Cell assemblies and battery packs containing them

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cell assembly and a battery pack accommodating the cell assembly, the cell assembly including: a cell stack in which a plurality of cells are stacked, with electrode leads extending from both sides thereof; and bus bars electrically connected to the electrode leads, the cell stack including bus bar frames coupled to front and rear sides thereof, respectively; and a pair of side beams coupled to the bus bar frames to support both sides of the cell stack, wherein at least one of the pair of side beams has a lower end coated with a heat insulating material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cell assembly and a battery pack including the same. More specifically, the present invention provides a cell assembly including a side beam having a lower end coated with a heat insulating material, and provides a battery pack that suppresses heat transfer in an internal space by using the side beam of the cell assembly.

[0002] The present application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0167127 filed on December 2, 2022, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0035457 filed on March 17, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0172124 filed on December 1, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent applications are incorporated as a part of the present specification.

Background Art

[0003] Types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and the like. The operating voltage of such a unit secondary battery cell, that is, a unit battery cell, is approximately 2.5V to 4.2V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, a plurality of battery cells may be connected in series to constitute a battery pack. Also, a battery pack may be constituted by connecting a large number of battery cells in parallel according to the charge-discharge capacity required for the battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be variously set according to the required output voltage or charge-discharge capacity.

[0004] For example, when a battery pack is constituted by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series / parallel, a battery module including the plurality of battery cells is first formed.

[0005] Figure 1 shows an example of a conventional battery module, a perspective view of a cell assembly 10 in which pouch-type cells 30 are exposed to the outside. Specifically, in the cell assembly 10 shown in Figure 1, electrode leads are drawn out on both sides, and busbar frames 50 covering the electrode leads are attached to the front and back of multiple cells 30 that are stacked in one direction.

[0006] The configuration shown in Figure 1 above is a structure in which the module frame that surrounds and protects the internal cells 30 is omitted, and has the advantage of being lighter in weight compared to existing battery modules in which the cells 30 are enclosed and sealed.

[0007] Figure 2 above is a perspective view and a front view of a conventional cell assembly 10 in which side beams 40 are attached to both sides to support the sides of the cell block 20, and Figure 3 shows the shape of the side beams 40 attached to both sides of Figure 2.

[0008] The cell assembly 10 shown in Figure 2(a) above is characterized by the application of side beams 40 to improve the lateral support force of the cell assembly 10. As shown in Figure 2(b), the pair of side beams 40 each have protrusions 41 formed on the upper and lower parts, and the protrusions 41 are stepped so that they interlock with each other.

[0009] When the cell assembly 10, which is equipped with the side beams described above, is housed in a battery pack, the side beams provided on the sides of each cell assembly 10 interlock and connect with each other.

[0010] Figure 3 shows a pair of cell assemblies 10 housed in the internal space of a pack case 60 included in a battery pack. As shown in Figure 3, the pair of adjacent cell assemblies 10 are connected by side beams 40 provided on the sides of each cell assembly 10 interlocking with each other.

[0011] Figure 4 shows a pack case 60 in which the cell assembly 10 shown in Figure 2 is housed, with the base plate 70, side walls 80, and main wall 90 supporting the bottom and sides of the cell assembly 10, respectively. The pack case 60 in which the cell assembly 10 in the configuration shown in Figure 2 is housed has the advantage that the side walls 80 and main wall 90 are connected to separate each cell assembly 10, eliminating the need for separate separation walls to partition the internal space. This is because the side beams provided on the sides of the cell assembly 10 can replace the function of existing separation walls.

[0012] Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the side beam 40 interposed between a pair of joined cell assemblies 10.

[0013] The cell assemblies 10 in the configuration shown in Figure 2 above can be physically separated from each other within the pack case 60 due to the presence of the side beams 40.

[0014] However, as shown in Figure 5 above, since the lower end of the side beam 40 is formed flat, a small gap may exist between the lower end of the side beam 40 and the flat base plate 70. Such a gap can become a passage through which the gas, flame, and heat can be easily transferred to other normal cell assemblies 10 when one of the cell assemblies 10 experiences thermal runaway.

[0015] Figure 6 shows a cross-section of a portion of the conventional pack case 60 described above, and it can be seen that gas, flame, and heat are transferred between the pair of connected side beams and the base plate.

[0016] As described above, the cell assembly 10 in the form shown in Figure 2 has the problem that when housed in the pack case 60, high-temperature gases, flames, and heat can easily propagate through small gaps.

