Battery assembly and device including same

Abstract

A battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a battery cell stack including a plurality of battery cells; a frame in which the battery cell stack is accommodated; an inlet and an outlet for circulating a coolant into the frame; and a sensing member for transmitting voltage data and temperature data of the battery cells. At least a portion of the sensing member is disposed on one side surface of the battery cell stack in a first direction.

Description

Battery assembly and device including the same

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

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0032065 dated March 12, 2025, and all contents disclosed in the document of said Korean patent application are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0003] The present invention relates to a battery assembly and a device including the same, and more specifically, to a battery assembly with improved cooling performance and space utilization and a device 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 assembly with coolant or cooling oil, rather than relying on bottom cooling or side cooling. In other words, to effectively cool high-capacity battery assemblies, a method is being used in which a refrigerant directly cools the battery cells inside the battery assembly.

[0012] However, as refrigerant circulation structures for cooling and sealing structures to prevent refrigerant leakage are required, the number of necessary parts increases, and the space occupied by these components leads to a problem of reduced space utilization in the battery assembly. Accordingly, there is a need to develop a battery assembly that features a structure in which the refrigerant directly cools the battery cells while minimizing unnecessary space waste, thereby preventing a decrease in space utilization or battery capacity.

[0013] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery assembly with improved space utilization and a device including the same in a cooling structure in which a refrigerant cools battery cells.

[0014] 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.

[0015] A battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a battery cell stack including a plurality of battery cells; a frame in which the battery cell stack is housed; an inlet and an outlet for circulating a refrigerant into the interior of the frame; and a sensing member for transmitting voltage data and temperature data of the battery cells. At least a portion of the sensing member is disposed on one side of the battery cell stack according to a first direction.

[0016] In the battery cell stack above, the battery cells can be stacked along the first direction.

[0017] In a third direction perpendicular to the first direction, the refrigerant may flow in at least one of the space between one side of the battery cell stack and one surface of the frame along the third direction, or the space between the other side of the battery cell stack and the other surface of the frame along the third direction.

[0018] The above third direction may be a height direction.

[0019] The battery assembly may further include a connector assembly, at least a portion of which is exposed to the outside of the frame. The sensing member is connected to the connector assembly and can transmit voltage data and temperature data of the battery cells to the connector assembly.

[0020] The above sensing member may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) or a flexible flat cable (FFC).

[0021] Side plates may be disposed on each of the two sides of the battery cell stack according to the first direction.

[0022] The above side plate can cover at least a portion of the above sensing member.

[0023] At least a portion of the above-mentioned sensing member may be located between the side plate and one side of the battery cell stack according to the first direction.

[0024] A recessed part may be formed on the side plate facing the battery cell stack, and at least a portion of the sensing member may be located in the recessed part.

[0025] The battery cell stack may include pad members positioned at the outermost side with respect to the first direction. At least a portion of the sensing member may be located between the pad member and the side plate.

[0026] In a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the battery cell stack may include busbar frames located on both sides along the second direction. The side plates may be coupled to the busbar frames.

[0027] In a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the battery cell stack may include a first battery cell stack and a second battery cell stack arranged along the second direction. The side plate may cover at least a portion of one side of the first battery cell stack and at least a portion of one side of the second battery cell stack.

[0028] The battery cell stack may include at least one busbar frame located between the first battery cell stack and the second battery cell stack. The side plates may be coupled to the busbar frames.

[0029] A bottom plate covering the lower portion of the battery cell stack may be provided. The side plate may be coupled with the bottom plate.

[0030] In a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, at least one sealing plate may be located at at least one of the two sides along the second direction with respect to the battery cell stack. The side plate may be coupled with at least one of the sealing plates.

[0031] A device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the battery assembly.

[0032] According to embodiments of the present invention, in a battery assembly having a structure in which battery cells are housed and a refrigerant circulates, at least a portion of a sensing member for transmitting voltage data and temperature data of the battery cells is disposed on one side of the battery cells, thereby securing a space for the refrigerant to circulate, thereby improving cooling performance and increasing the space utilization within the frame.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the battery assembly of Figure 1 viewed from a different angle.

[0037] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery assembly of Figure 1.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a battery cell stack, a main frame, and a gap spacer included in the battery assembly of FIG. 1.

[0039] FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 6 are a perspective view and a plan view, respectively, showing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing battery cells, a pad member, and a cooling spacer included in a battery cell stack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a battery cell stack, a side plate, and a bottom plate assembled according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a battery cell stack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section cut along the cutting line A-A' of Figure 1.

[0044] FIG. 11 is a partial drawing showing an enlarged view of section “B” of FIG. 10.

[0045] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing side plates and bottom plates according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the side plates and bottom plates of FIG. 12.

[0047] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing any one of the side plates according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a battery cell stack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a first battery cell stack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the first battery cell stack of FIG. 16.

[0051] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a busbar frame, a sensing member, etc., according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] FIGS. 19 and 20 are perspective views showing a sealing plate and a busbar frame, etc., according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figures 21 (a) and (b) are drawings showing a part of a connector assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention from various angles.

[0054] FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a cooling spacer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a battery cell stack, a side plate, and a bottom plate assembled according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] FIG. 24 is a partial drawing showing an enlarged view of section “C” of FIG. 23.

[0057] FIG. 25 is a partial drawing showing an enlarged view of section “D” of FIG. 23.

[0058] FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing a battery cell stack, a side plate, a bottom plate, and a sealing plate assembled according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] FIG. 27 is a partial drawing showing an enlarged view of section “E” of FIG. 26.

[0060] FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing busbar frames and an insulating plate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing a battery cell stack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] FIG. 30 is a partial perspective view showing an enlarged portion of a battery cell stack in which a terminal assembly is joined, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] FIG. 31 is a partial perspective view showing an enlarged portion of a battery cell stack according to one embodiment of the present invention where a connecting busbar is located.

[0064] FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing a terminal assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view of the terminal assembly of FIG. 32.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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 above" the other part, but also the case where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is said to be "directly above" 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the battery assembly of FIG. 1 viewed from a different angle. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery assembly of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a battery cell stack, a main frame, and a gap spacer included in the battery assembly of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are a perspective view and a plan view, respectively, showing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Referring together to FIGS. 1 to 6, a battery assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a battery cell stack (120) including a plurality of battery cells (110); a frame (200) in which the battery cell stack (120) is housed; an inlet (610) and an outlet (620) for circulating a refrigerant into the interior of the frame (200); and a sensing member (700) for transmitting voltage data and temperature data of the battery cells (110). In this embodiment, at least a portion of the sensing member (700) may be disposed on one side of the battery cell stack (120) according to a first direction. In the present invention, the first direction may be a direction parallel to the x-axis. Additionally, a second direction perpendicular to the first direction may be a direction parallel to the y-axis, and a third direction perpendicular to the first direction may be a direction parallel to the z-axis. That is, the first to third directions may be directions perpendicular to each other, and the present specification describes the present invention based on these first to third directions.

[0074] In the battery assembly (100), a refrigerant circulates inside the frame (200) and cools the battery cells (110). That is, in the battery assembly (100) according to the present embodiment, a method is applied in which the refrigerant directly cools the battery cells (110). In the present invention, at least a portion of the battery cells (110) may come into contact with the refrigerant and be cooled. The refrigerant introduced through the inlet (610) flows along the inside of the frame (200) and can be discharged to the outside of the frame (200) through the outlet (620).

[0075] 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 pouch-type battery cell will be described.

[0076] First, the battery cell (110) may be a pouch-type battery in which an electrode assembly having electrode leads (111) protruding in one or both directions is housed in a pouch case (114). However, this is merely one example, and the battery cell according to another embodiment of the present invention may be a cylindrical or prismatic battery cell. For convenience of explanation, the following description will be based on a pouch-type battery cell (110).

