and top of the cell stack, and two battery cells may be positioned between two adjacent cooling plates.

[0023] Furthermore, the cooling plate may include an elastic material.

[0024] Furthermore, within the cooling plate, a refrigerant flow path through which the refrigerant flows and a gas pocket may be formed, separated from the refrigerant flow path by a partition wall, and formed on at least one side of the refrigerant flow path.

[0025] To achieve the above object, a battery pack according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a housing and a battery cell stack assembly received inside the housing. The battery cell stack assembly includes a cell stack body in which a plurality of battery cells are vertically stacked such that leads are formed on at least one of one side and the other side in a horizontal first direction, and a cooling plate disposed between the plurality of battery cells. The cell stack bodies are provided in plural and arranged in a horizontal second direction intersecting the horizontal first direction, and the cooling plate can be extended in the horizontal second direction so as to be provided over the plurality of cell stack bodies arranged in the horizontal second direction.

[0026] Further, it includes a base plate disposed on at least one of the upper part or the lower part of the battery cell stack assembly. The plurality of cell stack bodies are arranged spaced apart from each other so that a gap is formed between two adjacent cell stack bodies, and holes through which venting gas can pass in the vertical direction may be formed in the base plate corresponding to the positions where the gaps are formed.

[0027] Also, a venting flow path may be formed between the surface of the housing adjacent to the base plate and the base plate.

[0028] Further, the base plate is disposed at the lower part of the battery cell stack assembly and can support the load of the battery cell stack assembly.

[0029] Further, the battery pack may further include a cell tray for supporting the battery cell stack assembly, and the cell tray may include an opening disposed opposite to the venting hole of the base plate.

[0030] Also, a venting flow path through which the gas flowing in through the opening can flow may be formed between the cell tray and the housing.

[0031] Further, plural battery cell stack assemblies are provided, and the plural battery cell stack assemblies may be arranged in the horizontal first direction.

[0032] Furthermore, the battery cell stack may include a refrigerant inlet passage provided on at least one of the two sides in the second horizontal direction of the battery cell stack, and a refrigerant outlet passage provided on at least one of the two sides in the second horizontal direction of the battery cell stack. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] Through the battery cell stacked assemblies described herein, it is possible to effectively cool the battery cells, delay thermal runaway, and improve the rapid charging performance of lithium secondary batteries.

[0034] Furthermore, a structure that allows a single cooling plate to cool multiple battery cells simultaneously may enable more efficient cooling of the battery cells. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the internal structure of a battery pack according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing the internal structure of a battery pack according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 3] This is an exemplary exploded perspective view showing a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 4] This is an exemplary exploded perspective view of a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 5] This shows a portion of a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of this specification, viewed from the upper front region in an inclined direction. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 7] This shows an example of a cooling plate for a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 8]This shows another example of a cooling plate for a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 9] This shows the assembly process of a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 10] This shows the assembly process of a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 11] This shows the assembly process of a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of this specification. [Figure 12] This shows the assembly process of a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of this specification. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] Prior to a detailed description of the present invention, terms or words used herein and in the claims should not be interpreted in a manner limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but rather in a manner consistent with the technical spirit of the invention, in accordance with the principle that inventors may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the invention and do not represent the entirety of the technical spirit of the invention, and that at the time of filing, there may be a variety of equivalents and modifications that can substitute for them.

[0037] The same reference numerals or symbols in the drawings attached to this specification indicate parts or components that perform substantially the same function. For convenience of explanation and understanding, the same reference numerals or symbols may be used to describe different embodiments. That is, even if multiple drawings show components with the same reference numeral, not all of the multiple drawings represent a single embodiment.

[0038] In the following descriptions, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as “contains” or “constitutes” are intended to specify the presence of features, figures, stages, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood not to preemptively exclude the presence or possibility of the addition of one or more other features, figures, stages, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0039] Furthermore, in the following explanation, terms such as "top," "upper," "lower," "bottom," "side," "front," and "rear" are used based on the direction shown in the drawing, and it should be made clear beforehand that they may be used differently if the direction of the object changes.

[0040] Furthermore, within this specification and the claims, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to distinguish between components. Such ordinal numbers are used to distinguish identical or similar components from one another, and the use of such ordinal numbers should not restrict the meaning of the terms. For example, components combined with such ordinal numbers should not be restricted in terms of their order of use or arrangement by the numbers. Where necessary, the ordinal numbers may be used interchangeably with each other.

