Battery assembly and battery pack comprising same

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery assembly comprising: a first cell block including a plurality of first battery cells; a second cell block including a plurality of second battery cells and spaced apart from the first cell block; and a thermally conductive block arranged between the first cell block and the second cell block and thermally coupling first electrode leads of the first cell block to second electrode leads of the second cell block.

Description

Battery assembly and battery pack including same

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

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2023-0119622, dated September 8, 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, such as handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, improvements in 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. As secondary batteries become increasingly used in mobility, research is being conducted on technologies to increase their energy density.

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery assembly and a battery pack including the same.

[0005] In order to solve the above-described problem, the technical idea of ​​the present invention provides a battery assembly including: a first cell block including a plurality of first battery cells; a second cell block including a plurality of second battery cells and spaced apart from the first cell block; and a thermally conductive block disposed between the first cell block and the second cell block and thermally coupling a first electrode lead of the first cell block to a second electrode lead of the second cell block.

[0006] In exemplary embodiments, the thermally conductive block is characterized in that it is in direct contact with the first electrode lead of the first cell block and the second electrode lead of the second cell block.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the device further comprises a first bus bar coupled to the first electrode lead of the first cell block; and a second bus bar coupled to the second electrode lead of the second cell block; wherein the thermally conductive block is characterized in that it is in direct contact with the first bus bar and the second bus bar.

[0008] In exemplary embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: a first busbar frame having the first busbar mounted thereon; a second busbar frame having the second busbar mounted thereon; and a frame providing an internal space in which the thermally conductive block is filled, the frame being coupled to at least one of the first busbar frame and the second busbar frame.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, the frame comprises two side plates spaced apart with the interior space therebetween, the two side plates extending from the first busbar frame to the second busbar frame.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the device further comprises a case that accommodates the first cell block and the second cell block.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, the case includes a first cover plate covering a first side of the first cell block and a first side of the second cell block, the first cover plate including a cooling channel, and the thermally conductive block is characterized in that it is in contact with the first cover plate.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the case comprises a side cover plate covering a side of the first cell block and a side of the second cell block, the side cover plate characterized in that it comprises a fastening flange configured to be fastened to an external support structure.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the device further comprises an inter-block bus bar extending between the first cell block and the second cell block and electrically connecting the first cell block to the second cell block.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the device further comprises an additional thermally conductive block disposed between the first cell block and the second cell block, the additional thermally conductive block thermally coupling between another first electrode lead of the first cell block and another second electrode lead of the second cell block, wherein the additional thermally conductive block is spaced apart from the thermally conductive block.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the first cell block and the second cell block are spaced apart in a first direction, and in the first cell block, the plurality of first battery cells are stacked in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and in the second cell block, the plurality of second battery cells are stacked in the second direction.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the thermally conductive block is characterized by comprising a thermal interface material.

[0017] 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 assembly accommodated in the pack housing, wherein the battery assembly includes: a first cell block including a plurality of first battery cells; a second cell block including a plurality of second battery cells and spaced apart from the first cell block; a thermally conductive block disposed between the first cell block and the second cell block and thermally coupling a first electrode lead of the first cell block to a second electrode lead of the second cell block; and a case accommodating the first cell block and the second cell block.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the case is characterized by including a first cover plate covering a first side of the first cell block and a first side of the second cell block and including a cooling channel; a side cover plate covering a side of the first cell block and a side of the second cell block and including a fastening flange fastened to a support structure provided on a bottom plate of the pack housing; and a second cover plate covering a second side of the first cell block opposite the first side and a second side of the second cell block opposite the first side.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments, the case is characterized in that it is spaced apart from the bottom plate of the pack housing.

[0020] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the battery assembly includes cell blocks each having a plurality of battery cells, thereby achieving an increase in energy density and a larger module size.

[0021] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the first electrode lead of the first cell block and the second electrode lead of the second cell block, which face each other, and / or the first bus bar and the second bus bar, which face each other, are thermally coupled by a thermally conductive block, so that the thermal coupling between the cell blocks can be strengthened. Accordingly, the temperature difference between the cell blocks can be reduced, and the efficiency of thermal performance management and temperature difference management for the cell blocks can be improved.

[0022] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a thermally conductive block that can function as a heat diffusion member is attached to the electrode leads and / or bus bars of the cell blocks, thereby suppressing the phenomenon of heat generation of the electrode leads and / or bus bars of the cell blocks while achieving rapid charging conditions according to customer demands.

