Battery assembly and battery pack comprising same

Abstract

The technical idea of the present invention provides a battery assembly, comprising: a separation structure including a plurality of cell accommodation spaces separated from each other in a first direction; a plurality of battery cells accommodated in the plurality of cell accommodation spaces of the separation structure; and a fastening frame attached to the outermost battery cell in the first direction from among the plurality of battery cells and fastened to an external support structure, wherein the separation structure comprises: a plurality of separation plates spaced apart from each other in the first direction to define the plurality of cell accommodation spaces; and a cover plate covering the plurality of cell accommodation spaces and connected to the plurality of separation plates, and each of the plurality of separation plates includes a hollow portion therein.

Description

Battery assembly and battery pack including same

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

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2023-0150477, filed on November 3, 2023, and Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2024-0145530, filed on October 23, 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, 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 assembly and a battery pack including the same.

[0006] In order to solve the above-described problem, the technical idea of ​​the present invention provides a battery assembly including a separation structure including a plurality of cell accommodation spaces separated from each other in a first direction; and a plurality of battery cells accommodated in the plurality of cell accommodation spaces of the separation structure; wherein the separation structure includes a plurality of separator plates spaced apart from each other in the first direction to define the plurality of cell accommodation spaces; and a cover plate covering the plurality of cell accommodation spaces and connected to the plurality of separator plates; wherein each of the plurality of separator plates includes a hollow portion therein.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of separating plates are each characterized by including: a pair of side plates spaced apart in the first direction to define the hollow portion; and a plurality of ribs extending between the pair of side plates.

[0008] In exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of ribs is characterized in that it extends obliquely with respect to the first direction.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of ribs separate the hollow portion into a plurality of sub-spaces, some of which are configured to allow cooling fluid to flow.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the separation structure comprises a plurality of unit separation structures arranged in the first direction, each of the plurality of unit separation structures comprising a unit cover plate that is part of the separation plate and the cover plate.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, the unit cover plates included in adjacent unit separation structures among the plurality of unit separation structures are characterized in that they are connected to each other.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of battery cells is characterized in that it is attached to a corresponding separator among the plurality of separators.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of cell receiving spaces are each characterized by receiving two battery cells spaced apart with a pad therebetween.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the lower surface of each of the plurality of battery cells is characterized in that it is not covered by the separating structure and is exposed to the outside of the separating structure.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the separation structure further includes a plurality of venting channels separated in the first direction by the plurality of separating plates, wherein the plurality of venting channels are each provided on a corresponding cell accommodation space among the plurality of cell accommodation spaces, and the plurality of venting channels are characterized in that they extend in the second direction to guide gas in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, adjacent venting channels among the plurality of venting channels and adjacent cell accommodation spaces among the plurality of cell accommodation spaces are characterized in that they are separated by corresponding separators among the plurality of separators.

[0017] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of venting channels each extend in the second direction from a first end to a second end, and the battery assembly further includes a blocking plate blocking the first end of each of the plurality of venting channels, wherein within each of the plurality of venting channels, gas flows in a venting direction from the first end toward the second end.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the present invention further comprises a fastening frame attached to a battery cell that is the outermost in the first direction among the plurality of battery cells and fastened to an external support structure.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments, the fastening frame is characterized by including a hollow portion therein.

[0020] In order to solve the above-described problem, the technical idea of ​​the present invention includes a pack housing; and a battery assembly mounted on the pack housing; wherein the battery assembly includes a separation structure including a plurality of cell accommodation spaces separated from each other in a first direction; and a plurality of battery cells accommodated in the plurality of cell accommodation spaces of the separation structure; wherein the separation structure includes a plurality of separator plates spaced apart from each other in the first direction to define the plurality of cell accommodation spaces; and a cover plate covering the plurality of cell accommodation spaces and connected to the plurality of separator plates; wherein the plurality of separator plates each include a pair of side plates spaced apart from each other in the first direction to define a hollow portion; and a plurality of ribs extending between the pair of side plates.

[0021] In exemplary embodiments, the pack housing comprises a base plate supporting the battery assembly, the base plate comprising cooling channels configured to allow cooling fluid to flow, and the lower surfaces of the plurality of battery cells facing the base plate are not covered by the separating structure.

[0022] In exemplary embodiments, the separation structure further includes a plurality of venting channels separated in the first direction by the plurality of separating plates, the plurality of venting channels each extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction from a first end to a second end, and the battery assembly is characterized in that it further includes a blocking plate blocking the first end of each of the plurality of venting channels.

[0023] In exemplary embodiments, the pack housing further comprises first and second sidewalls spaced apart in the second direction; and third and fourth sidewalls spaced apart in the first direction; wherein the second end of the plurality of venting channels faces the first sidewall, and wherein the third sidewall of the pack housing is equipped with a venting device.

[0024] In exemplary embodiments, the separation structure further comprises an upper cooling plate attached thereto.

[0025] In exemplary embodiments, the pack housing includes a base plate supporting the battery assembly and a support structure on the base plate, wherein the battery assembly further includes a fastening frame attached to a battery cell that is outermost in the first direction among the plurality of battery cells and fastened to the support structure.

[0026] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, since a plurality of battery cells in a battery assembly are separated by separator plates of a separating structure, heat transfer between adjacent battery cells can be prevented or suppressed, and chain fire of the battery cells can be prevented or suppressed.

[0027] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the force generated by swelling of battery cells can be distributed by the hollow portion and the plurality of ribs provided inside the separator, so that damage to the battery cells due to stress concentration during swelling of the battery cells and structural damage to the battery assembly including the battery cells can be prevented.

