Battery cell assembly and battery pack comprising same

Abstract

The technical concept of the present invention provides a battery cell assembly comprising: a cell block comprising a plurality of battery cells; an upper cover plate disposed on the cell block and comprising a cooling channel; a first pipe connected to a first port of the upper cover plate and configured to transfer a cooling fluid; and a first support structure for supporting the first pipe. The first pipe comprises: a first portion extending downward from the first port of the upper cover plate; 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.

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. 10-2023-0119233, dated September 7, 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] In order to solve the above-described problem, the technical idea of ​​the present invention provides a battery cell assembly including a cell block including a plurality of battery cells; an upper cover plate on the cell block and including a cooling channel; a first pipe connected to a first port of the upper cover plate and configured to transmit a cooling fluid; and a first support structure supporting the first pipe; wherein the first pipe includes a first portion extending downward from the first port of the upper 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.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the upper end of the third portion of the first pipe is an end of the first pipe, and the upper end of the third portion of the first pipe is positioned below the first port of the upper cover plate.

[0008] In exemplary embodiments, the first support structure is characterized by including a first floor support disposed below the second portion of the first pipe and supporting the second portion of the first pipe.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, the invention further comprises a first elastic pad disposed between the first floor support and the second portion of the first pipe.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the first support structure is characterized by further comprising a first side support portion supporting a side of the first portion of the first pipe.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, the upper cover plate further comprises a second pipe connected to a second port and configured to deliver a cooling fluid; and a second support structure supporting the second pipe; wherein one of the first pipe and the second pipe is configured to deliver the cooling fluid supplied from the outside to the cooling channel of the upper cover plate, and the other of the first pipe and the second pipe is configured to deliver the cooling fluid discharged from the cooling channel of the upper cover plate to the outside.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the second pipe is characterized by including a fourth portion extending downward from the second port of the upper cover plate; a fifth portion extending from the fourth portion in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the fourth portion; and a sixth portion extending upward from the fifth portion.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the upper end of the sixth portion of the second pipe is an end of the second pipe, and the upper end of the sixth portion of the second pipe is positioned below the second port of the upper cover plate.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the second support structure is characterized by including a second bottom support disposed below the fifth portion of the second pipe and supporting the fifth portion of the second pipe.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the invention further comprises a second elastic pad disposed between the second floor support and the fifth portion of the second pipe.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the second support structure is characterized by further comprising a second side support portion supporting a side of the fourth portion of the second pipe.

[0017] In exemplary embodiments, the upper cover plate includes a protrusion extending toward one side of the cell block, and the first port and the second port of the upper cover plate are provided on a lower surface of the protrusion of the upper cover plate.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the cell block is characterized by further comprising: an end plate facing the front surface of the cell block and including the first support structure; a side cover plate facing the side surface of the cell block and including a fastening flange fastened to the outside; and a lower cover plate facing the lower surface of the cell block.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments, the first pipe is characterized in that it is joined to the upper cover plate by welding.

[0020] In order to solve the above-described problem, the technical idea of ​​the present invention includes a pack housing; and a battery cell assembly accommodated in the pack housing; wherein the battery cell assembly comprises: a cell block including a plurality of battery cells; an upper cover plate on the cell block and including a cooling channel; a first pipe connected to a first port of the upper cover plate and configured to transmit a cooling fluid, the first pipe including a first portion extending downward from the first port, 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; a second pipe connected to a second port of the upper cover plate and configured to transmit a cooling fluid, the second pipe including a fourth portion extending downward from the second port, a fifth portion extending from the fourth portion in a direction intersecting an extending direction of the fourth portion, and a sixth portion extending upward from the fifth portion; a first support structure supporting a lower portion of the second portion of the first pipe; and a second support structure supporting the lower portion of the fifth portion of the second pipe; and a battery pack including the second support structure.

[0021] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a battery cell assembly having a cooling function is provided, and the reliability of the joint between pipes for supplying and discharging a cooling fluid and a cooling plate can be improved, thereby increasing the reliability of the cooling performance of the battery cell assembly and improving the safety and reliability of the battery cell assembly.