[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 plan view illustrating a portion of a battery assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 is an enlarged view showing the area indicated as “EX1” in Figure 1.

[0026] Figure 3 is an enlarged view showing the block-to-block busbar diagram in Figure 2 with the block-to-block busbar diagram omitted.

[0027] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly along line AA-AA' of Fig. 1.

[0028] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a thermally conductive block of the battery assembly of Fig. 1.

[0029] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly along line BB-BB' of Fig. 1.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 8 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 plan view showing a portion of a battery assembly (100) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing an area indicated by "EX1" in FIG. 1 in an enlarged manner. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing the inter-block bus bar (170) in FIG. 2 with the illustration omitted. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the battery assembly (100) taken along line AA-AA' in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a thermally conductive block (191) of the battery assembly (100) of FIG. 1.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the battery assembly (100) may include a first cell block (110) and a second cell block (140) arranged in a first direction (e.g., Y direction). The first cell block (110) and the second cell block (140) may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction (e.g., Y direction). Although FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate that the battery assembly (100) includes two cell blocks, the number of cell blocks included in the battery assembly (100) is not limited thereto. For example, the battery assembly (100) may include two or more cell blocks arranged in the first direction (e.g., Y direction).

[0040] The first cell block (110) and the second cell block (140) may each include a plurality of battery cells. Each battery cell is a basic unit of a lithium ion battery, i.e., a secondary battery. Each battery cell 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] In each of the first cell block (110) and the second cell block (140), a plurality of battery cells may be connected in series and / or in parallel. For example, in each of the first cell block (110) and the second cell block (140), a plurality of battery cells may be connected in series with each other. For example, in each of the first cell block (110) and the second cell block (140), a plurality of battery cells may be connected in parallel with each other. For example, in each of the first cell block (110) and the second cell block (140), when a set of two or more battery cells connected in parallel with each other is defined as a bank, one bank composed of two or more battery cells connected in parallel with each other and another bank composed of two or more battery cells connected in parallel with each other may be connected in series.

[0042] In each of the first cell block (110) and the second cell block (140), the individual battery cells may correspond to pouch-type battery cells, cylindrical battery cells, or square battery cells. 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 may correspond to a pouch-type battery cell. In each of the first cell block (110) and the second cell block (140), a plurality of battery cells may be mutually stacked in a second direction (e.g., an X-direction). In exemplary embodiments, in each of the first cell block (110) and the second cell block (140), the plurality of battery cells may correspond to pouch-type battery cells, each of which has a length along the second direction (e.g., an X-direction) less than a length along the first direction (e.g., a Y-direction).

[0044] In the present disclosure, a battery cell included in a first cell block (110) may be referred to as a first battery cell (111). The first battery cell (111) may include a first electrode assembly, a first cell case accommodating the first electrode assembly, and a first electrode lead (113) electrically connected to the first electrode assembly. The first cell case may include a first case body having a accommodating space accommodating the first electrode assembly, and a first cell terrace portion (119) located at the periphery of the first case body. The first cell terrace portion (119) is an outer portion of the first cell case and may extend from the first case body. The first cell terrace portion (119) may include a sealing joint for sealing the first electrode assembly. A portion of the first electrode lead (113) may protrude from the first cell terrace portion (119). Each first battery cell (111) may include a pair of first electrode leads (113). In each first battery cell (111), one of the pair of first electrode leads (113) may protrude outwardly from a first cell terrace portion (119) at one end along the first direction (e.g., Y direction) of the first cell case, and the other may protrude outwardly from a first cell terrace portion (119) at the other end along the first direction (e.g., Y direction) of the first cell case. A first free space (114) may be provided between the first cell terrace portions (119) of two adjacent first cell blocks (110) among the plurality of first cell blocks (110).

