Patent Description:
Due to their characteristics of being easily applicable to various products and electrical properties such as a high energy density, secondary batteries are not only commonly applied to portable devices, but universally applied to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicle (HEVs) that are driven by an electrical driving source. Such secondary batteries are gaining attention for their primary advantage of remarkably reducing the use of fossil fuels and not generating by-products from the use of energy, making it a new eco-friendly and energy efficient source of energy.

The types of secondary batteries widely used at present include lithium ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, nickel hydrogen batteries, nickel zinc batteries or the like. This unit secondary battery cell, i.e., a unit battery cell has an operating voltage of about <NUM>. 5V to <NUM>. Accordingly, when a higher output voltage is required, a plurality of battery cells may be connected in series to fabricate a battery pack. Additionally, the battery pack may be fabricated by connecting the plurality of battery cells in parallel according to the charge/discharge capacity required for the battery pack. Accordingly, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack may be variously set depending on the required output voltage or charge/discharge capacity.

Meanwhile, when fabricating the battery pack by connecting the plurality of battery cells in series/in parallel, it is general to make a battery module including at least one battery cell, and then fabricate a battery pack or a battery rack using at least one battery module with an addition of any other component.

In general, the conventional battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells and a cell frame accommodating the plurality of battery cells. In general, the conventional cell frame includes an assembly of a plurality of plates including a front plate, a rear plate, a side plate, a lower plate and an upper plate to accommodate the plurality of battery cells and ensure the strength.

However, due to the characteristics of the cell frame structure including the assembly of the plurality of plates, the conventional battery pack has the increased fabrication cost and the complex assembly process, and thus there are price competitiveness and fabrication efficiency disadvantages.

Furthermore, due to the cell frame structure including the assembly of the plurality of plates, the conventional battery pack has an increase in its total size and thus there is an energy density disadvantage.

The prior art relevant to the present invention is given by <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>. It is known from the prior art a battery module for an electrical storage system for an electric drive vehicle. The battery module includes a set of parallel cylindrical chemical batteries arranged side by side, at least two conductive plates arranged on said opposite sides and welded to the corresponding opposite terminals of said set of batteries, at least one refrigerated wall set adherent to one of said at least two conductive plates, at least one pad sandwiched between said at least one refrigerated wall and said at least one respective conductive plate, in which said pad is made of an electrically insulating and thermally conductive material.

Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to providing a battery pack with increased energy density and strength and a vehicle comprising the same.

Additionally, the present disclosure is further directed to providing a battery pack with improved price competitiveness and fabrication efficiency and a vehicle comprising the same.

Furthermore, the present disclosure is further directed to providing a battery pack with improved cooling performance and a vehicle comprising the same.

The present invention is defined according to the subject matter of the appended independent claim. Particular embodiments are given by the additional features of the appended dependent claims. To solve the above-described problem, there is provided a battery pack including a battery cell assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells; a busbar assembly on one side of the battery cell assembly; a cooling unit between the plurality of battery cells; and a cell accommodation unit which partitions the plurality of battery cells together with the cooling unit.

The battery pack includes a filling member filled in a space between the cooling unit and the plurality of battery cells.

Preferably, the filling member may be filled in the busbar assembly to cover the busbar assembly in at least part.

Preferably, the filling member may be filled to cover the battery cell assembly and the cell accommodation unit.

Preferably, the filling member may be continuously filled in between the busbar assembly and the battery cells in a vertical direction of the battery cell assembly.

Preferably, the filling member may include a potting resin.

Preferably, the cell accommodation unit may include at least one accommodation member formed with a predetermined length along a lengthwise direction of the battery cell assembly to cover at least one surface of the battery cells.

Preferably, the at least one accommodation member may have a shape corresponding to an outer surface of the plurality of facing battery cells.

Preferably, the battery pack may include a plurality of the accommodation members, and the plurality of accommodation members may be spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other along a widthwise direction of the battery cell assembly.

Preferably, each accommodation member may include a plurality of cell accommodation units accommodating the facing battery cells.

Preferably, the plurality of cell accommodation units may be concavely formed to a predetermined depth.

Preferably, the plurality of cell accommodation units may have a shape corresponding to an outer surface of the facing battery cells.

Preferably, an adhesive may be between the battery cells and the cell accommodation units.

Preferably, the adhesive may include a potting resin.

Preferably, the cooling unit may be between the plurality of accommodation members in the widthwise direction of the battery cell assembly.

Preferably, the cooling unit may include a plurality of cooling tubes formed with a predetermined length along the lengthwise direction of the battery cell assembly, arranged between the plurality of battery cells and having a cooling channel for cooling water circulation therein; and a cooling water inlet/outlet connected to the plurality of cooling tubes such that the cooling water inlet/outlet is in communication with the cooling channel of the plurality of cooling tubes.

Preferably, the plurality of cooling tubes may be arranged between the plurality of accommodation members.

Preferably, the cooling channel may include an upper channel close to the busbar assembly; a lower channel spaced apart from the upper channel; and a connection channel connecting the upper channel to the lower channel.

Preferably, the connect channel may be opposite to the cooling water inlet/outlet.

Preferably, the cooling water inlet/outlet may include a cooling water feed port connected to the upper channel; and a cooling water outlet port connected to the lower channel.

Preferably, the battery pack may include a plurality of the upper channels and a plurality of the lower channels.

Preferably, the battery pack may include a cell support unit coupled to the cell accommodation unit to support the battery cell assembly and the cooling unit.

Preferably, the cell support unit may include a support rib protruding to a predetermined height to support the cell accommodation unit.

Preferably, the battery pack may include a plurality of the support ribs, and the cooling unit may be between the plurality of the support ribs.

Preferably, the support rib may include an insertion groove of a predetermined depth into which a bottom of the cell accommodation unit is inserted.

Preferably, the cell support unit may be perpendicular to the cell accommodation unit.

Preferably, the cell accommodation unit may support sides of the battery cells, and the cell support unit may support a bottom of the battery cells.

Preferably, the cell support unit may include a cell mount unit on which the battery cells are mounted.

Preferably, the cell mount unit may be an opening of a predetermined size.

Preferably, the opening have a size that does not exceed a diameter of the battery cell.

Preferably, the cell accommodation units may be arranged in a honeycomb shape.

Preferably, the busbar assembly may provide to an upper side of the battery cell assembly.

In addition, the present disclosure provides a vehicle including at least one battery pack according to the above-described embodiments.

