Battery cell assembly and battery pack containing it

Abstract

The technical idea of ​​the present invention provides a battery cell assembly including a cell block including a plurality of battery cells and a case that houses the cell block, the case including: an upper cover plate facing an upper surface of the cell block and including a first cooling channel configured to allow a first fluid to flow; and a lower cover plate facing a lower surface of the cell block and including a vent hole and a second cooling channel configured to allow a second fluid to flow.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0122363 filed on September 14, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the document of the Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

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 significantly, and as the driving range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to a level comparable 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. When an accident such as a fire occurs in a secondary battery used for mobility, it may endanger the life of the driver, so research on technologies to improve the safety of secondary batteries is essential.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a battery cell assembly and a battery pack with improved safety.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the technical concept of the present invention provides a battery cell assembly comprising a cell block containing a plurality of battery cells, and a case housing the cell block, wherein the case includes an upper cover plate facing the upper surface of the cell block and including a first cooling channel configured for the flow of a first fluid, and a lower cover plate facing the lower surface of the cell block and including venting holes and a second cooling channel configured for the flow of a second fluid.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, a portion of the lower surface of the cell block is exposed to the outside through the venting holes in the lower cover plate.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the upper cover plate further includes venting holes.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, a portion of the upper surface of the cell block is exposed to the outside through the venting holes in the upper cover plate.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the upper cover plate further includes a projection protruding from one side of the cell block, and further includes a first pipe configured to transmit the first fluid, connected to a first upper port provided on the lower surface of the projection of the upper cover plate, wherein the first pipe includes a first portion extending downward from the first upper port of the upper cover plate, a second portion extending from the first portion in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the first portion, and a third portion extending upward from the second portion.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the invention further includes a first bottom support portion positioned below the second portion of the first pipe and supporting the second portion of the first pipe.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the invention further includes a first elastic pad disposed between the second portion of the first pipe and the first bottom support portion.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the upper end of the third portion of the first pipe is the end of the first pipe and is located below the first upper port of the upper cover plate.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention further includes a second pipe connected to a second upper port provided on the lower surface of the projection of the upper cover plate and configured to transmit the first fluid, wherein one of the first pipe and the second pipe is configured to transmit the first fluid supplied from the outside to the first cooling channel of the upper cover plate, and the other of the first pipe and the second pipe is configured to transmit the first fluid discharged from the first cooling channel of the upper cover plate to the outside, wherein the second pipe includes a fourth portion extending downward from the second upper port of the upper cover plate, a fifth portion extending from the fourth portion in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the fourth portion, and a sixth portion extending upward from the fifth portion, wherein the upper end of the sixth portion of the second pipe is the end of the second pipe and is located below the second upper port of the upper cover plate.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the invention further includes a second bottom support positioned below the fifth portion of the second pipe and supporting the fifth portion of the second pipe, and a second elastic pad positioned between the fifth portion of the second pipe and the second bottom support.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the lower cover plate further includes a projection that protrudes from one side of the cell block, and the upper surface of the projection of the lower cover plate is provided with a first lower port into which the second fluid flows and a second lower port into which the second fluid is discharged.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the case further includes a side cover plate facing the side surface of the cell block, the side cover plate being coupled to the upper cover plate and the lower cover plate and including a fastening flange for fastening to an external support structure.

[0018] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the technical concept of the present invention provides a battery pack comprising a pack housing, a cell block housed in the pack housing and containing a plurality of battery cells, and a case housing the cell block, wherein the case comprises an upper cover plate facing the upper surface of the cell block and including a first cooling channel configured for the flow of a first fluid, and a lower cover plate facing the lower surface of the cell block and including venting holes and a second cooling channel configured for the flow of a second fluid.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the case further includes a side cover plate facing the side of the cell block, the side cover plate including a fastening flange fastened to a support structure provided on the bottom wall of the pack housing, the lower cover plate of the battery cell assembly being separated from the bottom wall of the pack housing with a first space in between, and the lower surface of the cell block being exposed toward the first space through the venting holes.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the upper cover plate further includes a projection protruding from one side of the cell block, and the battery cell assembly further includes a first pipe connected to a first upper port provided on the lower surface of the projection of the upper cover plate and configured to transmit the first fluid supplied from the outside to the first cooling channel, and a second pipe connected to a second upper port provided on the lower surface of the projection of the upper cover plate and configured to transmit the first fluid discharged from the first cooling channel to the outside. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the battery cell assembly has a multi-surface cooling structure that simultaneously cools multiple surfaces of the battery cell assembly, thereby reducing heat generation and temperature variations between battery cells. Ultimately, the temperature of the battery cells and the battery cell assembly can be controlled more uniformly. Therefore, the safety and reliability of the battery cell assembly and the battery pack containing it can be improved.

[0022] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the battery cell assembly case is provided with venting holes for the release of hot gases or flames, thereby ensuring safety in the event of a thermal runaway incident.

[0023] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a cooling plate provided in the case of a battery cell assembly has a cooling function for the battery cells as well as a function for exhausting high-temperature gases through vent holes, so that it can effectively delay and suppress heat propagation under thermal propagation event conditions, ultimately improving the safety and reliability of the battery cell assembly and the battery pack containing it.

