Battery pack comprising battery assembly, and electric vehicle comprising battery pack

Abstract

The technical idea of the present invention provides a battery pack comprising 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; a case having a first accommodation space in which the first cell block is accommodated and a second accommodation space in which the second cell block is accommodated, and being supported by the pack housing; and an isolation structure which is arranged between the first cell block and the second cell block so as to partition the first accommodation space and the second accommodation space of the case, and which includes a plurality of venting channels extending in the vertical direction, wherein the case includes a first venting hole that overlaps the isolation structure in the vertical direction, and the plurality of venting channels of the isolation structure communicate, through the first venting hole of the case, with a venting space provided between the case and the pack housing.

Description

Battery pack comprising a battery assembly and an electric vehicle comprising the battery pack

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

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0119644, dated September 8, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0105823, dated August 8, 2024, all of which 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 pack including a battery assembly and an electric vehicle including the battery pack.

[0005] 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; a case supported by the pack housing, the case having a first accommodation space for accommodating the first cell block and a second accommodation space for accommodating the second cell block; and an isolation structure disposed between the first cell block and the second cell block so as to partition the first accommodation space and the second accommodation space of the case, the case including a plurality of venting channels extending in a vertical direction; wherein the case includes a first venting hole overlapping the isolation structure in the vertical direction, and the plurality of venting channels of the isolation structure are characterized in that they communicate with a venting space provided between the case and the pack housing through the first venting hole of the case.

[0006] In exemplary embodiments, the case includes a first cover plate facing an upper surface of the first cell block and an upper surface of the second cell block; a second cover plate facing a lower surface of the first cell block and a lower surface of the second cell block and having the first venting hole; and a pair of side cover plates spaced apart in a horizontal direction with the first cell block and the second cell block therebetween and respectively coupled to the first cover plate and the second cover plate; and the pack housing includes a bottom plate spaced apart from the second cover plate with the venting space therebetween; and a plurality of support structures provided on the bottom plate and supporting the pair of side cover plates; wherein the plurality of support structures are characterized in that they support the pair of side cover plates such that the case is spaced apart from the bottom plate of the pack housing.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, each of the pair of side cover plates is characterized by including a fastening frame fastened to a corresponding one of the plurality of support structures.

[0008] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of first battery cells are arranged in the horizontal direction between the pair of side cover plates, and the plurality of second battery cells are arranged in the horizontal direction between the pair of side cover plates.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, the second cover plate further includes a plurality of second venting holes communicating with the venting space, wherein the plurality of second venting holes are characterized by being vertically overlapped with the first cell block or the second cell block.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the first cover plate is characterized by including a cooling channel configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow therethrough.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, the device further comprises a thermally conductive adhesive layer that attaches each of the first cell block and the second cell block to the first cover plate.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the pack housing further includes a pack lead covering the battery assembly, the pack lead being characterized by contacting the first cover plate of the case.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the isolation structure comprises: an isolation plate disposed between the first cell block and the second cell block; and a plurality of first guides extending in the vertical direction along a first surface of the isolation plate facing the first cell block; wherein the plurality of venting channels comprise a plurality of first venting channels defined by the plurality of first guides.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the isolation structure further comprises a plurality of second guides extending in the vertical direction along the second face of the isolation plate facing the second cell block, wherein the plurality of venting channels further comprise a plurality of second venting channels defined by the plurality of second guides.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the invention comprises: a first busbar frame having a first busbar connected to the first cell block; a first end plate covering the first busbar frame; a second busbar frame having a second busbar connected to the second cell block; and a second end plate covering the second busbar frame and spaced apart from the first end plate with the isolation structure therebetween; wherein the plurality of first guides each include a step portion that abuts against a step portion of the first end plate, and the plurality of second guides each include a step portion that abuts against a step portion of the second end plate.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the isolation structure is characterized by further comprising a connecting plate connected to the upper end of the isolation plate and attached to the case.