[0028] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a battery assembly may have a cell-to-pack structure that is directly assembled into a pack housing of a battery pack. In the battery assembly, a plurality of battery cells are exposed without being covered by a structure such as a frame, thereby improving cooling efficiency for the plurality of battery cells. In addition, since the battery assembly includes a fastening frame configured to be fastened to the pack housing of the battery pack, an assembly gap between the battery assembly and the pack housing can be eliminated, thereby improving the energy density of the battery pack.

[0029] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, high-temperature gas generated from a plurality of battery cells is discharged along a venting direction provided by a separation structure, thereby implementing directional venting that discharges venting gas in a predetermined specific direction.

[0030] 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.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly along line AA-AA' of Fig. 1.

[0033] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the separation structure and fastening frame of the battery assembly of Fig. 1.

[0034] FIGS. 4A and 4B are enlarged views showing a portion of the battery assembly corresponding to the area indicated as “EX1” in FIG. 2.

[0035] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly along line BB-BB' of Fig. 1.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack along line CC-CC' of Fig. 6.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0039] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0040] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] In this specification, the vertical direction may be defined as the Z direction, and the horizontal direction may be defined as a direction perpendicular to the Z direction. The first horizontal direction and the second horizontal direction may be orthogonal to each other, and the first horizontal direction may be defined as the X direction, and the second horizontal direction may be defined as the Y direction.

[0046]

[0047] (Example 1)

[0048] Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a battery assembly (100) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the battery assembly (100) taken along line AA-AA' of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a separation structure (110) and a fastening frame (160) of the battery assembly (100) of Fig. 1.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery assembly (100) may include a separation structure (110), a plurality of battery cells (130), and a fastening frame (160).

[0050] The separation structure (110) may include a plurality of separation plates (111) spaced apart in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) and a cover plate (113) disposed on the plurality of separation plates (111). Each of the individual separation plates (111) may have a flat plate shape extending in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction) and a vertical direction (e.g., Z direction). The cover plate (113) may be connected to the upper end of each of the plurality of separation plates (111). The cover plate (113) may have a flat plate shape extending in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction).

[0051] The separation structure (110) can provide a plurality of cell accommodation spaces (121) that are separated from each other. Each of the plurality of cell accommodation spaces (121) can accommodate one or a plurality of battery cells (130). The plurality of cell accommodation spaces (121) can be separated from each other in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction). Each of the plurality of cell accommodation spaces (121) can extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). Adjacent cell accommodation spaces (121) among the plurality of cell accommodation spaces (121) can be separated by corresponding separation plates (111) among the plurality of separation plates (111).

[0052] The separation structure (110) can provide a plurality of venting channels (125) that are separated from each other. The plurality of venting channels (125) can be separated from each other in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction). Adjacent venting channels (125) among the plurality of venting channels (125) can be separated by corresponding separators (111) among the plurality of separators (111). Each venting channel (125) can extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). Each venting channel (125) can be provided on an upper side of a corresponding cell accommodation space (121) among the plurality of cell accommodation spaces (121) and can be connected to the corresponding cell accommodation space (121). Each venting channel (125) can be defined by a top surface of one or more battery cells (130) accommodated in the corresponding cell accommodation space (121), the cover plate (113), and the separator plate (111). Individual venting channels (125) may be provided between one or more battery cells (130) accommodated in a corresponding cell accommodation space (121) and a cover plate (113) in a vertical direction (e.g., Z direction), and between two adjacent separator plates (111) in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction).

[0053] Each venting channel (125) can guide high-temperature gas generated from one or more battery cells (130) accommodated in a corresponding cell accommodation space (121) in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). The cover plate (113) can cover the plurality of venting channels (125) and the plurality of battery cells (130) so as to block the gas from flowing in the vertical direction (e.g., Z direction) between the individual venting channels (125) and the external space of the battery assembly (100). In the individual venting channels (125), the high-temperature gas can flow in the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction) along the lower surface of the cover plate (113) facing the plurality of battery cells (130). The individual venting channels (125) can extend in the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). Each venting channel (125) may have a first end (1251 of FIG. 5) and a second end (1253 of FIG. 5) that are opposed in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). At least one of the first end (1251) and the second end (1253) of each venting channel (125) may be exposed to an external space of the battery assembly (100). Gas flow between the external space of the battery assembly (100) and each venting channel (125) may be achieved through at least one of the first end (1251) and the second end (1253) of each venting channel (125) that is exposed to the external space of the battery assembly (100).

[0054] In exemplary embodiments, the separation structure (110) may include a plurality of unit separation structures (110a). Each unit separation structure (110a) may include one separation plate (111) and one unit cover plate (115) connected to the top of one separation plate (111). The plurality of unit separation structures (110a) may be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction). The plurality of unit cover plates (115) of the plurality of unit separation structures (110a) may be arranged and connected in the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction). The cover plate (113) may be composed of a plurality of unit cover plates (115).

[0055] In exemplary embodiments, individual unit separation structures (110a) may be manufactured through an extrusion process.

[0056] In exemplary embodiments, each unit cover plate (115) may include a first segment and a second segment extending in opposite directions from the top of the corresponding separator plate (111). The first segment of each unit cover plate (115) may at least partially cover one of two adjacent venting channels (125), and the second segment of each unit cover plate (115) may at least partially cover the other of the two adjacent venting channels (125). When viewed in cross section, each unit separator structure (110a) may have a T-shape.

