Battery pack and vehicle comprising the same

Abstract

The battery pack of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a plurality of pouch-type battery cells each having a plurality of electrode leads; a pack case that accommodates the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in an internal space; a cell cover configured to enclose a portion of at least one of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in the internal space of the pack case; a busbar assembly configured to connect the electrode leads of the enclosed pouch-type battery cells; and an end cover coupled to one side of the busbar assembly.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and an automobile including the same, and more specifically, to a battery pack with improved stability and the like and an automobile including the same. Background Technology

[0002] As technology development and demand for various mobile devices, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems (ESS) increase significantly, interest and demand for secondary batteries as an energy source are rapidly increasing.

[0003] While nickel-cadmium or nickel-hydrogen batteries were widely used as conventional secondary batteries, recently, lithium secondary batteries are being widely used. Compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, they exhibit almost no memory effect, allowing for free charging and discharging, have a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0004] These lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative active materials, respectively. The lithium secondary battery comprises an electrode assembly in which a positive plate and a negative plate, each coated with the positive and negative active materials, are arranged with a separator in between, and an outer casing, namely a battery case, that seals and houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0005] Generally, secondary batteries can be classified according to the shape of the casing into can-type batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a metal can, and pouch-type batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch of aluminum laminate sheet.

[0006] Recently, battery modules are widely used for driving or energy storage in medium to large-sized devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

[0007] Conventional battery packs include one or more battery modules and a control unit for controlling the charging and discharging of the battery modules inside a pack case. Here, the battery module is configured to contain multiple battery cells inside a module case. That is, in the case of a conventional battery pack, multiple battery cells (secondary batteries) are housed inside a module case to form individual battery modules, and one or more of these battery modules are housed inside a pack case to form a battery pack. In particular, while pouch-type batteries have advantages in various aspects, such as being lightweight and having minimal dead space when stacked, they are vulnerable to external impact and have somewhat poor assembly capabilities. Therefore, it is common practice to manufacture battery packs by first modularizing multiple cells and then housing them inside a pack case.

[0008] However, conventional battery packs may be disadvantageous in terms of energy density, assemblability, and cooling performance due to factors such as modularization. In particular, pouch-type battery cells are susceptible to swelling, and conventional battery packs have the problem of being unable to adequately address such swelling situations.

[0009] In addition, conventional battery packs may be disadvantageous in terms of energy density, assembly, and cooling due to modularization and other factors.

[0010] Furthermore, conventional battery modules or battery packs can be vulnerable to thermal events. In particular, if a thermal event occurs inside a battery module or battery pack, there was a problem where thermal runaway could occur, leading to flames and, in severe cases, explosions. The problem to be solved

[0011] The present invention was devised to solve the aforementioned problems, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a battery pack and an automobile including the same that are excellent in various aspects, such as swelling resistance performance.

[0012] In addition, another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery pack capable of ensuring excellent safety in the event of a thermal event and an automobile including the same.

[0013] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. means of solving the problem

[0014] A battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problem comprises: a plurality of pouch-type battery cells having electrode leads; a pack case that accommodates the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in an internal space; a cell cover configured to enclose a portion of at least one of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in the internal space of the pack case; a busbar assembly configured to connect the electrode leads of the enclosed pouch-type battery cells; and an end cover coupled to one side of the busbar assembly.

[0015] The cell cover may be configured to partially enclose the pouch-type battery cell such that the portion equipped with the electrode lead is exposed to the outside.

[0016] The above busbar assembly may be configured to cover at least a portion of the part equipped with the electrode lead.

[0017] At least a portion of the above busbar assembly can be inserted into the cell cover.

[0018] The above busbar assembly may include: a busbar terminal connected to the electrode lead; and a busbar frame configured to accommodate the busbar terminal, having a lead receiving portion that accommodates the electrode lead and a through portion configured to allow gas generated from at least some of the wrapped pouch-type battery cells to move.

[0019] The above end cover can be coupled to the above busbar assembly.

[0020] The above end cover may have a first venting portion communicating with the above penetration portion.

[0021] The battery pack may include an intermediate cover provided between the busbar assembly and the end cover.

[0022] The above intermediate cover can be coupled to the above busbar assembly.

[0023] The above intermediate cover can be configured to be coupled with the above end cover.

[0024] The above intermediate cover may have a connecting portion configured to communicate with the above penetration portion.

[0025] The above gas can be discharged into the internal space of the pack case through the first venting part.

