Battery assembly and device including same

Abstract

A battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a battery cell stack formed from a plurality of stacked battery cells; a frame in which the battery cell stack is accommodated, and which includes a first surface portion, a second side surface portion, a ceiling portion and a bottom portion; and an inlet and an outlet for circulating a refrigerant into the frame. The refrigerant flows into the frame through the inlet and is discharged through the outlet. Pad members are disposed between the battery cells, and at least one of the pad members extends from the ceiling portion to the bottom portion of the frame.

Description

Battery assembly and device including same

[0001] Cross-citation with related application(s)

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0159673, filed November 17, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0161140, filed November 13, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The present invention relates to a battery assembly and a device including the same, and more particularly, to a battery assembly having improved cooling efficiency and safety and a device including the same.

[0004] As technological developments and demand for mobile devices increase, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing. Accordingly, extensive research is being conducted on secondary batteries that can meet diverse needs.

[0005] Secondary batteries are attracting much attention not only as an energy source for mobile devices such as cell phones, digital cameras, and laptops, but also as a power source for power devices such as electric bicycles, electric cars, and hybrid electric vehicles.

[0006] Recently, as the need for large-capacity secondary battery structures has increased, including the use of secondary batteries as energy storage sources, the demand for battery packs with medium- to large-sized module structures that assemble battery modules in which a number of secondary batteries are connected in series / parallel is increasing.

[0007] Meanwhile, when configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series / parallel, it is common to configure a battery module composed of at least one battery cell and configure a battery pack by adding other components using at least one battery module.

[0008] The battery cells that make up these medium- to large-sized battery modules are composed of rechargeable secondary batteries. Therefore, these high-output, large-capacity secondary batteries generate a large amount of heat during the charging and discharging process. In this case, the heat from multiple battery cells accumulates in a small space, which can cause the temperature to rise rapidly and severely. In other words, battery modules with multiple battery cells stacked on top of each other and battery packs equipped with such battery modules can achieve high output, but it is difficult to remove the heat generated from the battery cells during charging and discharging. If the heat dissipation of the battery cells is not properly performed, the deterioration of the battery cells will be accelerated, shortening their lifespan and increasing the possibility of explosion or fire.

[0009] Moreover, battery modules included in vehicle battery packs are frequently exposed to direct sunlight and may be subjected to high-temperature conditions, such as summer or desert environments. Furthermore, because multiple battery modules are densely packed together to increase vehicle range, flames or heat generated in one module can easily spread to neighboring modules, ultimately leading to ignition or explosion of the battery pack itself.

[0010] In addition, since the battery pack is composed of a structure in which multiple battery modules are combined, it is heavy and unsuitable for loading multiple batteries into a means of transportation such as an automobile, so there is a need to improve the energy density.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of a battery pack including a conventional battery module.

[0012] Referring to Fig. 1, a conventional battery module (1) includes a battery cell stack (3) including battery cells (2) stacked in a preset direction, and a module frame (4) for accommodating the battery cell stack (3). In addition, a thermally conductive resin layer (5) may be provided between the battery cell stack (3) and the bottom of the module frame (4). The battery cell stack (3) is fixedly positioned on the thermally conductive resin layer (5). In this case, a heat sink (6) may be provided under the bottom of the module frame (4) to cool the heat generated in the battery cell stack (3). A cooling channel through which a coolant such as coolant flows may be formed inside the heat sink (6).

[0013] However, the heat sink (6) has a disadvantage in that its cooling efficiency is not very high because it does not receive heat by directly contacting the battery cell stack (3). In particular, an air gap may be formed between the bottom of the module frame (4) and the thermally conductive resin layer (5), and between the bottom of the module frame (4) and the heat sink (6), and this air gap is a factor that hinders heat transfer.

[0014] In addition, in the case of the conventional battery module (1), only the lower edge portion of the battery cell (2) is in contact with the thermally conductive resin layer (5). The heat generated in the battery cell (2) is discharged sequentially through the thermally conductive resin layer (5) and the heat sink (6) at the lower edge portion of the battery cell (2). In other words, the conventional battery module (1) is a type of edge cooling method that discharges heat through the lower edge portion of the battery cells (2). This edge cooling method has a simplified structure because it discharges the heat generated in the battery cell (2) only through the narrow lower edge portion, but has the problem of poor cooling efficiency.

[0015] In summary, a more effective method is needed to improve the cooling efficiency of an assembly of battery cells.

[0016] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery assembly with improved cooling performance by improving cooling efficiency and a device including the same.

[0017] However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the problems described above and can be expanded in various ways within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a battery assembly includes: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a frame in which the battery cell stack is accommodated and which includes a first side portion, a second side portion, a ceiling portion, and a bottom portion; and an inlet and an outlet for circulating a coolant into the frame. The coolant flows into the frame through the inlet and is discharged through the outlet. Pad members are arranged at at least one location between the battery cells, and at least one of the pad members extends from the ceiling portion of the frame to the bottom portion.

[0019] Between the above pad members, the refrigerant passages that are separated from each other can be formed.

[0020] At least one upper portion of the pad members can be in close contact with the ceiling portion, and at least one lower portion of the pad members can be in close contact with the floor portion.

[0021] The above pad member may be in the form of a single pad extending from the ceiling portion of the frame to the floor portion.

[0022] The pad member may include a main pad facing one side of the battery cell, a first vane inserted between the main pad and the ceiling portion of the frame, and a second vane inserted between the main pad and the bottom portion of the frame.

[0023] Based on the above battery cell stack, the inlet and the outlet may be located on opposite sides.

[0024] The battery assembly may further include a first end plate and a second end plate covering one open side and the other open side of the frame, respectively.

[0025] The inlet may be provided in the first end plate, and the outlet may be provided in the second end plate.

[0026] The inlet may be positioned lower than the center based on the height of the battery cell stack, and the outlet may be positioned higher than the center based on the height of the battery cell stack.

[0027] In the first and second directions which are parallel to and opposite to the direction in which the battery cells are stacked, the inlet may be positioned offset in the first direction from the center of the battery cell stack in the direction in which the battery cells are stacked, and the outlet may be positioned offset in the second direction from the center of the battery cell stack in the direction in which the battery cells are stacked.

[0028] In the above battery cell stack, the battery cells can be stacked along a direction from the first side portion of the frame to the second side portion of the frame.

[0029] The battery cells can be stacked such that one side of the battery cell is parallel to the first side portion and the second side portion.

[0030] The above refrigerant may be insulating oil.

[0031] The above refrigerant can cool the battery cell stack stored inside the frame by directly contacting it.

[0032] The above pad member may be provided in multiple numbers, and the multiple pad members may be arranged at predetermined intervals along the direction in which the battery cells are stacked.

[0033] The pad member may be further arranged between the battery cell stack and the first side portion.

[0034] The pad member may be further arranged between the battery cell stack and the second side portion.

[0035] The battery assembly may further include cooling fins positioned between the battery cells. The cooling fins may extend to the ceiling or the floor and may be in contact with the ceiling or the floor.

[0036] A device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the battery assembly.

[0037] According to embodiments of the present invention, a coolant can be directly injected into the battery assembly to directly cool the battery cells. This direct cooling of the coolant to the battery cells can improve the cooling efficiency of the battery assembly and the device including it.

[0038] Additionally, the pad member positioned between the battery cells within the battery assembly allows for a uniform flow of coolant. This reduces the area where coolant flow stagnates within the battery assembly, ultimately enabling uniform and superior cooling of each battery cell.

[0039] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0040] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of a battery pack including a conventional battery module.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery assembly of Figure 2.

[0043] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a frame included in the battery assembly of Figure 3.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a battery cell stack, a first busbar assembly, and a second busbar assembly included in the battery assembly of FIG. 3.

[0045] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the battery cell stack, the first busbar assembly, and the second busbar assembly of FIG. 5.

[0046] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing one of the battery cells included in the battery cell stack of FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0047] FIG. 8 is a plan view from above of a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the ceiling portion of the frame omitted.

[0048] FIG. 9 is a front view of a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the first end plate and the first bus bar frame removed.

[0049] Figure 10 is a partial drawing showing an enlarged portion of “A” of Figure 9.

[0050] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a first sealing assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention mounted on one side of a frame.

[0051] Figures 12 (a), (b), and (c) are drawings showing the process of assembling the first sealing assembly of Figure 11.

[0052] Figures 13 (a), (b), and (c) are drawings showing the process of mounting the first sealing assembly of Figure 11 on one side of the frame.

[0053] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing a first end plate mounted to a first sealing assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Fig. 15 is a drawing of the configuration excluding the first end plate in Fig. 14, viewed along the -x-axis direction on the yz plane.

[0055] Fig. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion corresponding to “C” among the cross-sections cut along the cutting line B-B’ of Fig. 15.

[0056] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a second sealing assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention being mounted on another side of the frame.

[0057] FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view showing a second end plate according to one embodiment of the present invention being mounted to a second sealing assembly.