[0057] A plurality of battery cells (130) may be accommodated in a plurality of cell accommodation spaces (121) of a separating structure (110). The plurality of battery cells (130) may be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction). The battery cells (130) accommodated in different cell accommodation spaces (121) of the separating structure (110) may be separated by separators (111). Each battery cell (130) may be attached to a corresponding separator (111) among the plurality of separators (111) by an adhesive member (181 of FIG. 4A). The adhesive member may include, for example, an adhesive tape or a resin layer.

[0058] In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the plurality of cell receiving spaces (121) of the separation structure (110) can receive a plurality of battery cells (130), for example, two battery cells (130), arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction).

[0059] In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the plurality of cell receiving spaces (121) of the separation structure (110) may include a pad (140) and two battery cells (130) spaced apart from each other with the pad (140) therebetween. The pad (140) may be attached to each of the two battery cells (130) by an adhesive member made of an adhesive tape or a resin layer. The pad (140) may correspond to a thermal barrier pad configured to thermally isolate the two battery cells (130) and support the two battery cells (130).

[0060] The battery cell (130) can be accommodated in the cell accommodation space (121) of the separating structure (110) and can extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction) within the cell accommodation space (121). An electrode lead (131 of FIG. 5) can be provided at at least one of both ends of the battery cell (130) along the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). When the battery cell (130) is accommodated in the cell accommodation space (121) of the separating structure (110), two side surfaces of the battery cell (130) that are opposed in the first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) can be covered by two separator plates (111) that are adjacent in the first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction), and the upper surface of the battery cell (130) can be covered by a cover plate (113). In exemplary embodiments, the lower surface of the battery cell (130) may be exposed to the outside of the separating structure (110) without being covered by the separating structure (110).

[0061] An individual battery cell (130) is a basic unit of a lithium ion battery, i.e., a secondary battery. An individual battery cell (130) 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.

[0062] A plurality of battery cells (130) may be connected in series and / or in parallel. For example, a plurality of battery cells (130) may be connected in series with each other. For example, a plurality of battery cells (130) may also be connected in parallel with each other. For example, when a set of two or more battery cells (130) connected in parallel with each other is defined as a bank, one bank composed of two or more battery cells (130) connected in parallel with each other and another bank composed of two or more battery cells (130) connected in parallel with each other may be connected in series.

[0063] An individual battery cell (130) may correspond to a pouch-type battery cell, a cylindrical battery cell, or a square battery cell. The electrode assembly of a pouch-type battery cell is housed in a pouch case including an aluminum laminate sheet. The electrode assembly of a cylindrical battery cell is housed in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of a square battery cell is housed in a square metal can. In exemplary embodiments, an individual battery cell (130) may correspond to a pouch-type battery cell, and a length of an individual battery cell (130) along a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction) may be greater than a length of an individual battery cell (130) along a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction).

[0064] A plurality of battery cells (130) may be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) to form a cell stack. When viewed in a plan view, the cell stack may have a rectangular shape. The cell stack may have two opposite sides (i.e., a first side and a second side) in the first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction), a front and a back side opposite in the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction), and an upper surface and a lower surface opposite in the vertical direction (e.g., Z direction).

[0065] A frame (171) supporting electrode leads (131) of a plurality of battery cells (130) may be arranged on each of the front and rear sides of the cell stack. The frame (171) on the front side of the cell stack may be provided with slits into which the electrode leads (131) are inserted, and the frame (171) on the rear side of the cell stack may be provided with slits into which the electrode leads (131) are inserted.

[0066] The frame (171) can support busbars (173). The busbars (173) can be electrically and physically connected to at least one of the electrode leads (131) of the plurality of battery cells (130). The busbar (173) can be joined to at least one of the electrode leads (131) of the plurality of battery cells (130) by welding. The busbar (173) can include a terminal busbar for electrically connecting a cell stack of the battery assembly (100) to a cell stack of another battery assembly or to an external device. In exemplary embodiments, the busbars (173) can include an inter-busbar for electrically connecting different battery cells (130) by connecting to the electrode leads (131) of different battery cells (130).

[0067] The battery assembly (100) may further include insulating covers (175) connected to the frames (171). One insulating cover (175) may cover the frame (171) at the front of the cell stack and at least partially cover each of the electrode leads (131) and each of the bus bars (173) supported by the frame (171) at the front of the cell stack. Another insulating cover (175) may cover the frame (171) at the rear of the cell stack and at least partially cover each of the electrode leads (131) and each of the bus bars (173) supported by the frame (171) at the rear of the cell stack.

[0068] The fastening frame (160) can be attached to each of the battery cells (130) that are outermost in the first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) among the plurality of battery cells (130). The fastening frame (160) can be fastened to an external support structure (530). For example, the external support structure (530) can be provided to a pack housing (501 in FIG. 6) of a battery pack (500 in FIG. 6) on which a battery assembly (100) is mounted, and the battery assembly (100) can be mounted to the pack housing (501) in a side-mounting manner via the fastening frame (160).

[0069] The fastening frame (160) can cover one side of the battery cell (130) and can be attached to one side of the battery cell (130) by an adhesive member composed of an adhesive tape or a resin layer. The fastening frame (160) can be fastened to an external support structure (530) by a bolt (551). For example, the fastening frame (160) can include a fixing plate (161) attached to the battery cell (130) and a flange (163) fastened to the external support structure (530) by a bolt (551). The flange (163) can be connected to the upper portion of the fixing plate (161) and placed on the external support structure (530).