[0077] The battery cell (110) may have a rectangular sheet shape. The battery cell (110) may be formed by housing an electrode assembly in a pouch case (114) of a laminate sheet comprising a resin layer and a metal layer, and then bonding the outer periphery of the pouch case (114). For example, the battery cell (110) may have a structure in which two electrode leads (111) face each other and protrude from one end and the other end of the cell body (113), respectively. As another embodiment, a structure in which all electrode leads (111) of the battery cell (110) protrude in one direction is also possible. One of the electrode leads (111) is a positive electrode lead, and the other is a negative electrode lead.

[0078] The battery cell (110) may have a sealing portion, which is a portion that is bonded to the outer periphery of the pouch case (114). Specifically, the battery cell (110) may be manufactured by bonding the two ends (114c, 114d) of the pouch case (114) and the upper portion (114b) connecting them, while the electrode assembly (not shown) is housed in the pouch case (114). Sealing portions may be formed on the two ends (114c, 114d) and the upper portion (114b) of the pouch case (114). In other words, the battery cell (110) according to one embodiment of the present invention has a total of three sealing portions, and the sealing portions are structured to be sealed by a method such as fusion, and the remaining lower portion (114a) may be made of a folding portion. That is, the battery cell (110) according to the present embodiment may be a pouch-type battery cell in which an electrode assembly is housed inside a pouch case (114) and the outer periphery of the pouch case (114) is sealed to form a sealing portion. In FIG. 5, only the sealing portions formed at both ends (114c, 114d) of the pouch case (114) are shown, and the upper portion (114b) is shown in a state where the sealing portion is folded to one side after the sealing is completed.

[0079] The pouch case (114) of the laminate sheet may include an inner resin layer for sealing, a metal layer for preventing penetration of material, and an outermost resin layer. Based on the electrode assembly inside the pouch case (114), the inner resin layer may be located at the innermost position, the outer resin layer at the outermost position, and the metal layer may be located between the inner resin layer and the outer resin layer.

[0080] The outer resin layer may possess excellent tensile strength and weather resistance relative to its thickness and electrical insulation properties to protect the electrode assembly from the outside. This outer resin layer may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin or nylon resin. The metal layer may prevent air, moisture, etc. from entering the interior of the pouch-type secondary battery. This metal layer may include aluminum (Al). The inner resin layers may be thermally fused together by applied heat and / or pressure while the electrode assembly is embedded. This inner resin layer may include casted polypropylene (CPP) or polypropylene (PP).

[0081] A pouch case (114) may be divided into two parts, and a concave-shaped storage portion may be formed in at least one of the two parts so that an electrode assembly can be seated thereon. Along the outer circumference of this storage portion, a sealing portion may be provided by bonding the inner resin layers of the two parts of the pouch case (114) to each other. In this way, the pouch case (114) is sealed so that a battery cell (110), which is a pouch-type battery, can be manufactured.

[0082] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 5, the sealing portions at both ends (114c, 114d) of the battery cell (110) where the electrode lead (111) protrudes from the battery cell (110) correspond to the so-called terrace part of the battery cell (110). This terrace part is thinner than the cell body (113) of the battery cell (110).

[0083] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing battery cells, a pad member, and a cooling spacer included in a battery cell stack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 4 through 7, a plurality of battery cells (110) may be configured, and a plurality of battery cells (110) may be stacked to form a battery cell stack (120). In the battery cell stack (120), the battery cells (110) may be electrically connected to each other. In particular, as shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of battery cells (110) may be stacked along a first direction while standing upright so that one side of the cell body (113, see FIG. 5) faces each other. As described above, in the present invention, the first direction may be a direction parallel to the x-axis. Accordingly, electrode leads (111) may protrude in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the battery cells (110) are stacked. The electrode leads (111) may protrude along a direction parallel to the second direction. That is, in the battery cell (110), one electrode lead (111) may protrude in the y-axis direction, and the other electrode lead (111) may protrude in the -y-axis direction. If the battery cell has electrode leads (111) protruding in only one direction, the electrode leads (111) protrude in the y-axis direction or the -y-axis direction.

[0085] As described above, the battery cells (110) are accommodated in a frame (200). A battery cell stack (120) may be accommodated in the frame (200). The frame (200) may be intended to protect the battery cell stack (120) and the electrical components connected thereto from external physical impact. The battery cell stack (120) and the electrical components connected thereto may be accommodated in the internal space of the frame (200).

[0086] Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 3, the structure of the frame (200) included in the battery assembly (100) according to the present embodiment may vary. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the frame (200) may include a main frame (210) that covers at least a portion of the battery cell stack (120) and has both facing sides open. Here, the main frame (210) may be in the form of a metal plate in which the upper and lower surfaces (z-axis direction and -z-axis direction) and both sides (x-axis direction and -x-axis direction) are integrated. The main frame (210) may be manufactured by extrusion molding. For example, the main frame (210) may include a first side portion (211), a second side portion (212), a bottom portion (213), and a ceiling portion (214). A first side portion (211), a second side portion (212), a bottom portion (213), and a ceiling portion (214) form an internal space, and a battery cell stack (120) may be located in this internal space. The first side portion (211), the second side portion (212), the bottom portion (213), and the ceiling portion (214) may be in an integrated form.

[0087] However, the structure of the main frame (210) is not limited to this, and in other embodiments, the main frame (210) may be a structure in which a U-shaped frame and an upper plate are combined. In this case, the U-shaped frame may have a bottom surface and two sides extending upward from both corners of the bottom surface, and the upper plate may be in the form of a plate. The U-shaped frame may be a structure in which a first side portion (211), a second side portion (212), and a bottom portion (213) are integrated, and the upper plate may correspond to a structure having only a ceiling portion (214) separately. At this time, each frame or plate constituting the U-shaped frame may be manufactured by press forming. In addition, the structure of the main frame (210) may be provided as a single frame or an L-shaped frame in addition to a U-shaped frame, and may be provided as various structures not described in the above examples.

[0088] The main frame (210) may be open on both sides. The main frame (210) may be open on both sides according to a second direction. The open sides of the main frame (210) may be in the +y-axis direction and the -y-axis direction. The battery cell stack (120) may be accommodated inside the main frame (210) through either of the open sides of the main frame (210). The open sides of the main frame (210) may be covered by a sealing plate (500) or an end plate (220) described later. That is, the portion of the battery cell stack (120) not covered by the main frame (210) may be covered by the sealing plate (500) or the end plate (220). For example, the main frame (210) may be provided in an open form along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110). In this case, the front and rear of the battery cell stack (120) may not be covered by the main frame (210). The front and rear of the battery cell stack (120) may be covered by the sealing plate (500) and end plate (220) described later.

[0089] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a battery cell stack, a side plate, and a bottom plate assembled according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a battery cell stack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a drawing showing FIG. 8 with the side plate and bottom plate removed. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section cut along the cutting line A-A' of FIG. 1. FIG. 11 is a partial view showing an enlarged view of section “B” of FIG. 10.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 1, 4 to 11 together, as described above, at least a portion of the sensing member (700) is positioned on one side of the battery cell stack (120) according to the first direction. As the sensing member (700) is positioned as described above, a larger space can be secured for the cooling channel through which the refrigerant flows within the frame (200). That is, cooling performance can be improved by securing a space for the refrigerant to circulate. In addition, since the sensing member (700) is positioned on one side of the battery cell stack (120) that does not interfere with the cooling channel, the size of the battery assembly (100) in the third direction perpendicular to the first direction can be reduced, thereby increasing space utilization and increasing the energy density of the battery assembly (100).