[0024] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the battery cell assembly has a multi-faceted cooling structure and venting function, which can mitigate the temperature rise of the battery cells during rapid charging. This can reduce or prevent derating problems caused by the temperature rise of the battery cells and meet customer demands for shorter rapid charging times.

[0025] 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 the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a battery cell assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing a battery cell assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view showing a battery cell assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a conceptual diagram schematically showing a flow path of a first fluid in an upper cover plate of the battery cell assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 5a] It is a conceptual diagram schematically showing a flow path of a second fluid in a lower cover plate of the battery cell assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 5b] It is a cross-sectional view showing a lower cover plate of the battery cell assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view showing a first pipe of the battery cell assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view showing a second pipe of the battery cell assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] It is a side view schematically showing a part of the battery cell assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view showing a battery cell assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11]This is a schematic diagram showing an electric vehicle equipped with a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] 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 should not be construed to be limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but rather to mean and define terms in a manner consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, based on the principle that an inventor may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe his own invention.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] (First Embodiment) Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views showing a battery cell assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figures 1 and 2 show the battery cell assembly 100 viewed from different directions. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery cell assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a schematic conceptual diagram showing the flow path of the first fluid within the upper cover plate 120 of the battery cell assembly 100 of Figure 1. Figure 5a is a schematic conceptual diagram showing the flow path of the second fluid within the lower cover plate 140 of the battery cell assembly 100 of Figure 1. Figure 5b is a cross-sectional view showing the lower cover plate 140 of the battery cell assembly 100 of Figure 1.

[0032] Referring to Figures 1 to 5b, the battery cell assembly 100 may include a cell block 110, an upper cover plate 120, a side cover plate 130, a lower cover plate 140, and an end plate 170. The upper cover plate 120, the side cover plate 130, and the lower cover plate 140 can constitute the case CA of the battery cell assembly 100 surrounding the cell block 110.

[0033] A cell block 110 can include a plurality of battery cells 111. Each battery cell 111 is the basic unit of a lithium-ion battery, i.e., a secondary battery. Each battery cell 111 can include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a cell case. The electrode assembly provided in the cell case can 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 can be either a jelly roll type or a stack type. A jelly roll type electrode assembly can include a winding structure of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator membrane interposed between them. A stack type electrode assembly can include a plurality of positive electrodes, a plurality of negative electrodes, and a plurality of separator membranes interposed between them, stacked sequentially. The positive electrode can include a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material. The negative electrode can include a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material.

[0034] Multiple battery cells 111 can be connected in series and / or in parallel. For example, multiple battery cells 111 can be connected in series with each other. For example, multiple battery cells 111 can also be connected in parallel with each other. For example, when defining a set of two or more battery cells 111 connected in parallel with each other as a bank, one bank consisting of two or more battery cells 111 connected in parallel with each other and another bank consisting of two or more battery cells 111 connected in parallel with each other can be connected in series.

[0035] Each battery cell 111 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.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, each individual battery cell 111 corresponds to a pouch-type battery cell, and multiple battery cells 111 can be stacked on top of each other in a first direction (X direction) within a single battery cell assembly 100. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the multiple battery cells 111 in an individual battery cell assembly 100 corresponds to a pouch-type battery cell whose length along the first direction (X direction) is shorter than its length along the second direction (Y direction), and the multiple battery cells 111 can be stacked in the first direction (X direction).

[0037] In plan view, the cell block 110 may have a rectangular shape in which the length along the first direction (X direction) is shorter than the length along the second direction (Y direction). In this case, the cell block 110 may have two sides opposite to each other in the first direction (X direction) (i.e., a first side and a second side), a front and a rear surface opposite to each other in the second direction (Y direction), and a top and a bottom surface opposite to each other in the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0038] A busbar frame on which busbars are mounted can be positioned on both the front and rear surfaces of the cell block 110. Multiple busbars can be mounted on the busbar frame on the front of the cell block 110, and multiple busbars can be mounted on the busbar frame on the rear of the cell block 110.

[0039] End plates 170 can be placed on the front and rear sides of the cell block 110, respectively. The end plate 170 on the front side of the cell block 110 can cover the busbar frame placed on the front of the cell block 110, and the end plate 170 on the rear side of the cell block 110 can cover the busbar frame placed on the rear of the cell block 110.

[0040] Busbars can be coupled to the electrode leads of battery cells 111. For example, busbars can be coupled to the electrode leads of battery cells 111 by welding. For example, individual busbars may be interbusbars for electrically connecting different battery cells 111 that belong to a cell block 110, and are coupled to electrode leads that connect to different battery cells 111. For example, individual busbars may be terminal busbars for electrically connecting a battery cell assembly 100 to another battery cell assembly 100 or other electrical device.

