Battery pack

Abstract

The technical concept of the present invention provides a battery pack comprising: a pack frame; and a battery module provided in the pack frame. The battery module comprises: a module housing including a first end plate and a second end plate; a plurality of battery cells provided between the first end plate and the second end plate and including a first battery cell and a second battery cell; an inter-cell pad provided between the first battery cell and the second battery cell; a first insulating filling layer at least partially filling a space between the first battery cell and the first end plate; and a second insulating filling layer at least partially filling a space between the second battery cell and the second end plate.

Description

battery pack

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

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean application No. 10-2025-0006349, filed on January 15, 2025, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as energy sources for various wireless devices such as handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, as the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has decreased dramatically due to improved energy density and economies of scale, and as the driving range of BEVs (battery electric vehicles) has increased to a level equivalent to that of fuel vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0004] As rechargeable batteries are increasingly used in mobility, demands for their safety are rising. Given that accidents such as fires involving rechargeable batteries in mobility applications can endanger the lives of drivers, research into technologies to enhance battery safety is indispensable.

[0005] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery pack.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the technical concept of the present invention provides a battery pack comprising: a pack frame; and a battery module provided within the pack frame; wherein the battery module comprises: a module housing including a first end plate and a second end plate; a plurality of battery cells including a first battery cell and a second battery cell provided between the first end plate and the second end plate; a cell-to-cell pad provided between the first battery cell and the second battery cell; a first insulating charge layer that at least partially fills the space between the first battery cell and the first end plate; and a second insulating charge layer that at least partially fills the space between the second battery cell and the second end plate; wherein the first end plate includes a first venting hole communicating with a venting space provided between the second battery cell and the first end plate, and the second end plate includes a second venting hole communicating with a venting space provided between the first battery cell and the second end plate.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, one end of the inter-cell pad is inserted into the insertion groove of the first end plate, and the other end of the inter-cell pad is inserted into the insertion groove of the second end plate.

[0008] In exemplary embodiments, the inter-cell pad is characterized by separating the first insulating charge layer from the venting space provided between the second battery cell and the first end plate, and separating the second insulating charge layer from the venting space provided between the first battery cell and the second end plate.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, the invention further comprises: a first busbar frame that supports the first electrode lead of the first battery cell and the first electrode lead of the second battery cell and is in contact with the first insulating charge layer and the inter-cell pad; and a second busbar frame that supports the second electrode lead of the first battery cell and the second electrode lead of the second battery cell and is in contact with the second insulating charge layer and the inter-cell pad.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the first insulating charge layer covers the terrace portion of the first battery cell where the first electrode lead of the first battery cell is provided, and the second insulating charge layer covers the terrace portion of the second battery cell where the second electrode lead of the second battery cell is provided.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, the invention is further characterized by including: a first door configured to open and close the first venting hole of the first end plate; and a second door configured to open and close the second venting hole of the second end plate.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the invention further comprises: a first side wall having a first communication hole that supports the first end plate and communicates with the first venting hole of the first end plate; and a second side wall having a second communication hole that supports the second end plate and communicates with the second venting hole of the second end plate; wherein the first door is configured to open and close the first venting hole of the first end plate and the first communication hole of the first side wall, and the second door is configured to open and close the second venting hole of the second end plate and the second communication hole of the second side wall.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the pack frame further comprises: a base frame attached to the lower part of the battery module; and an upper frame attached to the upper part of the battery module.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the base frame and the upper frame is characterized by including a cooling channel configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the base frame and the upper frame are each characterized by including a cooling channel configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the base frame is characterized by including a venting channel configured to communicate with the space of the pack frame in which the battery module is accommodated and to allow gas to flow.

[0017] In exemplary embodiments, the base frame further comprises: a support plate that contacts the battery module and includes a cooling channel configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow; and a bottom plate located below the support plate and spaced apart from the support plate with the venting channel in between.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the method further comprises a lower adhesive layer configured to adhere the module housing to the base frame; and an upper adhesive layer configured to adhere the module housing to the upper frame.

[0019] According to exemplary embodiments, the battery pack has a dual cooling structure that cools the battery modules using a base frame positioned below the battery modules and an upper frame positioned above the battery modules, thereby enhancing the cooling performance of the battery modules and enabling rapid charging that requires a high level of cooling performance.

[0020] According to exemplary embodiments, since only one of the two terrace portions of individual battery cells in the battery module is covered by an insulating charge layer, the battery cells may be configured to vent gas toward either of the two terrace portions, and the battery module may have a directional venting structure that discharges gas generated internally to the front and / or rear.