[0022] 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.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the battery cell assembly of FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an end plate of the battery cell assembly of FIG. 1.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating the flow path of a cooling fluid for the battery cell assembly of FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a first pipe of the battery cell assembly of FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a second pipe of the battery cell assembly of FIG. 1.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating a portion of a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an electric vehicle equipped with a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036]

[0037] (Example 1)

[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a battery cell assembly (100) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a portion of the battery cell assembly (100) of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an end plate (170) of the battery cell assembly (100) of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating a flow path of a cooling fluid for the battery cell assembly (100) of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a first pipe (150) of the battery cell assembly (100) of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a second pipe (160) of the battery cell assembly (100) of FIG. 1.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, the battery cell assembly (100) may include a cell block (110 of FIG. 8), an upper cover plate (120), side cover plates (130), a lower cover plate (140 of FIG. 8), a first pipe (150), a second pipe (160), and end plates (170). The upper cover plate (120), side cover plates (130), and lower cover plate (140) may constitute a case of the battery cell assembly (100) surrounding the cell block (110).

[0040] A cell block (110) may include a plurality of battery cells (111 in FIG. 8). 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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).

[0044] When viewed from a plane, 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 two sides (i.e., a first side and a second side) that are opposite to each other in the first direction (X direction), a front and a back that are opposite to each other in the second direction (Y direction), and an upper surface and a lower surface that are opposite to each other in the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0045] 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). One of the end plates (170) may be arranged on the front side of the cell block (110), and the other may be arranged on the rear side of the cell block (110). The end plates (170) may cover the busbar frames connected to the front and rear sides of the cell block (110).

[0046] 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 (100) or another electrical device.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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 two side cover plates (130) 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 one 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 other side cover plate (130) through welding.

[0049] 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).

[0050] The upper cover plate (120) may have a cooling channel (123) configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow and may be configured to cool the cell block (110). The upper cover plate (120) may include a first port (1231) to which a first pipe (150) is connected and a second port (1233) to which a second pipe (160) is connected. Either the first port (1231) or the second port (1233) of the upper cover plate (120) may include an inlet of the cooling channel (123) through which the cooling fluid flows, and the other may include an outlet of the cooling channel (123) through which the cooling fluid flows. The cooling channel (123) may have a single path extending from its inlet to its outlet. While the cooling fluid flows along the 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 cooling channel (123) may include a space defined between the two plates.

[0051] In exemplary embodiments, the first port (1231) of the upper cover plate (120) may comprise an inlet of the cooling channel (123), and the second port (1233) of the upper cover plate (120) may comprise an outlet of the cooling channel (123). Cooling fluid provided from outside the battery cell assembly (100) may flow into the cooling channel (123) through the first port (1231) of the upper cover plate (120), flow along the cooling channel (123), and then flow out of the upper cover plate (120) through the second port (1233) of the upper cover plate (120).

[0052] The upper cover plate (120) may include a protrusion (120p) protruding from the cell block (110) to one side. For example, the protrusion (120p) of the upper cover plate (120) may protrude in a second direction (Y direction) from the front surface of the cell block (110). The first port (1231) and the second port (1233) of the upper cover plate (120) may both be arranged on the protrusion (120p) of the upper cover plate (120). The first port (1231) and the second port (1233) of the upper cover plate (120) may both be arranged on the lower surface of the protrusion (120p) of the upper cover plate (120).

[0053] One of the two side cover plates (130) may cover a first side of the cell block (110), and the other may cover a second side of the cell block (110). The battery cell assembly (100) may be fastened to the pack housing (501) in a side-mounting manner. For example, each side cover plate (130) may include one or more fastening flanges (139) protruding in the first direction (X direction). The fastening flange (139) may include a fastening hole through which a fastening member, such as a bolt, passes. The fastening flange (139) may be fastened and supported to a support structure of the pack housing (501) by the fastening member, such as a bolt.

