Cell block, and battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

A cell block according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a cell assembly that includes a plurality of battery cells and has anti-corrosion layers on surfaces thereof; a lower housing that has a space therein to accommodate the cell assembly; a coolant accommodated in the lower housing; an upper housing that is mounted on an upper portion of the lower housing and includes at least one venting hole; and a sealing bracket that is interposed between the lower housing and the upper housing and seals a space between the outer surface of the cell assembly and the inner surface of the lower housing.

Description

Cell block and battery pack including the same and automobile

[0001] The present invention relates to a cell block, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile.

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which cannot be recharged, secondary batteries refer to batteries capable of charging and discharging, and are applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by electric power sources.

[0003] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, or unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5V to 4.6V. Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, a battery pack is formed by connecting multiple battery cells in series. Additionally, a battery pack is formed by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack. Accordingly, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be varied depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0004] When configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, it is common practice to first configure a battery module consisting of at least one battery cell, preferably multiple battery cells, and then use at least one such battery module to configure the battery pack by adding other components. Here, a battery module refers to a component in which multiple battery cells are connected in series or parallel, and a battery pack refers to a component in which multiple battery modules are connected in series or parallel to increase capacity and output.

[0005] Meanwhile, there is a growing need to satisfy the requirements for fast charging and thermal propagation safety of battery packs based on customer needs. However, in the case of conventional battery modules or packs, heat generation is controlled mainly through indirect cooling such as edge cooling, which has resulted in a problem of reduced fast charging performance.

[0006] Meanwhile, to apply a direct cooling method to improve high-speed charging performance, a sealing structure must be secured; however, such a sealing structure presented a problem in that it was difficult to ensure safety regarding heat propagation in the event of a thermal event. In other words, in a direct cooling structure using coolant immersion, sealing the entire cell block is a prerequisite to ensure that the insulating coolant remains inside the cell block. However, if the entire cell block is sealed in this way, there is no space for high-temperature gases to vent in the event of a thermal event, which poses a problem as it significantly increases the risk of cell block explosion.

[0007] In addition, according to the direct cooling method described above, there is a problem in that corrosion of the battery cell is accelerated due to direct contact between the battery cell and the coolant.

[0008] Accordingly, the present invention has one objective of effectively preventing corrosion of battery cells in a direct cooling method.

[0009] In addition, the present invention has another objective of improving the high-speed charging performance of the cell block.

[0010] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to improve cooling performance by applying a direct cooling structure.

[0011] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to ensure safety by smoothly discharging venting gas to the outside of the cell block when a thermal event occurs.

[0012] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0013] A cell block according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problem comprises: a cell assembly having a plurality of battery cells and a corrosion-resistant layer on its surface; a lower housing having an internal space for housing the cell assembly; a coolant contained within the lower housing; an upper housing mounted on the upper part of the lower housing and having at least one venting hole; and a sealing bracket interposed between the lower housing and the upper housing and configured to seal the outer surface of the cell assembly and the inner surface of the lower housing.

[0014] In one aspect of the present invention, the corrosion-resistant layer may be provided on the surface of the battery cell.

[0015] For example, the corrosion-resistant layer may be configured in the form of a film and attached to the surface of the battery cell.

[0016] For example, the corrosion-resistant layer may be configured to be coated on the surface of the battery cell.

[0017] In another aspect of the present invention, the corrosion-resistant layer may be configured to cover all sides of the battery cell.

[0018] In another aspect of the present invention, the corrosion-resistant layer may be configured to surround individual battery cells.

[0019] In one aspect of the present invention, the lower housing comprises a first space in which a coolant is received; and a second space in which a coolant is not received, and the first space and the second space may be partitioned by the sealing bracket.

[0020] In another aspect of the present invention, the sealing bracket may be located in an area above the surface of the coolant.

[0021] In another aspect of the present invention, the sealing bracket may include a base portion having a receiving portion configured to allow the cell assembly to pass through; and a sealing portion configured to contact the inner surface of the lower housing and to seal the first space.

[0022] Preferably, the corrosion-preventing layer may be provided only in the first space.

[0023] In one aspect of the present invention, the receiving portion may be configured to seal the first space.

[0024] In another aspect of the present invention, the edge of the sealing bracket may be configured to have a structure bent toward the second space.

[0025] In another aspect of the present invention, the corrosion-resistant layer may be configured to wrap around the side of a cell assembly, which is a collection of the plurality of battery cells, at once.

[0026] Meanwhile, the present invention provides a battery pack comprising at least one battery cell according to the above-described embodiment as a battery pack.

[0027] In addition, the present invention provides a vehicle comprising at least one battery pack according to the above-described embodiment.

[0028] According to the present invention, corrosion of the battery cell can be effectively prevented even in the case of a direct cooling method.