[0045] In the present disclosure, a battery cell included in a second cell block (140) may be referred to as a second battery cell (141). The second battery cell (141) may include a second electrode assembly, a second cell case accommodating the second electrode assembly, and a second electrode lead (143) electrically connected to the second electrode assembly. The second cell case may include a second case body having a accommodating space accommodating the second electrode assembly, and a second cell terrace portion (149) located at the periphery of the second case body. The second cell terrace portion (149) is an outer portion of the second cell case and may extend from the second case body. The second cell terrace portion (149) may include a sealing joint for sealing the second electrode assembly. A portion of the second electrode lead (143) may protrude from the second cell terrace portion (149). Each second battery cell (141) may include a pair of second electrode leads (143). In each second battery cell (141), one of the pair of second electrode leads (143) may protrude outwardly from a second cell terrace portion (149) at one end of the second cell case along the first direction (e.g., Y direction), and the other may protrude outwardly from a second cell terrace portion (149) at the other end of the second cell case along the first direction (e.g., Y direction). A second free space (144) may be provided between the second cell terrace portions (149) of two adjacent second cell blocks (140) among the plurality of second cell blocks (140).

[0046] When viewed from a plan view, the first cell block (110) and the second cell block (140) may each have a rectangular shape in which a length along a second direction (e.g., X direction) is smaller than a length along a first direction (e.g., Y direction). The first cell block (110) and the second cell block (140) may each have two side surfaces that are opposite to each other in the second direction (e.g., X direction), a front surface and a back surface that are opposite to each other in the first direction (e.g., Y direction), and a first surface (e.g., upper surface) and a second surface (e.g., lower surface) that are opposite to each other in a third direction (e.g., Z direction). The back surface of the first cell block (110) may face the front surface of the second cell block (140).

[0047] A first busbar frame (120) having first busbars (130) mounted thereon may be arranged on each of the front and rear sides of the first cell block (110). The first busbars (130) may include a first inter-busbar and a first terminal busbar (131). The first inter-busbar may be coupled to first electrode leads (113) of different first battery cells (111) belonging to the first cell block (110), thereby electrically connecting the different first battery cells (111). The first terminal busbar (131) may be coupled to at least one of the first electrode leads (113) protruding from the first cell terrace portions (119) of the first battery cells (111). The first terminal busbar (131) may electrically connect the first cell block (110) to the second cell block (140) or another external electrical body. One or more first inter-busbars and one or more first terminal busbars (131) may be mounted on the first busbar frame (120) at the front of the first cell block (110), and one or more first inter-busbars and one or more first terminal busbars (131) may be mounted on the first busbar frame (120) at the rear of the first cell block (110).

[0048] A second busbar frame (150) having busbars mounted thereon may be arranged on each of the front and rear sides of the second cell block (140). The second busbars (160) may include a second inter-busbar and a second terminal busbar (161). The second inter-busbar may be coupled to second electrode leads (143) of different second battery cells (141) belonging to the second cell block (140), thereby electrically connecting the different second battery cells (141). The second terminal busbar (161) may be coupled to at least one of the second electrode leads (143) protruding from the second cell terrace portions (149) of the second battery cells (141). The second terminal busbar (161) may electrically connect the second cell block (140) to the first cell block (110) or another external electrical body. One or more second inter-busbars and one or more second terminal busbars (161) may be mounted on the second busbar frame (150) at the front of the second cell block (140), and one or more second inter-busbars and one or more second terminal busbars (161) may be mounted on the second busbar frame (150) at the rear of the second cell block (140).

[0049] The battery assembly (100) may include a thermally conductive block (191) disposed within a space provided between the first cell block (110) and the second cell block (140). The thermally conductive block (191) is thermally conductive but electrically insulator. In exemplary embodiments, the thermally conductive block (191) may be formed from a thermal interface material (TIM) and / or a thermally conductive resin. The thermally conductive block (191) may extend between the first cell block (110) and the second cell block (140) to thermally couple the first cell block (110) and the second cell block (140). The battery assembly (100) may include one or more thermally conductive blocks (191). In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of thermally conductive blocks (191) spaced apart from each other along a second direction (e.g., X direction) may be arranged in a space provided between the first cell block (110) and the second cell block (140).

[0050] In exemplary embodiments, the thermally conductive block (191) may be in direct contact with the first electrode lead (113) of the first cell block (110) and the second electrode lead (143) of the second cell block (140), and may thermally couple between the first electrode lead (113) of the first cell block (110) and the second electrode lead (143) of the second cell block (140).

[0051] In exemplary embodiments, the thermally conductive block (191) may be in direct contact with the first busbar (130) and the second busbar (160) and may thermally couple the first busbar (130) and the second busbar (160). The thermally conductive block (191) may be coupled to the first inter-busbar or the first terminal busbar (131). The thermally conductive block (191) may be coupled to the second inter-busbar or the second terminal busbar (161).