[0041] In exemplary embodiments, the battery cell assembly 100 may include a single cell block 110. In exemplary embodiments, the battery cell assembly 100 may include a cell block array consisting of multiple cell blocks 110 arranged in a second direction (Y direction). For example, the battery cell assembly 100 may include two cell blocks 110 arranged in a second direction (Y direction). As an example, the battery cell assembly 100 may include a first cell block and a second cell block arranged spaced apart in a second direction (Y direction) within a case CA and electrically connected to each other.

[0042] The upper cover plate 120 can face the upper surface of the cell block 110. The upper cover plate 120 can at least partially cover the upper surface of the cell block 110. The upper cover plate 120 can be joined to the upper ends of two side cover plates 130 positioned on both sides of the cell block 110. For example, one side of the upper cover plate 120 can be joined to the upper end of one side cover plate 130 by welding, and the other side of the upper cover plate 120 can be joined to the upper end of the other side cover plate 130 by welding.

[0043] The upper cover plate 120 can be attached to the upper surface of the cell block 110 and can be thermally bonded to the cell block 110. For example, the upper cover plate 120 can be attached to the upper surface of the cell block 110 via a thermally conductive adhesive layer interposed between the upper cover plate 120 and the upper surface of the cell block 110. For example, the thermally conductive adhesive layer may include a thermal interface material (TIM).

[0044] The upper cover plate 120 may have a first cooling channel 123 through which a first fluid flows, and may be configured to cool the cell block 110. The first cooling channel 123 may define a passage for the first fluid. The first cooling channel 123 may have a single path extending from its inlet to its outlet. Cooling can be performed on the battery cell assembly 100 while the first fluid flows along the first cooling channel 123. For example, the upper cover plate 120 may be manufactured by joining two plates, and the first cooling channel 123 may include a space defined between the two plates. That is, the first cooling channel 123 may be located inside the upper cover plate 120. The first fluid may include cooling water or a refrigerant. The first fluid may be a first cooling fluid.

[0045] The upper cover plate 120 may include a first upper port 1231 to which the first pipe 150 is connected, and a second upper port 1233 to which the second pipe 160 is connected. Either the first upper port 1231 or the second upper port 1233 of the upper cover plate 120 may include an inlet for a first cooling channel 123 into which the first fluid flows, and the other may include an outlet for the first cooling channel 123 into which the first fluid is discharged. As shown in Figure 4, both the first upper port 1231 and the second upper port 1233 of the upper cover plate 120 are located on the same side of the upper cover plate 120. That is, the inlet and outlet for the first fluid are located on the same side of the upper cover plate 120. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first upper port 1231 and the second upper port 1233 of the upper cover plate 120 may be located on different sides of the upper cover plate 120, for example, on the side of the upper cover plate 120 opposite to the longitudinal direction (i.e., the side opposite in the Y-axis direction). That is, the inlet and outlet of the first fluid may be located on different sides of the upper cover plate 120, for example, on the opposite side of the upper cover plate 120.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the first upper port 1231 of the upper cover plate 120 may include the inlet of the first cooling channel 123, and the second upper port 1233 of the upper cover plate 120 may include the outlet of the first cooling channel 123. The first fluid supplied from an external cooling fluid supply unit CS is transmitted through the flow path of the first transfer pipe 301 to the inlet 159 of the first pipe 150 and can flow along the flow path 157 of the first pipe 150, the first upper port 1231 of the upper cover plate 120, the first cooling channel 123, the second upper port 1233 of the upper cover plate 120, and the flow path 167 of the second pipe 160. The first fluid is then discharged through the outlet 169 of the second pipe 160 to the second transfer pipe 302 and can be recovered to the external cooling fluid supply unit CS via the second transfer pipe 302.

[0047] The upper cover plate 120 may include a projection 120p that protrudes to one side from the cell block 110. For example, the projection 120p of the upper cover plate 120 may protrude in a second direction (Y direction) from the front surface of the cell block 110. The first upper port 1231 and the second upper port 1233 of the upper cover plate 120 may both be located on the projection 120p of the upper cover plate 120. The first upper port 1231 and the second upper port 1233 of the upper cover plate 120 may both be located on the lower surface of the projection 120p of the upper cover plate 120.

[0048] One of the two side cover plates 130 can cover a first side of the cell block 110, and the other can cover a second side of the cell block 110. The battery cell assembly 100 can be fastened to an external pack housing (501 in Figure 9) using a side mounting method. For example, each side cover plate 130 may include one or more fastening flanges 139 protruding in a first direction (X direction). The fastening flanges 139 may include fastening holes through which fastening members such as bolts pass. The fastening flanges 139 can be fastened and supported to a support structure of the pack housing 501 by fastening members such as bolts.

[0049] The lower cover plate 140 is positioned opposite the lower surface of the cell block 110 and can at least partially cover the lower surface of the cell block 110. The lower cover plate 140 can be joined to the lower ends of two side cover plates 130 positioned on both sides of the cell block 110. For example, one side of the lower cover plate 140 can be joined to the lower end of one side cover plate 130 by welding, and the other side of the lower cover plate 140 can be joined to the lower end of the other side cover plate 130 by welding. The lower cover plate 140, the upper cover plate 120, and the side cover plates 130 together can constitute a case CA that surrounds the four surfaces of the cell block 110 (e.g., the top surface, bottom surface, first side surface, and first side surface of the cell block 110).

