Battery assembly and battery pack comprising same

Abstract

The technical concept of the present invention provides a battery assembly comprising: a cell block including a plurality of battery cells; and a frame covering at least one surface of the cell block, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of venting holes configured to exhaust gas, and the width of each of the plurality of venting holes is 0.01 mm or more and less than 0.61 mm.

Description

Battery assembly and battery pack including same

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

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2023-0180316, filed December 13, 2023, and all contents of the document in that Republic of Korea Patent Application are incorporated herein by reference.

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

[0004] As secondary batteries become increasingly used in mobility, demand for their safety is increasing. For example, a fire or other accident involving a secondary battery used in mobility could endanger the lives of drivers, making research into technologies that enhance secondary battery safety essential.

[0005] The technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a battery assembly capable of suppressing flame generation and a battery pack including the same.

[0006] In order to solve the above-described problem, the technical idea of ​​the present invention provides a battery assembly including a cell block including a plurality of battery cells; and a frame covering at least one surface of the cell block; wherein the frame includes a plurality of venting holes configured to exhaust gas, and each of the plurality of venting holes has a width of 0.01 mm or more and less than 0.61 mm.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the frame includes a top cover plate facing the upper surface of the cell block, a bottom cover plate facing the bottom surface of the cell block, a first side cover plate facing the first side of the cell block, and a second side cover plate facing the second side of the cell block, wherein the top cover plate includes the plurality of venting holes.

[0008] In exemplary embodiments, the top cover plate includes a first main plate including a plurality of holes; and a first mesh plate including the plurality of venting holes and coupled to the first main plate, wherein in the first mesh plate, the plurality of venting holes are respectively arranged in regions of the first mesh plate that overlap the plurality of holes of the first main plate.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, the frame includes a top cover plate facing the upper surface of the cell block, a bottom cover plate facing the bottom surface of the cell block, a first side cover plate facing the first side of the cell block, and a second side cover plate facing the second side of the cell block, wherein the bottom cover plate includes the plurality of venting holes.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the frame includes a top cover plate facing the upper surface of the cell block, a bottom cover plate facing the bottom surface of the cell block, a first side cover plate facing the first side of the cell block, and a second side cover plate facing the second side of the cell block, wherein at least one of the first side cover plate and the second side cover plate includes the plurality of venting holes.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the first side cover plate and the second side cover plate comprises: a second main plate including a plurality of holes; and a second mesh plate including the plurality of venting holes and coupled to the second main plate; wherein, in the second mesh plate, the plurality of venting holes are respectively arranged in regions of the second mesh plate that overlap the plurality of holes of the second main plate.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the frame comprises a plurality of venting regions, wherein the plurality of venting holes are arranged at equal intervals in each of the plurality of venting regions.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the number of the plurality of venting holes within each of the plurality of venting regions is characterized by being between 10 and 100.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the frame is characterized by having a single piece structure.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the frame includes a top cover plate facing an upper surface of the cell block, a bottom cover plate facing a bottom surface of the cell block, a first side cover plate facing a first side of the cell block, and a second side cover plate facing a second side of the cell block, wherein the plurality of battery cells are stacked in a first direction between the first side cover plate and the second side cover plate.

[0016] In order to solve the above-described problem, the technical idea of ​​the present invention provides a battery pack including: a pack housing; a battery assembly accommodated in the pack housing; and a pack cover coupled to the pack housing to cover the battery assembly; wherein the battery assembly includes: a cell block including a plurality of battery cells; and a frame covering at least one surface of the cell block; wherein the frame includes a plurality of venting holes configured to exhaust gas, and each of the plurality of venting holes has a width of 0.01 mm or more and less than 0.61 mm.

