Battery assembly and battery pack including same

Abstract

A battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of battery cells; a cell frame in which the battery cells are accommodated; and at least one bus bar member electrically connected to a terminal portion of the battery cell. A cooling material is in direct contact with the battery cells, the terminal portion and the bus bar member, and circulates inside the cell frame.

Description

Battery assembly and battery pack including the same

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

[0002] The present application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0025821 filed February 27, 2025, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0098203 filed July 21, 2025, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2026-0034016 filed February 24, 2026, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent applications are incorporated herein as part of the specification.

[0003] The present invention relates to a battery assembly and a battery pack including the same, and more specifically, to a battery assembly with improved cooling performance and a battery pack including the same.

[0004] Secondary batteries, which have high applicability across product groups and electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are widely applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by electric power sources. These secondary batteries are widely used as an energy source for enhancing eco-friendliness and energy efficiency, not only because of the primary advantage of being able to drastically reduce the use of fossil fuels, but also because they do not generate any by-products from energy use.

[0005] 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, that is, unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, a battery pack may be formed by connecting multiple battery cells in series. Additionally, a battery pack may be 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 set in various ways depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0006] Meanwhile, when configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, it is common to first form a battery module by creating a battery cell assembly containing multiple battery cells and housing it in a module case, and then configuring a battery pack by assembling one or more of these battery modules and adding other components, or by arranging multiple battery cells within a pack frame and adding other components.

[0007] Since these battery cells consist of rechargeable secondary batteries, such high-output, high-capacity secondary batteries generate a significant amount of heat during the charging and discharging process. In this case, the heat emitted from multiple battery cells is aggregated within a confined space, causing the temperature to rise rapidly and severely. In other words, while battery packs containing multiple cells can achieve high output, it is not easy to dissipate the heat generated by the cells during charging and discharging. If heat dissipation from the battery cells is not properly carried out, the cells degrade rapidly, shortening their lifespan and increasing the risk of explosion or ignition.

[0008] Furthermore, automotive battery packs are frequently exposed to direct sunlight and may be subjected to high-temperature conditions, such as during the summer or in desert regions. Additionally, because multiple battery cells are densely packed to extend a vehicle's driving range, flames or heat generated in a single battery cell can easily spread to neighboring cells, ultimately leading to the ignition or explosion of the battery pack itself.

[0009] In conventional battery modules, bottom cooling or side cooling methods have been used, in which a heat sink is mounted on the module case of the battery module to cool it.

[0010] However, in the case of battery modules using this cooling method, heat generated from the battery cells is transferred to a heat sink on one side of the module case for cooling, making it difficult to establish a heat transfer path to the other side of the module case. Consequently, there are limitations, such as intensified temperature differences between one end and the other of the battery cell assembly, or unsatisfactory overall cooling efficiency. If these temperature differences are not resolved, issues regarding the safety and durability of the battery module arise. Poor cooling efficiency can accelerate the degradation of battery cells or lead to the spread of thermal runaway if a rapid response is not possible when it occurs in some cells. This can result in disasters such as ignition and explosion of the battery module or the battery pack containing it, causing not only property damage but also safety issues.

[0011] To solve this problem, it has been proposed to use a method of directly cooling the battery cells by filling the inside of the battery pack with coolant or cooling oil, rather than relying on bottom cooling or side cooling. In other words, to effectively cool high-capacity battery packs, a method is being used in which a cooling material directly cools the battery cells inside the battery assembly.

[0012] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery assembly with improved cooling performance and a battery pack including the same, in a cooling structure in which a cooling material cools battery cells.

[0013] However, the problems that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve are not limited to the problems described above and can be expanded in various ways within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention.

[0014] A battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of battery cells; a cell frame in which the battery cells are housed; and at least one busbar member electrically connected to a terminal portion of the battery cells. A cooling material circulates inside the cell frame while in direct contact with the battery cells, the terminal portion, and the busbar member.

[0015] The terminal portion and the busbar member of the battery cell can be cooled by coming into direct contact with the cooling material.

[0016] The cell frame may include a top cell frame on which the busbar member is seated and a cell cover located on the upper part of the top cell frame.

[0017] At least a portion of the above cooling material may flow in the space between the cell cover and the top cell frame.

[0018] A cooling channel through which the cooling material flows in contact with the battery cell and a terminal cooling channel through which the cooling material flows in the space between the cell cover and the top cell frame may be provided inside the cell frame.

[0019] The above cooling channel and the above terminal cooling channel can be connected to each other.

[0020] A terminal cooling guide connecting the above cooling channel and the above terminal cooling channel may be formed in the top cell frame.

[0021] The terminal cooling guide may include a first terminal cooling guide that guides the cooling material to move from the cooling channel to the terminal cooling channel, and a second terminal cooling guide that guides the cooling material to move from the terminal cooling channel to the cooling channel.

[0022] Based on the above battery cells, the first terminal cooling guide and the second terminal cooling guide may be located on opposite sides of each other.

[0023] The above cooling channel may be a single cooling channel.

[0024] The above cooling channel may include a plurality of cooling channels separated along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell to which the battery cell extends, and the cooling material in any one of the cooling channels and the cooling material in another of the cooling channels may come into contact with different parts of the battery cell of any one of the battery cells.

[0025] The flow direction of the cooling material in any one of the above cooling channels and the flow direction of the cooling material in another of the plurality of above cooling channels may be opposite to each other.

[0026] The above cooling channels may be connected to each other through a connecting hole formed in the cell frame. The connecting hole may be provided between the side part of the cell frame facing the outermost battery cell among the battery cells and the battery cells.

[0027] The cooling channels may not be connected to each other until the cooling material reaches the connection hole.

[0028] The cell frame may include an inlet through which the cooling material flows into the cell frame and an outlet through which the cooling material is discharged to the outside of the cell frame, and, with respect to the battery cells, the connection hole may be located on the opposite side of the inlet and the outlet.

[0029] The above cooling channels are not connected to each other, and the cooling material of each of the above cooling channels can flow separately from each other.

[0030] The cell cover may include a protrusion formed on one surface of the cell cover, and the protrusion may protrude toward the portion where the terminal portion of the battery cell and the busbar member are connected.

[0031] The above protrusion can press at least a portion of the part where the terminal portion of the battery cell and the busbar member are connected.

[0032] The above protrusion may be fixed by an adhesive member to at least a portion of the part where the terminal portion of the battery cell and the busbar member are connected.

[0033] An adhesive member may be provided between the cell cover and the top cell frame.

[0034] The above adhesive member can be adhered to the cell cover, the top cell frame, and the battery cell.

[0035] The above adhesive member can secure the cell cover to the top cell frame and the battery cell.

[0036] The above adhesive members may be provided in multiple numbers, and the adhesive members may be formed in a shape that is connected along a direction parallel to the direction in which the cooling material flows.

[0037] A terminal cooling channel through which the cooling material flows in the space between the cell cover and the top cell frame may be provided inside the cell frame, and the cooling material in the terminal cooling channel may flow in the area between the adhesive members.

[0038] The cell frame may include an inlet through which the cooling material flows into the cell frame and an outlet through which the cooling material is discharged to the outside of the cell frame.

[0039] The above battery cells can be directly mounted on a vehicle or chassis while housed in the cell frame.

[0040] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: at least one battery assembly; a pack frame housing at least one battery assembly and having one side open; and a pack cover covering the open side of the pack frame.

[0041] According to embodiments of the present invention, the cooling performance of the battery assembly can be further improved because the cooling material comes into direct contact with and cools not only the battery cells but also the terminal portions of the battery cells and the busbar members electrically connected to these terminal portions.

[0042] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 2 is a plan view showing the battery assembly of Figure 1 as viewed along the -z axis direction in the xy plane.

[0045] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery assembly of Figure 1.

[0046] FIG. 4 (a) and (b) are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section cut along the cutting line C-C' in Figure 4 (a).

[0048] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section cut along the cutting line A-A' of Figure 2.

[0051] Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of section “D” of Figure 8.

[0052] Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of section “E” of Figure 8.

[0053] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section cut along the cutting line B-B' of Figure 2.

[0054] FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view showing the cell cover removed from a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] FIGS. 13 and FIGS. 14 are a cross-sectional perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a section cut along the cutting line F-F' of FIG. 12.

[0056] FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view showing a battery assembly equipped with a cell cover according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the cut along the cutting line G-G' of Figure 15.

[0058] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged cross-section of Figure 17.

[0060] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the cut along the cutting line H-H' of FIG. 2.

[0062] FIG. 21 is a partial drawing showing an enlarged view of section “I” of FIG. 20.

[0063] FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a cell cover according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a top cell frame, a busbar assembly, and a cell cover according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a top cell frame and a first sealing member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a top cell frame according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a cross section cut along the cutting line J-J' of FIG. 25.

[0068] FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing a middle cell frame and a second sealing member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing a middle cell frame according to an actual embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a cross section cut along the cutting line K-K' of FIG. 28.

[0071] FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing battery cells, a third sealing member, and a bottom cell frame according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing a bottom cell frame according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view of the bottom cell frame of FIG. 31.

[0074] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section cut along the cutting line L-L' of FIG. 31.

[0075] FIGS. 34 and FIGS. 35 are cross-sectional views showing a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] FIG. 37 is a plan view showing the battery assembly of FIG. 36.

[0078] FIG. 38 is a plan view showing the battery assembly of FIG. 36 viewed from a different angle than FIG. 37.

[0079] FIG. 39 is a plan view showing the battery assembly of FIG. 36 viewed from a different angle than FIG. 37 and FIG. 38.

[0080] FIG. 40 is an exploded perspective view of the battery assembly of FIG. 36.

[0081] FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section cut along the cutting line M-M' of FIG. 38.

[0082] FIG. 42 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 41.

[0083] FIG. 43 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the battery assembly of FIG. 42.

[0084] FIGS. 44 and FIGS. 45 are a partial cross-sectional perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the cut along the cutting line N-N' of FIG. 38.

[0085] FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section cut along the cutting line O-O' of FIG. 39.

[0086] FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section cut along the cutting line P-P' of FIG. 38.

[0087] FIG. 48 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing a part of the battery assembly of FIG. 46.

[0088] FIGS. 49 and FIGS. 50 are a cross-sectional view and a cross-sectional perspective view showing a cross section cut along the cutting line Q-Q' of FIG. 39.

[0089] FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section cut along the cutting line R-R' of FIG. 39.

[0090] FIG. 52 is a partial perspective view showing the top frame removed from a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] FIG. 53 is a partial perspective view showing the top frame removed from the battery assembly cut along the cutting line Q-Q' of FIG. 39.

[0092] FIGS. 54 to 56 are cross-sectional views of a battery assembly according to a modified embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly according to a modified embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] FIG. 58 is a partial perspective view of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] FIGS. 59 and FIGS. 60 are plan views showing the battery assembly of FIG. 58 with the cell cover removed.

[0096] FIG. 61 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] FIGS. 62 and FIGS. 63 are exploded perspective views of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0099] To clearly explain the present invention, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted, and the same reference numerals are used for identical or similar components throughout the specification.

[0100] Furthermore, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are depicted arbitrarily for convenience of explanation, and thus the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is illustrated. Thicknesses have been enlarged in the drawings to clearly represent various layers and regions. Additionally, for convenience of explanation, the thickness of some layers and regions has been exaggerated in the drawings.

[0101] Furthermore, when a part such as a layer, membrane, region, or plate is said to be "on" or "on" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly on" another part, but also the case where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is said to be "directly on" another part, it means that there is no other part in between. Also, saying that a part is "on" or "on" a reference part means that it is located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean that it is located "on" or "on" facing the opposite direction of gravity.

[0102] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a part is described as "including" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0103] Additionally, throughout the specification, "planar" means when the subject part is viewed from above, and "cross-sectional" means when the cross-section obtained by vertically cutting the subject part is viewed from the side.

[0104] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the battery assembly of FIG. 1 viewed along the -z axis direction in the xy plane. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery assembly of FIG. 1.

[0105] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of battery cells (110); and a cell frame (120) in which the battery cells (110) are housed. A cooling channel may be provided inside the cell frame (120) through which a cooling substance (Coolant) flows in direct contact with at least a portion of the battery cells (110). Specific details regarding the cooling channel will be described later.

[0106] In the battery assembly (100), a cooling material circulates inside the cell frame (120) while in direct contact with the battery cells (110). That is, in the battery assembly (100) according to the present embodiment, a method is applied in which the cooling material directly cools the battery cells. In the present invention, at least a portion of the battery cell (110) may be cooled by contacting the cooling material. That is, in one embodiment, a portion of the outer surface of the battery cell (110) may be in contact with the cooling material, and in another embodiment, the entire outer surface of the battery cell (110) may be in contact with the cooling material.

[0107] The cell frame (120) may include an inlet (121) into which a cooling substance flows through the cooling channel and comes into direct contact with the battery cells (110), and an outlet (122) into which the cooling substance is discharged.

[0108]

[0109] Hereinafter, the battery cell (110) according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. The battery cell (110) according to the present embodiment can be any type of secondary battery, such as a prismatic, cylindrical, or pouch-type battery cell. However, below, as an example, the battery cell (110) which is a cylindrical cell will be described.

[0110] FIG. 4(a) and FIG. 4(b) are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section cut along the cutting line C-C' in FIG. 4(a). FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the battery cell (110) according to the embodiments may be a cylindrical cell and may have a vent portion (110V). The vent portion (110V) is a general term for a component or mechanism provided in the battery cell (110) to discharge venting gas, etc., inside the battery cell (110). In addition, each battery cell (110) is provided with terminal portions (111, 112). The battery cell (110) may be provided with a first terminal portion (111) and a second terminal portion (112) as positive and negative electrode terminals.

[0112] For example, the battery cell (110) according to the present embodiment may be a cylindrical battery cell. Specifically, the battery cell (110) may include an electrode assembly (10); a battery can (20) that houses the electrode assembly (10) and has an open top; and a cap assembly (30) that is coupled to the open top of the battery can (20). A gasket (50) may be interposed between the battery can (20) and the cap assembly (30). An exemplary structure of the battery cell (110) is described below, but the battery cell of the present invention is not limited to such a structure.

[0113] The battery can (20) according to the present embodiment may be a cylindrical case with an open top, and may contain an electrode assembly (10) and an electrolyte (not shown) in an internal storage space, and may include a metal material such as aluminum (Al).

[0114] The cap assembly (30) according to the present embodiment may include a top cap (31) having a plate shape and a connecting plate (32) electrically and mechanically coupled to the top cap (31). The top cap (31) may be made of an electrically conductive metal material and may cover the open top of the battery can (20). The top cap (31) may be electrically connected to a first segment (11) connected to a first electrode of the electrode assembly (10), and at the same time may be electrically insulated from the battery can (20) by a gasket (50). Accordingly, the cap assembly (30) according to the present embodiment including the top cap (31) may function as a first terminal portion (111) which is an external terminal of the first electrode included in the electrode assembly (10).