[0021] According to exemplary embodiments, a battery module may include a plurality of banks separated by a plurality of inter-cell pads, and among the plurality of banks, the odd-numbered banks may have their front-side terrace portions covered by an insulating charge layer, and among the plurality of banks, the even-numbered banks may have their rear-side terrace portions covered by an insulating charge layer. In this case, heat transfer between adjacent banks or chain ignition of adjacent banks can be delayed or suppressed, thereby improving the safety of the battery module and the battery pack including the same.

[0022] According to exemplary embodiments, the parts where gas is discharged from the battery module are opened and closed by doors, so that foreign substances, gas and / or flame discharges from the outside of the battery module can be prevented from entering the inside of the battery module.

[0023] The effects obtainable from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of 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.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to exemplary embodiments.

[0025] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module along the AA-AA' line of Figure 1.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a module housing and a plurality of inter-cell pads.

[0027] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module along the BB-BB' line of Figure 1.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0030] Figure 7 is an enlarged view showing the area labeled "EX1" in Figure 5.

[0031] Figure 8 is an enlarged view showing the area labeled "EX2" in Figure 5.

[0032] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the venting path when a battery cell ignites in a battery module.

[0033] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Instead, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best describe his invention, they should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0034] Therefore, 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; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0035] In addition, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions may obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0036] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the size or proportion of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size or proportion.

[0037]

[0038] (1st embodiment)

[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module (100) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module (100) along the line AA-AA' of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a module housing (110) and a plurality of inter-cell pads (130). FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module (100) along the line BB-BB' of FIG. 1.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the battery module (100) may include a module housing (110), a plurality of battery cells (120), a plurality of inter-cell pads (130), a first busbar frame (141), a second busbar frame (143), a first insulating charge layer (151), and a second insulating charge layer (153).

[0041] The module housing (110) may provide an internal space for accommodating a plurality of battery cells (120). The module housing (110) may include a first end plate (111), a second end plate (113), and a central body (115). The first end plate (111) and the second end plate (113) may be spaced apart in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) with a plurality of battery cells (120) in between. The central body (115) may have a hollow portion for accommodating a plurality of battery cells (120). The first end plate (111) may be coupled to the front end of the central body (115), and the second end plate (113) may be coupled to the rear end of the central body (115).

[0042] Each individual battery cell (120) may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a cell case. The electrode assembly embedded in the cell case may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes. Depending on the assembly form, the electrode assembly may be either a jelly-roll type or a stack type. A jelly-roll type electrode assembly may include a wound structure of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between them. A stack type electrode assembly may include a plurality of positive electrodes, a plurality of negative electrodes, and a plurality of separators interposed between them, which are stacked sequentially. The positive electrode may include a positive current collector and a positive active material. The negative electrode may include a negative current collector and a negative active material.

[0043] The individual battery cells (120) may correspond to pouch-type battery cells, cylindrical battery cells, or prismatic battery cells. The electrode assembly of a pouch-type battery cell is embedded in a pouch case containing an aluminum laminate sheet. The electrode assembly of a cylindrical battery cell is embedded in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of a prismatic battery cell is embedded in a prismatic metal can.

[0044] Multiple battery cells (120) may be connected in series and / or in parallel. For example, multiple battery cells (120) may be connected in series with each other. For example, multiple battery cells (120) may be connected in parallel with each other. For example, when a set of two or more battery cells (120) connected in parallel is defined as a bank, one bank consisting of two or more battery cells (120) connected in parallel and another bank consisting of two or more battery cells (120) connected in parallel may be connected in series.

[0045] In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of battery cells (120) provided in a battery module (100) may be arranged in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction), and individual battery cells (120) may be extended in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction). An electrode lead may be provided at least one of the two ends of an individual battery cell (120) along the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction). The electrode leads of adjacent battery cells (120) among the plurality of battery cells (120) may be electrically and physically connected to each other.

[0046] A plurality of inter-cell pads (130) may be provided within the module housing (110). The plurality of inter-cell pads (130) may be arranged in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction), and the plurality of inter-cell pads (130) may be placed between each corresponding battery cell (120). Among the plurality of inter-cell pads (130), adjacent inter-cell pads (130) may be spaced apart in the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) with at least one battery cell (120) in between. Each individual inter-cell pad (130) may have a flat plate shape extending approximately in the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) and the vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction).

