Battery cell assembly and battery pack comprising same

Abstract

The technical idea of the present invention provides a battery cell assembly comprising: a cell block including a plurality of cells; a first cover plate facing a first surface of the cell block and including a first cooling channel; a second cover plate facing a second surface of the cell block and including a second cooling channel; a supply pipe into which a cooling fluid supplied from the outside is introduced, and which includes a first supply flow path connected to an inlet of the first cooling channel and a second supply flow path connected to an inlet of the second cooling channel; and a discharge pipe which discharges the cooling fluid to the outside, and which includes a first discharge flow path connected to an outlet of the first cooling channel and a second discharge flow path connected to an outlet of the second cooling channel.

Description

Battery cell assembly and battery pack including the same

[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 from Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2023-0106728, filed August 16, 2023, and all contents of the document in that Republic of Korea Patent Application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. They are widely used as a power source for various wireless devices, including handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, improved energy density and economies of scale have dramatically reduced the per-unit manufacturing cost of secondary batteries. Furthermore, as the range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to match that of fuel-powered vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0004] As secondary batteries become increasingly used in mobility, demand for their safety is increasing. Fires and other accidents involving secondary batteries used in mobility vehicles can endanger the lives of drivers, making research into technologies that enhance secondary battery safety essential.

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

[0006] The technical idea of ​​the present invention provides a battery cell assembly including: a cell block including a plurality of battery cells; a first cover plate facing a first surface of the cell block and including a first cooling channel; a second cover plate facing a second surface of the cell block and including a second cooling channel; a supply pipe through which a cooling fluid supplied from the outside is introduced and including a first supply channel connected to an inlet of the first cooling channel and a second supply channel connected to an inlet of the second cooling channel; and a discharge pipe configured to discharge the cooling fluid to the outside and including a first discharge channel connected to an outlet of the first cooling channel and a second discharge channel connected to an outlet of the second cooling channel.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the supply pipe has a single inlet, the first supply flow path extending between the inlet of the supply pipe and the inlet of the first cooling channel, and the second supply flow path extending between the inlet of the supply pipe and the inlet of the second cooling channel.

[0008] In exemplary embodiments, the discharge pipe has a single outlet, wherein the first discharge path extends between the outlet of the first cooling channel and the outlet of the discharge pipe, and the second discharge path extends between the outlet of the second cooling channel and the outlet of the discharge pipe.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, the first supply channel of the supply pipe, the first cooling channel of the first cover plate, and the first discharge channel of the discharge pipe are sequentially connected, and the second supply channel of the supply pipe, the second cooling channel of the second cover plate, and the second discharge channel of the discharge pipe are sequentially connected.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the cell block further comprises a third cover plate facing a third surface opposite to the second surface and including a third cooling channel, wherein the supply pipe further comprises a third supply channel connected to an inlet of the third cooling channel, and the discharge pipe further comprises a third discharge channel connected to an outlet of the third cooling channel.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, the supply pipe has a single inlet, the first supply flow path extending between the inlet of the supply pipe and the inlet of the first cooling channel, the second supply flow path extending between the inlet of the supply pipe and the inlet of the second cooling channel, and the third supply flow path extending between the inlet of the supply pipe and the inlet of the third cooling channel.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the exhaust pipe has a single outlet, the first exhaust passage extending between the outlet of the first cooling channel and the outlet of the exhaust pipe, the second exhaust passage extending between the outlet of the second cooling channel and the outlet of the exhaust pipe, and the third exhaust passage extending between the outlet of the third cooling channel and the outlet of the exhaust pipe.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the first supply channel of the supply pipe, the first cooling channel of the first cover plate, and the first discharge channel of the discharge pipe are sequentially connected, the second supply channel of the supply pipe, the second cooling channel of the second cover plate, and the second discharge channel of the discharge pipe are sequentially connected, and the third supply channel of the supply pipe, the third cooling channel of the third cover plate, and the third discharge channel of the discharge pipe are sequentially connected.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the second cover plate is characterized by further including a fastening member fastened to an external support structure.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the supply pipe comprises a first main supply pipe connected to the first cover plate; and a first branch supply pipe extending between the main supply pipe and the second cover plate; wherein the first main supply pipe comprises a first portion connected to the first cover plate and extending downward from the first cover plate; a second portion extending from the first portion in a direction intersecting an extending direction of the first portion; and a third portion extending upward from the second portion and having an inlet through which the cooling fluid provided from the outside is introduced.

[0016] In order to solve the above-described problem, the technical idea of ​​the present invention provides a battery pack including a pack housing; and a battery cell assembly accommodated in the pack housing, wherein the battery cell assembly includes: a cell block including a plurality of battery cells; a first cover plate facing a first surface of the cell block and including a first cooling channel; a second cover plate facing a second surface of the cell block and including a second cooling channel; a supply pipe through which a cooling fluid supplied from the outside is introduced and including a first supply channel connected to an inlet of the first cooling channel and a second supply channel connected to an inlet of the second cooling channel; and a discharge pipe configured to discharge the cooling fluid to the outside and including a first discharge channel connected to an outlet of the first cooling channel and a second discharge channel connected to an outlet of the second cooling channel; wherein a space is provided between the battery cell assembly and a bottom wall of the pack housing so that the battery cell assembly is formed spaced apart from the bottom wall of the pack housing.