[0017] In exemplary embodiments, the frame includes a top cover plate facing the upper surface of the cell block, a bottom cover plate facing the bottom surface of the cell block, a first side cover plate facing the first side of the cell block, and a second side cover plate facing the second side of the cell block, wherein the top cover plate includes the plurality of venting holes.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the top cover plate includes a plurality of venting areas, and the plurality of venting holes are characterized by being arranged at equal intervals in each of the plurality of venting areas.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments, the top cover plate includes a first main plate including a plurality of holes; and a first mesh plate including the plurality of venting holes and coupled to the first main plate; wherein in the first mesh plate, the plurality of venting holes are arranged at equal intervals in respective areas of the first mesh plate overlapping the plurality of holes of the first main plate.

[0020] In exemplary embodiments, the frame includes a top cover plate facing the upper surface of the cell block, a bottom cover plate facing the bottom surface of the cell block, a first side cover plate facing the first side of the cell block, and a second side cover plate facing the second side of the cell block, wherein at least one of the first side cover plate and the second side cover plate includes the plurality of venting holes.

[0021] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, by forming vent holes in the frame of a battery cell block and configuring each vent hole to have a size sufficient to block the emission of spark particles, spark particles generated due to a short circuit between the positive and negative electrodes at the cell level can be prevented from escaping into the external space of the frame. This configuration can eliminate an ignition source, one of the three elements of flame, thereby suppressing flame generation within the battery pack.

[0022] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from practicing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a battery assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a portion of a battery assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly along line AA-AA' of Fig. 3.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

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

[0029] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0036] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0037] In addition, when describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0038] Since the embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the sizes and proportions of each component do not fully reflect the actual sizes or proportions.

[0039] As used herein, the terms "about," "approximately," and "substantially" are used to mean a range of or near a numerical value or degree, taking into account inherent manufacturing and material tolerances.

[0040]

[0041] (Example 1)

[0042] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a battery assembly (10) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a battery assembly (10) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a portion of a battery assembly (10) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the battery assembly (10) taken along line AA-AA' of FIG. 3.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the battery assembly (10) may include a cell block (110), a busbar frame (120), a plurality of busbars (130), and a frame (200). Here, the battery assembly (10) may be a battery module composed of a plurality of secondary battery cells.

[0044] A cell block (110) may include a plurality of battery cells (111). According to one embodiment, an individual battery cell (111) is a basic unit of a lithium ion battery, i.e., a secondary battery. An individual battery cell (111) may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a cell case. The electrode assembly built into the cell case may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The electrode assembly may be either a jelly-roll type or a stack type depending on the assembly form. A jelly-roll type electrode assembly may include a winding structure of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween. A stack type electrode assembly may include a plurality of sequentially stacked positive electrodes, a plurality of negative electrodes, and a plurality of separators interposed therebetween. The positive electrode may include a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material. The negative electrode may include a negative electrode current collector and an negative electrode active material.

[0045] A plurality of battery cells (111) may be connected in series and / or in parallel. For example, a plurality of battery cells (111) may be connected in series with each other. For example, a plurality of battery cells (111) may also be connected in parallel with each other. For example, when a set of two or more battery cells (111) connected in parallel with each other is defined as a bank, one bank composed of two or more battery cells (111) connected in parallel with each other and another bank composed of two or more battery cells (111) connected in parallel with each other may be connected in series.

[0046] Each battery cell (111) may correspond to a pouch-type battery cell, a cylindrical battery cell, or a square battery cell. The electrode assembly of the pouch-type battery cell is housed in a pouch cell case including an aluminum laminate sheet. The electrode assembly of the cylindrical battery cell is housed in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of the square battery cell is housed in a square metal can.

[0047] In exemplary embodiments, each battery cell (111) corresponds to a pouch-type battery cell, and a plurality of battery cells (111) within a single cell block (110) may be mutually stacked in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction). In exemplary embodiments, each battery cell (111) may correspond to a pouch-type battery cell in which a length along the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction) is smaller than a length along a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-direction). An electrode lead (113) may be connected to an end of each battery cell (111) along the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-direction).