In addition, the present disclosure provides a battery pack including a battery cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a cell accommodation unit and a cell support unit coupled to each other to support the plurality of battery cells; and a filling member filled to cover the battery cell assembly and the cell accommodation unit.

Preferably, the cell support unit may be coupled perpendicular to the cell accommodation unit.

Preferably, the cell accommodation unit may have a reinforcement structure on two outermost sides to reinforce strength of the battery cell assembly.

Preferably, the reinforcement structure may be an angled shape structure protruding outward from the cell accommodation unit.

Preferably, the reinforcement structure may be continuous along a lengthwise direction of the battery cell assembly.

Preferably, the reinforcement structure may have a triangle prism shape or a trapezoidal shape.

Preferably, the filling member may be filled to cover the reinforcement structure.

According to the various embodiments as described above, it is possible to provide a battery pack with increased energy density and strength and a vehicle comprising the same.

Additionally, according to the various embodiments as described above, it is possible to provide a battery pack with improved price competitiveness and fabrication efficiency and a vehicle comprising the same.

Furthermore, according to the various embodiments as described above, it is possible to provide a battery pack with improved cooling performance and a vehicle comprising the same.

The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the detailed description of the present disclosure described below, serve to provide a further understanding of the technical aspects of the present disclosure, and thus the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the drawings.

The present disclosure will become apparent by describing an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiment described herein is provided by way of illustration to help an understanding of the present disclosure, and it should be understood that various modifications may be made to the present disclosure in other embodiments than the embodiment described herein. Additionally, to help an understanding of the present disclosure, the accompanying drawings are not shown in true scale and may depict some exaggerated elements.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the battery pack <NUM> may be provided in an electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle as an energy source. Hereinafter, the battery pack <NUM> provided in the electric vehicle will be described in more detail in the following relevant drawings.

The battery pack <NUM> may include a battery cell assembly <NUM>, a busbar assembly <NUM>, a cooling unit <NUM> and a cell accommodation unit <NUM>. a plurality of battery cells <NUM> of the battery cell assembly <NUM> may include secondary batteries, for example, cylindrical secondary batteries, pouch type secondary batteries or prismatic secondary batteries. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described based on cylindrical secondary batteries as the plurality of battery cells <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating the battery cell of the battery cell assembly of the battery pack of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, the plurality of battery cells <NUM> may be stacked such that they are electrically connected to each other. The plurality of battery cells <NUM> may have both a positive electrode <NUM> and a negative electrode <NUM> on top. Specifically, the positive electrode <NUM> of the battery cell <NUM> may be at the center of the top of the battery cell <NUM>, and the negative electrode <NUM> of the battery cell <NUM> may be at the edge of the top of the battery cell <NUM>.

In this embodiment, as described above, since both the positive electrode <NUM> and the negative electrode <NUM> of the plurality of battery cells <NUM> are on one side (+Z axis direction) of the battery cells <NUM>, to be specific, the upper side (+Z axis direction) of the battery cells <NUM>, it may be easier to establish an electrical connection to the busbar assembly <NUM> as described below.

Accordingly, in this embodiment, due to the structure in which the positive electrode <NUM> and the negative electrode <NUM> of the plurality of battery cells <NUM> are arranged in the same direction (+Z axis direction), it is possible to simplify the structure of connection to the busbar assembly <NUM> as described below and reduce the volume occupied by the electrical connection structure, compared to a structure in which the positive electrode and the negative electrode are arranged in either direction.

Accordingly, in this embodiment, it is possible to simplify the electrical connection structure between the battery cells <NUM> and the busbar assembly <NUM> as described below, thereby achieving the compact structure and improved energy density of the battery pack <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the battery cell <NUM> will be described in more detail.

The battery cell <NUM> may include an electrode assembly <NUM>, a battery can <NUM> and a top cap <NUM>. In addition to the above-described components, the battery cell <NUM> may further include a sealing gasket <NUM>, a current collector plate <NUM>, an insulation plate <NUM> and a connection plate <NUM>.

The electrode assembly <NUM> includes a first electrode plate having a first polarity, a second electrode plate having a second polarity and a separator interposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate. The electrode assembly <NUM> may have a jelly-roll shape. That is, the electrode assembly <NUM> may be formed by winding a stack around a winding center C, the stack formed by stacking the first electrode plate, the separator and the second electrode plate at least once in that order. In this case, the separator may be on the outer circumferential surface of the electrode assembly <NUM> for insulation from the battery can <NUM>. The first electrode plate is a positive or negative electrode plate, and the second electrode plate corresponds to an electrode plate having the opposite polarity to the first electrode plate.

The first electrode plate includes a first electrode current collector and a first electrode active material coated on one or two surfaces of the first electrode current collector. An uncoated region exists, in which the first electrode active material is not coated, at one end of the widthwise direction (parallel to the Z axis) of the first electrode current collector. The uncoated region may act as a first electrode tab <NUM>. The first electrode tab <NUM> is at the upper part of the heightwise direction (parallel to the Z axis) of the electrode assembly <NUM> accommodated in the battery can <NUM>.

The second electrode plate includes a second electrode current collector and a second electrode active material coated on one or two surfaces of the second electrode current collector. An uncoated region exists, in which the second electrode active material is not coated, at the other end of the widthwise direction (parallel to the Z axis) of the second electrode current collector. The uncoated region acts as a second electrode tab <NUM>. The second electrode tab <NUM> is at the lower part of the heightwise direction (parallel to the Z axis) of the electrode assembly <NUM> accommodated in the battery can <NUM>.

The battery can <NUM> is a cylindrical container having a top opening, and is made of a metal having conductive properties. The battery can <NUM> accommodates the electrode assembly <NUM> together with an electrolyte through the top opening.

The battery can <NUM> is electrically connected to the second electrode tab <NUM> of the electrode assembly <NUM>. Accordingly, the battery can <NUM> has the same polarity as the second electrode tab <NUM>. In this embodiment, the battery can <NUM> may act as the negative electrode <NUM>.

The battery can <NUM> includes a beading portion <NUM> and a crimping portion <NUM> at the upper end. The beading portion <NUM> is on the electrode assembly <NUM>. The beading portion <NUM> is formed by press-fitting the periphery of the outer circumferential surface of the battery can <NUM>. The beading portion <NUM> may prevent the electrode assembly <NUM> having a size corresponding to the width of the battery can <NUM> from slipping out of the top opening of the battery can <NUM>, and may act as a support on which the top cap <NUM> is seated.