[0091] For example, in a battery cell stack (120) according to the present embodiment, battery cells (110) may be stacked along the first direction. Based on the direction in which the battery cells (110) are stacked, at least a portion of the sensing member (700) may be disposed on one side of the battery cell stack (120).

[0092] Within the frame (200), one side of the battery cell stack (120) according to the direction in which the battery cells (110) are stacked may be a place where the influence of the refrigerant is minimal. By placing at least a portion of the sensing member (700) for transmitting voltage data and temperature data of the battery cells (110) in this place, the cooling path is not obstructed by the sensing member (700), thereby allowing for a larger space to be secured. Since a cooling path space sufficient to achieve the desired cooling performance can be secured within the limited space inside the frame (200), it can be seen that the space utilization within the frame is increased.

[0093] In a third direction perpendicular to the first direction, the refrigerant may flow in at least one of the space between one side of the battery cell stack (120) and one surface of the frame (200) along the third direction, or the space between the other side of the battery cell stack (120) and the other surface of the frame (200) along the third direction. As described above, the third direction may be a direction parallel to the z-axis.

[0094] For example, FIG. 10 shows that a first cooling channel (CP1) and a second cooling channel (CP2) are formed on each of the one side and the other side of the battery cell stack (120) according to the third direction. The first cooling channel (CP1) may be a cooling channel formed in the space between the one side of the battery cell stack (120) according to the third direction and one side of the frame (200), and the second cooling channel (CP2) may be a cooling channel formed in the space between the other side of the battery cell stack (120) according to the third direction and the other side of the frame (200). The first cooling channel (CP1) may correspond to a space where a refrigerant flows between the one side of the battery cell stack (120) according to the third direction and the ceiling portion (214), and the second cooling channel (CP2) may correspond to a space where a refrigerant flows between the other side of the battery cell stack (120) according to the third direction and the bottom portion (213). In this embodiment, the refrigerant, after being introduced through the inlet (610), flows along at least one of the first cooling path (CP1) or the second cooling path (CP2) inside the frame (200) and can then move to the outside of the battery assembly (100) through the outlet (620).

[0095] Gas may be generated inside the battery cell (110) due to deterioration or other factors as charging and discharging are repeated. When gas is generated inside in this way, the internal pressure increases, causing a swelling phenomenon in which the battery cell (110) bulges. In particular, in the case of a pouch-type battery cell, the structural rigidity of the outer material is weaker compared to a can-type battery cell, so the swelling phenomenon may occur more prominently. Battery cells (110) that have undergone swelling may expand mainly along their thickness direction. In the case of the battery cells (110) according to the present embodiment, they may expand along the first direction, which is the direction in which the battery cells (110) are stacked, that is, the direction parallel to the x-axis.

[0096] Additionally, the battery cell stack (120) can be housed inside the frame (200) while compressed along a direction parallel to the x-axis. This may be one of the methods for applying a certain level of pressure to the battery cells (110). The pressure applied to the battery cells (110) may affect the lifespan performance of the battery assembly (100). An appropriate level of pressure must be applied to the battery cells (110) so that the appropriate capacity can be maintained even when the charging and discharging cycles of the battery assembly (100) proceed. If the pressure is below or above a certain level, a problem of sudden drop in capacity may occur during the cycle.

[0097] The first direction, which is the direction in which the battery cells (110) are stacked, is also the direction in which the battery cells (110) expand due to the swelling phenomenon, and may also be the direction in which a compressive force is applied to the battery cell stack (120) to apply an appropriate level of pressure to the battery cells (110). Therefore, it is difficult to create a space for the refrigerant to flow in the two sides of the battery cell stack (120) according to the first direction. For example, it is difficult to create a space for the refrigerant to flow between the battery cell stack (120) and the first side portion (211) of the main frame (210), and between the battery cell stack (120) and the second side portion (212) of the main frame (210), and the components may be in close contact with each other. Instead, in this embodiment, a cooling channel (CP1, CP2) through which a refrigerant flows may be provided on either one or both sides of a battery cell stack (120) along a third direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0098] At this time, since at least a portion of the sensing member (700) according to the present embodiment is located on one side of the battery cell stack (120) according to the first direction, the first cooling channel (CP1) or the second cooling channel (CP2) is not obstructed by the sensing member (700), and a wider space can be secured. A comparative example of the present invention can be considered in which at least a portion of the sensing member is located in the first cooling channel (CP1) or the second cooling channel (CP2). If at least a portion of the sensing member is located in the first cooling channel (CP1) or the second cooling channel (CP2), the sensing member interferes with the refrigerant cooling the battery cells (110), and cooling performance may be reduced. If the size of the battery assembly (100) according to the third direction is increased to compensate for this, this may cause a decrease in space utilization and energy density. On the other hand, in the case of the battery assembly (100) according to the present embodiment as described above, since at least a portion of the sensing member (700) is located on one side of the battery cell stack (120) according to the first direction, the first cooling channel (CP1) or the second cooling channel (CP2) can have sufficient space, and this is a factor that improves both the cooling performance and space utilization of the battery assembly (100).

[0099] Meanwhile, the third direction may be a height direction, and the first direction may be a direction perpendicular to the height direction. Since at least a portion of the sensing member (700) is located on one side of the battery cell stack (120) rather than in the height direction, there is no need to provide a cover member to protect the sensing member (700) on one side in the height direction. Therefore, the height of the battery assembly (100) can be reduced accordingly, and consequently, the space utilization and energy density of the battery assembly (100) can be increased accordingly.

[0100]

[0101] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing side plates and bottom plates according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the side plates and bottom plates of FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing any one of the side plates according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] Referring together to FIGS. 4, 8 to 14, a battery assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include side plates (300) disposed on each of both sides of a battery cell stack (120) according to a first direction. For example, a first side plate (300a) and a second side plate (300b) may be located on each of both sides of the battery cell stack (120) according to the first direction.

[0103] According to the present embodiment, the side plate (300) may cover at least a portion of the sensing member (700). At least a portion of the sensing member (700) may be located between the side plate (300) and one side of the battery cell stack (120) according to the first direction. For example, any one of the side plates (300) may cover at least a portion of the sensing member (700). Additionally, at least a portion of the sensing member (700) may be located between any one of the side plates (300) and one side of the battery cell stack (120) according to the first direction.

[0104] The side plate (300) may be a plate-shaped member, and there are no special restrictions on the material applied to the side plate (300) as long as it can have a certain rigidity. For example, the side plate (300) may include plastic or metal materials.

[0105] The side plate (300) can protect the sensing member (700) by covering at least a portion of the sensing member (700). The side plate (300) can prevent the sensing member (700) from being damaged by external vibrations or shocks. Additionally, it can prevent the sensing member (700) from being damaged by the frame (200) during the process of housing the battery cell stack (120) into the internal space of the frame (200). For example, since the sensing member (700) is covered by the side plate (300), when the battery cell stack (120) is inserted into the internal space of the main frame (210), the sensing member (700) is prevented from being damaged by the first side portion (211) or the second side portion (212) of the main frame (210). The side plate (300) according to the present embodiment can be housed in the internal space of the frame (200) together with the battery cell stack (120).

[0106] A recessed part (300R) may be formed on the side plate (300) facing the battery cell stack (120), and at least a portion of the sensing member (700) may be located in the recessed part (300R). The recessed part (300R) refers to a portion that is recessed with respect to the thickness direction of the side plate (300). In order for at least a portion of the sensing member (700) to be seated in the recessed part (300R), the recessed part (300R) may have a wider width than the sensing member (700), and the recessed depth of the recessed part (300R) may be deeper than the thickness of the sensing member (700). Referring to Fig. 11, the width of the indentation (300R) here refers to the length of the indentation (300R) along the z-axis direction, and the depth of the indentation (300R) refers to the indented length of the indentation (300R) along the x-axis direction.