[0029] In addition, according to the present invention, the high-speed charging performance of the cell block can be improved.

[0030] In addition, according to the present invention, cooling performance can be improved by applying a direct cooling structure.

[0031] In addition, according to the present invention, safety can be ensured by smoothly discharging venting gas to the outside of the cell block when a thermal event occurs.

[0032] However, the effects obtainable through the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned technical effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0033] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a drawing for illustrating a cell block according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 1.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a drawing for illustrating a battery cell included in a cell assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a drawing for illustrating a corrosion-resistant layer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a drawing for illustrating a corrosion-resistant layer according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a structure in which an anti-corrosion layer is applied to a cell assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 7 is a drawing for explaining a sealing bracket applied to the cell assembly of Figure 6.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a structure in which an anti-corrosion layer is applied to a cell assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a sealing bracket applied to the cell assembly of FIG. 8.

[0043] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the application structure of a sealing bracket according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the cell block of Figure 1 cut along A-A'.

[0045] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the cell block of Figure 1 cut along B-B'.

[0046] FIG. 13 is a drawing for illustrating a corrosion-resistant layer according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack including the cell block of FIG. 1.

[0048] FIG. 15 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including the battery pack of FIG. 14.

[0049] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Accordingly, in some embodiments, well-known process steps, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not specifically described to avoid the present invention being interpreted ambiguously. Throughout the specification, like reference numerals refer to like components.

[0050] In drawings, thicknesses may be enlarged to clearly represent multiple layers and regions. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals are used for similar parts. When a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "above" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately above" another part, but also cases where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is described as being "immediately above" another part, it may mean that there is no other part in between. Furthermore, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "below" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately below" another part, but also cases where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is described as being "immediately below" another part, it may mean that there is no other part in between.

[0051] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a cell block (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 1.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the cell block (10) according to the present invention includes a cell assembly (100), a lower housing (200), a coolant (C), an upper housing (230), and a sealing bracket (300).

[0053] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a cell assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] The cell assembly (100) comprises a plurality of battery cells (110). Referring to FIG. 3, the battery cell (110) may be a secondary battery, for example, a cylindrical battery cell (110). However, this does not limit the type of the battery cell (110), and other types of battery cells (110), such as pouch-type cells or prismatic cells, may also be used in the cell block (10) of the present invention. The battery cell (110) of the present invention is applicable without restrictions on the cell form-factor.

[0055] Hereinafter, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the case where the battery cell (110) is a cylindrical cell will be described as an example. Referring to FIG. 3, the battery cell (110) includes an electrode assembly, a battery housing (20), and a top cap (30).

[0056] The electrode assembly comprises a first electrode tab and a second electrode tab. Specifically, the electrode assembly comprises a first electrode and a second electrode and a separator interposed between them. The electrode assembly has a structure in which the first electrode and the second electrode and the separator interposed between them are wound around a winding axis with the separator interposed between them, thereby defining a core and an outer surface. That is, the electrode assembly applied to the present invention may be a jelly-roll type electrode assembly. In this case, an additional separator may be provided on the outer surface of the electrode assembly to provide insulation from the battery housing (20). The electrode assembly may have a winding structure well known in the art without limitation. Meanwhile, in the present invention, the positive active material coated on the positive plate and the negative active material coated on the negative plate may be used without limitation as long as they are active materials known in the art.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery housing (20) is a roughly cylindrical receptacle with an opening formed on one side and is made of a conductive metal material. The side of the battery housing (20) and the bottom surface located opposite the opening are generally formed integrally. That is, the battery housing (20) generally has an open top in the height direction and a closed bottom. The bottom surface of the battery housing (20) may have a roughly flat shape. The battery housing (20) accommodates an electrode assembly through the opening formed on one side in the height direction. The battery housing (20) may also accommodate an electrolyte through the opening.

[0058] The battery housing (20) may have a beading portion (21) formed at an end adjacent to an opening provided at the top of the battery housing (20). The battery housing (20) may further have a crimping portion (22) formed on the beading portion (21). The beading portion (21) has a shape in which the outer circumference of the battery housing (20) is recessed to a predetermined depth. More specifically, the beading portion (21) may have a shape in which it is recessed inward in the area between an opening formed on one side of the battery housing (20) and a receiving portion (310H) that accommodates an electrode assembly. The beading portion (21) is formed on the upper part of the electrode assembly. The inner diameter of the battery housing (20) in the area where the beading portion (21) is formed is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the electrode assembly.

