Battery assembly

Abstract

A battery assembly is disclosed. The battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a plurality of battery cells stacked in the left-right direction, each including an accommodation part that includes an electrode assembly, and a sealing part that extends from the accommodation part in the forward direction; an upper plate including a flat plate part on which the plurality of battery cells are placed, and a main groove extending in the left-right direction and accommodating at least a portion of the sealing part; and a lower plate coupled to the lower surface of the upper plate.

Description

Battery assembly

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

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0119301, filed September 7, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0182352, filed December 14, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are receiving attention for their advantages of being able to charge and discharge freely, having a very low self-discharge rate, and having a high energy density, as they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries.

[0004] Recently, with the rise of issues such as power shortages and eco-friendly energy, energy storage systems (ESS) for storing generated power are attracting increasing attention. For example, smart grid systems have been proposed as a solution to regulate power supply and demand. The amount of power consumed by consumers is not always constant and can fluctuate frequently. A prime example is the sharp increase in power usage during summer afternoons due to the use of air conditioning, followed by a sharp decrease at night. While power consumption can fluctuate and fluctuate frequently, it is realistically difficult to match this demand, even with some degree of power production adjustment, to supply power. Therefore, this imbalance between power supply and consumption can lead to power oversupply or undersupply. Smart grid systems can flexibly store and regulate power to address these issues. A smart grid system stores power in times or areas of surplus and supplies it to times or areas of power shortage. One of the key components for building these smart grid systems is the energy storage system for power storage. Furthermore, with the recent commercialization of electric vehicles, energy storage systems can also be utilized in facilities for charging electric vehicles, such as charging stations.

[0005] Such an energy storage system may include multiple battery assemblies. The battery assemblies may include multiple battery cells. During the manufacturing process of the battery cells, a portion of the case sealing the electrode assemblies may protrude, forming a protrusion. This protrusion may rub against or interfere with adjacent components, potentially damaging the battery cells. This could compromise the thermal safety of the battery assembly. Therefore, a structure is needed that prevents the protrusions of the battery cells from rubbing against or interfering with adjacent components.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and other problems.

[0007] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a battery assembly including a structure in which a plurality of battery cells are accommodated without damage.

[0008] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a battery assembly that can improve cooling efficiency while preventing damage to a plurality of battery cells.

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a battery assembly may include a plurality of battery cells stacked in a left-right direction, each including a receiving portion having an electrode assembly and a sealing portion extending forward from the receiving portion; an upper plate having a flat portion on which the plurality of battery cells are placed and a main groove extending in a left-right direction and accommodating at least a portion of the sealing portion; and a lower plate coupled to a lower surface of the upper plate.

[0010] Additionally, a cooling path can be formed between the upper plate and the lower plate.

[0011] In addition, the main groove may be formed to protrude downward, and the lower plate may have a joining groove that accommodates the main groove.

[0012] Additionally, the lower plate may have a first groove extending in the front-back direction, and a cooling passage may be formed between the main groove and the first groove.

[0013] Additionally, the upper plate may include a port communicating with the first groove.

[0014] In addition, the lower plate may have a plurality of second grooves extending in the left-right direction and arranged in the front-back direction, and a cooling passage may be formed between the upper plate and the plurality of second grooves.

[0015] Additionally, the main groove may be located between adjacent second grooves among the plurality of second grooves.

[0016] Additionally, the plurality of second grooves and the first groove may be connected to each other.

[0017] Additionally, the sealing portion may have a protrusion that protrudes downward and is accommodated in the main groove.

[0018] Additionally, the battery assembly may further include a connecting member disposed between the plurality of battery cells and the upper plate.

[0019] Additionally, the battery assembly may further include a side wall coupled to the upper plate and having a protrusion accommodated in the main groove.

[0020] Additionally, the battery assembly further includes a pair of side walls coupled to the upper plate, and the plurality of battery cells and the main groove can be positioned between the pair of side walls.