[0115] To specifically describe the electrical connection between the top cap (31) and the first segments (11), the battery cell (110) according to the present embodiment may further include a first current collector plate (41) located on the upper part of the electrode assembly (10). The first current collector plate (41) may include a conductive metal material such as aluminum, copper, steel, nickel, etc., and may be electrically connected to the first segments (11) of the electrode assembly (10). The electrical connection may be made through welding. A lead (60) may be connected to this first current collector plate (41). The lead (60) may extend in the upward direction of the electrode assembly (10) and be connected to the connecting plate (32). In another embodiment, the lead (60) may be directly connected to the lower surface of the top cap (31). The connection between the lead (60) and other parts may be made through welding. Additionally, the first collector plate (41) may be formed integrally with the lead (60). In this case, the lead (60) may have an elongated plate shape extending outward from near the center of the first collector plate (41).

[0116] The first collector plate (41) may have a plurality of irregularities (not shown) formed radially on its lower surface. When radial irregularities are provided, the first collector plate (41) can be pressed to press the irregularities into the bent first segments (11). The connection between the first collector plate (41) and the first segments (11) can be achieved, for example, by laser welding. Laser welding can be performed by partially melting the base material of the first collector plate (41). In a modified example, welding between the first collector plate (41) and the first segments (11) can be performed with solder interposed. In this case, the solder may have a lower melting point compared to the first collector plate (41) and the first segments (11). Laser welding can be replaced by resistance welding, ultrasonic welding, spot welding, etc.

[0117] Meanwhile, the battery cell (110) according to the present embodiment may further include a second current collector plate (42) located at the bottom of the electrode assembly (10). Specifically, the second current collector plate (42) may be located between the electrode assembly (10) and the bottom portion (20F) of the battery can (20). The second current collector plate (42) may include a conductive metal material such as aluminum, copper, steel, nickel, etc., and may be electrically connected to the second segments (12) of the electrode assembly (10). One side of the second current collector plate (42) may be connected to the second segments (12), and the opposite side of the second current collector plate (42) may be connected to the bottom portion (20F) of the battery can (20). Welding may be applied to the connection of the second current collector plate (42). Accordingly, the battery can (20) according to the present embodiment can function as a second terminal part (112), which is an external terminal of the second electrode included in the electrode assembly (10).

[0118] Meanwhile, the secondary battery according to the present embodiment may include an insulating plate (70). The insulating plate (70) may cover the first current collector plate (41). By covering the first current collector plate (41) on the upper surface of the first current collector plate (41), the insulating plate (70) can block the first current collector plate (41) from contacting the battery can (20), particularly the beading part (20B) of the battery can (20) described later. Additionally, the insulating plate (70) may be provided with a separate lead hole so that a lead (60) extending upward from the first current collector plate (41) can be drawn out. The lead (60) can be drawn out upward through the lead hole of the insulating plate (70) and coupled to the lower surface of the connecting plate (32) or the lower surface of the top cap (31).

[0119] The perimeter area of ​​the insulating plate (70) is interposed between the first current collector plate (41) and the beading portion (20B) of the battery can (20) to fix the combination of the electrode assembly (10) and the first current collector plate (41). Accordingly, the movement of the combination of the electrode assembly (10) and the first current collector plate (41) in the axial direction of the electrode assembly (10) is restricted, thereby improving the assembly stability of the secondary battery. The insulating plate (70) may be made of an insulating polymer resin. In one example, the insulating plate (70) may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyimide, or polybutylene terephthalate.

[0120] Meanwhile, the battery can (20) according to the present embodiment may include a crimping part (20C) and a beading part (20B). The crimping part (20C) is a part of the battery can (20) that surrounds the cap assembly (30) and the gasket (50). Specifically, the battery can (20) and the cap assembly (30) may be crimped together with the gasket (50) in between. That is, a crimping connection may be applied to the connection between the battery can (20) and the cap assembly (30). Accordingly, the crimping part (20C) may be formed on the battery can (20). More specifically, the crimping connection is achieved by placing the gasket (50) between the battery can (20) and the cap assembly (30), and then bending the upper end of the battery can (20) in the direction where the cap assembly (30) is located.

[0121] The beading portion (20B) refers to a portion of the battery can (20) that is indented towards the center in an area above the electrode assembly (10) among the side portions of the battery can (20), and is intended for stable placement of the cap assembly (30) and prevention of movement of the electrode assembly (10). That is, the cap assembly (30) and the gasket (50) surrounding it according to the present embodiment can be seated on the beading portion (20B) of the battery can (20). With the cap assembly (30) and the gasket (50) surrounding it seated on the beading portion (20B), the crimping coupling described above can be performed.

[0122] The gasket (50) according to the present embodiment is positioned between the battery can (20) and the cap assembly (30) to improve the sealing performance of the secondary battery. Additionally, the gasket (50) may include an electrically insulating material and can prevent a short circuit from occurring between the battery can (20), which functions as a second terminal part (112), and the cap assembly (30), which functions as a first terminal part (111). This gasket (50) may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA).

[0123] The vent portion (110V) according to the present embodiment may be formed on the lower surface of the battery cell (110). That is, it may be formed on the bottom portion (20F, see FIG. 6) of the battery can (20).

[0124] If a thermal event or thermal runaway occurs inside a battery cell (110), high-temperature venting gas or particles may be generated. The vent section (110V) is a general term for a component or mechanism capable of discharging such high-temperature venting gas or particles. For example, a notch section (110N) with a thickness relatively thinner than the adjacent area may be formed on the bottom of the battery cell (110), specifically on the bottom of the battery can. The notch section (110N) may form a certain circumference. If the internal pressure of the battery cell (110) increases due to high-temperature venting gas generated inside the battery cell (110), the notch section (110N), which has weak rigidity due to its thin thickness, may rupture first. Due to the rupture of the notch (110N), the vent (110V) is opened, and high-temperature venting gas or particles can be discharged through the vent (110V) thus opened.

[0125] However, the structure of such a vent section (110V) is merely one example, and there are no special restrictions on the shape of the vent section (110V) as long as it is a component or mechanism capable of discharging internal venting gas during a thermal event or thermal runaway.

[0126] Meanwhile, although not specifically illustrated, the battery cell according to the present invention may be a prismatic battery cell in which an electrode assembly is housed in a prismatic can. That is, although the battery cell according to the present embodiment is depicted in the drawings as a cylindrical battery cell, this is merely one example of the structure of the battery cell of the present invention, and the battery cell according to other embodiments of the present invention may be a prismatic battery cell.

[0127] Battery cells (110) can be arranged in columns and rows within a cell frame (120), and the battery cells (110) can be electrically connected to each other via a busbar, etc., described later.

[0128] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a section cut along the cutting line A-A' of FIG. 2. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of “D” of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of “E” of FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a section cut along the cutting line B-B' of FIG. 2.

[0129] Referring together to FIGS. 1 to 4 and FIGS. 7 to 11, as described above, the battery assembly (100) includes a cell frame (120) in which battery cells (110) are housed, and a cooling channel (300) may be provided inside the cell frame (120) in which a cooling substance (CL, Coolant) flows in direct contact with at least a portion of the battery cells (110).

[0130] A cooling substance (CL) can circulate inside a cell frame (120) while in direct contact with the battery cells (110). The cell frame (120) may include an inlet (121) through which the cooling substance (CL), which flows through the cooling channel (300) and comes into direct contact with the battery cells (110), flows into the interior of the cell frame (120), and an outlet (122) through which the cooling substance is discharged to the outside of the cell frame (120). The cooling substance (CL) introduced through the inlet (121) can flow along the cooling channels (300) and then be discharged through the outlet (122). That is, the cooling substance (CL) is introduced into the interior of the cell frame (120) through the inlet (121), and the introduced cooling substance (CL) flows along the cooling channel (300) of the cell frame (120) and comes into direct contact with the battery cells (110). Afterward, the cooling material (CL) can be discharged to the outside of the cell frame (120) through the outlet (122).

[0131] The battery assembly (100) according to the present embodiment includes at least one busbar member (131) electrically connected to terminal portions (111, 112) of the battery cells (110). For example, the battery assembly (100) may include a busbar assembly (130) located on the upper part of the top cell frame (120a) described later. At least one busbar member (131) electrically connected to the terminal portions (111, 112) of the battery cells (110) may be included in the busbar assembly (130). The busbar member (131) according to the present embodiment may be seated on the top cell frame (120a) of the cell frame (120). The busbar member (131) may include an electrically conductive material, and may include, for example, a metal material.

[0132] As described above, the battery cell (110) may be provided with a first terminal portion (111) and a second terminal portion (112) as positive and negative electrode terminals. These first terminal portion (111) and the second terminal portion (112) of the battery cell (110) may be provided on one side of the battery cell (110). These first terminal portion (111) and the second terminal portion (112) of the battery cell (110) may be provided on the upper surface of the battery cell (110). However, the location of the first terminal portion (111) and the second terminal portion (112) in the battery cell (110) may vary depending on the design and is not necessarily limited to the upper surface of the battery cell (110). Electrical connection between the battery cells (110) may be made by a busbar member (131) connecting the first terminal portion (111) and the second terminal portion (112). For example, a busbar member (131) can electrically connect the first terminal (111) of one battery cell (110) and the second terminal (112) of another battery cell (110). In this form, a high voltage (HV) connection between battery cells (110) can be implemented. An HV connection is a connection that serves as a power source to supply power requiring high voltage, and refers to an electrical connection between battery cells or an electrical connection between a battery pack and a device.

[0133] FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view showing a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention with the cell cover removed. FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are a cross-sectional perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, taken along the cutting line F-F' of FIG. 12. FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view showing a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention with the cell cover installed. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line G-G' of FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cross section in FIG. 17.

[0134] Referring together to FIGS. 3, 4 and FIGS. 9 through 18, a cooling substance (CL) circulates inside a cell frame (120) in direct contact with battery cells (110), terminal portions (111, 112), and a busbar member (131). The cooling substance (CL) introduced into the cell frame (120) can cool not only the battery cells (110) but also the terminal portions (111, 112) of the battery cells (110) and the busbar member (131) electrically connected to these terminal portions (111, 112) by making direct contact with them. The terminal portions (111, 112) of the battery cells (110) and the busbar member (131) can be cooled by making direct contact with the cooling substance (CL).

[0135] During repeated charging and discharging of the battery cell (110), a large amount of heat is generated in the battery cell (110), and it is important to control the heat of the battery cell (110) by discharging this heat using a cooling means. If the heat dissipation of the battery cell (110) is not properly carried out, the deterioration of the battery cell (110) accelerates, shortening its lifespan and increasing the possibility of explosion or ignition. As described above, the battery assembly (100) according to the present embodiment applies a method in which a cooling material directly cools the battery cells, so that the cooling material comes into contact with the battery cell (110) and directly cools the heat generated in the battery cell (110).

[0136] In the case of a battery cell (110) that undergoes repeated charging and discharging, heat is particularly concentrated in the terminal portion (111, 112) and the busbar member (131) connected thereto, which are the parts where the above-described HV connection is made. In the battery assembly according to the present embodiment, a cooling material (CL) comes into direct contact not only with the battery cells (110) but also with the terminal portion (111, 112) of the battery cells (110) and the busbar member (131) electrically connected to these terminal portions (111, 112), thereby directly cooling the terminal portion (111, 112) and the busbar member (131). That is, in the present invention, cooling can be achieved through contact with the cooling material (CL) for the terminal portion (111, 112) and the busbar member (131) connected thereto, which are the parts where the most heat is generated in the battery cell (110). Since heat generated in the terminal portions (111, 112) and the busbar member (131) can be easily discharged, the overall cooling performance of the battery assembly (100) can be improved.

[0137]

[0138] A cell frame (120) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a top cell frame (120a) on which a busbar member (131) is seated, and a cell cover (120d) located on the upper part of the top cell frame (120a). Additionally, the cell frame (120) may include a bottom cell frame (120c) on which battery cells (110) are seated, and a middle cell frame (120b) located on the bottom cell frame (120c) and which accommodates the battery cells (110). In this embodiment, the top cell frame (120a) and the middle cell frame (120b) are shown as separate frames, but as another example of the present invention, the top cell frame (120a) and the middle cell frame (120b) may be formed integrally with each other to form a single component.

[0139] Inside the cell frame (120), a cooling channel (300) may be provided in which a cooling material (CL) flows in contact with the battery cell (110). For example, the battery cells (110) may be located in the internal space formed by the top cell frame (120a), the middle cell frame (120b), and the bottom cell frame (120c), and the cooling material (CL) may also circulate along the internal space to form the cooling channel (300).

[0140] The top cell frame (120a) can cover at least a portion of the upper surfaces of the battery cells (110). A busbar member (131) of the busbar assembly (130) can be seated on the top cell frame (120a). A top cell frame hole (120ah) may be formed in the top cell frame (120a), and a portion of the battery cell (110) may be located in the top cell frame hole (120ah). A portion of the battery cell (110) may be exposed to the upper surface through the top cell frame hole (120ah). For example, at least one of the terminal portions (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) may be located in the top cell frame hole (120ah). At least one of the terminal portions (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) may be exposed to the upper surface by the top cell frame hole (120ah). In FIGS. 9 to 11, FIGS. 13, 14, etc., the terminal portions (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) are all exposed by the top cell frame hole (120ah).

[0141] A busbar member (131) seated on top of a top cell frame (120a) can be connected to terminal portions (111, 112) through a top cell frame hole (120ah). For example, the busbar member (131) can be connected to terminal portions (111, 112) exposed through the top cell frame hole (120ah) by welding.

[0142] The cell cover (120d) of the cell frame (120) may be located on the upper part of the top cell frame (120a) and may also be located on the upper part of the busbar member (131). The busbar member (131) may be covered by the cell cover (120d).

[0143] The cooling material (CL) according to the present embodiment may flow in the space between the cell cover (120d) and the top cell frame (120a). As the cooling material (CL) flows in the space between the cell cover (120d) and the top cell frame (120a), it may come into direct contact with the terminal portions (111, 112) and the busbar member (131) of the battery cell (110).

[0144] As described above, a cooling channel (300) may be provided inside the cell frame (120) through which a cooling material (CL) flows in contact with the battery cell (110). In the cooling channel (300), the cooling material (CL) may come into contact with the side of the battery cell (110). Additionally, in the present invention, a terminal cooling channel (300T) may be provided through which the cooling material (CL) flows in the space between the cell cover (120d) and the top cell frame (120a). The cooling material (CL) may come into direct contact with the terminal portions (111, 112) and the busbar member (131) and cool them by flowing along the terminal cooling channel (300T), which is the space between the cell cover (120d) and the top cell frame (120a), as well as the cooling channel (300).

[0145] For example, the cooling channel (300) and the terminal cooling channel (300T) can be connected to each other. A portion of the cooling material (CL) flowing along the cooling channel (300) can flow into the space between the cell cover (120d) and the top cell frame (120a) to form the terminal cooling channel (300T). A terminal cooling guide (124) connecting the cooling channel (300) and the terminal cooling channel (300T) can be formed on the top cell frame (120a). In the present invention, the terminal cooling guide (124) may include a hole or an open portion as a part for connecting the cooling channel (300) and the terminal cooling channel (300T) to guide the cooling material (CL) to flow into the space between the cell cover (120d) and the top cell frame (120a). If the cooling material (CL) can be guided to move from the cooling channel (300) to the terminal cooling channel (300T) or from the terminal cooling channel (300T) to the cooling channel (300), there is no particular restriction on the shape of the terminal cooling guide (124).