[0047] A plurality of inter-cell pads (130) are each disposed between corresponding battery cells (120) to suppress heat transfer between corresponding battery cells (120). For example, each inter-cell pad (130) may include a heat-resistant material, a fire-resistant material and / or an insulating material. Each inter-cell pad (130) may be configured to elastically deform by an external force. Each inter-cell pad (130) may be configured to absorb or disperse an external force applied in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) by swelling of the battery cells (120). In exemplary embodiments, each inter-cell pad (130) may include polyurethane, silicone, or a combination thereof.

[0048] A plurality of inter-cell pads (130) may each extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) from a first end plate (111) to a second end plate (113). A plurality of inter-cell pads (130) may be coupled to the first end plate (111) and the second end plate (113). For example, a plurality of inter-cell pads (130) may be fitted into the first end plate (111) and the second end plate (113). For example, one end of each inter-cell pad (130) may be inserted into an insertion groove (1113 in FIG. 7) of the first end plate (111), and the other end of each inter-cell pad (130) may be inserted into an insertion groove (1133 in FIG. 8) of the second end plate (113).

[0049] A plurality of inter-cell pads (130) can partition or separate the internal space of the module housing (110) into a plurality of cell receiving spaces (119). Each of the plurality of cell receiving spaces (119) of the module housing (110) defined by the plurality of inter-cell pads (130) can accommodate at least one battery cell (120). In exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of cell receiving spaces (119) of the module housing (110) defined by the plurality of inter-cell pads (130) can accommodate two or more battery cells (120) connected in parallel to form a bank.

[0050] A plurality of battery cells (120) may include first battery cells (121) and second battery cells (123). The first battery cells (121) may be spaced apart from the second battery cells (123) by a plurality of inter-cell pads (130). The first battery cells (121) may refer to those among the battery cells (120) whose front end facing the first end plate (111) is in contact with the first insulating charge layer (151), and the second battery cells (123) may refer to those among the battery cells (120) whose rear end facing the second end plate (113) is in contact with the second insulating charge layer (153). The first battery cell (121) may have a first electrode lead (121L1) protruding from a first terrace portion (121T1) located at the front of the first battery cell (121), and a second electrode lead (121L2) protruding from a second terrace portion (121T2) located at the rear of the first battery cell (121). The second battery cell (123) may have a first electrode lead (123L1) protruding from a first terrace portion (123T1) located at the front of the second battery cell (123), and a second electrode lead (123L2) protruding from a second terrace portion (123T2) located at the rear of the second battery cell (123).

[0051] A plurality of cell receiving spaces (119) of the module housing (110) may include first cell receiving spaces (1191) in which first battery cells (121) are received and second cell receiving spaces (1193) in which second battery cells (123) are received. Each of the first cell receiving spaces (1191) of the module housing (110) may receive at least one first battery cell (121), and each of the second cell receiving spaces (1193) of the module housing (110) may receive at least one second battery cell (123). In exemplary embodiments, the first cell receiving spaces (1191) of the module housing (110) may each accommodate two or more first battery cells (121) connected in parallel to form a bank, and the second cell receiving spaces (1193) of the module housing (110) may each accommodate two or more second battery cells (123) connected in parallel to form a bank.

[0052] In exemplary embodiments, a first cell receiving space (1191) accommodating at least one first battery cell (121) and a second cell receiving space (1193) accommodating at least one second battery cell (123) may be alternately arranged in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). In the module housing (110), a second cell receiving space (1193) may be arranged between two adjacent first cell receiving spaces (1191), and a first cell receiving space (1191) may be arranged between two adjacent second cell receiving spaces (1193).

[0053] The first busbar frame (141) may be connected to the ends of a plurality of battery cells (120) adjacent to the first end plate (111). The first busbar frame (141) may support the first electrode leads (121L1) of the first battery cells (121) and the first electrode leads (123L1) of the second battery cells (123). The first busbar frame (141) may include slits into which the first electrode leads (121L1) of the first battery cells (121) are inserted and slits into which the first electrode leads (123L1) of the second battery cells (123) are inserted. Busbars may be mounted on the first busbar frame (141), and the busbars may be coupled to at least one of the first electrode leads (121L1) of the first battery cells (121) and / or at least one of the first electrode leads (123L1) of the second battery cell (123). For example, the busbar mounted on the first busbar frame (141) may be electrically and physically coupled to the first electrode lead (121L1) of the first battery cell (121) and the first electrode lead (123L1) of the second battery cell (123).