[0058] Figure 19 is a drawing of the configuration excluding the second end plate in Figure 18, viewed along the x-axis direction on the yz plane.

[0059] Fig. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion corresponding to “E” among the cross-sections cut along the cutting line D-D’ of Fig. 19.

[0060] FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell stack, a first busbar assembly, and a second busbar assembly according to a modified embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] FIG. 22 is a front view of a battery assembly according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, with the first end plate and the first bus bar frame removed.

[0062] Figure 23 is a partial drawing showing an enlarged portion of “F” of Figure 22.

[0063] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. The present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0064] In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not related to the description are omitted, and the same reference numerals are used for identical or similar components throughout the specification.

[0065] Furthermore, the sizes and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily indicated for convenience of explanation, and thus the present invention is not necessarily limited to the illustrated components. In the drawings, the thicknesses are enlarged to clearly represent various layers and regions. Furthermore, in the drawings, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for convenience of explanation.

[0066] Furthermore, when we say that a layer, membrane, region, plate, or other part is "on" or "over" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "directly on" the other part, but also cases where there are other parts in between. Conversely, when we say that a part is "directly on" another part, it means that there are no other parts in between. Furthermore, saying that a part is "on" or "over" a reference part means that it is located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean that it is located "above" or "over" the direction opposite to gravity.

[0067] Additionally, throughout the specification, whenever a part is said to "include" a component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0068] Additionally, throughout the specification, when we say "in plan", we mean when the target portion is viewed from above, and when we say "in cross section", we mean when the target portion is viewed from the side in a cross-section cut vertically.

[0069] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery assembly of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a frame included in the battery assembly of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a battery cell stack, a first busbar assembly, and a second busbar assembly included in the battery assembly of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the battery cell stack, the first busbar assembly, and the second busbar assembly of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating one of the battery cells included in the battery cell stacks of FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 7, a battery assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a battery cell stack (120) in which a plurality of battery cells (110) are stacked; a frame (200) in which the battery cell stack (120) is accommodated and which includes a first side portion (210), a second side portion (220), a ceiling portion (230), and a bottom portion (240); and an inlet (421) and an outlet (461) for circulating a coolant into the frame (200). The coolant is introduced into the frame (200) through the inlet (421) and discharged through the outlet (461). Details regarding the coolant, the inlet (421), and the outlet (461) will be described later.

[0071] The battery cell (110) according to the present embodiment may be a battery cell of various shapes, for example, a pouch-shaped battery cell, a square battery cell, or a cylindrical battery cell. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the battery cell (110) according to the present embodiment may be a pouch-shaped battery cell. Hereinafter, a pouch-shaped battery cell will be described, but the battery cell (110) according to the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and various types of battery cells may be applied.

[0072] The battery cell (110) according to the present embodiment may be in the form of an electrode assembly having electrode leads (130) protruding in one or both directions, housed in a pouch case (114). The battery cell (110) may have a rectangular sheet shape. The battery cell (110) may be formed by housing the electrode assembly in a pouch case (114) of a laminate sheet including a resin layer and a metal layer, and then bonding the outer periphery of the pouch case (114). For example, the battery cell (110) may have a structure in which two electrode leads (130) face each other and protrude from one end (114a) and the other end (114b) of the cell body (113), respectively. As another embodiment, a structure in which all electrode leads (130) of the battery cell (110) protrude in one direction is also possible. One of the electrode leads (130) is a positive electrode lead, and the other is a negative electrode lead.

[0073] The battery cell (110) can be manufactured by bonding the two ends (114a, 114b) of the pouch case (114) and one side (114c) connecting them while the electrode assembly (not shown) is stored in the pouch case (114). In other words, the battery cell (110) according to one embodiment of the present invention has a total of three sealing portions, and the sealing portions have a structure in which they are sealed by a method such as fusion, and the remaining other side portion can be formed as a folding portion (115). That is, the battery cell (110) according to the present embodiment can be a pouch-type secondary battery in which the electrode assembly is stored inside the pouch case (114) and the outer periphery of the pouch case (114) is sealed to form the sealing portion. In Fig. 7, only the sealing portions formed at both ends (114a, 114b) of the pouch case (114) are shown, and the sealing portion is not shown on the side facing the folding portion (115), but the sealing portion of the side facing the folding portion (115) is folded to one side after the sealing is completed for space utilization.

[0074] The pouch case (114) of the laminate sheet may include an inner resin layer for sealing, a metal layer for preventing penetration of materials, and an outermost outer resin layer. Based on the electrode assembly inside the pouch case (114), the inner resin layer may be positioned at the innermost side, the outer resin layer may be positioned at the outermost side, and the metal layer may be positioned between the inner resin layer and the outer resin layer.

[0075] The outer resin layer may have excellent tensile strength and weather resistance relative to its thickness and may exhibit electrical insulation properties to protect the electrode assembly from the outside. The outer resin layer may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin or nylon resin. The metal layer may prevent air, moisture, etc. from entering the pouch-type secondary battery. The metal layer may include aluminum (Al). The inner resin layers may be thermally bonded to each other by heat and / or pressure applied while the electrode assembly is embedded. The inner resin layer may include cast polypropylene (CPP) or polypropylene (PP).

[0076] A pouch case (114) may be divided into two parts, and a concave receiving portion in which an electrode assembly can be mounted may be formed in at least one of the two parts. Along the outer periphery of the receiving portion, the inner resin layers of the two parts of the pouch case (114) may be bonded to each other to form a sealing portion. In this manner, the pouch case may be sealed, and a battery cell (110), which is a pouch-type secondary battery, may be manufactured.

[0077] In the battery cell stack (120), the battery cells (110) may be configured in plurality. The plurality of battery cells (110) may be stacked so as to be electrically connected to each other. For example, the plurality of battery cells (110) may be stacked in a direction parallel to the Y-axis while standing upright. Specifically, in the battery cell stack (120), the battery cells (110) may be stacked along a direction from the first side portion (210) to the second side portion (220) of the frame (200). The battery cells (110) may be stacked in a state where one side of the battery cell (110) is parallel to the first side portion (210) and the second side portion (220). Here, the one side of the battery cell (110) may be one side of the cell body (113, see FIG. 7) of the battery cell (110). The electrode leads (130) may protrude in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the battery cells (110) are stacked. In the battery cell (110), one electrode lead (130) may protrude in the X-axis direction, and the other electrode lead (130) may protrude in the -X-axis direction. If the battery cell has electrode leads (130) protruding in only one direction, the electrode leads (130) may protrude in the X-axis direction or the -X-axis direction.

[0078] The frame (200) may be for protecting the battery cell stack (120) and the electrical components connected thereto from external physical impact. The frame (200) is a member for forming a space in which the battery cells (110) are accommodated and may cover at least a portion of the battery cell stack (120). As described above, the frame (200) includes a first side portion (210), a second side portion (220), a ceiling portion (230), and a bottom portion (240). The battery cell stack (120) and the electrical components connected thereto may be accommodated in the internal space of the frame (200), that is, the internal space formed by the first side portion (210), the second side portion (220), the ceiling portion (230), and the bottom portion (240). There is no particular limitation on the material of the frame (200), but, for example, the frame (200) may include a metal material,

[0079] The structure of the frame (200) may vary. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the structure of the frame (200) may be a monoframe structure. Here, the monoframe may be in the form of a metal plate in which the upper surface, lower surface, and both side surfaces are integrated. The monoframe may be manufactured by extrusion molding. In the present example, the first side surface (210), the second side surface (220), the ceiling surface (230), and the bottom surface (240) may be integrated.

[0080] However, the structure of the frame (200) is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the frame (200) may have a structure in which components are coupled to each other. For example, at least one of the first side portion (210), the second side portion (220), the ceiling portion (230), or the bottom portion (240) may be a separate component that is distinct from each other, and these separate components may be coupled to each other by a mechanical fastening method, welding, or the like. In the case of the present example, the frame (200) may be formed by coupling at least one of the first side portion (210), the second side portion (220), the ceiling portion (230), or the bottom portion (240) by a mechanical fastening method, welding, or the like.

[0081] For example, the frame (200) may have a U-shaped frame and an upper plate that are connected to each other. In this case, the U-shaped frame may have a lower surface and two side surfaces extending upward from both edges of the lower surface, and the upper plate may be in a plate shape. Here, the U-shaped frame may be components corresponding to the first side surface (210), the second side surface (220), and the bottom surface (240), and the upper plate may be a component corresponding to the ceiling surface (230). In this case, each frame or plate constituting the U-shaped frame may be manufactured by press forming. In addition, the structure of the frame (200) may be provided as an L-shaped frame structure in addition to a mono-frame or a U-shaped frame, and may also be provided in various structures not described in the above-described examples.

[0082] That is, in summary, the frame (200) of the present invention can be provided in various structures without any separate restrictions on its shape, material, manufacturing method, and joint form between components, as long as it can form a space in which battery cells (110) are accommodated.