[0017] In order to solve the above-described problem, the technical idea of ​​the present invention provides an electric vehicle including a body frame; and a battery pack including a pack housing mounted on the body frame 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; a case supported by the pack housing, the case having a first accommodation space for accommodating the first cell block and a second accommodation space for accommodating the second cell block; and an isolation structure disposed between the first cell block and the second cell block so as to partition the first accommodation space and the second accommodation space of the case, the case including a plurality of venting channels extending in a vertical direction; wherein the case includes a first venting hole overlapping the isolation structure in the vertical direction, and the plurality of venting channels of the isolation structure are characterized in that they communicate with a venting space provided between the case and the pack housing through the first venting hole of the case.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the case includes a first cover plate facing an upper surface of the first cell block and an upper surface of the second cell block and including a cooling channel configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow; a second cover plate facing a lower surface of the first cell block and a lower surface of the second cell block and having the first venting hole; and a pair of side cover plates spaced apart in a horizontal direction with the first cell block and the second cell block therebetween and respectively coupled to the first cover plate and the second cover plate; wherein the pack housing includes a bottom plate spaced apart from the second cover plate with the venting space therebetween; And a plurality of support structures provided on the bottom plate and supporting the pair of side cover plates; wherein the plurality of support structures support the pair of side cover plates so that the case is spaced apart from the bottom plate of the pack housing, and the plurality of first battery cells are arranged in the horizontal direction between the pair of side cover plates, and the plurality of second battery cells are arranged in the horizontal direction between the pair of side cover plates.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments, the isolation structure includes: an isolation plate disposed between the first cell block and the second cell block; a connection plate connected to an upper end of the isolation plate and attached to the case; a plurality of first guides extending in the vertical direction along a first surface of the isolation plate facing the first cell block; and a plurality of second guides extending in the vertical direction along a second surface of the isolation plate facing the second cell block; wherein the plurality of venting channels include a plurality of first venting channels defined by the plurality of first guides and a plurality of second venting channels defined by the plurality of second guides.

[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, since an isolation structure is positioned within the case to isolate adjacent cell blocks, heat transfer between the cell blocks can be prevented, thereby improving the structural rigidity of the battery assembly. Furthermore, since the isolation structure has a plurality of venting channels communicating with the venting holes of the case, high-temperature gases or flames generated internally can be quickly discharged to the outside. Accordingly, the safety and reliability of a battery assembly including a plurality of cell blocks can be improved.

[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 showing a battery assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the battery assembly of Figure 1.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a portion of the battery assembly of FIG. 1.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an isolation structure included in the battery assembly of FIG. 1.

[0027] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the battery assembly of Fig. 1.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an electric vehicle equipped with a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

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

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

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

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

[0034]

[0035] (Example 1)

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a battery assembly (100) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the battery assembly (100) of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a portion of the battery assembly (100) of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an isolation structure (180) included in the battery assembly (100) of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of the battery assembly (100) of FIG. 1.

[0037] 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 horizontal 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 horizontal 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 a first horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction).

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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 horizontal 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 horizontal direction (e.g., an X-direction) less than a length along the first horizontal direction (e.g., a Y-direction).

[0042] 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 electrically connected to the first electrode assembly. Each first battery cell (111) may include a pair of first electrode leads. In each first battery cell (111), one of the pair of first electrode leads may protrude from one end of the first cell case along a first horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction), and the other may protrude from the other end of the first cell case along the first horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction).

[0043] 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 electrically connected to the second electrode assembly. Each second battery cell (141) may include a pair of second electrode leads. In each second battery cell (141), one of the pair of second electrode leads may protrude from one end of the second cell case along a first horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction), and the other may protrude from the other end of the second cell case along the first horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction).

[0044] 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 horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) is smaller than a length along a first horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). The first cell block (110) and the second cell block (140) may each have two side surfaces opposite to each other in the second horizontal direction (e.g., X direction), a front surface and a back surface opposite to each other in the first horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction), and a first surface (e.g., upper surface) and a second surface (e.g., lower surface) opposite to each other in the vertical 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).