[0017] In exemplary embodiments, the supply pipe has a single inlet, the discharge pipe has a single outlet, the first supply flow path extends between the inlet of the supply pipe and the inlet of the first cooling channel, the second supply flow path extends between the inlet of the supply pipe and the inlet of the second cooling channel, the first discharge flow path extends between the outlet of the first cooling channel and the outlet of the discharge pipe, and the second discharge flow path extends between the outlet of the second cooling channel and the outlet of the discharge pipe.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the battery cell assembly is characterized by including a first path formed by sequentially connecting the first supply channel, the first cooling channel, and the first exhaust channel; and a second path formed by sequentially connecting the second supply channel, the second cooling channel, and the second exhaust channel.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments, the battery cell assembly further includes a third cover plate facing a third surface opposite to the second surface of the cell block and including a third cooling channel, wherein the supply pipe further includes a third supply channel extending between the inlet of the supply pipe and the inlet of the third cooling channel, and the discharge pipe further includes a third discharge channel extending between the outlet of the third cooling channel and the outlet of the discharge pipe, wherein the third supply channel, the third cooling channel, and the third discharge channel are sequentially connected.

[0020] In exemplary embodiments, the second cover plate further comprises a first fastening portion fastened to a support structure provided on the bottom wall of the pack housing, and the third cover plate further comprises a second fastening portion fastened to another support structure provided on the bottom wall of the pack housing.

[0021] According to embodiments of the present invention, the battery cell assembly has a multi-faceted cooling structure that simultaneously cools two or more surfaces of the battery cell assembly, thereby improving the heat generation deviation and temperature deviation between battery cells and improving the heat generation deviation and temperature deviation between battery cell assemblies provided in a battery pack. Ultimately, since the temperatures of the battery cells and battery cell assemblies can be controlled more uniformly, the safety and reliability of the battery cell assembly and the battery pack including the same can be improved.

[0022] Furthermore, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the battery cell assembly has a multi-faceted cooling structure, thereby mitigating the temperature rise of the battery cells during rapid charging. Accordingly, derating issues caused by the temperature rise of the battery cells can be mitigated or prevented, and customer demands for shorter rapid charging times can be satisfied.

[0023] The effects that can be obtained 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 skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from practicing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating a flow path of a cooling fluid within a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a supply pipe provided in a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a discharge pipe provided in a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an electric vehicle equipped with a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0031] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0032] In addition, when describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0033] Since the embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the sizes and proportions of each component do not fully reflect the actual sizes or proportions.

[0034]

[0035] (Example 1)

[0036] FIGS. 1 to 4 are drawings illustrating a battery cell assembly (100) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a battery cell assembly (100). FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating a flow path of a cooling fluid within the battery cell assembly (100). FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a supply pipe (150) provided in the battery cell assembly (100). FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a discharge pipe (160) provided in the battery cell assembly (100).

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the battery cell assembly (100) may include a cell block (110 in FIG. 5), an upper cover plate (120), a first side cover plate (130), a second side cover plate (140), a lower cover plate (171), a supply pipe (150), and a discharge pipe (160). The upper cover plate (120), the first side cover plate (130), the second side cover plate (140), and the lower cover plate (171 in FIG. 5) may constitute a case of the battery cell assembly (100) that provides an accommodation space for accommodating the cell block (110). In the present specification, the upper cover plate (120) may be referred to as a first cover plate, the first side cover plate (130) may be referred to as a second cover plate, the second side cover plate (140) may be referred to as a third cover plate, and the lower cover plate (171) may be referred to as a fourth cover plate.

[0038] A cell block (110) may include a plurality of battery cells (111 in FIG. 5). Each battery cell (111) is a basic unit of a lithium ion battery, i.e., a secondary battery. Each battery cell (111) may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a cell case. The electrode assembly built into the cell case may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The electrode assembly may be either a jelly-roll type or a stack type depending on the assembly form. A jelly-roll type electrode assembly may include a winding structure of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween. A stack type electrode assembly may include a plurality of sequentially stacked positive electrodes, a plurality of negative electrodes, and a plurality of separators interposed therebetween. The positive electrode may include a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material. The negative electrode may include a negative electrode current collector and an negative electrode active material.

[0039] A plurality of battery cells (111) may be connected in series and / or in parallel. For example, a plurality of battery cells (111) may be connected in series with each other. For example, a plurality of battery cells (111) may also be connected in parallel with each other. For example, when a set of two or more battery cells (111) connected in parallel with each other is defined as a bank, one bank composed of two or more battery cells (111) connected in parallel with each other and another bank composed of two or more battery cells (111) connected in parallel with each other may be connected in series.