[0021] A battery container according to one aspect of the present invention may include a battery assembly of the present invention.

[0022] An energy storage system according to one aspect of the present invention may include a battery assembly of the present invention.

[0023] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the thermal safety of a battery assembly can be improved.

[0024] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, damage to the sealing portion of the battery cell can be prevented.

[0025] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the cooling efficiency of a battery assembly can be improved.

[0026] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Fig. 2 is a drawing showing a partial configuration of the battery assembly of Fig. 1 in isolation.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a battery cell of the battery assembly of FIG. 1.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a heat sink of the battery assembly of FIG. 1.

[0031] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the heat sink of Fig. 4 in isolation.

[0032] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the flow of cooling fluid in Figure 5.

[0033] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of part E of Figure 5.

[0034] Fig. 8 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line K-K' of Fig. 4.

[0035] Figure 9 is an enlarged drawing of part M of Figure 8.

[0036] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line C-C' of Fig. 4.

[0037] Figure 11 is an enlarged view of part F of Figure 10.

[0038] Fig. 12 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line L-L' of Fig. 4.

[0039] Figure 13 is an enlarged view of part N of Figure 12.

[0040] Fig. 14 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line D-D' of Fig. 4.

[0041] Figure 15 is an enlarged view of part G of Figure 14.

[0042] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a heat sink and connecting member of the battery assembly of FIG. 1.

[0043] Fig. 17 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 1.

[0044] Figure 18 is an enlarged view of part H of Figure 17.

[0045] Figure 19 is an enlarged drawing of part I of Figure 17.

[0046] Fig. 20 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration according to B-B' of Fig. 1.

[0047] Figure 21 is an enlarged view of part J of Figure 20.

[0048] Figure 22 is an enlarged drawing of part P of Figure 1.

[0049] Fig. 23 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Fig. 22.

[0050] FIG. 24 is a drawing showing a heat sink of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Fig. 25 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the heat sink of Fig. 24 in isolation.

[0052] FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 27 is a drawing showing a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 28 is an enlarged view of part Q of Figure 27.

[0055] 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.

[0056] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0057] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a battery cell (300) of the battery assembly of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a partial configuration of the battery assembly of FIG. 1 in isolation. FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a heat sink (100) of the battery assembly of FIG. 1.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a battery cell (300), an upper plate (110), and a lower plate (120). The battery cell (300) may refer to a secondary battery.

[0059] The battery cell (300) may be a battery cell (300) having a pouch shape. The battery cell (300) may be provided in multiple numbers. The battery cell (300) may extend in the front-back direction or in the X-axis direction. The battery cell (300) may include a receiving portion (310) having an electrode assembly. The receiving portion (310) may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The electrode assembly may be received by a case. The case may surround the electrode assembly, and the case may be folded once to receive the electrode assembly. The sealing portion (320) may extend from the receiving portion (310). The sealing portion (320) may extend to the front side, the rear side, and the upper side of the receiving portion (310). The lower surface of the receiving portion (310) may be referred to as a folding portion (340). The folding portion (340) may be formed by folding the case.

[0060] At this time, the lower ends of the front side sealing portion (320) and the rear side sealing portion (320) may protrude downward. The front side sealing portion (320) and the rear side sealing portion (320) may protrude downward from the storage portion (310). At this time, the protruding portion may be referred to as a protrusion (321). The protrusion (321) may be formed during the process of folding and sealing the case. The protrusion (321) may have a bat ear shape.

[0061] A plurality of battery cells (300) may be provided. A plurality of battery cells (300) may be stacked along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0062] The upper plate (110) may have a square plate shape. The upper plate (110) may include a first flat portion (113). The receiving portion (310) may be placed on the first flat portion (113). A plurality of battery cells (300) may be arranged, positioned, or stacked along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The receiving portion (310) of the plurality of battery cells (300) may be placed on the first flat portion (113). Alternatively, the folding portion (340) of the plurality of battery cells (300) may be placed on the first flat portion (113).

