Battery cell assembly and battery pack comprising same

Abstract

The technical concept of the present invention provides a battery cell assembly comprising: a cell block comprising a plurality of battery cells; and a case for receiving the cell block therein. The case comprises: an upper cover plate facing the upper surface of the cell block and comprising a first cooling channel configured to enable a first fluid to flow; and a lower cover plate facing the lower surface of the cell block and comprising a venting hole, and a second cooling channel configured to enable a second fluid to flow.

Description

Battery cell assembly and battery pack including the same

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

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2023-0122363, filed September 14, 2023, and all contents of the document in that Republic of Korea Patent Application are incorporated herein by reference.

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

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

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

[0006] In order to solve the above-described problem, the technical idea of ​​the present invention provides a battery cell assembly including a cell block including a plurality of battery cells; and a case accommodating the cell block, wherein the case includes an upper cover plate facing an upper surface of the cell block and including a first cooling channel configured to allow a first fluid to flow; and a lower cover plate facing a lower surface of the cell block and including a venting hole and a second cooling channel configured to allow a second fluid to flow.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, a portion of the lower surface of the cell block is characterized in that it is exposed to the outside through the venting hole of the lower cover plate.

[0008] In exemplary embodiments, the upper cover plate is characterized by further including a venting hole.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, a portion of the upper surface of the cell block is characterized in that it is exposed to the outside through the venting hole of the upper cover plate.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the upper cover plate further includes a protrusion protruding toward one side of the cell block, and further includes a first pipe connected to a first upper port provided on a lower surface of the protrusion of the upper cover plate and configured to transmit the first fluid, wherein the first pipe includes a first portion extending downward from the first upper port of the upper cover plate; a second portion extending from the first portion in a direction intersecting an extension direction of the first portion; and a third portion extending upward from the second portion.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, the invention further comprises a first floor support disposed below the second portion of the first pipe and supporting the second portion of the first pipe.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the invention further comprises a first elastic pad disposed between the second portion of the first pipe and the first floor support.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the upper end of the third portion of the first pipe is characterized in that it is an end of the first pipe and is located below the first upper port of the upper cover plate.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the upper cover plate further includes a second pipe connected to a second upper port provided on the lower surface of the protrusion, and configured to convey the first fluid, wherein one of the first pipe and the second pipe is configured to convey the first fluid supplied from the outside to the first cooling channel of the upper cover plate, and the other of the first pipe and the second pipe is configured to convey the first fluid discharged from the first cooling channel of the upper cover plate to the outside, and the second pipe includes a fourth portion extending downward from the second upper port of the upper cover plate; a fifth portion extending from the fourth portion in a direction intersecting an extending direction of the fourth portion; and a sixth portion extending upward from the fifth portion; wherein an upper end of the sixth portion of the second pipe is an end of the second pipe and is positioned lower than the second upper port of the upper cover plate.

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

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the lower cover plate further includes a protrusion protruding toward one side of the cell block, and an upper surface of the protrusion of the lower cover plate is provided with a first lower port through which the second fluid is introduced and a second lower port through which the second fluid is discharged.

[0017] In exemplary embodiments, the case further comprises a side cover plate facing the side of the cell block, the side cover plate being coupled to the upper cover plate and the lower cover plate and including a fastening flange for fastening to an external support structure.

[0018] In order to solve the above-described problem, the technical idea of ​​the present invention provides a battery pack including a pack housing; and a battery cell assembly including a cell block accommodated in the pack housing and including a plurality of battery cells and a case accommodating the cell block; wherein the case includes an upper cover plate facing an upper surface of the cell block and including a first cooling channel configured to allow a first fluid to flow; and a lower cover plate facing a lower surface of the cell block and including a venting hole and a second cooling channel configured to allow a second fluid to flow.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments, the case further includes a side cover plate facing a side of the cell block, the side cover plate including a fastening flange fastened to a support structure provided on a bottom wall of the pack housing, the lower cover plate of the battery cell assembly being spaced apart from the bottom wall of the pack housing with a first space therebetween, and the lower surface of the cell block being exposed toward the first space through the venting hole.

[0020] In exemplary embodiments, the upper cover plate further includes a protrusion protruding toward one side of the cell block, and the battery cell assembly is characterized in that it further includes a first pipe connected to a first upper port provided on a lower surface of the protrusion of the upper cover plate and configured to transfer the first fluid provided from the outside to the first cooling channel; and a second pipe connected to a second upper port provided on the lower surface of the protrusion of the upper cover plate and configured to transfer the first fluid discharged from the first cooling channel to the outside.

[0021] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the battery cell assembly has a multi-faceted cooling structure that simultaneously cools multiple surfaces of the battery cell assembly, thereby reducing heat generation and temperature variations between battery cells. Ultimately, the temperatures of the battery cells and battery cell assembly can be more uniformly controlled. Consequently, the safety and reliability of the battery cell assembly and the battery pack including the battery cell assembly can be improved.