[0040] Each battery cell (111) may correspond to a pouch-type battery cell, a cylindrical battery cell, or a square battery cell. The electrode assembly of the pouch-type battery cell is housed in a pouch case including an aluminum laminate sheet. The electrode assembly of the cylindrical battery cell is housed in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of the square battery cell is housed in a square metal can.

[0041] In exemplary embodiments, each battery cell (111) corresponds to a pouch-type battery cell, and a plurality of battery cells (111) within one battery cell assembly (100) may be stacked one upon another in a first direction (X direction). In exemplary embodiments, in each battery cell assembly (100), the plurality of battery cells (111) correspond to pouch-type battery cells, each having a length along the first direction (X direction) that is smaller than a length along the second direction (Y direction), and the plurality of battery cells (111) may be stacked in the first direction (X direction).

[0042] When viewed from a plan view, the cell block (110) may have a rectangular shape in which a length along the first direction (X direction) is smaller than a length along the second direction (Y direction). In this case, the cell block (110) may have first and second side surfaces that are opposite to each other in the first direction (X direction), front and back surfaces that are opposite to each other in the second direction (Y direction), and upper and lower surfaces that are opposite to each other in the third direction (Z direction). In the present specification, the upper surface of the cell block (110) may be referred to as the first surface, the first side of the cell block (110) may be referred to as the second surface, the second side of the cell block (110) may be referred to as the third surface, and the lower surface of the cell block (110) may be referred to as the fourth surface.

[0043] A busbar frame on which a busbar is mounted may be arranged on each of the front and rear sides of the cell block (110). A plurality of busbars may be mounted on the busbar frame on the front side of the cell block (110), and a plurality of busbars may be mounted on the busbar frame on the rear side of the cell block (110). The battery cell assembly (100) may include an end plate (175) for covering the busbar frame connected to the front or rear side of the cell block (110).

[0044] The busbar may be connected to the electrode leads of the battery cells (111). For example, the busbar may be connected to the electrode leads of the battery cells (111) by welding. For example, the individual busbars may be inter-busbars that are connected to electrode leads of different battery cells (111) belonging to the cell block (110) to electrically connect different battery cells (111). For example, the individual busbars may be terminal busbars that electrically connect the battery cell assembly (100) to another external battery cell assembly or another electrical device.

[0045] 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 composed of a plurality of 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 the second direction (Y direction). As an example, the battery cell assembly (100) may include a first cell block and a second cell block that are arranged in the second direction (Y direction) and electrically connected to each other.

[0046] The upper cover plate (120) can cover the upper surface of the cell block (110). The upper cover plate (120) can be joined to the upper portions of each of the first and second side cover plates (130, 140) arranged on both sides of the cell block (110). For example, one side of the upper cover plate (120) can be joined to the upper portion of the first side cover plate (130) through welding, and the other side of the upper cover plate (120) can be joined to the upper portion of the second side cover plate (140) through welding.

[0047] The upper cover plate (120) can be attached to the upper surface of the cell block (110) and thermally coupled 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 can include a thermal interface material (TIM).

[0048] The upper cover plate (120) may have a first cooling channel (123) configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow therethrough and may be configured to cool the cell block (110). Cooling fluid provided from the outside of the battery cell assembly (100) may flow into the first cooling channel (123) through an inlet (123i) of the first cooling channel (123), flow along the first cooling channel (123), and then flow out to the outside of the upper cover plate (120) through an outlet (123o) of the first cooling channel (123). The first cooling channel (123) may have a single path extending from its inlet (123i) to its outlet (123o). The inlet (123i) and the outlet (123o) of the first cooling channel (123) may be disposed at a front end of the upper cover plate (120) or a front end of the battery cell assembly (100). The upper cover plate (120) may have a protrusion protruding in a second direction (Y direction) from the front surface of the cell block (110), and an inlet (123i) and an outlet (123o) of the first cooling channel (123) may be respectively disposed on the protrusion of the upper cover plate (120). The inlet (123i) and the outlet (123o) of the first cooling channel (123) may be provided on the lower surface of the upper cover plate (120). While the cooling fluid flows along the first cooling channel (123), cooling of the battery cell assembly (100) may be performed. For example, the upper cover plate (120) may be manufactured by bonding two plates, and the first cooling channel (123) may include a space defined between the two plates.

[0049] A first side cover plate (130) is arranged to face a first side of a cell block (110) and can cover the first side of the cell block (110). The first side cover plate (130) can have a second cooling channel (133) configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow and can be configured to cool the cell block (110). The first side cover plate (130) can include a pipe (131) having a second cooling channel (133). A cooling fluid provided from the outside of the battery cell assembly (100) can flow into the second cooling channel (133) through an inlet (133i) of the second cooling channel (133), flow along the second cooling channel (133), and then flow out to the outside of the first side cover plate (130) through an outlet (133o) of the second cooling channel (133). The second cooling channel (133) may have a single path extending from its inlet (133i) to its outlet (133o). The inlet (133i) and the outlet (133o) of the second cooling channel (133) may be positioned at the front end of the first side cover plate (130) or the front end of the battery cell assembly (100). While the cooling fluid flows along the second cooling channel (133), cooling of the battery cell assembly (100) may be performed.