[0017] Conventionally, as shown in Figure 2 above, various solutions have been studied to address the gas, flame, and heat propagation problems in battery packs using the new form of cell assembly 10. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0018] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a battery pack that can suppress heat transfer between internal spaces.

[0019] Other objects and advantages of the present invention can be understood from the following description and more clearly from the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it is readily apparent that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations set forth in the claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, a cell assembly is provided that includes a cell block comprising a plurality of cells from which electrode leads are drawn out; a busbar frame comprising a busbar electrically connected to the electrode leads of the cell block and coupled to the cell block; and a pair of side beams coupled to the busbar frame so as to support both sides of the cell block, wherein at least one of the pair of side beams is coated with a thermal insulation material at its lower end.

[0021] The side beam includes a first side beam coupled to one end of the busbar frame so as to support one side surface of the cell block, and a second side beam coupled to the other end of the busbar frame so as to support the other side surface of the cell block, wherein the first side beam and the second side beam may have interlocking shapes.

[0022] The above-mentioned side beam may include protrusions that extend outward to form a step along the height direction of the cell block.

[0023] The protrusion may consist of an upper protrusion formed on an upper portion of the first side beam and a lower protrusion formed on a lower portion of the second side beam.

[0024] The first side beam and the second side beam may have a shape in which the upper protrusion and the lower protrusion are engaged and coupled to each other.

[0025] The second side beam includes, at a lower end thereof, an insertion groove formed to allow the heat insulating material to be inserted thereinto, The heat insulating material may be coated to fill the insertion groove.

[0026] The insertion groove may be formed to extend along a longitudinal direction of the second side beam.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery pack including the cell assembly described above and a pack case providing a space in which the cell assembly is placed, wherein any one pair of cell assemblies disposed adjacent to each other is placed in the pack case such that a first side beam of one cell assembly is coupled to a second side beam of the other cell assembly.

[0028] The first side beam and the second side beam may be coupled to each other to form a partition wall that separates a pair of adjacently positioned cell blocks.

[0029] A lower end of the partition wall may be coated with a heat insulating material.

[0030] The partition wall includes, at a lower end thereof, an insertion groove formed to allow the heat insulating material to be inserted thereinto, The heat insulating material may be coated to fill the insertion groove.

[0031] The pack case includes a base plate that supports a lower portion of the cell assembly, The heat insulating material may seal a gap between the partition wall and the base plate.

[0032] The above partition wall can be screw-connected to the above base plate.

[0033] The pack case includes a screw-shaped connecting member that connects the partition wall and the base plate to each other, and the connecting member can be screw-connected to the base plate by vertically penetrating the partition wall and the insulating material coated on the lower end of the partition wall. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] According to the battery pack containing the cell assemblies of the present invention, even if one of the cell assemblies housed inside experiences thermal runaway and generates high-temperature gas and flames, it is possible to prevent the gas and flames from spreading to the other cell assemblies. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] This is an example of a conventional battery module. [Figure 2] This shows a conventional cell assembly to which side beams are applied. [Figure 3] The above Figure 2 shows the assembly of the cell assemblies in the configuration shown. [Figure 4] The image above shows the battery pack case in which the cell assembly shown in Figure 2 is housed. [Figure 5] Figure 4 above shows a bottom perspective view of a pair of cell assemblies joined together inside the pack case, and a portion of the side beam interposed between the cell assemblies. [Figure 6] The image above shows a cross-section of a portion of the pack case containing the cell assembly shown in Figure 2. [Figure 7] These are a perspective view and a front view of a cell assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the second side beam included in the cell assembly. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This diagram simply illustrates the side beam arrangement of a pair of cell assemblies positioned adjacent to each other inside the pack case. [Figure 11] This shows the connection between a pair of adjacent cell assemblies. [Figure 12] This shows a bottom perspective view of a portion of the partition wall contained within a pair of joined cell assemblies. [Figure 13] Figure 9 above shows the cross-sectional shape of the limited area where the partition wall is located in the pack case. [Figure 14] The above Figure 9 shows a simplified cross-section of a part of the pack case and the transfer of gas, flame, and heat. [Figure 15] This is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the second side beam included in the battery pack according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This shows a bottom perspective view of a portion of the partition wall contained within a pair of joined cell assemblies. [Figure 17] This shows a cross-section of a portion of the pack case where the partition wall is located. [Figure 18] This image shows a cross-section of a pack case and a simplified illustration of the transfer of gas, flame, and heat. [Figure 19] This is a schematic diagram showing a cell assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] This is a schematic diagram showing a cell assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] This is a schematic diagram showing a cell assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before that, however, the terms and words used herein and in the claims should not be interpreted to be limited to their ordinary 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 an inventor may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe his own invention.