[0022] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a case of a battery cell assembly is provided with a venting hole for discharging high-temperature gas or flames, thereby ensuring safety in a thermal runaway event situation.

[0023] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a cooling plate provided in a case of a battery cell assembly has a cooling function for the battery cells and a high-temperature gas exhaust function through a venting hole, so that thermal propagation can be effectively delayed and suppressed in a thermal propagation event situation, and ultimately, the safety and reliability of the battery cell assembly and the battery pack including the same can be improved.

[0024] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the battery cell assembly has a multi-faceted cooling structure and venting function, thereby mitigating the temperature rise of the battery cells during rapid charging. Accordingly, derating issues caused by the temperature rise of the battery cells can be mitigated or prevented, and customer demands for shorter rapid charging times can be satisfied.

[0025] 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.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating a flow path of a first fluid within the upper cover plate of the battery cell assembly of FIG. 1.

[0030] FIG. 5a is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating a flow path of a second fluid within the lower cover plate of the battery cell assembly of FIG. 1.

[0031] FIG. 5b is a cross-sectional view showing the lower cover plate of the battery cell assembly of FIG. 1.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a first pipe of the battery cell assembly of FIG. 1.

[0033] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a second pipe of the battery cell assembly of Fig. 1.

[0034] FIG. 8 is a side view schematically illustrating a portion of the battery cell assembly of FIG. 1.

[0035] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an electric vehicle equipped with a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042]

[0043] (Example 1)

[0044] FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views illustrating a battery cell assembly (100) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the battery cell assembly (100) when viewed from different directions. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery cell assembly (100) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating a flow path of a first fluid within an upper cover plate (120) of the battery cell assembly (100) of FIG. 1. FIG. 5A is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating a flow path of a second fluid within a lower cover plate (140) of the battery cell assembly (100) of FIG. 1. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a lower cover plate (140) of the battery cell assembly (100) of FIG. 1.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5B, the battery cell assembly (100) may include a cell block (110), an upper cover plate (120), side cover plates (130), a lower cover plate (140), and end plates (170). The upper cover plate (120), side cover plates (130), and lower cover plate (140) may form a case (CA) of the battery cell assembly (100) surrounding the cell block (110).

[0046] A cell block (110) may include a plurality of battery cells (111). Each battery cell (111) is a basic unit of a lithium ion battery, i.e., a secondary battery. Each battery cell (111) may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a cell case. The electrode assembly provided in 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.

[0047] A plurality of battery cells (111) may be connected in series and / or in parallel. For example, a plurality of battery cells (111) may be connected in series with each other. For example, a plurality of battery cells (111) may also be connected in parallel with each other. For example, when a set of two or more battery cells (111) connected in parallel with each other is defined as a bank, one bank composed of two or more battery cells (111) connected in parallel with each other and another bank composed of two or more battery cells (111) connected in parallel with each other may be connected in series.

[0048] Each battery cell (111) may correspond to a pouch-type battery cell, a cylindrical battery cell, or a square battery cell. The electrode assembly of the pouch-type battery cell is housed in a pouch case including an aluminum laminate sheet. The electrode assembly of the cylindrical battery cell is housed in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of the square battery cell is housed in a square metal can.

[0049] In exemplary embodiments, each battery cell (111) corresponds to a pouch-type battery cell, and a plurality of battery cells (111) within one battery cell assembly (100) may be stacked one upon another in a first direction (X direction). In exemplary embodiments, in each battery cell assembly (100), the plurality of battery cells (111) correspond to pouch-type battery cells, each having a length along the first direction (X direction) that is smaller than a length along the second direction (Y direction), and the plurality of battery cells (111) may be stacked in the first direction (X direction).

[0050] When viewed from a plane, the cell block (110) may have a rectangular shape in which a length along the first direction (X direction) is smaller than a length along the second direction (Y direction). In this case, the cell block (110) may have two sides (i.e., a first side and a second side) that are opposite to each other in the first direction (X direction), a front and a back that are opposite to each other in the second direction (Y direction), and an upper surface and a lower surface that are opposite to each other in the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0051] A busbar frame on which a busbar is mounted may be arranged on each of the front and rear sides of the cell block (110). A plurality of busbars may be mounted on the busbar frame on the front side of the cell block (110), and a plurality of busbars may be mounted on the busbar frame on the rear side of the cell block (110).

[0052] End plates (170) may be arranged on the front and rear sides of the cell block (110), respectively. The end plate (170) on the front side of the cell block (110) may cover the bus bar frame arranged on the front side of the cell block (110), and the end plate (170) on the rear side of the cell block (110) may cover the bus bar frame arranged on the rear side of the cell block (110).