[0048] When viewed from a plan view, the cell block (110) may have a rectangular shape. In this case, the cell block (110) may have a top surface (116) and a bottom surface (115) that are opposite to each other in a vertical direction (e.g., in the Z direction), a first side surface (117) and a second side surface (118) that are opposite to each other in a first horizontal direction (e.g., in the X direction), and a front surface (112) and a back surface (114) that are opposite to each other in a second horizontal direction (e.g., in the Y direction). The top surface (116) of the cell block (110) may include top surfaces of a plurality of battery cells (111), and the bottom surface (115) of the cell block (110) may include bottom surfaces of a plurality of battery cells (111). In the present disclosure, the upper surface (116) of the cell block (110) may be referred to as a first surface, the first side surface (117) of the cell block (110) may be referred to as a second surface, the second side surface (118) of the cell block (110) may be referred to as a third surface, and the bottom surface (115) of the cell block (110) may be referred to as a fourth surface.

[0049] The busbar frame (120) may be connected to an end portion of the cell block (110) along the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). That is, the busbar frame (120) may be disposed on the front side (112) and / or the rear side (114) of the cell block (110). The busbar frame (120) may support a plurality of busbars (130) and electrode leads (113) of a plurality of battery cells (111). The busbar frame (120) may include slits through which the electrode leads (113) pass. The electrode leads (113) may include a positive lead and a negative lead provided in each battery cell (111). The busbar frame (120) may include an insulating material.

[0050] A plurality of bus bars (130) may be mounted on a bus bar frame (120). Each bus bar (130) may be connected to at least one of the electrode leads (113) of each of the plurality of battery cells (111). For example, each bus bar (130) may be connected to at least one of the electrode leads (113) of each of the plurality of battery cells (111) by welding. Each bus bar (130) may be an inter-bus bar for electrically connecting different battery cells (111) by connecting to the electrode leads (113) of different battery cells (111) belonging to a cell block (110). For example, each bus bar (130) may be a terminal-bus bar for electrically connecting the battery assembly (10) with another external electrical device.

[0051] The frame (200) of the battery assembly (10) of the present invention is configured to at least partially cover at least one surface among the surfaces of the cell blocks (110). For example, the frame (200) may be configured to at least partially cover at least one surface among the upper surface (116), the first side surface (117), the second side surface (118), and the bottom surface (115) of the cell blocks (110) and may have an accommodation space (290) for accommodating the cell blocks (110). In exemplary embodiments, the frame (200) includes a hollow space extending in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction), and the hollow space may be provided as an accommodation space (290) for accommodating the cell blocks (110). The frame (200) may include a top cover plate (211) facing the upper surface (116) of the cell block (110), a first side cover plate (213) facing the first side (117) of the cell block (110), a second side cover plate (215) facing the second side (118) of the cell block (110), and a bottom cover plate (217) facing the bottom surface (115) of the cell block (110). The top cover plate (211) can cover the upper surface (116) of the cell block (110), the first side cover plate (213) can cover the first side surface (117) of the cell block (110), the second side cover plate (215) can cover the second side surface (118) of the cell block (110), and the bottom cover plate (217) can cover the bottom surface (115) of the cell block (110). A plurality of battery cells (111) can be stacked in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) between the first side cover plate (213) and the second side cover plate (215). According to one embodiment, the frame (200) can have a rectangular tubular shape. The first side cover plate (213) can be connected to one side of the top cover plate (211) and one side of the bottom cover plate (217), and the second side cover plate (215) can be connected to the other side of the top cover plate (211) and the other side of the bottom cover plate (217).According to one embodiment, a plurality of venting areas (221) are formed in the top cover plate (211) of the frame (200), and a plurality of venting holes (231) are arranged in each venting area (221).