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. However, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented. For example, a person skilled in the art who understands the spirit of the present invention may propose other embodiments that fall within the scope of the spirit of the present invention by adding, changing, or deleting components, and these too would be considered to fall within the scope of the spirit of the present invention. In the drawings, the shape and size of elements, etc., may be exaggerated for clearer explanation.

[0042] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of a battery pack according to one embodiment of this specification. Figure 2 is a plan view showing the internal structure of a battery pack according to one embodiment of this specification.

[0043] In this invention, the second horizontal direction is defined as a direction that intersects the first horizontal direction. For example, the second horizontal direction may mean a direction that intersects the first horizontal direction perpendicularly.

[0044] The following explanation will be based on Figure 2, assuming that the first horizontal direction is the X-axis direction on the drawing and the second horizontal direction is the Y-axis direction.

[0045] A battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of this specification may include a housing 11, a base plate 130, a battery cell stack 100, a refrigerant inlet 12, and a refrigerant outlet 13, but some of these may be omitted, and other additional configurations may not be excluded. For example, referring to Figure 1, the battery pack 10 may further include a cell tray 14 on which the base plate 130 is attached and supported.

[0046] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the battery pack 10 may include a housing 11. Inside the housing 11, a battery cell stack assembly 100, a refrigerant inlet passage 12, and a refrigerant outlet passage 13 may be accommodated.

[0047] The battery pack 10 may include a base plate 130. The base plate 130 may be provided horizontally inside the housing 11. If there are multiple battery cell stacks 100, the base plate 130 may be provided as a single unit covering the entire area where the multiple battery cell stacks 100 are installed, or it may be provided in a number corresponding to each battery cell stack 100 and positioned at a location corresponding to the location of each battery cell stack 100.

[0048] The base plate 130 can be positioned on at least one of the upper and lower parts of the cell stack 101 (shown in Figure 3) that constitutes the battery cell stack assembly 100. For example, the base plate 130 can be positioned at the bottom of the cell stack 101 (shown in Figure 3). In this case, the base plate 130 can support the battery cell stack 101 (shown in Figure 3) in the direction of gravity. That is, the base plate 130 can support the load of the battery cell stack 101 (shown in Figure 3).

[0049] A first venting hole 131 through which venting gas can pass may be formed in the base plate 130. The specific location and structure of the first venting hole 131 will be described in detail later in relation to Figures 2 to 6.

[0050] A venting channel F (shown in Figure 6) can be formed between the base plate 130 and one side of the housing 11 adjacent to it. Gases and particles generated by the venting phenomenon of the battery cells 110 (shown in Figure 3) that constitute the cell stack 101 (shown in Figure 3) pass through the first venting hole 131 of the base plate 130, then flow along the venting channel F (shown in Figure 6), and can be exhausted to the outside of the battery pack 10 through the venting member 16 provided in the housing 11 of the battery pack 10.

[0051] In various embodiments, the battery pack may further include a cell tray 14 on which battery cell stacks 100 are mounted and supported. For example, referring to Figure 1, multiple battery cell stacks 100 may be received inside the housing 11 while mounted on the cell tray 14.

[0052] The cell tray 14 can be made of a material that has sufficient rigidity to stably support multiple battery cell stacks 100, such as metal or resin.

[0053] In one embodiment, the cell tray 14 may include a plurality of openings 15 through which gases and flames discharged from the battery cell stack assembly 100 can pass. For example, in the cell tray 14, the plurality of openings 15 may be positioned opposite a first venting hole 131 of the base plate 130, so that gases and flames generated in the battery cell stack assembly 100 can flow out downwards through the first venting hole 131 of the base plate 130 and through the openings 15 of the cell tray 14.

[0054] In one embodiment, a venting channel F, which is a space through which gas or flame can flow, may be formed between the cell tray 14 and the housing 11. Alternatively, the venting channel F may be formed inside the cell tray 14.

[0055] However, in this embodiment, the multiple battery cell stacks 100 may be directly attached to and received in the housing without a separate cell tray 14. In this case, the venting channel F may be formed between the base plate 130 and the housing.