[0053] The busbar may be connected to the electrode leads of the battery cells (111). For example, the busbar may be connected to the electrode leads of the battery cells (111) by welding. For example, the individual busbars may be inter-busbars that are connected to electrode leads of different battery cells (111) belonging to the cell block (110) to electrically connect different battery cells (111). For example, the individual busbars may be terminal busbars that electrically connect a battery cell assembly (100) to another battery cell assembly (100) or to another electrical device.

[0054] In exemplary embodiments, the battery cell assembly (100) may include a single cell block (110). In exemplary embodiments, the battery cell assembly (100) may include a cell block array composed of a plurality of cell blocks (110) arranged in a second direction (Y direction). For example, the battery cell assembly (100) may include two cell blocks (110) arranged in the second direction (Y direction). As an example, the battery cell assembly (100) may include a first cell block and a second cell block that are spaced apart from each other in the second direction (Y direction) within a case (CA) and are electrically connected to each other.

[0055] The upper cover plate (120) may face the upper surface of the cell block (110). The upper cover plate (120) may at least partially cover the upper surface of the cell block (110). The upper cover plate (120) may be coupled to the upper portions of each of the two side cover plates (130) arranged on both sides of the cell block (110). For example, one side of the upper cover plate (120) may be coupled to the upper portion of one side cover plate (130) through welding, and the other side of the upper cover plate (120) may be coupled to the upper portion of the other side cover plate (130) through welding.

[0056] The upper cover plate (120) can be attached to the upper surface of the cell block (110) and thermally coupled to the cell block (110). For example, the upper cover plate (120) can be attached to the upper surface of the cell block (110) via a thermally conductive adhesive layer interposed between the upper cover plate (120) and the upper surface of the cell block (110). For example, the thermally conductive adhesive layer can include a thermal interface material (TIM).

[0057] The upper cover plate (120) may have a first cooling channel (123) configured to allow a first fluid to flow therethrough and configured to cool the cell block (110). The first cooling channel (123) may define a passage for the first fluid. The first cooling channel (123) may have a single path extending from its inlet to its outlet. Cooling of the battery cell assembly (100) may be performed while the first fluid flows along the first cooling channel (123). For example, the upper cover plate (120) may be manufactured by bonding two plates, and the first cooling channel (123) may include a space defined between the two plates. That is, the first cooling channel (123) may be located within the upper cover plate (120). The first fluid may include a coolant or a refrigerant. The first fluid may be a first cooling fluid.

[0058] The upper cover plate (120) may include a first upper port (1231) to which a first pipe (150) is connected and a second upper port (1233) to which a second pipe (160) is connected. One of the first upper port (1231) and the second upper port (1233) of the upper cover plate (120) may include an inlet of a first cooling channel (123) through which a first fluid flows in, and the other may include an outlet of the first cooling channel (123) through which the first fluid flows out. As illustrated in FIG. 4, both the first upper port (1231) and the second upper port (1233) of the upper cover plate (120) are located on the same side of the upper cover plate (120). That is, the inlet and outlet of the first fluid are located on the same side of the upper cover plate (120). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first upper port (1231) and the second upper port (1233) of the upper cover plate (120) may be located on different sides of the upper cover plate (120), for example, on opposite sides of the upper cover plate (120) in the longitudinal direction of the upper cover plate (120) (i.e., opposite sides in the Y-axis direction). That is, the inlet and outlet of the first fluid may be located on different sides of the upper cover plate (120), for example, on opposite sides of the upper cover plate (120).

[0059] In exemplary embodiments, the first upper port (1231) of the upper cover plate (120) may include an inlet of the first cooling channel (123), and the second upper port (1233) of the upper cover plate (120) may include an outlet of the first cooling channel (123). A first fluid provided from an external cooling fluid supply unit (CS) may be delivered to the inlet (159) of the first pipe (150) through the flow path of the first delivery pipe (301), and may flow along the flow path (157) of the first pipe (150), the first upper port (1231) of the upper cover plate (120), the first cooling channel (123), the second upper port (1233) of the upper cover plate (120), and the flow path (167) of the second pipe (160). Thereafter, the first fluid is discharged through the outlet (169) of the second pipe (160) to the second delivery pipe (302) and can be recovered to the external cooling fluid supply (CS) through the second delivery pipe (302).

[0060] The upper cover plate (120) may include a protrusion (120p) protruding from the cell block (110) to one side. For example, the protrusion (120p) of the upper cover plate (120) may protrude in a second direction (Y direction) from the front surface of the cell block (110). The first upper port (1231) and the second upper port (1233) of the upper cover plate (120) may both be disposed on the protrusion (120p) of the upper cover plate (120). The first upper port (1231) and the second upper port (1233) of the upper cover plate (120) may both be disposed on the lower surface of the protrusion (120p) of the upper cover plate (120).