[0083] The frame (200) may be open on both sides. More specifically, the frame (200) may be provided in an open form along the longitudinal direction of the battery cells (110). Here, the longitudinal direction of the battery cells (110) may correspond to a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the battery cells (110) are stacked, and a direction in which the electrode leads (130) protrude from the battery cells (110). The open sides of the frame (200) may be covered by the first and second bus bar assemblies (300a, 300b), the sealing assembly (400), or the end plate (500), which will be described later. The battery cell stack (120) may be stored in the internal space of the frame (200), thereby being protected from external physical impact, etc.

[0084] Meanwhile, the battery assembly (100) may include a first busbar assembly (300a) and a second busbar assembly (300b) positioned on one side and the other side of the battery cell stack (120), respectively. Specifically, the first busbar assembly (300a) and the second busbar assembly (300b) may be positioned in the direction in which the electrode leads (130) of the battery cells (110) included in the battery cell stack (120) protrude. The first busbar assembly (300a) and the second busbar assembly (300b) may each include a busbar frame, a busbar, a terminal busbar, etc., which will be described later.

[0085] Meanwhile, the battery assembly (100) may include a sealing assembly (400). The sealing assembly (400) may be formed to cover the battery cell stack (120) by being positioned on both open sides of the frame (200). The sealing assembly (400) positioned on one open side of the frame (200) may be a first sealing assembly (410), and the sealing assembly (400) positioned on the other open side of the frame (200) may be a second sealing assembly (450). That is, the battery assembly (100) according to the present embodiment may further include a first sealing assembly (410) and a second sealing assembly (450) that cover the open sides of the frame (200), respectively.

[0086] The sealing assembly (400) can isolate the open sides of the frame (200) from the external environment. Specifically, the sealing assembly (400) can perform a function of sealing the inside of the frame (200) to prevent the refrigerant from leaking to the outside when the refrigerant is injected into the frame (200) described below.

[0087] The battery assembly (100) according to the present embodiment may include end plates (500) positioned on both open sides of the frame (200). Specifically, the end plates (500) may be formed to be positioned on both open sides of the frame (200) and cover the sealing assembly (400). The battery assembly (100) may include a first end plate (510) and a second end plate (550) that cover one open side and the other open side of the frame (200), respectively. That is, the end plate (500) positioned on one open side of the frame (200) may be a first end plate (510), and the end plate (500) positioned on the other open side of the frame (200) may be a second end plate (550). The first end plate (510) can cover the first sealing assembly (410) from the outside, and the second end plate (550) can cover the second sealing assembly (450) from the outside. In other words, the first sealing assembly (410) can be positioned between the battery cell stack (120) and the first end plate (510), and the second sealing assembly (450) can be positioned between the battery cell stack (120) and the second end plate (550). There is no particular limitation on the material of the end plate (500), but as an example, the end plate (500) can include a metal material and be welded to the frame (200). The end plate (500) can physically protect the battery cell stack (120) and other electrical components from external impact.

[0088]

[0089] Below, the structure of the pad member (700a) and the cooling fin (800) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0090] Fig. 8 is a plan view from above of a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the ceiling portion of the frame omitted. Fig. 9 is a front view of a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the first end plate and the first busbar frame removed. Fig. 10 is a partial view showing an enlarged portion of part “A” of Fig. 9.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 3, 6, 8, 9, and 10, in the battery assembly (100) according to the present embodiment, pad members (700a) are arranged at least in one location between the battery cells (110). In addition, a plurality of pad members (700a) may be provided, and a plurality of pad members (700a) may be arranged at a predetermined interval along the direction in which the battery cells (110) are stacked. In addition, a separate pad member (700a) may be further arranged between the battery cell stack (120) and the first side portion (210). In addition, a separate pad member (700a) may be further arranged between the battery cell stack (120) and the second side portion (220).

[0092] The pad member (700a) according to the present embodiment may be a plate-shaped member in the form of foam. The pad member (700a) may absorb swelling of the battery cells (110) when they are charged and discharged. Specifically, the battery cells (110) may generate gas internally due to degradation, etc., as charging and discharging are repeated. In addition, when gas is generated internally in this way, the internal pressure increases, which may cause a swelling phenomenon in which at least a portion of the outer packaging material swells. In particular, in the case of a pouch-type secondary battery, the swelling phenomenon may occur more severely compared to a can-type secondary battery due to the weaker structural rigidity of the outer packaging material. If the swelling of the battery cells (110) cannot be absorbed and controlled, structural deformation may occur in the battery assembly (100) having a form in which a plurality of battery cells (110) are stacked, and the durability and performance of the battery assembly (100) may be adversely affected. The pad member (700a) according to the present embodiment can absorb the swelling phenomenon of the battery cell (110) by being compressed in response to the swelling of the battery cell (110), and ultimately minimize the structural deformation of the battery assembly (100). There is no particular limitation on the material of the pad member (700a) as long as it can be compressed and absorb the swelling of the battery cell (110), and for example, it can include a polyurethane material.

[0093] Meanwhile, the battery assembly (100) according to the present embodiment may further include cooling fins (800) positioned between the battery cells (110). The cooling fins (800) may be positioned between two battery cells (110). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, one cooling fin (800) and another adjacent cooling fin (800) may be positioned with two battery cells (110) interposed therebetween.

[0094] The cooling fin (800) according to the present embodiment may extend to the ceiling (230) or the bottom (240) of the frame (200) and come into contact with the ceiling (230) or the bottom (240). Specifically, the cooling fin (800) may include a body (810) that comes into contact with one side of the battery cell (110). Here, the one side of the battery cell (110) may be one side of the cell body (113, see FIG. 7) of the battery cell (110), and may be one side of the battery cell (110) that extends along the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction).

[0095] One side of the main body (810) may be in contact with one side of a battery cell (110) facing the one side of the main body (810). The other side of the main body (810) may be in contact with one side of another adjacent battery cell (110) facing the other side of the main body (810). In this case, although not specifically illustrated, an adhesive member may be interposed between one side of the battery cell (110) and the main body (810), so that the battery cell (110) and the main body (810) may be adhesively fixed. For example, the adhesive member may be an insulating tape.

[0096] When the size of the main body (810) is larger than the size of the battery cell (110), the upper and lower portions of the battery cell (110) may be positioned at a constant distance from the ceiling (230) and the bottom (240) of the frame (200). Specifically, when the height of the main body (810) is longer than the height of the battery cell (110), the battery cell (110) may be positioned at the center of the main body (810) and may be adhesively fixed. In this case, the upper and lower portions of the battery cell (110) may be positioned at a constant distance from the ceiling (230) and the bottom (240) of the frame (200). Here, the heights of the battery cell (110) and the main body (810) may correspond to the length in the z-axis direction.

[0097] The cooling fin (800) may further include an extension portion (820) extending from one end of the main body portion (810). For example, the cooling fin (800) may have an L shape. Specifically, the cooling fin (800) may include a main body portion (810) facing one side of the battery cell (110), and an extension portion (820) extending from one end of the main body portion (810) along a direction in which the battery cells (110) are stacked (a direction parallel to the Y-axis). One side of the extension portion (820) may be parallel to the direction in which the battery cells (110) are stacked. In addition, one side of the extension portion (820) may be perpendicular to one side of the main body portion (810).

[0098] The extension (820) can be in contact with the ceiling (230) or the bottom (240) of the frame (200). Specifically, one surface of the extension (820) can face the upper or lower surface of the battery cell (110), and the other surface of the extension (820) can be in contact with the ceiling (230) or the bottom (240) of the frame (200).

[0099] For example, in one cooling fin (800), one surface of the extension portion (820) may face the lower surface of the battery cell (110), and the other surface of the extension portion (820) may contact the bottom portion (240) of the frame (200). Accordingly, the cooling fin (800) may be fixedly positioned within the frame (200). In addition, in another cooling fin (800), one surface of the extension portion (820) may face the upper surface of the battery cell (110), and the other surface of the extension portion (820) may contact the ceiling portion (230) of the frame (200). Meanwhile, the upper and lower surfaces of the battery cell (110) may be positioned by being adhesively fixed to the main body portion (810) while having a certain height from the ceiling portion (230) and the bottom portion (240) of the frame (200).

[0100] However, the shape of the cooling fin (800) is not limited to this drawing, and may be a flat plate shape, and any shape is possible as long as it can be in contact with the battery cell (110) and fix the battery cell (110).

[0101] The cooling fin (800) according to the present embodiment may include a metal material. Specifically, the cooling fin (800) may include a metal material with high thermal conductivity. Therefore, the cooling fin (800) can directly receive heat generated from the battery cell (110) during charging and discharging. When heat is generated, the heat is first cooled as it is transferred to the cooling fin (800) in contact with one surface of the battery cell (110), and secondarily cooled as a refrigerant, which will be described later, directly contacts the upper and lower portions of the battery cell (110). As a result, direct cooling is possible even for the upper and lower portions of the battery cell, which were relatively difficult to cool in the past, and thus cooling efficiency can be improved.