[0059] The beading portion (21) provides a support surface on which the top cap (30) can be seated. Additionally, the beading portion (21) can provide a support surface on which at least a portion of the edge perimeter of the current collector (40) can be seated and joined. That is, at least a portion of the edge perimeter of the current collector (40) of the present invention and / or the edge perimeter of the top cap (30) can be seated on the upper surface of the beading portion (21). In order to stably support at least a portion of the edge perimeter of the current collector (40) and / or the edge perimeter of the top cap (30), the upper surface of the beading portion (21) may have a shape that extends along a direction approximately parallel to the lower surface of the battery housing (20), that is, along a direction approximately perpendicular to the side wall of the battery housing (20).

[0060] The above beading portion (21) prevents an electrode assembly, which may have a size approximately corresponding to the inner diameter of the battery housing (20), from coming out through an opening formed at the top of the battery housing (20), and can function as a support portion on which the top cap (30) is seated. The above upper beading portion (21) can function as a support portion for fixing not only the top cap (30) but also the current collector (40), sealing gasket, etc.

[0061] The crimping portion (22) is formed on the upper part of the beading portion (21). The crimping portion (22) has an extended and banded shape that wraps around the perimeter of the top cap (30) positioned on the upper part of the beading portion (21). By the shape of this crimping portion (22), the top cap (30) is fixed on the beading portion (21).

[0062] Referring to FIG. 3, the top cap (30) may be provided with a venting portion (31) formed to prevent an increase in internal pressure caused by gas generated inside the battery housing (20). The venting portion (31) may be configured to break when the internal pressure of the battery housing (20) increases above a certain level. For example, the venting portion (31) may be formed in a part of the top cap (30) and may be a structurally weaker area than the surrounding area so that it can easily break when internal pressure is applied. The venting portion (31) may be, for example, an area having a thinner thickness compared to the surrounding area.

[0063] That is, for some reason, a thermal event may occur inside the battery cell (110) and venting gas may be generated, and the pressure inside the battery housing (20) may increase due to the venting gas. At this time, since the venting section (31) corresponds to a structurally weaker area than the surrounding area so that it can easily break when the internal pressure of the battery cell (110) increases, if venting gas is generated, a break may occur in the venting section (31).

[0064] Referring to FIG. 3, the top cap (30) covers the opening formed on one side of the battery housing (20). The top cap (30) can be secured by a crimping portion (22) formed on the top of the battery housing (20). In this case, a sealing gasket may be interposed between the battery housing (20) and the top cap (30) and between the current collector (40) and the top cap (30) to improve the fixing force and the sealing performance of the battery housing (20). In this case, the contact portion may be interposed between the beading portion (21) of the battery housing (20) and the sealing gasket. The contact portion interposed between the beading portion (21) and the sealing gasket may be secured by the bending of the crimping portion (22) extending upward from the beading portion (21).

[0065] Referring to FIG. 3, the venting section (31) can be configured to form a roughly circular closed loop. Accordingly, when venting gas is ejected from inside the battery cell (110) and the top cap (30) is subjected to upward internal pressure, the venting section (31) may break, and the inner area of ​​the circular closed loop of the top cap (30) may be torn away. Accordingly, smooth venting can be achieved.

[0066] FIG. 4 is a drawing for illustrating a corrosion-resistant layer (115) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cell assembly (100) may have a corrosion-resistant layer (115) on its surface. For example, referring to FIG. 4, the battery cell (110) may have a corrosion-resistant layer (115) on its surface. The corrosion-resistant layer (115) may be provided on the surface that is in direct contact with the coolant (C).

[0068] The coolant (C) may be composed of components such as insulating oil, for example. In this case, the corrosion prevention layer (115) prevents direct contact between the battery cell (110) and such coolant (C). The corrosion prevention layer (115) may include any material that prevents corrosion upon contact with the coolant (C). The corrosion prevention layer (115) may include a stable material configured not to chemically react with the coolant (C). For example, the corrosion prevention layer (115) may include a polymer resin material, a ceramic material, a metal material, a glass material, or a carbon fiber material. In particular, the polymer resin material of the corrosion prevention layer (15) may include epoxy resin (epoxy powder coating, etc.), fluoropolymer resin (PTFE, PFA, FEP), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), etc. However, it is not limited thereto. With such a configuration, corrosion of the cell assembly (100) can be effectively prevented.

[0069] In another aspect of the present invention, the corrosion-resistant layer (115) may be formed in the form of a film and attached to the surface of the battery cell (110). Alternatively, the corrosion-resistant layer (115) may be configured to be coated on the surface of the battery cell (110). As such, if the corrosion-resistant layer (115) is a structure and / or material capable of preventing direct contact between the battery cell (110) and the coolant (C), it is included within the scope of the present invention.

[0070] In another aspect of the present invention, the corrosion-resistant layer (115) may be configured to cover all sides of the battery cell (110). That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the corrosion-resistant layer (115) may cover all sides of the cylindrical portion of the side of the battery cell (110), as well as the beading portion (21) and the crimping portion (22).