[0054] The lower cover plate (140) 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 (140) can be joined to the lower portions of each of the two side cover plates (130) arranged on both sides of the cell block (110). For example, one side of the lower cover plate (140) can be joined to the lower portion of one side cover plate (130) through welding, and the other side of the lower cover plate (140) can be joined to the lower portion of the other side cover plate (130) through welding. The lower cover plate (140), the upper cover plate (120), and the side cover plates (130) can together form a case surrounding four surfaces of the cell block (110). In exemplary embodiments, the lower cover plate (140) may include venting passages and / or venting holes for exhausting high temperature gas originating from the cell block (110) to the space below the cell block (110).

[0055] The first pipe (150) may be connected to the first port (1231) of the upper cover plate (120), and the second pipe (160) may be connected to the second port (1233) of the upper cover plate (120). In exemplary embodiments, the first pipe (150) may be welded to the first port (1231) of the upper cover plate (120), and the second pipe (160) may be welded to the second port (1233) of the upper cover plate (120). One of the first pipe (150) and the second pipe (160) may be a supply pipe configured to supply cooling fluid provided from the outside to the cooling channel (123) of the upper cover plate (120), and the other may be a discharge pipe configured to discharge cooling fluid discharged from the cooling channel (123) of the upper cover plate (120) to the outside. Hereinafter, the first pipe (150) is described as a supply pipe and the second pipe (160) is described as a discharge pipe, but the first pipe (150) may be a discharge pipe and the second pipe (160) may be a supply pipe.

[0056] The first pipe (150) can receive cooling fluid provided from an external cooling fluid supply unit (CS) through the first delivery pipe (301) and deliver the cooling fluid to the first port (1231) of the upper cover plate (120). The first pipe (150) can provide a single flow path (157) extending from one end connected to the first delivery pipe (301) to the other end connected to the first port (1231) of the upper cover plate (120).

[0057] When viewed from the side, the first pipe (150) may have a generally U-shape. More specifically, the first pipe (150) may include a first portion (151) extending downward from a first port (1231) of the upper cover plate (120), a second portion (153) extending from the first portion (151) in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the first portion (151), and a third portion (155) extending upward from the second portion (153). An outlet (158) connected to the first port (1231) of the upper cover plate (120) may be provided at an upper end of the first portion (151) of the first pipe (150), and an inlet (159) through which a cooling fluid provided from the outside flows in may be provided at an upper end of the third portion (155) of the first pipe (150). The upper end of the third portion (155) of the first pipe (150) may be the end of the first pipe (150). The first pipe (150) may be attached to the lower surface of the upper cover plate (120), and the first pipe (150) may be entirely below the upper cover plate (120).

[0058] The second pipe (160) discharges the cooling fluid discharged from the upper cover plate (120) to the second delivery pipe (302), and the cooling fluid can be delivered to the cooling fluid supply unit (CS) through the second delivery pipe (302). The second pipe (160) can provide a single flow path (167) extending from one end connected to the second delivery pipe (302) to the other end connected to the second port (1233) of the upper cover plate (120).

[0059] When viewed from the side, the second pipe (160) may have a generally U-shape. More specifically, the second pipe (160) may include a fourth portion (161) extending downward from the second port (1233) of the upper cover plate (120), a fifth portion (163) extending from the fourth portion (161) in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the fourth portion (161), and a sixth portion (165) extending upward from the fifth portion (163). An inlet (168) connected to the second port (1233) of the upper cover plate (120) may be provided at an upper end of the fourth portion (161) of the second pipe (160), and an outlet (169) through which a cooling fluid provided from the outside flows in may be provided at an upper end of the sixth portion (165) of the second pipe (160). The upper end of the sixth portion (165) of the second pipe (160) may be the end of the second pipe (160). The second pipe (160) may be attached to the lower surface of the upper cover plate (120), and the entire second pipe (160) may be below the upper cover plate (120).