[0050] The second side cover plate (140) is arranged to face the second side of the cell block (110) and can cover the second side of the cell block (110). The second side cover plate (140) can have a third cooling channel (143) configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow and can be configured to cool the cell block (110). The second side cover plate (140) can include a pipe (141) having the third cooling channel (143). A cooling fluid provided from the outside of the battery cell assembly (100) can flow into the third cooling channel (143) through an inlet (143i) of the third cooling channel (143), flow along the third cooling channel (143), and then flow out to the outside of the second side cover plate (140) through an outlet (143o) of the third cooling channel (143). The third cooling channel (143) may have a single path extending from its inlet (143i) to its outlet (143o). The inlet (143i) and the outlet (143o) of the third cooling channel (143) may be positioned at the front end of the second side cover plate (140) or the front end of the battery cell assembly (100). While the cooling fluid flows along the third cooling channel (143), cooling of the battery cell assembly (100) may be performed.

[0051] The battery cell assembly (100) may be fastened to the pack housing (501) through a side mounting method in which the battery cell assembly (100) is fastened to the pack housing (501 in FIG. 5) through a first side cover plate (130) and / or a second side cover plate (140). For example, the first side cover plate (130) may include a first fastening portion (139) protruding in a first direction (X direction). The first fastening portion (139) may include a fastening hole through which a fastening member such as a bolt passes. The first fastening portion (139) may be fastened and supported to a support structure of the pack housing (501) by a fastening member such as a bolt. For example, the second side cover plate (140) may include a second fastening portion (149 in FIG. 5) protruding in the first direction (X direction). The second fastening portion (149) may include a fastening hole through which a fastening member such as a bolt passes. The second fastening member (149) can be fastened and supported to the support structure of the pack housing (501) by a fastening member such as a bolt.

[0052] The lower cover plate (171) is arranged to face the lower surface of the cell block (110) and can cover the lower surface of the cell block (110). The lower cover plate (171) can be joined to the lower portions of each of the first and second side cover plates (130, 140) arranged on both sides of the cell block (110). For example, one side of the lower cover plate (171) can be joined to the lower portion of the first side cover plate (130) through welding, and the other side of the lower cover plate (171) can be joined to the lower portion of the second side cover plate (140) through welding. The lower cover plate (171), the upper cover plate (120), and the first and second side cover plates (130, 140) can together form a case surrounding four surfaces of the cell block (110). In exemplary embodiments, the lower cover plate (171) may include a venting passage for exhausting high temperature gas originating from the cell block (110) to the space below the cell block (110).

[0053] The supply pipe (150) can receive cooling fluid from an external cooling fluid supply unit (CS) and deliver the cooling fluid to the inlet (123i) of the first cooling channel (123) of the upper cover plate (120), the inlet (133i) of the second cooling channel (133) of the first side cover plate (130), and the inlet (143i) of the third cooling channel (143) of the second side cover plate (140).

[0054] The supply pipe (150) may have a single inlet (151i) through which cooling fluid supplied from the cooling fluid supply unit (CS) flows. The supply pipe (150) may include a first supply passage (211) extending from the inlet (151i) of the supply pipe (150) to the inlet (123i) of the first cooling channel (123) of the upper cover plate (120), a second supply passage (213) extending from the inlet (151i) of the supply pipe (150) to the inlet (133i) of the second cooling channel (133) of the first side cover plate (130), and a third supply passage (215) extending from the inlet (151i) of the supply pipe (150) to the inlet (143i) of the third cooling channel (143) of the second side cover plate (140). The first supply euro (211), the second supply euro (213), and the third supply euro (215) can be connected.

[0055] The supply pipe (150) may include a main supply pipe (151) coupled to the upper cover plate (120), a first branch supply pipe (153) coupled to the main supply pipe (151) and the first side cover plate (130), and a second branch supply pipe (155) coupled to the main supply pipe (151) and the second side cover plate (140). The main supply pipe (151), the first branch supply pipe (153), and the second branch supply pipe (155) may be coupled to each other to form an integrated supply pipe (150).

[0056] In other exemplary embodiments, the first branch supply pipe (153) and the second branch supply pipe (155) may each be physically separated from the main supply pipe (151), in which case the flow path within the first branch supply pipe (153) and the flow path within the second branch supply pipe (155) may not each be in communication with the flow path of the main supply pipe (151).