[0071] In another aspect of the present invention, the corrosion-resistant layer (115) may cover one of the upper or lower surfaces of the battery cell (110). For example, the corrosion-resistant layer (115) may be provided on a surface opposite to the surface where the top cap (30) having the venting portion (31) of the battery cell (110) is located. That is, the corrosion-resistant layer (115) does not block the venting portion (31) of the battery cell (110).

[0072] According to this structure, the environment in which the battery cell (110) and the coolant (C) come into contact can be effectively blocked. In addition, at the same time, since the corrosion-preventing layer (115) does not block the venting portion (31) of the battery cell (110), even if a thermal event occurs inside the battery cell (110) and gas is generated, the generated venting gas can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery cell (110).

[0073] Meanwhile, FIG. 5 is a drawing for illustrating a corrosion-resistant layer (115) according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, the corrosion-resistant layer (115) may be configured to cover a portion of the side of the battery cell (110). For example, the corrosion-resistant layer (115) may be provided only in the portion corresponding to the upper or lower area of ​​the sealing bracket (300) to be described later. That is, the corrosion-resistant layer (115) may be provided only in the first space (A1) or the second space (A2). This will be described in detail below with reference to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0074] In another aspect of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a drawing for illustrating a structure in which a corrosion-resistant layer (115) is applied to a cell assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 6, the corrosion-resistant layer (115) may be configured to surround individual battery cells (110). That is, the corrosion-resistant layer (115) may be coated on the surface of each individual battery cell (110) constituting the cell assembly (100) of FIG. 6.

[0076] According to this configuration, the cooling liquid (C) can flow in the space between the battery cells (110). Accordingly, the cooling efficiency can be further improved.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower housing (200) has an empty space formed inside, so that a cell assembly (100) can be accommodated in the internal space. The lower housing (200) can be configured to accommodate the cell assembly (100). That is, the lower housing (200) can have an internal space to accommodate the cell assembly (100).

[0078] The lower housing (200) may include a base plate (210) extending in a horizontal direction and a side plate (220) extending upward from the base plate (210). In this case, the base plate (210) may be configured to have a plate shape extending approximately in a horizontal direction. The side plate (220) may be configured to have a plate shape extending approximately in a vertical direction. The base plate (210) and the side plate (220) may be configured perpendicular to each other.

[0079] In another aspect of the present invention, the base plate (210) and the side plate (220) may be formed integrally. Alternatively, the base plate (210) and the side plate (220) may be configured to be detachable.

[0080] A cooling liquid (C) may be contained within the lower housing (200). The cooling liquid (C) may have insulating properties. That is, after the cell assembly (100) is contained in the internal space of the lower housing (200), the cooling liquid (C) may be contained in the space between the lower housing (200) and the cell assembly (100). With such a structure, the contact area with the cell assembly (100) is maximized, thereby improving cooling efficiency.

[0081] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2, the lower housing (200) may include a coolant (C) inlet (200I) and a coolant (C) outlet (200U).

[0082] The above-mentioned coolant (C) inlet (200I) and coolant (C) outlet (200U) may be formed on the side plate (220) of the lower housing (200), through which the coolant (C) can be introduced and discharged. Since the coolant (C) passes through the interior of the lower housing (200), the lower housing (200) may be airtight except for the coolant (C) inlet (200I) and the coolant (C) outlet (200U). Therefore, the coolant (C) introduced through the coolant (C) inlet (200I) does not leak to the outside of the lower housing (200). Meanwhile, the coolant (C) introduced through the coolant (C) inlet (200I) of the lower housing (200) may discharge through the coolant (C) outlet (200U) after cooling the cell assembly (100) contained within the lower housing (200).

[0083] Accordingly, the cooling liquid (C) can perform cooling through direct contact with the cell assembly (100) contained within the lower housing (200), thereby improving cooling efficiency. That is, with such a configuration, efficient cooling can be performed when heat is generated due to high-speed charging, etc. Accordingly, the high-speed charging performance of the cell block (10) can be secured.

[0084] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining an upper housing (230) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 3, the upper housing (230) may be located on at least one side of the lower housing (200). Preferably, the upper housing (230) may be mounted on the upper part of the lower housing (200). The upper housing (230) may be configured to cover the upper part of the cell assembly (100). For example, the upper housing (230) may be configured to have a plate shape that extends approximately horizontally. In one aspect of the present invention, the upper housing (230) may be configured to be detachably connected to the lower housing (200).

[0086] In another aspect of the present invention, the upper housing (230) may be configured to vent a venting gas. For example, the upper housing (230) may include at least one venting hole (230H).