[0037] 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 are various equivalents and modifications that can substitute for them at the time of filing.

[0038] Furthermore, in describing embodiments of 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.

[0039] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the invention to an ordinary person, 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.

[0040] The present invention relates to a cell assembly and a battery pack including the same. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a cell assembly including a side beam coated with an insulating material at its lower end, and a battery pack that uses the side beam of the cell assembly to suppress heat transfer in the internal space.

[0041] Figures 7 to 8 relate to cell assemblies according to embodiments of the present invention, Figures 9 to 14 relate to battery packs according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figures 15 to 18 relate to battery packs according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and Figures 19 to 21 relate to cell assemblies according to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] Hereinafter, a cell assembly and battery pack according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0043] <Cell assembly 1000>

[0044] The cell assembly 1000 of this embodiment includes a cell block 1100, a busbar frame 1200 coupled to the cell block 1100, and a pair of side beams 1300 coupled to both sides of the cell block 1100.

[0045] The above cell block 1100 includes multiple cells 1110.

[0046] The cell 1110 includes an electrode assembly (not shown) formed by alternately stacking electrodes and a separation membrane, and a case (not shown) that encloses and seals the electrode assembly.

[0047] The above-mentioned cell 1110 is classified into pouch type, rectangular type, and cylindrical type depending on the form of the electrode assembly and case.

[0048] The cell assembly 1000 may further include a modular frame surrounding the cell block 1100 so that each cell 1110 can be protected from external impacts. In this case, the modular frame may be provided to support or protect only a portion of the cell block 1100, or it may be provided over all exposed portions of the cell block 1100 to completely isolate the cell block 1100 from the outside.

[0049] Figure 7 is a perspective view and a front view of the cell assembly 1000 of this embodiment. More specifically, Figure 7 shows the cell assembly 1000 containing the pouch-type cells 1110 (for ease of understanding, Figures 7 to 18 will focus on the cell assembly 1000 including the pouch-type cells 1110 and the battery pack).

[0050] As shown in Figure 7, the cell block 1100 is composed of a plurality of cells 1110, each containing an electrode lead (not shown). More specifically, the cell block 1100 is composed of a plurality of cells 1110 stacked in one direction.

[0051] The busbar frame 1200 includes busbars (not shown) that are electrically connected to each electrode lead of the cell block 1100, and is coupled to the cell block 1100.

[0052] As shown in Figure 7(b), the side beam 1300 includes a first side beam 1300a coupled to one side of the cell block 1100 and a second side beam 1300b coupled to the other side of the cell block 1100.

[0053] More specifically, the first side beam 1300a is connected to one end of the busbar frame 1200 so as to support one side of the cell block 1100, and the second side beam 1300b is connected to the other end of the busbar frame 1200 so as to support the other side of the cell block 1100.

[0054] The side beam 1300 includes a projection that protrudes so as to form a step along the height direction of the cell block 1100. Specifically, each of the pair of side beams 1300 includes a projection on the other side opposite to the side that contacts the cell block 1100.

[0055] One of the pair of side beams 1300 has the protrusion formed on its upper part, and the other has the protrusion formed on its lower part. That is, the first side beam 1300a and the second side beam 1300b have a shape that allows them to interlock with each other by the protrusions formed at their respective different positions.

[0056] The above-mentioned protrusion consists of an upper protrusion 1300a1 formed on the upper part of the first side beam 1300a and a lower protrusion 1300b1 formed on the lower part of the second side beam 1300b.

[0057] The first side beam 1300a and the second side beam 1300b have a shape in which the upper protrusion 1300a1 and the lower protrusion 1300b1 interlock and connect with each other.

[0058] The cell assembly 1000 of this embodiment is characterized in that it includes a heat insulating material 3000 at the lower end of one of the pair of side beams 1300.

[0059] Preferably, the thermal insulation material 3000 is included in the second side beam 1300b, which includes a lower end projection.