[0045] A first busbar frame (120) having first busbars (125) mounted thereon may be arranged on each of the front and rear sides of the first cell block (110). The first busbars (125) may include a first inter-busbar and a first terminal busbar. The first inter-busbar may be coupled to first electrode leads 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 may be coupled to at least one of the first electrode leads of the first battery cells (111). The first terminal busbar 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 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 may be mounted on the first busbar frame (120) at the rear of the first cell block (110).

[0046] The battery assembly (100) may include first end plates (130) connected to first busbar frames (120). One first end plate (130) may cover the first busbar frame (120) at the front of the first cell block (110) and at least partially cover each of the first busbars (125) mounted on the first busbar frame (120) at the front of the first cell block (110). Another first end plate (130) may cover the first busbar frame (120) at the rear of the first cell block (110) and at least partially cover each of the first busbars (125) mounted on the first busbar frame (120) at the rear of the first cell block (110).

[0047] 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 (155) may include a second inter-busbar and a second terminal busbar. The second inter-busbar may be coupled to second electrode leads 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 may be coupled to at least one of the second electrode leads of the second battery cells (141). The second terminal busbar may electrically connect the second cell block (140) to the first cell block (110) or to another external electrical body. One or more second inter-busbars and one or more second terminal busbars 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 may be mounted on the second busbar frame (150) at the rear of the second cell block (140).

[0048] The battery assembly (100) may include second end plates (160) connected to second busbar frames (150). One second end plate (160) may cover the second busbar frame (150) at the front of the second cell block (140) and at least partially cover each of the second busbars (155) mounted on the second busbar frame (150) at the front of the second cell block (140). Another second end plate (160) may cover the second busbar frame (150) at the rear of the second cell block (140) and at least partially cover each of the second busbars (155) mounted on the second busbar frame (150) at the rear of the second cell block (140).

[0049] The battery assembly (100) may include a case (210) that accommodates a first cell block (110) and a second cell block (140), and is fastened and supported by an external pack housing (see 501 of FIG. 6). The case (210) may include a first accommodation space that accommodates the first cell block (110) and a second accommodation space that accommodates the second cell block (140). The first accommodation space and the second accommodation space of the case (210) may be separated by an isolation structure (180) described below. The case (210) may include a first cover plate (211), a pair of 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.

[0050] 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 (290). For example, the thermally conductive adhesive layer (290) can include a thermal resin and / or a thermal interface material (TIM).

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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 vertical direction (e.g., in the Z direction) with the first cell block (110) and the second cell block (140) interposed therebetween.

[0053] The second cover plate (215) may include a plurality of first venting holes (2511) and a plurality of second venting holes (2513) for exhausting high-temperature gas originating from the first cell block (110) and / or the second cell block (140) to a space outside the first cell block (110) and the second cell block (140). The plurality of first venting holes (2511) of the second cover plate (215) may each overlap in a vertical direction (e.g., in the Z direction) with an isolation structure (180) described below. The plurality of first venting holes (2511) of the second cover plate (215) may each be provided below the isolation structure (180). Some of the plurality of second venting holes (2513) of the second cover plate (215) may overlap with the first cell block (110) in a vertical direction (e.g., in the Z direction), and some of the remaining plurality of second venting holes (2513) may overlap with the second cell block (140) in a vertical direction (e.g., in the Z direction).

[0054] In exemplary embodiments, each first venting hole (2511) may be an elliptical hole or a slot hole having a major axis in a second horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction). A length of the first venting hole (2511) along the first horizontal direction (e.g., Y-direction) may be less than a length of the first venting hole (2511) along the second horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction).

[0055] In exemplary embodiments, each second venting hole (2513) may be an elliptical hole or a slot hole having a major axis in a first horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). A length of the second venting hole (2513) along the first horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction) may be greater than a length of the second venting hole (2513) along the second horizontal direction (e.g., X direction).

[0056] The two side cover plates (213) can be spaced apart from each other in a second horizontal 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. 6).