[0052] In exemplary embodiments, an adhesive layer may be interposed between the cell block (110) and the frame (200) to secure the cell block (110) to the frame (200). The adhesive layer may include, for example, a thermal interface material (TIM) and / or a thermal resin. The adhesive layer may be interposed between the cell block (110) and the top cover plate (211), between the cell block (110) and the first side cover plate (213), between the cell block (110) and the second side cover plate (215), and / or between the cell block (110) and the bottom cover plate (217).

[0053] The frame (200) may have a single piece structure or a single integrated structure.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the frame (200) of the battery assembly (10) of the present invention may include a plurality of venting holes (231) formed to exhaust gases generated from cell blocks (110), etc. Individual venting holes (231) may be formed, for example, by penetrating the top cover plate (211) of the frame (200) along the Z direction. The receiving space (290) of the frame (200) may be connected to an external space (ES) located outside the frame (200) through the plurality of venting holes (231). The venting holes (231) may be circular, but are not limited thereto, and the venting holes (231) may have a polygonal shape such as a square. In Fig. 1, a plurality of venting holes (231) are formed in the top cover plate (211), but this is not limited thereto, and a plurality of venting holes (231) may be arranged in at least one of, for example, the first side cover plate (213), the second side cover plate (215), and the bottom cover plate (217).

[0055] In exemplary embodiments, when a plurality of venting holes (231) are formed and provided in the top cover plate (211) of the frame (200), directional venting can be implemented in which high-temperature gas originating from the cell block (110) is discharged in one direction (e.g., upward) through the plurality of venting holes (231) of the top cover plate (211).

[0056] In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of venting areas (221) spaced apart from each other may be formed on the top cover plate (211), and a plurality of venting holes (231) may be arranged in each venting area (221). In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of venting areas (221) may be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-direction) on the top cover plate (211) of the frame (200). In exemplary embodiments, in each venting area (221), the plurality of venting holes (231) may be spaced apart at equal intervals, and the number of venting holes (231) provided in each venting area (221) may be between 10 and 100.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 4, spark particles (SP) generated at the cell level due to a short circuit between the positive and negative poles of each battery cell (111) in the cell block (110) become an ignition source that causes a flame. For example, residual oxygen in a battery pack (50 in FIG. 11) in which a plurality of cell blocks (110) are arranged, venting gas generated by vaporization of electrolyte, and spark particles (SP) generated at the cell level due to a short circuit between the positive and negative poles of the battery cells (111) become three elements of a flame. When the three elements of a flame meet in the battery pack (50), a flame occurs in the battery pack (50).

[0058] Referring to FIG. 4, the venting hole (231) can be formed and manufactured in various ways. According to one embodiment, the venting hole (231) can be manufactured by using a press to create a perforation (hole, slot, or decorative pattern) in the corresponding portion of the top cover plate (211), or can be formed by using laser etching or the like, or can be formed in the corresponding portion of the top cover plate (211) by a chemical etching method. In exemplary embodiments, the width (W1) of the venting hole (231) can be smaller than about 0.61 mm. Here, the width (W1) of the venting hole (231) can refer to the maximum width or diameter of the venting hole (231). When the width (W1) of the venting hole (231) is about 0.61 mm or more, there is a concern that spark particles (SP) generated at the cell level due to a short circuit between the positive and negative electrodes of the battery cell (111) may escape to the external space (ES) of the frame (200), and the spark particles (SP) may meet the venting gas and the residual gas within the battery pack (50) and cause a flame to occur within the battery pack (50). Therefore, by configuring the width (W1) of the venting hole (231) to be less than about 0.61 mm or 0.43 mm or less, spark particles (SP) generated at the cell level due to a short circuit between the positive and negative electrodes of the battery cell (111) can be prevented from escaping to the external space (ES) of the frame (200) and remain in the receiving space (290) of the frame (200). In this way, when the spark particle (SP) is blocked from escaping to the external space (ES) of the frame (200), the spark particle (SP) is blocked from coming into contact with the residual oxygen of the battery pack (50), so that the occurrence of a flame within the battery pack (50) can be suppressed. It was confirmed that a flame occurred within the battery pack (50) when the width (W1) of the venting hole (231) was about 0.61 mm or more, and it was confirmed that a flame did not occur within the battery pack (50) when the width (W1) of the venting hole (231) was less than about 0.61 mm, or about 0.43 mm or less.