[0060] Figure 8 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the second side beam 1300b included in the cell assembly 1000.

[0061] The above-mentioned thermal insulation material 3000 is coated onto the lower end of the second side beam 1300b, as shown in Figure 8.

[0062] The above-mentioned thermal insulation material 3000 is extended along the longitudinal direction of the second side beam 1300b at the lower end of the second side beam 1300b.

[0063] The above-mentioned insulation material 3000 may include at least one type of organic or inorganic material. For example, the above-mentioned insulation material 3000 may be cork, cotton, felt, carbides, rubbers, etc., or asbestos, glass wool, quartz cotton, diatomaceous earth, magnesium carbonate powder, etc. However, the type of the above-mentioned insulation material 3000 is not limited to those listed above, and any material with low thermal conductivity or capable of effectively delaying heat transfer may be used.

[0064] The above-mentioned thermal insulation material 3000 may be attached in a solid form to the lower end of the second side beam 1300b, or it may be applied in a slurry form to coat it.

[0065] The cell assembly 1000 of this embodiment may also include a second side beam 1300b with an insertion groove 1300b2 at its lower end into which the heat insulating material 3000 can be inserted in order to ensure more stable adhesion of the heat insulating material 3000.

[0066] The insertion groove 1300b2 described above will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings in a later second embodiment of the battery pack.

[0067] <Battery Pack>

[0068] The battery pack of this embodiment is characterized by including a cell assembly 1000, on one side of which a second side beam 1300b containing a heat insulating material 3000 is provided at a portion of the lower end.

[0069] (First Embodiment) Figure 9 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] The battery pack described above includes a pack case 2000 that provides space for multiple cell assemblies 1000 to be installed, as shown in Figure 9.

[0071] The pack case 2000 includes a base plate 2100 that supports the lower part of the cell assembly 1000, side walls 2200 that are joined along the edge of the base plate 2100 to support the sides of each cell assembly 1000, and a main wall 2300 that crosses the center of the pack case 2000 and is joined to the base plate 2100.

[0072] The main wall 2300 is formed to extend along the longitudinal direction of the pack case 2000 and is connected to the base plate 2100 so as to divide the internal space of the pack case 2000 into two large sections.

[0073] Multiple cell assemblies 1000 are positioned on both sides of the main wall 2300 and mounted on the base plate 2100. At this time, each cell assembly 1000 is positioned so that the side beams 1300 provided on its sides interlock and connect with each other.

[0074] Figure 10 shows a simplified arrangement of the side beams 1300 of a pair of cell assemblies 1000 that are placed adjacent to each other inside the pack case 2000.

[0075] As shown in Figure 10, the pair of adjacent cell assemblies 1000 are shaped such that the first side beam 1300a of one cell assembly 1000 interlocks with the second side beam 1300b of the other cell assembly 1000. Specifically, the upper projection 1300a1 of the first side beam 1300a, provided on one side of one cell assembly 1000, fits onto the upper part of the lower projection 1300b1 of the second side beam 1300b, provided on one side of the other cell assembly 1000. Therefore, the opposing first side beam 1300a and second side beam 1300b can be joined by the interlocking of the upper projection 1300a1 and the lower projection 1300b1.

[0076] Figure 11 shows the connection between a pair of adjacent cell assemblies 1000.

[0077] The first side beam 1300a and the second side beam 1300b provided in each of the above cell assemblies 1000 are connected to each other to form a single partition wall 2400 as shown in Figure 11.

[0078] The partition wall 2400 formed by the joining of the pair of side beams 1300 can serve to separate a pair of cell blocks 1100 located adjacent to each other in the internal space of the pack case 2000, and also serves to support the sides of each cell block 1100.

[0079] The partition wall 2400 serves to block the transmission of gas, flame, and heat generated in each cell assembly 1000 to other cell assemblies 1000.

[0080] One partition wall 2400 formed by the joining of the above-mentioned side beams 1300 includes thermal insulation material 3000 at its lower end.

[0081] Figure 12 shows a bottom perspective view of a portion of the partition wall 2400 contained within a pair of joined cell assemblies 1000.

[0082] The above-mentioned partition wall 2400 is formed by the joining of a first side beam 1300a and a second side beam 1300b which includes an insulating material 3000 at its lower end.