[0102]

[0103] Below, a structure for circulating a coolant inside a battery assembly (100) according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

[0104] Referring again to FIGS. 2, 3, 6, 8, 9, and 10, as described above, the coolant is introduced into the frame (200) through the inlet (421) and then discharged to the outside of the battery assembly (100) through the outlet (461). In the present embodiment, the coolant can cool the battery cell stack (120) housed inside the frame (200) by making direct contact with it. More specifically, the coolant can receive heat generated from the battery cell stack (120) housed inside the frame (200), the first and second bus bar assemblies (300a, 300b) described below, and other electrical components by making direct contact with them. That is, the battery assembly (100) according to the present embodiment can have a direct cooling structure in which the coolant directly introduces and circulates into the frame (200) to cool the battery cells (110) and electrical components. Therefore, compared to indirectly cooling the battery module (1) using a heat sink (6) or the like in a conventional battery module (1, see FIG. 3), the battery assembly (100) according to the present embodiment can improve cooling efficiency through direct cooling, thereby extending the life of the battery.

[0105] The above-described refrigerant may be a fluid. However, since the refrigerant directly contacts the battery cell stack (120), the first and second busbar assemblies (300a, 300b), and other electrical components within the battery assembly (100), the refrigerant must be electrically insulated. Accordingly, the refrigerant may be a material having insulating properties. For example, the refrigerant may be an insulating oil.

[0106] Meanwhile, in the battery assembly (100) according to the present embodiment, the inlet (421) and the outlet (461) may be positioned on opposite sides of the battery cell stack (120). In other words, the battery cell stack (120) may be positioned between the inlet (421) and the outlet (461). In addition, the inlet (421) may be provided in the first end plate (510), and the outlet (461) may be provided in the second end plate (550). The inlet (421) being provided in the first end plate (510) includes both cases where the inlet (421) is formed integrally with the first end plate (510) or where the inlet (421) is exposed to the outside of the first end plate (510) by penetrating through the inlet opening (540) formed in the first end plate (510). Likewise, the provision of the outlet (461) to the second end plate (550) includes both the outlet (461) being formed integrally with the second end plate (550) or the outlet (461) penetrating through an outlet opening (560) formed in the second end plate (550) and being exposed to the outside of the second end plate (550).

[0107] In the battery assembly (100) according to the present embodiment, the coolant (CL) can directly cool the battery cell stack (120), the first and second bus bar assemblies (300a, 300b), and other electrical components by flowing along the longitudinal direction (parallel to the X-axis) of the battery cells (110). As described above, in the battery cell stack (120), the battery cells (110) can be stacked along the direction from the first side portion (210) to the second side portion (220) of the frame (200) with one side of the battery cells (110) being parallel to the first side portion (210) and the second side portion (220). In the stacked form of the battery cell stack (120), the coolant (CL) is designed to flow along the longitudinal direction of the battery cells (110), so that the coolant (CL) can evenly cool each battery cell (110) without being concentrated on some battery cells (110). If the coolant is designed to flow along the stacked direction of the battery cells (110), the flow of the coolant may not be smooth, and only some battery cells (110) may be cooled, resulting in a cooling imbalance.

[0108] Meanwhile, at least one of the pad members (700a) according to the present embodiment extends from the ceiling (230) to the bottom (240) of the frame (200). Between the pad members (700a), the coolant flow paths (FP) that are separated from each other can be formed. In the case of a direct cooling structure such as the present embodiment, the cooling performance is high because the battery cells (110) are directly cooled by the coolant, but an area where the flow of the coolant stagnates may occur inside the frame (200), which may cause a cooling imbalance. In particular, an area where the flow of the coolant stagnates may occur in an area between the second end plate (550) where the outlet (461) is located and the battery cell stack (120). In particular, the area between the second end plate (550) and the battery cell stack (120) is where the electrode lead (130) of the battery cell (110) or the second bus bar (330b) described later is located, and the electrode lead (130) or the second bus bar (330b) is a part where a lot of heat is generated during charging and discharging of the battery cell (110). Therefore, stagnation of the flow of the coolant in the area can aggravate the cooling imbalance inside the battery assembly (100), and this cooling imbalance can be a factor causing deterioration and degradation of the battery cells (110).

[0109] In order to solve the problem of stagnant flow of the refrigerant, in this embodiment, pad members (700a) extending from the ceiling (230) to the floor (240) of the frame (200) are provided, and a refrigerant flow path (FP) is implemented through the pad members (700a).

[0110] In the past, since the refrigerant randomly flows through a wide space inside the frame (200) from the inlet (421) to the outlet (461), an area where the flow of the refrigerant stagnates occurs. On the other hand, as in the present embodiment, when the pad members (700a) are extended and a refrigerant flow path (FP) is implemented between the pad members (700a), the refrigerant flows smoothly from the inlet (421) to the outlet (461) along the flow path (FP), and no stagnation of the flow of the refrigerant occurs. In FIG. 8, when the refrigerant (CL) flows inside the frame (200) from the inlet (421) to the outlet (461), the refrigerant (CL) can flow without stagnation in the space between the pad members (700a), as indicated by the arrow. Ultimately, in the case of the battery assembly (100) according to the present embodiment, the problem of performance degradation and deterioration of the battery cells (110) can be prevented because the stagnation of the flow of the coolant and the resulting cooling imbalance are minimized. That is, in addition to the function of absorbing the swelling of the battery cells (110), the pad member (700a) in the present embodiment can also form a flow path (FP) of the coolant to resolve the stagnation of the flow of the coolant and the resulting cooling imbalance.

[0111] In Fig. 10, it is expressed that a coolant flow path (FP) is formed between pad members (700a) in the area between the battery cells (110) and the bottom portion (240) of the frame (200). Although not specifically enlarged, a coolant flow path (FP) may be formed between pad members (700a) in the area between the battery cells (110) and the ceiling portion (230) of the frame (200). Meanwhile, when the pad members (700a) are not arranged on the outermost side of the battery cell stack (120), a coolant flow path may be formed between one of the pad members (700a) and the first side portion (210) and between another of the pad members (700a) and the second side portion (220).

[0112] At least one upper end of the pad members (700a) may be in close contact with the ceiling (230) of the frame (200), and at least one lower end of the pad members (700a) may be in close contact with the bottom (240) of the frame (200). In addition, the upper or lower end of some of the pad members (700a) may be in close contact with the extension (820) of the cooling fin (800), as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. The upper or lower end of some of the pad members (700a) may be in close contact with one surface of the extension (820), and the other surface of the extension (820) may be in close contact with the ceiling (230) or the bottom (240) of the frame (200). In other words, in order to ensure that a refrigerant flow path (FP) is clearly formed between the pad members (700a), it is preferable that there is no separate space between the upper portion of the pad members (700a) and the ceiling portion (230) of the frame (200), and that there is no separate space between the lower portion of the pad members (700a) and the bottom portion (240) of the frame (200).

[0113] Meanwhile, the pad member (700a) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be in the form of a single pad extending from the ceiling portion (230) of the frame (200) to the bottom portion (240) of the frame (200). That is, the pad member (700a) according to the present embodiment may be a single pad, rather than being divided into several members.

[0114]

[0115] The inlet (421) may be positioned lower than the center based on the height of the battery cell stack (120). The outlet (461) may be positioned higher than the center based on the height of the battery cell stack (120). Here, the height of the battery cell stack (120) refers to the length in the z-axis direction in the drawing. The positions of the inlet (421) and the outlet (461) are not limited thereto, but when the positions of the inlet (421) and the outlet (461) are set as described above, the inside of the frame (200) can be sufficiently filled with the refrigerant.

[0116] If the inlet (421) is located above the center based on the height of the battery cell stack (120), there is a possibility that bubbles may form inside the coolant as the coolant flows into the inside of the battery assembly (100) as if it were falling from a high position. These bubbles become a factor that hinders the cooling effect.

[0117] In addition, if the outlet (461) is located lower than the center based on the height of the battery cell stack (120), the coolant introduced into the interior of the battery assembly (100) is filled only up to the height of the outlet (461) and then escapes to the outside, so the interior of the battery assembly (100) is not filled with a sufficient amount of coolant, which may result in a decrease in cooling performance.

[0118] Therefore, in order to prevent bubbles from forming in the inflowing coolant and to cool the entire inside of the battery assembly (100) as it is slowly filled with coolant, it is preferable that the inlet (421) be positioned lower than the center based on the height of the battery cell stack (120), and the outlet (461) be positioned higher than the center based on the height of the battery cell stack (120).