[0054] The second busbar frame (143) may be connected to the ends of a plurality of battery cells (120) adjacent to the second end plate (113). The second busbar frame (143) may support the second electrode leads (121L2) of the first battery cells (121) and the second electrode leads (123L2) of the second battery cells (123). The second busbar frame (143) may include slits into which the second electrode leads (121L2) of the first battery cells (121) are inserted and slits into which the second electrode leads (123L2) of the second battery cells (123) are inserted. Busbars may be mounted on the second busbar frame (143), and the busbars may be coupled to at least one of the second electrode leads (121L2) of the first battery cells (121) and / or at least one of the second electrode leads (123L2) of the second battery cell (123). For example, the busbar mounted on the second busbar frame (143) may be electrically and physically coupled to the second electrode lead (121L2) of the first battery cell (121) and the second electrode lead (123L2) of the second battery cell (123).

[0055] The first busbar frame (141) and the second busbar frame (143) may each include a plurality of holes into which a plurality of inter-cell pads (130) are inserted. By inserting an individual inter-cell pad (130) into a hole in the first busbar frame (141) and a hole in the second busbar frame (143), the individual inter-cell pad (130) may be fixed to the first busbar frame (141) and the second busbar frame (143).

[0056] The first insulating charge layer (151) can at least partially fill the space between each of the first battery cells (121) and the first end plate (111). The first insulating charge layer (151) can cover the first terrace portion (121T1) of the first battery cell (121). The first insulating charge layer (151) may include a portion that at least partially fills the space between the first busbar frame (141) and the first end plate (111), and a portion that covers the first terrace portion (121T1) of the first battery cell (121). The first insulating charge layer (151) can at least partially fill the space between the first battery cells (121) and the first end plate (111) and cover the first terrace portion (121T1) of the first battery cell (121) to prevent gas venting from occurring toward the first terrace portion (121T1) of the first battery cell (121). For example, the first insulating charge layer (151) may include a heat-resistant resin or a fire-resistant resin. For example, the first insulating charge layer (151) may include foamed silicone. For example, to form the first insulating charge layer (151), a liquid resin may be injected into the space between the first battery cells (121) and the first end plate (111), and the liquid resin may be cured.

[0057] In the module housing (110), the space between the first battery cells (121) and the second end plate (113) is not filled with insulating charge material, and a first venting space (161), which is an empty space, may be provided in the space between the first battery cells (121) and the second end plate (113). The first venting space (161) may be separated from the adjacent second insulating charge layer (153) by an inter-cell pad (130). The inter-cell pad (130) may prevent the material constituting the second insulating charge layer (153) from flowing into the first venting space (161). The second end plate (113) may include a second venting hole (1131) communicating with the first venting space (161). Since the first insulating charge layer (151) covers the first terrace portion (121T1) of the first battery cell (121) to prevent gas venting from occurring from the first terrace portion (121T1) of the first battery cell (121), the gas generated from the first battery cell (121) can be discharged to the rear side of the module housing (110) through the first venting space (161) and the second venting hole (1131) of the second end plate (113).

[0058] The second insulating charge layer (153) can at least partially fill the space between each of the second battery cells (123) and the second end plate (113). The second insulating charge layer (153) can cover the second terrace portion (123T2) of the second battery cell (123). The second insulating charge layer (153) may include a portion that at least partially fills the space between the second busbar frame (143) and the second end plate (113), and a portion that covers the second terrace portion (123T2) of the second battery cell (123). The second insulating charge layer (153) can at least partially fill the space between the second battery cells (123) and the second end plate (113) and cover the second terrace portion (123T2) of the second battery cell (123) to prevent gas venting from occurring toward the second terrace portion (123T2) of the second battery cell (123). For example, the second insulating charge layer (153) may include a heat-resistant resin or a fire-resistant resin. For example, the second insulating charge layer (153) may include foamed silicone. For example, to form the second insulating charge layer (153), a liquid resin may be injected into the space between the second battery cells (123) and the second end plate (113), and the liquid resin may be cured.

[0059] In the module housing (110), the space between the second battery cells (123) and the first end plate (111) is not filled with insulating charge material, and a second venting space (163), which is an empty space, may be provided in the space between the second battery cells (123) and the first end plate (111). The second venting space (163) may be separated from the adjacent first insulating charge layer (151) by an inter-cell pad (130). The inter-cell pad (130) may prevent the material constituting the first insulating charge layer (151) from flowing into the second venting space (163). The first end plate (111) may include a first venting hole (1111) communicating with the second venting space (163). Since the second insulating charge layer (153) covers the second terrace portion (123T2) of the second battery cell (123) to prevent gas venting from occurring from the second terrace portion (123T2) of the second battery cell (123), the gas generated from the second battery cell (123) can be discharged to the front side of the module housing (110) through the second venting space (163) and the first venting hole (1111) of the first end plate (111).