[0070] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, since a plurality of battery cells (130) in a battery assembly (100) are separated by separators (111) of a separating structure (110), thermal propagation between adjacent battery cells (130) can be prevented or suppressed, and chain ignition of the battery cells (130) can be prevented or suppressed.

[0071] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the battery assembly (100) may have a cell-to-pack structure that is directly assembled into the pack housing (501) of the battery pack (500). In the battery assembly (100), the plurality of battery cells (130) are exposed without being covered by a structure such as a frame, so that the cooling efficiency for the plurality of battery cells (130) can be improved. In addition, the battery assembly (100) has a fastening frame (160) configured to be fastened to the pack housing (501) of the battery pack (500), so that the assembly gap between the battery assembly (100) and the pack housing (501) can be eliminated, so that the energy density of the battery pack (500) can be improved.

[0072] FIGS. 4A and 4B are enlarged views showing a portion of the battery assembly (100) corresponding to the area indicated as “EX1” in FIG. 2.

[0073] In FIG. 4a, a part of a battery assembly (100) in an initial state without deformation of battery cells (130) due to swelling is shown, and in FIG. 4b, a part of a battery assembly (100) in a state in which battery cells (130) are deformed due to swelling is shown.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the unit separation structure (110a) may have a hollow portion (1117) therein. In the unit separation structure (110a), the separation plate (111) may include a pair of side plates (1111) spaced apart in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction) to define the hollow portion (1117), and a bottom plate (1113) extending between lower ends of the pair of side plates (1111). Each of the pair of side plates (1111) may have a flat plate shape that is generally perpendicular to the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction). The bottom plate (1113) may have a flat plate shape that is generally perpendicular to the vertical direction (e.g., Z-direction). The hollow portion (1117) may extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-direction) within the separation plate (111). The hollow portion (1117) may have both ends along the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction) exposed to the outside of the separator (111).

[0075] As illustrated in FIG. 4b, when a force generated by swelling of the battery cells (130) acts on the separator (111), deformation of a pair of side plates (1111) of the separator (111) is permitted, and the force generated by swelling of the battery cells (130) can be absorbed and distributed by the hollow portion (1117) provided inside the separator (111). Accordingly, when swelling of the battery cells (130), damage to the battery cells (130) due to stress concentration and structural damage to the battery assembly (100) including the battery cells (130) can be prevented.

[0076] In exemplary embodiments, the separator (111) of the unit separation structure (110a) may include a plurality of ribs (1115) provided within the hollow portion (1117). The plurality of ribs (1115) may each extend obliquely with respect to a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X-direction). The plurality of ribs (1115) may each have a flat plate shape extending obliquely with respect to the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X-direction). The plurality of ribs (1115) may each extend continuously in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the second direction) from one end to the other end of the side plate (1111). When a force generated by swelling of the battery cells (130) acts on the separator (111), the plurality of ribs (1115) may more effectively distribute the force. Accordingly, when the battery cells (130) are swollen, damage to the battery cells (130) due to stress concentration and structural damage to the battery assembly (100) including the battery cells (130) can be prevented.

[0077] In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of ribs (1115) may separate a hollow portion (1117) of a unit separation structure (110a) into a plurality of sub-spaces (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5). Each of the plurality of sub-spaces (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5) may extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction).

[0078] In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the plurality of sub-spaces (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5) of the unit separation structure (110a) may be a cooling channel configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow. While the cooling fluid flows along at least one of the plurality of sub-spaces (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5), cooling of the plurality of battery cells (130) of the battery assembly (100) may be achieved. The cooling fluid may include a coolant and / or a refrigerant. For example, some of the plurality of sub-spaces (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5) of the unit separation structure (110a) may be cooling channels configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow, and other some of the plurality of sub-spaces (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5) of the unit separation structure (110a) may be empty spaces for dispersing forces acting during swelling.

[0079] In exemplary embodiments, when a sub-space configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow among the plurality of sub-spaces (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5) of the unit separation structure (110a) is referred to as a side cooling channel of the unit separation structure (110a), a cooling fluid provided from the outside of the unit separation structure (110a) may be supplied to the inlet of the side cooling channel of the unit separation structure (110a), flow in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction) along the side cooling channel of the unit separation structure (110a), and be discharged to the outside of the unit separation structure (110a) through the outlet of the side cooling channel of the unit separation structure (110a). In exemplary embodiments, the inlet and outlet of the side cooling channel of the unit separation structure (110a) may be connected to a cooling channel provided in the pack housing (501 of FIG. 5). For example, the inlet and outlet of the side cooling channel of the unit separation structure (110a) can be connected to the cooling channel (511 of FIG. 6) of the base plate (510 of FIG. 6), and the cooling fluid can pass through the cooling channel (511) of the base plate (510) and the side cooling channel of the unit separation structure (110a).

[0080] (Example 2)

[0081] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly (100) along the line BB-BB' of FIG. 1.

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the battery assembly (100) may include a blocking plate (150) connected to an end portion of the separating structure (110) in the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). The blocking plate (150) may close one end of each of the plurality of venting channels (125) of the separating structure (110) so that gas is discharged in only one direction from the plurality of venting channels (125).