[0059] In exemplary embodiments, the width (W1) of the venting hole (231) may be about 0.01 mm or more. If the width (W1) of the venting hole (231) is smaller than about 0.01 mm, the gas exhaust flow rate through the venting hole (231) is too small, making it difficult to achieve directional venting through multiple venting holes (231).

[0060] In exemplary embodiments, the width (W1) of the venting hole (231) may be about 0.01 mm or more and less than 0.61 mm. Alternatively, the width (W1) of the venting hole (231) may be about 0.01 mm or more and 0.59 mm or less, 0.01 mm or more and 0.57 mm or less, 0.01 mm or more and 0.55 mm or less, 0.01 mm or more and 0.53 mm or less, 0.01 mm or more and 0.51 mm or less, 0.01 mm or more and 0.49 mm or less, 0.01 mm or more and 0.47 mm or less, 0.01 mm or more and 0.45 mm or less, or 0.01 mm or more and 0.43 mm or less.

[0061]

[0062] (Example 2)

[0063] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of a battery assembly (10) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Hereinafter, the battery assembly of FIG. 5 will be described, focusing on differences from the battery assembly (10) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 5, the top cover plate (211) of the frame (200A) of the battery assembly (10) may include a top main plate (2111) and a top mesh plate (2113). The top main plate (2111) may be coupled to the first side cover plate (213) and the second side cover plate (215), and may be integrally formed with each other. The top main plate (2111) may be coupled to the top mesh plate (2113). In FIG. 5, the top mesh plate (2113) is illustrated as being coupled to the inner surface of the top main plate (2111) facing the upper surface (116) of the cell block (110), but the top mesh plate (2113) may also be coupled to the outer surface of the top main plate (2111).

[0065] A plurality of venting holes (231) having a width (W1) for blocking the emission of spark particles (SP) are formed in the top mesh plate (2113) of the frame (200A), and a plurality of holes (241) are formed in the top main plate (2111). The plurality of holes (241) of the top main plate (2111) can define a plurality of venting regions. A plurality of venting holes (231) spaced at equal intervals can be arranged in each of the plurality of regions of the top mesh plate (2113) overlapping the plurality of holes (241) formed in the top main plate (2111). For example, between 10 and 100 venting holes (231) can be arranged in each of the plurality of regions of the top mesh plate (2113) overlapping the plurality of holes (241) of the top main plate (2111).

[0066]

[0067] (Example 3)

[0068] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a frame (200B) of a battery assembly (10) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery assembly (10) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Hereinafter, the battery assemblies of Figs. 6 and 7 will be described with a focus on differences from the battery assembly (10) described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, in the frame (200B) of the battery assembly (10) of the present embodiment, a plurality of venting holes (231) may be formed in at least one of the first side cover plate (213) and the second side cover plate (215) of the frame (200B).

[0070] In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of venting areas (223) spaced apart from each other may be formed on the first side cover plate (213) of the frame (200B), and a plurality of venting holes (231) having a width (W1) for blocking the discharge of spark particles (SP) may be arranged in each venting area (223). In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of venting areas (223) may be arranged in a vertical direction (e.g., Z direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction) on the first side cover plate (213) of the frame (200B). In exemplary embodiments, in each venting area (223), the plurality of venting holes (231) may be formed spaced apart at equal intervals, and the number of venting holes (231) provided in each venting area (223) may be between 10 and 100.