[0107] At least a portion of the sensing member (700) may be located between the indentation (300R) of the side plate (300) and one side of the battery cell stack (120) according to the first direction. At least a portion of the sensing member (700) may be located between the indentation (300R) formed in any one of the side plates (300) and one side of the battery cell stack (120) according to the first direction. For example, FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate that at least a portion of the sensing member (700) is located in the indentation (300R) formed in the first side plate (300a).

[0108] Since at least a portion of the sensing member (700) is located in the indentation (300R), the width of the battery assembly (100) in the first direction can be reduced. That is, since there is no need to increase the overall width of the battery assembly (100) by the thickness of the sensing member (700), the space utilization of the battery assembly (100) in the first direction can be improved.

[0109] Referring to FIGS. 7 through 14 together, a battery cell stack (120) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include pad members (130) disposed at the outermost side with respect to the first direction. Pad members (130) may be located at each of the outermost sides of the battery cell stack (120) with respect to the first direction. Additionally, pad members (130) may be additionally disposed between battery cells (110) in the battery cell stack (120). In one embodiment, pad members (130) may be located between all of the battery cells (110), and in another embodiment, pad members (130) may be located between some of the battery cells (110). The number of pad members (130) may be determined in various ways depending on the number and size of the battery cells (110), the material of the electrodes applied, etc. FIG. 7 illustrates a form in which pad members (130) are located between some of the battery cells (110).

[0110] The pad member (130) may be a foam-shaped member and can absorb the swelling of the battery cells (110). If the swelling phenomenon of the battery cells (110) is not absorbed and controlled, the pressure inside the battery assembly (100) increases and the volume increases, which may have a negative effect on the structural stability of the battery assembly (100). Accordingly, the swelling of the battery cells (110) is partially absorbed by placing a pad member (130) that is compressed when pressure is applied, either at the outermost side of the battery cell stack (120) according to the first direction or between the battery cells (110). As long as the pad member (130) can be compressed to absorb the swelling of the battery cells (110), there are no special restrictions on its material, and it may include, for example, a polyurethane material.

[0111] At least a portion of the sensing member (700) may be located between the pad member (130) and the side plate (300). At least a portion of the sensing member (700) may be located between the side plate (300) and the pad member (130) positioned at the outermost side of the battery cell stack (120) with respect to the first direction. Additionally, at least a portion of the sensing member (700) may be located between the pad member (130) and the indentation (300R) of the side plate (300). For example, FIG. 11 shows that at least a portion of the sensing member (700) is located between the pad member (130) and the indentation (300R) of the first side plate (300).

[0112] The sensing member (700) according to the present embodiment can be stably positioned between the pad member (130) and the side plate (300). As described above, the pad member (130) can be compressed when pressure is applied. Even if external vibrations or shocks occur, the pad member (130) can absorb such vibrations or shocks as it is compressed, thereby preventing damage to the sensing member (700). The sensing member (700) located between the pad member (130) and the side plate (300) can maintain structural stability even if external vibrations or shocks occur.

[0113] Meanwhile, in a battery assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a bottom plate (400) covering the lower portion of a battery cell stack (120) may be provided. The bottom plate (400) may be housed in the internal space of a frame (200) together with the battery cell stack (120). The bottom plate (400) may be located between the battery cell stack (120) and the bottom portion (213) of the frame (200). There are no special restrictions on the material applied to the bottom plate (400) as long as it can have a certain rigidity. For example, the bottom plate (400) may include a plastic material or a metal material.

[0114] In this embodiment, the side plate (300) may be joined to the bottom plate (400). There are no special restrictions on the joining method, and physical joining methods such as hook fastening or bolt fastening may be applied. Additionally, if the side plate (300) and the bottom plate (400) include metal materials, the side plate (300) and the bottom plate (400) may be joined by welding. FIGS. 12 to 14 illustrate the side plate (300) and the bottom plate (400) being joined to each other by hook fastening. For example, the bottom plate (400) may include a hook (400H), and the hook (400H) may be hook-fastened to the joining portion (300J) of the side plate (300). The joining portion (300J) may be in the form of a hole or a stepped indentation so that the hook (400H) can be fastened.

[0115] A bottom plate (400) covering the lower part of a battery cell stack (120) is coupled to a side plate (300), thereby stably supporting and fixing the battery cell stack (120). In the case of the battery assembly (100) according to the present embodiment, cooling is performed as a refrigerant circulates inside the frame (200), but the battery cells (110) may not be properly fixed in the internal space of the frame (200) while the refrigerant is circulating. If the battery cells (110) have fluidity without being properly fixed in the internal space of the frame (200), the structural stability of the battery assembly (100) is reduced, causing deformation of the overall structure and ultimately leading to performance degradation or deterioration. In this embodiment, a bottom plate (400) covering the lower part of the battery cell stack (120) and a side plate (300) covering both sides of the battery cell stack (120) are combined together, thereby stably supporting and fixing a plurality of battery cells (110) included in the battery cell stack (120). Therefore, even if refrigerant circulation occurs inside the frame (200), the battery cells (110) are fixed, thereby ensuring the structural stability of the battery cell stack (120).

[0116]

[0117] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a battery cell stack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a first battery cell stack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the first battery cell stack of FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a busbar frame, a sensing member, etc., according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 are perspective views showing a sealing plate and a busbar frame, etc., according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 19 shows a connector assembly (730) covered by a sealing plate (500), and FIG. 20 shows a connector assembly (730) spaced apart from the sealing plate (500).

[0118] Referring together to FIGS. 7, FIG. 9 and FIGS. 15 to 20, as described above, the sensing member (700) according to the present embodiment may be a member for transmitting voltage data and temperature data of battery cells (110). The sensing member (700) may be a member for so-called LV (Low Voltage) connection. The LV connection refers to an electrical connection that requires a relatively low voltage, such as a battery electrical component. The sensing member (700) senses voltage data or temperature data of battery cells (110) included in the battery assembly (100) and transmits the sensed voltage or temperature data to a Battery Management System (BMS) located inside or outside the battery assembly (100). The Battery Management System can control and manage the operation of the battery assembly (100) based on the transmitted voltage or temperature data. The sensing element (700) may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) or a flexible flat cable (FFC).

[0119] The sensing member (700) according to the present embodiment may include a connecting sensing member (710) and a measuring sensing member (720). The connecting sensing member (710) and the measuring sensing member (720) may each be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) or a flexible flat cable (FFC).

[0120] The measurement sensing member (720) can measure voltage data and temperature data of the battery cells (110). The measurement sensing member (720) may be composed of multiple units and may be located on each side according to the second direction of the battery cell stack (120). The connecting sensing member (710) may be a member for electrically connecting the measurement sensing members (720) located in such a spaced-away manner.

[0121] Among the sensing members (700), at least a portion of the connecting sensing member (710) may be disposed on one side of the battery cell stack (120) according to the first direction. Additionally, the side plate (300) may cover at least a portion of the connecting sensing member (710). Additionally, at least a portion of the connecting sensing member (710) may be located between the side plate (300) and one side of the battery cell stack (120) according to the first direction. Additionally, at least a portion of the connecting sensing member (710) may be located between the side plate (300) and the pad member (130) disposed on the outermost side of the battery cell stack (120) with respect to the first direction. Additionally, at least a portion of the connecting sensing member (710) may be located in the indentation (300R) of the side plate (300). At least a portion of the connection sensing member (710) may be located between the pad member (130) and the indentation (300R) of the side plate (300).