[0056] The battery pack 10 may include one or more battery cell stacks 100. The battery cell stacks 100 may be housed inside the housing 11. In one embodiment of the battery pack 10 herein, the battery cell stacks 100 may be positioned on top of a base plate 130 and supported in the direction of gravity. The base plate 130 may be understood as a component of the battery cell stack 100.

[0057] The battery cell stack assemblies 100 may be extended in the second horizontal direction Y. Multiple battery cell stack assemblies 100 may be provided. In this case, multiple battery cell stack assemblies 100, each extended in the second horizontal direction Y, may be arranged in the first horizontal direction X. However, the battery pack 10 may consist of a single battery cell stack assemblies 100. Each battery cell stack assemblies 100 may be referred to as a battery module, but this should not necessarily be interpreted as a form of battery module in which battery cells are housed within a battery module case.

[0058] The specific structure of the battery cell stack assembly 100 will be described in detail later in relation to Figures 2 to 6.

[0059] The battery pack 10 may include a refrigerant inlet 12. The refrigerant inlet 12 may be provided on at least one of the two sides of the battery cell stack assembly 100 in the second horizontal direction Y. For example, if an inlet 121 formed on the cooling plate 120 of the battery cell stack assembly 100 is formed on one side of the cooling plate 120 in the second horizontal direction Y, the refrigerant inlet 12 may be located correspondingly on the same side of the battery cell stack assembly 100 in the second horizontal direction Y.

[0060] The battery pack 10 may include a refrigerant discharge passage 13. The refrigerant discharge passage 13 may be provided on at least one of the two sides of the battery cell stack assembly 100 in the second horizontal direction Y. For example, if an outlet 122 formed on the cooling plate 120 of the battery cell stack assembly 100 is formed on the other side of the cooling plate 120 in the second horizontal direction Y, the refrigerant discharge passage 13 may be located correspondingly on the other side of the battery cell stack assembly 100 in the second horizontal direction Y.

[0061] In various embodiments, the battery pack 10 may be coupled to one open side of the housing 11 and may further include an upper cover 11a that covers the upper surface of the battery cell stack assembly 100. For example, referring to Figure 1, the housing 11 receiving the battery cell stack assembly 100 may have an open-topped box-shaped structure, and the upper cover 11a may be coupled to the upper side of the housing 11 to close the internal space of the housing.

[0062] In one embodiment, a venting channel may be formed between the upper cover 11a and the battery cell stack assembly 100, allowing gas discharged upward from the battery cell stack assembly 100 to flow.

[0063] Figure 3 is an exemplary exploded perspective view showing a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of this specification. Figure 4 is an exemplary exploded perspective view of a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of this specification. The exploded perspective view of Figure 4 may be in a state where the side plates and top plate are omitted. Figure 5 shows a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of this specification viewed from the upper front region in an inclined direction. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of this specification.

[0064] Hereinafter, a battery cell stack assembly 100 according to one embodiment of this specification may include a base plate 130, a cell stack 101, and a cooling plate 120, but may be implemented with some of these components removed, and other additional configurations may not be excluded. For example, the battery pack 10 may further include a cell tray 14 on which the base plate 130 is fixedly attached and supported.

[0065] Hereinafter, based on Figure 3, the horizontal direction intersecting the direction in which the cell stacks 101 are arranged can be referred to as the first horizontal direction X, and the direction in which the cell stacks are arranged can be referred to as the second horizontal direction Y.

[0066] Referring to Figures 3 to 6, the battery cell stack assembly 100 may include cell stacks 101. Multiple cell stacks 101 may be provided. Multiple cell stacks 101 can be arranged in a second horizontal direction Y to constitute the battery cell stack assembly 100. Multiple cell stacks 101 can be understood as being arranged in a second horizontal direction Y, which is a horizontal direction intersecting the first horizontal direction X, which is the direction in which the leads of the battery cells 110 face. The number of multiple cell stacks 101 may vary depending on the length of the second horizontal direction Y of the housing.

[0067] The cell stack 101 can include a plurality of battery cells 110. For example, the battery cells 110 may be plate-shaped battery cells having a flat plate form, and the cell stack 101 may be constructed by vertically stacking a plurality of horizontally laid plate-shaped battery cells 110. However, the specific shape of the battery cells 110 is not limited to those described above, and battery cells of various shapes other than plate-shaped battery cells may be stacked to form the cell stack 101.