[0052] The battery assembly (100) may include a frame (193) that accommodates a thermally conductive block (191). The thermally conductive block (191) may at least partially fill an interior space provided by the frame (193). The frame (193) may include two side plates spaced apart in a second direction (e.g., in the X direction) with the interior space in which the thermally conductive block (191) is accommodated therebetween. When viewed in plan, the two side plates of the frame (193) may each extend in the first direction (e.g., in the Y direction) between a first busbar frame (120) and a second busbar frame (150). The frame (193) may be coupled to at least one of the first busbar frame (120) and the second busbar frame (150). In exemplary embodiments, the frame (193) may be a portion of the first busbar frame (120) or a portion of the second busbar frame (150), and may have the same material composition as the first busbar frame (120) or the second busbar frame (150).

[0053] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the first electrode lead (113) of the first cell block (110) and the second electrode lead (143) of the second cell block (140) facing each other and / or the first bus bar (130) and the second bus bar (160) facing each other are thermally coupled by the thermally conductive block (191), so that the thermal coupling between the cell blocks can be strengthened. Accordingly, the temperature difference between the cell blocks can be reduced, and the efficiency of thermal performance management and temperature difference management for the cell blocks can be improved.

[0054] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a thermally conductive block (191) that can function as a heat diffusion member is attached to the electrode leads and / or bus bars of the cell blocks, so that rapid charging conditions according to customer demands can be achieved while suppressing the phenomenon of heat generation of the electrode leads and / or bus bars of the cell blocks.

[0055] The battery assembly (100) may include an inter-block busbar (170) configured to electrically connect a first cell block (110) to a second cell block (140). The inter-block busbar (170) may extend across a space provided between the first cell block (110) and the second cell block (140), and may extend in a first direction (e.g., a Y direction) from a first terminal busbar (131) provided at a rear side of the first cell block (110) to a second terminal busbar (161) provided at a front side of the second cell block (140). The inter-block busbar (170) may be coupled to each of the first terminal busbar (131) and the second terminal busbar (161), and may electrically connect the first terminal busbar (131) to the second terminal busbar (161). The inter-block bus bar (170) can be fastened to the first terminal bus bar (131) via a first bolt (181) and can be fastened to the second terminal bus bar (161) via a second bolt (183). The inter-block bus bar (170) can include a first end fastened to a first fastening head of the first terminal bus bar (131), a second end fastened to a second fastening head of the second terminal bus bar (161), and a connecting portion extending between the first end and the second end. The connecting portion of the inter-block bus bar (170) can include a bent portion to alleviate external impact.

[0056] The first bolt (181) is inserted into the hole of the first end of the inter-block bus bar (170) and the hole of the first terminal bus bar (131), and the first end of the inter-block bus bar (170) can be brought into close contact with the first terminal bus bar (131) by the first bolt (181) being fitted into the nut. The first end of the inter-block bus bar (170) and the first fastening head of the first terminal bus bar (131) can be accommodated within the first free space (114) provided between the first cell terrace portions (119) of two adjacent first cell blocks (110). The first busbar frame (120) has a first recess (121) positioned within a first free space (114) provided between the first cell terraces (119) of two adjacent first cell blocks (110), and the first recess (121) of the first busbar frame (120) can receive and support a first end of an inter-block busbar (170) and a first fastening head of a first terminal busbar (131).

[0057] The second bolt (183) is inserted into the hole of the second end of the inter-block bus bar (170) and the hole of the second terminal bus bar (161), and the second end of the inter-block bus bar (170) can be tightly attached to the second terminal bus bar (161) by the second bolt (183) being fitted into the nut. The second end of the inter-block bus bar (170) and the second fastening head of the second terminal bus bar (161) can be accommodated within the second free space (144) provided between the second cell terrace portions (149) of two adjacent second cell blocks (140). The second busbar frame (150) has a second recess (151) positioned within a second free space (144) provided between the second cell terraces (149) of two adjacent second cell blocks (140), and the second recess (151) of the second busbar frame (150) can accommodate and support a second end of an inter-block busbar (170) and a second fastening head of a second terminal busbar (161).

