Battery device

Abstract

The technical concept of the present invention provides a battery device comprising: a plurality of cell assemblies each including a plurality of battery cells; a housing including a base frame supporting the plurality of cell assemblies and a side frame surrounding the plurality of cell assemblies; and a first heat absorption structure connected to the base frame so as to overlap the plurality of cell assemblies in the vertical direction, and including a phase change material.

Description

Battery device

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery device.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2024-0091614, filed July 11, 2024, and all contents of the document in that Republic of Korea Patent Application are incorporated herein by reference.

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

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

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery device.

[0006] In order to solve the above-described problem, the technical idea of ​​the present invention provides a battery device including: a plurality of cell assemblies each including a plurality of battery cells; a housing including a base frame supporting the plurality of cell assemblies and a side frame surrounding the plurality of cell assemblies; and a first heat-absorbing structure connected to the base frame so as to be vertically overlapped with the plurality of cell assemblies and including a phase-change material.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the first heat-absorbing structure comprises a plurality of heat-absorbing layers connected to an outer surface of the base frame exposed to the outside and spaced apart from each other, wherein each of the plurality of heat-absorbing layers is characterized in that it vertically overlaps a corresponding cell assembly among the plurality of cell assemblies.

[0008] In exemplary embodiments, the invention further comprises a cover layer covering the plurality of heat-absorbing layers.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, the first heat-absorbing structure further comprises a thermally conductive adhesive layer that attaches the plurality of cell assemblies to the base frame, wherein the first heat-absorbing structure comprises a plurality of heat-absorbing layers connected to the thermally conductive adhesive layer, and wherein the plurality of heat-absorbing layers are each characterized in that they overlap a corresponding cell assembly among the plurality of cell assemblies in the vertical direction.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the base frame comprises a first channel configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow; and a second channel separated from the first channel, wherein the first channel and the second channel each extend horizontally from one side of the base frame, and the first heat-absorbing structure is housed within the second channel of the base frame, and includes a heat-absorbing layer vertically superimposed on the plurality of cell assemblies.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, the heat-absorbing layer is characterized in that it is exposed to the outside of the base frame through the one side of the base frame.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the base frame further comprises a thermal barrier layer inserted into the base frame and positioned between the first channel and the second channel.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the base frame comprises a first channel configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow; and a second channel separated from the first channel and extending from an outer surface of the base frame; wherein the first heat-absorbing structure comprises a first heat-absorbing layer extending along the outer surface of the base frame; and a second heat-absorbing layer connected to the first heat-absorbing layer and received in the second channel of the base frame.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the invention further comprises a second heat-absorbing structure connected to the side frame and including a phase-change material.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the second heat-absorbing structure is characterized in that it is connected to an outer surface of the side frame that is exposed to the outside.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the second heat-absorbing structure is characterized in that it is connected to the inner surface of the side frame facing the plurality of cell assemblies.

[0017] In exemplary embodiments, the second heat-absorbing structure is characterized in that it is inserted into the side frame.

[0018] In order to solve the above-described problem, the technical idea of ​​the present invention provides a battery device including a plurality of cell assemblies each including a plurality of battery cells; a housing including a base frame supporting the plurality of cell assemblies and a side frame surrounding the plurality of cell assemblies; and an endothermic structure connected to the base frame and including a phase change material; wherein the base frame includes a first channel configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow and a second channel separated from the first channel, and the endothermic structure includes a first endothermic layer accommodated in the second channel of the base frame and vertically superimposed on the plurality of cell assemblies.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments, the heat absorbing structure further includes a second heat absorbing layer extending along an outer surface of the base frame exposed to the outside, wherein the first heat absorbing layer and the second heat absorbing layer are connected to each other.

[0020] In exemplary embodiments, the base frame further comprises a thermal barrier layer inserted into the base frame and positioned between the first channel and the second channel.

[0021] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a battery device may include a heat absorbing structure attached to a housing and configured to absorb heat. When a thermal event, such as thermal runaway of a battery cell, occurs, heat generated from the cell assembly where the thermal event occurred is absorbed by the heat absorbing structure, thereby preventing and suppressing the heat generated from the cell assembly where the thermal event occurred from being transferred to other cell assemblies through the base frame.