[0057] In exemplary embodiments, a cover sheet may be disposed between the second cover plate (215) and the first cell block (110) and between the second cover plate (215) and the second cell block (140), respectively. The cover sheet may have heat resistance and fire resistance. For example, the cover sheet may cover the second side of the first cell block (110) and the second side of the second cell block (140). The cover sheet may include a plurality of cutouts disposed in an area overlapping the plurality of second venting holes (2513). Each of the plurality of cutouts may be configured to allow gas to escape.

[0058] The battery assembly (100) may include an isolation structure (180) disposed between a first cell block (110) and a second cell block (140). The first end plate (130) may be spaced apart from the second end plate (160) with the isolation structure (180) therebetween. The isolation structure (180) may be disposed within a case (210). The isolation structure (180) may extend in a vertical direction (e.g., in the Z direction) between a first cover plate (211) and a second cover plate (215) of the case (210). The isolation structure (180) may isolate the first accommodation space and the second accommodation space such that gas flow is blocked between the first accommodation space in which the first cell block (110) is accommodated and the second accommodation space in which the second cell block (140) is accommodated. Furthermore, the isolation structure (180) may include a plurality of venting channels configured to guide gas in a predetermined direction. For example, the plurality of venting channels of the isolation structure (180) may extend in a vertical direction (e.g., in the Z direction) and may be configured to guide gas in a vertical direction (e.g., in the Z direction) toward a first venting hole (2511) formed in the case (210).

[0059] The isolation structure (180) may include an isolation plate (181), a plurality of first guides (183), a plurality of second guides (185), and a connection plate (187). The isolation plate (181), the plurality of first guides (183), the plurality of second guides (185), and the connection plate (187) form one body and may have the same material composition.

[0060] The isolation plate (181) can isolate between the first receiving space and the second receiving space of the case (210). The isolation plate (181) can have a flat plate shape extending in a first horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction) and a vertical direction (e.g., Z direction).

[0061] A plurality of first guides (183) may extend vertically (e.g., in the Z direction) along a first surface of the isolation plate (181) facing the first cell block (110). Each of the first guides (183) may be a fin-shaped structure protruding from the first surface of the isolation plate (181) toward the first receiving space of the case (210). The plurality of first guides (183) may be spaced apart from each other in a second horizontal direction (e.g., in the X direction) and may extend parallel to each other. The plurality of first guides (183) may define a plurality of first venting channels (184) communicating with the first receiving space. Two first guides (183) that are adjacent in the second horizontal direction (e.g., in the X direction) among the plurality of first guides (183) may define one first venting channel (184) extending vertically (e.g., in the Z direction). The upper portion of each first venting channel (184) is blocked by a connecting plate (187) and / or a first cover plate (211), so that high-temperature gas generated from the first battery cells (111) can be guided to the plurality of first venting channels (184) and flow downward. The width of the first venting channel (184) (i.e., the distance between two neighboring first guides (183) in the second horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction)) may be several to several tens of millimeters. For example, the width of the first venting channel (184) may be between 1 mm and 10 mm, between 2 mm and 9 mm, between 3 mm and 8 mm, or between 4 mm and 7 mm.

[0062] Each of the plurality of first guides (183) may have a step portion (1833) that contacts the step portion (131) of the first end plate (130). The width of each of the first guides (183) along the first horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction) may vary based on the step portion (1833). For example, the width of the upper portion of each of the first guides (183) along the first horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction) may be smaller than the width of the lower portion of each of the first guides (183) along the first horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction).