[0061] One of the two side cover plates (130) may cover a first side of the cell block (110), and the other may cover a second side of the cell block (110). The battery cell assembly (100) may be fastened to an external pack housing (501 in FIG. 9) in a side-mounting manner. For example, each side cover plate (130) may include one or more fastening flanges (139) protruding in a first direction (X direction). The fastening flange (139) may include a fastening hole through which a fastening member, such as a bolt, passes. The fastening flange (139) may be fastened and supported to a support structure of the pack housing (501) by a fastening member, such as a bolt.

[0062] The lower cover plate (140) is arranged to face the lower surface of the cell block (110) and can at least partially cover the lower surface of the cell block (110). The lower cover plate (140) can be joined to the lower portions of each of the two side cover plates (130) arranged on both sides of the cell block (110). For example, one side of the lower cover plate (140) can be joined to the lower portion of one side cover plate (130) through welding, and the other side of the lower cover plate (140) can be joined to the lower portion of the other side cover plate (130) through welding. The lower cover plate (140), the upper cover plate (120), and the side cover plates (130) together can form a case (CA) that surrounds four surfaces of the cell block (110) (e.g., the upper surface, the lower surface, the first side, and the second side of the cell block (110).

[0063] The lower cover plate (140) can be attached to the lower surface of the cell block (110) and thermally coupled to the cell block (110). For example, the lower cover plate (140) can be attached to the lower surface of the cell block (110) via a thermally conductive adhesive layer interposed between the lower cover plate (140) and the lower surface of the cell block (110). For example, the thermally conductive adhesive layer can include TIM.

[0064] The lower cover plate (140) may have a second cooling channel (143) configured to allow a second fluid to flow therethrough and configured to cool the cell block (110). The second cooling channel (143) may define a passage for the second fluid. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, the second cooling channel (143) may be located within the lower cover plate (140). The second cooling channel (143) may have a single path extending from its inlet to its outlet. Cooling of the battery cell assembly (100) may be performed while the second fluid flows along the second cooling channel (143). The second fluid may include a coolant or a refrigerant. The second fluid may be a second cooling fluid. The second fluid may be the same as or different from the first fluid.

[0065] The lower cover plate (140) may include a first lower port (1431) and a second lower port (1433). Either the first lower port (1431) or the second lower port (1433) of the lower cover plate (140) may include an inlet of a second cooling channel (143) through which a second fluid flows in, and the other may include an outlet of the second cooling channel (143) through which the second fluid flows out. In exemplary embodiments, the first lower port (1431) of the lower cover plate (140) may include an inlet of the second cooling channel (143), and the second lower port (1433) of the lower cover plate (140) may include an outlet of the second cooling channel (143). The second fluid supplied from the external cooling fluid supply unit (CS) is delivered to the first lower port (1431) of the lower cover plate (140) through the passage of the third delivery pipe (303) and can flow from the first lower port (1431) to the second lower port (1433) along the second cooling channel (143). The second fluid discharged from the lower cover plate (140) can be recovered to the external cooling fluid supply unit (CS) through the fourth delivery pipe (304).

[0066] The lower cover plate (140) may include a protrusion (140p) protruding from the cell block (110) to one side. For example, the protrusion (140p) of the lower cover plate (140) may protrude in a second direction (Y direction) from the front surface of the cell block (110). The first lower port (1431) and the second lower port (1433) of the lower cover plate (140) may both be disposed on the protrusion (140p) of the lower cover plate (140). The first lower port (1431) and the second lower port (1433) of the lower cover plate (140) may both be disposed on the upper surface of the protrusion (140p) of the lower cover plate (140).

[0067] The lower cover plate (140) may include a venting hole (149) for exhausting high-temperature gas originating from the cell block (110) to a space below the cell block (110). The lower cover plate (140) may include a plurality of venting holes (149) arranged in a first direction (X direction) and a second direction (Y direction). A portion of the lower surface of the cell block (110) may be exposed to the outside of the battery cell assembly (100) through the plurality of venting holes (149) of the lower cover plate (140). As illustrated in FIG. 5b, the venting holes (149) may be arranged such that a second cooling channel (143) is positioned between the venting holes (149).

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

[0069] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a venting hole is provided in the case (CA) of the battery cell assembly (100) to discharge high-temperature gas or flames, thereby ensuring safety in a thermal runaway event situation.

[0070] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a cooling plate (e.g., a lower cover plate (140)) provided in a case (CA) of a battery cell assembly (100) has a cooling function for the battery cells (111) and a high-temperature gas exhaust function through a venting hole, thereby effectively delaying and suppressing thermal propagation. Accordingly, the safety and reliability of the battery cell assembly (100) and a battery pack including the same can be improved.

[0071] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the battery cell assembly (100) has a multi-faceted cooling structure and a venting function, thereby mitigating the temperature rise of the battery cell (111) during rapid charging. Accordingly, the derating issue caused by the temperature rise of the battery cell (111) can be reduced or prevented, and customer demands for a shortened rapid charging time can be satisfied.