[0087] The venting hole (230H) may be configured to discharge venting gas. That is, the venting hole (230H) may be configured to have a hole shape that penetrates the upper housing (230) in the vertical direction. The venting hole (230H) may be provided in a long, extended shape, for example. However, the shape of the venting hole (230H) is not limited to this. Meanwhile, the venting hole (230H) may be provided in an area adjacent to the venting portion (31) of the battery cell (110). For example, in a structure where the venting portion (31) of the battery cell (110) is installed facing upward, the venting hole (230H) may be provided in the upper area of ​​the venting portion (31).

[0088] According to this structure, high-temperature gas and flames inside the module can be smoothly discharged. The venting holes (230H) may be formed in multiple numbers on the upper housing (230). For example, the venting holes (230H) may be provided in multiple numbers along the structure in which the battery cell (110) is arranged.

[0089] According to this structure, even if a large amount of gas is generated within the cell block (10), the gas can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the cell block (10) through a plurality of venting holes (230H). That is, the time the venting gas remains within the lower housing (200) can be minimized.

[0090] In another aspect of the present invention, the venting hole (230H) may include a mesh net.

[0091] According to this structure, the mesh can prevent sparks generated in the cell assembly (100) from flying out of the cell assembly (100). In addition, it can prevent fire from spreading to other cell blocks (10) adjacent to the cell block (10) where a thermal event occurred.

[0092] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the sealing bracket (300) may be interposed between the lower housing (200) and the upper housing (230). Preferably, the sealing bracket (300) may be configured to seal the space between the outer surface of the venting portion (31) and the inner surface of the lower housing (200). That is, the sealing bracket (300) may serve to divide the internal space of the lower housing (200) into two.

[0093] In one aspect of the present invention, the lower housing (200) may include a first space (A1) in which a cooling liquid (C) is received; and a second space (A2) in which the cooling liquid (C) is not received. In this case, the first space (A1) and the second space (A2) may be partitioned by the sealing bracket (300).

[0094] For example, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a cooling liquid (C) may be contained in the lower region of the sealing bracket (300). Thus, in this case, the lower region of the sealing bracket (300) may be the first space (A1), and the upper region of the sealing bracket (300) may be the second space (A2). The first space (A1) and the second space (A2) are blocked by the sealing bracket (300). Therefore, the first space (A1) and the second space (A2) may be in a state where the movement of gas and / or liquid between them is impossible. That is, the sealing bracket (300) may be configured to make the lower region of the sealing bracket (300) airtight.

[0095] At this time, the corrosion prevention layer (115) may be provided only in the first space (A1). That is, since the coolant (C) is contained only in the first space (A1), corrosion of the battery cell (110) can be effectively prevented even if the corrosion prevention layer (115) is provided only in the first space (A1). For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the corrosion prevention layer (115) may be provided only in the lower region of the sealing bracket (300).

[0096] In one aspect of the present invention, the sealing bracket (300) may be located in an area above the surface of the coolant (C). In other words, the coolant (C) may be configured to be contained only within a first space (A1), which is a lower area of ​​the sealing bracket (300). That is, the coolant (C) is not contained in a second space (A2), which is an upper area of ​​the sealing bracket (300). Therefore, the coolant (C) can cool the cell assembly (100) only within the first space (A1). That is, the first space (A1) may correspond to a cooling zone.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the coolant (C) inlet (200I) and the coolant (C) outlet (200U) may be located in the lower region of the sealing bracket (300). That is, since the coolant (C) exists only in the lower region of the sealing bracket (300), the coolant (C) inlet (200I) and the coolant (C) outlet (200U) are also located in the lower region of the sealing bracket (300).

[0098] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2, the venting gas can be configured to vent in the upper region of the sealing bracket (300). Specifically, the venting gas can be discharged to the outside through the venting portion (31) of the battery cell (110).

[0099] According to the above configuration, the sealing force of the cell block (10) is secured by the sealing bracket (300), and smooth venting can be achieved even when a thermal event occurs within the cell block (10). That is, according to the present invention, both sealing force and venting performance can be satisfied simultaneously.

[0100] Specifically, as described above, according to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, the coolant (C) is not introduced into the second space (A2), which is the upper region of the sealing bracket (300). Therefore, the introduction of the coolant (C) into the venting section (31) for venting gas discharge can be effectively prevented. In addition, since the sealing bracket (300) seals the first space (A1), the coolant (C) can be effectively prevented from leaking out through the venting hole (230H) of the upper housing (230). That is, according to the above configuration, the sealing force of the cell block (10) can be secured. At the same time, if a large amount of gas is generated due to a thermal event occurring within the cell block (10), the gas can be discharged into the second space (A2), which is the upper region of the sealing bracket (300), through the venting section (31) provided in the battery cell (110). After that, the venting gas can be smoothly discharged from the second space (A2) to the outside of the cell block (10) through the venting hole (230H) provided in the upper housing (230). That is, the second space (A2) may correspond to a venting zone.