[0060] According to exemplary embodiments, gas generated from the first battery cell (121) can be discharged to the front of the battery module (100), and gas generated from the second battery cell (123) can be discharged to the rear of the battery module (100). Accordingly, the battery module (100) may have a directional venting structure that discharges gas generated internally to the front and / or rear. Since gas generated internally in the battery module (100) is rapidly discharged to the front and / or rear of the battery module (100), heat transfer between the battery cells (120) caused by the diffusion of high-temperature gas inside the module housing (110) can be suppressed and delayed.

[0061] In exemplary embodiments, the battery module (100) may include a plurality of banks separated by a plurality of inter-cell pads (130) and arranged in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction), and the odd-numbered banks among the plurality of banks may have their front-side terrace portions covered by an insulating charge layer, and the even-numbered banks among the plurality of banks may have their rear-side terrace portions covered by an insulating charge layer. In this case, heat transfer between adjacent banks or chain ignition of adjacent banks may be delayed or suppressed, thereby improving the safety of the battery module (100) and the battery pack including it.

[0062]

[0063] (2nd Example)

[0064] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack (500) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a battery pack (500) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing an area labeled "EX1" in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view showing an area labeled "EX2" in FIG. 5. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a venting path (VG) when a battery cell (120) ignites in a battery module (100).

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 8, the battery pack (500) may include a pack frame (501) and a plurality of battery modules (100) mounted on the pack frame (501).

[0066] The pack frame (501) may provide an internal space for accommodating a plurality of battery modules (100). The pack frame (501) may include a base frame (510), a side frame (520), a plurality of cross beams (530), an upper frame (560), and a pack lid (570).

[0067] A base frame (510) can support a plurality of battery modules (100). The mounting surface of the base frame (510) can contact the lower portion of each of the plurality of battery modules (100). The mounting surface of the base frame (510) can extend approximately in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). The plurality of battery modules (100) can be arranged in the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) and the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction).

[0068] A lower adhesive layer (581) may be disposed between a plurality of battery modules (100) and a base frame (510). The lower adhesive layer (581) may bond each of the plurality of battery modules (100) to the base frame (510). The lower adhesive layer (581) may extend along the lower surface of the module housing (110) of each individual battery module (100). The lower adhesive layer (581) may physically and thermally bond each of the plurality of battery modules (100) to the base frame (510). The lower adhesive layer (581) may include a thermal resin and / or a thermal interface material (TIM).

[0069] The base frame (510) may include a cooling channel (5111) configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow. The cooling channel (5111) may overlap at least one of the plurality of battery modules (100) in a vertical direction (e.g., in the Z-axis direction). A cooling fluid provided from the outside may flow from the inlet to the outlet of the cooling channel (5111) of the base frame (510), and cooling of at least one battery module (100) may be achieved while the cooling fluid flows along the cooling channel (5111) of the base frame (510). The cooling fluid may include a coolant and / or a refrigerant.

[0070] The base frame (510) may include a venting channel (515) configured to allow gas to flow. The venting channel (515) may be separated from the cooling channel (5111). The cooling channel (5111) may be provided between the venting channel (515) and the mounting surface of the base frame (510). Gas generated in the space of the pack frame (501) in which the battery modules (100) are housed may flow into the venting channel (515) of the base frame (510) through a hole (519) provided in the base frame (510), and may be discharged to the outside of the battery pack (500) through the venting channel (515) of the base frame (510).

[0071] The base frame (510) may include a support plate (511) in contact with a plurality of battery modules (100) and a bottom plate (513) provided below the support plate (511). The support plate (511) may include a cooling channel (5111). The support plate (511) may be spaced apart from the bottom plate (513) with a venting channel (515) in between. The bottom plate (513) may be configured to be convexly deformed by the internal pressure of the venting channel (515). When high-temperature gas generated by the ignition of a battery cell (120) flows into the venting channel (515) of the base frame (510), the bottom plate (513) may be convexly deformed to increase the space in which the high-temperature gas can flow. As the space for high-temperature gas to flow increases through the deformation of the bottom plate (513), the internal pressure of the venting channel (515) of the base frame (510) can be reduced, and structural collapse of the battery pack (500) can be suppressed.

[0072] The side frame (520) can be attached to the base frame (510). The side frame (520) can be attached to the perimeter of the base frame (510) and can be extended along the perimeter of the base frame (510). The side frame (520) can be continuously extended along the perimeter of the base frame (510) to surround a plurality of battery modules (100). When viewed in a planar view, the side frame (520) can have a roughly square ring shape.