[0146] A cooling substance (CL) is introduced into the interior of the cell frame (120) through the inlet (121), and the introduced cooling substance (CL) flows along the cooling channel (300) of the cell frame (120) and comes into direct contact with the battery cells (110). A portion of the cooling substance (CL) flowing along the cooling channel (300) may be introduced into the space between the cell cover (120d) and the top cell frame (120a) through the terminal cooling guide (124) formed in the top cell frame (120a) and flow along the terminal cooling channel (300T).

[0147] In this embodiment, the terminal cooling channel (300T) that cools the terminal portion (111, 112) and the busbar member (131) is not completely separated from the cooling channel (300), so that a portion of the cooling material (CL) introduced through the inlet (121) flows along the cooling channel (300) and another portion flows along the terminal cooling channel (300T). In order for separate cooling materials to flow while the terminal cooling channel (300T) and the cooling channel (300) are separated from each other, a cooling material circulation system that circulates the cooling material (CL), such as a cooling pump and pipes, must be provided for each of the terminal cooling channel (300T) and the cooling channel (300), which requires many parts and space. This can be a factor that reduces space utilization. On the other hand, in the case of the battery assembly (100) according to the present embodiment, by arranging the cooling channel (300) and the terminal cooling channel (300T) to be connected to each other, only one cooling system for circulating a cooling substance (CL), such as a cooling pump and pipe, can be provided. That is, with only one cooling substance circulation system, the cooling substance (CL) can circulate through both the cooling channel (300) and the terminal cooling channel (300T). Therefore, the required parts and space can be reduced, thereby reducing the weight of the battery assembly (100) and the battery pack containing it, and increasing space utilization.

[0148] For example, the cooling material (CL) introduced through the inlet (121) flows along the cooling path (300) of the cell frame (120) and comes into direct contact with the battery cells (110).

[0149] The terminal cooling guide (124) according to the present embodiment may include a first terminal cooling guide (124a) that guides a cooling substance (CL) to move from a cooling channel (300) to a terminal cooling channel (300T), and a second terminal cooling guide (124b) that guides a cooling substance (CL) to move from a terminal cooling channel (300T) to a cooling channel (300).

[0150] The cooling material (CL) that moves from the cooling channel (300) to the terminal cooling channel (300T) through the first terminal cooling guide (124a) flows along the terminal cooling channel (300T) to cool the terminal portions (111, 112) and the busbar member (131) of the battery cell (110), and then can move from the terminal cooling channel (300T) to the cooling channel (300) through the second terminal cooling guide (124b).

[0151] For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 13, 14 and 16, a portion of the cooling material (CL) flowing along the cooling channel (300) may be introduced into the space between the cell cover (120d) and the top cell frame (120a) through a first terminal cooling guide (124a) formed in the top cell frame (120a). This cooling material (CL) may flow along the terminal cooling channel (300T), which is the space between the cell cover (120d) and the top cell frame (120a), and then rejoin the cooling channel (300) through a second terminal cooling guide (124b), which is another terminal cooling guide (124) formed in the top cell frame (120a), as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18. The cooling material (CL) joined to the cooling channel (300) through the second terminal cooling guide (124b) can be discharged to the outside of the battery assembly (100) through the outlet (122).

[0152] With respect to the battery cells (110), the first terminal cooling guide (124a) and the second terminal cooling guide (124b) may be located on opposite sides of each other. For example, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 18, the first terminal cooling guide (124a) may be located in the +y-axis direction with respect to the battery cells (110), and the second terminal cooling guide (124b) may be located in the -y-axis direction with respect to the battery cells (110). The first terminal cooling guide (124a) may be located between the battery cells (110) and the side part (120S) of the cell frame (120) located in the +y-axis direction with respect to the battery cells (110), and the second terminal cooling guide (124b) may be located between the battery cells (110) and the side part (120S) of the cell frame (120) located in the -y-axis direction with respect to the battery cells (110).

[0153] The direction between the first terminal cooling guide (124a) and the second terminal cooling guide (124b) may be parallel to the direction in which the cooling material (CL) flows in the cooling channel (300). For example, the direction in which the cooling material (CL) flows in the cooling channel (300) may be the +y-axis direction or the -y-axis direction, and the direction between the first terminal cooling guide (124a) and the second terminal cooling guide (124b) may be parallel to this. The flow direction of the cooling material (CL) flowing along the terminal cooling channel (300T) from the first terminal cooling guide (124a) to the second terminal cooling guide (124b) may be parallel to the flow direction of the cooling material (CL) flowing in the cooling channel (300).

[0154] Meanwhile, the inlet (121) and the outlet (122) may be located on the same side of the cell frame (120) or on opposite sides. That is, there is no particular restriction on the location of the inlet (121) and the outlet (122) in the cell frame (120). The inlet (121) and the outlet (122) may be formed in the middle cell frame (120b) of the cell frame (120).

[0155]

[0156] The cooling channel (300) according to the present embodiment may be a multi-layer cooling structure, and the multi-layer cooling structure will be described below.

[0157] Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIGS. 9 to 11, the cooling channel (300) may include a plurality of cooling channels (300a, 300b) arranged along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110) to which the battery cell (110) extends. The cooling channel (300) may include a plurality of cooling channels (300a, 300b) separated along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110) to which the battery cell (110) extends. The cell frame (120) may include at least one separating part (120M) integrally connected to a side part (120S) of the cell frame (120). Any one of the plurality of cooling channels (300) may be located on one side of the separating part (120M), and the other of the plurality of cooling channels (300) may be located on the other side of the separating part (120M).

[0158] At least some of the plurality of cooling channels (300) can be separated by at least one separating part (120M). Inside the cell frame (120), the cooling channels (300) can be separated into a plurality of cooling channels (300a, 300b) by the separating part (120M). For example, FIGS. 9 to 11 show that two cooling channels (300a, 300b) are separated and divided by the separating part (120M).

[0159] In the case of the battery assembly (100) according to the present embodiment, a separation part (120M) for separating a plurality of cooling channels (300) may be formed integrally with a side part (120S) of the cell frame (120). For example, the cell frame (120) may be manufactured by injection molding while the separation part (120M) and the side part (120S) are connected integrally. Since the separation part (120M) is formed integrally with the side part (120S), there is no risk of a cooling substance (CL) leaking between one cooling channel (300a) located on one side of the separation part (120M) and another cooling channel (300b) located on the other side of the separation part (120M). This is because, since the separation part (120M) and the side part (120S) are integral, there is no gap for the cooling substance (CL) to leak between them. The risk of leakage of the cooling material (CL) is eliminated in the area between the cooling channels (300a, 300b) located on one side and the other side of the separation part (120M), respectively. This means that the area requiring sealing in the battery assembly (100) is reduced. Therefore, since no additional parts are required for sealing, the number of parts can be reduced, and at the same time, the sealing performance of the battery assembly can be improved by eliminating the risk of leakage of the cooling material (CL).

[0160] The flow direction of the cooling material (CL) in any one of the plurality of cooling channels (300a, 300b) and the flow direction of the cooling material (CL) in another of the plurality of cooling channels (300a, 300b) may be opposite to each other. Additionally, the directions in which the cooling material (CL) flows in the plurality of cooling channels (300a, 300b) may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110).

[0161] The length direction of the battery cell (110) to which the battery cell (110) extends refers to a direction parallel to the width direction of the portion of the battery cell (110) that extends relatively longer. For example, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the battery cell (110) is extended with a width in the z-axis direction longer than its width in the y-axis direction, where the length direction of the battery cell (110) may correspond to a direction parallel to the z-axis direction.

[0162] The longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110) according to the present embodiment may be the direction between one surface of the battery cell (110) and the other surface facing said surface. At least one of the terminal portions (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) may be located on said surface of the battery cell (110). For example, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, said surface and said surface of the battery cell (110) may be the upper surface of the battery cell (110) and the lower surface of the battery cell (110), respectively. At least one of the terminal portions (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) may be located on the upper surface of the battery cell (110). In FIGS. 9 to 11, it is shown that all of the terminal portions (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) are located on the upper surface of the battery cell (110). As illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 11, the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110) may be the direction between the upper surface of the battery cell (110) and the lower surface of the battery cell (110), and this longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110) may be a direction parallel to the z-axis direction.

[0163] As described above, the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110) refers to a direction parallel to the width direction of the relatively long portion of the battery cell (110), and a plurality of cooling channels (300a, 300b) may be arranged along the longitudinal direction, which is the width direction of the relatively long portion of the battery cell (110). A plurality of cooling channels (300a, 300b) may be separated along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110).

[0164] For example, a plurality of cooling channels (300a, 300b) may include a first cooling channel (300a) and a second cooling channel (300b). The first cooling channel (300a) and the second cooling channel (300b) may be arranged along the z-axis direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110). The first cooling channel (300a) may be located above the second cooling channel (300b) with respect to the z-axis direction, and the second cooling channel (300b) may be located below the first cooling channel (300a) with respect to the z-axis direction. The first cooling channel (300a) may be located above the separation part (120M), and the second cooling channel (300b) may be located below the separation part (120M).

[0165] According to the present embodiment, the cooling channel (300) through which a cooling material (CL) flows inside the cell frame (120) may be a multi-layer cooling structure. Specifically, the first cooling channel (300a) and the second cooling channel (300b) may be positioned sequentially along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110). The multi-layer cooling structure of the cooling channel (300) mentioned in the present invention means that layered cooling channels are implemented that are distinct from one another based on the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110).

[0166] The cooling material (CL) in either of the cooling channels (300a, 300b) and the cooling material (CL) in the other of the cooling channels (300a, 300b) may come into contact with different parts of any of the battery cells (110). Based on a point of the battery cell (110) along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110), the part of the battery cell (110) below that point may come into contact with the second cooling channel (300b), and the part of the battery cell (110) above that point may come into contact with the first cooling channel (300a).

[0167] As described above, the flow direction of the cooling material (CL) in any one of the plurality of cooling channels (300a, 300b) and the flow direction of the cooling material (CL) in another of the plurality of cooling channels (300a, 300b) may be opposite to each other. That is, the flow direction of the cooling material (CL) in the first cooling channel (300a) and the flow direction of the cooling material (CL) in the second cooling channel (300b) may be opposite to each other.

[0168] Any one of the plurality of cooling channels (300a, 300b) may be connected to an inlet (121), and another of the plurality of cooling channels (300a, 300b) may be connected to an outlet (122). For example, the second cooling channel (300b) may be connected to an inlet (121), and the first cooling channel (300a) may be connected to an outlet (122). Also, as shown in FIG. 10, the cell frame (120) may include a connecting hole (123) connecting the plurality of cooling channels (300a, 300b). The connecting hole (123) may be formed in a separating part (120M) of the cell frame (120).

[0169] According to one embodiment, the connecting hole (123) can connect the first cooling channel (300a) and the second cooling channel (300b). The cooling material (CL) can flow along the second cooling channel (300b) after being introduced through the inlet (121). The cooling material (CL) that flows along the second cooling channel (300b) can be introduced into the first cooling channel (300a) through the connecting hole (123). The cooling material (CL) that flows along the first cooling channel (300a) can be discharged to the outside of the cell frame (120) through the outlet (122).

[0170] Cooling channels (300a, 300b) can be connected to each other through a connecting hole (123) formed in the cell frame (120). The connecting hole (123) can be provided between the battery cells (110) and the side part (120S) of the cell frame (120) facing the outermost battery cell (110). For example, the connecting hole (123) can be located between the battery cells (110) and a part of the side part (120S) located in the +y-axis direction relative to the battery cells (110), facing the outermost battery cell (110).

[0171] With respect to the battery cells (110), the connection hole (123) may be located on the opposite side of the inlet (121) and outlet (122). For example, the inlet (121) and outlet (122) may be provided in a part of the side part (120S) of the cell frame (120) located in the -y-axis direction with respect to the battery cells (110). The connection hole (123) may be located between the battery cells (110) and a part of the side part (120S) of the cell frame (120) located in the +y-axis direction with respect to the battery cells (110).

[0172] The cooling material (CL) introduced through the inlet (121) can come into contact with parts of the battery cells (110) while flowing along the second cooling channel (300b). Afterward, the cooling material (CL) can move to the first cooling channel (300a) through the connection hole (123), come into contact with other parts of the battery cells (110) while flowing along the first cooling channel (300a), and move to the outside of the cell frame (120) through the outlet (122). By adjusting the positional relationship of the inlet (121), the outlet (122), and the connection hole (123), a difference in the order in which the cooling material (CL) comes into contact with each part of the battery cells (110) can be achieved.

[0173] Meanwhile, there is no special limitation on the number of connecting holes (123). The connecting holes (123) may be provided as one or multiple.

[0174] The cooling channels (300a, 300b) may not be connected to each other until the cooling material (CL) reaches the connection hole (123). It is preferable that the first cooling channel (300a) and the second cooling channel (300b) are not connected to each other until the cooling material (CL) reaches the connection hole (123). That is, the first cooling channel (300a) and the second cooling channel (300b) can be connected to each other only through the connection hole (123). The direction in which the cooling material (CL) flows in the first cooling channel (300a) and the direction in which the cooling material (CL) flows in the second cooling channel (300b) may be opposite to each other. For example, in the second cooling channel (300b) connected to the inlet (121), a cooling material (CL) may flow along the +y-axis direction, and in the first cooling channel (300a) connected to the outlet (122), a cooling material (CL) may flow along the -y-axis direction.

[0175] Meanwhile, although the cooling channel (300) is depicted in the drawing as a two-layer cooling structure including a first cooling channel (300a) and a second cooling channel (300b), there is no particular limitation on the number of cooling channels, and a cooling structure of three or more layers is also possible. That is, the cooling channel according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a third cooling channel in addition to the first and second cooling channels along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110). Additionally, the cooling channel may include a fourth cooling channel as needed.

[0176] Below, we will explain why the cooling channel (300) according to the present embodiment has a multi-layer cooling structure.

[0177] If the cooling channel is formed as a single layer and the cooling material (CL) flows in only one direction, there will be a difference in the order in which the cooling material (CL) comes into contact with multiple battery cells (110), and cooling imbalance may occur among the battery cells (110). As a comparative example of the present invention, a single-layer cooling channel in which the cooling material (CL) flows in only one direction can be considered. In this comparative example, the battery cell adjacent to the inlet comes into direct contact with the cooling material (CL), so heat dissipation is well achieved, but the battery cell adjacent to the outlet comes into contact with the cooling material (CL) that has already been heated by the battery cells, so heat dissipation is not well achieved. Therefore, cooling imbalance occurs among the battery cells (110), which may lead to a decrease in the performance of the entire battery assembly.

[0178] On the other hand, the present embodiment having a cooling channel (300) of a multi-layer cooling structure can significantly reduce the cooling variation between these battery cells (110). The key to the multi-layer cooling structure is to create a time difference in the parts of each battery cell (110) that come into contact with the cooling material (CL) through a multi-layer cooling structure in which the flow directions of the cooling material (CL) are opposite to each other. Referring again to FIGS. 9 and 11, in the case of the battery cell (110, the leftmost battery cell in FIGS. 9 and 11) closest to the inlet (121) and outlet (122), the part of the battery cell (110) located in the second cooling channel (300b) comes into contact with the cooling material (CL) first, and the part of the battery cell (110) located in the first cooling channel (300a) comes into contact with the cooling material (CL) last. That is, in the case of the battery cell (110) closest to the inlet (121) and outlet (122), one part of the battery cell (110) may come into contact with the coldest cooling material (CL) and another part of the battery cell (110) may come into contact with the hottest cooling material (CL). On the other hand, in the case of the battery cell (110, the battery cell located furthest to the right in FIG. 10) located furthest from the inlet (121) and outlet (122) and closest to the connection hole (123), the part of the battery cell (110) located in the second cooling channel (300b) comes into contact with the cooling material (CL) relatively late, but this cooling material (CL) may pass through the connection hole (123) immediately and come into contact with the part of the battery cell (110) located in the first cooling channel (300a). That is, in the case of the battery cell (110) located closest to the connection hole (123), it can be interpreted that all parts of the battery cell (110) are in contact with a cooling material (CL) at an intermediate temperature.