[0063] A plurality of second guides (185) may extend vertically (e.g., in the Z direction) along a second surface of the isolation plate (181) facing the second cell block (140). Each of the second guides (185) may be a fin-shaped structure protruding from the first surface of the isolation plate (181) toward the second receiving space of the case (210). The plurality of second guides (185) may be spaced apart from each other in a second horizontal direction (e.g., in the X direction) and may extend parallel to each other. The plurality of second guides (185) may define a plurality of second venting channels (186) communicating with the second receiving space. The plurality of second venting channels (186) may be separated or isolated from the plurality of first venting channels (184) by the isolation plate (181). Among the plurality of second guides (185), two second guides (185) adjacent in a second horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) can define one second venting channel (186) extending in a vertical direction (e.g., Z direction). The upper portion of each second venting channel (186) is blocked by a connecting plate (187) and / or a first cover plate (211), so that high-temperature gas generated from the second battery cells (141) can be guided to the plurality of second venting channels (186) and flow downward. The width of the second venting channel (186) (i.e., the distance between two second guides (185) adjacent in the second horizontal direction (e.g., X direction)) can be several to several tens of millimeters. For example, the width of the second venting channel (186) may be between 1 mm and 10 mm, between 2 mm and 9 mm, between 3 mm and 8 mm, or between 4 mm and 7 mm. The width of the first venting channel (184) may be the same as the width of the second venting channel (186).

[0064] Each of the plurality of second guides (185) may have a step portion (1853) that abuts the step portion (161) of the second end plate (160). The width of each of the second guides (185) along the first horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction) may vary based on the step portion (1853). For example, the width of the upper portion of each of the second guides (185) along the first horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction) may be smaller than the width of the lower portion of each of the second guides (185) along the first horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction).

[0065] When viewed from a plan view, the first venting hole (2511) provided in the second cover plate (215) may overlap vertically (e.g., in the Z direction) with each end of the corresponding first guides (183) and each end of the corresponding second guides (185). The first venting hole (2511) may overlap and communicate vertically (e.g., in the Z direction) with the corresponding first venting channels (184) and the corresponding second venting channels (186).

[0066] The connecting plate (187) may be connected to the upper end of the isolation plate (181). The connecting plate (187) may have a flat plate shape extending approximately in a first horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., X direction). The connecting plate (187) may be attached to the first cover plate (211). By attaching the connecting plate (187) to the first cover plate (211), the isolation structure (180) may be fixed to the first cover plate (211). The connecting plate (187) may be connected to an end of each of the plurality of first guides (183) and an end of each of the plurality of second guides (185).

[0067] 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.

[0068] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, since an isolation structure (180) is disposed within a case (210) to isolate adjacent cell blocks, heat transfer between cell blocks can be prevented, and the structural rigidity of the battery assembly (100) can be improved. Furthermore, since the isolation structure (180) has a plurality of venting channels communicating with the venting holes of the case (210), high-temperature gas or flames generated internally can be quickly discharged to the outside. Accordingly, the safety and reliability of the battery assembly (100) including a plurality of cell blocks can be improved.

[0069]

[0070] (Example 2)

[0071] Fig. 6 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 described above will be omitted or simplified.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 6, 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).

[0073] 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 horizontal direction (e.g., an X-direction), and each of the plurality of support structures (515) may extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., a Y-direction). The length of each support structure (515) along the first horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction) may be equal to or greater than the length of the battery assembly (100) along the first horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction).

[0074] 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 horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction) can be provided on the bottom plate (511) 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). A plurality of first battery cells (111) of a first cell block (110) can be arranged in a second horizontal direction (e.g., in the X direction) between a pair of side cover plates (213) supported by a plurality of support structures (515), and a plurality of second battery cells (141) of a second cell block (140) can be arranged in a second horizontal direction (e.g., in the X direction) between a pair of side cover plates (213) supported by a plurality of support structures (515). Since the plurality of first battery cells (111) and the plurality of second battery cells (141) are supported by a pair of side cover plates (213), thickness variations due to swelling of the plurality of first battery cells (111) and thickness variations due to swelling of the plurality of second battery cells (141) can be suppressed.

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

[0076] The battery 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 vertical direction (e.g., in the Z direction). The plurality of support structures (515) may support a pair of side cover plates (213) of the case (210) so that the case (210) is spaced apart from the bottom plate (511) of the pack housing (501). Through the free volume (FV), gas and flame generated in a thermal runaway situation can move. That is, the free volume (FV) becomes a venting passage through which high-temperature gas and flame can move. The above free volume (FV) may be referred to as a venting space.