[0060] The battery cell assembly (100) may include a first support structure (181) for supporting the first pipe (150) and a second support structure (185) for supporting the second pipe (160). The first support structure (181) and the second support structure (185) may be provided on an end plate (170) at a front side of the cell block (110). In exemplary embodiments, the first support structure (181) and the second support structure (185) may each be a part of the end plate (170).

[0061] The first support structure (181) may include a first bottom support (1811) supporting the lower portion of the first pipe (150) and a first side support (1813) supporting the side portion of the first pipe (150). The first bottom support (1811) may be positioned below the second portion (153) of the first pipe (150) and may support the lower portion of the second portion (153) of the first pipe (150). The first side support (1813) may contact and support the side portion of the first portion (151) of the first pipe (150). The first portion (151) of the first pipe (150) may be fitted into a groove provided by the first side support (1813). In exemplary embodiments, a first elastic pad (191) may be provided between the first floor support (1811) and the second portion (153) of the first pipe (150).

[0062] The second support structure (185) may include a second bottom support (1851) supporting the lower portion of the second pipe (160) and a second side support (1853) supporting the side portion of the second pipe (160). The second bottom support (1851) may be positioned below the fifth portion (163) of the second pipe (160) and may support the lower portion of the fifth portion (163) of the second pipe (160). The second side support (1853) may contact and support the side portion of the fourth portion (161) of the second pipe (160). The fourth portion (161) of the second pipe (160) may be fitted into a groove provided by the second side support (1853). In exemplary embodiments, a second elastic pad (193) may be provided between the second floor support (1851) and the fifth portion (163) of the second pipe (160).

[0063] FIG. 7 is a side view showing a portion of a battery cell assembly (100) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 7 together with FIGS. 1 to 6, the position (H2) of the upper end of the third portion (155) of the first pipe (150) along the vertical direction (Z direction) may be lower than the position (H1) of the lower end of the upper cooling plate (120) along the vertical direction (Z direction). Similarly, the position (H1) of the sixth portion (165) of the second pipe (160) along the vertical direction (Z direction) may be lower than the position (H1) of the lower end of the upper cooling plate (120) along the vertical direction (Z direction). If pipes for transmitting cooling fluid are attached to the upper surface of the upper cover plate (120), the total thickness of the battery cell assembly (100) may increase, and the space occupied by each battery cell assembly (100) may increase, thereby reducing the energy density of the battery pack. However, according to embodiments, since the first pipe (150) and the second pipe (160) are each entirely below the upper cover plate (120), a battery cell assembly (100) having a cooling function can be provided without an issue of reduced energy density.

[0065] Additionally, in the embodiments, the first pipe (150) is attached to the lower surface of the upper cover plate (120), and the first support structure (181) can support the lower portion of the first pipe (150). When the valve (321) is mounted on the end of the first pipe (150), an external force applied to the end of the first pipe (150) causes the first pipe (150) to rotate about the joint between the first pipe (150) and the upper cover plate (120), and the rotation of the first pipe (150) may cause breakage and damage to the joint (e.g., welding area) between the first pipe (150) and the upper cover plate (120).

[0066] However, according to embodiments of the present invention, the first support structure (181) can support the lower portion of the first pipe (150), thereby preventing rotation of the first pipe (150) due to an external force when the valve (321) is mounted on the end of the first pipe (150). Similarly, the second support structure (185) can support the lower portion of the second pipe (160), thereby preventing rotation of the second pipe (160) due to an external force when the valve is mounted on the end of the second pipe (160). According to embodiments, the reliability of the joint between the pipes for supplying and discharging the cooling fluid (i.e., the first pipe (150) and the second pipe (160)) and the cooling plate (i.e., the upper cover plate (120)) can be improved, thereby increasing the reliability of the cooling performance of the battery cell assembly (100) and improving the safety and reliability of the battery cell assembly (100).

[0067]

[0068] (Example 2)

[0069] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack (500) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 8, 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).

[0071] 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).

[0072] 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).