[0083] The blocking plate (150) can close the first end (1251) of the individual venting channel (125) provided in the separation structure (110) so as not to allow gas flow through the first end (1251) of the individual venting channel (125). Since the first end (1251) of the individual venting channel (125) is closed by the blocking plate (150), the gas within the individual venting channel (125) can flow in one venting direction (VD1) from the first end (1251) of the individual venting channel (125) toward the second end (1253) and be discharged to the outside of the battery assembly (100) through the second end (1253) of the individual venting channel (125). The second end (1253) of each venting channel (125) may be an outlet of the venting channel (125) through which gas is discharged to the outside.

[0084] When gas is generated in the battery cell (130), the gas generated in the battery cell (130) can flow into the venting channel (125) located on the upper side of the battery cell (130), and then flow in one venting direction (VD1) through the venting channel (125) and then be released to the outside through the second end (1253) of the venting channel (125).

[0085] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, high-temperature gas generated from a plurality of battery cells (130) is discharged along a venting direction (VD1) provided by a separation structure (110), so that directional venting that discharges the venting gas in a predetermined specific direction can be implemented.

[0086]

[0087] (Example 3)

[0088] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a battery pack (500) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack (500) taken along line CC-CC' of Fig. 6.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 together with FIGS. 1 to 5, a battery pack (500) may include a pack housing (501) and a battery assembly (100) mounted within the pack housing (501). The battery pack (500) may include one or more battery assemblies (100) mounted in the pack housing (501). In exemplary embodiments, the battery pack (500) may include a plurality of battery assemblies (100) arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-direction).

[0090] The pack housing (501) may provide a receiving space in which a battery assembly (100) is received. The pack housing (501) may include a base plate (510) and side walls (i.e., first to fourth side walls (521, 523, 525, 527)) connected to an edge portion of the base plate (510). The pack housing (501) may further include a pack lid connected to the side walls of the pack housing (501) to cover the receiving space. The receiving space of the pack housing (501) may be a sealed space.

[0091] The base plate (510) may have a flat plate shape parallel to a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-direction). The base plate (510) may support a battery assembly (100). The battery assembly (100) may be thermally and physically coupled to the base plate (510) via a thermally conductive adhesive layer interposed between the battery assembly (100) and the base plate (510). In exemplary embodiments, lower surfaces of the plurality of battery cells (130) are not covered by the separating structure (110) so as to be exposed to the outside of the separating structure (110), and the lower surfaces of the plurality of battery cells (130) may be connected to the base plate (510). In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of battery cells (130) may be thermally and physically coupled to the base plate (510) via the thermally conductive adhesive layer. The above thermally conductive adhesive layer may include a thermal interface material (TIM) or a thermal resin.

[0092] The base plate (510) may include a cooling channel (511) configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow and may be configured to cool the battery assembly (100). A cooling fluid provided from the outside of the battery pack (500) may be supplied to an inlet of the cooling channel (511), flow along the cooling channel (511), and discharged to the outside through an outlet of the cooling channel (511). While the cooling fluid flows along the cooling channel (511), cooling of a plurality of battery cells (130) of the battery assembly (100) may be performed. The cooling fluid may include a coolant and / or a refrigerant. In exemplary embodiments, the base plate (510) may be formed through an extrusion process.

[0093] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, since the lower surface of the plurality of battery cells (130) is not covered by the separating structure (110) or another frame, the plurality of battery cells (130) and the base plate (510) having the cooling channel (511) can be thermally coupled using a thermally conductive adhesive layer. Since the plurality of battery cells (130) of the battery assembly (100) are thermally coupled to the base plate (510) of the pack housing (501) having the cooling channel (511), cooling of the plurality of battery cells (130) can be enhanced.

[0094] The side walls of the pack housing (501) may include a first side wall (521) and a second side wall (523) facing and spaced apart in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction), and a third side wall (525) and a fourth side wall (527) facing and spaced apart in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction). The side walls of the pack housing (501) may surround an accommodation space. The third side wall (525) of the pack housing (501) may be a front wall forming a front portion of the battery pack (500), and the fourth side wall (527) of the pack housing (501) may be a rear wall forming a rear portion of the battery pack (500).

[0095] A venting device (540) may be mounted on the third side wall (525) of the pack housing (501). The venting device (540) is mounted in an exhaust passage provided between the receiving space of the pack housing (501) and the external space of the pack housing (501), and may be configured to selectively exhaust gas between the receiving space of the pack housing (501) and the external space of the pack housing (501). In exemplary embodiments, the venting device (540) may include a check valve, a relief valve, a safety valve, and / or a rupture disc.

[0096] In exemplary embodiments, the venting device (540) may be a relief valve or a check valve configured to selectively open and close a gas exhaust passage depending on the internal pressure of the receiving space of the pack housing (501). The relief valve or check valve may be configured to open the gas exhaust passage to discharge gas to the outside of the pack housing (501) when the internal pressure of the receiving space of the pack housing (501) becomes higher than a reference pressure, and to close the gas exhaust passage when the gas is discharged and the internal pressure of the receiving space of the pack housing (501) becomes lower than the reference pressure.

[0097] The pack housing (501) may include a plurality of support structures (530) provided on a base plate (510). The plurality of support structures (530) may be provided on an upper surface of the base plate (510) and may be spaced apart from each other in a first horizontal direction (e.g., an X-direction). The plurality of support structures (530) may each extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., a Y-direction). The plurality of support structures (530) may each be referred to as a cross beam structure. The plurality of support structures (530) may separate or partition an accommodation space of the pack housing (501) into a plurality of sub-accommodation spaces. The plurality of sub-accommodation spaces are separated or partitioned in a first horizontal direction (e.g., an X-direction), and one battery assembly (100) may be arranged in each sub-accommodation space.