[0122] Meanwhile, the battery assembly (100) according to the present embodiment may include a busbar (810) for electrically connecting battery cells (110). The busbar (810) is for electrically connecting the battery cells (110) and may include a metal material to enable electrical connection. The electrode lead (111) of the battery cell (110) may be electrically connected to the busbar (810). Although there are no particular restrictions on the method of electrical connection, for example, the electrode lead (111) and the busbar (810) may be connected to each other by welding.

[0123] The battery cell stack (120) may include busbar frames (800) located on both sides according to the second direction. A busbar (810) may be mounted on one side of the busbar frame (800). The busbar (810) may be mounted on the opposite side of the busbar frame (800) facing the battery cells (110). A slit may be formed in the busbar frame (800), and the electrode leads (111) of the battery cells (110) may pass through the slit of the busbar frame (800), bend, and be connected to the busbar (810). The busbar frame (800) may include an electrically insulating material, and may include, for example, a plastic material.

[0124] The measurement sensing member (720) described above can be mounted on one side of the busbar frame (800). The measurement sensing member (720) can be mounted on the opposite side of the busbar frame (800) that faces the battery cells (110).

[0125] As described above, the measurement sensing member (720) can measure voltage data and temperature data of the battery cells (110). For example, the measurement sensing member (720) may include a first sensing unit (721) for measuring voltage data of the battery cells (110) and a second sensing unit (722) for measuring temperature data of the battery cells (110).

[0126] The first sensing unit (721) is a portion extending from the measurement sensing member (720) and can be electrically connected to the electrode leads (111) of the battery cells (110) or the busbar (810). In particular, a bonding plate may be provided at the end of the first sensing unit (721), and such a bonding plate may be electrically connected to the electrode leads (111) or the busbar (810). In FIGS. 16 to 20, the first sensing unit (721) is shown connected to the busbar (810). Voltage data of the battery cells (110) measured by the first sensing unit (721) can be transmitted to the battery management system through the measurement sensing member (720).

[0127] The second sensing unit (722) is a portion extending from the measurement sensing member (720) and may extend toward the battery cells (110). The second sensing unit (722) may extend between the battery cells (110) or toward the cell body (113, see FIG. 5 and FIG. 6) of the battery cell (110). In FIG. 16 through 20, etc., the second sensing unit (722) is shown extending toward one of the battery cells (110) located at the outermost position in the battery cell stack (120). The temperature measured by the second sensing unit (722) may be transmitted to the battery management system through the measurement sensing member (720).

[0128] A battery cell stack (120) may include busbar frames (800) located on both sides according to the second direction, and a plurality of measurement sensing members (720) may be located on each of the busbar frames (800). A plurality of measurement sensing members (720) may be located on each side according to the second direction of the battery cell stack (120). A connecting sensing member (710) may connect between these plurality of measurement sensing members (720). One end of the connecting sensing member (710) may be connected to any one of the plurality of measurement sensing members (720), and the other end of the connecting sensing member (710) may be connected to the other of the plurality of measurement sensing members (720). The voltage and temperature data of the battery cell (110) measured by each of the plurality of measurement sensing members (720) can be collected together by the connection sensing member (710) and then finally transmitted to a battery management system located inside or outside the battery assembly (100) through the connector assembly (730) described later.

[0129] Referring together to FIGS. 1 to 3, FIGS. 19 and FIG. 20, in a battery assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one sealing plate (500) may be located at at least one of the two sides according to the second direction with respect to the battery cell stack (120).

[0130] For example, a plurality of sealing plates (500) may be provided, and the sealing plates (500) may each cover both open sides of the main frame (210). Both sides of the main frame (210) may be open according to the second direction, and the sealing plates (500) may cover both open sides of the main frame (210). The sealing plate (500) may include a first sealing plate (500a) and a second sealing plate (500b), and the first sealing plate (500a) and the second sealing plate (500b) may each cover both open sides of the main frame (210) according to the second direction. As the main frame (210) is covered by the sealing plates (500), the internal space of the frame (200) may be sealed. The sealing plate (500) can prevent the refrigerant from leaking out of the frame (200). There are no special restrictions on the material applied to the sealing plate (500), but for example, the sealing plate (500) may include a plastic material or a metal material.

[0131] For example, an inlet (610) and an outlet (620) for circulating refrigerant into the interior of the frame (200) may be provided on the sealing plate (500). The inlet (610) through which the refrigerant flows may be provided on the first sealing plate (500a), and the outlet (620) through which the refrigerant flows may be provided on the second sealing plate (500b). As another example, it is also possible for the inlet and the outlet to be provided together on either the first sealing plate (500a) or the second sealing plate (500b).

[0132] A frame (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include end plates (220) that cover sealing plates (500). The end plates (220) may be attached to a main frame (210) while being located outside the sealing plates (500). Welding, adhesive, bolting, etc., may be applied to the connection between the main frame (210) and the end plates (220).

[0133] The end plate (220) may include a first end plate (220a) and a second end plate (220b). Each of the first end plate (220a) and the second end plate (220b) may cover both sides of the main frame (210) according to the second direction. The first end plate (220a) may cover the first sealing plate (500a), and the second end plate (220b) may cover the second sealing plate (500b). The first sealing plate (500a) may be located between the first end plate (220a) and the battery cell stack (120), and the second sealing plate (500b) may be located between the second end plate (220b) and the battery cell stack (120).

[0134] An opening may be formed in each of the first end plate (220a) and the second end plate (220b) to expose the inlet (610) of the first sealing plate (500a) and the outlet (620) of the second sealing plate (500b). Although not specifically illustrated, a configuration in which the inlet and the outlet are provided in the first end plate (220a) and the second end plate (220b), respectively, may also be applied as another embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] Meanwhile, the refrigerant according to the present embodiment is a cooling medium that cools a heat-generating object, and there are no restrictions on its form or material. Refrigerants of various phases may be applied. For example, a cooling medium in a solid, fluid, liquid, or gaseous state may be applied to the refrigerant without limitation. In addition, bubbles, paraffin, or phase change materials (PCM) may be applied to the refrigerant.

[0136] As an example, the refrigerant may be a fluid. The refrigerant may be cooling water or cooling oil. Meanwhile, since the refrigerant may come into direct contact with the battery cells (110), electrode leads (111), and busbars (810), etc. within the battery assembly (100), the refrigerant may be electrically insulating. The refrigerant may be a material having insulating properties. For example, the refrigerant 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 refrigerant in the present invention without limitation.

[0137]

[0138] Figures 21 (a) and (b) are drawings showing a part of a connector assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention from various angles.

[0139] Referring together to FIGS. 15 to 21, a battery assembly (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a connector assembly (730) in which at least a portion is exposed to the outside of a frame (200). A sensing member (700) may be connected to the connector assembly (730) and may transmit voltage data and temperature data of battery cells (110) to the connector assembly (730).

[0140] The connector assembly (730) may be a component for transmitting voltage data and temperature data of battery cells (110) measured and collected by the sensing component (700) to a battery management system located inside or outside the battery assembly (100).

[0141] For example, the connector assembly (730) may include a first connector (731) exposed to the outside of the battery assembly (100), a second connector (732) connected to a measurement sensing member (720), and a circuit portion (733) connecting the first connector (731) and the second connector (732). Additionally, the connector assembly (730) may further include a connector cover (734) to protect the first connector (731), the second connector (732), and the circuit portion (733). FIG. 20 illustrates a connector assembly (730) equipped with a connector cover (734), while FIG. 21 (a) and (b) illustrate a connector assembly (730) without a connector cover (734) for convenience of explanation.

[0142] Voltage and temperature data of the battery cell (110) measured by each of the plurality of measurement sensing members (720) can be collected together by the connection sensing member (710) and then transmitted to the connector assembly (730). Additionally, the connector assembly (730) can transmit the voltage and temperature data of the battery cell (110) to the battery management system. For example, the voltage and temperature data of the battery cell (110) measured by each of the plurality of measurement sensing members (720) can be transmitted to the battery management system by passing through the second connector (732), the second circuit section (733), and the first connector (731) in sequence. The first connector (731), which is exposed to the outside of the battery assembly (100), can be connected to the battery management system.