A top edge <NUM> of the beading portion <NUM> of the battery can <NUM> may be inserted into or positioned in contact with a guide groove <NUM> of a negative electrode connection portion <NUM> of the busbar assembly <NUM> as described below. This is to make a welding process easier in the welding process for electrical connection between the busbar assembly <NUM> as described below and the battery can <NUM> that acts as the negative electrode <NUM>.

The crimping portion <NUM> is on the beading portion <NUM>. The crimping portion <NUM> is extended and bent to cover the outer circumferential surface of the top cap <NUM> on the beading portion <NUM> and part of the upper surface of the top cap <NUM>.

The top cap <NUM> is a component made of a metal having conductive properties, and covers the top opening of the battery can <NUM>. The top cap <NUM> is electrically connected to the first electrode tab <NUM> of the electrode assembly <NUM>, and electrically insulated from the battery can <NUM>. Accordingly, the top cap <NUM> may act as the positive electrode <NUM> of the battery cell <NUM>.

The top cap <NUM> is seated on the beading portion <NUM> of the battery can <NUM> and is fixed by the crimping portion <NUM>. The sealing gasket <NUM> may be interposed between the top cap <NUM> and the crimping portion <NUM> of the battery can <NUM> to ensure sealability of the battery can <NUM> and electrical insulation between the battery can <NUM> and the top cap <NUM>.

The top cap <NUM> may have a protruding part that protrudes upwards from the center. The protruding part may guide the contact with an electrical connection component, for example, busbars.

The current collector plate <NUM> is coupled on the electrode assembly <NUM>. The current collector plate <NUM> is made of a metal having conductive properties, and is connected to the first electrode tab <NUM>. A lead <NUM> may be connected to the current collector plate <NUM>, and the lead <NUM> may be extended upwards from the electrode assembly <NUM> and directly coupled to the top cap <NUM> or coupled to the connection plate <NUM> coupled to the lower surface of the top cap <NUM>.

The current collector plate <NUM> is coupled to the end of the first electrode tab <NUM>. The coupling between the first electrode tab <NUM> and the current collector plate <NUM> may be accomplished, for example, by laser welding. The laser welding may be performed by partially melting the base material of the current collector plate <NUM>, and may be performed with solders for welding interposed between the current collector plate <NUM> and the first electrode tab <NUM>. In this case, the solders may have a lower melting point than the current collector plate <NUM> and the first electrode tab <NUM>.

The current collector plate <NUM> may be coupled to the lower surface of the electrode assembly <NUM>. In this case, a surface of the current collector plate <NUM> may be coupled to the second electrode tab <NUM> of the electrode assembly <NUM> by welding, and the opposite surface may be coupled to the inner bottom surface of the battery can <NUM> by welding. The coupling structure of the current collector plate <NUM> coupled to the lower surface of the electrode assembly <NUM> and the second electrode tab <NUM> is substantially the same as the current collector plate <NUM> coupled to the upper surface of the electrode assembly <NUM> described above.

The insulation plate <NUM> is positioned between the upper end of the electrode assembly <NUM> and the beading portion <NUM> or between the current collector plate <NUM> coupled on the electrode assembly <NUM> and the beading portion <NUM> to prevent the contact between the first electrode tab <NUM> and the battery can <NUM> or the contact between the current collector plate <NUM> and the battery can <NUM>.

The insulation plate <NUM> has a lead hole <NUM> through which the lead <NUM> extending upwards from the current collector plate <NUM> or the first electrode tab <NUM> may come out. The lead <NUM> extending upwards through the lead hole <NUM> is coupled to the lower surface of the connection plate <NUM> or the lower surface of the top cap <NUM>.

As described above, the battery cell <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has a structure in which the top cap <NUM> provided on the upper side in the lengthwise direction (parallel to the Z axis in <FIG>) of the battery can <NUM> and the top edge <NUM> of the battery can <NUM> are used as the positive electrode <NUM> and the negative electrode <NUM>, respectively. Accordingly, in electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electrical connection component such as the busbar assembly <NUM> may be positioned on only one side of the battery cells <NUM>, thereby achieving the simplified structure and improved energy density.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a battery cell according to another embodiment of the battery cell assembly of <FIG>.

Since the battery cell <NUM> according to this embodiment is similar to the battery cell <NUM> of the previous embodiment, the substantially identical or similar elements to the previous embodiment is omitted to avoid redundancy, and hereinafter, description will be made based on difference(s) between this embodiment and the previous embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, in addition to the components of the battery cell <NUM> described previously, the battery cell <NUM> may further include a metal washer <NUM> and an insulation washer <NUM>.

The metal washer <NUM> is a component that is made of a metal having conductive properties and is approximately in the shape of a disc having a hole at the center. The metal washer <NUM> is coupled on the crimping portion <NUM> of the battery can <NUM>. The coupling between the metal washer <NUM> and the crimping portion <NUM> may be accomplished, for example, by laser welding.

The metal washer <NUM> is electrically insulated from the top cap <NUM>. The top cap <NUM> is exposed through the hole formed at the center of the metal washer <NUM>, and the metal washer <NUM> is spaced apart from the protruding part formed at the center of the top cap <NUM>. Additionally, the metal washer <NUM> is vertically spaced apart from the remaining part except the protruding part of the top cap <NUM>. Accordingly, the metal washer <NUM> is electrically connected to the second electrode tab <NUM> and the battery can <NUM> and may act as the negative electrode of the battery cell <NUM>.

A width D2 of the metal washer <NUM> is larger than a width D1 of the upper surface of the crimping portion <NUM> of the battery can <NUM>. This is to increase the coupling area between the electrical connection component such as the busbar assembly <NUM> and the metal washer <NUM> in coupling the electrical connection component to the metal washer <NUM> to connect the plurality of battery cells <NUM>. As described above, with the increasing coupling area between the electrical connection component and the metal washer <NUM>, it is possible to smoothly perform the welding process, improve the bonding strength between the two components and reduce the electrical resistance at the coupled part.

The insulation washer <NUM> is interposed between the top cap <NUM> and the metal washer <NUM>. The insulation washer <NUM> is made of a material having insulating properties. In the battery cell <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the top cap <NUM> acts as the positive electrode and the metal washer <NUM> acts as the negative electrode, the top cap <NUM> and the metal washer <NUM> need to maintain the electrical insulation condition. Accordingly, the insulation washer <NUM> may be preferably applied to stably maintain the insulation condition.