[0179] When viewed from the perspective of a single battery cell (110), thermal equilibrium can be achieved through heat transfer between the part in contact with the first cooling channel (300a) and the part in contact with the second cooling channel (300b). Consequently, the battery cell closest to the inlet (121) and outlet (122) (110, the leftmost battery cell in FIG. 9 and 11) and the battery cell furthest from the inlet (121) and outlet (122) and closest to the connection hole (123) (110, the rightmost battery cell in FIG. 10) can be cooled to a similar degree.

[0180] In this way, by implementing a cooling channel (300) of a multi-layer cooling structure, a difference in the order of contact with the cooling material (CL) can be created for each part of the multiple battery cells (110). Therefore, the problem of cooling imbalance between the battery cells (110) can be resolved, thereby minimizing the cooling deviation between the battery cells. When the temperature deviation between the battery cells (110) is minimized, it is possible to prevent the degradation of a specific battery cell (110) during long-term charge / discharge cycles, which can extend the lifespan of the battery assembly and the battery pack containing it, and also ensure safety. Meanwhile, as described above, in order to resolve the cooling deviation between the battery cells (110), in another embodiment of the present invention, a multi-layer cooling structure such as three layers, four layers, etc., beyond a two-layer cooling structure may be provided.

[0181] In the case of the battery assembly (100) according to the present embodiment, to reduce the cooling deviation between battery cells (110), a separating part (120M) is formed to implement cooling channels (300a, 300b) of a multilayer cooling structure, and at the same time, the separating part (120M) and the side part (120S) are formed as a single unit so that leakage of the cooling material (CL) in the area between the cooling channels (300a, 300b) can be fundamentally blocked.

[0182] Multiple cooling channels (300a, 300b) can be separated from one another by a separation part (120M) and the cooling material (CL) does not mix with one another. As described above, the cooling channels (300a, 300b) can be connected to one another only through a connection hole (123). The connection hole (123) can be provided in the separation part (120M). For example, the cell frame (120) may include a separation part (120M) that separates the first cooling channel (300a) and the second cooling channel (300b) and is located between the first cooling channel (300a) and the second cooling channel (300b). The first cooling channel (300a) and the second cooling channel (300b) are separated from one another by the separation part (120M) and can be connected to one another only through the connection hole (123).

[0183] As long as the separation part (120M) can distinguish between multiple cooling channels (300a, 300b), there are no special restrictions on its shape, thickness, material, etc. For example, FIGS. 9 to 11 show that the separation part (120M) is included in the middle cell frame (120b).

[0184] Meanwhile, based on the positions of the battery cells (110), the inlet (121) and the outlet (122) may be located on the same side, and the connection hole (123) may be located on the opposite side from where the inlet (121) and the outlet (122) are located. However, this is an exemplary structure, and the positions of the inlet (121), the outlet (122), and the connection hole (123) are not particularly limited.

[0185] The cooling material (CL) in the present invention is a cooling medium that cools a heat-generating object, and there are no restrictions on its form or material. For example, a liquid cooling medium can be applied to the cooling material (CL) without limitation. Additionally, bubbles, paraffin, or phase change materials (PCM) can be applied to the cooling material (CL).

[0186] As an example, the cooling material (CL) may be a liquid. The cooling material (CL) may be cooling water or cooling oil. Meanwhile, the cooling material (CL) may come into direct contact with the battery cells (110) and terminals (111, 112) within the battery assembly (100), and the cooling material (CL) may be electrically insulating. The cooling material (CL) may be a material having insulating properties. For example, the cooling material (CL) may be insulating oil. However, these are exemplary materials, and as described above, any material capable of cooling an object requiring cooling may be applied to the cooling material (CL) in the present invention without limitation.

[0187] Meanwhile, the area of ​​contact with the battery cell (110) of at least one cooling channel (300) among the plurality of cooling channels (300) in which the flow direction of the cooling material (CL) aligns may be 30% or more and 70% or less of the area of ​​contact with the battery cell (110) of all the plurality of cooling channels (300). Additionally, the area of ​​contact with the battery cell (110) of at least one cooling channel (300) among the plurality of cooling channels (300) in which the flow direction of the cooling material (CL) aligns may be 40% or more and 60% or less of the area of ​​contact with the battery cell (110) of all the plurality of cooling channels (300).

[0188] If the area of ​​contact with the battery cell (110) of at least one cooling channel (300) among the plurality of cooling channels (300) in which the flow direction of the cooling material (CL) matches is less than 30% and more than 70% of the total area of ​​contact with the battery cell (110) of all the cooling channels (300), then the area of ​​contact with the battery cell (110) of a specific cooling channel (300) may be too excessive or too reduced. In such a case, the degree of cooling for the battery cells (110) may vary from region to region and may result in a cooling imbalance between the battery cells (110). Consequently, the cooling deviation between the battery cells (110) within the battery assembly (100) may increase.

[0189] For example, the cooling channel (300) illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 11 may include a first cooling channel (300a) and a second cooling channel (300b), and the first cooling channel (300a) and the second cooling channel (300b) have opposite directions of flow of cooling material.

[0190] From the perspective of the first cooling channel (300a), among the plurality of cooling channels (300), the cooling channel (300) in which the flow direction of the cooling material (CL) coincides is the first cooling channel (300a). Accordingly, the area of ​​the first cooling channel (300a) in contact with the battery cell (110) may be 30% or more and 70% or less of the area of ​​the first cooling channel (300a) and the second cooling channel (300b), which are the total area of ​​the plurality of cooling channels (300), in contact with the battery cell (110).

[0191] From the perspective of the second cooling channel (300b), among the plurality of cooling channels (300), the cooling channel (300) in which the flow direction of the cooling material (CL) matches is the second cooling channel (300b). Accordingly, the area of ​​the second cooling channel (300b) in contact with the battery cell (110) may be 30% or more and 70% or less of the area of ​​the first cooling channel (300a) and the second cooling channel (300b) in contact with the battery cell (110), which is the total area of ​​the plurality of cooling channels (300).

[0192] Meanwhile, based on the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110), the separation part (120M) may be located in the space between the point at 30% of the height of the battery cell (110) and the point at 70% of the height of the battery cell (110). The height of the battery cell (110) may correspond to the length from the bottom surface of the battery cell (110) to the top surface of the battery cell (110).

[0193] If, based on the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110), the separation part (120M) is located in a space other than between the point at 30% of the height of the battery cell (110) and the point at 70% of the height of the battery cell (110), the area of ​​contact between any one of the multiple cooling channels (300a, 300b) and the battery cell (110) may be excessively large or too small. In this case, the degree of cooling for the battery cells (110) may vary from region to region and may result in a cooling imbalance between the battery cells (110). Consequently, the cooling deviation between the battery cells (110) within the battery assembly (100) may increase.

[0194]

[0195] In a cooling channel (300) of a multi-layer cooling structure, any one of the cooling channels (300) may be connected to a terminal cooling channel (300T). For example, referring to FIGS. 12 to 17, a first cooling channel (300a) among the cooling channels (300) may be connected to a terminal cooling channel (300T). A cooling substance (CL) that flows along the second cooling channel (300b) after being introduced through the inlet (121) may move to the first cooling channel (300a) through the connection hole (123). Some of the cooling substance (CL) that has moved to the first cooling channel (300a) may move to the terminal cooling channel (300T) through the first terminal cooling guide (124a), and the remainder of the cooling substance (CL) may move along the first cooling channel (300a). Subsequently, the cooling material (CL) flowing along the terminal cooling path (300T) can be joined to the first cooling path (300a) through the second terminal cooling guide (124b, see FIG. 17) and then discharged through the outlet (122).

[0196] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0197] Referring to FIG. 19 together with FIG. 17, in the case of a battery assembly (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention, a second cooling channel (300b) among the cooling channels (300) may be connected to a terminal cooling channel (300T). A connecting pipe (125) connecting a connecting hole (123) and a first terminal cooling guide (124a) may be provided. A plurality of connecting holes (123) may be provided, and a connecting pipe (125) may be provided in some of the plurality of connecting holes (123). A portion of the cooling material (CL) that flows along the second cooling channel (300b) after being introduced through the inlet (121) may move to the terminal cooling channel (300T) through some of the connecting holes (123) and the connecting pipe (125). The remaining portion of the cooling material (CL) flowing along the second cooling channel (300b) can move to the first cooling channel (300a) through other parts of the connecting holes (123). The cooling material (CL) flowing along the terminal cooling channel (300T) can then join the first cooling channel (300a) through the second terminal cooling guide (124b, see FIG. 17) and then be discharged through the outlet (122).

[0198] The terminal cooling channel (300T) may be connected to the first cooling channel (300a) in one embodiment and to the second cooling channel (300b) in another embodiment. The terminal cooling channel (300T) may be selectively connected to any one of the plurality of cooling channels (300). Additionally, although not specifically illustrated, in one battery assembly (100), the terminal cooling channel (300T) may be connected to both the first cooling channel (300a) and the second cooling channel (300b). A plurality of first terminal cooling guides (124a) may be provided, some of the first terminal cooling guides (124a) may be connected to the first cooling channel (300a) as shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 16, and other parts of the first terminal cooling guides (124a) may be connected to the second cooling channel (300b) through a connecting pipe (125) as shown in FIG. 19. By setting various connection forms of multiple first terminal cooling guides (124a) in this way, a form in which the terminal cooling channel (300T) is connected to both the first cooling channel (300a) and the second cooling channel (300b) can also be implemented.

[0199]

[0200] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the view cut along the cutting line H-H' of FIG. 2. FIG. 21 is a partial view showing an enlarged view of the “I” portion of FIG. 20. FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a cell cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the cell cover (120d) viewed from below so that the lower surface of the cell cover (120d) is visible.

[0201] Referring together to FIGS. 2, FIGS. 16, and FIGS. 20 to 22, the cell cover (120d) according to the present embodiment may include a protrusion (120P) formed on one surface of the cell cover (120d). For example, the protrusion (120P) may be formed on one surface of the cell cover (120d) in a direction toward the terminal portions (111, 112) and the busbar member (131). The protrusion (120P) may be formed on the lower surface of the cell cover (120d). The protrusion (120P) may be formed on the lower surface of the cell cover (120d) and may protrude downward. The protrusion (120P) may protrude toward the portion where the terminal portions (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) and the busbar member (131) are connected. For example, FIGS. 20 and 21 show a protrusion (120P) protruding toward the part where the second terminal (112) of the battery cell (110) and the busbar member (131) are connected.

[0202] The protrusion (120P) according to the present embodiment can press at least a portion of the part where the terminal portion (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) and the busbar member (131) are connected. The cell cover (120d) can be coupled and fixed to at least one of the top cell frame (120a) or the middle cell frame (120b). There are no special restrictions on the method of coupling and fixing, and for example, the cell cover (120d) can be coupled and fixed to at least one of the top cell frame (120a) or the middle cell frame (120b) through bolting. As the cell cover (120d) is coupled and fixed to at least one of the top cell frame (120a) or the middle cell frame (120b), the protrusion (120P) can press at least a portion of the part where the terminal portion (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) and the busbar member (131) are connected. Accordingly, while the cooling material (CL) flows along the terminal cooling channel (300T), the part connected to the terminal portion (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) and the busbar member (131) can be stably fixed.

[0203] According to the present embodiment, the protrusion (120P) may be fixed by an adhesive member to at least a portion of the part where the terminal portions (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) and the busbar member (131) are connected. For example, the busbar member (131) may be connected to the terminal portions (111, 112). One surface of the busbar member (131) may be connected by contacting the terminal portions (111, 112). FIG. 21 illustrates a configuration where one surface of the busbar member (131) is connected by contacting the second terminal portion (112). An adhesive member may be interposed between the lower surface of the protrusion (120P) and the portion of the busbar member (131) connected to the terminal portions (111, 112). Accordingly, the protrusion (120P) may be adhered to and fixed to the busbar member (131). The adhesive member is not limited in material or shape as long as it is a member having adhesive properties. For example, the adhesive member may be an adhesive tape or an adhesive.

[0204] A cooling substance (CL) flows along a terminal cooling channel (300T), and a cell cover (120d) may be positioned above this terminal cooling channel (300T). Due to the pressure required for the cooling substance (CL) to move from the inlet (121) to the outlet (122), the internal pressure resulting from the circulation of the cooling substance (CL) can be increased to a significant level. If the cell cover (120d) cannot withstand the internal pressure resulting from the circulation of the cooling substance (CL) and deforms, structural deformation of the entire battery assembly (100) is applied, and the cooling substance (CL) may easily leak. In this embodiment, the protrusion (120P) of the cell cover (120d) is fixed by an adhesive member so that the cell cover (120d) can withstand the internal pressure resulting from the circulation of the cooling substance (CL) and prevent the cell cover (120d) from deforming. Accordingly, structural deformation of the entire battery assembly (100) and leakage of the cooling material (CL) can be minimized.

[0205] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a top cell frame, a busbar assembly, and a cell cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a top cell frame and a first sealing member according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a top cell frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a cross section cut along the cutting line J-J' of FIG. 25. FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing a middle cell frame and a second sealing member according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing a middle cell frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a cross section cut along the cutting line K-K' of FIG. 28.

[0206] Referring together to FIGS. 3, FIGS. 9 to 11, FIGS. 23 to 27, the cell frame (120) according to the present embodiment may include a bottom cell frame (120c) on which battery cells (110) are seated, a middle cell frame (120b) located on the bottom cell frame (120c), a top cell frame (120a) located on the middle cell frame (120b), and a cell cover (120d) located on the top cell frame (120a).

[0207] The space between the middle cell frame (120b) and the bottom cell frame (120c), and the space between the top cell frame (120a) and the middle cell frame (120b) may each correspond to cooling channels (300). For example, the space between the middle cell frame (120b) and the bottom cell frame (120c) may be a second cooling channel (300b), and the space between the top cell frame (120a) and the middle cell frame (120b) may be a first cooling channel (300a).

[0208] The battery cells (110) according to the present embodiment may be fitted inside the cell frame (120). For example, a plurality of holes (120h) may be formed inside the cell frame (120), and each of the battery cells (110) may be fixed inside the cell frame (120) by being fitted into the holes (120h).

[0209] For example, a plurality of holes (120h) of the cell frame (120) may include a top cell frame hole (120ah) and a middle cell frame hole (120bh). The top cell frame hole (120ah) may be formed in the top cell frame (120a), and the middle cell frame hole (120bh) may be formed in the middle cell frame (120b). In particular, the middle cell frame hole (120bh) may be formed in the separation part (120M).

[0210] A top cell frame (120a) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be a plate-shaped member. Top cell frame holes (120ah) may be formed in the top cell frame (120a), which is a plate-shaped member. As described above, the terminal portions (111, 112) of the battery cells (110) may be exposed through the top cell frame holes (120ah) and electrically connected to the busbar member (131). The top cell frame (120a) may cover at least a portion of the upper surfaces of the battery cells (110).