[0071] In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of venting areas (225) spaced apart from each other may be formed on the second side cover plate (215) of the frame (200B), and a plurality of venting holes (231) having a width (W1) for blocking the discharge of spark particles (SP) may be arranged in each venting area (225). In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of venting areas (225) may be arranged in a vertical direction (e.g., Z direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction) on the second side cover plate (215). In exemplary embodiments, in each venting area (225), the plurality of venting holes (231) may be spaced apart at equal intervals, and the number of venting holes (231) provided in each venting area (225) may be between 10 and 100.

[0072] In FIG. 6, it is illustrated that the venting holes (231) are arranged in the first side cover plate (213) and the second side cover plate (215) of the frame (200B), but in some exemplary embodiments, the venting holes (231) may also be arranged in the top cover plate (211) of the frame (200B).

[0073]

[0074] (Example 4)

[0075] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of a battery assembly (10) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Hereinafter, the battery assembly (10) of FIG. 8 will be described, focusing on differences from the battery assembly (10) described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 8, the first side cover plate (213A) of the frame (200C) of the battery assembly (10) may include a first side main plate (2131) and a first side mesh plate (2133). The first side main plate (2131) may be coupled to the top cover plate (211) and may be integral with each other. The first side main plate (2131) may be coupled to the first side mesh plate (2133). In FIG. 8, the first side mesh plate (2133) is illustrated as being coupled to the inner surface of the first side main plate (2131) facing the first side (117) of the cell block (110), but the first side mesh plate (2133) may also be coupled to the outer surface of the first side main plate (2131).

[0077] A plurality of venting holes (231) having a width (W1) for blocking the emission of spark particles (SP) may be formed in the first side mesh plate (2133), and a plurality of holes (243) may be formed in the first side main plate (2131). The plurality of holes (243) of the first side main plate (2131) may define a plurality of venting regions. A plurality of venting holes (231) spaced at equal intervals may be arranged in each of the plurality of regions of the first side mesh plate (2133) overlapping the plurality of holes (243) of the first side main plate (2131). For example, between 10 and 100 venting holes (231) may be arranged in each of the plurality of regions of the first side mesh plate (2133) overlapping the plurality of holes (243) of the first side main plate (2131).

[0078] The second side cover plate (215A) of the frame (200C) of the battery assembly (10) may include a second side main plate (2151) and a second side mesh plate (2153). The second side main plate (2151) may be coupled to the top cover plate (211) and may be integrally formed with each other. The second side main plate (2151) may be coupled to the second side mesh plate (2153). In FIG. 8, the second side mesh plate (2153) is illustrated as being coupled to the inner surface of the second side main plate (2151) facing the second side (118) of the cell block (110), but the second side mesh plate (2153) may also be coupled to the outer surface of the second side main plate (2151).

[0079] A plurality of venting holes (231) having a width (W1) designed to block the emission of spark particles (SP) may be formed in the second side mesh plate (2153) of the frame (200C), and a plurality of holes (245) may be formed in the second side main plate (2151). The plurality of holes (245) of the second side main plate (2151) may define a plurality of venting regions. A plurality of venting holes (231) spaced at equal intervals may be formed and arranged in each of the plurality of regions of the second side mesh plate (2153) overlapping the plurality of holes (245) of the second side main plate (2151). For example, between 10 and 100 venting holes (231) may be arranged in each of the plurality of regions of the second side mesh plate (2153) overlapping the plurality of holes (245) of the second side main plate (2151).

[0080]

[0081] (Example 5)

[0082] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of a battery assembly (10) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Hereinafter, the battery assembly (10) of FIG. 9 will be described, focusing on differences from the battery assembly (10) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 9, in the frame (200D) of the battery assembly (10), a plurality of venting holes (231) may be arranged in the bottom cover plate (217). In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of venting areas (227) spaced apart from each other may be formed in the bottom cover plate (217), and a plurality of venting holes (231) having a width (W1) for blocking the discharge of spark particles (SP) may be formed in each venting area (227). In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of venting areas (227) may be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction) in the bottom cover plate (217). In exemplary embodiments, in each venting area (227), the plurality of venting holes (231) may be spaced apart at equal intervals. In exemplary embodiments, the number of venting holes (231) formed in each venting area (227) may be between 10 and 100.