The insulation washer <NUM> is interposed between the lower surface of the metal washer <NUM> and the top cap <NUM>. As described above, the metal washer <NUM> has a larger width D2 than the width D1 of the upper surface of the crimping portion <NUM>, and is extended from the crimping portion <NUM> to the protruding part at the center of the top cap <NUM>. Accordingly, the insulation washer <NUM> may be extended to cover the inner surface of the hole formed at the center of the metal washer <NUM> to prevent the contact between the inner surface of the hole formed at the center of the metal washer <NUM> and the protruding part of the top cap <NUM>.

When the insulation washer <NUM> is made of resin, the insulation washer <NUM> may be coupled to the metal washer <NUM> and the top cap <NUM> by heat fusion. In this case, it is possible to enhance sealability at the coupling interface between the insulation washer <NUM> and the metal washer <NUM> and the coupling interface between the insulation washer <NUM> and the top cap <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the busbar assembly <NUM> for electrical connection to the plurality of battery cells <NUM> will be described in more detail.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the busbar assembly of the battery pack of <FIG>, and <FIG> is a perspective view of the connection busbar of the busbar assembly of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the busbar assembly <NUM> may be on the battery cell assembly <NUM> (+Z axis direction) and electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells <NUM>. The electrical connection of the busbar assembly <NUM> may be a parallel and/or series connection.

The busbar assembly <NUM> may be electrically connected to the positive electrode <NUM> (see <FIG>) and the negative electrode <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the plurality of battery cells <NUM> (see <FIG>), and electrically connected to an external charge/discharge line through connectors <NUM>, <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the components of the busbar assembly <NUM> will be described in more detail.

The busbar assembly <NUM> may include a pair of main busbars <NUM>, <NUM>, a connection busbar <NUM>, a cooling unit insertion slot <NUM> and the pair of connectors <NUM>, <NUM>.

The pair of main busbars <NUM>, <NUM> may be electrically connected to the battery cell assembly <NUM>, and may include the connectors <NUM>, <NUM> connected to the external charge/discharge line.

The pair of main busbars <NUM>, <NUM> may be electrically connected to the battery cells <NUM> positioned at two outermost sides (X axis direction) among the battery cells <NUM> of the battery cell assembly <NUM>. Specifically, each of the pair of main busbars <NUM>, <NUM> may be electrically connected to each of the battery cells <NUM> positioned on the outermost sides, in the lengthwise direction (X axis direction) of the battery cell assembly <NUM>.

The pair of main busbars <NUM>, <NUM> may include the main positive electrode busbar <NUM> and the main negative electrode busbar <NUM>.

The main positive electrode busbar <NUM> may be positioned at one side (-X axis direction) of the busbar assembly <NUM> on the battery cell assembly <NUM> (+Z axis direction). The main positive electrode busbar <NUM> may be electrically connected to the positive electrode <NUM> of the battery cells <NUM> positioned on one outermost side (-X axis direction) of the battery cell assembly <NUM>. The electrical connection may be established through a welding process for electrical connection such as laser welding or ultrasonic welding.

The main positive electrode busbar <NUM> may include the positive connector <NUM> as described below for connection to the charge/discharge line. The positive connector <NUM> may be provided on one side (-X axis direction) of the main positive electrode busbar <NUM> in a protruding manner.

The main negative electrode busbar <NUM> may be at the other side (+X axis direction) of the busbar assembly <NUM> on the battery cell assembly <NUM> (+Z axis direction). The main negative electrode busbar <NUM> may be electrically connected to the negative electrode <NUM> of the battery cells <NUM> positioned on the other outermost side (+X axis direction) of the battery cell assembly <NUM>. The electrical connection may be established through a welding process for electrical connection such as laser welding or ultrasonic welding.

The main negative electrode busbar <NUM> may include the negative connector <NUM> as described below for connection to the charge/discharge line. The negative connector <NUM> may be provided on the other side (+X axis direction) of the main negative electrode busbar <NUM> in a protruding manner.

The connection busbar <NUM> is used to electrically connect the plurality of battery cells <NUM>, and a plurality of connection busbars <NUM> may be provided. The plurality of connection busbars <NUM> may be electrically connected to the pair of main busbars <NUM>, <NUM>, and connected to the positive electrode <NUM> and the negative electrode <NUM> of the plurality of battery cells <NUM>.

The plurality of connection busbars <NUM> may be spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other along the lengthwise direction (X axis direction) of the battery cell assembly <NUM>. Furthermore, the plurality of connection busbars <NUM> may be between the main positive electrode busbar <NUM> and the main negative electrode busbar <NUM> in the lengthwise direction (X axis direction) of the busbar assembly <NUM>.

Each of the plurality of connection busbars <NUM> may include a layer body <NUM> and electrode connection portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

The layer body <NUM> may be formed with a predetermined length along the widthwise direction (Y axis direction) of the battery cell assembly <NUM>. The layer body <NUM> may be provided in a shape corresponding to the arrangement structure of the battery cells <NUM> in the widthwise direction (Y axis direction) of the battery cell assembly <NUM> for electrical connection to the battery cells <NUM>.

The layer body <NUM> may be made of a conductive material. For example, the layer body <NUM> may be made of a metal, for example, aluminum or copper. The layer body <NUM> is not limited thereto and may be made of any other material for the electrical connection.

A support layer may be on the bottom of the layer body <NUM> to support the busbar layer <NUM>. The support layer may be on the bottom (-Z axis direction) of the layer body <NUM> to support the layer body <NUM>. The support layer may have a shape corresponding to the layer body <NUM>, and may be fixed in contact with the bottom (-Z axis direction) of the layer body <NUM>.

The support layer may be made of an insulating material to prevent an electrical short between the plurality of battery cells <NUM> and the layer body <NUM>. For example, the support layer may include a polyimide film. The support layer is not limited thereto, and may include any other insulation member made of an insulating material.

The electrode connection portions <NUM>, <NUM> may protrude from the layer body <NUM> and may be connected to the positive electrode <NUM> and the negative electrode <NUM> of the battery cells <NUM>. Specifically, the electrode connection portions <NUM>, <NUM> may include the positive electrode connection portion <NUM> and the negative electrode connection portion <NUM>.

A plurality of positive electrode connection portions <NUM> may be provided, and may protrude to a predetermined size on one side (+X axis direction) of the layer body <NUM> and may be spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other along the lengthwise direction (Y axis direction) of the layer body <NUM>.

The plurality of positive electrode connection portions <NUM> may be electrically connected to the positive electrode <NUM> of the battery cells <NUM> of the battery cell assembly <NUM> below the busbar assembly <NUM> (-Z axis direction). The electrical connection may be established through a welding process for electrical connection such as laser welding or ultrasonic welding.