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

[0023] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery device according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery device along line Ⅱ-Ⅱ' of Fig. 1.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery device according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery device according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

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

[0028] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the base frame of the battery device of Fig. 5.

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

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

[0031] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the base frame of the battery device of Fig. 8.

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

[0033] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery device according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery device according to exemplary embodiments 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]

[0040] (Example 1)

[0041] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery device (10) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery device (10) along line II-II' of Fig. 1.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery device (10) may include a housing (500), a plurality of cell assemblies (110), and a first heat-absorbing structure (200).

[0043] The housing (500) can provide an internal space that accommodates a plurality of cell assemblies (110). The housing (500) can include a base frame (510), a side frame (520), and a top frame (530).

[0044] The base frame (510) can support a plurality of cell assemblies (110). The base frame (510) can have a flat plate shape extending approximately in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). For example, the base frame (510) can include frames manufactured through an extrusion process.

[0045] The base frame (510) may include a first channel (511 of FIG. 6) configured to allow a cooling fluid (CF of FIG. 6) to flow. The first channel (511) of the base frame (510) may extend from one side of the base frame (510) in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction). A cooling fluid (CF) provided from the outside of the base frame (510) may be supplied to an inlet of the first channel (511), flow along the first channel (511), and discharged to the outside through an outlet of the first channel (511). While the cooling fluid (CF) flows along the first channel (511), cooling of the plurality of cell assemblies (110) may be performed. The cooling fluid (CF) may include a coolant and / or a refrigerant. The housing (500) may be equipped with a pipe configured to deliver a cooling fluid (CF) to the first channel (511) of the base frame (510). The cooling fluid (CF) supplied from the outside may be delivered to the first channel (511) of the base frame (510) through the pipe. For example, the temperature range of the cooling fluid (CF) flowing along the base frame (510) may be approximately between 10° C. and 40° C., but is not limited thereto.

[0046] In exemplary embodiments, the base frame (510) may include a plurality of first channels (511). The plurality of first channels (511) may each extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X-direction) and may overlap two or more cell assemblies (110) in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z-direction). The plurality of first channels (511) may be spaced apart from each other in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-direction).

[0047] The side frame (520) can be coupled to the perimeter of the base frame (510) and can extend along the perimeter of the base frame (510). The side frame (520) can surround a plurality of cell assemblies (110).

[0048] A top frame (530) may be fastened to the side frame (520) to cover a plurality of cell assemblies (110). The top frame (530) may have a flat plate shape extending in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). The top frame (530) may be spaced apart from the plurality of cell assemblies (110) in a vertical direction (e.g., Z direction).

[0049] A plurality of cell assemblies (110) can be mounted on a base frame (510) and arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). Each of the plurality of cell assemblies (110) can include a plurality of battery cells (111).

[0050] 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.

[0051] Each battery cell (111) may correspond to a pouch-type battery cell, a cylindrical battery cell, or a square battery cell. The electrode assembly of the pouch-type battery cell is housed in a pouch case including an aluminum laminate sheet. The electrode assembly of the cylindrical battery cell is housed in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of the square battery cell is housed in a square metal can.

[0052] A plurality of battery cells (111) provided in each cell assembly (110) 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.

[0053] In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of battery cells (111) provided in an individual cell assembly (110) may be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction), and an individual battery cell (111) may extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). An electrode lead may be provided at at least one of both ends of an individual battery cell (111) along the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). Electrode leads of neighboring battery cells (111) among the plurality of battery cells (111) may be electrically and physically connected to each other.

[0054] The cell assembly (110) may include a busbar frame connected to the side of a plurality of battery cells (111). A busbar frame may be arranged at each of the two ends of the cell assembly (110) along a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). The busbar frame may support the busbars and the electrode leads of the battery cells (111). The busbars may be electrically and physically connected to at least one of the electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells (111). The busbar may be joined to at least one of the electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells (111) by welding.

[0055] A plurality of separating walls (130) may be provided on the base frame (510). The plurality of separating walls (130) may be respectively fastened to the base frame (510). Each of the separating walls (130) may extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction) and a vertical direction (e.g., Z direction). Each of the plurality of separating walls (130) may separate two neighboring cell assemblies (110) in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) among the plurality of cell assemblies (110). Both side portions of each of the separating walls (130) may be respectively attached to battery cells (111) of the corresponding cell assemblies (110).