[0050] The lower cover plate 140 can be attached to the lower surface of the cell block 110 and can be thermally bonded to the cell block 110. For example, the lower cover plate 140 can be attached to the lower surface of the cell block 110 via a thermally conductive adhesive layer interposed between the lower cover plate 140 and the lower surface of the cell block 110. For example, the thermally conductive adhesive layer may include TIM.

[0051] The lower cover plate 140 may have a second cooling channel 143 through which a second fluid flows, and may be configured to cool the cell block 110. The second cooling channel 143 may define a passage for the second fluid. For example, as shown in Figure 5b, the second cooling channel 143 may be located inside the lower cover plate 140. The second cooling channel 143 may have a single path extending from its inlet to its outlet. Cooling can be performed on the battery cell assembly 100 while the second fluid flows along the second cooling channel 143. The second fluid may include cooling water or a refrigerant. The second fluid may be a second cooling fluid. The second fluid may be the same as or different from the first fluid.

[0052] The lower cover plate 140 may include a first lower port 1431 and a second lower port 1433. One of the first lower port 1431 and the second lower port 1433 of the lower cover plate 140 may include an inlet for a second cooling channel 143 into which the second fluid flows, and the other may include an outlet for the second cooling channel 143 into which the second fluid is discharged. In an exemplary embodiment, the first lower port 1431 of the lower cover plate 140 may include an inlet for the second cooling channel 143, and the second lower port 1433 of the lower cover plate 140 may include an outlet for the second cooling channel 143. The second fluid, supplied from an external cooling fluid supply unit CS, is transmitted to the first lower port 1431 of the lower cover plate 140 via the flow path of the third transmission pipe 303 and can flow from the first lower port 1431 to the second lower port 1433 along the second cooling channel 143. The second fluid discharged from the lower cover plate 140 can be recovered to an external cooling fluid supply unit CS via the fourth transmission pipe 304.

[0053] The lower cover plate 140 may include a projection 140p that protrudes to one side from the cell block 110. The projection 140p of the lower cover plate 140 may protrude in a second direction (Y direction) from the front surface of the cell block 110. The first lower port 1431 and the second lower port 1433 of the lower cover plate 140 can both be located on the projection 140p of the lower cover plate 140. The first lower port 1431 and the second lower port 1433 of the lower cover plate 140 can both be located on the upper surface of the projection 140p of the lower cover plate 140.

[0054] The lower cover plate 140 may include venting holes 149 for exhausting hot gases originating from the cell block 110 into the space below the cell block 110. The lower cover plate 140 may include a plurality of venting holes 149 arranged in a first direction (X direction) and a second direction (Y direction). A portion of the lower surface of the cell block 110 may be exposed to the outside of the battery cell assembly 100 through the plurality of venting holes 149 of the lower cover plate 140. As shown in Figure 5b, the venting holes 149 may be arranged such that a second cooling channel 143 is located between the venting holes 149.

[0055] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the battery cell assembly 100 has a multi-surface cooling structure that simultaneously cools multiple surfaces of the battery cell assembly 100, thereby reducing heat generation and temperature deviations between the battery cells 111. Therefore, the temperatures of the battery cells 111 and the battery cell assembly 100 can be controlled more uniformly, improving the safety and reliability of the battery cell assembly 100 and the battery pack containing it.

[0056] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the case CA of the battery cell assembly 100 is provided with venting holes for the release of hot gases or flames, thereby ensuring safety in the event of a thermal runaway incident.

[0057] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a cooling plate (e.g., a lower cover plate 140) provided in the case CA of the battery cell assembly 100 has a cooling function for the battery cells 111 as well as a function for exhausting high-temperature gases through vent holes, thereby effectively delaying and suppressing thermal propagation. Consequently, the safety and reliability of the battery cell assembly 100 and the battery pack containing it can be improved.

[0058] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the battery cell assembly 100 has a multi-faceted cooling structure and a venting function, which can mitigate the temperature rise of the battery cells 111 during rapid charging. This can reduce or prevent derating problems caused by the temperature rise of the battery cells 111, and can meet customer demands for shorter rapid charging times.

[0059] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the first pipe 150 of the battery cell assembly 100 in Figure 1. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the second pipe 160 of the battery cell assembly 100 in Figure 1. Figure 8 is a schematic side view showing a part of the battery cell assembly 100 in Figure 1.

[0060] Referring to Figures 6 to 8 in conjunction with Figures 1 to 5b, the first pipe 150 can be connected to the first upper port 1231 of the upper cover plate 120, and the second pipe 160 can be connected to the second upper port 1233 of the upper cover plate 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the first pipe 150 can be welded to the first upper port 1231 of the upper cover plate 120, and the second pipe 160 can be welded to the second upper port 1233 of the upper cover plate 120. The first pipe 150 is a supply pipe configured to supply a first fluid provided from the outside to the first cooling channel 123 of the upper cover plate 120, and the second pipe 160 may be a discharge pipe configured to discharge the first fluid discharged from the first cooling channel 123 of the upper cover plate 120 to the outside.

