Battery pack

Abstract

The technical concept of the present invention provides a battery pack comprising: a pack housing including a bottom plate having a first cooling channel and an upper plate having a second cooling channel; and a battery assembly disposed between the bottom plate and the upper plate of the pack housing, wherein the battery assembly includes a separation structure attached to the upper plate by an upper thermal conductive adhesive layer, having 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 each extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and heat dissipation fins that thermally connect at least one of the electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells to the bottom plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0150487 filed on November 3, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the literature of the Korean patent application 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 improvements in energy density and economies of scale, the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has decreased dramatically, and as the driving range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased 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 in mobility, the requirements for the safety of secondary batteries are increasing. Since accidents such as fires in secondary batteries used in mobility can endanger the lives of drivers, research on technologies to enhance 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 pack.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the technical concept of the present invention provides a battery pack comprising a pack housing including a bottom plate having a first cooling channel and an upper plate having a second cooling channel, and a battery assembly disposed between the bottom plate and the upper plate of the pack housing, wherein the battery assembly includes a separation structure attached to the upper plate by an upper thermal conductive adhesive layer, having 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 each extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and heat dissipation fins that thermally connect at least one of the electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells to the bottom plate.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the separation structure does not cover the lower surfaces of the plurality of battery cells so that the lower surfaces of the plurality of battery cells are exposed to the outside of the separation structure, and the lower surfaces of the plurality of battery cells are attached to the bottom plate by a lower thermal conductive adhesive layer.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the heat dissipation fin is characterized by including a first portion connected to at least one of the electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells, and a second portion extending along the upper surface of the bottom plate and connected to the bottom plate.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the first portion of the heat dissipation fin is connected to at least one of the electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells by a thermally conductive adhesive layer.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the heat dissipation fin further includes a frame supporting the electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells and an insulating cover connected to the frame, wherein the first portion of the heat dissipation fin is located between the frame and the insulating cover, and the second portion of the heat dissipation fin is located below the lower end of the frame.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the heat dissipation fin further includes a busbar coupled to at least one of the electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells, wherein the busbar is thermally coupled to the bottom plate.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, 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 disposed on the plurality of separation plates to cover the plurality of cell housing spaces, wherein the cover plate is attached to the upper plate by the upper thermal conductive adhesive layer.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of battery cells is attached to a corresponding separator plate among the plurality of separator plates.

[0014] 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 the second direction.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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, the gas flows in the venting direction from the first end to the second end.

[0017] 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.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the pack housing further includes a support structure extending in the second direction on the bottom plate, and the battery assembly further includes 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.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the separation structure includes a plurality of unit separation structures arranged in the first direction, each of which includes a separation plate that separates adjacent cell storage spaces among the plurality of cell storage spaces, and a unit cover plate connected to the upper part of the separation plate and covering adjacent cell storage spaces among the plurality of cell storage spaces, wherein the unit cover plate is attached to the upper plate by the upper thermal conductive adhesive layer.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the unit cover plates of the plurality of unit separation structures are connected in the first direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the electrode leads and / or busbars of the battery cell are cooled by conduction and convection heat transfer, thereby improving the cooling efficiency for the battery cell and effectively controlling the heat generated by the battery cell.

[0022] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, when a battery pack is disassembled for rework, the battery cells are protected by being covered with a separation structure without coming into direct contact with adhesives such as TIM or thermal resin, thereby preventing damage to the battery cells during rework.

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in a battery assembly, multiple battery cells are separated by separation plates of a separation structure, thereby preventing or suppressing thermal transfer between adjacent battery cells and preventing or suppressing chain ignition of battery cells. This improves the safety and reliability of the battery assembly including the battery cells.

[0024] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the battery assembly may have a cell-to-pack structure that is directly assembled to the pack housing of the battery pack. In the battery assembly, the multiple battery cells are exposed without being covered by structures such as frames, thus improving the cooling efficiency for the multiple battery cells. Furthermore, since the battery assembly includes a fastening frame configured to be fastened to the pack housing of the battery pack, the assembly gap between the battery assembly and the pack housing can be eliminated, thereby improving the energy density of the battery pack.

[0025] 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.

[0026] The effects obtainable from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects associated with implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a battery assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view of the battery assembly taken along line AA-AA' in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view showing a separated structure and a fastening frame of the battery assembly in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the battery assembly in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view of the battery assembly taken along line BB-BB' in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view showing a state where an upper plate is removed from a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack taken along line CC-CC' in FIG. 6.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] (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. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the battery assembly 100 in Figure 1.