[0072] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a first pipe (150) of the battery cell assembly (100) of Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a second pipe (160) of the battery cell assembly (100) of Fig. 1. Fig. 8 is a side view schematically showing a part of the battery cell assembly (100) of Fig. 1.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8 together with FIGS. 1 to 5b, the first pipe (150) may be connected to the first upper port (1231) of the upper cover plate (120), and the second pipe (160) may be connected to the second upper port (1233) of the upper cover plate (120). In exemplary embodiments, the first pipe (150) may be welded to the first upper port (1231) of the upper cover plate (120), and the second pipe (160) may be welded to the second upper port (1233) of the upper cover plate (120). The first pipe (150) may be a supply pipe configured to supply a first fluid provided from the outside to the first cooling channel (123) of the upper cover plate (120), and the second pipe (160) may be a discharge pipe configured to discharge a first fluid discharged from the first cooling channel (123) of the upper cover plate (120) to the outside.

[0074] The first pipe (150) can receive the first fluid provided from an external cooling fluid supply unit (CS) through the first delivery pipe (301) and deliver the first fluid to the first upper port (1231) of the upper cover plate (120). The first pipe (150) can provide a single flow path (157) extending from one end connected to the first delivery pipe (301) to the other end connected to the first upper port (1231) of the upper cover plate (120).

[0075] When viewed from the side, the first pipe (150) may have a generally U-shape. More specifically, the first pipe (150) may include a first portion (151) extending downward from a first upper port (1231) of the upper cover plate (120), a second portion (153) extending from the first portion (151) in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the first portion (151), and a third portion (155) extending upward from the second portion (153). An outlet (158) connected to the first upper port (1231) of the upper cover plate (120) may be provided at an upper end of the first portion (151) of the first pipe (150), and an inlet (159) through which a first fluid provided from the outside flows in may be provided at an upper end of the third portion (155) of the first pipe (150). The upper end of the third portion (155) of the first pipe (150) may be the end of the first pipe (150). The first pipe (150) may be attached to the lower surface of the upper cover plate (120), and the first pipe (150) may be entirely below the upper cover plate (120).

[0076] The second pipe (160) discharges the first fluid discharged from the upper cover plate (120) to the second delivery pipe (302), and the first fluid can be delivered to an external cooling fluid supply (CS) through the second delivery pipe (302). The second pipe (160) can provide a single flow path (167) extending from one end connected to the second delivery pipe (302) to the other end connected to the second upper port (1233) of the upper cover plate (120).

[0077] When viewed from the side, the second pipe (160) may have a generally U-shape. More specifically, the second pipe (160) may include a fourth portion (161) extending downward from the second upper port (1233) of the upper cover plate (120), a fifth portion (163) extending from the fourth portion (161) in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the fourth portion (161), and a sixth portion (165) extending upward from the fifth portion (163). An inlet (168) connected to the second upper port (1233) of the upper cover plate (120) may be provided at an upper end of the fourth portion (161) of the second pipe (160), and an outlet (169) for discharging the first fluid may be provided at an upper end of the sixth portion (165) of the second pipe (160). The upper end of the sixth portion (165) of the second pipe (160) may be the end of the second pipe (160). The second pipe (160) may be attached to the lower surface of the upper cover plate (120), and the entire second pipe (160) may be below the upper cover plate (120).

[0078] A technical advantage of the roughly U-shaped first pipe (150) and / or second pipe (160) is that the battery cell assembly (100) can be more easily installed in its final location, such as in the electric vehicle (1000) of FIG. 11. For example, when the battery cell assembly (100) is mounted in the electric vehicle (1000) of FIG. 11, it can be seen that the connection between the pipe supplying the first fluid and the first pipe (150) and the connection between the pipe discharging the first fluid and the second pipe (160) are made in the area above the battery cell assembly (100). That is, the area below the battery cell assembly (100) is generally inaccessible to a vehicle assembly technician because it is blocked by the body frame (1200). Therefore, the technician reaches down from the area above the battery cell assembly (100) to make the connection between the pipes. The U-shape of the first pipe (150) and / or the second pipe (160) causes both the inlet (159) and the outlet (169) to face upward along the vertical axis. Therefore, the U-shape of the first pipe (150) and / or the second pipe (160) facilitates the manufacturing process of a vehicle having a battery cell assembly (100).

[0079] The battery cell assembly (100) may include a first bottom support (181) for supporting the first pipe (150) and a second bottom support (185) for supporting the second pipe (160). The first bottom support (181) and the second bottom support (185) may be provided on an end plate (170) at a front side of the cell block (110). In exemplary embodiments, the first bottom support (181) and the second bottom support (185) may each be a portion of the end plate (170). The first bottom support (181) may be disposed below the second portion (153) of the first pipe (150) and may support a lower portion of the second portion (153) of the first pipe (150). The second floor support (185) is positioned below the fifth part (163) of the second pipe (160) and can support the lower part of the fifth part (163) of the second pipe (160).