[0143] A connector opening may be formed in the sealing plate (500) to expose the first connector (731). Additionally, a connector opening to expose the first connector (731) may also be formed in the end plate (220). The first connector (731) may be exposed to the outside of the battery assembly (100) through the connector openings formed in the sealing plate (500) and the end plate (220), respectively.

[0144]

[0145] FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a cooling spacer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0146] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, FIGS. 7, FIGS. 10 and FIG. 21, a battery cell stack (120) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include cooling spacers (140) interposed between battery cells (110). In one embodiment, cooling spacers (140) may be interposed between all of the battery cells (110), and in another embodiment, at least one cooling spacer (140) may be interposed between some of the battery cells (110).

[0147] The cooling spacer (140) may include a main body portion (141) positioned between the battery cells (110) and in surface contact with the battery cells (110). The main body portion (141) of the cooling spacer (140) may be a plate-shaped member extending along the second direction, and one surface of the main body portion (141) may be in contact with one surface of the cell body (113, see FIG. 5 and FIG. 6) of the battery cell (110). Additionally, as another embodiment, an adhesive may be interposed between the main body portion (141) of the cooling spacer (140) and the battery cell (110).

[0148] The cooling spacer (140) may include at least one flow channel hole (140H) penetrating along the second direction. For example, at least one flow channel hole (140H) may be formed in the main body portion (141).

[0149] As described above, the refrigerant introduced through the inlet (610) can flow along the internal space of the frame (200) and then be discharged through the outlet (620). A portion of the refrigerant introduced through the inlet (610) can flow along the flow path hole (140H) of the cooling spacer (140) and then be discharged through the outlet (620). A portion of the refrigerant can flow along the first cooling path (CP1) and the second cooling path (CP2) described above, and another portion of the refrigerant can flow along the flow path hole (140H) of the cooling spacer (140). The refrigerant flowing along the flow path hole (140H) of the cooling spacer (140) can flow along the second direction.

[0150] As described above, due to expansion caused by swelling of the battery cells (110) or pressure applied in the first direction to the battery cell stack (120), it is difficult to provide sufficient space between the battery cells (110) stacked along the first direction, and the battery cells (110) or the pad member (130) may be in close contact with each other. Therefore, it is difficult for the refrigerant to flow between the battery cells (110). In this embodiment, by placing a cooling spacer (140) between the battery cells (110), a space is secured for the refrigerant to flow between the battery cells (110). As the refrigerant flows along the flow path hole (140H) of the cooling spacer (140), the cooling spacer (140) can cool the battery cells (110). Specifically, the main body portion (141) of the cooling spacer (140) can cool the battery cells (110) by contacting one side of the battery cells (110) directly or indirectly. Edge cooling of the battery cells (110) can be implemented by a refrigerant flowing along the first cooling channel (CP1) and the second cooling channel (CP2) described above, and surface cooling of the battery cells (110) can be implemented by a refrigerant flowing along the channel hole (140H) of the cooling spacer (140).

[0151] The cooling spacer (140) may include an upper extension (142) and a lower extension (143) located at the upper and lower portions, respectively, of the main body portion (141). The upper extension (142) may extend from the upper portion of the main body portion (141) along a direction perpendicular to one side of the main body portion (141). The upper extension (142) may extend along a direction parallel to the first direction. Additionally, the lower extension (143) may extend from the lower portion of the main body portion (141) along a direction perpendicular to one side of the main body portion (141). The lower extension (143) may extend along a direction parallel to the first direction. The cooling spacer (140) may have an “I” shape in the cross-section cut along the xz plane.

[0152] The upper extension (142) and the lower extension (143) can transfer heat absorbed by the main body (141) from the battery cell (110) to the frame (200). The upper extension (142) and the lower extension (143), having a predetermined area, can come into direct or indirect contact with the inner surface of the frame (200). Heat generated from the battery cell (110) can move through the main body (141) to the upper extension (142) or the lower extension (143), and finally be transferred to the frame (200) and discharged to the outside of the battery assembly (100).

[0153] Additionally, the upper extension (142) and the lower extension (143) function as supports, allowing the cooling spacer (140) to be fixed inside the frame (200). Since the upper extension (142) and the lower extension (143) have a predetermined area, the cooling spacer (140) can maintain a more stable upright position.

[0154] Additionally, the upper extension (142) and the lower extension (143) may come into direct or indirect contact with the inner surface of the frame (200). The upper extension (142) may come into direct or indirect contact with the ceiling portion (214) of the main frame (210). The lower extension (143) may come into direct or indirect contact with the bottom portion (213) of the main frame (210). Here, indirect contact means that an adhesive or the like is interposed between them, and contact is made through the adhesive. In one embodiment, the upper extension (142) and the lower extension (143) may come into direct contact with the frame (200), and in another embodiment, the upper extension (142) and the lower extension (143) may come into indirect contact with the frame (200) through an adhesive.

[0155] Additionally, a gap spacer (160) may be provided at least in one of the places between the upper extension (142) and the frame (200) or between the lower extension (143) and the frame (200). In FIGS. 4 and 10, the gap spacer (160) is shown as an exemplary structure located between the lower extension (143) and the bottom portion (213) of the frame (200). However, this is an exemplary structure, and the battery assembly (100) according to other embodiments may not be provided with a gap spacer. Accordingly, the cooling spacer (140) may come into contact with the bottom portion (213) and the ceiling portion (214) of the frame (200), respectively.

[0156]

[0157] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a battery cell stack, a side plate, and a bottom plate assembled according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0158] Referring together to FIGS. 8, 9, 12, 13, 15 to 18 and FIG. 23, a battery cell stack (120) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first battery cell stack (120a) and a second battery cell stack (120b) arranged along the second direction. In another embodiment of the present invention, a third battery cell stack arranged along the second direction may be additionally provided. However, the provision of the first battery cell stack (120a) and the second battery cell stack (120b) is an exemplary structure of the present invention, and a form in which only a single battery cell stack is provided inside the frame (200) also corresponds to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0159] In one area, a plurality of battery cells (110) may be stacked along the first direction to form a first battery cell stack (120a), and in another area according to the second direction, a plurality of battery cells (110) may be stacked along the first direction to form a second battery cell stack (120b). Alternatively, the first battery cell stack (120a) and the second battery cell stack (120b) may be arranged along the direction in which the electrode leads (111) protrude relative to the battery cell (110). That is, the first battery cell stack (120a) and the second battery cell stack (120b) may be arranged along the length direction of the battery cell (110).

[0160] The first battery cell stack (120a) and the second battery cell stack (120b) can be housed together in a single frame (200). By housing multiple battery cell stacks (120a, 120b) in the frame (200), the energy density and capacity of the battery assembly (100) can be greatly increased.

[0161] As described above, the battery cell stack (120) may include busbar frames (800) located on both sides according to the second direction. Separately, when the first battery cell stack (120a) and the second battery cell stack (120b) are provided, at least one additional busbar frame (800) may be provided between the first battery cell stack (120a) and the second battery cell stack (120b). For example, one busbar frame (800) may be disposed on one side of the first battery cell stack (120a) facing the second battery cell stack (120b), and another busbar frame (800) may be disposed on one side of the second battery cell stack (120b) facing the first battery cell stack (120a). At least one busbar frame (800) located between the first battery cell stack (120a) and the second battery cell stack (120b) may also be equipped with the previously described busbar (810) and measurement sensing member (720).