[0077] The first venting hole (2151 of FIG. 5) and the second venting hole (2153 of FIG. 5) of the second cover plate (215) of the case (210) may be connected to a space (i.e., a free volume (FV)) formed when the case (210) is spaced apart from the bottom plate (511). In the battery pack (500), the battery assembly (100) may have a downward venting structure that vents high-temperature gas downward. High-temperature gas and flame generated inside the battery assembly (100) may be discharged to the free volume (FV) provided between the second cover plate (215) of the case (210) and the bottom plate (511) through the first venting hole (2151) and the second venting hole (2153) of the second cover plate (215) of the case (210). High temperature gas and flame discharged downward from the battery assembly (100) can flow through the free volume (FV) to a venting device (e.g., a relief valve) provided in the lower housing (510) and be discharged to the outside of the battery pack (500) through the venting device.

[0078] In addition, even when a foreign substance is thrown to the bottom of the vehicle and a strong impact occurs in a hard ground driving situation such as an unpaved road, the impact can be absorbed through the free volume (FV). Therefore, the 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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).

[0081] In exemplary embodiments, the upper surface of the battery assembly (100) or the first cover plate (211) of the case (210) may be in close contact with the lower surface of the pack lid (520). For example, the first cover plate (211) of the case (210) may be attached to the pack lid (520) by an adhesive layer. 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 flow 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 on the upper side of the pack lid (520). Accordingly, by bringing the upper surface of the battery assembly (100) and the lower surface of the pack lead (520) into close contact, gas or flame generated inside the battery pack (500) can be guided to the free volume (FV).

[0082]

[0083] (Example 3)

[0084] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an electric vehicle (1000) equipped with a battery pack (1100) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0085] In Fig. 7, for simplicity, only a body frame (1200) forming the lower frame of the vehicle, a battery pack (1100) coupled to the body frame (1200), and driving wheels (1300) mounted on the body frame (1200) are shown. The battery pack (1100) may include the battery pack (500) described with reference to Fig. 7. The battery pack (1100) may be mounted on the body frame (1200) such that the bottom plate (511) of the pack housing (501) faces the ground on which the electric vehicle (1000) runs.

[0086] 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 in FIG. 6) 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 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 side of the vehicle through a gas exhaust unit installed in the battery pack (1100). The gas exhaust unit of the battery pack (1100) may include a relief valve mounted on a side wall (513) of the pack housing (501). 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.

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

[0088] 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. Pack housing; and A battery assembly housed within the 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; A case supported on the pack housing, having a first receiving space for receiving the first cell block and a second receiving space for receiving the second cell block; and An isolation structure including a plurality of venting channels extending in a vertical direction and disposed between the first cell block and the second cell block so as to partition the first receiving space and the second receiving space of the case; Including, The case includes the isolation structure and the first venting hole overlapping in the vertical direction, A battery pack characterized in that the plurality of venting channels of the isolation structure communicate with a venting space provided between the case and the pack housing through the first venting hole of the case.

2. In paragraph 1, The above case is, A first cover plate facing the upper surface of the first cell block and the upper surface of the second cell block; A second cover plate facing the lower surface of the first cell block and the lower surface of the second cell block and having the first venting hole; and A pair of side cover plates spaced horizontally between the first cell block and the second cell block, and each of which is connected to the first cover plate and the second cover plate; Including, The above pack housing, a floor plate spaced apart from the second cover plate with the venting space therebetween; and A plurality of support structures provided on the above floor plate and supporting the pair of side cover plates; Including, A battery pack characterized in that the plurality of support structures support the pair of side cover plates so that the case is spaced apart from the bottom plate of the pack housing.

3. In paragraph 2, A battery pack, characterized in that each of the pair of side cover plates includes a fastening frame fastened to a corresponding support structure among the plurality of support structures.