[0056] Each partition wall (130) may include an upper partition wall (131) and a lower partition wall (133). The upper partition wall (131) may be mounted on the lower partition wall (133) and may be fastened to the lower partition wall (133) by a fastening member, such as a fastening bolt. One side of each cell assembly (110) may be coupled to the upper partition wall (131), and the other side of each cell assembly (110) may be coupled to the lower partition wall (133). In exemplary embodiments, each cell assembly (110) may form a single unit together with the upper partition wall (131) and the lower partition wall (133).

[0057] A thermally conductive adhesive layer (120) may be disposed between each of the plurality of cell assemblies (110) and the base frame (510). The thermally conductive adhesive layer (120) may attach the plurality of cell assemblies (110) to the base frame (510). An upper portion of the thermally conductive adhesive layer (120) may be in direct contact with each of the plurality of battery cells (111), and a lower portion of the thermally conductive adhesive layer (120) may be in direct contact with the base frame (510). The thermally conductive adhesive layer (120) may thermally and physically bond each of the plurality of battery cells (111) to the base frame (510). The thermally conductive adhesive layer (120) may include a thermal resin and / or a thermal interface material.

[0058] A first heat-absorbing structure (200) may be connected to a base frame (510). The first heat-absorbing structure (200) may include an endothermic material. The first heat-absorbing structure (200) may be vertically overlapped (e.g., in the Z direction) on each of a plurality of cell assemblies (110). When a thermal event such as thermal runaway of a battery cell (111) occurs, the first heat-absorbing structure (200) may absorb heat generated from a cell assembly (110) in which the thermal event occurred, thereby preventing and suppressing heat generated from the cell assembly (110) in which the thermal event occurred from being transferred to another cell assembly (110) via the base frame (510).

[0059] In exemplary embodiments, the first heat-absorbing structure (200) may include a phase change material. The phase change material may be configured to accumulate or release heat during a phase change process at a phase change temperature. In exemplary embodiments, the phase change material of the first heat-absorbing structure (200) may be configured to phase change between a solid state and a liquid state or between a liquid state and a gaseous state at the phase change temperature.

[0060] For example, the phase change material of the first heat-absorbing structure (200) may include an organic phase change material such as a paraffin-based phase change material and / or an inorganic phase change material such as calcium chloride. In exemplary embodiments, the first heat-absorbing structure (200) may include a phase change material capsule having a phase change material. For example, the first heat-absorbing structure (200) may include a base layer made of a resin and a phase change material capsule contained within the base layer. For example, the first heat-absorbing structure (200) may include a phase change material having a phase change temperature of between 30°C and 100°C.

[0061] In exemplary embodiments, the phase change temperature of the phase change material of the first heat-absorbing structure (200) may be greater than an upper limit of a normal operating temperature range of the battery cells (111). For example, the normal operating temperature range of the battery cells (111) may be between -20°C and 60°C, between -15°C and 55°C, or between -15°C and 50°C.

[0062] In exemplary embodiments, the phase change temperature of the phase change material of the first heat-absorbing structure (200) may be greater than an upper limit of a temperature range of a cooling fluid (CF) flowing along the base frame (510). For example, the temperature range of the cooling fluid (CF) may be between 10°C and 40°C, between 15°C and 35°C, or between 20°C and 30°C.

[0063] In exemplary embodiments, the first heat-absorbing structure (200) includes an absorbent member such as a super absorbent polymer (SAP), which may include water capable of absorbing heat. The super absorbent polymer may include polyacrylamide, polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, gelatin, polysaccharide, chitosan, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, or a combination thereof, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may have a form such as a powder, granules, pellets, or slabs, but is not particularly limited thereto.