[0162] The side plate (300) according to the present embodiment may cover at least a portion of one side of the first battery cell stack (120a) and at least a portion of one side of the second battery cell stack (120b). One side plate (300) may cover one side of the first battery cell stack (120a) and one side of the second battery cell stack (120b). For example, the first side plate (300a) may cover at least a portion of one side of the first battery cell stack (120a) and at least a portion of one side of the second battery cell stack (120b), and the second side plate (300b) may cover at least a portion of the other side of the first battery cell stack (120a) and at least a portion of the other side of the second battery cell stack (120b). By having the side plate (300) cover the first battery cell stack (120a) and the second battery cell stack (120b) together, the degree of bonding between the first battery cell stack (120a) and the second battery cell stack (120b) is strengthened, and the structural stability of the entire battery cell stack (120) including the first battery cell stack (120a) and the second battery cell stack (120b) can be strengthened.

[0163] Meanwhile, as described above, a bottom plate (400) covering the lower portion of the battery cell stack (120) may be provided. The bottom plate (400) may include a first bottom plate (400a) and a second bottom plate (400b) arranged along the second direction. The first bottom plate (400a) may cover the lower portion of the first battery cell stack (120a), and the second bottom plate (400b) may cover the lower portion of the second battery cell stack (120b). A side plate (300) may be combined with both the first bottom plate (400a) and the second bottom plate (400b). There are no special restrictions on the method of combination, and physical combination methods such as hook fastening or bolt fastening may be applied. Meanwhile, although not specifically illustrated, a form in which a single bottom plate (400) covers both the lower part of the first battery cell stack (120a) and the lower part of the second battery cell stack (120b) is also possible as another embodiment of the present invention.

[0164]

[0165] FIG. 24 is a partial drawing showing an enlarged view of section “C” of FIG. 23. FIG. 25 is a partial drawing showing an enlarged view of section “D” of FIG. 23.

[0166] Referring together to FIGS. 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, and FIGS. 23 through 25, as described above, the battery cell stack (120) may include busbar frames (800) located on both sides according to the second direction. The side plates (300) according to the present embodiment may be joined to the busbar frames (800). There are no special restrictions on the joining method, and physical joining methods such as bolt fastening or hook fastening may be applied. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, a first bolt (B1) may join the side plate (300) and the busbar frame (800). The first bolt (B1) may pass through the side plate (300) and then be joined to the busbar frame (800), thereby joining the side plate (300) and the busbar frame (800).

[0167] By combining the side plates (300) with the busbar frames (800), the entire structure of the battery cell stack (120) can be maintained stably. In the battery cell stack (120), components such as a plurality of battery cells (110), a busbar frame (800), a busbar (810), and a sensing member (700) can be arranged in a mutually combined state. By combining the side plates (300) with the busbar frames (800), the battery cell stack (120) is pressed in the +x-axis and -x-axis directions, thereby maintaining the mutual combination of the components stably. The mutually combined components can be strongly bound together by the side plates (300) as if they were a single component. As the battery cell stack (120) and the sensing member (700), etc., are stably fixed and maintained by the side plates (300), structural stability can be improved. The side plate (300) according to the present embodiment can perform the function of not only protecting the sensing member (700) but also stably maintaining the mutual coupling of the internal components of the battery cell stack (120) and the sensing member (700), etc.

[0168] In one embodiment of the present invention, as described above, the battery cell stack (120) may include a first battery cell stack (120a) and a second battery cell stack (120b) arranged along the second direction. The side plates (300) may be coupled to busbar frames (800) located on both sides of the battery cell stack (120) along the second direction, as well as to at least one busbar frame (800) located between the first battery cell stack (120a) and the second battery cell stack (120b). There are no particular limitations on the coupling method, and physical coupling methods such as bolt fastening or hook fastening may be applied. For example, as shown in FIG. 25, the side plate (300) may be coupled to at least one busbar frame (800) located between the first battery cell stack (120a) and the second battery cell stack (120b) through a second bolt (B2). After the second bolt (B2) passes through the side plate (300), it is connected to the busbar frame (800), so that the side plate (300) and the busbar frame (800) can be connected.

[0169] When a plurality of battery cell stacks (120a, 120b), including the first battery cell stack (120a) and the second battery cell stack (120b), are provided, there is a concern that structural stability may be reduced because the structure is elongated along the second direction. In this embodiment, the side plates (300) are combined with the busbar frames (800) located on both sides along the second direction, as well as with at least one busbar frame (800) located between the first battery cell stack (120a) and the second battery cell stack (120b), thereby ensuring that the structure of the entire battery cell stack (120), including the first battery cell stack (120a) and the second battery cell stack (120b), can be stably maintained.

[0170] By means of the side plate (300), the first battery cell stack (120a) and the second battery cell stack (120b) can be strongly bonded together as if they were a single component. As the first battery cell stack (120a), the second battery cell stack (120b), and the sensing member (700) are stably fixed and maintained by the side plates (300), structural stability can be improved. The side plate (300) according to the present embodiment can perform the function of not only protecting the sensing member (700) but also stably maintaining the structure of the entire battery cell stack (120) including the first battery cell stack (120a) and the second battery cell stack (120b).

[0171] Additionally, cooling is achieved as a refrigerant circulates within the frame (200). During the circulation of the refrigerant, the first battery cell stack (120a) and the second battery cell stack (120b) can be fixed and maintained in their positions by the side plate (300) within the internal space of the frame (200). Even when the refrigerant circulates within the frame (200), the entire structure of the battery cell stack (120), including the first battery cell stack (120a) and the second battery cell stack (120b), is fixed and bound by the side plate (300), thereby improving the structural stability of the battery assembly (100).

[0172]

[0173] FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing a battery cell stack, a side plate, a bottom plate, and a sealing plate assembled according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 27 is a partial view showing an enlarged view of section “E” of FIG. 26.

[0174] Referring to FIGS. 3, 26, and 27, as described above, at least one sealing plate (500) may be located on at least one of the two sides according to the second direction with respect to the battery cell stack (120). A side plate (300) may be joined to at least one sealing plate (500). There are no special restrictions on the joining method, and physical joining methods such as bolt fastening or hook fastening may be applied. For example, as shown in FIG. 27, the side plate (300) may be joined to the sealing plate (500) through a third bolt (B3). The third bolt (B3) passes through the side plate (300) and is joined to the sealing plate (500), thereby joining the side plate (300) and the sealing plate (500).

[0175] By combining the side plate (300) and the sealing plate (500), the structural stability of the battery assembly (100) can be improved. Additionally, since the position of the sealing plate (500) is fixed and its shape can be stably maintained, the sealing plate (500) can more strongly seal the internal space of the frame (200). This prevents the refrigerant circulating within the internal space of the frame (200) from leaking out of the frame (200).

[0176] FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing busbar frames and an insulating plate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0177] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 28, the battery cell stack (120) may include an insulating plate (150) located between the first battery cell stack (120a) and the second battery cell stack (120b). The insulating plate (150) may include a material that is electrically insulating, and, for example, may include a plastic material.

[0178] A first battery cell stack (120a) may be located between the inlet (610) and the insulating plate (150), and a second battery cell stack (120b) may be located between the outlet (620) and the insulating plate (150). The refrigerant introduced through the inlet (610) may pass through the first battery cell stack (120a), the opening (150H) of the insulating plate (150), and the second battery cell stack (120b) in sequence, and be discharged through the outlet (620).

[0179] Since both the first battery cell stack (120a) and the second battery cell stack (120b) are contained within a single frame (200), there is a risk of a short circuit occurring due to contact between the first battery cell stack (120a) and the second battery cell stack (120b).

[0180] Additionally, the entire battery cell stack (120), including the first battery cell stack (120a) and the second battery cell stack (120b), may have a shape that extends along the longitudinal direction. When the refrigerant circulates inside the frame (200), a section where the flow of the refrigerant stagnates may occur between the first battery cell stack (120a) and the second battery cell stack (120b).