[0061] The first pipe 150 is supplied with a first fluid from an external cooling fluid supply unit CS via a first transmission pipe 301, and can transmit the first fluid to the first upper port 1231 of the upper cover plate 120. The first pipe 150 can provide a single flow path 157 that extends from one end connected to the first transmission pipe 301 to the other end connected to the first upper port 1231 of the upper cover plate 120.

[0062] When viewed from the side, the first pipe 150 can generally have a U-shape. More specifically, the first pipe 150 may include a first portion 151 extending downward from a first upper port 1231 of the upper cover plate 120, a second portion 153 extending from the first portion 151 in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the first portion 151, and a third portion 155 extending upward from the second portion 153. The upper end of the first portion 151 of the first pipe 150 may be provided with an outlet 158 ​​connected to the first upper port 1231 of the upper cover plate 120, and the upper end of the third portion 155 of the first pipe 150 may be provided with an inlet 159 into which a first fluid supplied from the outside flows. The upper end of the third portion 155 of the first pipe 150 may be the end of the first pipe 150. The first pipe 150 can be attached to the lower surface of the upper cover plate 120, and the entire first pipe 150 may be below the upper cover plate 120.

[0063] The second pipe 160 discharges the first fluid discharged from the upper cover plate 120 to the second transmission pipe 302, and the first fluid can be transmitted to an external cooling fluid supply unit CS via the second transmission pipe 302. The second pipe 160 can provide a single flow path 167 that extends from one end connected to the second transmission pipe 302 to the other end connected to the second upper port 1233 of the upper cover plate 120.

[0064] When viewed from the side, the second pipe 160 can generally have a U-shape. More specifically, the second pipe 160 may include a fourth portion 161 extending downward from the second upper port 1233 of the upper cover plate 120, a fifth portion 163 extending from the fourth portion 161 in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the fourth portion 161, and a sixth portion 165 extending upward from the fifth portion 163. The upper end of the fourth portion 161 of the second pipe 160 is provided with an inlet 168 connected to the second upper port 1233 of the upper cover plate 120, and the upper end of the sixth portion 165 of the second pipe 160 may be provided with an outlet 169 for discharging the first fluid. The upper end of the sixth portion 165 of the second pipe 160 may be the end of the second pipe 160. The second pipe 160 can be attached to the lower surface of the upper cover plate 120, and the entire second pipe 160 may be below the upper cover plate 120.

[0065] The technical advantage of the generally U-shaped first pipe 150 and / or second pipe 160 is that it allows the battery cell assembly 100 to be installed more easily in its final position, such as in the electric vehicle 1000 in Figure 11. For example, when the battery cell assembly 100 is installed in the electric vehicle 1000 in Figure 11, the connection between the pipe supplying the first fluid and the first pipe 150, and the connection between the pipe discharging the first fluid and the second pipe 160 are made in the upper region of the battery cell assembly 100. That is, the lower region of the battery cell assembly 100 is blocked by the vehicle frame 1200 and is generally inaccessible to technicians assembling the vehicle. Therefore, the technician reaches down from the upper region of the battery cell assembly 100 to connect the pipes. The U-shape of the first pipe 150 and / or second pipe 160 ensures that both the inlet 159 and outlet 169 face upward along the vertical axis. Therefore, the U-shape of the first pipe 150 and / or the second pipe 160 facilitates the manufacturing process of the vehicle having the battery cell assembly 100.

[0066] The battery cell assembly 100 may include a first bottom support 181 for supporting a first pipe 150 and a second bottom support 185 for supporting a second pipe 160. The first bottom support 181 and the second bottom support 185 may be provided on an end plate 170 located on the front of the cell block 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the first bottom support 181 and the second bottom support 185 may each be part of the end plate 170. The first bottom support 181 is positioned below a second portion 153 of the first pipe 150 and can support the lower part of the second portion 153 of the first pipe 150. The second bottom support 185 is positioned below a fifth portion 163 of the second pipe 160 and can support the lower part of the fifth portion 163 of the second pipe 160.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, a first elastic pad 191 may be provided between the first bottom support 181 and the second portion 153 of the first pipe 150. In an exemplary embodiment, a second elastic pad 193 may be provided between the second bottom support 185 and the fifth portion 163 of the second pipe 160.

[0068] The battery cell assembly 100 may include a first side support 183 for supporting the side of the first pipe 150 and a second side support for supporting the side of the second pipe 160. The first side support 183 and the second side support may each be part of an end plate 170. The first side support 183 can contact and support the side of the first portion 151 of the first pipe 150. The first portion 151 of the first pipe 150 can be fitted into a groove provided by the first side support 183. The second side support can contact and support the side of the fourth portion 161 of the second pipe 160. The fourth portion 161 of the second pipe 160 can be fitted into a groove provided by the second side support.