[0063] The upper plate (110) may include a main groove (111). The main groove (111) may also be referred to as a receiving portion (111) or an avoiding portion (111). The main groove (111) may extend in the left-right direction or along the Y-axis direction. The upper plate (110) may include a pair of main grooves (111). The main grooves (111) may extend in the left-right direction or along the Y-axis direction. The main grooves (111) may be formed by bending a portion of the upper plate (110) downward. The pair of main grooves (111) may be arranged in the front-back direction or along the X-axis direction.

[0064] A battery cell (300) may include a battery cell (300) including a receiving portion (310) having an electrode assembly and a sealing portion (320) extending from the receiving portion (310); and an upper plate (110) having a first flat portion (113) on which the receiving portion (310) is placed and a main groove (111) configured to receive at least a portion of the sealing portion (320).

[0065] The lower plate (120) may have a square plate shape. The lower plate (120) may be fastened, joined, fixed or attached to the lower surface of the upper plate (110).

[0066] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery assembly can be improved. Since the protrusion (321) of the battery cell (300) is accommodated in the main groove (111), interference or friction between the protrusion (321) and the upper plate (110) can be prevented. As a result, the protrusion (321) can be protected from damage.

[0067]

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the battery assembly may include a heat sink (100), a connecting member (200), a side wall (600), a busbar frame assembly (500), a plurality of battery cells (300), and a pad (400).

[0069] A plurality of battery cells (300) and pads (400) may be positioned on a heat sink (100). The heat sink (100) may have a square plate shape.

[0070] The side wall (600) can be positioned on the left and right sides of the plurality of battery cells (300), respectively. The lower part of the side wall (600) can be fastened, joined, fixed or attached to the heat sink (100).

[0071] The busbar frame assembly (500) may be positioned on the front and rear sides of the plurality of battery cells (300), respectively. The lower portion of the busbar frame assembly (500) may be fastened, coupled, fixed, or attached to the heat sink (100). In addition, the busbar frame assembly (500) may be fastened, coupled, fixed, or attached to the side wall (600).

[0072] Hereinafter, a front side busbar frame assembly (500) will be described. The busbar frame assembly (500) may include a frame (510), a busbar (520), and a connect board (530). The frame (510) may form the exterior of the busbar frame assembly (500). The frame (510) may extend in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The left and right ends of the frame (510) may be fastened, joined, fixed, or attached to the side wall (600), respectively. A plurality of busbars (520) may be provided on the front side of the frame (510). The plurality of busbars (520) may be arranged in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The plurality of busbars (520) may be physically and electrically connected to electrode leads (330) of a plurality of battery cells (300). The connect board (530) may be arranged in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The connect board (530) can be physically and electrically connected to a plurality of bus bars (520).

[0073] A pad (400) may be positioned between a plurality of battery cells (300). The pad (400) may have a plate shape. The pad (400) may extend in the front-back direction or the X-axis direction. A plurality of pads (400) may be provided. The pad (400) may include a silicone material. The pad (400) may absorb shock generated between the plurality of battery cells (300). In addition, the pad (400) may alleviate expansion pressure when a swelling phenomenon occurs from the battery cells (300).

[0074] At this time, a plurality of battery cells (300) and a plurality of pads (400) may be collectively referred to as a cell module assembly.

[0075] A connecting member (200) may be positioned between a plurality of battery cells (300) and a heat sink (100).

[0076] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a portion of the heat sink (100) of FIG. 4 in isolation. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the flow of cooling fluid in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of part E of FIG. 5. Referring to FIGS. 4 to 7, a cooling path may be formed between the upper plate and the lower plate of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. The heat sink (100) may include an upper plate (110) and a lower plate (120). The cooling fluid may flow through the cooling path of the heat sink. The cooling fluid may cool heat generated from a plurality of battery cells (300).