[0181] Accordingly, in this embodiment, an insulating plate (150) having electrical insulation properties can be placed between the first battery cell stack (120a) and the second battery cell stack (120b). By using the insulating plate (150), electrical insulation properties and creepage distance between the first battery cell stack (120a) and the second battery cell stack (120b) are secured.

[0182] In addition, by designing the insulating plate (150) such that an opening (150H) through which the refrigerant passes is formed in the center of the insulating plate (150), the flow stagnation of the refrigerant is prevented in the space between the first battery cell stack (120a) and the second battery cell stack (120b). That is, the cooling performance is enhanced by ensuring the flowability of the refrigerant.

[0183] Meanwhile, the insulating plate (150) can be combined with the busbar frames (800). There are no special restrictions on the method of combination, and physical combination methods such as hook fastening or bolt fastening may be applied. For example, as shown in FIG. 28, a fourth bolt (B4) can be combined with the insulating plate (150) and the busbar frame (800). The insulating plate (150) and the busbar frame (800) can be combined by the fourth bolt (B4) passing through the protruding part of the insulating plate (150) and then being combined with the busbar frame (800).

[0184] FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing a battery cell stack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 30 is a partial perspective view showing an enlarged portion of a battery cell stack according to an embodiment of the present invention where a terminal assembly is connected. FIG. 31 is a partial perspective view showing an enlarged portion of a battery cell stack according to an embodiment of the present invention where a connecting busbar is located. FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing a terminal assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view of the terminal assembly of FIG. 32.

[0185] Referring to FIGS. 1, FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 28 to 33, a battery assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a terminal assembly (900) for guiding a High Voltage (HV) connection of the battery assembly (100). The terminal assembly (900) may be connected to another battery assembly, a Battery Disconnect Unit (BDU), or an electrical component outside the battery assembly (100), and may guide the electrical connection of the battery assembly (100).

[0186] Although the terminal assembly (900) is depicted as being located on one side of the battery assembly (100), this is merely an example, and there are no specific limitations on the terminal assembly (900) in the battery assembly (100). The terminal assembly (900) may include an HV terminal (910), a mold (920), a bolt member (930), and a nut member (940).

[0187] The HV terminal (910) may be electrically connected to the electrode leads (111) of the battery cells (110) or the connecting busbar (820), and a portion may be exposed to the outside of the battery assembly (100). The HV terminal (910) may include an electrically conductive material and may be electrically connected to another battery assembly, a battery disconnect unit (BDU), or an electrical component.

[0188] In addition to the busbar (810), the busbar frame (800) may be provided with a connecting busbar (820). Similar to the busbar (810), some of the electrode leads (111) of the battery cells (110) may be electrically connected to the connecting busbar (820). As one example, as shown in FIG. 28 or FIG. 31, the connecting busbar (820) may have a portion extending to the side of the busbar frame (800). An HV terminal (910) may be electrically connected to this connecting busbar (820). The HV terminal (910) may be electrically connected to the portion of the connecting busbar (820) that extends to the side of the busbar frame (800).

[0189] The mold (920) can cover a portion of the outer surface of the HV terminal (910). The mold (920) may include an electrically insulating material and can prevent a short circuit from occurring in the HV terminal (910), etc.

[0190] The bolt member (930) and the nut member (940) may be structures that assist in the electrical connection between the HV terminal (910) and the connecting busbar (820). One end of the bolt member (930) may be connected to the HV terminal (910) by the nut member (940). The HV terminal (910) may come into contact with the bolt member (930) while being secured between the bolt member (930) and the nut member (940). The other end of the bolt member (930) may be connected to the connecting busbar (820). The other end of the bolt member (930) may be connected to a portion of the connecting busbar (820) that extends to the side of the busbar frame (800). In this manner, the bolt member (930) may guide the electrical connection between the HV terminal (910) and the connecting busbar (820).

[0191] 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.

[0192] One or more battery assemblies according to the embodiment described above can be mounted on a device together with various control and protection systems, such as a Battery Management System (BMS), a Battery Disconnect Unit (BDU), and a cooling system.

[0193] The above device may be a means of transportation such as an electric bicycle, automobile, electric vehicle, or hybrid, or an Energy Storage System (ESS), but is not limited thereto and may be various devices capable of using a secondary battery.

[0194] 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.

[0195] Explanation of the symbols

[0196] 100: Battery assembly

[0197] 110: Battery cell

[0198] 120: Battery cell stack

[0199] 200: Frame

[0200] 300: Side plate

[0201] 400: Bottom Plate

[0202] 500: Sealing plate

[0203] 610: Inlet

[0204] 620: Outlet

[0205] 700: No sensing

Claims

1. A battery cell stack comprising multiple battery cells; A frame in which the above battery cell stack is housed; An inlet and an outlet for circulating refrigerant into the interior of the above frame; and A sensing member for transmitting voltage data and temperature data of the battery cells; including A battery assembly in which at least a portion of the above-mentioned sensing member is disposed on one side of the battery cell stack according to a first direction.

2. In Paragraph 1, A battery assembly in which the battery cells are stacked along the first direction in the above battery cell stack.

3. In Paragraph 1, A battery assembly in which, in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction, the refrigerant flows in at least one of the space between one side of the battery cell stack and one surface of the frame along the third direction or the space between the other side of the battery cell stack and the other surface of the frame along the third direction.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above third direction is a battery assembly in the height direction.

5. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a connector assembly with at least a portion exposed to the outside of the above frame, and A battery assembly in which the above-mentioned sensing member is connected to the above-mentioned connector assembly and transmits voltage data and temperature data of the above-mentioned battery cells to the above-mentioned connector assembly.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above sensing member is a battery assembly that is a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) or a flexible flat cable (FFC).

7. In Paragraph 1, A battery assembly in which side plates are disposed on each of the two sides of the battery cell stack according to the first direction.

8. In Paragraph 7, A battery assembly in which the side plate covers at least a portion of the sensing member.

9. In Paragraph 7, At least a portion of the sensing member is a battery assembly located between the side plate and one side of the battery cell stack according to the first direction.

10. In Paragraph 7, A recessed part is formed on the side plate facing the battery cell stack, and A battery assembly in which at least a portion of the above-mentioned sensing member is located in the above-mentioned indentation.

11. In Paragraph 7, The battery cell stack above includes pad members disposed at the outermost side with respect to the first direction, and At least a portion of the above-mentioned sensing member is a battery assembly located between the pad member and the side plate.

12. In Paragraph 7, In a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the battery cell stack includes busbar frames located on both sides according to the second direction, and The above side plates are a battery assembly combined with the above busbar frames.

13. In Paragraph 7, In the second direction perpendicular to the first direction above, The above battery cell stack includes a first battery cell stack and a second battery cell stack arranged along the second direction, and A battery assembly in which the above-mentioned side plate covers at least a portion of one side of the first battery cell stack and at least a portion of one side of the second battery cell stack.

14. In Paragraph 13, The battery cell stack includes at least one busbar frame located between the first battery cell stack and the second battery cell stack, and The above side plates are a battery assembly combined with the above busbar frames.

15. In Paragraph 7, A bottom plate covering the lower part of the battery cell stack is provided, and A battery assembly in which the above-mentioned side plate is combined with the above-mentioned bottom plate.

16. In Paragraph 7, In the second direction perpendicular to the first direction above, At least one sealing plate is located at at least one of the two sides according to the second direction with respect to the battery cell stack, and A battery assembly in which the above-mentioned side plate is combined with at least one of the above-mentioned sealing plates.

17. A device comprising a battery assembly according to paragraph 1.

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