[0064] The first heat-absorbing structure (200) may include a plurality of first heat-absorbing layers (210) attached to a base frame (510). The plurality of first heat-absorbing layers (210) may be spaced apart from each other. The plurality of first heat-absorbing layers (210) may each extend along an outer surface of the base frame (510) exposed to the outside of the battery device (10). The plurality of first heat-absorbing layers (210) may each vertically overlap a corresponding cell assembly (110) among the plurality of cell assemblies (110). For example, when viewed in a plan view, the plurality of first heat-absorbing layers (210) may each have a square pad shape overlapped with a corresponding cell assembly (110). In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of first heat-absorbing layers (210) may include the same phase-change material. In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of first heat-absorbing layers (210) may include phase-change materials having different phase-change temperatures. When the first heat-absorbing structure (200) has a plurality of first heat-absorbing layers (210) spaced apart from each other, the plurality of first heat-absorbing layers (210) are individually attached to the base frame (510), so that individual replacement of the plurality of first heat-absorbing layers (210) is possible, and different thermal characteristics (e.g., phase change temperatures) can be provided to each of the plurality of first heat-absorbing layers (210).

[0065]

[0066] (Example 2)

[0067] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery device (10A) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Below, the battery device (10A) illustrated in FIG. 3 will be described, focusing on differences from the battery devices (10) of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 3, the battery device (10A) may include a cover layer (141) covering a plurality of first heat-absorbing layers (210). When the battery device (10A) is mounted on a mobile device such as an electric vehicle, the plurality of first heat-absorbing layers (210) attached to the outer surface of the base frame (510) may be exposed to the external environment. The cover layer (141) covers the plurality of first heat-absorbing layers (210), thereby preventing the plurality of first heat-absorbing layers (210) from being damaged by exposure to the external environment or from being peeled off from the base frame (510).

[0069] In exemplary embodiments, the cover layer (141) may include an insulating material. In this case, the thermal conductivity of the cover layer (141) may be lower than the thermal conductivity of the base frame (510). The cover layer (141) containing the insulating material may suppress the plurality of first heat-absorbing layers (210) from being thermally exposed to the external environment. The insulating material may include glass fiber, polyurethane, polystyrene, expanded graphite, vermiculite, perlite, or a combination thereof. When the first heat-absorbing layer (210) is exposed to a high temperature environment, there is a concern that the adhesive strength between the first heat-absorbing layer (210) and the base frame (510) may deteriorate, causing the first heat-absorbing layer (210) to peel off from the base frame (510). The cover layer (140) can suppress the first heat absorption layer (210) from being exposed to a high temperature environment, thereby suppressing the first heat absorption layer (210) from being peeled off from the base frame (510) due to deterioration of the adhesive strength between the first heat absorption layer (210) and the base frame (510).

[0070]

[0071] (Example 3)

[0072] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery device (10B) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Below, the battery device (10B) illustrated in FIG. 4 will be described, focusing on differences from the battery devices (10) of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 4, in the battery device (10B), the first heat-absorbing structure (200A) may include a plurality of second heat-absorbing layers (212) attached on an inner surface of a base frame (510) facing a plurality of cell assemblies (110). Each of the plurality of second heat-absorbing layers (212) may overlap a corresponding cell assembly (110) among the plurality of cell assemblies (110) in a vertical direction (e.g., in the Z direction). A thermally conductive adhesive layer (120) may be interposed between each of the plurality of second heat-absorbing layers (212) and each of the plurality of cell assemblies (110). A portion of the thermally conductive adhesive layer (120) may extend along the plurality of second heat-absorbing layers (212), and another portion of the thermally conductive adhesive layer (120) may be in direct contact with the base frame (510). The thermally conductive adhesive layer (120) may be disposed on a plurality of second heat-absorbing layers (212) and may extend along the plurality of second heat-absorbing layers (212). In exemplary embodiments, the battery device (10B) may include first heat-absorbing layers (210 in FIG. 1) attached to an outer surface of a base frame (510) and second heat-absorbing layers (212) connected to the thermally conductive adhesive layer (120).

[0074] The plurality of second heat-absorbing layers (212) can absorb heat generated from the battery cells (111), thereby preventing and suppressing heat transfer through the base frame (510). In addition, since the heat generated from the battery cells (111) is absorbed by the plurality of second heat-absorbing layers (212) connected to the thermally conductive adhesive layer (120), thermal deformation of the thermally conductive adhesive layer (120) can be suppressed, and the thermal and physical bonding between the battery cells (111) and the base frame (510) using the thermally conductive adhesive layer (120) can be maintained more firmly.