[0083] Specifically, the above-mentioned thermal insulation material 3000 is included in the lower end of the lower projection 1300b1 of the second side beam 1300b. Since the lower part of the partition wall 2400 is almost entirely occupied by the lower projection 1300b1 of the second side beam 1300b, the lower end of the partition wall 2400 is almost entirely occupied by the thermal insulation material 3000 included in the lower end of the second side beam 1300b.

[0084] Figure 13 shows the cross-sectional shape of the limited area where the partition wall 2400 is located in the pack case 2000 shown in Figure 9 above.

[0085] As shown in Figure 13 above, a partition wall 2400, formed by the connection of a first side beam 1300a and a second side beam 1300b, is interposed between a pair of adjacent cell blocks 1100. Furthermore, an insulating material 3000 is interposed between the partition wall 2400 and the base plate 2100 that supports the lower part of the cell assembly 1000.

[0086] As described above, the insulation material 3000 seals to fill any gaps that may form between the partition wall 2400 and the base plate 2100, effectively isolating the internal space of the pack case 2000 in which each cell assembly 1000 is located.

[0087] The battery pack of this embodiment is characterized in that, when any one of the cell assemblies 1000 housed inside experiences thermal runaway and emits high-temperature gas, flame, and heat, the gas, flame, and heat are blocked by a partition wall 2400 and an insulating material 3000 provided at the lower end of the partition wall 2400, thereby protecting the other normal cell assemblies 1000.

[0088] Figure 14 shows a simplified cross-section of part of the pack case 2000 shown in Figure 9, and the transfer of gas, flame, and heat.

[0089] As shown in Figure 14 above, the gas, flames, and heat generated from the thermally runaway cell assembly 1000 are blocked by the insulating material 3000 interposed between the partition wall 2400 and the base plate 2100, and cannot move to other spaces.

[0090] The cell assembly 1000 of this embodiment can be fixed to the internal space of the pack case 2000 by screw connection using connecting members such as bolts. Specifically, the partition wall 2400 is screw-connected to the base plate 2100.

[0091] The pack case 2000 may further include a screw-shaped connecting member (not shown) for connecting the partition wall 2400 and the base plate 2100 to each other, and the connecting member can be screw-connected to the base plate 2100 by vertically penetrating the partition wall 2400 and the heat insulating material 3000 coated on the lower end of the partition wall 2400. In this case, since the connecting member is screw-connected to the base plate 2100 by vertically penetrating the partition wall 2400 and the heat insulating material 3000 coated on the lower end of the partition wall 2400, the heat insulating material 3000 can also be stably fixed to the partition wall 2400 and the base plate 2100 by the connecting member.

[0092] Since the connecting member is screw-connected to the base plate 2100 by simultaneously passing through the upper projection 1300a1 of the first side beam 1300a and the lower projection 1300b1 of the second side beam 1300b, the first side beam 1300a and the second side beam 1300b can also be connected to and fixed to each other by the connecting member.

[0093] (Second Embodiment) In this embodiment, the battery pack can also have a groove formed at the lower end of the partition wall 2400 to allow for more stable attachment of the insulating material 3000 used to block gas, flames, and heat.

[0094] Figure 15 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the second side beam 1300b included in the battery pack according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] The second side beam 1300b, as shown in Figure 15, includes an insertion groove 1300b2 at its lower end, into which the thermal insulation material 3000 is inserted.

[0096] The insertion groove 1300b2 described above can be extended along the longitudinal direction of the second side beam 1300b.

[0097] The above-mentioned thermal insulation material 3000 may be inserted into and attached to the above-mentioned insertion groove 1300b2, or it may be coated.

[0098] The above-mentioned thermal insulation material 3000 fills the entire insertion groove 1300b2, which is formed to extend along the longitudinal direction of the second side beam 1300b.

[0099] Figure 16 shows a bottom perspective view of a portion of the partition wall 2400 contained within a pair of joined cell assemblies 1000.

[0100] According to Figure 16 above, the insertion groove 1300b2 formed at the lower end of the partition wall 2400 is filled with thermal insulation material 3000.

[0101] Figure 17 shows a cross-section of a portion of the pack case 2000 where the partition wall 2400 is located.

[0102] As shown in Figures 16 and 17 above, the insulation material 3000 can be minimized from being exposed to the outside when inserted into the insertion groove 1300b2, and the lateral support force can be improved by the insertion groove 1300b2.