[0098] The fastening frame (160) of each battery assembly (100) can be placed on a corresponding support structure (530) among the plurality of support structures (530). The individual battery assembly (100) can be fastened to the pack housing (501) by fastening the fastening frame (160) to a corresponding support structure (530) among the plurality of support structures (530) by bolts (551). More specifically, the individual battery assembly (100) can be fastened to the pack housing (501) by fastening a pair of fastening frames (160) to a corresponding pair of support structures (530) among the plurality of battery support structures (530).

[0099] In exemplary embodiments, two battery assemblies (100) adjacent in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction) may share the same single support structure (530). That is, one of the two battery assemblies (100) adjacent in the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction) may be fastened to the single support structure (530), and the other of the two battery assemblies (100) adjacent in the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction) may be fastened to the same single support structure (530).

[0100] In exemplary embodiments, an individual battery assembly (100) may be configured to vent gas in a venting direction (VD1), and an outlet of the individual battery assembly (100) in the venting direction (VD1) may face one of the first side wall (521) and the second side wall (523). An individual battery assembly (100) may be mounted in a pack housing (501) such that a second end (1253) of a venting channel (125) having an outlet of the venting channel (125) faces one of the first side wall (521) and the second side wall (523). Gas discharged from an individual battery assembly (100) can flow along a venting direction (VD2) parallel to a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) along a first side wall (521) or a second side wall (523) and flow to a third side wall (525), and the gas guided to the third side wall (525) can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack (500) through a venting device (540) provided in the third side wall (525).

[0101] In exemplary embodiments, the battery pack (500) may include a plurality of battery assemblies (100) arranged in two rows. The battery assemblies (100) in the first row may be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction) and may be closer to the first sidewall (521) than to the second sidewall (523). The battery assemblies (100) in the second row may be arranged in the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction) and may be closer to the second sidewall (523) than to the first sidewall (521). The battery assemblies (100) in the first row may be arranged such that each outlet in one venting direction (VD1) faces the first sidewall (521), and the battery assemblies (100) in the second row may be arranged such that each outlet in one venting direction (VD1) faces the second sidewall (523). In each of the battery assemblies (100) of the first row, the second ends (1253) of the venting channels (1250) of the separating structure (110) that are not closed by the blocking plate (150) may face the first side wall (521), and the first ends (1251) of the venting channels (1250) of the separating structure (110) that are closed by the blocking plate (150) may face the second side wall (523). In each of the battery assemblies (100) of the second row, the second ends (1253) of the venting channels (1250) of the separating structure (110) that are not closed by the blocking plate (150) may face the second side wall (523), and the first ends (1251) of the venting channels (1250) of the separating structure (110) that are closed by the blocking plate (150) may face the first side wall (521). The gas discharged from the battery assemblies (100) of the first row can flow along the venting direction (VD2) parallel to the first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) along the first side wall (521) and flow to the third side wall (525), and the gas guided to the third side wall (525) can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack (500) through the venting device (540) provided in the third side wall (525).Additionally, the gas discharged from the battery assemblies (100) of the second row can flow along the venting direction (VD2) parallel to the first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) along the second side wall (523) and flow to the third side wall (525), and the gas induced to the third side wall (525) can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack (500) through the venting device (540) provided in the third side wall (525).

[0102] In exemplary embodiments, an inter-assembly busbar for electrically connecting the battery assemblies (100) may be provided in a space provided between the battery assemblies (100) of the first row and the battery assemblies (100) of the second row. Since the main venting path of the high-temperature venting gas does not pass through the space provided with the inter-assembly busbar where a high voltage flows, physical damage to the inter-assembly busbar can be prevented, and the reliability of the electrical connection through the inter-assembly busbar can be improved.

[0103]

[0104] (Example 4)

[0105] Fig. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a battery pack (500A) according to exemplary embodiments. Hereinafter, the battery pack (500A) illustrated in Fig. 8 will be described, focusing on differences from the battery pack (500) described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 8 together with FIGS. 1 to 5, in the battery pack (500A), each battery assembly (100) can be configured to discharge gas in one venting direction (VD3), and the outlet of the one venting direction (VD3) of each battery assembly (100) can be directed toward the center of the battery pack (500A).

[0107] When the battery pack (500A) includes a plurality of battery assemblies (100) arranged in two rows, the battery assemblies (100) of the first row that are relatively adjacent to the first side wall (521) may be arranged so that their respective outlets in one venting direction (VD3) face the second side wall (523), and the battery assemblies (100) of the second row that are relatively adjacent to the second side wall (523) may be arranged so that their respective outlets in one venting direction (VD3) face the first side wall (521). In each of the battery assemblies (100) of the first row, the second ends (1253) of the venting channels (1250) of the separating structure (110) that are not closed by the blocking plate (150) may face the second side wall (523), and the first ends (1251) of the venting channels (1250) of the separating structure (110) that are closed by the blocking plate (150) may face the first side wall (521). In each of the battery assemblies (100) of the second row, the second ends (1253) of the venting channels (1250) of the separating structure (110) that are not closed by the blocking plate (150) may face the first side wall (521), and the first ends (1251) of the venting channels (1250) of the separating structure (110) that are closed by the blocking plate (150) may face the second side wall (523). The gas discharged from the battery assemblies (100) of the first row and / or the gas discharged from the battery assemblies (100) of the second row can flow along a venting direction (VD4) parallel to the first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) through a space provided between the battery assemblies (100) of the first row and the battery assemblies (100) of the second row and flow to the third side wall (525), and the gas guided to the third side wall (525) can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack (500A) through a venting device (540) provided in the third side wall (525).