[0026] The above communication part may be provided with a mesh member.

[0027] The above intermediate cover may include an insulating material to block the electrical connection between the busbar assembly and the end cover.

[0028] The above pack case may be provided with a second venting part configured to communicate with the first venting part and discharge the gas to the outside of the battery pack.

[0029] The cell cover may comprise: a first side cover portion covering one side of the wrapped pouch-type battery cell; a second side cover portion facing the first side cover portion and covering the other side of the wrapped pouch-type battery cell; and an upper cover portion connecting the first side cover portion and the second side cover portion and covering the upper part of the wrapped pouch-type battery cell.

[0030] The cell cover above may be configured to support the pouch-type battery cell in an upright position between the first side cover portion and the second side cover portion.

[0031] The cell cover may include an insulating coating layer on at least a portion of the inner surface of the first side cover portion and the inner surface of the second side cover portion.

[0032] The cell cover may include an adhesive member on at least a portion of the outer surface of the first side cover portion and the outer surface of the second side cover portion.

[0033] The battery pack may further include an intermediate cover provided between the busbar assembly and the end cover.

[0034] The battery pack may include a portion in which the first side cover portion and the second side cover portion protrude further toward the electrode lead side than the upper cover portion.

[0035] In the above battery pack, the busbar assembly, the intermediate cover, and the end cover can each be inserted into and contact the inner side of the first side cover portion and the inner side of the second side cover portion, respectively.

[0036] An automobile according to the present invention may include a battery pack according to the present invention. Effects of the invention

[0037] According to one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of pouch-type battery cells can be stably stored inside a pack case without the need for a stacking frame such as a plastic cartridge or a separate module case.

[0038] Furthermore, a CTP (Cell To Pack) type battery pack using pouch-type battery cells can be implemented more efficiently. That is, instead of housing pouch-type battery cells inside a separate module case and then housing this module case inside the pack case, the battery pack can be prepared in a form where the pouch-type battery cells are directly housed inside the pack case.

[0039] According to another aspect of the present invention, the cell cover and the busbar assembly can be efficiently combined by a structure in which the busbar assembly is inserted into the cell cover. In addition, the end cover can cover the portion of the pouch-type battery cell that is not wrapped by the cell cover, thereby providing more stable protection.

[0040] According to another aspect of the present invention, when gas and / or flames occur due to swelling or thermal runaway in a pouch-type battery cell, they can be discharged to the outside of the cell unit through a first venting portion. Thus, by inducing side venting, it is possible to prevent gas and / or flames from being randomly discharged through an open portion of the cell cover.

[0041] According to another aspect of the present invention, the flow of flame that may occur in a pouch-type battery cell can be primarily blocked by an intermediate cover, thereby reducing the intensity of the flame and preventing rapid discharge of the flame to the first venting section. In addition, a short circuit caused by contact between the busbar assembly and the end cover can be prevented.

[0042] As such, according to the present invention, a battery pack and an automobile including the same can be provided that are excellent in various aspects, such as swelling response performance. In addition, a battery pack and an automobile including the same can be provided that ensure excellent safety in the event of a thermal event. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0043] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing some components of a battery pack according to the present invention separated. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing some components of a battery pack according to the present invention combined. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing some components of a battery pack according to the present invention separated. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pouch-type battery cell included in a battery pack according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cell cover included in a battery pack according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a busbar assembly included in a battery pack according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a partial cross-section of a busbar assembly included in a battery pack according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an end cover included in a battery pack according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a drawing showing an intermediate cover included in a battery pack according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a partial cross-section of an intermediate cover included in a battery pack according to the present invention. FIGS. 11 and FIGS. 12 are drawings showing a cross-section of a portion of a component of a battery pack according to the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing some components of a battery pack according to the present invention separated. FIG. 14 is a drawing showing an automobile according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0044] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The drawings attached to this specification are intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention in conjunction with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings. Identical reference numerals denote identical components. Furthermore, in the drawings, the thickness, proportion, and dimensions of the components are exaggerated for the effective explanation of the technical content.

[0045] Terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0046] Although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back have been used in this specification, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that they may vary depending on the location of the object or the position of the observer.

[0047] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all technical aspects of the present invention, and that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0048] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing some components of a battery pack according to the present invention separated. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing some components of a battery pack according to the present invention combined. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing some components of a battery pack according to the present invention separated. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pouch-type battery cell included in a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a battery pack (10) according to the present invention may include a plurality of pouch-type battery cells (100), a pack case (300), a cell cover (200), a busbar assembly (400), an intermediate cover (500), and an end cover (600).