[0068] The number of stacked battery cells 110 can be determined in accordance with the height of the housing 11 (shown in Figures 1 and 2). Through such a structure, the battery cell stack assembly 100 can be manufactured by stacking the battery cells 110 in accordance with the direction of gravity, thus making the battery cell stack assembly 100 easy to manufacture.

[0069] Multiple battery cells 110 may include leads 111. The leads 111 may be parts that perform the role of electrodes. The leads 111 may be located on at least one side of each of the multiple battery cells 110 in the horizontal first direction X. For example, a lead 111 constituting the positive electrode may be formed on one side of the battery cell 110 in the horizontal first direction X, and a lead 111 constituting the negative electrode may be formed on the other side of the battery cell 110 in the horizontal first direction X. Alternatively, both the lead 111 constituting the positive electrode and the lead 111 constituting the negative electrode may be located on either side of the battery cell 110 in the horizontal first direction X.

[0070] Referring to Figures 4 to 6, the multiple cell stacks 101 can be arranged spaced apart from each other. A gap G can be formed between two adjacent cell stacks 101. The venting gas generated from the battery cells 110 can flow through the gap G. In other words, the gap G formed between the multiple cell stacks 101 can guide the flow path of the venting gas generated by the venting phenomenon of the battery cells 110.

[0071] Specifically, referring to Figure 6, the venting gas released from the battery cell 110 is likely to be generated at one or the other end of the battery cell 110 in the second horizontal direction Y due to its manufacturing process. At this time, as the multiple cell stacks 101 are separated from each other, one or the other end of the battery cell 110 in the second horizontal direction Y may be exposed to the gap G between the multiple cell stacks 101. Therefore, the venting gas can be ejected from the gap G, and the ejected venting gas can pass through the gap G, through the first venting hole 131 provided in the base plate 130, and flow into the venting channel F.

[0072] The battery cell stack 100 may include a cooling plate 120. The cooling plate 120 may be placed between at least a number of battery cells 110. For example, two layers of battery cells 110 may be placed between two layers of cooling plates 120 so that the cooling plate 120 faces at least one side of each battery cell 110. This allows for a higher energy density compared to a structure in which one layer of cooling plate 120 and one layer of battery cell 110 are stacked alternately, while maintaining cooling performance. The cooling plate 120 may also be placed on the top and bottom of the cell stack 101. Through such a structure, all battery cells 110 can be in contact with the cooling plate 120, thus enabling effective cooling of the battery cells 110.

[0073] The cooling plate 120 can be extended in a second horizontal direction Y. The cooling plate 120 can be provided across multiple cell stacks 101 arranged in a second horizontal direction Y. For example, a cooling plate 120 positioned between the second and third battery cells 110 from the bottom of one cell stack 101 can be extended to another adjacent cell stack 101 and also positioned between the second and third battery cells 110 from the bottom of another adjacent cell stack 101. Multiple cell stacks 101 can be understood as sharing the cooling plate 120 with each other. This allows for a structure in which the cooling plate 120 is in contact with all battery cells 110, while reducing the number of cooling plates 120, thereby simplifying the refrigerant flow path, improving cooling efficiency, and simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0074] Multiple cooling plates 120 can be provided at any level of the cell stack 101. For example, with respect to one battery cell stack assembly 100, two cooling plates 120 can be provided at any level of the cell stack 101, and the two cooling plates 120 can be arranged in a first horizontal direction X. If the cooling plates 120 at any level of the cell stack 101 consist of a single plate, the path of the refrigerant flow channel formed inside the cooling plate 120 may become longer, which may reduce the cooling effect as it moves towards the outlet 122. If multiple cooling plates 120 are provided at any level of the cell stack 101, and the width of the cooling plates 120 in the first horizontal direction X becomes smaller, the refrigerant flow channel inside the cooling plate 120 is simplified, allowing the refrigerant flowing in from the inlet 121 to move to the outlet 122 more quickly, which may improve the cooling effect of the battery cells 110.

[0075] However, this is not limited to this, and even if one cooling plate 120 is placed at any level of the cell stack 101, if a sufficient cooling effect can be achieved, only one cooling plate 120 may be provided at any level of the cell stack 101, and the case where three or more cooling plates 120 are provided at any level of the cell stack 101 is not excluded.

[0076] The cooling plate 120 may include an inlet 121 and an outlet 122. The refrigerant may flow into the inside of the cooling plate 120 through the inlet 121. The refrigerant may be discharged from the cooling plate 120 through the outlet 122.