[0034] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the battery assembly 100 may include a separation structure 110, a plurality of battery cells 130, a fastening frame 160, and heat dissipation fins 180.

[0035] 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).

[0036] 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), and 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Each venting channel 125 can guide hot gases 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 may extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) and 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 is exposed to the external space of the battery assembly 100, allowing gas flow between the external space of the battery assembly 100 and each venting channel 125.

[0039] 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.

[0040] In exemplary embodiments, individual unit separation structures 110a can be manufactured by an extrusion process.

[0041] 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.

[0042] Multiple battery cells 130 can be housed in multiple cell housing spaces 121 of the separation structure 110 and 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. The adhesive member may include, for example, an adhesive tape or a resin layer.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The battery cell 130 is 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. Electrode leads 131 can be provided at both ends of the battery cell 130 along the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). 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 can be covered by two adjacent isolation plates in a 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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 is 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).

[0049] 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).

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] Each 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 a 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 is 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 via the fastening frame 160 in a side-mounting manner.

[0054] 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.

[0055] The heat dissipation fins 180 can thermally bond at least one of the electrode leads 131 of a plurality of battery cells 130 to a bottom plate 510 provided beneath the plurality of battery cells 130. The bottom plate 510 is configured to support the plurality of battery cells 130 and may include a first cooling channel 511 to allow a cooling fluid to flow. The bottom plate 510 can be thermally and physically bonded to the plurality of battery cells 130 by a lower thermally conductive adhesive layer 191. For example, the bottom plate 510 may be part of the pack housing 501 of a battery pack 500.

[0056] The heat dissipation fin 180 can be coupled to one electrode lead 131 or multiple electrode leads 131. The heat dissipation fin 180 may contain a material with excellent thermal conductivity, such as a metal.

[0057] The heat sink fin 180 may include a first portion 181 connected to at least one of the electrode leads 131 of a plurality of battery cells 130, and a second portion 183 connected to the upper surface of the bottom plate 510. The first portion 181 of the heat sink fin 180 is located between the frame 171 and the insulating cover 175, and may extend generally in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction). The second portion 183 of the heat sink fin 180 is located below the lower end of the frame 171 and may extend along the upper surface of the bottom plate 510. The extending direction of the second portion 183 of the heat sink fin 180 and the extending direction of the first portion 181 of the heat sink fin 180 intersect with each other, thereby allowing the heat sink fin 180 to have a bent shape when viewed in cross-section.

[0058] A thermally conductive adhesive layer 178 can be interposed between the first portion 181 of the heat dissipation fin 180 and at least one electrode lead 131. The thermally conductive adhesive layer 178 can thermally and physically bond the first portion 181 of the heat dissipation fin 180 and at least one electrode lead 131. The thermally conductive adhesive layer 178 is electrically insulated, and the heat dissipation fin 180 and at least one electrode lead 131 can be electrically insulated by the thermally conductive adhesive layer 178. The thermally conductive adhesive layer 178 may include, for example, a thermal interface material (TIM) or a thermal resin.

[0059] Furthermore, the electrode leads 131 of the battery cell 130 can be coupled to the busbar 173, and the electrode leads 131 and busbar 173 of the battery cell 130 can be thermally coupled to the bottom plate 510 via the heat dissipation fin 180. The electrode leads 131 and busbar 173 coupled to each other can be thermally and physically coupled to the first portion 181 of the heat dissipation fin 180 via a thermally conductive adhesive layer 178.

[0060] A thermally conductive adhesive layer 179 can be interposed between the second portion 183 of the heat dissipation fin 180 and the bottom plate 510. The thermally conductive adhesive layer 179 can thermally and physically bond the second portion 183 of the heat dissipation fin 180 and the bottom plate 510. The thermally conductive adhesive layer 179 may include, for example, TIM or thermal resin.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, an upper plate 560 including a second cooling channel 561 for the flow of a cooling fluid may be provided on the separation structure 110. For example, the upper plate 560 may be part of the pack housing 501 of the battery pack 500. The upper plate 560 may be thermally and physically bonded to the cover plate 113 of the separation structure 110 via an upper thermal conductive adhesive layer 193.