[0073] The side frame (520) may include a side venting channel (521) configured to allow gas to flow inside. The side venting channel (521) of the side frame (520) may communicate with the venting channel (515) of the base frame (510). When high-temperature gas is discharged from the battery module (100) due to the ignition of the battery cell (120), the high-temperature gas may flow into the venting channel (515) of the base frame (510) and the side venting channel (521) of the side frame (520). In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the base frame (510) and the side frame (520) may be equipped with a venting valve, such as a relief valve. When the internal pressure in the venting channel (515) of the base frame (510) and / or the side venting channel (521) of the side frame (520) exceeds the reference pressure, a venting valve mounted on at least one of the base frame (510) and the side frame (520) can discharge gas to the outside of the battery pack (500) so as to reduce the internal pressure in the venting channel (515) of the base frame (510) and / or the side venting channel (521) of the side frame (520).

[0074] A plurality of cross beams (530) can be placed on the mounting surface of the base frame (510) and can separate a plurality of battery modules (100). Each of the plurality of cross beams (530) may have a flat plate shape extending in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) and a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction). Each of the plurality of cross beams (530) may be placed between two corresponding battery modules (100) among the plurality of battery modules (100).

[0075] The upper frame (560) may be placed on a plurality of battery modules (100). The upper frame (560) may contact the upper surface of each of the plurality of battery modules (100). The upper frame (560) may contact the upper surface of the module housing (110) of each of the plurality of battery modules (100).

[0076] An upper adhesive layer (583) may be disposed between a plurality of battery modules (100) and an upper frame (560). The upper adhesive layer (583) may bond each of the plurality of battery modules (100) to the upper frame (560). The upper adhesive layer (583) may extend along the upper surface of the module housing (110) of each individual battery module (100). The upper adhesive layer (583) may physically and thermally bond each of the plurality of battery modules (100) to the upper frame (560). The upper adhesive layer (583) may include a thermal resin and / or a thermal interface material.

[0077] The upper frame (560) may include a cooling channel (561) configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow. The cooling channel (561) may overlap at least one of the plurality of battery modules (100) in a vertical direction (e.g., in the Z-axis direction). A cooling fluid provided from the outside may flow from the inlet to the outlet of the cooling channel (561) of the upper frame (560), and cooling of at least one battery module (100) may be achieved while the cooling fluid flows along the cooling channel (561) of the upper frame (560). The cooling fluid may include cooling water and / or a refrigerant.

[0078] The battery pack (500) has a dual cooling structure that cools a plurality of battery modules (100) through a base frame (510) and an upper frame (560), thereby improving the cooling performance for the plurality of battery modules (100). Additionally, since the lower and upper portions of the battery modules (100) are supported by the base frame (510) and the upper frame (560), respectively, directional venting in which gas within the battery modules (100) is discharged to the front and / or rear of the battery modules (100) can be enhanced.

[0079] The pack lead (570) may be coupled to the side frame (520) to cover a plurality of battery modules (100) and the upper frame (560). For example, the pack lead (570) may be bolted to the side frame (520). The pack lead (570) may have a flat plate shape extending in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction).

[0080] The battery pack (500) may include a first side wall (541) and a second side wall (543) that support battery modules (100). The first side wall (541) and the second side wall (543) may each extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) on a base frame (510). The first side wall (541) may support one side of each of the battery modules (100) arranged in the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction), and the second side wall (543) may support the other side of each of the battery modules (100) arranged in the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). For example, the first side wall (541) and the second side wall (543) may include a material with excellent rigidity, e.g., steel.

[0081] The first side wall (541) can support the first end plate (111) of the battery module (100) and may have a plurality of first communication holes (5411) communicating with a plurality of first venting holes (1111) of the first end plate (111). The first communication holes (5411) of the first side wall (541) may communicate with the second venting space (163) through the first venting holes (1111) of the first end plate (111). Gas generated from the second battery cell (123) may be discharged from the battery module (100) through the corresponding first venting holes (1111) of the first end plate (111) and the corresponding first communication holes (5411) of the first side wall (541).

[0082] The second side wall (543) can support the second end plate (113) of the battery module (100) and may have a plurality of second communication holes (5431) communicating with a plurality of second venting holes (1131) of the second end plate (113). The second communication holes (5431) of the second side wall (543) may communicate with the first venting space (161) through the second venting holes (1131) of the second end plate (113). Gas generated from the second battery cell (123) may be discharged from the battery module (100) through the corresponding second venting holes (1131) of the second end plate (113) and the corresponding second communication holes (5431) of the second side wall (543).