[0058] In exemplary embodiments, the fastening portion between the inter-block busbar (170) and the first terminal busbar (131) and the fastening portion between the inter-block busbar (170) and the second terminal busbar (161) may be aligned in a first direction (e.g., Y direction) which is the arrangement direction of the first cell block (110) and the second cell block (140). In this case, the first bolt (181) fastened to the first fastening head of the first terminal busbar (131) and the second bolt (183) fastened to the second fastening head of the second terminal busbar (161) may be aligned in the first direction (e.g., Y direction). In addition, when viewed in a plan view, the inter-block busbar (170) may extend linearly along the second direction (e.g., X direction). When the fastening portion between the inter-block bus bar (170) and the first terminal bus bar (131) of the first cell block (110) and the fastening portion between the inter-block bus bar (170) and the second terminal bus bar (161) of the second cell block (140) are aligned in the first direction (e.g., Y direction) which is the arrangement direction of the first cell block (110) and the second cell block (140), the risk of loosening of the first bolt (181) and / or the second bolt (183) due to relative movement between the first cell block (110) and the second cell block (140) can be reduced, and the reliability of the electrical connection between the first cell block (110) and the second cell block (140) can be improved.

[0059] The battery assembly (100) may include a case (201) that accommodates a first cell block (110) and a second cell block (140) and is fastened and supported to an external pack housing (see 501 of FIG. 7). The case (201) may include a first cover plate (211), two side cover plates (213), and a second cover plate (215). The first cover plate (211) may be referred to as an upper cover plate, and the second cover plate (215) may be referred to as a lower cover plate.

[0060] The first cover plate (211) can cover the first side of the first cell block (110) and the first side of the second cell block (140). The first cover plate (211) can be attached to the first side of the first cell block (110) and the first side of the second cell block (140), and can be thermally coupled to the first cell block (110) and the second cell block (140). The first cover plate (211) can be attached to each of the first cell block (110) and the second cell block (140) via a thermally conductive adhesive layer. For example, the thermally conductive adhesive layer can include TIM.

[0061] The first cover plate (211) may have a cooling channel (2111) configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow, and may be configured to cool the first cell block (110) and the second cell block (140). The first cover plate (211) may be referred to as a cooling plate. The first cover plate (211) may be thermally coupled to the first cell block (110) and the second cell block (140) via a thermally conductive adhesive layer, and may be configured to cool the first cell block (110) and the second cell block (140). A cooling fluid provided from the outside of the battery assembly (100) may flow into the cooling channel (2111) through an inlet of the cooling channel (2111) via a pipe (220), flow along the cooling channel (2111), and the cooling fluid discharged through the outlet of the cooling channel (2111) may be discharged to the outside through another pipe (220). For example, the cooling channel (2111) may provide a single path extending from its inlet to its outlet. Cooling of the first battery assembly (100) may be performed while the cooling fluid flows along the cooling channel (2111). For example, the first cover plate (211) may be manufactured by bonding two plates, and the cooling channel (2111) may include a space defined between the two plates.

[0062] The second cover plate (215) can cover the second side of the first cell block (110) and the second side of the second cell block (140). The second cover plate (215) can be spaced apart from the first cover plate (211) in a third direction (e.g., in the Z direction) with the first cell block (110) and the second cell block (140) interposed therebetween. The second cover plate (215) can include a venting hole for exhausting high-temperature gas originating from the first cell block (110) and / or the second cell block (140) to a space located below the first cell block (110) and the second cell block (140).

[0063] The two side cover plates (213) can be spaced apart from each other in a second direction (e.g., X direction) with the first cell block (110) and the second cell block (140) therebetween. One of the two side cover plates (213) covers a first side of the first cell block (110) and a first side of the second cell block (140) and can be coupled to the first cover plate (211) and the second cover plate (215). The other of the two side cover plates (213) covers a second side of the first cell block (110) and a second side of the second cell block (140) and can be coupled to the first cover plate (211) and the second cover plate (215). Each side cover plate (213) can include a plurality of fastening flanges (2131) that are fastened and supported to an external pack housing (see 501 of FIG. 7).

[0064] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the battery assembly (100) includes cell blocks (e.g., a first cell block (110) and a second cell block (140)) each having a plurality of battery cells, thereby achieving an increase in energy density and a larger module size.