[0077] According to this configuration of the present invention, the heat sink (100) can maintain a cooling effect without damaging the protrusion (321). As a result, the thermal stability of the battery assembly can be improved.

[0078]

[0079] Fig. 8 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line K-K' of Fig. 4. Fig. 9 is an enlarged drawing of part M of Fig. 8. Referring to Figs. 4 to 9, the main groove (111) of the battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention is formed to protrude downward, and the lower plate (120) may be provided with a joining groove (123) that accommodates the main groove (111).

[0080] The lower plate (120) may include a joining groove (123). The joining groove (123) may be formed by bending a portion of the lower plate (120) downward. The joining groove (123) may extend in the left-right direction or along the Y-axis direction. The joining grooves (123) may be provided in a pair. The pair of joining grooves (123) may be arranged in the front-back direction or the X-axis direction. The pair of joining grooves (123) may be positioned to correspond to a pair of main grooves (111), respectively. The front-side main groove (111) may be accommodated in the front-side joining groove (123). In addition, the rear-side main groove (111) may be accommodated in the rear-side joining groove (123).

[0081] According to this configuration of the present invention, the bonding property of the heat sink (100) can be improved.

[0082]

[0083] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line C-C' of Fig. 4. Fig. 11 is an enlarged drawing of part F of Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line L-L' of Fig. 4. Fig. 13 is an enlarged drawing of part N of Fig. 12.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 13, the lower plate (120) of the battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a first groove (121) extending in the front-rear direction. In addition, a cooling channel may be formed between the main groove (111) and the first groove (121).

[0085] The lower plate (120) may include a second flat plate portion (124). The lower plate (120) may include a first groove (121). The first groove (121) may be formed by a portion of the lower plate (120) being bent downward. The first groove (121) may form a flow path through which a cooling fluid flows. The first groove (121) may extend in the front-back direction or along the X-axis direction. The first grooves (121) may be formed in a pair. The pair of first grooves (121) may be arranged along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0086] The first groove (121) and the main groove (111) may be positioned facing each other. The first groove (121) and the main groove (111) may be spaced apart from each other by a certain distance (h3). Alternatively, a gap (G1) may be formed between the first groove (121) and the main groove (111). In this case, the gap (G1) between the first groove (121) and the main groove (111) may function as a cooling passage.

[0087] In addition, the depth of the first groove (121) may be formed deeper than the joining groove (123). As a result, a gap (G1) may be formed between the first groove (121) and the main groove (111). In addition, the main groove (111) may be formed to a depth (h1) of about 2 to 3 mm relative to the flat portion.

[0088] According to this configuration of the present invention, the heat sink (100) of the present invention can have a cooling path crossing the main groove (111). The heat sink (100) can maintain a cooling effect without damaging the protrusion (321). As a result, the thermal stability of the battery assembly can be improved.

[0089]

[0090] Fig. 14 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line D-D' of Fig. 4. Fig. 15 is an enlarged drawing of part G of Fig. 14. Referring to Figs. 4, 14, and 15, the lower plate (120) may be provided with a plurality of second grooves (122) extending in the left-right direction and arranged in the front-back direction. In addition, a cooling channel may be formed between the upper plate (110) and the plurality of second grooves (122).

[0091] The lower plate (120) may include a second flat plate (124). The lower plate (120) may include a second groove (122). The second groove (122) may be formed by a portion of the lower plate (120) being bent downward. The second groove (122) may form a flow path through which a cooling fluid flows. The second groove (122) may extend in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. Alternatively, the second groove (122) may extend along the main groove (111). The second groove (122) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple second grooves (122) may be arranged in the front-back direction or the X-axis direction.

[0092] The second groove (122) and the flat portion (113) may be positioned facing each other. The second groove (122) and the flat portion (113) may be spaced apart from each other by a certain distance. Alternatively, a gap (G2) may be formed between the second groove (122) and the flat portion (113). In this case, the gap (G2) between the second groove (122) and the flat portion (113) may function as a cooling passage.