[0119] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, in the first direction (d1) and the second direction (d2) which are parallel to and opposite to the direction in which the battery cells (110) are stacked, the inlet (421) may be positioned offset in the first direction (d1) from the center of the battery cell stack (120) in the direction in which the battery cells (110) are stacked, and the outlet (461) may be positioned offset in the second direction (d2) from the center of the battery cell stack (120) in the direction in which the battery cells are stacked. That is, it is preferable that the inlet (421) and the outlet (461) be positioned on opposite sides with respect to the direction in which the battery cells (110) are stacked. The inlet (421) and the outlet (461) must be arranged in this manner so that the coolant can flow throughout the space inside the frame (200) and evenly cool all the battery cells (110). If the inlet (421) and the outlet (461) are positioned together at the center of the battery cell stack (120) in the direction in which the battery cells (110) are stacked, the coolant will only flow to the center where the flow resistance is the lowest, and thus the coolant will not flow well to the battery cells (110) located at the outer portion of the battery cell stack (120). Ultimately, this causes a cooling imbalance inside the battery assembly (100). In addition, if the inlet (421) and the outlet (461) are positioned together so as to be biased toward only one of the first direction (d1) and the second direction (d2), the coolant will only flow to some of the outer portions of the battery cells (110) adjacent to the biased direction, and thus a cooling imbalance will also occur inside the battery assembly (100). Therefore, in order to induce the coolant to flow evenly through all of the battery cells (110) inside the battery assembly (100), as mentioned above, it is preferable that the inlet (421) and the outlet (461) be positioned on opposite sides based on the direction in which the battery cells (110) are stacked.

[0120]

[0121] Referring again to FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, as described above, the battery assembly (100) may include a first busbar assembly (300a) and a second busbar assembly (300b) positioned on one side and the other side of the battery cell stack (120), respectively.

[0122] The first busbar assembly (300a) may include a first busbar frame (310a) and a first busbar (330a) mounted on the first busbar frame (310a).

[0123] The first bus bar frame (310a) may be positioned on one side of the battery cell stack (120) to cover one side of the battery cell stack (120) and at the same time guide the connection between the battery cell stack (120) and an external device.

[0124] A first busbar (330a) may be mounted on the first busbar frame (310a). For example, the inner surface of the first busbar frame (310a) may face the battery cell stack (120), and the first busbar (330a) may be mounted on the outer surface of the first busbar frame (310a).

[0125] The first busbar frame (310a) may include an electrically insulating material. The first busbar frame (310a) can prevent an electrical short from occurring by limiting the first busbar (330a) from contacting other parts of the battery cells (110) other than the part where it is connected to the electrode lead (not shown).

[0126] The first bus bar (330a) is mounted on the outer surface of the first bus bar frame (310a) and may be used to electrically connect the battery cells (110) included in the battery cell stack (120) and electrically connect the battery cell stack (120) with an external device circuit. The first bus bar (330a) is positioned on the first bus bar frame (310a), and the first bus bar assembly (300a) is covered by the sealing assembly (400) and end plate (500) described below, so that it can be protected from external impacts, etc., and deterioration of durability due to external moisture, etc. can be minimized.

[0127] The first bus bar (330a) can be electrically connected to the battery cell stack (120) through the electrode lead (130) of the battery cell (110). Specifically, the electrode lead (130) of the battery cell (110) can be bent after passing through a slit formed in the first bus bar frame (310a) and connected to the first bus bar (330a). The battery cells (110) included in the battery cell stack (120) can be electrically connected in series or parallel by the first bus bar (330a). There is no particular limitation on the connection method between the electrode lead (130) and the first bus bar (330a), and for example, welding may be applied.

[0128] The second busbar assembly (300b) covers the other side of the battery cell stack (120) and can electrically connect the battery cells (110) of the battery cell stack (120). The detailed configuration of the second busbar assembly (300b) will be described again with reference to FIG. 17.

[0129] Meanwhile, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (350) electrically connecting the first busbar assembly (300a) and the second busbar assembly (300b) may be provided. The flexible printed circuit board (350) is configured to extend in the longitudinal direction of the battery cells (110) and be mounted to sense the battery cells (110). That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the flexible printed circuit board (350) is positioned on the upper surface of the battery cell stack (120) and senses voltage data or thermal data of the battery cells (110). In particular, the flexible printed circuit board (350) may be electrically connected to the first busbar (330a) while being bent toward the first busbar frame (310a) at one end. Accordingly, the voltage data of each battery cell (110) may be sensed and transmitted to the outside.

[0130]

[0131] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a first sealing assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention mounted on one side of a frame.

[0132] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 6, 7, and 11, as described above, the battery assembly (100) may include a first sealing assembly (410) and a second sealing assembly (450) that cover the open sides of the frame (200), respectively. The inlet (421) may be formed in the first sealing assembly (410), and the outlet (461) may be formed in the second sealing assembly (450). However, this is one exemplary structure, and in another embodiment of the present invention, the inlet and the outlet may be formed in the first end plate (510) and the second end plate (550), respectively.

[0133] As described above, when the direction parallel to the direction in which the electrode lead (130) protrudes from the battery cell (110) is referred to as the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110), the direction parallel to the X-axis may correspond to the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110). Along this longitudinal direction, the first sealing assembly (410), the first busbar assembly (300a), the battery cell stack (120), the second busbar assembly (300b), and the second sealing assembly (450) may be positioned in sequence. That is, the refrigerant introduced through the inlet (421) formed in the first sealing assembly (410) may pass through the first busbar assembly (300a), the battery cell stack (120), and the second busbar assembly (300b) and be discharged through the outlet (461) formed in the second sealing assembly (450).

[0134] The first sealing assembly (410) can be mounted while covering the first busbar assembly (300a). The first sealing assembly (410) can include a first sealing cover (420) which is a plate covering an open side of the frame (200), an inlet (421) which is a hole formed in the first sealing cover (420), and a module connector (430) mounted in one area of ​​the first sealing cover (420).

[0135] The first sealing cover (420) is a plate that covers an open side of the frame (200) and may have a size corresponding to the size of the open side of the frame (200). That is, the first sealing cover (420) may be mounted on the frame (200) while covering the open side of the frame (200). For example, the first sealing cover (420) may be fitted into the frame (200).

[0136] The inlet (421) may be a hole formed in one area of ​​the first sealing cover (420). The inlet (421) may be a hole that protrudes toward the outer surface (X-axis direction) of the first sealing cover (420). That is, the inlet (421) may be a hole that protrudes in the opposite direction to the direction in which the frame (200) is positioned based on the first sealing cover (420). The protruding inlet (421) may penetrate an inlet opening (540) formed in a first end plate (510) described later.

[0137] The inlet (421) may be positioned lower than the center based on the height of the battery cell stack (120). The inlet (421) may be positioned close to the lower end of the first sealing assembly (410). Specifically, the inlet (421) may be positioned lower than the center based on the height of the first sealing assembly (410).

[0138] The module connector (430) may detect and control phenomena such as overvoltage, overcurrent, and overheating of the battery cell. The module connector (430) is for LV (Low voltage) connection, and voltage information and temperature information of the battery cell can be transmitted to an external BMS (Battery Management System) through the module connector (430).

[0139] The module connector (430) may be mounted on the first sealing cover (420). At this time, the module connector (430) may be mounted by being coupled to the first sealing cover (420) through a coupling member (440). At least a portion of the module connector (430) may be exposed to the outside of the first end plate (510) described below, and the first end plate (510) may be provided with a module connector opening (530) for this purpose.

[0140] The first sealing cover (420) may be provided with a terminal bus bar (340). The terminal bus bar (340) may include a first terminal bus bar (341) and a second terminal bus bar (343), and the polarities of the first terminal bus bar (341) and the second terminal bus bar (343) may be different from each other.

[0141] The terminal bus bar (340) may be electrically connected to the bus bar or electrode lead to electrically connect one battery assembly (100) to another battery assembly (100). In order to connect one battery assembly (100) to another external battery assembly (100), at least a portion of the terminal bus bar (340) may be exposed to the outside of the first end plate (510) described below, and the end plate (500) may be provided with a terminal bus bar opening (520) for this purpose.

[0142] The terminal bus bar (340) may further include a protrusion protruding from the outer surface of the first sealing cover (420). The protrusion may be exposed to the outside of the battery assembly (100) through a terminal bus bar opening (520) described later. The terminal bus bar (340) may be connected to another battery assembly (100) or a BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit) through the protrusion exposed through the terminal bus bar opening (520), thereby forming an HV (High voltage) connection.

[0143] Figures 12 (a), (b), and (c) are drawings showing the process of assembling the first sealing assembly of Figure 11.

[0144] Referring to (a), (b), and (c) of FIG. 3, FIG. 11, and FIG. 12, a module connector (430) is mounted on one surface of the first sealing assembly (410), and a sensing unit (360) is mounted on the other surface of the first sealing assembly (410), so that the module connector (430) and the sensing unit (360) can be electrically connected to each other. Specifically, the module connector (430) can be mounted on the outer surface (420a) of the first sealing cover (420). The outer surface (420a) of the first sealing cover (420) is a surface facing the first end plate (510), and may be the opposite surface of the surface facing the first busbar assembly (300a).