[0080] In exemplary embodiments, a first elastic pad (191) may be provided between the first floor support (181) and the second portion (153) of the first pipe (150). In exemplary embodiments, a second elastic pad (193) may be provided between the second floor support (185) and the fifth portion (163) of the second pipe (160).

[0081] The battery cell assembly (100) may include a first side support (183) for supporting a side of a first pipe (150) and a second side support for supporting a side of a second pipe (160). The first side support (183) and the second side support may each be a part of an end plate (170). The first side support (183) may contact and support a side of a first portion (151) of the first pipe (150). The first portion (151) of the first pipe (150) may be fitted into a groove provided by the first side support (183). The second side support may contact and support a side of a fourth portion (161) of the second pipe (160). The fourth portion (161) of the second pipe (160) may be fitted into a groove provided by the second side support.

[0082] The position (H2) of the upper end of the third part (155) of the first pipe (150) along the vertical direction (Z direction) may be lower than the position (H1) of the lower end of the upper cover plate (120) along the vertical direction (Z direction). Similarly, the position (H1) of the sixth part (165) of the second pipe (160) along the vertical direction (Z direction) may be lower than the position (H1) of the lower end of the upper cover plate (120) along the vertical direction (Z direction). If the pipes for conveying the first fluid are attached on the upper surface of the upper cover plate (120), the total thickness of the battery cell assembly (100) may increase, and the space occupied by each battery cell assembly (100) may increase, thereby reducing the energy density of the battery pack. However, according to embodiments, since the first pipe (150) and the second pipe (160) are each entirely below the upper cover plate (120), a battery cell assembly (100) having a cooling function can be provided without an issue of reduced energy density.

[0083] In addition, in the embodiments, the first pipe (150) is attached to the lower surface of the upper cover plate (120), and the first bottom support (181) can support the lower portion of the first pipe (150). When the valve (321) is mounted on the end of the first pipe (150), an external force applied to the end of the first pipe (150) causes the first pipe (150) to rotate about the joint between the first pipe (150) and the upper cover plate (120), and the rotation of the first pipe (150) may cause breakage and damage to the joint (e.g., welding area) between the first pipe (150) and the upper cover plate (120).

[0084] However, according to embodiments of the present invention, the first bottom support (181) can support the lower portion of the first pipe (150), thereby preventing the rotation of the first pipe (150) due to an external force applied when the valve (321) is mounted on the end of the first pipe (150). Similarly, the second bottom support (185) can support the lower portion of the second pipe (160), thereby preventing the rotation of the second pipe (160) due to an external force applied when the valve is mounted on the end of the second pipe (160). According to embodiments, the reliability of the joint between the pipes for supplying and discharging the first fluid (i.e., the first pipe (150) and the second pipe (160)) and the cooling plate (i.e., the upper cover plate (120)) can be improved. Therefore, the reliability of the cooling performance of the battery cell assembly (100) can be increased, and the safety and reliability of the battery cell assembly (100) can be improved.

[0085]

[0086] (Example 2)

[0087] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery cell assembly (100A) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Hereinafter, the battery cell assembly (100A) of FIG. 9 will be described, focusing on differences from the battery cell assembly (100) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5b.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 9, the upper cover plate (120A) may include a venting hole (129) for exhausting high-temperature gas originating from the cell block (110) to an external space outside the cell block (110). The upper cover plate (120A) may include a plurality of venting holes (129) arranged in a first direction (X direction) and a second direction (Y direction). A portion of the upper surface of the cell block (110) may be exposed to the outside of the battery cell assembly (100A) through the plurality of venting holes (129) of the upper cover plate (120A).

[0089]

[0090] (Example 3)

[0091] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack (500) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 10, a battery pack (500) may include a pack housing (501) and a battery cell assembly (100) mounted on the pack housing (501). The battery pack (500) may include one or more battery cell assemblies (100) mounted on the pack housing (501). In exemplary embodiments, the battery pack (500) may include two or more battery cell assemblies (100) arranged in a first direction (X direction).

[0093] The pack housing (501) may include a lower housing (510) having a receiving space in which a battery cell assembly (100) is received, and a pack lid (520) coupled to the lower housing (510) to cover the lower housing (510) in which the battery cell assembly (100) is received. The receiving space of the lower housing (510) may be defined by a bottom wall (511) facing a lower surface of a cell block (110) of an individual battery cell assembly (100), and a side wall (513) extending along a perimeter of the bottom wall (511).

[0094] 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).

[0095] The battery cell assembly (100) can be mounted on the pack housing (501) in a side-mounting manner. More specifically, the fastening flanges (139) of individual side cover plates can be fastened and supported to corresponding support structures (515) among the support structures (515) provided on the lower housing (510) via bolts (BT).