[0093] According to this configuration of the present invention, the heat sink (100) of the present invention can have a cooling path extending along the main groove (111). The heat sink (100) can maintain a cooling effect without damaging the protrusion (321). As a result, the thermal stability of the battery assembly can be improved.

[0094]

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 4, 14, and 15, the main groove (111) of the battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention may be located between adjacent second grooves (122) among a plurality of second grooves (122). Alternatively, the joining groove (123) may be located between adjacent second grooves (122). The joining groove (123) may be formed across the first groove (121).

[0096] The main groove (111) can be accommodated in the joining groove (123). The joining groove (123) can stably support the main groove (111). In addition, the joining groove (123) can be formed deeper than the second groove (122).

[0097] Some of the plurality of second grooves (122) may be positioned adjacent to the main groove (111). For example, the joining groove (123) may be formed to be continuous with a pair of second grooves (122) in the front and back. Alternatively, the joining groove (123) may be positioned between a pair of second grooves (122) or may connect a pair of second grooves (122).

[0098] According to this configuration of the present invention, the heat sink (100) can maintain a cooling effect without damaging the protrusion (321). As a result, the thermal stability of the battery assembly can be improved.

[0099]

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 15, a plurality of second grooves (122) of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention may be formed to communicate with a pair of first grooves (121). Additionally, a plurality of second grooves (122) may be positioned between a pair of first grooves (121).

[0101] According to this configuration of the present invention, the heat sink (100) can maintain a cooling effect without damaging the protrusion (321). As a result, the thermal stability of the battery assembly can be improved.

[0102]

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 15, the upper plate (110) of the battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a port (112) communicating with the first groove (121). The upper plate (110) may have the port (112) on the upper surface on the front side. The ports (112) may be provided in pairs. The ports (112) may function as passages through which cooling fluid is supplied or discharged.

[0104] The port (112), the first groove (121), and the second groove (122) of the upper plate (110) may be connected to each other and form a flow path for cooling fluid. For example, cooling fluid introduced into the right port (112) may flow backward or in the -X-axis direction along the right first groove (121). And the cooling fluid may flow from the right first groove (121) to the second groove (122). The cooling fluid introduced into the second groove (122) may flow leftward or in the -Y-axis direction. The cooling fluid discharged from the second groove (122) may flow into the left first groove (121). The cooling fluid introduced into the left first groove (121) may flow forward or in the +X-axis direction and may flow out of the heat sink (100) along the left port (112).

[0105] According to this configuration of the present invention, the heat sink (100) can maintain a cooling effect without damaging the protrusion (321). As a result, the thermal stability of the battery assembly can be improved.

[0106]

[0107] Fig. 16 is a drawing showing a heat sink (100) and a connecting member (200) of the battery assembly of Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 16, a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a connecting member (200) disposed between a plurality of battery cells (300) and the upper plate (110).

[0108] The connecting member (200) may be provided on the upper surface of the upper plate (110). For example, the connecting member (200) may be a lubricant such as grease or resin. The connecting member (200) may be applied to the upper surface of the upper plate (110) with a uniform thickness.

[0109] The connecting member (200) can function as an adhesive member. The connecting member (200) can adhere or fix a plurality of battery cells (300) to the upper plate (110). The connecting member (200) can adhere or fix a storage portion (310) or a folding portion (340) of a plurality of battery cells (300) to the upper plate (110).

[0110] Additionally, the connecting member (200) can function as a heat transfer member. The connecting member (200) can transfer heat generated from a plurality of battery cells (300) to the upper plate (110). This can improve the cooling performance of the battery assembly.

[0111] In addition, the connecting member (200) may be provided on the first flat plate portion (113) and the main groove (111). The connecting member (200) may be applied with a uniform thickness to the first flat plate portion (113) and the main groove (111). At this time, the height difference (h2) between the connecting member (200) applied to the main groove (111) and the connecting member applied to the first flat plate portion (113) may be formed to be approximately 2 to 3 mm.