[0101] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a sealing bracket (300) applied to the cell assembly (100) of FIG. 6.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 7, the sealing bracket (300) includes a base portion (310) and a sealing portion (320). The sealing bracket (300) may further include an inclined portion (330).

[0103] The sealing bracket (300) may include an elastic material. For example, the sealing bracket (300) may include a rubber material. In one embodiment of the present invention, an elastic material may be applied to the sealing portion (320) and the receiving portion (310H) of the sealing bracket (300).

[0104] The base portion (310) may be configured as a plate-shaped structure extending approximately horizontally. The base portion (310) may have a receiving portion (310H) configured to allow the cell assembly (100) to pass through. For example, the receiving portion (310H) may be provided in the central area of ​​the receiving portion (310H).

[0105] In one aspect of the present invention, the receiving portion (310H) may be configured to seal the first space (A1). For example, according to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, the receiving portion (310H) may be configured to seal the lower region of the sealing bracket (300). That is, when the cell assembly (100) is inserted into the receiving portion (310H), no gap is formed between the cell assembly (100) and the receiving portion (310H). That is, the receiving portion (310H) comes into close contact with the cell assembly (100) without gaps, thereby reliably separating the first space (A1) and the second space (A2). Accordingly, the airtightness of the first space (A1) can be ensured.

[0106] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 6, the corrosion-resistant layer (115) is configured to surround individual battery cells (110), and each battery cell (110) may be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance. In this case, a sealing bracket (300) of the form shown in FIG. 7 may be applied. That is, referring to FIG. 7, the sealing bracket (300) may have a plurality of receiving portions (310H) spaced apart at a predetermined distance. Each of the receiving portions (310H) may receive an individual battery cell (110) covered by the corrosion-resistant layer (115). The receiving portions (310H) may be configured to seal between the individual battery cell (110) and the base portion (310). That is, in the case where the battery cell (110) is a cylindrical battery cell (110), the receiving portions (310H) may be provided in a plurality of approximately circular holes.

[0107] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 5, the area of ​​the edge of the base portion (310) where the sealing portion (320) is not extended can also be configured to maintain airtightness of the first space (A1) through close contact with the lower housing (200). In this case, an elastic material may be applied to the area of ​​the edge of the base portion (310) of the sealing bracket (300) where the sealing portion (320) is not extended.

[0108] In another aspect of the present invention, the sealing portion (320) may come into contact with the inner surface of the lower housing (200). The sealing portion (320) may be configured to seal the first space (A1). For example, according to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the sealing portion (320) may be configured to seal the lower region of the sealing bracket (300). The sealing bracket (300) may seal and block the lower region of the sealing bracket (300) from the upper region of the sealing bracket (300). Accordingly, the coolant (C) may be sealed in the lower region of the sealing bracket (300) by the sealing bracket (300). That is, the movement of the coolant (C) to the second space (A2) is blocked by the sealing portion (320).

[0109] In another embodiment of the present invention, the sealing portion (320) may be configured to have a structure extending in all directions from the edge of the receiving portion (310H). For example, in the case where the receiving portion (310H) is in the shape of a plate having a roughly rectangular structure, sealing portions (320) extending from each of the four corners of the rectangle may be provided. In such an embodiment, the sealing portion (320) may be in contact with and sealed on all side plates (220) constituting the lower housing (200). According to the above configuration, the sealing force of the sealing bracket (300) may be further improved.

[0110] Preferably, the edge of the sealing bracket (300) may be configured to have a structure that is bent toward the second space (A2). For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the edge of the sealing bracket (300) may be configured to have a structure that is bent upward. More preferably, the sealing portion (320) may be configured to have a structure that is bent upward. For example, referring to FIG. 7, the sealing portion (320) may be configured to be parallel to the side of the lower housing (200). That is, the sealing portion (320) may be configured to be in contact with the lower housing (200). With such a configuration, the sealing force of the sealing bracket (300) can be improved by the surface contact between the sealing portion (320) and the lower housing (200).

[0111] In another aspect of the present invention, the sealing bracket (300) may further include an inclined portion (330) between the base portion (310) and the sealing portion (320).

[0112] Referring to FIG. 5, the receiving portion (310H) may extend approximately horizontally, and the sealing portion (320) may extend approximately vertically. Accordingly, the area connecting the receiving portion (310H) and the sealing portion (320) may have an approximately inclined structure. That is, the inclined portion (330) may have a structure extending from the edge of the base portion (310) toward the sealing portion (320).