[0069] The position H2 along the vertical (Z-direction) of the upper end of the third portion 155 of the first pipe 150 may be below the position H1 along the vertical (Z-direction) of the lower surface of the upper cover plate 120. Similarly, the position along the vertical (Z-direction) of the sixth portion 165 of the second pipe 160 may be below the position H1 along the vertical (Z-direction) of the lower surface of the upper cover plate 120. If the pipes for transmitting the first fluid were attached to the upper surface of the upper cover plate 120, the overall thickness of the battery cell assembly 100 would increase, increasing the space occupied by each individual battery cell assembly 100, which could reduce the energy density of the battery pack. However, according to the embodiment, since the first pipe 150 and the second pipe 160 are each entirely below the upper cover plate 120, it is possible to provide a battery cell assembly 100 with a cooling function without the problem of reduced energy density.

[0070] In this embodiment, the first pipe 150 is attached to the lower surface of the upper cover plate 120, and the first bottom support portion 181 can support the lower part of the first pipe 150. When the valve 321 is attached to the end of the first pipe 150, the external force applied to the end of the first pipe 150 causes the first pipe 150 to rotate around the joint between the first pipe 150 and the upper cover plate 120, and this rotation of the first pipe 150 may cause breakage and damage to the joint between the first pipe 150 and the upper cover plate 120 (e.g., the welded area).

[0071] However, according to embodiments of the present invention, the first bottom support 181 supports the lower part of the first pipe 150 and can prevent the first pipe 150 from rotating due to external forces applied when the valve 321 is attached to the end of the first pipe 150. Similarly, the second bottom support 185 supports the lower part of the second pipe 160 and can prevent the second pipe 160 from rotating due to external forces applied when the valve is attached to the end of the second pipe 160. According to embodiments, the reliability of the coupling between the pipes for supplying and discharging the first fluid (i.e., the first pipe 150 and the second pipe 160) and the cooling plate (i.e., the upper cover plate 120) can be improved. Thus, the reliability of the cooling performance of the battery cell assembly 100 can be increased, and the safety and reliability of the battery cell assembly 100 can be improved.

[0072] (Second Embodiment) Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery cell assembly 100A according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Below, the battery cell assembly 100A of Figure 9 will be described, focusing on the differences from the battery cell assembly 100 described with reference to Figures 1 to 5b.

[0073] Referring to Figure 9, the upper cover plate 120A may include venting holes 129 for exhausting high-temperature gases originating from the cell block 110 to an external space outside the cell block 110. The upper cover plate 120A may include a plurality of venting holes 129 arranged in a first direction (X direction) and a second direction (Y direction). A portion of the upper surface of the cell block 110 may be exposed to the outside of the battery cell assembly 100A through the plurality of venting holes 129 of the upper cover plate 120A.

[0074] (Third embodiment) Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack 500 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Referring to Figure 10, the battery pack 500 may include a pack housing 501 and a battery cell assembly 100 mounted in the pack housing 501. The battery pack 500 may include one or more battery cell assemblies 100 mounted in the pack housing 501. In an exemplary embodiment, the battery pack 500 may include two or more battery cell assemblies 100 arranged in a first direction (X direction).

[0076] The pack housing 501 may include a lower housing 510 having a housing space for housing the battery cell assembly 100, and a pack lid 520 coupled onto the lower housing 510 so as to cover the lower housing 510 housing the battery cell assembly 100. The housing space of the lower housing 510 may be defined by a bottom wall 511 facing the lower surface of the cell block 110 of the individual battery cell assembly 100, and side walls 513 extending along the edge of the bottom wall 511.

[0077] When the battery pack 500 is installed in the vehicle, a passenger cabin room can be located above the pack lid 520, and the ground on which the vehicle travels can be located below the lower housing 510.

[0078] The battery cell assembly 100 can be mounted in the pack housing 501 using a side-mounting method. More specifically, the fastening flanges 139 of the individual side cover plates can be fastened and supported by bolts BT to the corresponding support structures 515 provided on the lower housing 510.

[0079] A free volume FV can be provided between the bottom wall 511 of the lower housing 510 and the battery cell assembly 100. The free volume FV can be understood as the open space between each of the multiple battery cell assemblies 100 and the lower housing 510. The free volume FV can also be called space, buffer space, or venting space. The lower cover plate 140 of each battery cell assembly 100 can be separated from the bottom wall 511 of the lower housing 510 with the free volume FV in between. The lower surface of the cell block 110 can be exposed toward the free volume FV through venting holes 149 in the lower cover plate 140. Gases and flames generated in thermal runaway conditions can be moved through the free volume FV. That is, the free volume FV becomes a venting passage through which hot gases and flames can be moved.

[0080] Furthermore, when foreign objects are scattered under the vehicle and a strong impact occurs during driving on hard ground such as unpaved roads, the free volume FV can absorb that impact. Therefore, it is possible to prevent damage to multiple battery cell assemblies 100 due to the impact. The free volume FV can be used as a space to allow a certain degree of freedom in the deformation of the lower housing 510 when the lower housing 510 deforms towards the battery cell assembly 100 due to an impact applied to the underside of the vehicle.