[0083] The battery pack (500) may include a plurality of first doors (551) configured to open and close a plurality of first venting holes (1111) of a first end plate (111) of a battery module (100), and a plurality of second doors (553) configured to open and close a plurality of second venting holes (1131) of a second end plate (113) of a battery module (100).

[0084] Each individual first door (551) can cover the corresponding first venting hole (1111) of the first end plate (111) to block foreign matter, gas and / or flame discharge from the outside of the battery module (100) from entering the inside of the battery module (100). Each individual first door (551) can open the corresponding first venting hole (1111) of the first end plate (111) to discharge high-temperature gas generated from the second battery cell (123) to the outside of the battery module (100). When the gas pressure of the second venting space (163) on one side of the second battery cell (123) is below the reference pressure, the corresponding first door (551) may close the corresponding first venting hole (1111) of the first end plate (111) so as to block material movement through the corresponding first venting hole (1111) of the first end plate (111). When the gas pressure of the second venting space (163) on one side of the second battery cell (123) exceeds the reference pressure due to high-temperature gas generated by the ignition of the second battery cell (123), the corresponding first door (551) may open the corresponding first venting hole (1111) of the first end plate (111) so as to discharge the gas of the second venting space (163) to the outside of the battery module (100).

[0085] In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of first doors (551) may be coupled to the first side wall (541). Each first door (551) may be coupled to the first side wall (541) to cover the corresponding first venting hole (1111) of the first end plate (111) and the corresponding first communication hole (5411) of the first side wall (541). Each first door (551) may be configured to open and close the corresponding first venting hole (1111) of the first end plate (111) and the corresponding first communication hole (5411) of the first side wall (541). In some exemplary embodiments, a plurality of first doors (551) may be coupled directly to the first end plate (111). In some exemplary embodiments, each first door (551) may be rotatably mounted on the first side wall (541) and configured to switch between an open position that opens the corresponding first venting hole (1111) of the first end plate (111) and a closed position that opens the corresponding first venting hole (1111) of the first end plate (111) according to the internal pressure of the second venting space (163). In some exemplary embodiments, each first door (551) may be configured as a rupture cover configured to rupture when the internal pressure of the second venting space (163) exceeds a certain level.

[0086] Each individual second door (553) can cover the corresponding second venting hole (1131) of the second end plate (113) to block foreign substances or gas from the outside of the battery module (100) from entering the inside of the battery module (100). Each individual second door (553) can open the corresponding second venting hole (1131) of the second end plate (113) to discharge high-temperature gas generated from the first battery cell (121) to the outside of the battery module (100). When the gas pressure of the first venting space (161) on one side of the first battery cell (121) is below the reference pressure, the corresponding second door (553) can close the corresponding second venting hole (1131) of the second end plate (113) so that material movement through the corresponding second venting hole (1131) of the second end plate (113) is blocked. When the gas pressure of the first venting space (161) on one side of the first battery cell (121) exceeds the reference pressure due to high-temperature gas generated by the ignition of the first battery cell (121), the corresponding second door (553) can open the corresponding second venting hole (1131) of the second end plate (113) so that the gas of the first venting space (161) is discharged to the outside of the battery module (100).

[0087] In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of second doors (553) may be coupled to the second side wall (543). Each second door (553) may be coupled to the second side wall (543) to cover the corresponding second venting hole (1131) of the second end plate (113) and the corresponding second communication hole (5431) of the second side wall (543). Each second door (553) may be configured to open and close the corresponding second venting hole (1131) of the second end plate (113) and the corresponding second communication hole (5431) of the second side wall (543). In some exemplary embodiments, a plurality of second doors (553) may be coupled directly to the second end plate (113). In some exemplary embodiments, individual second doors (553) may be rotatably mounted on the second side wall (543) and configured to switch between an open position that opens the corresponding second venting hole (1131) of the second end plate (113) and a closed position that closes the corresponding second venting hole (1131) of the second end plate (113) depending on the internal pressure of the second venting space (163). In some exemplary embodiments, individual second doors (553) may be configured as rupture covers configured to rupture when the internal pressure of the second venting space (163) exceeds a certain level.

[0088] According to exemplary embodiments, the battery pack (500) has a dual cooling structure for cooling the battery modules (100) with a base frame (510) positioned below the battery modules (100) and an upper frame (560) positioned above the battery modules (100), thereby enhancing the cooling performance for the battery modules (100) and enabling quick charging, which requires a high level of cooling performance.