4. In paragraph 2, The plurality of first battery cells are arranged in the horizontal direction between the pair of side cover plates, A battery pack characterized in that the plurality of second battery cells are arranged in the horizontal direction between the pair of side cover plates.

5. In paragraph 2, The second cover plate further includes a plurality of second venting holes communicating with the venting space, A battery pack, characterized in that the plurality of second venting holes overlap in the vertical direction in the first cell block or the second cell block.

6. In paragraph 2, A battery pack, characterized in that the first cover plate includes a cooling channel configured to allow cooling fluid to flow.

7. In paragraph 6, A battery pack further comprising a thermally conductive adhesive layer that attaches each of the first cell block and the second cell block to the first cover plate.

8. In paragraph 2, The pack housing further includes a pack lead covering the battery assembly, A battery pack, characterized in that the pack lead is in contact with the first cover plate of the case.

9. In paragraph 1, The above isolation structure is, An isolation plate disposed between the first cell block and the second cell block; and A plurality of first guides extending in the vertical direction along the first surface of the isolation plate facing the first cell block; Including, A battery pack, characterized in that the plurality of venting channels include a plurality of first venting channels defined by the plurality of first guides.

10. In paragraph 9, The above isolation structure is, A plurality of second guides extending in the vertical direction along the second surface of the isolation plate facing the second cell block; Including more, A battery pack characterized in that the plurality of venting channels further include a plurality of second venting channels defined by the plurality of second guides.

11. In paragraph 10, A first busbar frame having a first busbar connected to the first cell block; A first end plate covering the first busbar frame; A second busbar frame having a second busbar connected to the second cell block; and A second end plate covering the second busbar frame and spaced apart from the first end plate with the isolation structure interposed therebetween; Including, Each of the plurality of first guides includes a step portion that contacts the step portion of the first end plate, A battery pack characterized in that each of the plurality of second guides includes a step portion that contacts the step portion of the second end plate.

12. In paragraph 9, A battery pack characterized in that the above isolation structure further includes a connection plate connected to the upper end of the isolation plate and attached to the case.

13. Body frame; and A battery pack including a pack housing mounted on the body frame and a battery assembly accommodated within the 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; A case supported on the pack housing, having a first receiving space for receiving the first cell block and a second receiving space for receiving the second cell block; and An isolation structure including a plurality of venting channels extending in a vertical direction and disposed between the first cell block and the second cell block so as to partition the first receiving space and the second receiving space of the case; Including, The case includes the isolation structure and the first venting hole overlapping in the vertical direction, An electric vehicle characterized in that the plurality of venting channels of the isolation structure communicate with a venting space provided between the case and the pack housing through the first venting hole of the case.

14. In paragraph 13, The above case is, A first cover plate facing the upper surface of the first cell block and the upper surface of the second cell block, and including a cooling channel configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow; A second cover plate facing the lower surface of the first cell block and the lower surface of the second cell block and having the first venting hole; and A pair of side cover plates spaced horizontally between the first cell block and the second cell block, and each of which is connected to the first cover plate and the second cover plate; Including, The above pack housing, a floor plate spaced apart from the second cover plate with the venting space therebetween; and A plurality of support structures provided on the above floor plate and supporting the pair of side cover plates; Including, The above plurality of support structures support the pair of side cover plates so that the case is spaced apart from the bottom plate of the pack housing, The plurality of first battery cells are arranged in the horizontal direction between the pair of side cover plates, An electric vehicle, characterized in that the plurality of second battery cells are arranged in the horizontal direction between the pair of side cover plates.

15. In paragraph 13, The above isolation structure is, An isolation plate disposed between the first cell block and the second cell block; A connecting plate connected to the top of the above isolation plate and attached to the case; a plurality of first guides extending in the vertical direction along the first surface of the isolation plate facing the first cell block; and A plurality of second guides extending in the vertical direction along the second surface of the isolation plate facing the second cell block; Including, An electric vehicle, characterized in that the plurality of venting channels include a plurality of first venting channels defined by the plurality of first guides and a plurality of second venting channels defined by the plurality of second guides.

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