[0077] The inlet 121 and outlet 122 can each be formed on at least one of the two sides of the cooling plate 120 in the second horizontal direction Y. That is, the inlet 121 and outlet 122 can be understood as being formed in a direction intersecting the direction in which the leads 111 of the battery cell 110 are formed. This may simplify the structure of the battery cell stack assembly 100 because the inlet 121 and outlet 122 may not interfere with the leads 111 and the busbars 140 connected to them that protrude from the battery cell 110 in the first horizontal direction X.

[0078] For example, in order to ensure efficient cooling by allowing the refrigerant to flow quickly from one side to the other in the first horizontal direction X of the cooling plate 120, the inlet 121 can be formed on one side in the second horizontal direction Y of the cooling plate 120, and the outlet 122 can be formed on the other side in the second horizontal direction Y of the cooling plate 120. However, the design is not limited to this, and both the inlet 121 and the outlet 122 may be provided on either one or the other side of the second horizontal direction Y of the cooling plate 120. Furthermore, multiple inlets 121 and outlets 122 may be provided on a single cooling plate 120.

[0079] The cooling plate 120 can control the swelling phenomenon of the battery cell 110. For this reason, the cooling plate 120 may include an elastic material. This prevents damage to the battery cell 110 when swelling occurs by pressing the cooling plate 120 against at least a portion of the battery cell 110, thereby preventing the cooling plate 120 from being damaged by swelling. The elastic material is not particularly limited, but materials known in the industry as elastic, such as silicone resin and urethane resin, can be used appropriately.

[0080] The cooling plate 120 may have not only refrigerant flow channels through which the refrigerant can flow, but also gas pockets (not shown). The gas pockets may be sealed so as not to communicate with the outside of the cooling plate 120. The gas pockets may be formed on both sides of at least a portion of the refrigerant flow channels, or on only one side of at least a portion of the refrigerant flow channels. The gas pockets may be separated from the refrigerant flow channels by a partition wall. As a result, the cooling plate cools the battery cells, and at the same time, the elasticity of the cooling plate 120 is improved by the gas pockets, thereby suppressing the expansion of the battery cells 110 due to swelling.

[0081] Referring to Figures 4 to 6, an opening O may be formed in the cooling plate 120. The opening O may be formed at a location corresponding to the position where a gap G is formed between two adjacent cell stacks 101. The venting gas ejected by the venting of the battery cell 110 can pass through the cooling plate 120 in the vertical direction (for example, in directions perpendicular to both the X and Y axes) through the opening O. The specific structure of the cooling plate 120 will be described in detail below in relation to Figures 7 and 8.

[0082] The battery cell stack assembly 100 may include a base plate 130. The base plate 130 may be located on at least one of the upper and lower parts of the cell stack 101. For example, the base plate 130 may be located at the bottom of the cell stack 101.

[0083] A first venting hole 131 may be formed in the base plate 130. The first venting hole 131 may be formed at a location corresponding to the position where a gap is formed between two adjacent cell stacks 101. Venting gas can pass through the base plate 130 in the vertical direction through the first venting hole 131.

[0084] Multiple first venting holes 131 may be formed, and these multiple first venting holes 131 may be drilled in a horizontal first direction X at positions corresponding to the gap G formed between the multiple cell stacks 101. Since the base plate 130 needs to support the weight of the cell stacks 101 and the cooling plate 120, if a few first venting holes 131 are formed to be large, the rigidity of the base plate 130 will be weakened, and the cell stacks 101 may collapse. Therefore, it may be desirable to form a large number of first venting holes 131 of a relatively small size.

[0085] However, the invention is not limited to this, and if the base plate 130 is made of a strong material, the first venting holes 131 may be formed in a shape that is elongated in the second horizontal direction Y, with only one hole corresponding to each gap G.

[0086] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the battery cell stack assembly 100 may include a busbar 140. The busbar 140 may be located on at least one side of the cell stack 101 in the horizontal first direction X. The busbar 140 may be electrically connected to the leads 111 of the battery cells 110. For example, if leads 111 are formed on both sides of the battery cell 110 in the horizontal first direction X, the busbar 140 may be provided on the sides corresponding to the formation locations of the leads 111 of the battery cell 110. However, it is not limited to this, and if the leads 111 are formed on only one or the other side of the battery cell 110, the busbar 140 may be provided on the sides corresponding to the formation locations of the leads 111 of the battery cell 110.