A plurality of negative electrode connection portions <NUM> may be provided, and may protrude to a predetermined size on the other side (-X axis direction) of the layer body <NUM> and may be spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other along the lengthwise direction (Y axis direction) of the layer body <NUM>.

The plurality of negative electrode connection portions <NUM> may be electrically connected to the negative electrode <NUM> of the battery cells <NUM> of the battery cell assembly <NUM> below the busbar assembly <NUM> (-Z axis direction). The electrical connection may be established through a welding process for electrical connection such as laser welding or ultrasonic welding.

The cooling unit insertion slot <NUM> may be provided in the main busbar <NUM>, and allow one end <NUM> of the cooling unit <NUM> as described below to pass therethrough. Specifically, a plurality of cooling unit insertion slots <NUM> may be provided in the main negative electrode busbar <NUM>, and allow a cooling water inlet/outlet <NUM> of the cooling unit <NUM> as described below to pass therethrough. The cooling water inlet/outlet <NUM> as described below may pass through the cooling unit insertion slot <NUM> and may be exposed beyond the front side (+X axis direction) of the main busbar <NUM> in the same way as the connector <NUM> as described below.

The pair of connectors <NUM>, <NUM> is used for connection to the external charge/discharge line, and may include the positive connector <NUM> and the negative connector <NUM>. The positive connector <NUM> may be provided on one side (-X axis direction) of the main positive electrode busbar <NUM> in a protruding manner, and the negative connector <NUM> may be provided on the other side (+X axis direction) of the main negative electrode busbar <NUM> in a protruding manner.

Referring back to <FIG>, the cooling unit <NUM> is used to cool the battery cell assembly <NUM>, and may be positioned below the busbar assembly <NUM> (-Z axis direction) between the plurality of battery cells <NUM> along the lengthwise direction (X axis direction) of the battery cell assembly <NUM>.

A plurality of cooling units <NUM> may be provided.

The plurality of cooling units <NUM> may be arranged facing the plurality of battery cells <NUM> in the widthwise direction (Y axis direction) of the plurality of battery cell assemblies <NUM>. Here, the plurality of cooling units <NUM> may be positioned in contact with the facing battery cells <NUM> to increase the cooling performance.

Hereinafter, the cooling unit <NUM> will be described in more detail.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the cooling unit of the battery pack of <FIG>, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the cooling unit of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> together with <FIG>, the cooling unit <NUM> may include a cooling tube <NUM>, a cooling channel <NUM> and the cooling water inlet/outlet <NUM>.

The cooling tube <NUM> may be formed with a predetermined size along the lengthwise direction (X axis direction) of the battery cell assembly <NUM>, and may be between the plurality of battery cells <NUM> and include the cooling channel <NUM> in which cooling water as described below circulates.

The cooling tube <NUM> may be formed in a shape corresponding to the outer surface the plurality of facing battery cells <NUM> in the widthwise direction (Y axis direction) of the battery cell assembly <NUM>.

The cooling tube <NUM> may have a plurality of convex portions <NUM> and a plurality of concave portions <NUM> in an alternating manner along the lengthwise direction (X axis direction) of the battery cell assembly, the convex portions <NUM> and the concave portions <NUM> having convex and concave shapes in the widthwise direction (Y axis direction) of the battery cell assembly <NUM>, respectively.

The cooling tube <NUM> may be positioned in contact with the outer surface of the plurality of battery cells <NUM> to further increase the cooling performance of the battery cell assembly <NUM>. The cooling tube <NUM> may be adhered and fixed to the plurality of battery cells <NUM> through a filling member <NUM> as described below or a separate adhesive member.

The cooling channel <NUM> may allow the cooling water for cooling the battery cell assembly <NUM> to circulate, and may be in the cooling tube <NUM> and connected in communication with the cooling water inlet/outlet <NUM> as described below.

The cooling channel <NUM> may include an upper channel <NUM>, a lower channel <NUM> and a connection channel <NUM>.

The upper channel <NUM> may be on the cooling tube <NUM> near the busbar assembly <NUM>, and may be formed with a predetermined length along the lengthwise direction (X axis direction) of the cooling tube <NUM>. The upper channel <NUM> may be connected in communication with a cooling water feed port <NUM> of the cooling water inlet/outlet <NUM>.

At least one upper channel <NUM> may be provided. Hereinafter, this embodiment is described based on a plurality of upper channels <NUM> provided to ensure the cooling performance.

The lower channel <NUM> may be below the cooling tube <NUM> (-Z axis direction) spaced apart from the at least one upper channel <NUM>, and may be formed with a predetermined length along the lengthwise direction (X axis direction) of the cooling tube <NUM>. The lower channel <NUM> may be connected in communication with a cooling water outlet port <NUM> of the cooling water inlet/outlet <NUM>.

At least one lower channel <NUM> may be provided. Hereinafter, this embodiment is described based on a plurality of lower channels <NUM> provided to ensure the cooling performance.

The connection channel <NUM> may connect the at least one upper channel, in this embodiment, the plurality of upper channels <NUM> to the at least one lower channel, in this embodiment, the plurality of lower channels <NUM>.

The connection channel <NUM> may be at the other end of the cooling tube <NUM> (+X axis direction) opposite the cooling water inlet/outlet <NUM> to maximize the cooling channel <NUM>.

In this embodiment, during the circulation of the cooling water in the cooling channel <NUM>, the cooling water fed from the cooling water feed port <NUM> may be fed to the upper channel <NUM> close to the busbar assembly <NUM> and move to the cooling water outlet port <NUM> through the connection channel <NUM> and the lower channel <NUM>.

Accordingly, in this embodiment, cold cooling water may be fed to an area close to the busbar assembly <NUM> having a higher temperature distribution in the battery pack <NUM>, thereby significantly improving the cooling performance of the battery cell assembly <NUM>.

The cooling water inlet/outlet <NUM> may be connected to the cooling tube <NUM> such that it communicates with the cooling channel <NUM> of the cooling tube <NUM>. The cooling water inlet/outlet <NUM> may be connected in communication with an external cooling line through the cooling unit insertion slot <NUM>.

The cooling water inlet/outlet <NUM> may be on one side (+X axis direction) along the lengthwise direction (X axis direction) of the battery cell assembly <NUM>. The cooling tube <NUM> connected to the cooling water inlet/outlet <NUM> may be formed with a predetermined length from the cooling water inlet/outlet <NUM> toward the other side of the battery cell assembly <NUM> (-X axis direction) in the lengthwise direction (X axis direction) of the battery cell assembly <NUM>.