[0096] A free volume (FV) may be provided between the bottom wall (511) of the lower housing (510) and the battery cell assembly (100). The free volume (FV) may be understood as an empty space between each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (100) and the lower housing (510). The free volume (FV) may also be referred to as a space, a buffer space, or a venting space. The lower cover plate (140) of each battery cell assembly (100) may be spaced apart from the bottom wall (511) of the lower housing (510) with the free volume (FV) therebetween. The lower surface of the cell block (110) may be exposed toward the free volume (FV) through the venting hole (149) of the lower cover plate (140). Gas and flame generated in a thermal runaway situation may move through the free volume (FV). That is, the free volume (FV) becomes a venting passage through which high-temperature gas and flame may move.

[0097] In addition, even when a foreign substance is thrown to the bottom of the vehicle and a strong impact occurs in a hard ground driving situation such as an unpaved road, the impact can be absorbed through the free volume (FV). Therefore, the plurality of battery cell assemblies (100) can be prevented from being damaged by the impact. When the lower housing (510) is deformed toward the battery cell assembly (100) due to an impact applied to the bottom of the vehicle, the free volume (FV) can be used as a space to allow the deformation of the lower housing (510) to a certain extent.

[0098] The height of the free volume (FV) and the distance between the bottom wall of the lower housing (510) and the battery cell assembly (100) can be determined to a level that can sufficiently absorb external impact. The height of the free volume (FV) can be determined in consideration of the dimensions and rigidity of the vehicle frame, the dimensions and rigidity of the lower housing (510), the dimensions of the battery pack (500), the amount of gas generated and the discharge speed during thermal runaway, etc. For example, when the thickness or rigidity of the bottom wall of the vehicle frame or the lower housing (510) is relatively large, at least one of the size and height of the free volume (FV) can be relatively reduced. In addition, when the thickness or rigidity of the bottom wall of the vehicle frame or the lower housing (510) is relatively small, the possibility of deformation of the bottom wall of the lower housing (510) is high, and therefore, in order to protect the battery cell assembly (100), at least one of the size and height of the free volume (FV) can be relatively increased. In addition, when the size of the battery pack (500) is relatively large due to the battery pack (500) specifications, a relatively large free volume (FV) can be secured. When the size of the battery pack (500) is relatively small, the height of the free volume (FV) that can be secured may be relatively small, and the thickness and rigidity of the bottom wall of the lower housing (510) may need to be relatively increased. In addition, when the height of the free volume (FV) is too small, the gas discharge passage becomes small, and the pressure inside the battery pack (500) may rapidly increase in the event of thermal runaway. Therefore, the size and height of the free volume (FV) can be determined by considering the amount of gas generated and the discharge speed.

[0099] The maximum height of the free volume (FV) may be determined depending on the degree of damage to the battery cell (111) included in the battery cell assembly (100). For example, if the damage tolerance of the battery cell (111) is 1 mm, the free volume (FV) may be determined such that the battery cell (111) is not deformed by more than 1 mm when the lower housing (510) is deformed and presses the lower surface of the battery cell (111). In this case, the amount of deformation of the lower housing (510) may vary depending on the thickness or rigidity of the lower housing (510). Therefore, the size or height of the free volume (FV) may be determined by considering both the damage tolerance of the battery cell (111) and the thickness and rigidity of the lower housing (510).

[0100] In exemplary embodiments, the upper surface of the battery cell assembly (100) may be in close contact with the lower surface of the pack lid (520). If there is a space between the battery cell assembly (100) and the pack lid (520), during thermal runaway, high-temperature gas may be introduced into the space between one battery cell assembly (100) and the pack lid (520), and heat and flame may be transmitted to another adjacent battery cell assembly (100). In addition, there is a concern that heat and flame may be transmitted to the pack lid (520), affecting the cabin room located above the pack lid (520). Therefore, by making the upper surface of the battery cell assembly (100) and the lower surface of the pack lid (520) in close contact, gas or flame generated inside the battery pack (500) may be guided to the free volume (FV).

[0101]

[0102] (Example 4)

[0103] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an electric vehicle (1000) equipped with a battery pack (1100) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0104] In Fig. 11, for simplicity, only the body frame (1200) forming the lower skeleton of the vehicle, and the battery pack (1100) and tires coupled to the body frame (1200) are shown. For example, the battery pack (1100) may include the battery pack (500) described with reference to Fig. 10.

[0105] In a typical battery pack, battery cell assemblies are installed at the bottom of the pack housing of the battery pack. In embodiments, a free volume (see FV of FIG. 10) may be provided at the bottom of the battery cell assemblies (100) of the battery pack (1100). By bringing the battery cell assembly (100) and the pack lid (520) into close contact with each other, gas generated from the battery cell assembly (100) may be guided to the free volume (FV) rather than to the cabin room of the vehicle. The gas is guided to the free volume (FV) provided in the battery cell assembly (100) and the pack housing of the battery pack (1100). The gas may flow through the free volume (FV) and be discharged to the lower and side of the vehicle through a gas exhaust unit installed in the battery pack (1100). In addition, according to the present embodiments, since a free volume (FV) is provided between the battery cell assembly (100) and the pack housing within the battery pack (1100), the battery cell assembly (100) can be prevented from being damaged even if the pack housing is deformed.