[0084]

[0085] (Example 6)

[0086] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of a battery assembly (10) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Hereinafter, the battery assembly (10) of Fig. 10 will be described, focusing on differences from the battery assembly (10) described with reference to Fig. 9.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 10, the bottom cover plate (217A) of the frame (200E) of the battery assembly (10) may include a bottom main plate (2171) and a bottom mesh plate (2173). The bottom main plate (2171) may be coupled to the first side cover plate (213) and the second side cover plate (215), and may be integral with each other. The bottom main plate (2171) may be coupled to the bottom mesh plate (2173). In FIG. 10, the bottom mesh plate (2173) is illustrated as being coupled to the inner surface of the bottom main plate (2171) facing the bottom surface (115) of the cell block (110), but the bottom mesh plate (2173) may also be coupled to the outer surface of the bottom main plate (2171).

[0088] A plurality of venting holes (231) having a width (W1) for blocking the emission of spark particles (SP) may be formed in the bottom mesh plate (2173) of the frame (200E), and a plurality of holes (247) may be formed in the bottom main plate (2171). The plurality of holes (247) of the bottom main plate (2171) may define a plurality of venting regions. A plurality of venting holes (231) spaced at equal intervals may be formed in each of the plurality of regions of the bottom mesh plate (2173) overlapping the plurality of holes (247) of the bottom main plate (2171). For example, between 10 and 100 venting holes (231) may be formed in each of the plurality of regions of the bottom mesh plate (2173) overlapping the plurality of holes (247) of the bottom main plate (2171).

[0089]

[0090] (Example 7)

[0091] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a battery pack (50) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 11 together with FIGS. 1 to 4, a battery pack (50) may include a pack housing (510), a battery assembly (10) mounted within the pack housing (510), and a pack cover (520). The battery pack (50) may include one or more battery assemblies (10) mounted in the pack housing (510). In exemplary embodiments, the battery pack (50) may include a plurality of battery assemblies (10) arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction) and / or a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-direction). The pack housing (510) may provide a receiving space in which the battery assemblies (10) are received. The pack housing (510) may include a bottom plate that supports the battery assemblies (10) and side walls connected to edges of the bottom plate. The pack cover (520) can be coupled to the pack housing (510) to cover the battery assembly (10) accommodated in the pack housing (510).

[0093] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, by forming venting holes (231) in the frame (200) of the battery assembly (10) and configuring each venting hole (231) to have a dimension for blocking the discharge of spark particles (SP), spark particles (SP) generated due to a short circuit between the positive and negative electrodes at the cell level can be blocked from escaping into the external space (ES) of the frame (200). In this way, since the ignition source, which is one of the three elements of a flame, can be removed, the occurrence of a flame within the battery pack (50) can be suppressed.

[0094]

[0095] (Example 8)

[0096] FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle (600) including a battery pack (50) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 12, a vehicle (600) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (50) according to the above-described embodiments. The vehicle (600) according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle (600) includes various types of vehicles, such as a four-wheeled vehicle, a two-wheeled vehicle, or a three-wheeled vehicle. In particular, the vehicle (600) may operate by receiving power from a battery pack (50) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] The present invention has been described in more detail through drawings and examples. However, the configurations described in the drawings or examples described in this specification are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modified examples may exist as of the time of this application.

Claims

1. A cell block comprising a plurality of battery cells; and A frame covering at least one surface of the above cell block; Including, The above frame comprises a plurality of venting holes configured to exhaust gas, A battery assembly, characterized in that each of the plurality of venting holes has a width of 0.01 mm or more and less than 0.61 mm.

2. In paragraph 1, The frame includes a top cover plate facing the upper surface of the cell block, a bottom cover plate facing the bottom surface of the cell block, a first side cover plate facing the first side of the cell block, and a second side cover plate facing the second side of the cell block. A battery assembly, characterized in that the top cover plate includes a plurality of venting holes.