The cooling water inlet/outlet <NUM> may include an inlet/outlet body <NUM>, the cooling water feed port <NUM> and the cooling water outlet port <NUM>.

The inlet/outlet body <NUM> may be connected to one end (+X axis direction) of the cooling tube <NUM>. A connection pipe <NUM> as described below may be on the inlet/outlet body <NUM> (+Z axis direction).

The cooling water feed port <NUM> may be in the inlet/outlet body <NUM> and connected in communication with the upper channel <NUM>. The cooling water feed port <NUM> may be connected in communication with the external cooling line.

The cooling water outlet port <NUM> may be in the inlet/outlet body <NUM> and connected in communication with the lower channel <NUM>. The cooling water outlet port <NUM> may be spaced a predetermined distance apart from the cooling water feed port <NUM> and connected in communication with the external cooling line.

Referring back to <FIG>, the cell accommodation unit <NUM> is used to ensure the strength of the battery cell assembly <NUM>, and may be positioned in a honeycomb shape. The cell accommodation unit <NUM> may surround the cooling unit <NUM> and the battery cell assembly <NUM> in at least part. The cell accommodation unit <NUM> may partition the plurality of battery cells <NUM> together with the cooling unit <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the cell accommodation unit of the battery pack of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, the cell accommodation unit <NUM> may include a reinforcement structure on two outermost sides to reinforce the strength of the battery cell assembly <NUM>.

The reinforcement structure may have an angled shape structure protruding outward from the cell accommodation unit. For example, the reinforcement structure may have a triangular prism shape or a trapezoidal shape. That is, in this embodiment, the two outermost sides of the cell accommodation unit <NUM> having the reinforcement structure may be formed with a protruding angled shape structure, not a curve shape. The reinforcement structure may be continuous along the lengthwise direction (X axis direction) of the battery cell assembly <NUM>. In case that the outermost surface is a concave curved surface, the thickness of the cell accommodation unit <NUM> on the outermost side reduces, failing to ensure the strength, and in case that the outermost surface is a convex curved surface, the thickness of the outermost surface increases, failing to ensure the optimal injection amount of resin on the outermost side. In this embodiment, through the angled shape structure, it is possible to ensure the strength and ensure the optimal injection amount of resin on the outermost side.

The cell accommodation unit <NUM> may include at least one accommodation member <NUM> formed with a predetermined length along the lengthwise direction (X axis direction) of the battery cell assembly <NUM> to cover at least one side of the battery cells <NUM>. The at least one accommodation member <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the facing battery cells <NUM> to accommodate the plurality of facing battery cells <NUM>.

A plurality of accommodation members <NUM> may be provided, and may be spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other along the widthwise direction (Y axis direction) of the battery cell assembly <NUM>.

The cooling unit <NUM> may be between the plurality of accommodation members <NUM>. Specifically, the cooling unit <NUM> may be between the plurality of accommodation members <NUM> in the widthwise direction (Y axis direction) of the battery cell assembly <NUM>. More specifically, the plurality of cooling tubes <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the cooling unit <NUM> may be between the plurality of accommodation members <NUM>.

The plurality of accommodation members <NUM> may ensure the strength of the battery cell assembly <NUM> and the cooling unit <NUM> and occupy a predetermined space in the battery pack <NUM> to reduce the injection amount of the filling member <NUM> as described below. When the filling member <NUM> comprises the silicone resin as described below, the price is relatively high, but it is possible to reduce the injection amount of the silicone resin through the plurality of accommodation members <NUM>, thereby achieving more price competitiveness in the fabrication of the battery pack <NUM>.

Each accommodation member <NUM> may include a plurality of cell accommodation portions <NUM>.

The plurality of cell accommodation portions <NUM> is used to accommodate the facing battery cells <NUM> in at least part, and when accommodating the battery cells <NUM> in the accommodation member <NUM>, the corresponding number of cell accommodation portions <NUM> may be provided at a location corresponding to the facing battery cells <NUM>.

The plurality of cell accommodation portions <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the facing battery cells <NUM> and may be formed with a predetermined depth to accommodate the outer surface of the facing battery cells <NUM> in at least part. Specifically, the plurality of cell accommodation portions <NUM> may be concavely formed with the predetermined depth, and have a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the facing battery cells <NUM>.

An adhesive may be applied between the battery cells <NUM> and the cell accommodation units <NUM> to increase the fixing strength of the battery cells <NUM> when accommodating the battery cells <NUM> through the plurality of cell accommodation portions <NUM>. Meanwhile, here, the adhesive may include an adhesive material or an adhesive tape having a predetermined adhesive strength, and the filling member <NUM> as described below may be used for the adhesive. That is, the adhesive may include a potting resin.

Meanwhile, the accommodation members <NUM> between the accommodation members <NUM> on the outermost side may include the plurality of cell accommodation portions <NUM> on two sides in the widthwise direction (Y axis direction). Here, the cell accommodation units <NUM> on the two sides of each accommodation member <NUM> in the widthwise direction Y may be arranged in a staggered manner along the lengthwise direction (X axis direction) of the accommodation member <NUM>. This is to accommodate the maximum number of cylindrical battery cells <NUM>.

Referring back to <FIG>, the filling member <NUM> may be filled in a space between the cooling unit <NUM> and the plurality of battery cells <NUM> in the heightwise direction (Z axis direction) of the battery pack <NUM>.

Meanwhile, in <FIG>, the filling member <NUM> is indicated by a hexahedron prism shaped dashed line for convenience of understanding, and the filling member <NUM> may be fully filled in the space between the cooling unit <NUM> and the plurality of battery cells <NUM>.

The filling member <NUM> may prevent thermal runaway of the battery cells <NUM>, fix the battery cells <NUM> more stably, and increase the heat distribution efficiency of the plurality of battery cells <NUM>, thereby further increasing the cooling performance of the battery cells <NUM>.

The filling member <NUM> may include a potting resin. The potting resin may be formed by injecting a thin resin material into the plurality of battery cells <NUM> and curing it. Here, the injection of the resin material may be performed at room temperature of about <NUM> to <NUM> to prevent thermal damage of the plurality of battery cells <NUM>.

Specifically, the filling member <NUM> may include a silicone resin. The filling member <NUM> is not limited thereto, and may include any resin material other than the silicone resin, capable of fixing the battery cells <NUM> and improving the heat distribution efficiency.

More specifically, the filling member <NUM> may cover the non-contact area of the battery cells <NUM> with the cooling tube <NUM>, and guide the heat balance of the battery cells <NUM> to prevent the cooling imbalance of the battery cells <NUM>, thereby preventing the local degradation of the battery cells <NUM>. Additionally, it is possible to significantly improve the safety of the battery cells <NUM> through the local degradation prevention of the battery cells <NUM>.