[0145] Referring to (a) of FIG. 12, the module connector (430) can be mounted and positioned in a mounting area (MA), which is an area of ​​the outer surface (420a) of the first sealing cover (420). The mounting area (MA) is an area corresponding to the size of the module connector (430), and a hole penetrating the first sealing cover (420) is provided in the center of the mounting area (MA), and a groove in which a coupling member (440) can be mounted can be provided at the vertex of the mounting area (MA). In this case, a coupling member (440) can be provided at the vertex of the module connector (430), and the coupling member (440) can be positioned in an area corresponding to the groove of the mounting area (MA). Therefore, the coupling member (440) can be coupled with the groove of the mounting area (MA), and thereby the module connector (430) can be mounted in the mounting area (MA).

[0146] The joining member (440) can be anything that joins and fixes the module connector (430) to the mounting area (MA), and may be, for example, a bolt and nut or a rivet.

[0147] Referring to (b) and (c) of FIG. 12, a sensing unit (360) may be mounted on one surface of the first sealing cover (420). Specifically, the sensing unit (360) may be mounted on the inner surface (420b) of the first sealing cover (420). The inner surface (420b) of the first sealing cover (420) may be a surface facing the first busbar assembly (300a), and may be the opposite surface of a surface facing the first end plate (510).

[0148] The sensing unit (360) may include a sensing printed circuit board (361) and a sensing cable (363) electrically connected to the sensing printed circuit board (361). The sensing printed circuit board (361) may be electrically connected to a module connector (430). The sensing printed circuit board (361) may be positioned in an area corresponding to the module connector (430). Specifically, the sensing printed circuit board (361) may be positioned in a mounting area (MA). The sensing printed circuit board (361) may be positioned while being electrically connected to the module connector (430) through a hole in the mounting area (MA).

[0149] The sensing cable (363) is a cable electrically connected to the sensing printed circuit board (361) and may include a cable connection portion (363a) and a cable extension portion (363b).

[0150] The cable connection portion (363a) can be connected to the sensing printed circuit board (361) and positioned in contact with the inner surface (420b) of the first sealing cover (420). The cable connection portion (363a) is fixed in contact with the inner surface (420b) of the first sealing cover (420), so that it does not move arbitrarily within the battery assembly (100) and does not cause damage to the components.

[0151] Specifically, the cable connection portion (363a) extends from the sensing printed circuit board (361) to the lower portion of the first sealing cover (420), and may be extended by being bent from the lower portion of the first sealing cover (420). At this time, the portion that is bent and extended from the cable connection portion (363a) at the lower portion of the first sealing cover (420) may be defined as a cable extension portion (363b). The cable extension portion (363b) may be electrically connected to the first flexible printed circuit board (350) located in the busbar assembly.

[0152] Figures 13 (a), (b), and (c) are drawings showing the process of mounting the first sealing assembly of Figure 11 on one side of the frame.

[0153] Referring to (c) of FIG. 12 and (a) of FIG. 13 together, the sensing cable (363) can be electrically connected to the first flexible printed circuit board (350). In this case, the sensing cable (363) can transmit voltage information and temperature information of the battery cell obtained from the flexible printed circuit board (350) to the sensing printed circuit board (361). In this case, the sensing printed circuit board (361) can transmit the information obtained from the flexible printed circuit board (350) to the module connector (430). That is, the sensing unit (360) can transmit data of the battery cell obtained from the flexible printed circuit board (350) to the module connector (430).

[0154] Accordingly, the module connector (430) can transmit data obtained from the flexible printed circuit board (350) and the sensing unit (360) to the BMS (Battery Management System), and the BMS can control charging and discharging of the battery cells based on the collected voltage data.

[0155] Referring to (a) and (b) of FIG. 3 and FIG. 13, the first sealing cover (420) can be mounted on the frame (200) while covering an open side of the frame (200). For example, the first sealing cover (420) can be fitted into the frame (200). In this case, the edge of the first sealing cover (420) can include a protrusion that partially protrudes in the direction of coupling with the frame (-X-axis direction). The edge of the frame (200) coupled with the first sealing cover (420) can have a step formed so that the edge protrusion of the first sealing cover (420) can be fitted into it. Accordingly, the first sealing cover (420) and the frame (200) can be fitted into each other.

[0156] Referring to (c) of FIG. 13, when the first sealing cover (420) is coupled to the open side of the frame (200), a first sealing member (610) may be interposed along the edge of the first sealing cover (420) and the frame (200). When the first sealing cover (420) and the frame (200) are coupled, a slight gap may be created between them due to assembly tolerances, and this gap may be sealed with the first sealing member (610) to improve the sealing properties of the battery assembly (100). Accordingly, leakage of the refrigerant located inside the battery assembly (100) can be prevented, and leakage of the gas generated inside the battery assembly (100) can also be prevented, while the direction of gas discharge can be controlled, thereby improving the safety of the battery assembly (100). In this case, the first sealing member (610) may be, for example, an adhesive tape.

[0157] Although not specifically illustrated, after the first sealing assembly (410) is coupled to the frame (200) and the edges are sealed with the first sealing member (610), other gaps existing in the first sealing assembly (410) can be sealed with the second sealing member (620, see FIG. 16). This is to seal the portions of the first sealing assembly (410) other than the edges that cannot be sealed with the first sealing member (610) using the second sealing member (620), thereby further improving the sealing properties of the battery assembly (100). The second sealing member (620) will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 16.

[0158] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing a first end plate mounted to a first sealing assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0159] Referring to FIGS. 11, 13, and 14, in a battery assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a first end plate (510) may be positioned to cover a first sealing assembly (410). A terminal bus bar opening (520), a module connector opening (530), and an inlet opening (540) may be formed in the first end plate (510).

[0160] The terminal busbar opening (520) may be an opening formed in an area corresponding to the position of the terminal busbar (340) provided in the first sealing assembly (410). The terminal busbar opening (520) protrudes from the first end plate (510) toward the outside of the battery assembly (100), and only the upper surface of this protruding shape may be opened. A portion of the terminal busbar (340) may be exposed to the outside through this open portion.

[0161] The size of the terminal busbar opening (520) can be primarily determined by the circumference of the terminal busbar (340). However, for ease of assembly or for reasons related to the manufacturing process, the size of the terminal busbar opening (520) can be larger than the size of the exposed portion of the terminal busbar (340), and in this case, a gap can occur between the terminal busbar opening (520) and the terminal busbar (340) exposed to the outside.

[0162] The module connector opening (530) and the inlet opening (540) are openings provided in the first end plate (510) and are holes penetrating the first end plate (510). Specifically, the module connector opening (530) may be an opening formed in an area corresponding to the position of the module connector (430) provided in the first sealing assembly (410), and the inlet opening (540) may be an opening formed in an area corresponding to the position of the inlet (421) provided in the first sealing assembly (410). Accordingly, even when the first end plate (510) is mounted, at least a portion of the module connector (430) and the inlet (421) may be exposed to the outside by passing through the module connector opening (530) and the inlet opening (540), respectively.

[0163] The size of the module connector opening (530) and the inlet opening (540) may be determined by the circumferential size of the module connector (430) and the inlet (421). However, for ease of assembly or due to manufacturing process reasons, the size of the module connector opening (530) and the inlet opening (540) may be larger than the size of the exposed portions of the module connector (430) and the inlet (421). In this case, a gap may occur between the module connector opening (530) and the exposed portions of the module connector (430) and between the inlet opening (540) and the exposed portions of the inlet (421).

[0164] The terminal bus bar (340) and module connector (430) are exposed to the outside through the terminal bus bar opening (520) and module connector opening (530), so that HV connection and LV connection with external electrical components can be easily performed. Accordingly, the efficiency of the assembly process can be improved.

[0165] Since the inlet (421) is exposed to the outside of the battery assembly (100) through the inlet opening (540), when the refrigerant flows in through the inlet (421), the refrigerant can be prevented from leaking between the first sealing assembly (410) and the first end plate (510). Accordingly, the refrigerant may not come into contact with the terminal bus bar (340) or module connector (430) that performs electrical connection with the outside. In other words, by preventing short circuits between the above components, the safety of the battery assembly (100) can be improved.

[0166] A third sealing member (630) may be interposed between the first end plate (510) and the first sealing assembly (410). The third sealing member (630) may have a shape corresponding to the edge of the first sealing assembly (410) or the edge of the first end plate (510). The third sealing member (630) may be a resin that is applied and then cured to correspond to the edge of the first sealing assembly (410) or the edge of the first end plate (510). Specifically, the third sealing member (630) may be applied to a first groove (411), which is a groove formed along the edge of the first sealing assembly (410), and may be cured after the first sealing assembly (410) and the first end plate (510) are combined. For example, the third sealing member (630) may include an epoxy resin.