[0112]

[0113] Fig. 17 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 1. Fig. 18 is an enlarged drawing of part H of Fig. 17. Fig. 19 is an enlarged drawing of part I of Fig. 17.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 17 to 19, the receiving portion (310) or the folding portion (340) of the battery cell (300) may be positioned on the first flat portion (113). A connecting member (200) may be disposed between the receiving portion (310) or the folding portion (340) and the first flat portion (113). In addition, at least a portion of the front side of the receiving portion (310) or the folding portion (340) may be positioned to face the main groove (111). In addition, at least a portion of the rear side of the receiving portion (310) or the folding portion (340) may be positioned to face the main groove (111). At this time, a gap (h2) between the receiving portion (310) or the folding portion (340) and the connecting member (200) applied to the main groove (111) may be formed to be approximately 2 to 3 mm.

[0115] The protrusion (321) may be accommodated in the main groove (111). Additionally, the protrusion (321) may not be in contact with the main groove (111). Alternatively, the protrusion (321) may be spaced apart from the main groove (111). A connecting member (200) may be disposed between the protrusion (321) and the main groove (111). The connecting member (200) may be in contact with the protrusion (321). The connecting member (200) may fix the protrusion (321). Additionally, the connecting member (200) may transfer heat generated from the protrusion (321) to the main groove (111).

[0116] According to this configuration of the present invention, although the protrusion (321) protrudes lower than the receiving portion (310), interference with the upper plate (110) may not occur due to the main groove (111). As a result, cracks or damage to the protrusion (321) due to friction may be prevented, and the thermal safety of the battery cell (300) may be improved.

[0117]

[0118] Fig. 20 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration according to B-B' of Fig. 1. Fig. 21 is an enlarged drawing of part J of Fig. 20. Referring to Figs. 20 and 21, a plurality of protrusions (321) of a plurality of battery cells (300) arranged in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction can be accommodated in the main groove (111). The protrusion length of the protrusions (321) can vary depending on the production tolerance of the battery cells (300). By forming the main groove (111) to be sufficiently deep, protrusions (321) having various protrusion lengths can be accommodated.

[0119] Additionally, the connecting member (200) may be positioned between the pad (400) and the upper plate (110). Alternatively, the connecting member (200) may be positioned between the pad (400) and the first flat plate (113). The connecting member (200) may bond or secure the lower end of the pad (400) to the upper plate (110).

[0120]

[0121] FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of portion P of FIG. 1. A battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a side wall (600). The lower portion of the side wall (600) may be fastened, joined, fixed, or attached to a heat sink (100). A gap may be formed between the side wall (600) and the main groove (111). The interior of the battery assembly may be exposed through the gap between the side wall (600) and the main groove (111).

[0122] According to this configuration of the present invention, heat generated from a plurality of battery cells (300) can be discharged to the outside through a gap between the side wall (600) and the main groove (111).

[0123]

[0124] Fig. 23 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Fig. 22. A side wall (600) of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a protrusion (610). The protrusion (610) may be formed at the lower portion of the side wall (600). The protrusion (610) may be accommodated in the main groove (111). In addition, the protrusion (610) may seal a gap between the main groove (111) and the side wall (600).

[0125] According to this configuration of the present invention, the sealing performance of the battery assembly can be improved.

[0126]

[0127] Fig. 24 is a drawing showing a heat sink (100) of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 25 is a drawing showing a partial configuration of the heat sink (100) of Fig. 24 in isolation.