[0057] The main supply pipe (151) may include a first supply passage (211) connected to an inlet (123i) of a first cooling channel (123) of the upper cover plate (120). The inlet (151i) of the main supply pipe (151) may correspond to the inlet (151i) of the supply pipe (150). The first branch supply pipe (153) may branch from the main supply pipe (151) and extend to an inlet (133i) of a second cooling channel (133) of the first side cover plate (130). The first branch supply pipe (153) may include at least a portion of the second supply passage (213), and the second supply passage (213) provided within the first branch supply pipe (153) may communicate with the first supply passage (211) of the main supply pipe (151). The second branch supply pipe (155) may branch from the main supply pipe (151) and extend to the inlet (143i) of the third cooling channel (143) of the second side cover plate (140). The second branch supply pipe (155) may include at least a portion of the third supply passage (215), and the third supply passage (215) provided within the second branch supply pipe (155) may be connected to the first supply passage (211) of the main supply pipe (151).

[0058] In exemplary embodiments, the main supply pipe (151) may have a U-shaped cross-section. More specifically, the main supply pipe (151) may include a first portion extending downward from an inlet (123i) of a first cooling channel (123) of the upper cover plate (120), a second portion extending from the first portion in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the first portion, and a third portion extending upward from the second portion. An outlet connected to the inlet (123i) of the first cooling channel (123) of the upper cover plate (120) may be provided at an upper end of the first portion of the main supply pipe (151), and an inlet (151i) through which a cooling fluid provided from the outside flows in may be provided at an upper end of the third portion of the main supply pipe (151).

[0059] The discharge pipe (160) can discharge the cooling fluid discharged from the upper cover plate (120), the first side cover plate (130), and the second side cover plate (140) toward the cooling fluid supply unit (CS).

[0060] The exhaust pipe (160) may have a single outlet (161o) configured to discharge cooling fluid to the outside. The exhaust pipe (160) may include a first exhaust passage (221) extending from an outlet (123o) of a first cooling channel (123) of the upper cover plate (120) to an outlet (161o) of the exhaust pipe (160), a second exhaust passage (223) extending from an outlet (133o) of a second cooling channel (133) of the first side cover plate (130) to an outlet (161o) of the exhaust pipe (160), and a third exhaust passage (225) extending from an outlet (143o) of a third cooling channel (143) of the second side cover plate (140) to an outlet (161o) of the exhaust pipe (160). The first exhaust passage (221), the second exhaust passage (223), and the third exhaust passage (225) can be connected.

[0061] The exhaust pipe (160) may include a main exhaust pipe (161) coupled to the upper cover plate (120), a first branch exhaust pipe (163) coupled to the main exhaust pipe (161) and the first side cover plate (130), and a second branch exhaust pipe (165) coupled to the main exhaust pipe (161) and the second side cover plate (140). The main exhaust pipe (161), the first branch exhaust pipe (163), and the second branch exhaust pipe (165) may be coupled to each other to form an integrated exhaust pipe (160).

[0062] In other exemplary embodiments, the first branch discharge pipe (163) and the second branch discharge pipe (165) may each be physically separated from the main discharge pipe (161), in which case the flow path within the first branch discharge pipe (163) and the flow path of the second branch discharge pipe (165) may not each be in communication with the flow path of the main discharge pipe (161).

[0063] The main exhaust pipe (161) may include a first exhaust passage (221) connected to an outlet (123o) of a first cooling channel (123) of the upper cover plate (120). The outlet (161o) of the main exhaust pipe (161) may correspond to the outlet (161o) of the exhaust pipe (160). The first branch exhaust pipe (163) may branch from the main exhaust pipe (161) and extend to an outlet (133o) of a second cooling channel (133) of the first side cover plate (130). The first branch exhaust pipe (163) may include at least a portion of a second exhaust passage (223), and the second exhaust passage (223) provided within the first branch exhaust pipe (163) may communicate with the first exhaust passage (221) of the main exhaust pipe (161). The second branch discharge pipe (165) may branch from the main discharge pipe (161) and extend to the outlet (143o) of the third cooling channel (143) of the second side cover plate (140). The second branch discharge pipe (165) may include at least a portion of the third discharge passage (225), and the third discharge passage (225) provided in the second branch discharge pipe (165) may be connected to the first discharge passage (221) of the main discharge pipe (161).

[0064] In exemplary embodiments, the main discharge pipe (161) may have a U-shaped cross-section. More specifically, the main discharge pipe (161) may include a fourth portion extending downward from an outlet (123o) of the first cooling channel (123) of the upper cover plate (120), a fifth portion extending from the fourth portion in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the fourth portion, and a sixth portion extending upward from the fifth portion. An inlet connected to the outlet (123o) of the first cooling channel (123) of the upper cover plate (120) may be provided at an upper end of the fourth portion of the main discharge pipe (161), and an outlet (161o) through which cooling fluid is discharged to the outside may be provided at an upper end of the sixth portion of the main discharge pipe (161).