Additionally, the filling member <NUM> may act as an insulator to obstruct the flow of electricity to the adjacent battery cells <NUM> when damage occurs due to an abnormal situation in at least one specific battery cell <NUM> among the plurality of battery cells <NUM>.

Additionally, the filling member <NUM> may include a material having high specific heat performance. Accordingly, the filling member <NUM> may increase the thermal mass to delay a temperature rise of the battery cells <NUM> during fast charge/discharge of the battery cells <NUM>, thereby preventing a rapid temperature rise of the battery cells <NUM>.

Additionally, the filling member <NUM> may include glass bubble. The glass bubble may reduce the specific weight of the filling member <NUM>, thereby increasing the energy density compared to the weight.

Additionally, the filling member <NUM> may include a material having high heat resistance performance. Accordingly, the filling member <NUM> may effectively prevent thermal runaway to the adjacent battery cells when a thermal event occurs due to overheat in at least one specific battery cell <NUM> among the plurality of battery cells <NUM>.

Additionally, the filling member <NUM> may comprise a material having high flame retardant performance. Accordingly, the filling member <NUM> may minimize a fire risk when a thermal event occurs due to overheat in at least one specific battery cell <NUM> among the plurality of battery cells <NUM>.

In addition to the battery cells <NUM>, the filling member <NUM> may be filled in the busbar assembly <NUM>. Specifically, the battery cells <NUM> may be filled in the busbar assembly <NUM> to cover the busbar assembly <NUM> in at least part.

Here, the filling member <NUM> may be continuously filled in between the busbar assembly <NUM> and the battery cells <NUM> without a discontinued or isolated space between the busbar assembly <NUM> and the battery cells <NUM> in the vertical direction (Z axis direction) of the battery cell assembly <NUM>.

The filling member <NUM> may fix the plurality of battery cells <NUM> and the busbar assembly <NUM> more stably. Furthermore, the filling member <NUM> may effectively stop the spread of flames and heat to the adjacent battery cells <NUM> and the busbar assembly <NUM> when flames occur at the upper part of the battery cells <NUM> due to the thermal event.

Since the filling member <NUM> according to this embodiment is continuously filled in the battery cells <NUM> and the busbar assembly <NUM> without discontinuity, it is possible to achieve uniform heat distribution in the area between the battery cells <NUM> and the busbar assembly <NUM> without imbalance in heat distribution, thereby significantly increase the cooling performance of the battery pack <NUM>.

Furthermore, the filling member <NUM> may be filled to fully cover the cell accommodation unit <NUM> as described below. Here, the filling member <NUM> may be continuously filled in the battery cells <NUM>, the busbar assembly <NUM> and the cell accommodation unit <NUM> without discontinuity. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the cooling performance of the battery pack <NUM>. Furthermore, the filling member <NUM> may be filled to cover the reinforcement structure of the cell accommodation unit <NUM>.

Additionally, the filling member <NUM> may be filled to cover the cell support unit <NUM> as described below in at least part. Here, the filling member <NUM> may be continuously filled in the battery cells <NUM>, the busbar assembly <NUM>, the cooling unit <NUM> and the cell accommodation unit <NUM> without discontinuity. Accordingly, it is possible to further improve the cooling performance of the battery pack <NUM>.

Here, the filling member <NUM> may be continuously filled in the battery cells <NUM>, the busbar assembly <NUM>, the cooling unit <NUM>, the cell accommodation unit <NUM> and the cell support unit <NUM> without discontinuity. Accordingly, it is possible to further improve the cooling performance of the battery pack <NUM>.

Additionally, since the filling member <NUM> may be filled to cover the battery cells <NUM>, it is possible to effectively prevent thermal runaway that may occur to the adjacent battery cells <NUM> when a thermal event of the specific battery cell occurs.

Referring back to <FIG>, the battery pack <NUM> may further include the cell support unit <NUM>.

The cell support unit <NUM> may be below the cell accommodation unit <NUM> to support the battery cell assembly <NUM> and the cooling unit <NUM>. The cell support unit <NUM> may support the battery cell assembly <NUM> together with the cell accommodation unit <NUM>. Specifically, the cell support unit <NUM> may support the bottom of the battery cells <NUM>, and the cell accommodation unit <NUM> may support the side of the battery cells <NUM>.

The cell support unit <NUM> may be positioned perpendicular to the cell accommodation unit <NUM>. Specifically, the cell support unit <NUM> may be coupled perpendicular to the cell accommodation unit <NUM>, and may ensure the strength of the battery pack <NUM> together with the cell accommodation unit <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the cell support unit <NUM> will be described in more detail.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the cell support unit of the battery pack of <FIG>, and <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a support rib according to another embodiment of the cell support unit of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the cell support unit <NUM> may include a cell mount portion <NUM> and the support rib <NUM>.

The plurality of battery cells <NUM> may be seated on the cell mount portion <NUM>, or may be inserted and mounted on the cell mount portion <NUM>.

Specifically, the cell mount portion <NUM> may be an opening in a predetermined size, and a plurality of cell mount portions <NUM> corresponding to the plurality of battery cells <NUM> may be provided. Here, the size of the opening may not exceed the diameter of the battery cell <NUM>. The cell mount portion <NUM> may guide the support of the battery cell <NUM> and guide the smoother and faster gas release through the venting portion below the battery cell <NUM> through the opening.

The support rib <NUM> may be on the upper surface of the cell support unit <NUM> and may protrude to a predetermined height to support the bottom of the cell accommodation unit <NUM>. The support rib <NUM> may be formed with a predetermined length along the lengthwise direction (X axis direction) of the battery cell assembly <NUM>.

A plurality of support ribs <NUM> may be provided, and the cooling unit <NUM>, especially, the cooling tube <NUM> of the cooling unit <NUM> may be between the plurality of support ribs <NUM>. Accordingly, the cooling tube <NUM> may be seated between the support ribs <NUM> on the upper surface of the cell support unit <NUM>. Here, the lower surface of the cooling tube <NUM> may form a step with the support ribs <NUM>. Accordingly, the support rib <NUM> may effectively prevent the movement of the cooling tube <NUM> out of the support ribs <NUM> when a movement such as a sway occurs to the cooling tube <NUM>.

The bottom of the cell accommodation unit <NUM> may be seated on the plurality of support ribs <NUM>. An adhesive member, for example, a thermal adhesive, may be applied to the upper surface of the plurality of support ribs <NUM> to support the cell accommodation unit <NUM> more stably.