[0128] Referring to FIGS. 24 and 25, a heat sink (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a main groove (111). The main groove (111) may be formed in a portion of the upper plate (110). Alternatively, the main groove (111) may be surrounded by the first flat plate portion (113). Alternatively, the length of the main groove (111) may be formed to be smaller than the width of the upper plate (110) in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0129] In addition, the joining groove (123) may be formed to correspond to the length of the main groove (111). The lengths of the joining groove (123) and the main groove (111) may be formed to be substantially the same. The joining groove (123) may be formed in a portion of the lower plate (120). Alternatively, the joining groove (123) may be surrounded by the second flat plate portion (124). Alternatively, the length of the joining groove (123) may be formed to be smaller than the width of the lower plate (120) in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0130] Fig. 26 is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 27 is a diagram illustrating a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 28 is an enlarged view of part Q of Fig. 27.

[0131] Referring to FIGS. 26 to 28, the lower portion of the side wall (600) may be fastened, joined, fixed, or attached to the first flat portion (113) of the upper plate (110). A gap may not be formed between the side wall (600) and the first flat portion (113). Alternatively, the main groove (111) may be located between a pair of side walls (600).

[0132] According to this configuration of the present invention, the sealing performance of the battery assembly can be improved.

[0133] The battery assembly of the present invention may mean a battery module or a battery pack depending on additional components and structures.

[0134] A battery container according to the present invention may include a battery assembly according to the present invention. The battery assemblies may be configured in multiple configurations. The battery container may include a container housing. The container housing may provide a space for accommodating the battery assemblies. In addition, the battery container may include a control unit for controlling a plurality of battery assemblies. In addition, the battery container may be configured to additionally include a sensor for detecting the status of the battery assemblies or a firefighting module for controlling thermal events.

[0135] An energy storage system (ESS) according to the present invention may include a battery assembly according to the present invention. The energy storage system may include a plurality of battery containers. Furthermore, the battery containers may include a plurality of battery assemblies. Such an energy storage system may configure a link group by combining a certain number of battery containers and control containers. For example, the control container may perform overall control or diagnosis of the battery containers. Furthermore, the control container may include a DC part, an AC part, and a BSC part to control the battery containers. Meanwhile, each control container may be connected to a PCS.

[0136] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are only for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0137] As described above, although the present invention has been described by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Claims

1. A plurality of battery cells, each including a storage portion having an electrode assembly and a sealing portion extending forward from the storage portion, and stacked in a left-right direction; An upper plate having a flat portion on which the plurality of battery cells are placed and a main groove extending in the left and right directions and accommodating at least a portion of the sealing portion; and A battery assembly comprising a lower plate coupled to a lower surface of the upper plate.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery assembly in which a cooling path is formed between the upper plate and the lower plate.

3. In paragraph 1, The above main groove is, It is formed to protrude downwards, The above lower plate, A battery assembly having a mating groove that accommodates the main groove.

4. In paragraph 1, The above lower plate, It has a first groove extending in the forward and backward direction, A battery assembly in which a cooling path is formed between the main groove and the first groove.

5. In paragraph 4, The above upper plate, A battery assembly comprising a port communicating with the first groove.

6. In paragraph 4, The above lower plate, It has a plurality of second grooves extending in the left-right direction and arranged in the front-back direction, A battery assembly in which a cooling path is formed between the upper plate and the plurality of second grooves.

7. In paragraph 6, The above main groove is, A battery assembly positioned between adjacent second grooves among the plurality of second grooves.

8. In paragraph 6, A battery assembly wherein the plurality of second grooves and the first groove are in communication.

9. In paragraph 1, A battery assembly having a protrusion that protrudes downward and is accommodated in the main groove.

10. In paragraph 1, A battery assembly further comprising a connecting member disposed between the plurality of battery cells and the upper plate.

11. In paragraph 1, A battery assembly further comprising a side wall coupled to the upper plate and having a protrusion accommodated in the main groove.

12. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a pair of side walls joined to the upper plate, The above plurality of battery cells and the above main groove, A battery assembly positioned between the pair of side walls.

13. A battery container comprising a battery assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. An energy storage system comprising a battery assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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