[0081] The height of the free volume FV and the distance between the bottom wall of the lower housing 510 and the battery cell assembly 100 can be determined to the extent that they can adequately absorb external shocks. The height of the free volume FV can be determined considering the dimensions and rigidity of the vehicle frame, the dimensions and rigidity of the lower housing 510, the dimensions of the battery pack 500, the amount of gas generated and the exhaust rate during thermal runaway, etc. For example, if the thickness or rigidity of the vehicle frame or the bottom wall of the lower housing 510 is relatively large, at least one of the size and height of the free volume FV can be relatively reduced. Also, if the thickness or rigidity of the vehicle frame or the bottom wall of the lower housing 510 is relatively small, there is a high possibility of deformation of the bottom wall of the lower housing 510, so at least one of the size and height of the free volume FV can be relatively increased to protect the battery cell assembly 100. Furthermore, if the size of the battery pack 500 is relatively large according to the specifications of the battery pack 500, a relatively large free volume FV can be ensured. When the size of the battery pack 500 is relatively small, the available height of the free volume FV may be relatively low, which may necessitate an increase in the thickness and rigidity of the bottom wall of the lower housing 510. Furthermore, if the height of the free volume FV is too low, the gas exhaust passage becomes smaller, potentially leading to a rapid increase in the internal pressure of the battery pack 500 during thermal runaway. Therefore, the size and height of the free volume FV can be determined by considering the gas generation rate and exhaust rate.

[0082] The maximum height of the free volume FV can be determined according to the degree of damage to the battery cells 111 contained in the battery cell assembly 100. For example, if the acceptable damage limit for the battery cells 111 is 1 mm, the free volume FV can be determined so that the battery cells 111 do not deform by more than 1 mm when the lower housing 510 deforms and presses against the lower surface of the battery cells 111. In this case, the amount of deformation of the lower housing 510 may vary depending on the thickness and rigidity of the lower housing 510. Therefore, the size and height of the free volume FV can be determined by considering both the acceptable damage limit of the battery cells 111 and the thickness and rigidity of the lower housing 510.

[0083] In an exemplary embodiment, the upper surface of the battery cell assembly 100 can be in close contact with the lower surface of the pack lid 520. If there is a space between the battery cell assembly 100 and the pack lid 520, hot gases can be introduced into the space between one battery cell assembly 100 and the pack lid 520 during thermal runaway, and heat and flames can be propagated to other adjacent battery cell assemblies 100. Heat and flames can also be transferred to the pack lid 520, potentially affecting the cabin room above the pack lid 520. Therefore, by ensuring close contact between the upper surface of the battery cell assembly 100 and the lower surface of the pack lid 520, gases and flames generated inside the battery pack 500 can be directed to the free volume FV.

[0084] (Fourth Embodiment) Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing an electric vehicle 1000 equipped with a battery pack 1100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Figure 11 shows only the vehicle body frame 1200, which forms the lower frame of the vehicle, the battery pack 1100 connected to the vehicle body frame 1200, and the tires for the sake of simplicity. For example, the battery pack 1100 may include the battery pack 500 described with reference to Figure 10.

[0086] In a typical battery pack, the battery cell assembly is installed at the bottom of the battery pack housing. In this embodiment, a free volume (see FV in Figure 10) can be provided below the battery cell assembly 100 of the battery pack 1100. By bringing the battery cell assembly 100 and the pack lid 520 into close contact with each other, gases generated from the battery cell assembly 100 can be guided to the free volume FV instead of the vehicle's cabin. The gases are guided to the free volume FV provided between the battery cell assembly 100 and the pack housing of the battery pack 1100. The gases flow through the free volume FV and can be discharged to the underside and side of the vehicle through a gas exhaust port installed in the battery pack 1100. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since a free volume FV is provided between the battery cell assembly 100 and the pack housing within the battery pack 1100, damage to the battery cell assembly 100 can be prevented even if the pack housing deforms.

[0087] According to embodiments of the present invention, the battery pack 1100 and the electric vehicle 1000 equipped therewith can enhance passenger safety. Furthermore, the battery cell assembly 100, which is a core component, can be protected, improving the durability of the battery pack 1100 and the electric vehicle 1000.

[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 various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted for them at the time of filing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 100 Battery Cell Assembly 110 cell block 111 battery cells 120, 120A Upper Cover Plate 120p protrusion 123 First Cooling Channel 129 Venting Hall 130 Side Cover Plate 139 Fastening flange 140 Lower cover plate 140p protrusion 143 Second Cooling Channel 149 Venting Hall 150 First pipe 151 Part 1 153 Part 2 155 Part 3 157 channels 158 Exit 159 Entrance 160 Second pipe 161 Part 4 163 Part 5 165 Part 6 167 channels 168 Entrance 169 Exit 170 End Plate 181 1st bottom support part 183 First side support section 185 Second bottom support part 191 First Elastic Pad 193 Second Elastic Pad 301 First transmission pipe 302 Second transmission pipe 303 Third transmission pipe 304 Fourth transmission pipe 321 Valve 500 Battery Pack 501 Pack Housing 510 Lower Housing 511 Bottom wall 513 Side wall 515 Support Structure 520 Pack Lid 1000 electric vehicles 1100 Battery Pack 1200 Body frame 1231 First Upper Port 1233 Second Upper Port 1431 First Lower Port 1433 Second Lower Port