[0075]

[0076] (Example 4)

[0077] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery device (10C) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a base frame (510) of the battery device (10C) of Fig. 5. Hereinafter, the battery device (10C) shown in Figs. 5 and 6 will be described, focusing on differences from the battery device (10) of Figs. 1 and 2.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in the battery device (10C), the first heat-absorbing structure (200B) may include a third heat-absorbing layer (214) inserted into a base frame (510). The third heat-absorbing layer (214) may be inserted into a second channel (513) of the base frame (510). The second channel (513) of the base frame (510) may extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., in the X-direction) from one side of the base frame (510). The third heat-absorbing layer (214) may extend in the first horizontal direction (e.g., in the X-direction) along the second channel (513) of the base frame (510). The third heat-absorbing layer (214) may overlap two or more cell assemblies (110) in a vertical direction (e.g., in the Z-direction).

[0079] In exemplary embodiments, one of the ends along the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction) of the second channel (513) of the base frame (510) may be exposed to the outside of the base frame (510) through one side of the base frame (510), and one of the ends along the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction) of the third heat-absorbing layer (214) may be exposed to the outside of the base frame (510) through one side of the base frame (510). Through the end of the second channel (513) of the base frame (510) exposed to the outside, a material constituting the third heat-absorbing layer (214) may be injected into the second channel (513) of the base frame (510) or discharged to the outside from the second channel (513) of the base frame (510). The third heat-absorbing layer (215) may be formed of a phase-change material configured to absorb heat generated from the battery cells (111) by changing its phase from a solid state to a liquid state. In this case, when a thermal event occurs within the battery device (10C), the phase-change material of the third heat-absorbing layer (215) changes into a liquid state, and the liquid phase-change material may be discharged to the outside through the end of the second channel (513) of the base frame (510).

[0080] The base frame (510) may include a plurality of first channels (511) spaced apart from each other in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) and a plurality of second channels (513) spaced apart from each other in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The plurality of first channels (511) may each extend in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction), and the plurality of second channels (513) may each extend in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction). A cooling fluid (CF) may be supplied to each of the plurality of first channels (511) and may flow in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) along each of the plurality of first channels (511). The first heat absorption structure (200B) may include a plurality of third heat absorption layers (214) provided within the plurality of second channels (513) of the base frame (510). The plurality of third heat-absorbing layers (214) may be spaced apart from each other in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction), and the plurality of third heat-absorbing layers (214) may each extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction). In the base frame (510), at least one first channel (511) through which a cooling fluid (CF) flows may be arranged between two third heat-absorbing layers (214) adjacent in the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction).

[0081] In exemplary embodiments, the battery device (10C) may include first heat absorbing layers (210 in FIG. 1) attached to an outer surface of a base frame (510), second heat absorbing layers (212 in FIG. 4) connected to a thermally conductive adhesive layer (120), and third heat absorbing layers (214) provided within the base frame (510).

[0082]

[0083] (Example 5)

[0084] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a base frame (510) of a battery device according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Hereinafter, the battery device illustrated in Fig. 7 will be described, focusing on differences from the battery device (10C) of Figs. 5 and 6.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 7, the battery device may further include a plurality of thermal barrier layers (150) disposed within the base frame (510). The plurality of thermal barrier layers (150) may be disposed between a first channel (511) and a second channel (513) adjacent in a second horizontal direction (e.g., a Y direction), and may extend in the first horizontal direction (e.g., an X direction) and a vertical direction (e.g., a Z direction). For example, the base frame (510) may include a third channel disposed between the first channel (511) and the second channel (513), and the thermal barrier layer (150) may be inserted within the third channel of the base frame (510). The thermal barrier layer (150) can induce heat transfer in a vertical direction (e.g., Z direction) within the base frame (510) and can be disposed between the first channel (511) and the second channel (513) to block or suppress heat transfer between the first channel (511) and the second channel (513). The thermal barrier layer (150) can include glass fiber, polyurethane, polystyrene, expanded graphite, vermiculite, perlite, or a combination thereof.