[0062] When the electrode leads 131 or busbars 173 of the battery cell 130 are heated, if the temperature of the electrode leads 131 or busbars 173 of the battery cell 130 is not lowered, there is a problem that heat will be transferred to the center of the battery cell 130, deepening the heat generation of the battery cell 130. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrode leads 131 and / or busbars 133 of the battery cell 130 are thermally coupled to the bottom plate 510 via the heat dissipation fins 180, so that the electrode leads 131 and / or busbars 133 of the battery cell 130 can be cooled by heat conduction. In addition, heat transfer due to temperature difference (i.e., heat transfer by convection) occurs between the top plate 560 and the electrode leads 131 of the battery cell 130 and between the top plate 560 and the busbars 133, so that the electrode leads 131 and busbars 133 of the battery cell 130 can be cooled by convection.

[0063] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the electrode leads 131 and / or busbars 133 of the battery cell 130 are cooled by conduction and convection heat transfer, thereby improving the cooling efficiency for the battery cell 130 and effectively controlling the heat generated by the battery cell 130.

[0064] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the battery pack 500 is disassembled for rework, the battery cells 130 are covered and protected by the separation structure 110 without coming into direct contact with adhesives such as TIM or thermal resin, thereby preventing damage to the battery cells 130 during rework.

[0065] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the battery assembly 100, the plurality of 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] (Second Embodiment) Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the battery assembly 100 along the line BB-BB' in Figure 1.

[0068] Referring to Figure 5 in conjunction with Figures 1 to 4, the battery assembly 100 may include a shut-off plate 150 connected to the end of the separation structure 110 along the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The shut-off plate 150 can close one end of each of the multiple venting channels 125 of the separation structure 110 so that gas is discharged from the multiple venting channels 125 in only one direction.

[0069] 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 of the venting channel 125 toward the second end 1253 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.

[0070] When gas is generated from the battery cell 130, the gas generated from the battery cell 130 flows into the venting channel 125 located above the battery cell 130, then flows through the venting channel 125 in one venting direction VD1, and can then be released to the outside through the second end 1253 of the venting channel 125.

[0071] 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.

[0072] (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 perspective view showing the battery pack 500 with the upper plate 560 removed from the battery pack 500 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack 500 along the line CC-CC' in Figure 6.

[0073] Referring to Figures 6 to 8 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).

[0074] The pack housing 501 can provide a housing space in which the battery assembly 100 is housed. The pack housing 501 may include a bottom plate 510, side walls connected to the edge of the bottom plate 510 (i.e., first to fourth side walls 521, 523, 525, 527), and an upper plate 560 positioned on the side walls of the pack housing 501 so as to cover the housing space of the pack housing 501. The housing space of the pack housing 501 may be a sealed space.

[0075] The bottom 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 bottom plate 510 can support the battery assembly 100. The battery assembly 100 can be thermally and physically bonded to the bottom plate 510 via a lower thermal conductive adhesive layer 191 interposed between the battery assembly 100 and the bottom 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 bottom plate 510. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of battery cells 130 can be thermally and physically bonded to the bottom plate 510 via the lower thermal conductive adhesive layer 191. The lower thermal conductive adhesive layer 191 may include TIM or thermal resin.

[0076] The bottom plate 510 may include a first cooling channel 511 through which a cooling fluid flows, 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 first cooling channel 511, flow along the first cooling channel 511, and be discharged to the outside through the outlet of the first cooling channel 511. While the cooling fluid flows along the first cooling channel 511, cooling can be performed on the plurality of battery cells 130 of the battery assembly 100, the electrode leads 131 of the plurality of battery cells 130, and the busbar 173. The cooling fluid supplied to the first cooling channel 511 may include coolant and / or refrigerant. In an exemplary embodiment, the bottom plate 510 may be formed by an extrusion process.

[0077] 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 bottom plate 510 having the first cooling channels 511 using the lower thermal conductive adhesive layer 191. Since the plurality of battery cells 130 of the battery assembly 100 are thermally bonded to the bottom plate 510 of the pack housing 501 having the first cooling channels 511, cooling for the plurality of battery cells 130 can be enhanced.