[0211] In one embodiment of the present invention, the separation part (120M) and the side part (120S) in the cell frame (120) may be provided in the middle cell frame (120b). In other words, the middle cell frame (120b) may include the separation part (120M) and the side part (120S).

[0212] The side part (120S) may include a first side part (120S1) extending downward from the edge of the separation part (120M) and a second side part (120S2) extending upward from the edge of the separation part (120M). The space enclosed by the first side part (120S1), the separation part (120M), and the bottom cell frame (120c) may correspond to the second cooling channel (300b). Additionally, the space enclosed by the second side part (120S2), the separation part (120M), and the top cell frame (120a) may correspond to the first cooling channel (300a). An inlet (121) may be provided in the first side part (120S1), and an outlet (122) may be provided in the second side part (120S2).

[0213] The first side part (120S1) and the second side part (120S2) may be in an integrated form. Each of the first side part (120S1) and the second side part (120S2) may be integrally connected to the separation part (120M). Since the first side part (120S1), the second side part (120S2), and the separation part (120M) are integrally formed, there is no risk of the cooling material (CL) leaking between one cooling channel (300a) located on one side of the separation part (120M) and another cooling channel (300b) located on the other side of the separation part (120M). There is no risk of the cooling material (CL) of the first cooling channel (300a) leaking between the second side part (120S2) and the separation part (120M), and there is no risk of the cooling material (CL) of the second cooling channel (300b) leaking between the first side part (120S1) and the separation part (120M). This is because the first side part (120S1), the second side part (120S2), and the separation part (120M) are integral, so there is no gap for the cooling material (CL) to leak between them. The risk of leakage of the cooling material (CL) disappears in the area between the cooling channels (300a, 300b) located on one side and the other side of the separation part (120M), respectively. Therefore, since no additional parts are required for sealing, the number of parts can be reduced, and at the same time, the sealing performance of the battery assembly can be improved by eliminating the risk of leakage of the cooling material (CL).

[0214] The middle cell frame (120b) may include a middle cell frame hole (120bh) into which battery cells (110) are inserted. The battery cells (110) may be mounted and fixed to the middle cell frame (120b) while being inserted into the middle cell frame hole (120bh). As the battery cells (110) are inserted into the middle cell frame hole (120bh), one part of the battery cells (110) may come into contact with the second cooling channel (300b), and another part of the battery cells (110) may come into contact with the first cooling channel (300a).

[0215] The cell cover (120d) may be a plate-shaped member and, as described above, may be coupled and fixed to at least one of the top cell frame (120a) or the middle cell frame (120b). The cell cover (120d) may cover the upper part of the terminal cooling channel (300T) and prevent the cooling material (CL) flowing along the terminal cooling channel (300T) from leaking upward.

[0216] FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing battery cells, a third sealing member, and a bottom cell frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing a bottom cell frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0217] Referring together to FIGS. 3, FIGS. 9 to 11, FIGS. 30, and FIGS. 31, battery cells (110) can be seated on a bottom cell frame (120c). A bottom cell frame (120c) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be a plate-shaped member. Since the middle cell frame (120b) includes a first side part (120S1) and a second side part (120S2), a plurality of cooling channels (300a, 300b) can be implemented using a plate-shaped bottom cell frame (120c) and a plate-shaped top cell frame (120a).

[0218]

[0219] Referring again to FIGS. 9 to 11, FIGS. 24, FIGS. 27, and FIGS. 30, a battery assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include sealing members (500a, 500b, 500c) to prevent a cooling material (CL) from leaking from a cell frame (120). In the case of the battery assembly (100) according to the present embodiment, since a direct cooling method using a cooling material (CL) is applied, a stable sealing structure is essential to prevent the cooling material (CL) from leaking to the outside. If the cooling material (CL) leaks to the outside of the cell frame (120) of the battery assembly (100), the amount of cooling material (CL) inside the cell frame (120) becomes insufficient and the circulation of the cooling material (CL) is not properly carried out, which may lead to a decrease in cooling performance. In addition, the leaked cooling material (CL) may have an adverse effect on other electrical components other than the battery assembly (100). Sealing members (500a, 500b, 500c) may be provided to prevent the cooling material (CL) from leaking out of the cell frame (120) inside and outside.

[0220] For example, at least a portion of the sealing member (500a) may cover the portion between the side part (120S) and the top cell frame (120a). The sealing member covering the portion between the side part (120S) and the top cell frame (120a) is referred to as the first sealing member (500a).

[0221] At least a portion of the first sealing member (500a) may cover the portion between the middle cell frame (120b) and the top cell frame (120a). The first sealing member (500a) may prevent the cooling material (CL) from leaking between the side part (120S) of the middle cell frame (120b) and the top cell frame (120a). For example, the first sealing member (500a) may cover the portion between the second side part (120S2) and the top cell frame (120a) and prevent the cooling material (CL) from leaking between the second side part (120S2) and the top cell frame (120a).

[0222] At least a portion of the first sealing member (500a) may cover the portion between the top cell frame (120a) and the cell cover (120d). The first sealing member (500a) may prevent a cooling material (CL) from leaking out of the terminal cooling channel (300T) between the top cell frame (120a) and the cell cover (120d). In the battery assembly (100), a sealing structure at the top may be implemented by the first sealing member (500a).

[0223] According to the present embodiment, at least a portion of the sealing member (500c) may cover the portion between the middle cell frame (120b) and the bottom cell frame (120c). At least a portion of the sealing member (500c) may cover the portion between the side part (120S) of the middle cell frame (120b) and the bottom cell frame (120c). The sealing member covering the portion between the side part (120S) and the bottom cell frame (120c) is referred to as the third sealing member (500c). At least a portion of the third sealing member (500c) may cover the portion between the first side part (120S1) and the bottom cell frame (120c), and may prevent the cooling material (CL) from leaking between the first side part (120S1) and the bottom cell frame (120c).

[0224] At least a portion of the third sealing member (500c) may be located on the bottom cell frame (120c). As will be described later, the third sealing member (500c) may have an adhesive component. The third sealing member (500c) not only prevents leakage of the cooling material (CL) between the side part (120S) and the bottom cell frame (120c), but also securely fixes the battery cells (110) on the bottom cell frame (120c).

[0225] The cell frame (120) according to the present embodiment may include a basket (400) that provides a space in which a part of the third sealing member (500c) is located. For example, the basket (400) may be provided in the bottom cell frame (120c) as shown in FIGS. 9 to 11.

[0226] The basket (400) may be a part that covers a portion of the outer side of the middle cell frame (120b) of a part of the bottom cell frame (120c). The basket (400) may be formed on the outer perimeter of the area where the battery cells (110) are seated in the bottom cell frame (120c). A third sealing member (500c) may be positioned in this basket (400). Specifically, the basket (400) may be formed on the outer perimeter of the area where the battery cells (110) are seated when viewed along a direction perpendicular to one side of the bottom cell frame (120c). Here, viewing along a direction perpendicular to one side of the bottom cell frame (120c) means viewing the bottom cell frame (120c) along the z-axis direction or the -z-axis direction on the xy plane.

[0227] By forming a basket (400) around the outer perimeter of the area where the battery cells (110) are seated in the bottom cell frame (120c), a space can be provided for the third sealing member (500c) to be positioned. By placing a portion of the third sealing member (500c) in the basket (400), the length of the sealing interface is extended, thereby preventing the cooling material (CL) from leaking from the gap between the bottom cell frame (120c) and the middle cell frame (120b).

[0228] The basket (400) may extend along the outer perimeter of the area where the battery cells (110) of the bottom cell frame (120c) are seated. Additionally, a portion of the third sealing member (500c) may also extend along the outer perimeter of the area where the battery cells (110) of the bottom cell frame (120c) are seated.

[0229] As one example in the present invention, the basket (400) may be continuously extended along the outer perimeter of the area where the battery cells (110) are seated in the bottom cell frame (120c). A portion of the third sealing member (500c) may also be continuously extended along the outer perimeter of the area where the battery cells (110) are seated in the bottom cell frame (120c). That is, the basket (400) and the third sealing member (500c) may surround the outer perimeter of the area where the battery cells (110) are seated.

[0230] As previously explained, since the separation part (120M) is integrally connected with the side part (120S), there is no gap between the separation part (120M) and the side part (120S) for the cooling material (CL) to leak. A sealing member to prevent leakage of the cooling material (CL) between the separation part (120M) and the side part (120S) may not be necessary. On the other hand, there is a risk of leakage of the cooling material (CL) in the gap between the side part (120S) and the top cell frame (120a) and in the gap between the side part (120S) and the bottom cell frame (120c). Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the first sealing member (500a) may cover the portion between the side part (120S) and the top cell frame (120a) and the portion between the top cell frame (120a) and the cell cover (120d), and a portion of the third sealing member (500c) may cover the portion between the side part (120S) and the bottom cell frame (120c).

[0231] Meanwhile, the battery assembly (100) according to the present embodiment may include a second sealing member (500b) located on a separation part (120M). The sealing member located on the separation part (120M) is referred to as the second sealing member (500b). As described above, in the cooling channel (300) of the multi-layer cooling structure, it is preferable that the first cooling channel (300a) and the second cooling channel (300b) are not connected to each other until the cooling material (CL) reaches the connection hole (123). That is, the first cooling channel (300a) and the second cooling channel (300b) can be connected to each other only through the connection hole (123). This is because it creates a difference in the order of contact with the cooling material (CL) for each part of the various battery cells (110) and reduces the cooling variation of the battery cells. The second sealing member (500b) can prevent the cooling material (CL) of the first cooling channel (300a) from moving to the second cooling channel (300b) or the cooling material (CL) of the second cooling channel (300b) from moving to the first cooling channel (300a) in the portion excluding the connection hole (123). A waterproof airtight structure between the first cooling channel (300a) and the second cooling channel (300b), excluding the connection hole (123), can be formed by the second sealing member (500b). The gap between the middle cell frame hole (120bh) and the battery cell (110) fitted therein can be filled by the second sealing member (500b). The second sealing member (500b) is not configured to prevent the cooling material (CL) from leaking out of the cell frame (120), but may be configured to prevent the cooling material (CL) from moving beyond the separation part (120M).

[0232] In the present invention, there are no special restrictions on the shape or material of the sealing members (500a, 500b, 500c) as long as they can prevent the cooling material (CL) from leaking out from the inside and outside of the cell frame (120). The sealing members (500a, 500b, 500c) may be formed by applying an adhesive that exhibits a sealing function. As long as the adhesive exhibits sealing performance and possesses impact resistance, adhesion, and electrical insulation properties, there are no special restrictions on the material; for example, it may include a two-component epoxy-based material in which a curing agent is mixed with a main component. In addition, as another example, silicone rubber material parts such as foam tape, sealant, and O-ring may be applied to the sealing members (500a, 500b, 500c).

[0233] Referring to FIGS. 20 and 29, in a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, a rib bracket (120BK) connecting a separation part (120M) and a top cell frame (120a) may be provided. The rib bracket (120BK) may protrude from the separation part (120M) to the top cell frame (120a). The rib bracket (120BK) may extend from the separation part (120M) to the top cell frame (120a) between the battery cells (110). The upper end of the rib bracket (120BK) may be joined to the top cell frame (120a). For example, the upper end of the rib bracket (120BK) may be bolted to the top cell frame (120a).

[0234] The cell frame (120) must be able to withstand internal pressure resulting from the circulation of the cooling material (CL) inside. Due to the pressure required for the cooling material (CL) to move from the inlet (121) to the outlet (122), the internal pressure resulting from the circulation of the cooling material (CL) can be increased to a significant level. If the cell frame (120) fails to withstand the internal pressure resulting from the circulation of the cooling material (CL) and becomes deformed or damaged, the cooling material (CL) may easily leak out.

[0235] In particular, due to the pressure resulting from the circulation of the cooling material (CL), deformation may occur in which the central region of the top cell frame (120a) lifts up. Accordingly, in this embodiment, a rib bracket (120BK) connecting the separation part (120M) and the top cell frame (120a) is provided to prevent the lifting phenomenon of the top cell frame (120a) due to the circulation pressure of the cooling material (CL). Since the top cell frame (120a) is connected and fixed to the middle cell frame (120b) through the rib bracket (120BK), the top cell frame (120a) can maintain its shape without lifting up.

[0236] Additionally, as the cell cover (120d) is joined to the rib bracket (120BK), the cell cover (120d) can be joined to the middle cell frame (120b). This prevents the cell cover (120d) from lifting due to the circulation pressure of the cooling material (CL) in the terminal cooling channel (300T).

[0237] Meanwhile, another part of the rib bracket (120BK) may protrude from the separation part (120M) to the bottom cell frame (120c).

[0238]

[0239] FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view of the bottom cell frame of FIG. 31. FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view showing a section cut along the cutting line L-L' of FIG. 31.

[0240] Referring together to FIGS. 5, FIGS. 9 to 11, and FIGS. 30 to 33, a bottom cell frame (120c) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first bottom frame (120c1) and a second bottom frame (120c2). The first bottom frame (120c1) may be a plate or film in the form of a plate, and the second bottom frame (120c2) may be a member including a bottom cell frame hole (120ch).

[0241] As previously explained, if a thermal event or thermal runaway occurs inside the battery cell (110), high-temperature venting gas or particles may be discharged through the open vent section (110V). The battery assembly (100) according to the present embodiment may have a directional venting structure that induces the discharge of venting gas in a designed direction through the vent section (110V) of the battery cell (110). The bottom cell frame (120c) normally supports the battery cells (110), but when venting gas is discharged from the vent section (110V) of the battery cell (110), the venting gas can be effectively discharged below the bottom cell frame (120c).

[0242] Generally, when gas is ejected from the battery cell (110), pieces of electrode plates or active materials inside the battery cell (110) may be discharged to the outside while heated to a high temperature, and such high-temperature particles may appear in the form of a spark. The high-temperature venting gas or particles discharged through the vent section (110V) may be discharged to the outside of the bottom cell frame (120c) by tearing or melting the first bottom frame (120c1) of the bottom cell frame (120c) and passing through the bottom cell frame hole (120ch) of the second bottom frame (120c2). Although not specifically illustrated, the high-temperature venting gas or particles may be discharged to the outside through a separate venting channel provided below the bottom cell frame (120c).

[0243] To ensure that the first bottom frame (120c1) is easily torn or melted by venting gas or particles, the first bottom frame (120c1) may have a thin plate-like shape. Additionally, the bottom cell frame holes (120ch) may be positioned corresponding to each of the battery cells (110). For example, when viewed along a direction perpendicular to one side of the bottom cell frame (120c), at least a portion of the bottom cell frame holes (120ch) may overlap with the vent portion (110V) of the battery cell (110).

[0244] Although FIGS. 32 and 33 show the first bottom frame (120c1) positioned above the second bottom frame (120c2), as another example of the present invention, it is also possible for the first bottom frame (120c1) to be positioned below the second bottom frame (120c2). In this case, the venting gas may first pass through the bottom cell frame hole (120ch) of the second bottom frame (120c2) and then tear or melt the first bottom frame (120c1). Additionally, although not specifically illustrated, the structure of a bottom cell frame (120c) in which the first bottom frame (120c1) and the second bottom frame (120c2) are integrated into a single frame may also be included in the present invention.