[0073] The battery cell assembly (100) can be mounted on the pack housing (501) in a side-mounting manner. More specifically, the fastening flanges (139) of individual side cover plates can be fastened and supported to corresponding support structures (515) among the support structures (515) provided on the lower housing (510) via bolts (BT).

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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 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.

[0077] 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).

[0078] 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).

[0079]

[0080] (Example 3)

[0081] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an electric vehicle (1000) equipped with a battery pack (1100) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0082] In Fig. 9, 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. For example, the battery pack (1100) may include the battery pack (500) described with reference to Fig. 8.

[0083] 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. 8) 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), the 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085]

[0086] 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; An upper cover plate located on the cell block and including a cooling channel; A first pipe connected to the first port of the upper cover plate and configured to deliver cooling fluid; and A first support structure supporting the first pipe; Including, The above first pipe, A first portion extending downward from the first port of the upper cover plate; A second portion extending from the first portion in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the first portion; and A third portion extending upward from the second portion; A battery cell assembly comprising:

2. In paragraph 1, The upper end of the third portion of the first pipe is the end of the first pipe, A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the upper end of the third portion of the first pipe is positioned lower than the first port of the upper cover plate.

3. In paragraph 1, The above first support structure is, A first floor support disposed below the second portion of the first pipe and supporting the second portion of the first pipe; A battery cell assembly comprising:

4. In paragraph 3, A battery cell assembly further comprising a first elastic pad disposed between the first floor support and the second portion of the first pipe.

5. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the first support structure further includes a first side support portion that supports a side of the first portion of the first pipe.

6. In paragraph 1, A second pipe connected to the second port of the upper cover plate and configured to deliver cooling fluid; and A second support structure supporting the second pipe; Including more, One of the first pipe and the second pipe is configured to deliver the cooling fluid supplied from the outside to the cooling channel of the upper cover plate, A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the other of the first pipe and the second pipe is configured to transmit the cooling fluid discharged from the cooling channel of the upper cover plate to the outside.

7. In paragraph 6, The above second pipe, A fourth portion extending downward from the second port of the upper cover plate; A fifth portion extending from the fourth portion in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the fourth portion; and A sixth portion extending upward from the fifth portion; A battery cell assembly comprising:

8. In paragraph 7, The upper end of the sixth portion of the second pipe is the end of the second pipe, A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the upper end of the sixth portion of the second pipe is positioned lower than the second port of the upper cover plate.

9. In paragraph 7, The above second support structure is, A second floor support disposed below the fifth portion of the second pipe and supporting the fifth portion of the second pipe; A battery cell assembly comprising:

10. In paragraph 9, A battery cell assembly further comprising a second elastic pad disposed between the second floor support and the fifth portion of the second pipe.

11. In paragraph 7, A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the second support structure further includes a second side support portion that supports a side portion of the fourth portion of the second pipe.

12. In paragraph 7, The upper cover plate includes a protrusion extending to one side of the cell block, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the first port and the second port of the upper cover plate are provided on the lower surface of the protrusion of the upper cover plate.

13. In paragraph 1, an end plate facing the front surface of the cell block and including the first support structure; and A side cover plate facing the side of the cell block and including a fastening flange fastened to the outside; and A lower cover plate facing the lower surface of the above cell block; A battery cell assembly characterized by further comprising:

14. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the first pipe is joined to the upper cover plate by welding.

15. Pack housing; and A battery cell assembly housed in the above pack housing; Including, The above battery cell assembly, A cell block comprising a plurality of battery cells; An upper cover plate located on the cell block and including a cooling channel; A first pipe connected to a first port of the upper cover plate and configured to transmit a cooling fluid, the first pipe including a first portion extending downward from the first port, 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; A second pipe connected to a second port of the upper cover plate and configured to deliver a cooling fluid, the second pipe including a fourth portion extending downward from the second port, a fifth portion extending from the fourth portion in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the fourth portion, and a sixth portion extending upward from the fifth portion; A first support structure supporting the lower portion of the second portion of the first pipe; and A second support structure supporting the lower portion of the fifth portion of the second pipe; Battery pack containing.

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