[0167] That is, since the third sealing member (630) is interposed between the first sealing assembly (410) and the first end plate (510), the first sealing assembly (410) and the first end plate (510) can be joined and sealed without a gap formed due to assembly tolerance. Accordingly, the sealing property of the battery assembly (100) is improved, and leakage of the refrigerant located within the battery assembly (100) can be prevented, thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery assembly (100). In addition, the venting direction can be adjusted while preventing the venting gas generated within the battery assembly (100) above a certain temperature and pressure from being discharged to the outside through the gap, thereby improving the safety of the battery assembly (100).

[0168] The type and method of forming the third sealing member (630) are not limited to those described above, and may be in the form of a gasket formed of an elastic member, and any member capable of performing the role of sealing the first sealing assembly (410) and the first end plate (510) may be used.

[0169] Fig. 15 is a drawing of the configuration excluding the first end plate in Fig. 14, viewed along the -x axis on the yz plane. Fig. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion corresponding to “C” among the cross-sections taken along the cutting line B-B’ of Fig. 15.

[0170] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, a first sealing member (610) and a third sealing member (630) may be positioned along the edge of the first sealing assembly (410), and a second sealing member (620) may be positioned in one area of ​​the first sealing assembly (410).

[0171] With respect to the second sealing member (620), referring to FIG. 26, the second sealing member (620) may be positioned in an area excluding the edge area of ​​the first sealing assembly (410). That is, the second sealing member (620) may seal the remaining area of ​​the first sealing assembly (410) that is not covered by the first sealing member (610) and the third sealing member (630). Specifically, the second sealing member (620) may seal an area in the first sealing assembly (410) where there is a gap. However, the area in which the second sealing member (620) is positioned is not limited to the area illustrated in this drawing. For example, the second sealing member (620) may also seal an area in the first sealing assembly (410) where the module connector (430) is coupled, where there is a gap.

[0172] In addition to the edge portion of the first sealing assembly (410), an additional portion where a gap is located is also sealed by the second sealing member (620), thereby improving the sealing performance of the battery assembly (100) and preventing leakage of the refrigerant located inside the battery assembly (100). Accordingly, the cooling performance of the battery assembly (100) can be improved. In addition, since gas generated inside the battery assembly (100) above a certain temperature and pressure is not discharged through the gap between the first sealing assembly (410) and the first end plate (510), the safety of the battery assembly (100) can be improved.

[0173] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a second sealing assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention being mounted on another side of the frame.

[0174] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 6 and 17, as described above, a second busbar assembly (300b) may be positioned on the other side of the battery cell stack (120).

[0175] The second busbar assembly (300b) may include a second busbar frame (310b) and a second busbar (330b) mounted to the second busbar frame (310b).

[0176] The second bus bar frame (310b) may be positioned on the other side of the battery cell stack (120) to cover the other side of the battery cell stack (120) and at the same time guide the connection between the battery cell stack (120) and an external device.

[0177] A second busbar (330b) may be mounted on the second busbar frame (310b). For example, the inner surface of the second busbar frame (310b) may face the battery cell stack (120), and the second busbar (330b) may be mounted on the outer surface of the second busbar frame (310b).

[0178] The second busbar frame (310b) may include an electrically insulating material. The second busbar frame (310b) can prevent an electrical short circuit from occurring by limiting the second busbar (330b) from contacting other parts of the battery cells (110) other than the part where the second busbar (330b) is connected to the electrode lead (not shown). The second busbar (330b) is mounted on the outer surface of the second busbar frame (310b) and can electrically connect the battery cells (110) included in the battery cell stack (120).

[0179] The second bus bar (330b) can be electrically connected to the battery cell stack (120) through the electrode lead (130) of the battery cell (110). Specifically, the electrode lead (130) of the battery cell (110) can be bent after passing through a slit formed in the second bus bar frame (310b) to be connected to the second bus bar (330b). The battery cells (110) included in the battery cell stack (120) can be electrically connected in series or parallel by the second bus bar (330b). There is no particular limitation on the connection method between the electrode lead (130) and the second bus bar (330b), and for example, welding may be applied.

[0180] Meanwhile, the battery assembly (100) according to the present embodiment may include a second sealing assembly (450) mounted on the open other side of the frame (200). The second sealing assembly (450) may be mounted while covering the second busbar assembly (300b).

[0181] The second sealing assembly (450) may include a second sealing cover (460), which is a plate covering the open surface of the frame (200), and an outlet (461), which is a hole formed in the second sealing cover (460).

[0182] The second sealing cover (460) is a plate that covers the open surface of the frame (200), and may have a size corresponding to the size of the open surface of the frame (200). That is, the second sealing cover (460) may be mounted on the frame (200) while covering the open surface of the frame (200). For example, the second sealing cover (460) may be fitted into the frame (200).

[0183] The outlet (461) may be a hole formed in an area of ​​the second sealing cover (460). The outlet (461) may be a hole protruding toward the outer surface (-X-axis direction) of the second sealing cover (460). That is, the outlet (461) may be a hole protruding in a direction opposite to the direction in which the frame (200) is positioned based on the second sealing cover (460). The protruding outlet (461) may pass through an outlet opening (560) formed in a second end plate (550) described later.

[0184] The outlet (461) may be positioned above the center based on the height of the battery cell stack (120). The outlet (461) may be positioned close to the upper end of the second sealing assembly (450). Specifically, the outlet (461) may be positioned above the center based on the height of the second sealing assembly (450).

[0185] When the open surfaces of the second sealing assembly (450) and the frame (200) are coupled to each other, a first sealing member (610) may be interposed along the edges of the second sealing cover (460) and the frame (200). When the second sealing cover (460) and the frame (200) are coupled, a fine gap may be created between them due to assembly tolerances, and this gap may be sealed with the first sealing member (610) to improve the sealing properties of the battery assembly (100). Accordingly, leakage of the refrigerant located inside the battery assembly (100) can be prevented, and leakage of the venting gas generated inside the battery assembly (100) can be prevented while also controlling the direction of gas discharge, thereby improving the safety of the battery assembly (100). In this case, the first sealing member (610) may be, for example, an adhesive tape.

[0186] Although not specifically shown, after the second sealing assembly (450) is coupled to the frame (200) and the edge is sealed with the first sealing member (610), a gap existing on the second sealing assembly (450) can be sealed with a second sealing member (620, see FIG. 20). This is to seal a portion of the second sealing assembly (450) other than the edge that cannot be sealed with the first sealing member (610) using the second sealing member (620), thereby further improving the sealing performance of the battery assembly (100). The second sealing member (620) will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 20.

[0187] FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view showing a second end plate according to one embodiment of the present invention being mounted to a second sealing assembly.

[0188] Referring to FIG. 18, in a battery assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a second end plate (550) may be positioned to cover a second sealing assembly (450). An outlet opening (560) may be formed in the second end plate (550).

[0189] The outlet opening (560) is an opening provided in the second end plate (550) and is a hole penetrating the second end plate (550). Specifically, the outlet opening (560) may be an opening formed in an area corresponding to the position of the outlet (461) provided in the second sealing assembly (450). Accordingly, even when the second end plate (550) is mounted, at least a portion of the outlet (461) may be exposed to the outside by passing through the outlet opening (560).

[0190] The dimensions of the outlet opening (560) may be primarily determined by the circumferential size of the outlet (461). However, for ease of assembly or for reasons related to the manufacturing process, the size of the outlet opening (560) may be larger than the size of the exposed portion of the outlet (461), and in this case, a gap may occur between the outlets (461) exposed to the outside of the outlet opening (560).

[0191] Since the outlet (461) is exposed to the outside of the battery assembly (100) through the outlet opening (560), when the refrigerant that has entered the frame (200) is discharged to the outside through the outlet (461), the refrigerant can be prevented from leaking between the second sealing assembly (450) and the second end plate (550). Accordingly, the safety of the battery assembly (100) can be improved by preventing the occurrence of a short circuit by not coming into contact with other electrical components.

[0192] A third sealing member (630) may be interposed between the second end plate (550) and the second sealing assembly (450). The third sealing member (630) may have a shape corresponding to the edge of the second sealing assembly (450) or the edge of the second end plate (550). The third sealing member (630) may be a resin that is applied and then cured to correspond to the edge of the second sealing assembly (450) or the edge of the second end plate (550). Specifically, the third sealing member (630) may be applied to a second groove (451), which is a groove formed along the edge of the second sealing assembly (450), and may be cured after the second sealing assembly (450) and the second end plate (550) are combined. For example, the third sealing member (630) may include an epoxy resin.

[0193] That is, since the third sealing member (630) is interposed between the second sealing assembly (450) and the second end plate (550), the second sealing assembly (450) and the second end plate (550) can be joined and sealed without a gap formed due to assembly tolerance. Accordingly, the sealing property of the battery assembly (100) is improved, and leakage of the refrigerant located within the battery assembly (100) can be prevented, thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery assembly (100). In addition, the venting direction can be adjusted while preventing the venting gas generated within the battery assembly (100) above a certain temperature and pressure from being discharged to the outside through the gap, thereby improving the safety of the battery assembly (100).