[0113] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a structure in which an anti-corrosion layer (115) is applied to a cell assembly (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a sealing bracket (300) applied to the cell assembly (100) of FIG. 8.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the corrosion-resistant layer (115) can be configured to wrap around the side of a cell assembly (100), which is a collection of the plurality of battery cells (110), all at once. That is, the corrosion-resistant layer (115) can function as a configuration that binds the cell assembly (100), which is a collection of the plurality of battery cells (110), into one. Therefore, there may be areas on the surface of individual battery cells (110) that are not covered by the corrosion-resistant layer (115). However, the cell assembly (100) is packed by the corrosion-resistant layer (115), and since the corrosion-resistant layer (115) contains a material that the coolant (C) cannot penetrate, the coolant (C) cannot enter the interior of the cell assembly (100) that is wrapped by the corrosion-resistant layer (115). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the coolant (C) from coming into contact with areas of the surface of individual battery cells (110) that are not covered by the corrosion-preventing layer (115).

[0115] According to the above configuration, productivity can be improved compared to the case where each individual battery cell (110) is covered with a corrosion-resistant layer (115). In addition, the spacing between battery cells (110) can be further reduced, which can be advantageous in terms of energy density.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 9, a receiving portion (310H) for receiving a cell assembly (100) having a structure similar to FIG. 8 may be configured as a single open hole. At this time, the shape of the receiving portion (310H) is configured to have a shape that matches the side shape of the cell assembly (100) containing a plurality of battery cells (110). For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 9, the receiving portion (310H) may be configured as a hole having a bumpy edge. Accordingly, a sealing force between the cell assembly (100) and the receiving portion (310H) can be ensured.

[0117] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the application structure of a sealing bracket (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the cell block (10) of FIG. 1 taken along A-A', and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the cell block (10) of FIG. 1 taken along B-B'.

[0118] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, a cell assembly (100) is accommodated within the lower housing (200), and a cooling liquid (C) can be accommodated in the space between the cell assembly (100) and the lower housing (200). That is, the cooling liquid (C) can be accommodated in the first space (A1). At this time, the first space (A1) may be the upper region or the lower region of the sealing bracket (300). With such a structure, the contact area with the cell assembly (100) is maximized, so the cooling efficiency can be improved.

[0119] The sealing bracket (300) may be interposed between the lower housing (200) and the upper housing (230). The sealing bracket (300) may be configured to seal the space between the outer surface of the cell assembly (100) and the inner surface of the lower housing (200). Preferably, the sealing bracket (300) may be configured to seal the space between the outer surface of the venting portion (31) and the inner surface of the lower housing (200). The first space (A1) and the second space (A2) are blocked by the sealing bracket (300). The sealing bracket (300) maintains the lower region of the sealing bracket (300) in an airtight state. That is, according to the present invention, an airtight condition, which is a condition for applying a direct cooling method, can be achieved. Accordingly, the improvement in cooling efficiency due to direct cooling can be satisfied.

[0120] Meanwhile, if a thermal event occurs inside the cell block (10) and gas is generated, the venting gas can be vented in the upper region of the sealing bracket (300). Specifically, the venting gas can be discharged to the outside through at least one venting section (31) provided on the upper part of the venting section (31).

[0121] At this time, since the sealing bracket (300) seals the first space (A1), the coolant (C) can be effectively prevented from leaking out through the venting hole (230H) of the upper housing (230). That is, according to the above configuration, the sealing force of the cell block (10) can be secured. At the same time, if a large amount of gas is generated due to a thermal event occurring within the cell block (10), the gas can be discharged into the second space (A2), which is the upper region of the sealing bracket (300), through the venting part (31) provided in the battery cell (110). After that, the venting gas can be smoothly discharged from the second space (A2) to the outside of the cell block (10) through the venting hole (230H) provided in the upper housing (230).

[0122] According to the above configuration, the sealing force of the cell block (10) is secured by the sealing bracket (300), and smooth venting can be achieved even when a thermal event occurs within the cell block (10). That is, according to the present invention, both sealing force and venting performance can be satisfied simultaneously. In other words, according to the sealing structure of the present invention, safety can be ensured even when thermal propagation occurs.

[0123] FIG. 13 is a drawing for illustrating a corrosion-resistant layer (115) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0124] Referring to FIG. 13, the corrosion-preventing layer (115) may be configured to extend upward from the first space (A1) of the sealing bracket (300) to the upper surface of the sealing bracket (300). For example, in the case of the embodiment of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the corrosion-preventing layer (115) may be configured to extend upward from the first space (A1) of the sealing bracket (300) to the upper surface of the sealing bracket (300).

[0125] According to this configuration, a corrosion-prevention layer (115) can be reliably applied to the entire first space (A1) where the coolant (C) is located. Accordingly, corrosion of the cell assembly (100) can be reliably prevented.

[0126] Meanwhile, the sealing bracket (300) application structure of the present invention can be applied not only to a top venting structure but also to a bottom venting structure.