[0245] A third sealing member (500c) located on the bottom cell frame (120c) can cover the vent portion (110V) of the battery cell (110) and a portion of the side of the battery cell (110) adjacent to the lower surface of the battery cell (110). Accordingly, even if there is a thermal runaway due to an abnormality in one of the battery cells (110), high-temperature venting gas or particles are not transmitted to surrounding battery cells (110), thereby blocking chain ignition.

[0246] The venting path of the battery cell (110) and the cooling material (CL) can be separated from each other by the third sealing member (500c). If the cooling material (CL) comes into contact with the venting gas or particles, unexpected situations may occur. For example, insulating oil may be applied to the cooling material (CL). Since insulating oil is an oil component, when it comes into contact with the venting gas or particles, it can cause additional thermal runaway, ignition, and explosion. The third sealing member (500c) can cover the vent section (110V) so that the vent section (110V) is not exposed to the cooling material (CL). The third sealing member (500c) blocks the high-temperature venting gas and particles discharged from the vent section (110V) of the battery cell (110) from coming into contact with the cooling material (CL), thereby preventing the thermal runaway of the battery cell (110) from leading to ignition or explosion of the entire battery assembly (100).

[0247] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, FIGS. 26 and FIGS. 29, a locking connection between a rib (120R) and a groove (120G) can be formed between the top cell frame (120a) and the middle cell frame (120b).

[0248] For example, a rib (120R) may be formed on the outer perimeter of the area where the battery cells (110) are located in the top cell frame (120a). A groove (120G) may be formed on the outer perimeter of the area where the battery cells (110) are located in the middle cell frame (120b). A groove (120G) may be formed on the second side part (120S2) of the middle cell frame (120b). For example, a groove (120G) may be formed on the top of the second side part (120S2).

[0249] The rib (120R) of the top cell frame (120a) can be engaged with the groove (120G) of the middle cell frame (120b). With this engaged engagement, an anti-slip assembly structure can be implemented between the top cell frame (120a) and the middle cell frame (120b). Through the engaged engagement of the rib (120R) and the groove (120G), the length of the waterproof interface between the top cell frame (120a) and the middle cell frame (120b) is increased, thereby improving sealing performance.

[0250] An anti-slip assembly structure can be implemented by an interlocking connection in which the ribs (120R) and grooves (120G) are joined in an alternating manner. Accordingly, the top cell frame (120a) and the middle cell frame (120b) can stably withstand the internal pressure resulting from the circulation of the cooling material (CL). The internal pressure resulting from the circulation of the cooling material (CL) can be increased to a significant level by the pressure required for the cooling material (CL) to move from the inlet (121) to the outlet (122). If the cell frame (120) deforms because it cannot withstand the internal pressure resulting from the circulation of the cooling material (CL), the cooling material (CL) may easily leak. Therefore, it is an important issue for the cell frame (120) to withstand the internal pressure resulting from the circulation of the cooling material (CL). In this embodiment, an anti-slip assembly structure can be implemented by a locking connection in which the rib (120R) and the groove (120G) are joined in an alternating manner. Accordingly, the cell frame (120) can stably withstand internal pressure resulting from the circulation of the cooling material (CL).

[0251] A portion of the first sealing member (500a) may be located in the portion where the rib (120R) and the groove (120G) are engaged. A portion of the first sealing member (500a) may be filled in the portion where the rib (120R) and the groove (120G) are engaged. Due to the first sealing member (500a) filled in the portion where the rib (120R) and the groove (120G) are engaged, the bonding force between the top cell frame (120a) and the middle cell frame (120b) is increased, and the leakage of cooling material (CL) through the gap between the top cell frame (120a) and the middle cell frame (120b) can be blocked.

[0252] Referring again to FIGS. 9 to 11, the cell frame (120) according to the present embodiment may include a distribution mechanism (200). The distribution mechanism (200) may include an inlet distribution mechanism (210) disposed adjacent to the inlet (121). The inlet distribution mechanism (210) may be provided between the inlet (121) and the battery cells (110).

[0253] The inlet distribution mechanism (210) may include a bulkhead and a plurality of distribution holes formed in the bulkhead. These distribution holes may be positioned to correspond to the rows in which the battery cells are arranged. The cooling material (CL) introduced through the inlet (121) may not enter the space where the battery cells are located directly, but may be introduced into the space where the battery cells are located after being distributed through the distribution holes. Accordingly, the cooling material (CL) may not be concentrated on only some of the large number of battery cells (110), but may be evenly distributed and flow over all of the battery cells (110). Therefore, uniform cooling of all of the battery cells (110) becomes possible, which can lead to an improvement in the performance of the battery assembly.

[0254] Additionally, the distribution mechanism (200) may include an outlet distribution mechanism (220) positioned adjacent to the outlet (122). The outlet distribution mechanism (220) may be provided between the outlet (122) and the battery cells (110). The outlet distribution mechanism (220) may also include a partition and a plurality of distribution holes formed in the partition. Similar to the inlet distribution mechanism (210), the outlet distribution mechanism (220) may also perform the function of inducing the cooling material (CL) to be evenly distributed and flow over all the battery cells (110). By providing the inlet distribution mechanism (210) at the inlet (121) as well as providing the outlet distribution mechanism (220) at the outlet (122), problems such as the cooling material (CL) becoming stagnant and not flowing or the formation of vortices of the cooling material (CL) can be prevented. The outlet distribution mechanism (220) does not perform the function of directly distributing the cooling material (CL) to a plurality of cooling channels, but by inducing the plurality of cooling channels to be smoothly discharged through the outlet (122) at the end, it can minimize flow loss of the cooling material (CL) and increase cooling efficiency.

[0255] Referring again to FIG. 23, the busbar assembly (130) may include a sensing member (133). The sensing member (133) may be configured to sense voltage data or thermal data of the battery cells (110). For example, the sensing member (133) may be connected to the terminal portions (111, 112) of the battery cells (110) or to the busbar member (131). Accordingly, voltage data of each battery cell (110) can be sensed and transmitted to the outside. A portion of the sensing member (133) may be exposed to the outside of the cell frame (120). The sensing member (133) is not limited in shape or type as long as it can transmit voltage data or thermal data, but may be, for example, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) or a flexible flat cable (FFC).

[0256]

[0257] FIGS. 34 and FIGS. 35 are cross-sectional views showing a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0258] Referring to FIGS. 34 and 35, a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of battery cells (110); a cell frame (120) in which the battery cells (110) are housed; and at least one busbar member (131) electrically connected to terminal portions (111, 112) of the battery cells (110), wherein a cooling material (CL) circulates inside the cell frame (120) while in direct contact with the battery cells (110), terminal portions (111, 112) and the busbar member (131).

[0259] Inside the cell frame (120), a cooling channel (300) through which a cooling material (CL) flows in direct contact with at least a portion of the battery cell (110) and a terminal cooling channel (300T) through which a cooling material (CL) flows in the space between the cell cover (120d) and the top cell frame (120a) may be provided.

[0260] In this embodiment, unlike the previous embodiment, the cooling channel (300) may be a single cooling channel. For example, the inlet (121) and the outlet (122) may be located on opposite sides of the battery cells (110). The inlet (121) may be located in the -y-axis direction relative to the battery cells (110), and the outlet (122) may be located in the +y-axis direction relative to the battery cells (110). The inlet (121) may be provided on the side part (120S) of the cell frame (120) located in the -y-axis direction relative to the battery cells (110), and the outlet (122) may be provided on the side part (120S) of the cell frame (120) located in the +y-axis direction relative to the battery cells (110). Accordingly, the cooling material (CL) introduced into the inlet (121) can flow in the cooling channel (300) along the +y-axis direction and be discharged to the outlet (122).

[0261] In this embodiment, a terminal cooling guide (124) for inducing the flow of a cooling material (CL) into a terminal cooling channel (300T), which is the space between the cell cover (120d) and the top cell frame (120a), may be provided on the top cell frame (120a). The terminal cooling guide (124) according to this embodiment may include a first terminal cooling guide (124a) that guides the cooling material (CL) to move from the cooling channel (300) to the terminal cooling channel (300T), and a second terminal cooling guide (124b) that guides the cooling material (CL) to move from the terminal cooling channel (300T) to the cooling channel (300).

[0262] A portion of the cooling material (CL) introduced through the inlet (121) flows along the cooling channel (300), and another portion of the cooling material (CL) can move to the terminal cooling channel (300T) through the first terminal cooling guide (124). A portion of the cooling material (CL) that flows along the terminal cooling channel (300T) and cools the terminal portions (111, 112) and the busbar member (131) can join the cooling channel (300) through the second terminal cooling guide (124b), and the cooling material (CL) can move from the cooling channel (300) to the outside of the cell frame (120) through the outlet (122).

[0263]

[0264] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 36 to 53, the structure of a battery assembly according to a modified embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0265] FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 37 is a plan view showing the battery assembly of FIG. 36. FIG. 38 is a plan view showing the battery assembly of FIG. 36 viewed from an angle different from FIG. 37. FIG. 39 is a plan view showing the battery assembly of FIG. 36 viewed from an angle different from FIG. 37 and FIG. 38. FIG. 40 is an exploded perspective view of the battery assembly of FIG. 36. FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view showing a section cut along the cutting line M-M' of FIG. 38. FIG. 42 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 41. FIG. 43 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the battery assembly of FIG. 42. FIG. 44 and FIG. 45 are a partial cross-sectional perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, showing a section cut along the cutting line N-N' of FIG. 38. FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view showing a section cut along the cutting line O-O' of FIG. 39. FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view showing a section cut along the cutting line P-P' of FIG. 38. FIG. 48 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing a part of the battery assembly of FIG. 46.

[0266] Referring to FIGS. 36 to 48, a battery assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of battery cells (110); a cell frame (120) in which the battery cells (110) are housed; and at least one busbar member (131) electrically connected to terminal portions (111, 112) of the battery cells (110). A cooling material circulates inside the cell frame (120) while in direct contact with the battery cells (110), terminal portions (111, 112), and busbar member (131).

[0267] The cell frame (120) according to the present embodiment can be positioned to cover the upper and lower surfaces and a portion of the side of the battery cells (110), as shown in FIG. 40. The cell frame (120) can protect the battery cells (110) and the electrical components connected thereto from external physical impact.

[0268] The battery assembly (100) according to the present embodiment includes at least one busbar member (131) electrically connected to terminal portions (111, 112) of the battery cells (110). For example, the battery assembly (100) may include a busbar assembly (130) located on the upper part of the top cell frame (120a) described later. At least one busbar member (131) electrically connected to the terminal portions (111, 112) of the battery cells (110) may be included in the busbar assembly (130). The busbar member (131) according to the present embodiment may be seated on the top cell frame (120a) of the cell frame (120). The busbar member (131) may include an electrically conductive material, and may include, for example, a metal material.

[0269] A cell frame (120) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a top cell frame (120a) on which a busbar member (131) is seated, and a cell cover (120d) located on the upper part of the top cell frame (120a). Additionally, the cell frame (120) may include a bottom cell frame (120c) on which battery cells (110) are seated, and a middle cell frame (120b) located on the bottom cell frame (120c) and which accommodates the battery cells (110). Descriptions of the top cell frame (120a), middle cell frame (120b), bottom cell frame (120c), and cell cover (120d) are omitted as they overlap with the previously described content.

[0270] Inside the cell frame (120), a cooling channel (300) may be provided in which a cooling substance (Coolant) flows in direct contact with at least a portion of the battery cell (110). The cooling channel (300) may allow the refrigerant to flow while in direct contact with at least a portion of the battery cell (110). Multiple cooling channels (300) may be provided.

[0271] According to the present embodiment, a plurality of cooling channels (300) are not connected to each other, and the cooling material of each cooling channel (300) can flow separately from each other. Unlike other embodiments in which cooling channels are connected through connecting holes, in the present embodiment, the cooling channels (300) can be completely separated. For example, the cooling channels (300) may include a first cooling channel (300a) and a second cooling channel (300b). The first cooling channel (300a) and the second cooling channel (300b) can be completely separated without being connected to each other. The cooling material flowing through the first cooling channel (300a) and the cooling material flowing through the second cooling channel (300b) can flow independently along separate paths without mixing with each other.

[0272] A battery assembly according to the present embodiment may include a first inlet (121a) and a first outlet (122a) connected to a first cooling channel (300a), and may include a second inlet (121b) and a second outlet (122b) connected to a second cooling channel (300b). A cooling material according to the present embodiment may be introduced into the cell frame (120) through the first inlet (121a) and the second inlet (121b), and then discharged outside the battery assembly (100) through the first outlet (122a) and the second outlet (122b).

[0273] A first cooling channel (300a) through which a cooling material flows from a first inlet (121a) to a first outlet (122a) may be formed. A second cooling channel (300b) through which a cooling material flows from a second inlet (121b) to a second outlet (122b) may be formed. The first cooling channel (300a) and the second cooling channel (300b) may be separated from each other to form independent cooling paths.

[0274] The first cooling channel (300a) and the second cooling channel (300b) can be separated from each other to maintain independent flow. The separation of the first cooling channel (300a) and the second cooling channel (300b) can be achieved by a separation part (120M) formed inside the cell frame (120).

[0275] The first cooling channel (300a) can be formed through the space between the middle cell frame (120b) and the top cell frame (120a). A cooling material can be introduced through the first inlet (121a) and flow along the first cooling channel (300a) to cool the top of the battery cells (110).

[0276] The second cooling channel (300b) can be formed through the space between the middle cell frame (120b) and the bottom cell frame (120c). Cooling material introduced through the second inlet (121b) flows along the second cooling channel (300b) and can cool the lower part of the battery cells (110).

[0277] According to the present embodiment, the first inlet (121a) and the second inlet (121b) are provided at different locations to supply cooling material independently, and the first outlet (122a) and the second outlet (122b) can discharge each cooling material separately. The cooling material supplied from the first inlet (121a) travels along the first cooling path (300a) to uniformly cool each battery cell (110), and the cooling material supplied from the second inlet (121b) travels along the second cooling path (300b) to uniformly cool each battery cell (110).

[0278] Consequently, the separated cooling material paths can reduce temperature variations by supplying cooling material in parallel from the first inlet (121a) and the second inlet (121b) and discharging it separately to the first outlet (122a) and the second outlet (122b). Since the other path performs cooling independently even if heat rises in one path, a uniform temperature can be applied to the entire battery cell (110). Since the cooling material cools the battery cells (110) in a balanced manner, the temperature rise can be suppressed and the lifespan extended even during long-term operation of the battery assembly (100).

[0279] The first inlet (121a) and the second outlet (122b) may be positioned on one side of the cell frame (120), and the second inlet (121b) and the first outlet (122a) may be positioned on the other side of the cell frame (120). The one side and the other side of the cell frame (120) according to the present embodiment may be located in positions facing each other. By distributing the inlets and outlets on both sides of the cell frame (120), the flow of the cooling material can be uniformly distributed.

[0280] The inlets and outlets can be connected to an external cooling system via connectors or fittings. The inlets and outlets can be integrally molded on the sides of the cell frame (120) or assembled with separate connectors. Cooling material can form a cross flow in which it flows in from each side and is discharged to the opposite side. By distributing the inlets and outlets on both sides, the cooling material can flow evenly to all battery cells (110) inside the cell frame (120).