[0108] In exemplary embodiments, an inter-assembly busbar for electrically connecting the battery assemblies (100) may be provided at an outer portion of the battery pack (500A). For example, the inter-assembly busbar may extend along an outer region of the battery pack (500A) adjacent to the first sidewall (521), the second sidewall (523), and the fourth sidewall (527). Since the main venting path of the high-temperature venting gas does not pass through a space where the inter-assembly busbar is provided, physical damage to the inter-assembly busbar can be prevented, and the reliability of the electrical connection through the inter-assembly busbar can be improved.

[0109]

[0110] (Example 5)

[0111] Fig. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a battery pack (500B) according to exemplary embodiments. Hereinafter, the battery pack (500B) illustrated in Fig. 9 will be described, focusing on differences from the battery pack (500) described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 9 together with FIGS. 1 to 5, the battery pack (500B) may further include an upper cooling plate (560) provided on the battery assemblies (100).

[0113] The upper cooling plate (560) may include a cooling channel (561) configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow. A cooling fluid supplied from the outside of the battery pack (500B) may be supplied to an inlet of the cooling channel (561), flow along the cooling channel (561), and discharged to the outside through an outlet of the cooling channel (561). While the cooling fluid flows along the cooling channel (561), cooling of the battery cells (130) of the battery assemblies (100) may be achieved. The cooling fluid may include a coolant and / or a refrigerant.

[0114] The upper cooling plate (560) may be attached on the separating structures (110) of the battery assemblies (100). A thermally conductive adhesive layer (571) may be interposed between the upper cooling plate (560) and the separating structures (110) of the battery assemblies (100). The upper cooling plate (560) may be thermally and physically coupled to the separating structures (110) of the battery assemblies (100) by the thermally conductive adhesive layer (571). The thermally conductive adhesive layer (571) may extend along the upper surface of the separating structures (110). The thermally conductive adhesive layer (571) is not provided in the venting channels (125) and cell receiving spaces (121) provided in the separating structures (110), and does not contact the battery cells (130). For example, the thermally conductive adhesive layer (571) may include TIM or thermal resin.

[0115] The separation structure (110) may be configured to thermally couple the battery cells (130) to the upper cooling plate (560). The separation structure (110) may include a material with excellent thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, copper, gold, silver, or a combination thereof. Heat generated in the battery cells (130) may be transferred to the upper cooling plate (560) through the separation structure (110) and the thermally conductive adhesive layer (571).

[0116]

[0117] (Example 6)

[0118] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of a battery assembly according to exemplary embodiments. Hereinafter, any description that overlaps with that previously described will be omitted or simplified.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 10 together with FIGS. 1 to 3, the fastening frame (160A) may have a hollow portion (1617) therein. The fixing plate (161A) of the fastening frame (160A) may include a pair of side plates (1611) spaced apart in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction) to define the hollow portion (1617), and a bottom plate (1613) extending between the lower ends of the pair of side plates (1611). Each of the pair of side plates (1611) may have a flat plate shape that is generally perpendicular to the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction). The bottom plate (1613) may have a flat plate shape that is generally perpendicular to the vertical direction (e.g., Z-direction). The hollow portion (1617) may extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-direction) within the fixing plate (161A). The hollow portion (1617) may have both ends along the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction) exposed to the outside of the fixed plate (161A).

[0120] The hollow portion (1617) of the fastening frame (160A) can absorb and disperse the force generated by the swelling of the battery cells (130) together with the hollow portion (1117 of FIG. 4A) provided inside the fixing plate (161A). Accordingly, when the battery cells (130) swell, damage to the battery cells (130) due to stress concentration and structural damage to the battery assembly including the battery cells (130) can be prevented.

[0121] In exemplary embodiments, the fixing plate (161A) of the fastening frame (160A) may include a plurality of ribs (1615) provided within the hollow portion (1617). The plurality of ribs (1615) may each extend obliquely with respect to a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X-direction). The plurality of ribs (1615) may each have a flat plate shape extending obliquely with respect to the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X-direction). The plurality of ribs (1615) may each extend continuously in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the second direction) from one end to the other end of the side plate (1611). When a force generated by swelling of the battery cells (130) acts on the fixing plate (161A), the plurality of ribs (1615) may more effectively distribute the force.

[0122] In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of ribs (1615) may separate the hollow portion (1617) of the fastening frame (160A) into a plurality of sub-spaces (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5). Each of the plurality of sub-spaces (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5) may extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction).

[0123] In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the plurality of sub-spaces (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5) of the fastening frame (160A) may be a cooling channel configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow therethrough. Cooling of the plurality of battery cells (130) of the battery assembly may be achieved while the cooling fluid flows along at least one of the plurality of sub-spaces (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5). The cooling fluid may include a coolant and / or a refrigerant. For example, some of the plurality of sub-spaces (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5) of the fastening frame (160A) may be cooling channels configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow therethrough, and other some of the plurality of sub-spaces (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5) of the fastening frame (160A) may be empty spaces for dispersing forces acting during swelling.