[0087] The battery cell stack assembly 100 may include a busbar fixing member 150. The busbar fixing member 150 may be provided on the opposite side of the cell stack 101 with respect to the busbar 140. The busbar fixing member 150 can guide the position of the busbar 140 in order to fix the position of the cell stack 101 connected to the busbar 140.

[0088] A refrigerant flow path (not shown) may be formed inside the busbar fixing member 150. The busbar fixing member 150 may also be positioned in contact with the busbar 140. The busbar fixing member 150 can cool the busbar 140.

[0089] In various embodiments, the battery cell stack assembly 100 may be coupled to a base plate 130 and further include side plates 160 that cover the cell stack 101 in a first horizontal direction (X-axis direction) and an upper plate 170 that is coupled to the side plates 160 and covers the cell stack 101 on the opposite side of the base plate 130.

[0090] For example, referring to Figure 3, the side plates 160 may be provided in pairs and connected to both ends of the base plate 130. The pair of side plates 160 may be made of a material that is rigid enough to protect the cell laminate 101 placed between them.

[0091] An upper plate 170 may be attached to the upper side of the side plate 160. The upper plate may cover the upper surface of the cell stack 101. If necessary, a cooling plate 120 may be placed at the top of the cell stack 101, in which case the upper plate 170 may be positioned opposite the cooling plate 120.

[0092] Various joining methods can be applied to the connection between the base plate 130, the side plate 160, and the upper plate 170, including mechanical joining methods via separate joining members (not shown) and joining methods via adhesive members (not shown).

[0093] In one embodiment, the upper plate 170 may have one or more second venting holes 171 through which the venting gas can pass. For example, referring to both Figures 3 and 6, the upper plate 170 may have a plurality of second venting holes 171 positioned opposite the opening O of the cooling plate 120 in the vertical direction (for example, in a direction perpendicular to both the X and Y axes). The venting gas ejected by the venting of the battery cell 110 can move upward through the opening O and escape to the upper side of the battery cell stack assembly 100 through the second venting holes 171 positioned opposite the opening O.

[0094] Referring to Figure 6, a venting channel through which gas can flow may be formed between the upper plate 170 and the upper cover 11a. Alternatively, contrary to what is shown in the figure, in this embodiment, no additional space may be formed between the upper plate 170 and the upper cover 11a, and the gas that has passed through the upper plate 170 may immediately pass through the upper cover 11a and be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 10.

[0095] The second venting holes 171 of the upper plate 170 can be drilled in a horizontal first direction X, aligned at positions corresponding to the gap G formed between the multiple cell stacks 101.

[0096] On the other hand, in various embodiments, at least one of the side plates 160 and the upper plate 170 may be omitted in the battery cell stack assembly 100. For example, the battery cell stack assembly 100 may be embodied in a form in which a plurality of battery cells 110 and cooling plates 120 are stacked and fixed on top of a base plate 130 in which the housing 11 is located, without the side plates 160 and the upper plate 170.

[0097] Figure 7 shows an example of a cooling plate for a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of this specification. Figure 8 shows another example of a cooling plate for a battery cell stack assembly according to one embodiment of this specification.

[0098] Referring to Figure 7, an opening O may be formed in the cooling plate 120. The venting gas ejected from the battery cell 110 can flow vertically (for example, in directions perpendicular to the X and Y axes in Figures 1 to 6) through the gap G formed between the multiple cell stacks 101, and at this time, the gap G between the multiple cell stacks 101 can communicate vertically through the opening O of the cooling plate 120.

[0099] The opening O can be formed in the cooling plate 120 in various shapes. For example, referring to Figure 7, the opening O can be formed in a shape that is recessed inward from each end on both sides of the cooling plate 120, in a portion corresponding to the position of the gap G formed between the multiple cell stacks 101 of the cooling plate 120. In this case, the portion of the cooling plate 120 that is placed on any of the cell stacks 101 and the portion of the cooling plate 120 that is placed on a cell stack 101 adjacent to the aforementioned cell stack 101 can be connected to each other by a connecting portion 123, and the refrigerant flow paths formed in each of the two portions can be communicated to each other by a refrigerant flow path provided inside the connecting portion 123. The connecting portion 123 can be provided with a width that is at least sufficient to allow a refrigerant flow path to be formed inside it.