[0106] According to embodiments of the present invention, a battery pack (1100) and an electric vehicle (1000) equipped therewith can enhance passenger safety. Furthermore, the battery cell assembly (100), a core component, can be protected, and the durability of the battery pack (1100) and the electric vehicle (1000) can be improved.

[0107] The present invention has been described in more detail through drawings and examples. However, the configurations described in the drawings or examples described in this specification are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modified examples may exist as of the time of this application.

Claims

1. A cell block comprising a plurality of battery cells; and A case accommodating the above cell block; The above case is, An upper cover plate facing the upper surface of the cell block and including a first cooling channel configured to allow a first fluid to flow; and A lower cover plate facing the lower surface of the cell block and including a venting hole and a second cooling channel configured to allow a second fluid to flow; A battery cell assembly comprising:

2. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly characterized in that a portion of the lower surface of the cell block is exposed to the outside through the venting hole of the lower cover plate.

3. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the upper cover plate further includes a venting hole.

4. In paragraph 3, A battery cell assembly characterized in that a portion of the upper surface of the cell block is exposed to the outside through the venting hole of the upper cover plate.

5. In paragraph 1, The upper cover plate further includes a protrusion protruding toward one side of the cell block, Further comprising a first pipe connected to a first upper port provided on the lower surface of the protrusion of the upper cover plate and configured to transmit the first fluid; The above first pipe, A first portion extending downward from the first upper port of the upper cover plate; A second portion extending from the first portion in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the first portion; and A third portion extending upward from the second portion; A battery cell assembly comprising:

6. In paragraph 5, A first floor support disposed below the second portion of the first pipe and supporting the second portion of the first pipe; A battery cell assembly characterized by further comprising:

7. In paragraph 6, A battery cell assembly further comprising a first elastic pad disposed between the second portion of the first pipe and the first floor support.

8. In paragraph 5, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the upper end of the third portion of the first pipe is an end of the first pipe and is located below the first upper port of the upper cover plate.

9. In paragraph 5, Further comprising a second pipe connected to a second upper port provided on the lower surface of the protrusion of the upper cover plate and configured to transmit the first fluid; One of the first pipe and the second pipe is configured to transfer the first fluid supplied from the outside to the first cooling channel of the upper cover plate, and the other of the first pipe and the second pipe is configured to transfer the first fluid discharged from the first cooling channel of the upper cover plate to the outside. The above second pipe, A fourth portion extending downward from the second upper port of the upper cover plate; A fifth portion extending from the fourth portion in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the fourth portion; and A sixth portion extending upward from the fifth portion; Including, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the upper end of the sixth portion of the second pipe is an end of the second pipe and is located below the second upper port of the upper cover plate.

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

11. In paragraph 1, The lower cover plate further includes a protrusion protruding toward one side of the cell block, A battery cell assembly characterized in that a first lower port through which the second fluid flows in and a second lower port through which the second fluid flows out are provided on the upper surface of the protrusion of the lower cover plate.

12. In paragraph 1, The case further includes a side cover plate facing the side of the cell block, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the side cover plate is coupled to the upper cover plate and the lower cover plate and includes a fastening flange for fastening to an external support structure.

13. Pack housing; and A battery cell assembly, which is accommodated in the pack housing and includes a cell block including a plurality of battery cells and a case accommodating the cell block; Including, The above case is, An upper cover plate facing the upper surface of the cell block and including a first cooling channel configured to allow a first fluid to flow; and A lower cover plate facing the lower surface of the cell block and including a venting hole and a second cooling channel configured to allow a second fluid to flow; Battery pack containing.

14. In paragraph 13, The case further includes a side cover plate facing the side of the cell block, The above side cover plate includes a fastening flange fastened to a support structure provided on the bottom wall of the pack housing, The lower cover plate of the battery cell assembly is spaced apart from the bottom wall of the pack housing with a first space therebetween, A battery pack characterized in that the lower surface of the cell block is exposed toward the first space through the venting hole.

15. In paragraph 13, The upper cover plate further includes a protrusion protruding toward one side of the cell block, The above battery cell assembly, A first pipe connected to a first upper port provided on the lower surface of the protrusion of the upper cover plate and configured to transfer the first fluid provided from the outside to the first cooling channel; and A second pipe connected to a second upper port provided on the lower surface of the protrusion of the upper cover plate and configured to transfer the first fluid discharged from the first cooling channel to the outside; A battery pack characterized by further including:

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