[0089] According to exemplary embodiments, since only one of the two terrace portions of individual battery cells (120) in the battery module (100) is covered by an insulating charge layer, the battery cells (120) may be configured to vent gas toward either of the two terrace portions, and the battery module (100) may have a directional venting structure that discharges gas generated internally to the front and / or rear.

[0090] According to exemplary embodiments, the battery module (100) may include a plurality of banks separated by a plurality of inter-cell pads (130), and among the plurality of banks, the odd-numbered banks may have their front-side terrace portions covered by an insulating charge layer, and among the plurality of banks, the even-numbered banks may have their rear-side terrace portions covered by an insulating charge layer. In this case, heat transfer between adjacent banks or chain ignition of adjacent banks may be delayed or suppressed, thereby improving the safety of the battery module (100) and the battery pack (500) including it.

[0091] According to exemplary embodiments, the parts from which gas is discharged from the battery module (100) are opened and closed by doors, so that foreign substances, gas and / or flame discharges from the outside of the battery module (100) can be prevented from entering the inside of the battery module (100).

[0092] The present invention has been described in more detail above through drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all technical concepts of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

Claims

1. Pack frame; and Battery module provided within the above pack frame; Includes, The above battery module is, Module housing including a first end plate and a second end plate; A plurality of battery cells provided between the first end plate and the second end plate, comprising a first battery cell and a second battery cell; A cell-to-cell pad provided between the first battery cell and the second battery cell; A first insulating charge layer that at least partially fills the space between the first battery cell and the first end plate; and A second insulating charge layer that at least partially fills the space between the second battery cell and the second end plate; Includes, The first end plate includes a first venting hole communicating with a venting space provided between the second battery cell and the first end plate, and A battery pack, wherein the second end plate comprises a second venting hole communicating with a venting space provided between the first battery cell and the second end plate.

2. In Paragraph 1, One end of the above inter-cell pad is inserted into the insertion groove of the first end plate, and A battery pack characterized in that the other end of the cell-to-cell pad is inserted into the insertion groove of the second end plate.

3. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the inter-cell pad separates the first insulating charge layer from the venting space provided between the second battery cell and the first end plate, and separates the second insulating charge layer from the venting space provided between the first battery cell and the second end plate.

4. In Paragraph 1, A first busbar frame that supports the first electrode lead of the first battery cell and the first electrode lead of the second battery cell, and is in contact with the first insulating charge layer and the inter-cell pad; and A second busbar frame that supports the second electrode lead of the first battery cell and the second electrode lead of the second battery cell, and is in contact with the second insulating charge layer and the inter-cell pad; A battery pack characterized by further including 5. In Paragraph 4, The first insulating charge layer covers the terrace portion of the first battery cell where the first electrode lead of the first battery cell is provided, and A battery pack characterized in that the second insulating charge layer covers the terrace portion of the second battery cell, on which the second electrode lead of the second battery cell is provided.

6. In Paragraph 1, A first door configured to open and close the first venting hole of the first end plate; and A second door configured to open and close the second venting hole of the second end plate; A battery pack characterized by further including 7. In Paragraph 6, A first side wall that supports the first end plate and has a first communication hole communicating with the first venting hole of the first end plate; and A second side wall that supports the second end plate and has a second communication hole communicating with the second venting hole of the second end plate; Includes more, The first door is configured to open and close the first venting hole of the first end plate and the first communication hole of the first side wall, and A battery pack characterized in that the second door is configured to open and close the second venting hole of the second end plate and the second communication hole of the second side wall.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above pack frame is, A base frame attached to the lower part of the battery module; and An upper frame attached to the upper part of the above battery module; A battery pack characterized by further including 9. In Paragraph 8, A battery pack characterized in that at least one of the base frame and the upper frame includes a cooling channel configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow.

10. In Paragraph 8, A battery pack characterized in that the base frame and the upper frame each include a cooling channel configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow.

11. In Paragraph 8, A battery pack characterized in that the base frame includes a venting channel configured to communicate with the space of the pack frame in which the battery module is accommodated and to allow gas to flow.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above base frame is, A support plate having a cooling channel configured to flow a cooling fluid and contacting the battery module above; and A bottom plate located below the support plate and spaced apart from the support plate with the venting channel in between; A battery pack characterized by further including 13. In Paragraph 8, A lower adhesive layer configured to adhere the above module housing to the base frame; and An upper adhesive layer configured to adhere the above module housing to the upper frame; A battery pack characterized by further including

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