[0281] The first cooling channel (300a) and the second cooling channel (300b), which are separated from each other, can be distinguished along the length direction of the battery cell (110), which is the direction in which the battery cell (110) extends. The description of the length direction of the battery cell (110) is omitted as it overlaps with the previously explained content.

[0282] Cooling channels (300a, 300b) are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110) so that they can effectively come into contact with the entire surface of the battery cell (110). The cooling material in either of the cooling channels (300a, 300b) and the cooling material in the other of the cooling channels (300a, 300b) can come into contact with different parts of any of the battery cells (110). For example, the first cooling channel (300a) can cool the upper region of the battery cells (110), and the second cooling channel (300b) can cool the lower region of the battery cells (110).

[0283] The flow direction of the cooling material in any one of the plurality of cooling channels (300a, 300b) and the flow direction of the cooling material in another of the plurality of cooling channels (300a, 300b) may be opposite to each other. For example, if the cooling material in the first cooling channel (300a) flows in the -y-axis direction, the cooling material in the second cooling channel (300b) may flow in the +y-axis direction. This method can maximize heat exchange efficiency.

[0284] For example, the cooling material introduced through the first inlet (121a) can flow in the -y-axis direction and cool the upper part of the battery cells (110). At the same time, the cooling material introduced through the second inlet (121b) can flow in the +y-axis direction of the cell frame (120) and cool the lower part of the battery cells (110). Through this arrangement, cooling materials with relatively different temperatures at each location can cool the battery cells (110). The flow rate of each path can be independently controlled through a flow control valve. The cooling material introduced through the first inlet (121a) can flow along the first cooling path (300a) toward the first outlet (122a). At the same time, the cooling material introduced through the second inlet (121b) can flow along the second cooling path (300b) toward the second outlet (122b). By having two cooling material flows proceed in opposite directions, the temperature gradient at each location of the battery cell (110) can be offset. This type of cooling material flow can contribute to minimizing the overall temperature variation. In other words, this structure can minimize the temperature gradient across the entire area of ​​the battery cell (110).

[0285] The upper region of the battery cell (110) may come into direct contact with a cooling material flowing through the first cooling channel (300a). The lower region of the battery cell (110) may come into direct contact with a cooling material flowing through the second cooling channel (300b). Each cooling channel (300a, 300b) may cool a specific area of ​​the battery cell (110). By each cooling channel (300a, 300b) cooling different parts of the battery cell (110), overall balanced thermal management may be possible.

[0286] Consequently, this method can effectively reduce temperature differences between battery cells (110) by minimizing the temperature gradient of the cooling material. It prevents the problem of cooling being concentrated only in specific sections and maintains a uniform temperature distribution overall. That is, the cooling material flowing in opposite directions offsets the temperature difference at each location, thereby achieving a uniform temperature distribution overall. In addition, it can effectively resolve imbalances caused by the temperature difference between the battery cells (110) placed at the inlet and outlet sides. In other words, while a large temperature difference occurs between the battery cells (110) placed at the inlet and outlet sides in unidirectional flow, in this embodiment, the cooling material flows in opposite directions, preventing heat from concentrating in specific areas. Therefore, the heat exchange efficiency is improved, allowing for better cooling performance even with the same flow rate.

[0287]

[0288] FIGS. 49 and FIGS. 50 are a cross-sectional view and a cross-sectional perspective view showing a cross section cut along the cutting line Q-Q' of FIG. 39. FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section cut along the cutting line R-R' of FIG. 39.

[0289] Referring to FIGS. 49 to 51, a cooling material may circulate inside a cell frame (120) while in direct contact with the terminal portions (111, 112) and busbar member (131) of the battery cells (110). A terminal cooling channel (300T) through which the cooling material flows between the cell cover (120d) and the top cell frame (120a) may be provided inside the cell frame (120). A portion of the cooling material may come into contact with the terminal portions (111, 112) of the battery cells (110) to suppress localized heat accumulation. A portion of the cooling material may come into contact with the terminal portions (111, 112) of the battery cells (110) to effectively cool the heat generated at the terminal portions (111, 112). For example, some of the cooling material introduced through the first inlet (121a) flows along the terminal cooling channel (300T), which is the space between the cell cover (120d) and the top cell frame (120a), and other parts of the cooling material can flow along the first cooling channel (300a).

[0290] As the cooling material flows along the surface of the busbar member (131), it can effectively remove the resistance heat generated during current flow. By simultaneously cooling the terminal portion (111, 112) and the busbar member (131) by the cooling material flowing through the terminal cooling channel (300T), the temperature rise of the electrical connection portion can be effectively suppressed. This cooling method can effectively manage the heat generated intensively in the terminal portion (111, 112) during high-power charging and discharging. That is, by preventing overheating of the terminal portion (111, 112), the safety and lifespan of the battery can be improved. Since the terminal portion (111, 112) is a part where heat generated by electrical resistance is concentrated, cooling through direct contact with the cooling material can be very effective. By preventing overheating of the terminal portion (111, 112), the battery life can be extended, and the temperature uniformity of the entire battery cell (110) can be improved.

[0291]

[0292] FIG. 52 is a partial perspective view showing the top frame removed from a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 53 is a partial perspective view showing the top frame removed from a battery assembly cut along the cutting line Q-Q' of FIG. 39.

[0293] Referring to FIGS. 40, 42, 43 and FIGS. 47 through 53, as described above, a busbar member (131) of a busbar assembly (130) can be seated on the top cell frame (120a). For example, the busbar member (131) can be seated on the upper surface of the top cell frame (120a).

[0294] The top cell frame (120a) may be made of an insulating plastic material. The top cell frame (120a) may include a groove or slot for receiving the busbar member (131) to accurately fix the position of the busbar member (131). Through the design of the top cell frame (120a), the flow path of the cooling material can be optimized and the contact between the busbar member (131) and the cooling material can be controlled. The top cell frame (120a) may be injection molded from an engineering plastic material. A groove into which the busbar member (131) is inserted may be formed in the top cell frame (120a). Each groove may correspond to the shape of the busbar member (131) to enable accurate positioning. The top cell frame (120a) may fix the busbar member (131) in an accurate position to maintain a stable electrical connection with the terminals (111, 112) of the battery cell (110). The top cell frame (120a) can also serve to guide the flow of cooling material.

[0295] A portion of the cooling material flowing along the first cooling channel (300a) may flow into the space between the top cell frame (120a) and the cell cover (120d) and come into contact with the terminal portion (111, 112) and the busbar member (131).

[0296] A space of a certain distance may be formed between the top cell frame (120a) and the cell frame (120) according to the present embodiment, and this space may correspond to a terminal cooling channel (300T). The cooling material may flow along the terminal cooling channel (300T) and simultaneously come into contact with the surface of the terminal portion (111, 112) and the busbar member (131).

[0297] As a result, the terminal portions (111, 112) and the busbar member (131) can be cooled simultaneously to improve overall thermal management efficiency. The terminal cooling channel (300T) can enable effective cooling of the terminal portions (111, 112) and the busbar member (131). Additionally, by utilizing the space between the top cell frame (120a) and the cell cover (120d), cooling performance can be improved without the need for additional cooling channels. Excellent cooling performance can be secured while reducing manufacturing costs through the simplification of the structure.

[0298] A terminal cooling guide (124) connecting the cooling channel (300) and the terminal cooling channel (300T) may be formed on the top cell frame (120a). In the present invention, the terminal cooling guide (124) may include a hole or an open portion as a part for connecting the cooling channel (300) and the terminal cooling channel (300T) to guide the cooling material to flow into the space between the cell cover (120d) and the top cell frame (120a). A portion of the cooling material flowing through the first cooling channel (300a) may flow into the terminal cooling channel (300T) through the terminal cooling guide (124).

[0299] The terminal cooling guides (124) according to the present embodiment may be arranged at regular intervals on the top cell frame (120a). For example, a plurality of terminal cooling guides (124) may be arranged along the x-axis direction. A chamfer structure may be formed at the inlet of the terminal cooling guide (124) to facilitate the inflow of cooling material. A plurality of terminal cooling guides (124) may be spaced apart from each other to enable even distribution of cooling material. The size and spacing of the terminal cooling guides (124) may be designed to optimize the flow rate of cooling material.

[0300] The terminal cooling guide (124) according to the present embodiment may include a first terminal cooling guide (124a) that guides a cooling material to move from a cooling channel (300) to a terminal cooling channel (300T) and a second terminal cooling guide (124b) that guides a cooling material to move from a terminal cooling channel (300T) to a cooling channel (300).

[0301] The cooling material that moves from the cooling channel (300) to the terminal cooling channel (300T) through the first terminal cooling guide (124a) flows along the terminal cooling channel (300T) to cool the terminal portions (111, 112) and the busbar member (131) of the battery cell (110), and then moves from the terminal cooling channel (300T) to the cooling channel (300) through the second terminal cooling guide (124b). The description of the locations of the first terminal cooling guide (124a) and the second terminal cooling guide (124b) is omitted as it overlaps with the previously described content.

[0302]

[0303] Referring again to FIGS. 9 to 11 and FIGS. 13 to 18, in a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, a second cooling channel (300b) connected to an inlet (121) may be located below a first cooling channel (300a) connected to an outlet (122). A cooling material (CL) introduced into the second cooling channel (300b) through the inlet (121) may first cool the lower region of the battery cells (110), and then move to the first cooling channel (300a) through the connection hole (123) to cool the upper region of the battery cells (110).

[0304] In this embodiment, cooling of the battery cells (110) can be achieved by the cooling material flowing from the second cooling channel (300b) to the first cooling channel (300a), and the cooling material gradually filling the internal space of the cell frame (120) from the bottom. Since the cooling material is filled from the bottom, the occurrence of an air gap while the cooling material is filled inside the cell frame (120) can be minimized. Accordingly, heat exchange in specific parts is not reduced, and heat exchange can be performed uniformly for all battery cells (110).

[0305] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the cooling material (CL) moving to the terminal cooling channel (300T) may be part of the cooling material (CL) after flowing along the second cooling channel (300b).

[0306]

[0307] FIGS. 54 to 56 are cross-sectional views of a battery assembly according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIGS. 54 to 56 are partial cross-sectional views showing enlarged portions of an inlet, a connection hole, and an outlet.

[0308] Referring to FIGS. 54 and 55, a battery assembly according to a modified embodiment of the present invention may include a first cooling channel (300a), a second cooling channel (300b), and a terminal cooling channel (300T).

[0309] Unlike the preceding embodiment, in this modified embodiment, the first cooling channel (300a) may be connected to the inlet (121), and the second cooling channel (300b) may be connected to the outlet (122). The first cooling channel (300a) connected to the inlet (121) may be positioned above the second cooling channel (300b) connected to the outlet (122). The cooling material (CL) introduced into the first cooling channel (300a) through the inlet (121) may first cool the upper region of the battery cells (110), and then move to the second cooling channel (300b) through the connection hole (123) to cool the lower region of the battery cells (110).

[0310] In this embodiment, as the cooling material flows from the first cooling channel (300a) to the second cooling channel (300b), the cooling material can cool the internal space of the cell frame (120) from above.

[0311] Meanwhile, in the present modified embodiment, the cooling material (CL) moving to the terminal cooling channel (300T) may be a part of the cooling material (CL) introduced into the first cooling channel (300a) through the inlet (121). In other words, a part of the cooling material (CL) introduced immediately after the inlet (121) may move to the terminal cooling channel (300T) through the first terminal cooling guide (124a). That is, the cooling material (CL) flowing into the terminal cooling channel (300T) may be the cooling material (CL) introduced immediately after the inlet (121), and may be the cooling material (CL) in the coldest state.

[0312] In this modified embodiment, the coldest cooling material (CL) can cool the terminal portions (111, 112) and the busbar member (131) by flowing along the terminal cooling channel (300T). As described above, the terminal portions (111, 112) and the busbar member (131) connected thereto may be the parts where the most heat is generated in the battery cell (110) during charging and discharging. Since cooling using the coldest cooling material (CL) can be performed on these terminal portions (111, 112) and the busbar member (131), a large amount of heat generated in the terminal portions (111, 112) and the busbar member (131) can be easily dissipated. Therefore, in this modified embodiment, the cooling performance of the battery assembly (100) can be further improved.

[0313] The cooling material (CL) flowing along the terminal cooling channel (300T) can be rejoined in the first cooling channel (300a) through the second terminal cooling guide (124b). The cooling material (CL) of the first cooling channel (300a) can move to the second cooling channel (300b) through the connection hole (123), cool the lower area of ​​the battery cells (110), and then be discharged through the outlet (122).

[0314]

[0315] FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly according to a modified embodiment of the present invention.

[0316] Referring to FIG. 57, a battery assembly according to a modified embodiment of the present invention may include a first cooling channel (300a), a second cooling channel (300b), a first terminal cooling channel (300T1), and a second terminal cooling channel (300T2). Additionally, the battery assembly may include a cell frame (120), and the cell frame (120) may include a top cell frame (120a), a middle cell frame (120b), a bottom cell frame (120c), and a cell cover (120d).

[0317] In this embodiment, the plurality of cooling channels (300) are not connected to each other, and the cooling material (CL) of each cooling channel (300) may flow separately from each other. For example, the cooling channels (300) may include a first cooling channel (300a) and a second cooling channel (300b). The first cooling channel (300a) and the second cooling channel (300b) may not be connected to each other and may be completely separated. The cooling material (CL) flowing through the first cooling channel (300a) and the cooling material (CL) flowing through the second cooling channel (300b) may not mix with each other and may flow independently along separate paths.

[0318] The battery assembly according to the present embodiment may include a first inlet (121a) and a first outlet (122a) connected to a first cooling channel (300a), and may include a second inlet (121b) and a second outlet (122b) connected to a second cooling channel (300b).

[0319] A first cooling channel (300a) through which a cooling substance (CL) flows from a first inlet (121a) to a first outlet (122a) may be formed. A second cooling channel (300b) through which a cooling substance (CL) flows from a second inlet (121b) to a second outlet (122b) may be formed. The first cooling channel (300a) and the second cooling channel (300b) may be separated from each other to form independent cooling paths.

[0320] The cooling material (CL) in either of the cooling channels (300a, 300b) and the cooling material (CL) in the other of the cooling channels (300a, 300b) may come into contact with different parts of any of the battery cells (110). For example, the first cooling channel (300a) may cool the upper region of the battery cells (110), and the second cooling channel (300b) may cool the lower region of the battery cells (110).

[0321] The flow direction of the cooling material (CL) in any one of the plurality of cooling channels (300a, 300b) and the flow direction of the cooling material (CL) in another of the plurality of cooling channels (300a, 300b) may be opposite to each other. For example, if the cooling material (CL) in the first cooling channel (300a) flows in the +y-axis direction, the cooling material (CL) in the second cooling channel (300b) may flow in the -y-axis direction.

[0322] In this embodiment, a first terminal cooling channel (300T1) connected to a first cooling channel (300a) and a second terminal cooling channel (300T2) connected to a second cooling channel (300b) may be provided inside the cell frame (120). The first terminal cooling channel (300T1) and the second terminal cooling channel (300T2) may be provided between the top cell frame (120a) and the cell cover (120d), and their cooling materials (CL) may be separated without mixing.