[0194] The type and method of forming the third sealing member (630) are not limited to those described above, and may be in the form of a gasket formed of an elastic member, and any member capable of sealing the second sealing assembly (450) and the second end plate (550) may be used.

[0195] Fig. 19 is a drawing of the configuration excluding the second end plate in Fig. 18, viewed along the x-axis direction on the yz plane. Fig. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion corresponding to “E” among the cross-sections taken along the cutting line D-D’ of Fig. 19.

[0196] Referring to FIGS. 18 to 20, the first sealing member (610) and the third sealing member (630) may be positioned along the edge of the second sealing assembly (450), and the second sealing member (620) may be positioned in one area of ​​the second sealing assembly (450).

[0197] With respect to the second sealing member (620), referring to FIG. 20, the second sealing member (620) may be positioned in an area excluding the edge area of ​​the second sealing assembly (450). That is, the second sealing member (620) may seal the remaining area of ​​the second sealing assembly (450) that is not covered by the first sealing member (610) and the third sealing member (630). Specifically, the second sealing member (620) may seal an area in which there is a gap in the first sealing assembly (410). However, the area in which the second sealing member (620) is positioned is not limited to the area illustrated in this drawing.

[0198] In addition to the edge portion of the second sealing assembly (450), the portion where the gap is additionally located is also sealed by the second sealing member (620), so that the sealing performance of the battery assembly (100) is improved, thereby preventing leakage of the refrigerant located inside the battery assembly (100). Accordingly, the cooling performance of the battery assembly (100) can be improved. In addition, since the gas generated inside the battery assembly (100) above a certain temperature and pressure is not discharged through the gap between the second sealing assembly (450) and the second end plate (550), the safety of the battery assembly (100) can be improved.

[0199]

[0200] Hereinafter, a battery assembly according to a modified embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 21 to 23.

[0201] Fig. 21 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell stack, a first busbar assembly, and a second busbar assembly according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 22 is a front view of a battery assembly according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, with the first end plate and the first busbar frame removed, as viewed from the front. Fig. 23 is a partial view showing an enlarged view of part “F” of Fig. 22.

[0202] Referring to FIGS. 21 to 23, a battery assembly according to a modified embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack (120) in which a plurality of battery cells (110) are stacked, and a frame (200) in which the battery cell stack (120) is accommodated and which includes a first side portion (210), a second side portion (220), a ceiling portion (230), and a bottom portion (240). In addition, although not specifically illustrated, the battery assembly according to the modified embodiment may include an inlet and an outlet, and may also include a first bus bar assembly (300a), a second bus bar assembly (300b), a flexible printed circuit board (350), etc. That is, the battery assembly according to the present embodiment may have a structure identical to or similar to the battery assembly described above with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6, except for the pad member (700b) described below.

[0203] In this embodiment, pad members (700b) are arranged at least in one location between the battery cells (110), and at least one of the pad members (700b) extends from the ceiling (230) to the floor (240) of the frame (200).

[0204] However, the pad member (700b) according to the present embodiment may include a main pad (710) facing one side of the battery cell (110); a first vane (721, a first vane) inserted between the main pad (710) and the ceiling portion (230) of the frame (200); and a second vane (722, a second vane) inserted between the main pad (710) and the bottom portion (240) of the frame (200).

[0205] The main pad (710) is intended to absorb the swelling phenomenon of the battery cell (110), and there is no particular limitation on the material thereof, but may include, for example, a polyurethane material. The first vane (721) and the second vane (722) are also not limited on the material thereof, but may include the same material as the main pad (710). Unlike the pad member (700a) which is a single pad, the pad member (700b) according to the present embodiment is intended to form refrigerant flow paths (FP) that are separated from each other between the pad members (700b) by arranging the first vane (721) and the second vane (722) above and below the main pad (710). That is, although the pad member (700b) according to the present embodiment is divided into a plurality of members, its overall shape is the same as that of the pad member (700a) described above, and thus the function of forming a refrigerant flow path (FP) to resolve refrigerant flow stagnation and cooling imbalance caused by it can be performed in the same manner.

[0206] Even if the height of the battery cell (110) or the height of the frame (200) changes, in the case of the pad member (700b) according to the present embodiment, the main pad (710) can be used as is by changing the first vane (721) or the second vane (722) to match the changed height dimension. In other words, the embodiment of the pad member (700b) according to the present embodiment may be advantageous in terms of the manufacturing process compared to the previous embodiment in which the entire pad member (700a) had to be replaced.

[0207] In this example, terms indicating directions such as front, back, left, right, up, and down are used, but these terms are only for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0208] One or more battery assemblies according to the embodiments described above can be mounted directly on a vehicle or chassis. That is, in the case of the battery assembly (100) according to the embodiments, the battery cells (110) can be mounted directly on the vehicle or chassis while being housed in a frame (200).

[0209] As another example, a battery assembly can be mounted together with various control and protection systems, such as a BMS (Battery Management System), BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit), and cooling system, to form a battery pack.

[0210] The battery assembly of the present invention can be applied to various devices. Specifically, it can be applied to transportation vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles, as well as ESS (Energy Storage Systems), but is not limited thereto. It can also be applied to various devices capable of using secondary batteries.

[0211] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0212] Description of the symbol

[0213] 100: Battery assembly

[0214] 110: Battery cell

[0215] 120: Battery cell stack

[0216] 200: Frame

[0217] 210: First side section

[0218] 220: Second side section

[0219] 230: Ceiling

[0220] 240: Bottom

[0221] 300a: First busbar assembly

[0222] 300b: Second busbar assembly

[0223] 421: Inlet

[0224] 461: Outlet

[0225] 700a, 700b: Pad absence

[0226] 710: Main pad

[0227] 721: First Bane

[0228] 722: Second Bane

Claims

1. A battery cell stack in which multiple battery cells are stacked; A frame in which the battery cell stack is housed, the frame including a first side portion, a second side portion, a ceiling portion, and a bottom portion; and Including an inlet and an outlet for circulating refrigerant into the interior of the above frame; The above refrigerant is introduced into the frame through the inlet and discharged through the outlet. Pad members are arranged at least in one location between the above battery cells, At least one of the above pad members is a battery assembly extending from the ceiling portion of the frame to the floor portion.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery assembly in which the refrigerant passages are formed between the above pad members, which are separated from each other.

3. In paragraph 1, A battery assembly wherein at least an upper portion of the pad members is in close contact with the ceiling portion, and at least a lower portion of the pad members is in close contact with the floor portion.

4. In paragraph 1, The above pad member is a battery assembly in which a single pad extends from the ceiling portion of the frame to the floor portion.

5. In paragraph 1, A battery assembly wherein the pad member includes a main pad facing one side of the battery cell, a first vane interposed between the main pad and the ceiling portion of the frame, and a second vane interposed between the main pad and the bottom portion of the frame.

6. In paragraph 1, A battery assembly in which the inlet and the outlet are located on opposite sides of the battery cell stack.

7. In paragraph 1, A battery assembly further comprising a first end plate and a second end plate covering one open side and the other open side of the frame, respectively.

8. In paragraph 7, The above inlet is provided in the first end plate, The above outlet is a battery assembly provided on the second end plate.

9. In paragraph 1, The above inlet is located below the center based on the height of the battery cell stack, A battery assembly wherein the above outlet is located above the center based on the height of the battery cell stack.

10. In paragraph 1, In the first direction and the second direction which are parallel to the direction in which the above battery cells are stacked and are opposite to each other, The above inlet is positioned in the first direction offset from the center of the battery cell stack in the direction in which the battery cells are stacked, A battery assembly in which the outlet is positioned in the second direction relative to the center of the battery cell stack in the direction in which the battery cells are stacked.

11. In paragraph 1, A battery assembly in which the battery cells in the above battery cell stack are stacked along a direction from the first side portion of the frame to the second side portion of the frame.

12. In paragraph 1, A battery assembly in which the battery cells are stacked such that one side of the battery cell is parallel to the first side portion and the second side portion.

13. In paragraph 1, The above refrigerant is an insulating oil battery assembly.

14. In paragraph 1, A battery assembly in which the above-mentioned refrigerant cools the battery cell stack housed inside the frame while making direct contact with it.

15. In paragraph 1, The above pad absence is provided in multiples. A battery assembly in which the plurality of pad members are arranged at a predetermined interval along the direction in which the battery cells are stacked.

16. In paragraph 1, A battery assembly wherein the pad member is further disposed between the battery cell stack and the first side portion.

17. In paragraph 1, A battery assembly wherein the pad member is further positioned between the battery cell stack and the second side portion.

18. In paragraph 1, Further comprising cooling fins positioned between the above battery cells, A battery assembly in which the cooling fins extend to the ceiling or the floor and come into contact with the ceiling or the floor.

19. A device comprising a battery assembly according to paragraph 1.

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