[0103] Specifically, the thermal insulation material 3000, which is filled into the insertion groove 1300b2 that extends along the longitudinal direction of the partition wall 2400, will not be pushed out or come out horizontally due to the lateral support force of the insertion groove 1300b2, and will be able to be stably interposed and positioned between the partition wall 2400 and the base plate 2100.

[0104] The insulating material 3000 filled in the insertion groove 1300b2 can effectively block gases, flames, and heat attempting to move through the gap between the partition wall 2400 and the base plate 2100.

[0105] Figure 18 shows a simplified cross-section of a portion of the pack case 2000 and the transfer of gas, flame, and heat.

[0106] As shown in Figure 18 above, the gas, flames, and heat generated from the thermally runaway cell assembly 1000 are blocked by the insulating material 3000 inserted in the insertion groove 1300b2 between the partition wall 2400 and the base plate 2100, preventing them from moving to other spaces.

[0107] Figures 19 to 21 show other forms of the cell assembly of this embodiment. Specifically, Figures 19 and 20 are perspective views of the cell assembly 1000 including a rectangular cell 1110, and Figure 21 is a perspective view of the cell assembly 1000 including a cylindrical cell 1110.

[0108] According to Figure 19, the cell block 1100 includes a rectangular cell 1110 with electrode leads formed on its upper surface.

[0109] The cell block 1100 may further include a connecting member 1400 that electrically connects the electrode leads of adjacent cells 1110.

[0110] The busbar frame 1200 includes busbars (not shown) that are electrically connected to each electrode lead or connecting member 1400 of the cell block 1100, and is coupled to the cell block 1100.

[0111] As shown in Figure 19, the side beam 1300 includes a first side beam 1300a coupled to one side of the cell block 1100 and a second side beam 1300b coupled to the other side of the cell block 1100. The side beam 1300 includes protrusions that project outward to form a step along the height direction of the cell block 1100. Specifically, each of the pair of side beams 1300 includes a protrusion on the side opposite to the side that contacts the cell block 1100.

[0112] The above-mentioned protrusion consists of an upper protrusion 1300a1 formed on the upper part of the first side beam 1300a and a lower protrusion 1300b1 formed on the lower part of the second side beam 1300b.

[0113] The cell assembly 1000 of this embodiment is characterized in that it includes a heat insulating material 3000 at the lower end of one of the pair of side beams 1300.

[0114] Preferably, the thermal insulation material 3000 is included in the second side beam 1300b, which includes a lower end projection.

[0115] According to Figure 20, the cell block 1100 includes a rectangular cell 1110 with electrode leads formed on its upper part.

[0116] The cell block 1100 may further include a module frame 1500 which includes connecting terminals (not shown) that can electrically connect the electrode leads of each cell 1110.

[0117] As shown in Figure 20, the module frame 1500 is joined to the top of the cell block 1100, and this joining allows the connecting terminals included in the module frame 1500 to electrically connect the electrode leads of each cell 1110.

[0118] The busbar frame 1200 includes busbars (not shown) that are electrically connected to the coupling terminals of the module frame 1500, and is coupled to the cell block 1100.

[0119] As shown in Figure 20, the side beam 1300 includes a first side beam 1300a coupled to one side of the cell block 1100 and a second side beam 1300b coupled to the other side of the cell block 1100. The side beam 1300 includes protrusions that project outward to form a step along the height direction of the cell block 1100. Specifically, each of the pair of side beams 1300 includes a protrusion on the side opposite to the side that contacts the cell block 1100.

[0120] The above-mentioned protrusion consists of an upper protrusion 1300a1 formed on the upper part of the first side beam 1300a and a lower protrusion 1300b1 formed on the lower part of the second side beam 1300b.

[0121] The cell assembly 1000 of this embodiment is characterized in that it includes a heat insulating material 3000 at the lower end of one of the pair of side beams 1300.

[0122] Preferably, the thermal insulation material 3000 is included in the second side beam 1300b, which includes a lower end projection.

[0123] According to Figure 21, the cell block 1100 includes a cylindrical cell 1110 with electrode leads at its top.

[0124] The cell block 1100 may further include a pair of module frames 1500, each containing connecting terminals (not shown) that can electrically connect the electrode leads of each cell 1110.

[0125] The module frame 1500 is connected to the upper and lower parts of the cell block 1100, respectively, and through this connection, the connecting terminals included in the module frame 1500 electrically connect the electrode leads of each cell 1110.