3. In paragraph 2, The above top cover plate, A first main plate comprising a plurality of holes; and A first mesh plate comprising a plurality of venting holes and coupled to the first main plate; Including, A battery assembly, characterized in that in the first mesh plate, the plurality of venting holes are arranged in respective areas of the first mesh plate overlapping the plurality of holes of the first main plate.

4. In paragraph 1, The frame includes a top cover plate facing the upper surface of the cell block, a bottom cover plate facing the bottom surface of the cell block, a first side cover plate facing the first side of the cell block, and a second side cover plate facing the second side of the cell block. A battery assembly, characterized in that the bottom cover plate includes the plurality of venting holes.

5. In paragraph 1, The frame includes a top cover plate facing the upper surface of the cell block, a bottom cover plate facing the bottom surface of the cell block, a first side cover plate facing the first side of the cell block, and a second side cover plate facing the second side of the cell block. A battery assembly, characterized in that at least one of the first side cover plate and the second side cover plate includes the plurality of venting holes.

6. In paragraph 5, At least one of the first side cover plate and the second side cover plate, a second main plate comprising a plurality of holes; and A second mesh plate comprising a plurality of venting holes and coupled to the second main plate; Including, A battery assembly, characterized in that in the second mesh plate, the plurality of venting holes are arranged in respective areas of the second mesh plate that overlap the plurality of holes of the second main plate.

7. In paragraph 1, The above frame comprises a plurality of venting areas, A battery assembly, characterized in that the plurality of venting holes are arranged at equal intervals in each of the plurality of venting areas.

8. In paragraph 7, A battery assembly, characterized in that, within each of the plurality of venting areas, the number of the plurality of venting holes is between 10 and 100.

9. In paragraph 1, A battery assembly characterized in that the above frame has a single piece structure.

10. In paragraph 1, The frame includes a top cover plate facing the upper surface of the cell block, a bottom cover plate facing the bottom surface of the cell block, a first side cover plate facing the first side of the cell block, and a second side cover plate facing the second side of the cell block. A battery assembly, characterized in that the plurality of battery cells are stacked in a first direction between the first side cover plate and the second side cover plate.

11. Pack housing; A battery assembly accommodated in the above pack housing; and A pack cover coupled to the pack housing to cover the battery assembly; Including, The above battery assembly, A cell block comprising a plurality of battery cells; and A frame covering at least one surface of the above cell block; Including, The above frame comprises a plurality of venting holes configured to exhaust gas, A battery pack, characterized in that each of the plurality of venting holes has a width of 0.01 mm or more and less than 0.61 mm.

12. In paragraph 11, The frame includes a top cover plate facing the upper surface of the cell block, a bottom cover plate facing the bottom surface of the cell block, a first side cover plate facing the first side of the cell block, and a second side cover plate facing the second side of the cell block. A battery pack, characterized in that the top cover plate includes a plurality of venting holes.

13. In paragraph 12, The above top cover plate includes a plurality of venting areas, A battery pack, characterized in that the plurality of venting holes are arranged at equal intervals in each of the plurality of venting areas.

14. In paragraph 12, The above top cover plate, A first main plate comprising a plurality of holes; and A first mesh plate comprising a plurality of venting holes and coupled to the first main plate; Including, A battery pack, characterized in that in the first mesh plate, the plurality of venting holes are arranged at equal intervals in each of the areas of the first mesh plate overlapping the plurality of holes of the first main plate.

15. In paragraph 11, The frame includes a top cover plate facing the upper surface of the cell block, a bottom cover plate facing the bottom surface of the cell block, a first side cover plate facing the first side of the cell block, and a second side cover plate facing the second side of the cell block. A battery pack, characterized in that at least one of the first side cover plate and the second side cover plate includes the plurality of venting holes.

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