[0065] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2, the flow path of the cooling fluid within the battery cell assembly (100) will be described in more detail. In FIG. 2, arrows indicate the flow direction of the cooling fluid. In addition, in FIG. 2, the first supply flow path (211), the second supply flow path (213), and the third supply flow path (215) are indicated by dashed lines, and the first discharge flow path (221), the second discharge flow path (223), and the third discharge flow path (225) are indicated by dotted lines.

[0066] The cooling fluid supply unit (CS) can supply cooling fluid to the inlet (151i) of the supply pipe (150). The cooling fluid is supplied to each of the upper cover plate (120), the first side cover plate (130), and the second side cover plate (140) through the supply pipe (150), and the cooling fluid heated through heat exchange with the cell block (110) while flowing along the upper cover plate (120), the first side cover plate (130), and the second side cover plate (140) is discharged toward the cooling fluid supply unit (CS) through the discharge pipe (160).

[0067] More specifically, the cooling fluid may sequentially flow through the first supply path (211) of the supply pipe (150), the first cooling channel (123) of the upper cover plate (120), and the first discharge path (221), and then be discharged to the cooling fluid supply unit (CS) through the outlet (161o) of the discharge pipe (160). The first supply path (211) of the supply pipe (150), the first cooling channel (123) of the upper cover plate (120), and the first discharge path (221) may be sequentially connected to form a first circulation path of the cooling fluid provided to the battery cell assembly (100). Additionally, the cooling fluid may sequentially flow through the second supply path (213) of the supply pipe (150), the second cooling channel (133) of the first side cover plate (130), and the second discharge path (223), and then be discharged to the cooling fluid supply unit (CS) through the outlet (161o) of the discharge pipe (160). The second supply path (213) of the supply pipe (150), the second cooling channel (133) of the first side cover plate (130), and the second discharge path (223) may be sequentially connected to form a second circulation path of the cooling fluid provided to the battery cell assembly (100). The cooling fluid may sequentially flow through the third supply path (215) of the supply pipe (150), the third cooling channel (143) of the second side cover plate (140), and the third discharge path (225), and then be discharged to the cooling fluid supply unit (CS) through the outlet (161o) of the discharge pipe (160). The third supply path (215) of the supply pipe (150), the third cooling channel (143) of the second side cover plate (140), and the third discharge path (225) may be sequentially connected to form a third circulation path of the cooling fluid provided to the battery cell assembly (100).

[0068] According to embodiments of the present invention, the battery cell assembly (100) has a multi-faceted cooling structure that simultaneously performs cooling on two or more surfaces of the battery cell assembly (100), thereby improving the heat generation deviation and temperature deviation between battery cells (111) and improving the heat generation deviation and temperature deviation between battery cell assemblies (100) provided in the battery pack. Ultimately, since the temperatures of the battery cells (111) and the battery cell assembly (100) can be controlled more uniformly, the safety and reliability of the battery cell assembly (100) and the battery pack including the same can be improved.

[0069] Furthermore, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, since the battery cell assembly (100) has a multi-faceted cooling structure, the temperature rise of the battery cell (111) during rapid charging can be mitigated. Accordingly, the derating issue caused by the temperature rise of the battery cell (111) can be reduced or prevented, and customer demands for a shortened rapid charging time can be satisfied.

[0070]

[0071] (Example 2)

[0072] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack (500) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 5, a battery pack (500) may include a pack housing (501) and a battery cell assembly (100) mounted on the pack housing (501). The battery pack (500) may include one or more battery cell assemblies (100) mounted on the pack housing (501). In exemplary embodiments, the battery pack (500) may include two or more battery cell assemblies (100) arranged in a first direction (X direction).

[0074] The pack housing (501) may include a lower housing (510) having a receiving space in which a battery cell assembly (100) is received, and a pack lid (520) coupled to the lower housing (510) to cover the lower housing (510) in which the battery cell assembly (100) is received. The receiving space of the lower housing (510) may be defined by a bottom wall (511) facing a lower surface of a cell block (110) of an individual battery cell assembly (100), and a side wall (513) positioned around the periphery of the bottom wall (511).

[0075] When the battery pack (500) is mounted on a vehicle, a cabin room for passengers may be located on the upper side of the pack lid (520), and the ground on which the vehicle runs may be located on the lower side of the lower housing (510).

[0076] The battery cell assembly (100) can be mounted on the pack housing (501) in a side-mounting manner. More specifically, the first fastening portion (139) of the first side cover plate can be fastened and supported to a corresponding support structure (515) among the support structures (515) provided on the lower housing (510) via a bolt (BT), and the second fastening portion (149) of the second side cover plate can be fastened and supported to a corresponding support structure (515) among the support structures (515) provided on the lower housing (510) via a bolt (BT).

[0077] A free volume (FV) may be provided between the bottom wall (511) of the lower housing (510) and the battery cell assembly (100). Through the free volume (FV), gas and flame generated in a thermal runaway situation can move. In other words, the free volume (FV) serves as a venting passage through which high-temperature gas and flame can move.