[0100] In contrast to this, as shown in Figure 8, the opening O may be formed as an opening shape that extends long in the first horizontal direction in the central region of the cooling plate 120, in the portion corresponding to the location of the gap G formed between the multiple cell stacks 101 of the cooling plate 120. Here, "extended long" may mean that the width of the opening in the first horizontal direction is wider than the width of the opening in the second horizontal direction. Also, unlike what is shown in Figures 7 and 8, the opening O may be formed as a plurality of openings that penetrate the cooling plate 120 in the vertical direction, in the portion corresponding to the location of the gap G formed between the multiple cell stacks 101 of the cooling plate 120.

[0101] Figures 9 to 12 show the assembly process of a battery cell stack according to one embodiment of this specification.

[0102] The following explanation will describe the case where the base plate 130 is placed at the bottom of the cell stack 101 as an example.

[0103] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, a first-level cooling plate 120 extending in the second horizontal direction Y can be placed on the base plate 130. In this case, the cooling plate 120 may be positioned such that the opening O of the cooling plate 120 and the first venting hole 131 of the base plate 130 overlap each other in the vertical direction.

[0104] The cooling plates 120 may be arranged in two rows, but as mentioned above, the number of cooling plates 120 at either level is not limited to two.

[0105] Referring to Figure 11, battery cells 110 can be stacked on a cooling plate 120. Viewed from above the battery cell 110, the leads 111 of the battery cell 110 may be positioned to protrude from the cooling plate 120 on one side and the other side in the horizontal first direction X. This may prevent the busbars 140 coupled to the leads 111 and the cooling plate 120 from interfering with each other.

[0106] The battery cells 110 can be stacked in positions corresponding to the positions where each of the multiple cell stacks 101 is formed. That is, the battery cells 110 can be stacked in positions that do not overlap in the vertical direction with the first venting holes 131 formed in the base plate 130 and the openings O formed in the cooling plate 120.

[0107] The battery cells 110 can be stacked in pairs at positions corresponding to the locations where each of the multiple cell stacks 101 is formed. Of these, the lower battery cells 110 can be cooled by contacting the cooling plate 120 located below them, and the upper battery cells 110 can be cooled by contacting the cooling plate 120 located above them.

[0108] Referring to Figure 12, a second-level cooling plate 120 may be stacked on top of the battery cell 110. The shape and position of the second-level cooling plate 120 may correspond to that of the first-level cooling plate 120.

[0109] Next, the process shown in Figures 11 and 12 may be repeated multiple times. For example, the process shown in Figures 11 and 12 may be repeated two more times. As a result, the cell stack 101 may be configured such that a first-level cooling plate 120, two battery cells 110, a second-level cooling plate 120, two battery cells 110, a third-level cooling plate 120, two battery cells 110, and finally a fourth-level cooling plate 120 are stacked sequentially from the bottom, with two battery cells 110 placed between two adjacent cooling plates 120.

[0110] However, the number of stacked cooling plates 120 and battery cells 110 in each cell stack 101 may vary depending on the required power and / or the specifications of the battery pack housing 11 (shown in Figures 1 and 2).

[0111] Any of the embodiments described herein or other embodiments described herein are neither mutually exclusive nor distinct from one another. Any of the embodiments described herein or other embodiments described herein may be used in combination or in combination with each other, depending on their respective configurations or functions.

[0112] For example, this means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with configuration B described in a different embodiment and / or drawing. In other words, even if the combination of configurations is not directly described, it means that combination is possible, except in cases where it is stated that combination is impossible.

[0113] The above detailed description should not be constrained in any way and should be considered illustrative. The scope of this specification should not be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of this specification are included within this specification. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 10: Battery Pack 11: Housing 11a: Top cover 12: Refrigerant inflow path 13: Refrigerant discharge path 14: Cell tray 15: Opening 16: Venting member 100: Battery cell stacked assembly 101: Cell laminate 110: Battery cell 111: Lead 120: Cooling Plate 121: Inlet 122: Outlet 123:Connection part 130: Base plate 131: First Venting Hall 140: Bus bar 150: Busbar fixing member 160: Side Plate 170: Top plate 171: Second Venting Hall G: Gap O:Open part F: Venting channel

Claims

1. A cell stack in which multiple battery cells are vertically stacked such that leads are positioned on at least one side and the other side in a first horizontal direction, Includes a cooling plate positioned between the plurality of battery cells, The aforementioned cell stacks are provided in multiple units and are arranged in a second horizontal direction that intersects the first horizontal direction. The cooling plate is a battery cell stacking assembly that extends in the second horizontal direction so as to be provided over the plurality of cell stacks arranged in the second horizontal direction.