[0065] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly (100) along the line BB-BB' of Fig. 1.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 6 together with FIGS. 1 to 5, a thermally conductive block (191) may extend in a third direction (e.g., in the Z direction) between a first cover plate (211) and a second cover plate (215) of a case (201). The thermally conductive block (191) may be coupled to the first cover plate (211) having a cooling channel (2111). In this case, the thermally conductive block (191) may provide a thermally conductive path between the first cell block (110) and the first cover plate (211), and may provide a thermally conductive path between the second cell block (140) and the second cover plate (215). More specifically, the first electrode lead (113) and / or the first bus bar (130) of the first cell block (110) can be thermally coupled to the first cover plate (211) through the thermally conductive block (191), and the second electrode lead (143) and / or the second bus bar (160) of the second cell block (140) can be thermally coupled to the first cover plate (211) through the thermally conductive block (191). Since the electrode leads and / or bus bars of the cell blocks can be cooled through thermal conduction, thermal damage to the electrode leads and / or bus bars of the cell blocks can be prevented.

[0067]

[0068] (Example 2)

[0069] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery pack (500) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Hereinafter, any description that overlaps with that previously described will be omitted or simplified.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 7, a battery pack (500) may include a pack housing (501) and a battery assembly (100) mounted on the pack housing (501). The battery pack (500) may include one or more battery assemblies (100) mounted on the pack housing (501).

[0071] The pack housing (501) may include a lower housing (510) having a receiving space in which a battery 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 assembly (100) is received. The receiving space of the lower housing (510) may be defined by a bottom plate (511) facing a lower surface of the battery assembly (100), and a side wall (513) positioned around the bottom plate (511). A plurality of support structures (515) for supporting the battery assembly (100) may be provided on the bottom plate (511) of the lower housing (510). The plurality of support structures (515) may be spaced apart from each other in a second direction (e.g., an X direction), and each of the plurality of support structures (515) may extend in a first direction (e.g., a Y direction). The length of each support structure (515) along the first direction (e.g., Y direction) may be equal to or greater than the length of the battery assembly (100) along the first direction (e.g., Y direction).

[0072] The battery assembly (100) can be mounted on the pack housing (501) in a side-mounting manner. A plurality of support structures (515) each extending in a first direction (e.g., Y direction) can be provided on the bottom plate of the pack housing (501), and the battery assembly (100) can be fastened to the plurality of support structures (515) by fastening members such as bolts (BT). More specifically, the battery assembly (100) can be mounted on the pack housing (501) by fastening the fastening flange (2131) of the side cover plate (213) to a corresponding support structure (515) among the plurality of support structures (515) by the bolts (BT).

[0073] 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).

[0074] The battery assembly (100) may be supported on a support structure (515) provided on the bottom plate (511) of the lower housing (510) in a side-mounted manner, and a free volume (FV) may be provided between the bottom plate (511) of the lower housing (510) and the battery assembly (100), in which the bottom plate (511) of the lower housing (510) and the battery assembly (100) are spaced apart in a third direction (e.g., the Z direction). Through the free volume (FV), gas and flame generated in a thermal runaway situation may move. That is, the free volume (FV) becomes a venting passage through which high-temperature gas and flame may 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 battery assembly (100) can be prevented from being damaged by the impact. The free volume (FV) can include an empty space between the battery assembly (100) and the lower housing (510). When the lower housing (510) is deformed toward the battery assembly (100) due to an impact applied to the bottom of the vehicle, the free volume (FV) can freely 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 plate (511) of the lower housing (510) and the battery assembly (100) can be set sufficiently to absorb external impact. The height of the free volume (FV) can be determined by considering the dimensions and rigidity of the vehicle frame, the dimensions and rigidity of the lower housing (510), the dimensions of the battery pack (500), the amount of gas generated and the discharge speed during thermal runaway, etc. For example, when the thickness or rigidity of the bottom plate (511) 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 plate (511) of the vehicle frame or the lower housing (510) is relatively small, the possibility of deformation of the bottom plate (511) 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 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 plate (511) 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 according to the damage tolerance of the battery cell (111) included in the battery 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 assembly (100) may be in close contact with the lower surface of the pack lid (520). In exemplary embodiments, the battery assembly (100) may be suspended and supported by the pack lid (520). If there is a space between the battery assembly (100) and the pack lid (520), during thermal runaway, high-temperature gas may be introduced into the space between one battery assembly (100) and the pack lid (520), causing heat and flame to spread to another adjacent battery assembly (100), and the heat and flame may also be transmitted to the pack lid (520), potentially affecting the cabin room located above the pack lid (520). Therefore, by making the upper surface of the battery 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. 8 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. 8, for simplicity, only the body frame (1200) forming the lower frame 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 Fig. 7.