[0078] In addition, even when a foreign substance is thrown to the bottom of the vehicle and a strong impact occurs in a hard ground driving situation such as an unpaved road, the impact can be absorbed through the free volume (FV). Therefore, the plurality of battery cell assemblies (100) can be prevented from being damaged by the impact. The free volume (FV) can be understood as an empty space between each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (100) and the lower housing (510). When the lower housing (510) is deformed toward the battery cell assembly (100) due to an impact applied to the bottom of the vehicle, the free volume (FV) can be utilized as a space to allow the deformation of the lower housing (510) to a certain extent.

[0079] 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 set sufficiently to absorb external impact. The height of the free volume (FV) can be determined in consideration of 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 discharge speed during thermal runaway, etc. For example, when the thickness or rigidity of the bottom wall of the vehicle frame or the lower housing (510) is relatively large, at least one of the size and height of the free volume (FV) can be relatively reduced. In addition, when the thickness or rigidity of the bottom wall of the vehicle frame or the lower housing (510) is relatively small, the possibility of deformation of the bottom wall of the lower housing (510) is high, and therefore, at least one of the size and height of the free volume (FV) can be relatively increased in order to protect the battery cell assembly (100). In addition, when the size of the battery pack (500) is relatively large due to the battery pack (500) specifications, a relatively large free volume (FV) can be secured. When the size of the battery pack (500) is relatively small, the height of the free volume (FV) that can be secured may be relatively small, and the thickness and rigidity of the bottom wall of the lower housing (510) may need to be relatively increased. In addition, when the height of the free volume (FV) is too small, the gas discharge passage becomes small, and the pressure inside the battery pack (500) may rapidly increase in the event of thermal runaway. Therefore, the size and height of the free volume (FV) can be determined by considering the amount of gas generated and the discharge speed.

[0080] The maximum height of the free volume (FV) may be determined depending on the degree of damage to the battery cell (111) included in the battery cell assembly (100). For example, if the damage tolerance of the battery cell (111) is 1 mm, the free volume (FV) may be determined such that the battery cell (111) is not deformed by more than 1 mm when the lower housing (510) is deformed and presses the lower surface of the battery cell (111). In this case, the amount of deformation of the lower housing (510) may vary depending on the thickness or rigidity of the lower housing (510). Therefore, the size or height of the free volume (FV) may be determined by considering both the damage tolerance of the battery cell (111) and the thickness and rigidity of the lower housing (510).

[0081] In exemplary embodiments, the upper surface of the battery cell assembly (100) may 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), during thermal runaway, high-temperature gas may be introduced into the space between one battery cell assembly (100) and the pack lid (520), and heat and flame may be transmitted to another adjacent battery cell assembly (100). In addition, there is a concern that heat and flame may be transmitted to the pack lid (520), affecting the cabin room located above the pack lid (520). Therefore, by making the upper surface of the battery cell assembly (100) and the lower surface of the pack lid (520) in close contact, gas or flame generated inside the battery pack (500) may be guided to the free volume (FV).

[0082]

[0083] (Example 3)

[0084] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an electric vehicle (1000) equipped with a battery pack (1100) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0085] In Fig. 6, for simplicity, only the body frame (1200) forming the lower skeleton of the vehicle, and the battery pack (1100) and tires coupled to the body frame (1200) are shown. The battery pack (1100) may include the battery pack (500) described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3.

[0086] In a typical battery pack, battery cell assemblies are installed at the bottom of the pack housing of the battery pack. In embodiments, a free volume (see FV of FIG. 5) may be provided at the bottom of the battery cell assemblies (100) of the battery pack (1100). That is, since there is no space between the battery cell assembly (100) and the pack lid (520), gas generated from the battery cell assembly (100) can be prevented from being transmitted to the cabin room at the top of the vehicle. The gas is guided to the free volume (FV) provided in the battery cell assembly (100) and the pack housing of the battery pack (1100). The gas can flow through the free volume (FV) and be discharged to the lower part of the vehicle through a gas exhaust unit installed in the battery pack (1100). In addition, according to the present embodiments, since a free volume (FV) is provided between the battery cell assembly (100) and the pack housing within the battery pack (1100), the battery cell assembly (100) can be prevented from being damaged even if the pack housing is deformed.

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

[0088]

[0089] The present invention has been described in more detail through drawings and examples. However, the configurations described in the drawings or examples described in this specification are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modified examples may exist as of the time of this application.

Claims

1. A cell block comprising a plurality of battery cells; A first cover plate facing the first side of the cell block and including a first cooling channel; A second cover plate facing the second side of the cell block and including a second cooling channel; A supply pipe through which cooling fluid supplied from the outside is introduced, comprising a first supply channel connected to the inlet of the first cooling channel and a second supply channel connected to the inlet of the second cooling channel; and A discharge pipe configured to discharge the cooling fluid to the outside, the discharge pipe including a first discharge path connected to the outlet of the first cooling channel and a second discharge path connected to the outlet of the second cooling channel; A battery cell assembly comprising:

2. In paragraph 1, The above supply pipe has a single inlet, The first supply path extends between the inlet of the supply pipe and the inlet of the first cooling channel, A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the second supply path extends between the inlet of the supply pipe and the inlet of the second cooling channel.