[0078] The upper plate 560 can be bonded to the side wall of the pack housing 501 so as to cover the housing space of the pack housing 501. The upper plate 560 may be a pack lid bonded to the side wall of the pack housing 501 so as to cover the housing space of the pack housing 501. The upper plate 560 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 battery assembly 100 can be thermally and physically bonded to the upper plate 560 via an upper thermal conductive adhesive layer 193 interposed between the battery assembly 100 and the upper plate 560. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover plate 113 of the separation structure 110 can be thermally and physically bonded to the bottom plate 510 by the upper thermal conductive adhesive layer 193. The upper thermal conductive adhesive layer 193 may include TIM or thermal resin.

[0079] The upper plate 560 may include a second cooling channel 561 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 second cooling channel 561, flow along the second cooling channel 561, and be discharged to the outside through the outlet of the second cooling channel 561. While the cooling fluid flows along the second cooling channel 561, cooling can be performed on the plurality of battery cells 130 of the battery assembly 100, the electrode leads 131 of the plurality of battery cells 130, and the busbar 173. The cooling fluid supplied to the second cooling channel 561 may include cooling water and / or a refrigerant. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper plate 560 may be formed by an extrusion process.

[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 exemplary embodiments, 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 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 the bottom plate 510. The plurality of support structures 530 are provided on the upper surface of the bottom 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 of the sub-accommodation spaces.

[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 with 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 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 an exemplary embodiment, 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 the 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. In this case, 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] 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]

[0089] 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 133 Bus Bar 140 pads 150 Shut-off Plate 160 fastening frame 161 Fixed plate 163 Flange 171 frames 173 Bus Bar 175 Insulating cover 178 Thermally conductive adhesive layer 179 Thermally conductive adhesive layer 180 heat dissipation fins 181 Part 1 183 Part 2 191 Lower thermal conductive adhesive layer 193 Upper thermal conductive adhesive layer 500 Battery Pack 501 Pack Housing 510 Bottom Plate 511 First Cooling Channel 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 Top plate 561 Second Cooling Channel 1250 Venting Channels 1251 First end 1253 Second end

Claims

1. A pack housing including a bottom plate having a first cooling channel and an upper plate having a second cooling channel, Battery assembly disposed between the bottom plate and the top plate of the pack housing Includes, The aforementioned battery assembly is A separation structure having a plurality of cell housing spaces separated from each other in a first direction, and attached to the upper plate by an upper thermally conductive adhesive layer, A plurality of battery cells are housed in the plurality of cell housing spaces of the separation structure, and each extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, A heat dissipation fin is provided to thermally connect at least one of the electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells to the bottom plate, Includes a battery pack.

2. The separation structure does not cover the lower surfaces of the plurality of battery cells so that the lower surfaces of the plurality of battery cells are exposed to the outside of the separation structure. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the lower surfaces of the plurality of battery cells are attached to the bottom plate by a lower thermally conductive adhesive layer.

3. The heat dissipation fins are A first portion connected to at least one of the electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells, A second portion extending along the upper surface of the bottom plate and connected to the bottom plate, A battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the first portion of the heat dissipation fin is connected to at least one of the electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells by a thermally conductive adhesive layer.

5. A frame supporting the electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells, An insulating cover connected to the aforementioned frame, It further includes, The first portion of the heat dissipation fin is located between the frame and the insulating cover. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the second portion of the heat dissipation fins is located below the lower end of the frame.

6. The battery further includes a busbar coupled to at least one of the electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells, The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the heat dissipation fins thermally bond the busbar to the bottom plate.

7. 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 is arranged on the plurality of separation plates so as to cover the plurality of cell housing spaces, Includes, The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover plate is attached to the upper plate by the upper thermal conductive adhesive layer.

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

9. 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 pack according to claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of venting channels extends in the second direction to guide gas in the second direction.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, 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.

11. 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 pack according to claim 9, wherein in each of the plurality of venting channels, the gas flows in a venting direction from the first end toward the second end.

12. 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 11, wherein a venting device is attached to the third side wall of the pack housing.

13. The pack housing further includes a support structure extending in the second direction on the bottom plate, The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, 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.

14. The separation structure includes a plurality of unit separation structures arranged in the first direction, Each of the aforementioned multiple unit separation structures is: A separation plate that separates adjacent cell housing spaces among the plurality of cell housing spaces, A unit cover plate connected to the upper part of the separation plate and covering adjacent cell storage spaces among the plurality of cell storage spaces, Includes, The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the unit cover plate is attached to the upper plate by the upper thermal conductive adhesive layer.

15. The battery pack according to claim 14, wherein the unit cover plates of the plurality of unit separation structures are connected in the first direction.

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