[0086]

[0087] (Example 6)

[0088] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery device (10D) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a base frame (510) of the battery device (10D) of Fig. 8. Hereinafter, the battery device (10D) illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9 will be described, focusing on differences from the battery device (10) of Figs. 1 and 2.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, in the battery device (10D), the first heat absorption structure (200C) may include a first heat absorption layer (210) extending along an outer surface of the base frame (510) and a plurality of fourth heat absorption layers (216) accommodated in a plurality of second channels (514) of the base frame (510). The plurality of second channels (514) may each extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., an X-direction), and the plurality of second channels (514) may be spaced apart from each other in a second horizontal direction (e.g., a Y-direction). The plurality of second channels (514) may each extend from an outer surface of the base frame (510), and the plurality of fourth heat absorption layers (216) accommodated in the plurality of second channels (514) may be connected to the first heat absorption layer (210). In the base frame (510), at least one first channel (511) through which a cooling fluid (CF) flows may be arranged between two adjacent fourth heat-absorbing layers (216). In exemplary embodiments, the fourth heat-absorbing layer (216) may include the same phase-change material as the phase-change material of the first heat-absorbing layer (210). In exemplary embodiments, a phase-change temperature of the phase-change material of the fourth heat-absorbing layer (216) may be different from a phase-change temperature of the phase-change material of the first heat-absorbing layer (210).

[0090]

[0091] (Example 7)

[0092] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery device (10E) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Hereinafter, the battery device (10E) illustrated in FIG. 10 will be described, focusing on differences from the battery devices (10) of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 10, the battery device (10E) may include a second heat-absorbing structure (300) connected to a side frame (520). When a thermal event such as thermal runaway of a battery cell (111) occurs, the second heat-absorbing structure (300) may absorb heat generated from a cell assembly (110) in which the thermal event occurred, thereby preventing and suppressing heat generated from the cell assembly (110) in which the thermal event occurred from being transferred to another cell assembly (110) via the side frame (520). The battery device (10E) may include a first heat-absorbing structure (200 of FIG. 1) connected to a base frame (510 of FIG. 1) and a second heat-absorbing structure (300) connected to the side frame (520).

[0094] The second heat-absorbing structure (300) may include an endothermic material. For example, the second heat-absorbing structure (300) may include a phase-change material and / or a superabsorbent resin. For example, the endothermic material of the second heat-absorbing structure (300) may be the same as the endothermic material of the first heat-absorbing structure (200).

[0095] The second heat-absorbing structure (300) may include a plurality of fifth heat-absorbing layers (310) attached to the side frame (520). The plurality of fifth heat-absorbing layers (310) may be spaced apart from each other. The plurality of fifth heat-absorbing layers (310) may each extend along an outer surface of the side frame (520) exposed to the outside. The plurality of fifth heat-absorbing layers (310) may each overlap a corresponding cell assembly (110) among the plurality of cell assemblies (110) in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction) or a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-direction). When the second heat-absorbing structure (300) has a plurality of fifth heat-absorbing layers (310) spaced apart from each other, the plurality of fifth heat-absorbing layers (310) are individually attached to the side frame (520), and thus, individual replacement of the plurality of fifth heat-absorbing layers (310) is possible.

[0096] In exemplary embodiments, the battery device (10E) may further include a cover layer covering the plurality of fifth heat-absorbing layers (310). The cover layer may cover the plurality of fifth heat-absorbing layers (310) to prevent the plurality of fifth heat-absorbing layers (310) from being damaged by exposure to the external environment. The cover layer may include an insulating material.

[0097]

[0098] (Example 8)

[0099] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery device (10F) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Hereinafter, the battery device (10F) illustrated in Fig. 11 will be described, focusing on differences from the battery device (10E) of Fig. 10.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 11, in the battery device (10F), the second heat-absorbing structure (300A) may include a plurality of sixth heat-absorbing layers (312) attached on the inner surface of the side frame (520) facing the plurality of cell assemblies (110). Each of the plurality of sixth heat-absorbing layers (312) may overlap a corresponding cell assembly (110) among the plurality of cell assemblies (110) in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) or a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction).

[0101]

[0102] (Example 9)

[0103] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery device (10G) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Below, the battery device (10G) illustrated in Fig. 12 will be described, focusing on differences from the battery device (10E) of Fig. 10.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 12, in the battery device (10G), the second heat-absorbing structure (300B) may include a plurality of seventh heat-absorbing layers (314) arranged within the side frame (520). Each seventh heat-absorbing layer (314) may at least partially fill a hollow space provided within the side frame (520). Each of the plurality of seventh heat-absorbing layers (314) may overlap a corresponding cell assembly (110) among the plurality of cell assemblies (110) in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) or a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction).