[0124] In exemplary embodiments, when a sub-space configured to allow cooling fluid to flow among the plurality of sub-spaces (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5) of the fastening frame (160A) is referred to as a side cooling channel of the fastening frame (160A), cooling fluid provided from the outside of the fastening frame (160A) may be supplied to the inlet of the side cooling channel of the fastening frame (160A), flow in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction) along the side cooling channel of the fastening frame (160A), and be discharged to the outside of the fastening frame (160A) through the outlet of the side cooling channel of the fastening frame (160A). In exemplary embodiments, the inlet and outlet of the side cooling channel of the fastening frame (160A) may be connected to a cooling channel provided in the pack housing (501 of FIG. 5). For example, the inlet and outlet of the side cooling channel of the fastening frame (160A) can be connected to the cooling channel (511 in FIG. 6) of the base plate (510), and the cooling fluid can pass through the cooling channel (511) of the base plate (510) and the side cooling channel of the fastening frame (160A).

[0125] 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 separation structure including a plurality of cell receiving spaces separated from each other in a first direction; and A plurality of battery cells accommodated in the plurality of cell accommodation spaces of the above separation structure; Including, The above separation structure is, a plurality of separators spaced apart from each other in the first direction to define the plurality of cell accommodation spaces; and A cover plate covering the plurality of cell accommodation spaces and connected to the plurality of separators; Including, A battery assembly, wherein each of the plurality of separators includes a hollow portion therein.

2. In paragraph 1, Each of the above plurality of separators is a pair of side plates spaced apart in the first direction to define the hollow portion; and A plurality of ribs extending between the pair of side plates; A battery assembly characterized by including:

3. In paragraph 2, A battery assembly characterized in that each of the plurality of ribs extends obliquely with respect to the first direction.

4. In paragraph 3, A battery assembly characterized in that the plurality of ribs separate the hollow portion into a plurality of sub-spaces, and some of the plurality of sub-spaces are configured to allow cooling fluid to flow.

5. In paragraph 1, The above separation structure includes a plurality of unit separation structures arranged in the first direction, A battery assembly characterized in that each of the plurality of unit separation structures includes a unit cover plate that is part of the separator plate and the cover plate.

6. In paragraph 5, A battery assembly characterized in that unit cover plates included in adjacent unit separation structures among the plurality of unit separation structures are connected to each other.

7. In paragraph 1, A battery assembly characterized in that each of the plurality of battery cells is attached to a corresponding separator among the plurality of separators.

8. In paragraph 1, A battery assembly, wherein each of the plurality of cell accommodation spaces accommodates two battery cells spaced apart with a pad therebetween.

9. In paragraph 1, A battery assembly characterized in that the lower surface of each of the plurality of battery cells is not covered by the separating structure and is exposed to the outside of the separating structure.

10. In paragraph 1, The above separation structure further includes a plurality of venting channels separated in the first direction by the plurality of separation plates, The plurality of venting channels are each provided on a corresponding cell accommodation space among the plurality of cell accommodation spaces, A battery assembly characterized in that the plurality of venting channels extend in the second direction so as to guide gas in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

11. In paragraph 10, A battery assembly characterized in that adjacent venting channels among the plurality of venting channels and adjacent cell accommodation spaces among the plurality of cell accommodation spaces are separated by corresponding separators among the plurality of separators.

12. In paragraph 10, The above plurality of venting channels each extend in the second direction from the first end to the second end, The battery assembly further includes a blocking plate blocking the first end of each of the plurality of venting channels, A battery assembly characterized in that, within each of the plurality of venting channels, gas flows in a venting direction from the first end toward the second end.

13. In paragraph 1, A fastening frame attached to the outermost battery cell in the first direction among the plurality of battery cells and fastened to an external support structure; A battery assembly characterized by further including:

14. In paragraph 13, A battery assembly characterized in that the above fastening frame includes a hollow portion therein.

15. Pack housing; and A battery assembly mounted in the above pack housing; Including, The above battery assembly, A separation structure comprising a plurality of cell receiving spaces separated from each other in a first direction; and A plurality of battery cells accommodated in the plurality of cell accommodation spaces of the above separation structure; Including, The above separation structure is, a plurality of separators spaced apart from each other in the first direction to define the plurality of cell accommodation spaces; and A cover plate covering the plurality of cell accommodation spaces and connected to the plurality of separators; Including, Each of the above plurality of separators is a pair of side plates spaced apart in the first direction to define a hollow portion; and A plurality of ribs extending between the pair of side plates; A battery pack comprising:

16. In paragraph 15, The above pack housing includes a base plate supporting the battery assembly, The base plate includes a cooling channel configured to allow cooling fluid to flow, A battery pack characterized in that the lower surfaces of the plurality of battery cells facing the base plate are not covered by the separation structure.

17. In paragraph 15, The above separation structure further includes a plurality of venting channels separated in the first direction by the plurality of separation plates, The plurality of venting channels each extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction from the first end to the second end, A battery pack characterized in that the battery assembly further includes a blocking plate blocking the first end of each of the plurality of venting channels.

18. In paragraph 17, The above pack housing, First side walls and second side walls spaced apart in the second direction; and Third side walls and fourth side walls spaced apart in the first direction; Including more, The second end of the plurality of venting channels faces the first side wall, A battery pack characterized in that the third side wall of the pack housing is equipped with a venting device.

19. In paragraph 15, A battery pack further comprising an upper cooling plate attached to the above separation structure.

20. In paragraph 15, The pack housing includes a base plate supporting the battery assembly and a support structure on the base plate, A battery pack characterized in that the battery assembly further includes a fastening frame attached to the outermost battery cell in the first direction among the plurality of battery cells and fastened to the support structure.

Images