[0126] The busbar frame 1200 includes busbars (not shown) that are electrically connected to the coupling terminals of the module frame 1500, and is coupled to the cell block 1100.

[0127] As shown in Figure 21, the side beam 1300 includes a first side beam 1300a coupled to one side of the cell block 1100 and a second side beam 1300b coupled to the other side of the cell block 1100. The side beam 1300 includes protrusions that project outward to form a step along the height direction of the cell block 1100. Specifically, each of the pair of side beams 1300 includes a protrusion on the side opposite to the side that contacts the cell block 1100.

[0128] The above-mentioned protrusion consists of an upper protrusion 1300a1 formed on the upper part of the first side beam 1300a and a lower protrusion 1300b1 formed on the lower part of the second side beam 1300b.

[0129] The cell assembly 1000 of this embodiment is characterized in that it includes a heat insulating material 3000 at the lower end of one of the pair of side beams 1300.

[0130] Preferably, the thermal insulation material 3000 is included in the second side beam 1300b, which includes a lower end projection.

[0131] The present invention has been described in more detail above through 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 substitute for them at the time of filing. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0132] 10: (Conventional Technology) Cell Assembly 20: (Conventional technology) Cell block 30: (Conventional technology) Cell 40: (Conventional technology) Side beam 41: (Conventional technology) Protruding part 50: (Conventional technology) Busbar frame 60: (Conventional technology) Pack case 70: (Conventional technology) Base plate 80: (Conventional technology) Side wall 90: (Conventional technology) Main wall 1000: Cell assembly 1100: Cell Block 1110: Cell 1200: Busbar Frame 1300: Side beam 1300a: First side beam 1300a1: Upper protrusion 1300b: Second side beam 1300b1: Lower protrusion 1300b2: Insertion groove 1400: Connecting member 1500: Module Frame 2000: Pack Case 2100: Base plate 2200: Side wall 2300: Main Wall 2400: Bulkhead 3000: Insulation M: Gas, flame, heat transfer

Claims

1. A cell assembly, The pack case includes a space in which the cell assembly is installed, The aforementioned cell assembly is A cell block containing multiple cells from which electrode leads have been drawn, A busbar frame coupled to the cell block includes a busbar electrically connected to the electrode leads of the cell block, The cell block includes a pair of side beams coupled to the busbar frame so as to support both sides of the cell block, At least one of the pair of side beams is coated with thermal insulation at its lower end. Either pair of cell assemblies arranged adjacent to each other are placed in the pack case such that the first side beam of one cell assembly is coupled to the second side beam of the other cell assembly. The first side beam and the second side beam are connected to each other and form a partition wall that separates a pair of adjacent cell blocks. The lower end of the partition wall is coated with the insulating material. A battery pack in which, if the first cell assembly of the pair of cell assemblies experiences thermal runaway, the gas, flame, and heat generated inside the first cell assembly are blocked by the partition and the insulating material, preventing them from moving to the second cell assembly of the pair of cell assemblies.

2. The aforementioned side beam is A first side beam is coupled to one end of the busbar frame so as to support one side surface of the cell block, It includes a second side beam coupled to the other end of the busbar frame so as to support the other side of the cell block, The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the first side beam and the second side beam have shapes that interlock with each other.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein the side beam includes a protruding portion that protrudes so as to form a step along the height direction of the cell block.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the protrusion is composed of an upper protrusion formed on the upper part of the first side beam and a lower protrusion formed on the lower part of the second side beam.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein the first side beam and the second side beam have a shape in which the upper protrusion and the lower protrusion interlock and connect with each other.

6. The second side beam includes an insertion groove formed at its lower end for inserting the thermal insulation material, The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein the heat insulating material is coated so as to fill the insertion groove.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, wherein the insertion groove is formed to extend along the longitudinal direction of the second side beam.

8. The partition wall includes an insertion groove formed at its lower end into which the thermal insulation material is inserted. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the heat insulating material is coated so as to fill the insertion groove.

9. The pack case includes a base plate that supports the lower part of the cell assembly, The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the insulating material seals the space between the partition wall and the base plate.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein the partition wall is screw-connected to the base plate.

11. The pack case includes a screw-shaped connecting member that connects the partition wall and the base plate to each other. The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein the connecting member is screw-connected to the base plate by vertically penetrating the partition wall and the heat insulating material coated on the lower end of the partition wall.

Images