[0323] For example, a portion of the cooling material (CL) introduced into the first cooling channel (300a) through the first inlet (121a) may move to the first terminal cooling channel (300T1) through the first terminal cooling guide (124a). The cooling material (CL) flowing along the first terminal cooling channel (300T1) may cool the terminals and busbar members of some battery cells (110). Subsequently, the cooling material (CL) in the first terminal cooling channel (300T1) may join the first cooling channel (300a) through the second terminal cooling guide (124b), flow along the first cooling channel (300a), and be discharged through the first outlet (122a).

[0324] Additionally, a portion of the cooling material (CL) introduced into the second cooling channel (300b) through the second inlet (121b) may move to the second terminal cooling channel (300T2) through the first connecting pipe (125a). The cooling material (CL) flowing along the second terminal cooling channel (300T2) may cool the terminal portions and busbar members of some other battery cells (110). Subsequently, the cooling material (CL) in the second terminal cooling channel (300T2) may join the second cooling channel (300b) through the second connecting pipe (125b), flow along the second cooling channel (300b), and be discharged through the second outlet (122b).

[0325] In this modified embodiment, the coldest cooling material (CL) introduced through the two inlets, namely the first inlet (121a) and the second inlet (121b), can immediately move to the first terminal cooling channel (300T1) and the second terminal cooling channel (300T2). As the coldest cooling material (CL) flows along the first terminal cooling channel (300T1) and the second terminal cooling channel (300T2), it can cool the terminal portion and the busbar member.

[0326] In particular, since the cooling channel is divided into a first terminal cooling channel (300T1) and a second terminal cooling channel (300T2), and the coldest cooling material (CL) is introduced into each of the first terminal cooling channel (300T1) and the second terminal cooling channel (300T2), the cooling efficiency for the terminal section and busbar member, where a lot of heat is generated, can be greatly improved.

[0327]

[0328] FIG. 58 is a partial perspective view of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 59 and FIG. 60 are plan views showing the battery assembly of FIG. 58 with the cell cover removed. FIG. 61 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0329] Referring to FIGS. 58 to 61, as described above, a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cell frame (120) in which battery cells (110) are housed, and the cell frame (120) may include a top cell frame (120a) and a cell cover (120d). The description of the structure of each of the top cell frame (120a) and the cell cover (120d) is omitted as it overlaps with the previously described content. Additionally, the cell frame (120) may include a middle cell frame (120b) and a bottom cell frame (120c).

[0330] A busbar member (131) can be seated on the top cell frame (120a), and the busbar member (131) can be electrically connected to the terminals (111, 112) of the battery cells (110) through the top cell frame hole.

[0331] According to the present embodiment, an adhesive member (600) may be provided between the cell cover (120d) and the top cell frame (120a). The adhesive member (600) may be an adhesive tape or an adhesive.

[0332] The adhesive member (600) can be adhered to the cell cover (120d), the top cell frame (120a), and the battery cell (110). The adhesive member (600) can secure the cell cover (120d) to the top cell frame (120a) and the battery cell (110). The adhesive member (600) can bind the cell cover (120d), the top cell frame (120a), and the battery cell (110) while in contact with the cell cover (120d), the top cell frame (120a), and the battery cell (110).

[0333] A terminal cooling channel (300T) may be provided between the cell cover (120d) and the top cell frame (120a). A cooling material flows along the terminal cooling channel (300T), and the cell cover (120d) may be positioned above this terminal cooling channel (300T). Due to the pressure required for the cooling material to move from the inlet (121) to the outlet (122), the internal pressure resulting from the circulation of the cooling material may be increased to a significant level. If the cell cover (120d) deforms because it cannot withstand the pressure resulting from the circulation of the cooling material, structural deformation of the entire battery assembly (100) is applied, and the cooling material may easily leak.

[0334] In this embodiment, the cell cover (120d) can be fixed to the top cell frame (120a) and the battery cell (110) by means of an adhesive member (600). Accordingly, the cell cover (120d) can withstand internal pressure due to the circulation of the cooling material and prevent deformation of the cell cover (120d). Accordingly, structural deformation of the entire battery assembly (100) and leakage of the cooling material can be minimized.

[0335] In this embodiment, the adhesive members (600) may be provided in plurality, and the adhesive members (600) may be formed in a shape that follows a direction parallel to the direction in which the cooling material flows. For example, the cooling material may flow along the +y-axis direction or the -y-axis direction in a cooling channel or a terminal cooling channel (300T), and the adhesive members (600) may be formed along the +y-axis direction or the -y-axis direction. A shape in which a plurality of adhesive members (600) are formed along the +y-axis direction or the -y-axis direction is shown in FIGS. 58 to 60. The adhesive members (600) may be arranged along a direction parallel to the x-axis.

[0336] The cooling material in the terminal cooling channel (300T) between the cell cover (120d) and the top cell frame (120a) can flow in the area between the adhesive members (600). An adhesive member (600) formed along one direction can function as a guide member that guides the cooling material in the terminal cooling channel (300T) to flow along said one direction. That is, an adhesive member (600) formed along one direction can function like a rail that sets the path for the cooling material to flow in the terminal cooling channel (300T). By means of such an adhesive member (600), the path for the cooling material to flow in the terminal cooling channel (300T) becomes clear, and the flowability of the cooling material can be improved.

[0337] The adhesive member (600) according to the present embodiment not only secures the cell cover (120d) to the top cell frame (120a) and the battery cell (110) and provides structural stability so that the cell cover (120d) can withstand pressure due to the circulation of cooling material, but can also function as a guide rail that sets a path for the cooling material to flow in the terminal cooling channel (300T) and guides the cooling material to flow more smoothly along one direction.

[0338] There are no specific restrictions on the location of the adhesive members (600), but for example, the adhesive members (600) may be located on the second terminal portion (112) of the battery cell (110). The adhesive member (600) located on the second terminal portion (112) may come into contact with the second terminal portion (112), the busbar member (131), the top cell frame (120a), and the cell cover (120d), respectively, to bind and secure them. The cooling material in the terminal cooling channel (300T) may flow in the area between the adhesive members (600) and, in particular, come into contact with the first terminal portion (111) of the battery cell (110) to cool it.

[0339]

[0340] Meanwhile, referring again to FIG. 1, the battery assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 1 can be mounted directly onto a vehicle or chassis. That is, in the case of the battery assembly (100) according to the present embodiment, the battery cells (110) can be mounted directly onto a vehicle or chassis with the battery cells housed in a cell frame (120). The inlet (121) and outlet (122) of the cell frame (120) can be connected to a cooling material circulation system within the vehicle.

[0341] FIGS. 62 and FIGS. 63 are exploded perspective views of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0342] Referring to FIGS. 1, FIGS. 62 and FIGS. 63, a battery pack (1000) according to another embodiment of the present invention may include at least one battery assembly (100); a pack frame (1100) that houses at least one battery assembly (100) and has one side open; and a pack cover (1200) that covers the open side of the pack frame (1100). FIGS. 62 and FIGS. 63 illustrate, as an example, that three battery assemblies (100) are housed in the pack frame (1100).

[0343] The pack frame (1100) may include a bottom portion (1110) and a side beam (1120). At least one battery assembly (100) may be placed on the bottom portion (1110). The side beam (1120) may extend along the edge of the bottom portion (1110) and extend in a direction perpendicular to one side of the bottom portion (1110). By the bottom portion (1110) and the side beam (1120), an internal space with an open top may be provided, and the battery assembly (100) may be housed in this internal space. The pack cover (1200) may cover the upper surface of the battery assembly (100) mounted on the pack frame (1100).

[0344] Meanwhile, the battery pack (1000) according to the present embodiment may include a filling member (1300) foamed in the space within the pack frame (1100) and the pack cover (1200). The filling member (1300) according to the present embodiment may be a foamed member. The filling member (1300) may be a foamed member that is foamed after being filled in the space within the pack frame (1100) and the pack cover (1200).

[0345] The filling member (1300) according to the present embodiment may be formed of a resin. For example, the filling members (1300) may be formed of resin or the like. The filling member (1300) may include an air pocket, and an adhesive may be provided in the air pocket. The filling member (1300) may be foamed rubber, i.e., cellular or sponge. The filling member (1300) may include an air-filled matrix structure. The filling member (1300) may be based, for example, silicone, polyurethane, or other organic materials.

[0346] The filling member (1300) can be foamed into a plate shape by, for example, applying it onto a pack frame (1100) or by using a spray. The filling member (1300) may include a foaming promoter.

[0347] When the filling member (1300) comes into contact with other components, it subsequently hardens and combines with the other components to provide fixed support. Thus, the adhesive force between the components that the filling member (1300) comes into contact with can be strengthened. In this embodiment, the adhesive force between the pack frame (1100), the pack cover (1200), and the battery assembly (100) can be strengthened by the filling member (1300). Additionally, the filling member (1300) can absorb vibrations and shocks applied to the battery pack (1000), so that the components within the battery pack (1000) do not separate or detach, thereby improving the safety and mechanical reliability of the battery pack.

[0348] Meanwhile, the battery pack (1000) according to the present embodiment may include an inlet pipe (1400) connected to an inlet (121) of the battery assembly (100) and an outlet pipe (1500) connected to an outlet (122) of the battery assembly (100).

[0349] Each of the inlet pipe (1400) and the outlet pipe (1500) can pass through the side beam (1120) and be connected to the inlet (121) and outlet (122) of the battery assembly (100). Additionally, the inlet pipe (1400) and the outlet pipe (1500) can be connected to a cooling material circulation system inside the vehicle. Cooling material supplied by the cooling material circulation system inside the vehicle reaches the inlet (121) via the inlet pipe (1400). Cooling material circulating inside the battery assembly (100) and discharged through the outlet (122) is returned to the cooling material circulation system through the outlet pipe (1500).

[0350] In this embodiment, terms indicating directions such as front, back, left, right, up, and down have been used; however, these terms are for convenience of explanation only and may vary depending on the location of the object or the observer.

[0351] One or more battery assemblies according to the embodiment described above can be mounted together with various control and protection systems, such as a Battery Management System (BMS), a Battery Disconnect Unit (BDU), and a cooling system, to form a battery pack.

[0352] The above battery assembly or battery pack can be applied to various devices. Specifically, it can be applied to means of transportation such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrids, or to Energy Storage Systems (ESS), but is not limited thereto and can be applied to various devices capable of using secondary batteries.

[0353] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention as defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0354] Explanation of the symbols

[0355] 100: Battery assembly

[0356] 110: Battery cell

[0357] 120: Cell Frame

[0358] 120a: Top cell frame

[0359] 120b: Middle cell frame

[0360] 120c: Bottom cell frame

[0361] 120d: Cell cover

[0362] 130: Busbar Assembly

[0363] 131: Busbar missing

[0364] 300: Cooling Euro

[0365] 300a: 1st cooling channel

[0366] 300b: Second cooling channel

[0367] 300T: Terminal cooling channel

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells; A cell frame in which the above battery cells are housed; and It includes at least one busbar member electrically connected to the terminal portion of the battery cell; and A battery assembly in which a cooling material circulates inside the cell frame while in direct contact with the battery cells, the terminal portion, and the busbar member.

2. In Paragraph 1, The terminal portion and the busbar member of the battery cell are in direct contact with the cooling material to be cooled in a battery assembly.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above cell frame is a battery assembly comprising a top cell frame on which the busbar member is seated and a cell cover located on the upper part of the top cell frame.

4. In Paragraph 3, A battery assembly in which at least a portion of the above cooling material flows in the space between the cell cover and the top cell frame.

5. In Paragraph 3, A battery assembly having a cooling channel through which the cooling material flows in contact with the battery cell and a terminal cooling channel through which the cooling material flows in the space between the cell cover and the top cell frame, provided inside the cell frame.

6. In Paragraph 5, A battery assembly in which the above cooling channel and the above terminal cooling channel are connected to each other.

7. In Paragraph 5, A battery assembly in which a terminal cooling guide connecting the above cooling channel and the above terminal cooling channel is formed on the top cell frame.

8. In Paragraph 7, A battery assembly comprising a terminal cooling guide that guides the cooling material to move from the cooling channel to the terminal cooling channel, and a second terminal cooling guide that guides the cooling material to move from the terminal cooling channel to the cooling channel.

9. In Paragraph 8, A battery assembly in which, based on the above battery cells, the first terminal cooling guide and the second terminal cooling guide are located on opposite sides of each other.

10. In Paragraph 5, The above cooling channel is a single cooling channel for the battery assembly.

11. In Paragraph 5, The above cooling channel includes a plurality of cooling channels separated along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell where the battery cell extends, and The cooling material in any one of the cooling channels and the cooling material in another of the cooling channels are in contact with different parts of the battery cell of any one of the battery cells.

12. In Paragraph 11, A battery assembly in which the flow direction of the cooling material in any one of the cooling channels and the flow direction of the cooling material in another of the plurality of cooling channels are opposite to each other.

13. In Paragraph 11, The above cooling channels are connected to each other through connection holes formed in the cell frame, and The above connecting hole is a battery assembly provided between the side part of the cell frame facing the outermost battery cell among the battery cells and the battery cells.

14. In Paragraph 13, A battery assembly in which the cooling channels are not connected to each other until the cooling material reaches the connection hole.

15. In Paragraph 13, The cell frame includes an inlet through which the cooling material flows into the cell frame and an outlet through which the cooling material is discharged to the outside of the cell frame. Based on the battery cells, the connection hole is a battery assembly located on the opposite side of the inlet and the outlet.

16. In Paragraph 11, A battery assembly in which the above cooling channels are not connected to each other, and the cooling material of each of the above cooling channels flows separately from each other.

17. In Paragraph 3, The cell cover includes a protrusion formed on one surface of the cell cover, and The above-mentioned protrusion is a battery assembly that protrudes toward the portion where the terminal portion of the battery cell and the busbar member are connected.

18. In Paragraph 17, The above-mentioned protrusion is a battery assembly that presses at least a portion of the part where the terminal portion of the battery cell and the busbar member are connected.

19. In Paragraph 17, The above-mentioned protrusion is a battery assembly fixed by an adhesive member to at least a portion of the part where the terminal portion of the battery cell and the busbar member are connected.

20. In Paragraph 3, A battery assembly having an adhesive member provided between the cell cover and the top cell frame.

21. In Paragraph 20, The above adhesive member is a battery assembly that is bonded to the cell cover, the top cell frame, and the battery cell.

22. In Paragraph 20, The above adhesive member is a battery assembly that secures the cell cover to the top cell frame and the battery cell.

23. In Paragraph 20, The above adhesive members are provided in multiple numbers, and The above adhesive members are in a form that extends along a direction parallel to the direction in which the cooling material flows, in a battery assembly.

24. In Paragraph 23, A terminal cooling channel through which the above cooling material flows in the space between the cell cover and the top cell frame is provided inside the cell frame, and The cooling material in the above terminal cooling channel is a battery assembly flowing in the area between the above adhesive members.

25. In Paragraph 1, The cell frame comprises a battery assembly including an inlet through which the cooling material flows into the cell frame and an outlet through which the cooling material is discharged to the outside of the cell frame.

26. In Paragraph 1, A battery assembly in which the above battery cells are housed in the cell frame and are mounted directly to a vehicle or chassis.

27. At least one battery assembly according to paragraph 1; A pack frame housing at least one of the above-mentioned battery assemblies and having one side open; and A battery pack comprising a pack cover covering an open side of the pack frame.

Images