Claims

1. A cell block containing multiple battery cells, A case for housing the cell block, The aforementioned case is, An upper cover plate facing the upper surface of the cell block and including a first cooling channel configured for the flow of a first fluid, A lower cover plate facing the lower surface of the cell block, including venting holes and a second cooling channel configured for the flow of a second fluid, Includes, The upper cover plate further includes a protrusion that extends outward from one side of the cell block, The present invention further includes a first pipe connected to a first upper port provided on the lower surface of the protrusion of the upper cover plate and configured to transmit the first fluid, A battery cell assembly in which the case is provided with a first bottom support portion that supports the lower part of the first pipe.

2. The battery cell assembly according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the lower surface of the cell block is exposed to the outside through the venting holes of the lower cover plate.

3. The battery cell assembly according to claim 1, wherein the upper cover plate further includes venting holes.

4. The battery cell assembly according to claim 3, wherein a portion of the upper surface of the cell block is exposed to the outside through the venting holes of the upper cover plate.

5. A cell block comprising a plurality of battery cells, A case for housing the cell block, The aforementioned case is, An upper cover plate facing the upper surface of the cell block and including a first cooling channel configured for the flow of a first fluid, A lower cover plate facing the lower surface of the cell block, including venting holes and a second cooling channel configured for the flow of a second fluid, Includes, The upper cover plate further includes a protrusion that extends outward from one side of the cell block, The present invention further includes a first pipe connected to a first upper port provided on the lower surface of the protrusion of the upper cover plate and configured to transmit the first fluid, The first pipe is, The first portion of the upper cover plate extends downward from the first upper port, A second portion extending from the first portion in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the first portion, A third part extending upward from the second part, Battery cell assembly, including

6. A first bottom support portion is positioned below the second portion of the first pipe and supports the second portion of the first pipe. The battery cell assembly according to claim 5, further comprising:

7. The battery cell assembly according to claim 6, further comprising a first elastic pad disposed between the second portion of the first pipe and the first bottom support portion.

8. The battery cell assembly according to claim 5, wherein the upper end of the third portion of the first pipe is the end of the first pipe and is located below the first upper port of the upper cover plate.

9. The present invention further includes a second pipe connected to a second upper port provided on the lower surface of the protrusion of the upper cover plate, and configured to transmit the first fluid, One of the first pipe and the second pipe is configured to transmit the first fluid supplied from the outside to the first cooling channel of the upper cover plate, and the other of the first pipe and the second pipe is configured to transmit the first fluid discharged from the first cooling channel of the upper cover plate to the outside. The second pipe is, The fourth portion of the upper cover plate extends downward from the second upper port, A fifth portion extending from the fourth portion in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the fourth portion, A sixth portion extending upward from the fifth portion, Includes, The battery cell assembly according to claim 5, wherein the upper end of the sixth portion of the second pipe is the end of the second pipe and is located below the second upper port of the upper cover plate.

10. A second bottom support portion is positioned below the fifth portion of the second pipe and supports the fifth portion of the second pipe, The battery cell assembly according to claim 9, further comprising a second elastic pad disposed between the fifth portion of the second pipe and the second bottom support portion.

11. The lower cover plate further includes a protrusion that extends outward from one side of the cell block, The battery cell assembly according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the protrusion of the lower cover plate is provided with a first lower port into which the second fluid flows and a second lower port into which the second fluid is discharged.

12. The case further includes a side cover plate facing the side surface of the cell block, The battery cell assembly according to claim 1, wherein the side cover plate is coupled to the upper cover plate and the lower cover plate and includes a fastening flange for fastening to an external support structure.

13. Pack housing and A battery cell assembly comprising a cell block containing multiple battery cells housed in the pack housing, and a case housing the cell block, Includes, The aforementioned case is, An upper cover plate facing the upper surface of the cell block and including a first cooling channel configured for the flow of a first fluid, A lower cover plate facing the lower surface of the cell block, including venting holes and a second cooling channel configured for the flow of a second fluid, Includes, The upper cover plate further includes a protrusion that extends outward from one side of the cell block, The aforementioned battery cell assembly is The present invention further includes a first pipe connected to a first upper port provided on the lower surface of the protrusion of the upper cover plate and configured to transmit the first fluid, A battery pack in which the case is provided with a first bottom support portion that supports the lower part of the first pipe.

14. The case further includes a side cover plate facing the side surface of the cell block, The side cover plate includes a fastening flange that is fastened to a support structure provided on the bottom wall of the pack housing, The lower cover plate of the battery cell assembly is separated from the bottom wall of the pack housing with a first space in between, The battery pack according to claim 13, wherein the lower surface of the cell block is exposed toward the first space through the venting hole.

15. The battery cell assembly is A second pipe is connected to a second upper port provided on the lower surface of the protrusion of the upper cover plate and is configured to transmit the first fluid discharged from the first cooling channel to the outside. The battery pack according to claim 13, further comprising:

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