Referring to <FIG>, the plurality of support ribs <NUM> of the cell support unit <NUM> may have an insertion groove <NUM> of a predetermined depth into which the bottom of the cell accommodation unit <NUM> is inserted.

The insertion groove <NUM> may have the predetermined depth inside the support ribs <NUM> protruding upwards (+Z axis direction) from the cell support unit <NUM> and a size enough for the insertion of the bottom of the cell accommodation unit <NUM>. When the cell accommodation unit <NUM> is fixed to the cell support unit <NUM>, the cell accommodation unit <NUM> may be inserted into the insertion groove <NUM> of the support rib <NUM> and fixed to the cell support unit <NUM> more stably.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating pack case structure formation through the filling member of the battery pack of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the manufacturer may form the pack case of the battery pack <NUM> through the filling member <NUM> made of the resin material by injecting and applying the filling member <NUM> through a resin injector I. Here, the filling member <NUM> may be the silicone resin.

In this instance, to inject and coat the filling member <NUM> more smoothly, after assembled together, the battery cell assembly <NUM>, the busbar assembly <NUM>, the cooling unit <NUM>, the cell accommodation unit <NUM> and the cell support unit <NUM> may be temporarily mounted in a mold (not shown) for guiding the injection of the filling member <NUM>. Here, the mold may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the pack case, and may have a shape for exposing the component that is connected to an external device, such as the positive connector <NUM>, the negative connector <NUM>, the cooling water inlet/outlet <NUM> and one end of the cell support unit <NUM>.

When the filling member <NUM> is cured in the mold, the filling member <NUM> may form the pack case that forms the appearance of the battery pack <NUM>, and subsequently, the manufacturer may remove the mold.

Accordingly, in this embodiment, since the pack case is formed through the filling member <NUM> made of the potting resin, compared to the conventional pack case formed as a complex assembly of a plurality of plates, it is possible to simplify the assembly process of the battery pack <NUM> and significantly reduce the fabrication cost, thereby improving the price competitiveness.

Furthermore, compared to the conventional cell frame structure including an assembly of a plurality of plates, in this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the total size of the battery pack <NUM> through the pack case structure formed by the filling member <NUM>, thereby significantly increasing the energy density.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a cell accommodation unit according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and <FIG> is an enlarged diagram of the main part of the cell accommodation unit of <FIG>.

Since the cell accommodation unit <NUM> according to this embodiment is similar to the cell accommodation unit <NUM> of the previous embodiment, the substantially identical or similar elements to the previous embodiment are omitted to avoid redundancy, and hereinafter, description will be made based on difference(s) between this embodiment and the previous embodiment.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the cell accommodation unit <NUM> may include a plurality of accommodation members <NUM>. In the same way as the previous embodiment, the plurality of accommodation members <NUM> may include a plurality of cell accommodation portions <NUM>. Since the cell accommodation unit <NUM> has been described above in detail, an overlapping description is omitted in the following description.

The accommodation members <NUM> on two outermost sides among the plurality of accommodation members <NUM> may include a guide stop <NUM>.

The guide stop <NUM> may protrude to a predetermined height at the two upper ends in the lengthwise direction (X axis direction) of the accommodation members <NUM> arranged on the two outermost sides. When the assembly of the accommodation members <NUM> is completed, the guide stop <NUM> may form a predetermined edge in the lengthwise direction (X axis direction) of the cell accommodation unit <NUM>.

The guide stop <NUM> may increase the injection accuracy of the filling member <NUM> when injecting the filling member <NUM> as described below, thereby improving the injection process efficiency.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating pack case structure formation through the filling member of the battery pack including the cell accommodation unit of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, when the operator injects and applies the filling member <NUM> of the silicone resin through the mold and the resin injector I, the guide stop <NUM> may increase the injection accuracy of the filling member <NUM>.

Specifically, the guide stop <NUM> may be provided with a predetermined height at the upper surface edge of the cell accommodation unit <NUM> in the lengthwise direction of the cell accommodation unit <NUM> and have a larger height than the upper surface of the busbar assembly <NUM>. The operator may inject the filling member <NUM> by a height difference between the guide stop <NUM> and the busbar assembly <NUM> in the vertical direction (Z axis direction) of the cell accommodation unit <NUM>. When there is no guide stop <NUM>, the operator may have difficulty in determining the optimal injection amount of the filling member <NUM> for covering the busbar assembly <NUM> when injecting.

In this embodiment, when injecting the filling member <NUM> for covering the busbar assembly <NUM>, the filling member <NUM> may be injected by the predetermined height guided through the guide stop <NUM>, thereby significantly increasing the injection accuracy and injection efficiency by the operator. Additionally, the operator may determine when to stop injecting the filling member <NUM> through the guide stop <NUM> more easily.

Accordingly, the operator may increase the injection accuracy and reduce the process time in the injection process of the filling member <NUM>. Additionally, it is possible to ensure the optimal injection amount of the filling member <NUM>, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the battery pack <NUM> and significantly increase the price competitiveness.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the vehicle <NUM> may be an electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle, and may include at least one battery pack <NUM> of the previous embodiment as an energy source.

In this embodiment, since the above-described battery pack <NUM> is provided with a compact structure having high energy density, it is easy to achieve a modularized structure of a plurality of battery packs <NUM> when mounted in the vehicle <NUM>, and it is possible to ensure a relatively high degree of freedom in mounting in various inner space shapes of the vehicle <NUM>.

According to the various embodiments as described above, it is possible to provide the battery pack <NUM> with increased energy density and strength and the vehicle <NUM> comprising the same.

Additionally, according to the various embodiments as described above, it is possible to provide the battery pack <NUM> with improved price competitiveness and fabrication efficiency and the vehicle <NUM> comprising the same.

Furthermore, according to the various embodiments as described above, it is possible to provide the battery pack <NUM> with improved cooling performance and the vehicle <NUM> comprising the same.

Claim 1:
A battery pack (<NUM>), comprising:
a battery cell assembly (<NUM>) comprising a plurality of battery cells (<NUM>);
a busbar assembly (<NUM>) on one side of the battery cell assembly (<NUM>);
a cooling unit (<NUM>) between the plurality of battery cells (<NUM>); and
a cell accommodation unit (<NUM>, <NUM>) which partitions the plurality of battery cells (<NUM>) together with the cooling unit (<NUM>);
characterized by
a filling member (<NUM>) filled in a space between the cooling unit (<NUM>) and the plurality of battery cells (<NUM>).