[0083] In a typical battery pack, a battery module is installed at the bottom of the pack housing of the battery pack. In embodiments, a free volume (see FV of FIG. 7) may be provided at the bottom of the battery assembly (100) of the battery pack (1100), and the space between the battery assembly (100) and the pack lid (520) may be either non-existent or very narrow. Accordingly, the gas generated from the battery assembly (100) may be prevented from being transmitted to the cabin room at the top of the vehicle, and the gas may be guided to the free volume (FV) provided in the battery assembly (100) and the pack housing (501) of the battery pack (1100). The gas may flow through the free volume (FV) and be discharged to the lower part of the vehicle through a gas exhaust port installed in the battery pack (1100). In addition, according to the present embodiments, since a free volume (FV) is provided between the battery assembly (100) and the pack housing (501) within the battery pack (1100), the battery assembly (100) can be prevented from being damaged even if the pack housing (501) 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 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 first cell block comprising a plurality of first battery cells; a second cell block comprising a plurality of second battery cells and spaced apart from the first cell block; and A thermally conductive block disposed between the first cell block and the second cell block and thermally coupling between the first electrode lead of the first cell block and the second electrode lead of the second cell block; A battery assembly comprising:

2. In paragraph 1, A battery assembly, characterized in that the thermally conductive block is in direct contact with the first electrode lead of the first cell block and the second electrode lead of the second cell block.

3. In paragraph 1, a first bus bar coupled to the first electrode lead of the first cell block; and A second bus bar coupled to the second electrode lead of the second cell block; Including more, A battery assembly characterized in that the thermally conductive block is in direct contact with the first bus bar and the second bus bar.

4. In paragraph 3, A first busbar frame having the first busbar mounted thereon; a second busbar frame having the second busbar mounted thereon; and A frame providing an internal space filled with the thermally conductive block and coupled to at least one of the first busbar frame and the second busbar frame; A battery assembly characterized by further including:

5. In paragraph 4, The above frame includes two side plates spaced apart with the internal space therebetween, A battery assembly characterized in that the two side plates extend from the first busbar frame to the second busbar frame.

6. In paragraph 1, A battery assembly further comprising a case accommodating the first cell block and the second cell block.

7. In paragraph 6, The case includes a first cover plate covering a first side of the first cell block and a first side of the second cell block, The above first cover plate includes a cooling channel, A battery assembly characterized in that the thermally conductive block is in contact with the first cover plate.

8. In paragraph 6, The case includes a side cover plate covering the side of the first cell block and the side of the second cell block, A battery assembly characterized in that the side cover plate includes a fastening flange configured to be fastened to an external support structure.

9. In paragraph 1, An inter-block bus bar extending between the first cell block and the second cell block and electrically connecting the first cell block to the second cell block; A battery assembly characterized by further including:

10. In paragraph 1, Further comprising an additional thermally conductive block disposed between the first cell block and the second cell block and thermally coupling between another first electrode lead of the first cell block and another second electrode lead of the second cell block; A battery assembly, wherein the additional thermally conductive block is spaced apart from the thermally conductive block.

11. In paragraph 1, The first cell block and the second cell block are spaced apart in the first direction, In the first cell block, the plurality of first battery cells are stacked in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, A battery assembly, characterized in that in the second cell block, the plurality of second battery cells are stacked in the second direction.

12. In paragraph 1, A battery assembly characterized in that the thermally conductive block includes a thermal interface material.

13. Pack housing; and A battery assembly accommodated in the above pack housing; Including, The above battery assembly, A first cell block comprising a plurality of first battery cells; A second cell block comprising a plurality of second battery cells, the second cell block being spaced apart from the first cell block; A thermally conductive block disposed between the first cell block and the second cell block and thermally coupling the first electrode lead of the first cell block and the second electrode lead of the second cell block; and A case accommodating the first cell block and the second cell block; A battery pack comprising:

14. In paragraph 13, The above case is, A first cover plate covering a first surface of the first cell block and a first surface of the second cell block, and including a cooling channel; A side cover plate covering the side of the first cell block and the side of the second cell block, and including a fastening flange fastened to a support structure provided on the bottom plate of the pack housing; and A second cover plate covering a second surface opposite to the first surface of the first cell block and a second surface opposite to the first surface of the second cell block; A battery pack comprising:

15. In paragraph 14, A battery pack, characterized in that the case is spaced apart from the bottom plate of the pack housing.

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