3. In paragraph 1, The above discharge pipe has a single outlet, The above first discharge path extends between the above outlet of the above first cooling channel and the above outlet of the above discharge pipe, A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the second exhaust path extends between the outlet of the second cooling channel and the outlet of the exhaust pipe.

4. In paragraph 2 or 3, The first supply channel of the above supply pipe, the first cooling channel of the first cover plate and the first discharge channel of the above discharge pipe are connected in sequence, A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the second supply channel of the supply pipe, the second cooling channel of the second cover plate, and the second discharge channel of the discharge pipe are sequentially connected.

5. In paragraph 1, A third cover plate facing a third surface opposite to the second surface of the cell block and including a third cooling channel; Including more, The above supply pipe further comprises a third supply path connected to the inlet of the third cooling channel, A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the above exhaust pipe further includes a third exhaust path connected to the outlet of the third cooling channel.

6. In paragraph 5, The above supply pipe has a single inlet, The first supply path extends between the inlet of the supply pipe and the inlet of the first cooling channel, The second supply path extends between the inlet of the supply pipe and the inlet of the second cooling channel, A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the third supply path extends between the inlet of the supply pipe and the inlet of the third cooling channel.

7. In paragraph 6, The above discharge pipe has a single outlet, The above first discharge path extends between the above outlet of the above first cooling channel and the above outlet of the above discharge pipe, The second exhaust path extends between the outlet of the second cooling channel and the outlet of the exhaust pipe, A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the third exhaust path extends between the outlet of the third cooling channel and the outlet of the exhaust pipe.

8. In paragraph 7, The first supply channel of the above supply pipe, the first cooling channel of the first cover plate and the first discharge channel of the above discharge pipe are connected in sequence, The second supply channel of the above supply pipe, the second cooling channel of the second cover plate and the second discharge channel of the above discharge pipe are connected in sequence, A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the third supply channel of the supply pipe, the third cooling channel of the third cover plate, and the third discharge channel of the discharge pipe are sequentially connected.

9. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the second cover plate further includes a fastening portion fastened to an external support structure.

10. In paragraph 1, The above supply pipe, a first main supply pipe connected to the first cover plate; and A first branch supply pipe extending between the main supply pipe and the second cover plate; Including, The above first main supply pipe, A first portion connected to the first cover plate and extending downward from the first 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 and having an inlet into which the cooling fluid provided from the outside flows; A battery cell assembly comprising:

11. Pack housing; and A battery cell assembly accommodated in the above pack housing; Including, The above battery cell assembly, A cell block comprising a plurality of battery cells; A first cover plate facing the first side of the cell block and including a first cooling channel; A second cover plate facing the second side of the cell block and including a second cooling channel; A supply pipe through which cooling fluid supplied from the outside is introduced, comprising a first supply channel connected to the inlet of the first cooling channel and a second supply channel connected to the inlet of the second cooling channel; and A discharge pipe configured to discharge the cooling fluid to the outside, the discharge pipe including a first discharge path connected to the outlet of the first cooling channel and a second discharge path connected to the outlet of the second cooling channel; Including, A battery pack characterized in that a space is provided between the battery cell assembly and the bottom wall of the pack housing, with the battery cell assembly formed by being spaced apart from the bottom wall of the pack housing.

12. In paragraph 11, The above supply pipe has a single inlet, The above discharge pipe has a single outlet, The first supply path extends between the inlet of the supply pipe and the inlet of the first cooling channel, The second supply path extends between the inlet of the supply pipe and the inlet of the second cooling channel, The above first discharge path extends between the above outlet of the above first cooling channel and the above outlet of the above discharge pipe, A battery pack, characterized in that the second exhaust path extends between the outlet of the second cooling channel and the outlet of the exhaust pipe.

13. In paragraph 12, The above battery cell assembly, A first path formed by sequentially connecting the first supply path, the first cooling channel, and the first discharge path; and A second path formed by sequentially connecting the second supply path, the second cooling channel, and the second discharge path; A battery pack comprising:

14. In paragraph 13, The above battery cell assembly, A third cover plate facing a third surface opposite to the second surface of the cell block and including a third cooling channel; Including more, The above supply pipe further comprises a third supply path extending between the inlet of the above supply pipe and the inlet of the third cooling channel, The above discharge pipe further comprises a third discharge path extending between the outlet of the third cooling channel and the outlet of the above discharge pipe, A battery pack, characterized in that the third supply channel, the third cooling channel, and the third exhaust channel are sequentially connected.

15. In paragraph 14, The second cover plate further includes a first fastening portion fastened to a support structure provided on the bottom wall of the pack housing, A battery pack, characterized in that the third cover plate further includes a second fastening portion fastened to another support structure provided on the bottom wall of the pack housing.

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