[0105]

[0106] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a battery device may include a heat absorbing structure attached to a housing and configured to absorb heat. When a thermal event, such as thermal runaway of a battery cell, occurs, heat generated from the cell assembly where the thermal event occurred is absorbed by the heat absorbing structure, thereby preventing and suppressing the heat generated from the cell assembly where the thermal event occurred from being transferred to other cell assemblies through the base frame.

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

Claims

1. A plurality of cell assemblies each comprising a plurality of battery cells; A housing including a base frame supporting the plurality of cell assemblies and a side frame surrounding the plurality of cell assemblies; and A first heat-absorbing structure connected to the base frame so as to be vertically overlapped with the plurality of cell assemblies and including a phase change material; A battery device comprising:

2. In paragraph 1, The first heat-absorbing structure includes a plurality of heat-absorbing layers that are connected to the outer surface of the base frame exposed to the outside and spaced apart from each other, A battery device characterized in that each of the plurality of heat-absorbing layers is vertically overlapped with a corresponding cell assembly among the plurality of cell assemblies.

3. In paragraph 2, A battery device characterized in that it further includes a cover layer covering the plurality of heat-absorbing layers.

4. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a thermally conductive adhesive layer for attaching the plurality of cell assemblies to the base frame, The first heat-absorbing structure includes a plurality of heat-absorbing layers connected to the thermally conductive adhesive layer, A battery device characterized in that each of the plurality of heat-absorbing layers is vertically overlapped with a corresponding cell assembly among the plurality of cell assemblies.

5. In paragraph 1, The above base frame, a first channel configured to allow cooling fluid to flow; and A second channel separated from the first channel; Including, The first channel and the second channel each extend horizontally from one side of the base frame, A battery device characterized in that the first heat-absorbing structure is accommodated in the second channel of the base frame and includes a heat-absorbing layer vertically superimposed on the plurality of cell assemblies.

6. In paragraph 5, A battery device characterized in that the heat absorbing layer is exposed to the outside of the base frame through one side of the base frame.

7. In paragraph 5, A battery device characterized in that it further comprises a thermal barrier layer inserted into the base frame and disposed between the first channel and the second channel.

8. In paragraph 1, The above base frame, a first channel configured to allow cooling fluid to flow; and A second channel separated from the first channel and extending from the outer surface of the base frame; Including, The above first heat-absorbing structure is, a first heat-absorbing layer extending along the outer surface of the base frame; and A second heat absorbing layer connected to the first heat absorbing layer and accommodated in the second channel of the base frame; A battery device characterized by including:

9. In paragraph 1, A battery device characterized in that it further includes a second heat-absorbing structure connected to the side frame and including a phase change material.

10. In paragraph 9, A battery device characterized in that the second heat-absorbing structure is connected to the outer surface of the side frame exposed to the outside.

11. In paragraph 9, A battery device characterized in that the second heat-absorbing structure is connected to the inner surface of the side frame facing the plurality of cell assemblies.

12. In paragraph 9, A battery device characterized in that the second heat-absorbing structure is inserted into the side frame.

13. A plurality of cell assemblies each comprising a plurality of battery cells; A housing including a base frame supporting the plurality of cell assemblies and a side frame surrounding the plurality of cell assemblies; and An absorbing structure connected to the base frame and including a phase change material; Including, The base frame includes a first channel configured to allow cooling fluid to flow and a second channel separated from the first channel, A battery device characterized in that the heat absorbing structure comprises a first heat absorbing layer accommodated within the second channel of the base frame and vertically superimposed on the plurality of cell assemblies.

14. In paragraph 13, The above heat-absorbing structure further includes a second heat-absorbing layer extending along the outer surface of the base frame exposed to the outside, A battery device characterized in that the first heat-absorbing layer and the second heat-absorbing layer are connected to each other.

15. In paragraph 13, A battery device characterized in that it further comprises a thermal barrier layer inserted into the base frame and disposed between the first channel and the second channel.

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