[0127] For example, the sealing bracket (300) of the present invention may be applied to a structure in which the venting portion (31) of the battery cell (110) is positioned toward the lower part of the cell block (10), rather than a structure in which the venting portion (31) of the battery cell (110) is positioned toward the upper part. In this case, since venting is performed in the lower region of the cell block (10), the venting portion (31) of the cell assembly (100) is also positioned toward the lower part of the cell block (10). Additionally, the sealing bracket (300) may also be provided in a region adjacent to the region where the venting portion (31) is located. In this case, the sealing portion (320) of the sealing bracket (300) may be configured to extend toward the lower part of the cell block (10). Alternatively, as another embodiment, the sealing portion (320) of the sealing bracket (300) may be configured to extend toward the upper part of the cell block (10). Meanwhile, in the bottom venting structure, the venting hole (320H) of the cell block (10) may be provided on the base plate (210) of the cell block (10). In such a structure, the coolant (C) may be contained within the second space (A2), which is the upper region of the sealing bracket (300).

[0128] That is, the present invention is not limited to the top venting structure shown in FIGS. 1 to 13, and can also be applied to a bottom venting structure in which venting is performed toward the bottom.

[0129] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack (3) including the cell block (10) of FIG. 1.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 14, the battery pack (3) according to the present invention may include at least one cell block (10) according to the present invention as described above. Additionally, the battery pack (3) according to the present invention may include a pack case (50) capable of accommodating the at least one cell block (10). Furthermore, in addition to the cell block (10), various other components, such as a BMS, a pack case, a relay, a current sensor, etc., which are components of the battery pack (3) known at the time of filing the present invention, may be further included.

[0131] FIG. 15 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle (5) including the battery pack (3) of FIG. 14.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 15, the automobile (5) according to the present invention may include at least one battery pack (3) according to the present invention.

[0133] The cell block (10) according to the present invention can be applied to a vehicle (5), such as an electric vehicle (5) or a hybrid vehicle (5). That is, the vehicle (5) according to the present invention may include the cell block (10) according to the present invention or the battery pack (3) according to the present invention. In addition, the vehicle (5) according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the vehicle (5) in addition to the cell block (10) or the battery pack (3). For example, the vehicle (5) according to the present invention may further include, in addition to the cell block (10) according to the present invention, a vehicle body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc.

[0134] Meanwhile, although terms indicating direction such as up and down have been used in this specification, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that they may vary depending on the location of the object or the position of the observer.

[0135] Although the present invention has been described above by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

Claims

1. A cell assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells and having a corrosion-resistant layer on its surface; A lower housing having an internal space to accommodate the above cell assembly; Coolant contained within the lower housing above; An upper housing mounted on the upper part of the lower housing and including at least one venting hole; and A sealing bracket interposed between the lower housing and the upper housing and configured to seal the space between the outer surface of the cell assembly and the inner surface of the lower housing. A cell block containing 2. In Paragraph 1, A cell block characterized in that the above-mentioned corrosion-preventing layer is provided on the surface of the battery cell.

3. In Paragraph 1, A cell block characterized in that the above-mentioned corrosion-preventing layer is configured in the form of a film and attached to the surface of the battery cell.

4. In Paragraph 1, A cell block characterized in that the above-mentioned corrosion-resistant layer is configured to be coated on the surface of the battery cell.

5. In Paragraph 1, A cell block characterized in that the above-mentioned corrosion-resistant layer is configured to cover all sides of the battery cell.

6. In Paragraph 1, A cell block characterized by the above-mentioned corrosion-resistant layer being configured to surround individual battery cells.

7. In Paragraph 1, The lower housing above includes a first space in which a coolant is received; and a second space in which a coolant is not received. A cell block characterized in that the first space and the second space are partitioned by the sealing bracket.

8. In Paragraph 1, A cell block characterized in that the sealing bracket is located in an area above the surface of the coolant.

9. In Paragraph 7, The above sealing bracket is, A base portion having a receiving portion configured to allow the cell assembly to pass through; and A sealing part configured to contact the inner surface of the lower housing and seal the first space. A cell block characterized by including 10. In Paragraph 7, A cell block characterized in that the above corrosion-preventing layer is provided only in the first space.

11. In Paragraph 9, A cell block characterized by the above-mentioned receiving portion being configured to seal a first space.

12. In Paragraph 7, A cell block characterized by the rim of the above-mentioned sealing bracket having a structure bent toward the second space.

13. In Paragraph 1, A cell block characterized in that the above-mentioned corrosion-preventing layer is configured to wrap around the side of a cell assembly, which is a collection of the plurality of battery cells, all at once.

14. A battery pack characterized by comprising at least one cell block described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. An automobile characterized by comprising at least one battery pack as described in claim 14.

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