2. The cooling plate includes an inlet into which the refrigerant flows and an outlet into which the refrigerant is discharged. The inlet is formed on one side of the cooling plate in the second horizontal direction, The battery cell stacking assembly according to claim 1, wherein the outlet is formed on the other side of the cooling plate in the second horizontal direction.

3. The plurality of cell stacks are arranged spaced apart from each other so that a gap is formed between two adjacent cell stacks. The battery cell laminate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the venting gas generated from the battery cell flows through the gap.

4. The battery cell stack assembly according to claim 3, wherein the cooling plate has an opening formed in a position corresponding to where the gap is formed, through which venting gas can pass in the vertical direction.

5. The battery cell stacking assembly according to claim 4, wherein the opening is formed in a shape that is recessed inward from each end of the cooling plate on one side and the other side in the first horizontal direction.

6. The battery cell stacking assembly according to claim 4, wherein the opening is formed as an opening extended in the first horizontal direction.

7. The cell stack includes a base plate disposed at least one of the upper and lower parts, The battery cell stacking assembly according to claim 3, wherein the base plate has a first venting hole formed therein, corresponding to the position where the gap is formed, through which venting gas can pass in the vertical direction.

8. A side plate coupled to the base plate and covering the cell laminate in the first horizontal direction, The battery cell stack assembly according to claim 7, further comprising an upper plate coupled to the side plate and covering the cell stack on the opposite side of the side plate.

9. The battery cell stack assembly according to claim 8, wherein the upper plate is provided with a second venting hole through which the venting gas can pass.

10. The cooling plates, which are positioned at any level, are provided in multiple quantities. The battery cell stack assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of cooling plates extends in the second horizontal direction, and the plurality of cooling plates are arranged in the first horizontal direction.

11. The cooling plates are further provided at the lower and upper parts of the cell stack, The battery cell stack assembly according to claim 1 or 2, configured such that two battery cells are arranged between two adjacent cooling plates.

12. The battery cell laminate assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cooling plate includes an elastic material.

13. The battery cell laminate assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a refrigerant flow path and a gas pocket are formed inside the cooling plate, separated from the refrigerant flow path by a partition wall and formed on at least one side of the refrigerant flow path.

14. Housing and The housing includes a stacked battery cell assembly that is received inside the housing, The battery cell stack assembly includes a cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are vertically stacked such that leads are formed on at least one of one side and the other side in a first horizontal direction, and a cooling plate disposed between the plurality of battery cells. The aforementioned cell stacks are provided in multiple units and are arranged in a second horizontal direction that intersects the first horizontal direction. The cooling plate is a battery pack that extends in the second horizontal direction so as to be provided over the plurality of cell stacks arranged in the second horizontal direction.

15. The battery cell stack assembly includes a base plate positioned at least one of the upper or lower parts, The plurality of cell stacks are arranged spaced apart from each other so that a gap is formed between two adjacent cell stacks. The battery pack according to claim 14, wherein the base plate has venting holes formed in a position corresponding to where the gap is formed, through which venting gas can pass in the vertical direction.

16. The battery pack according to claim 15, wherein a venting channel is formed between the surface of the housing adjacent to the base plate and the base plate.

17. The battery cell stack assembly further includes a cell tray that supports the aforementioned battery cell stack assembly, The battery pack according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the cell tray includes an opening positioned opposite the venting holes of the base plate.

18. The battery pack according to claim 17, wherein a venting channel is formed between the cell tray and the housing, allowing gas flowing in through the opening to flow.

19. The aforementioned battery cell stack assembly is provided in multiple units, The battery pack according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the plurality of battery cell stacks are arranged in the first horizontal direction.

20. A battery pack according to any one of claims 14 to 16, comprising a refrigerant inflow passage provided on at least one of the two sides of the battery cell stack assembly in the second horizontal direction, and a refrigerant discharge passage provided on at least one of the two sides of the battery cell stack assembly in the second horizontal direction.

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