[0050] Referring to FIG. 4, a pouch-type battery cell (100) may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a pouch outer casing. The pouch-type battery cell (100) may have a storage portion (110) for housing the electrode assembly and a sealing portion (120) extending outward from the periphery of the storage portion (110). The pouch-type battery cell (100) may have electrode leads (111). The electrode leads (111) may be drawn out in both directions of the pouch outer casing or drawn out only from one side. In the illustrated example, the electrode leads (111) are drawn out in both directions of the pouch-type battery cell (100) (X-axis direction). The direction in which the electrode leads (111) are drawn out can be defined as the longitudinal direction of the pouch-type battery cell (100), or, in other words, the electrode leads (111) may be drawn out in the front and rear directions along the longitudinal direction of the pouch-type battery cell (100).

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, such pouch-type battery cells (100) can be wrapped with a cell cover (200) to form a cell unit (U).

[0052] Referring to FIG. 1, the battery pack (10) may include a plurality of such cell units (U), thereby allowing a plurality of pouch-type battery cells (100) to be included in the battery pack (10). A plurality of pouch-type battery cells (100) may be stacked in at least one direction. A plurality of pouch-type battery cells (100) may be stacked in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). Furthermore, while a plurality of pouch-type battery cells (100) are arranged in the left-right direction, they may also be arranged in a form that forms a plurality of rows in the front-back direction (X-axis direction). For example, referring to FIG. 1, a plurality of pouch-type battery cells (100) are stacked in the left-right direction to form a cell bundle, and two such cell bundles are arranged in the left-right direction and two in the front-back direction, arranged in a 2×2 array within the pack case (300).

[0053] Referring again to FIG. 1, the pack case (300) can accommodate a pouch-type battery cell (100) by forming an internal space. For example, the pack case (300) may be equipped with a case body (310) and a top cover (320). The case body (310) is configured in the shape of a box with an open top, and a plurality of internal spaces green onionA Uchi-type battery cell (100) can be stored. The top cover (320) may be configured in the form of a cover that covers the upper opening (an opening located in the positive direction of the Z-axis) of the case body (310). Meanwhile, the pack case (300) is not limited to the structure shown and described herein, but may also be configured as a combination of a bottom frame configured in the form of a box with an open top to store a plurality of pouch-type battery cells (100) in the internal space, and a top frame configured in the form of a cover that covers the upper opening of the bottom frame. A plurality of pouch-type battery cells (100) and a cell cover (200) to be described later may also be stored together in the internal space of the pack case (300). The pack case (300) may be made of plastic or metal. In addition, the pack case (300) may adopt various exterior materials of pack cases known at the time of filing the present invention.

[0054] Looking more closely at FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3, the cell cover (200) may be configured to enclose at least some of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells (100) within the internal space of the pack case (300). The cell cover (200) may be configured to enclose a portion of at least one pouch-type battery cell (100). The cell cover (200) may be configured to enclose a portion of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells (100) stacked in the left-right direction.

[0055] The cell cover (200) may be configured to partially enclose the pouch-type battery cell (100) so that the portion equipped with the electrode lead (111) is exposed to the outside.

[0056] A cell cover (200) may be configured to group and unitize a plurality of pouch-type battery cells (100) included in a battery pack (10). A single cell cover (200) may form a single cell unit (U). For example, a single cell unit (U) is shown in FIG. 2, and a plurality of cell units (U) are shown in FIG. 1. As the cell cover (200) surrounds at least three sides of the pouch-type battery cell (100), a busbar assembly (400) may be provided for each cell unit (U) on the side that is not covered by each cell cover (200).

[0057] A battery pack (10) may include a plurality of cell units (U), and in this case, a plurality of cell covers (200) may be included in the battery pack (10). When a cell cover (200) encloses two or more pouch-type battery cells (100), the battery pack (10) may include a number of cell covers (200) that is smaller than the number of pouch-type battery cells (100). The pouch-type battery cells (100) within the cell unit (U) may be electrically connected in series and / or parallel through a busbar assembly (400).

[0058] A cell unit (U) can also be expressed as a cell bank. According to the present invention, since the cell cover (200) is in a form that separates the cell banks into compartments, thermal runaway and explosion can be prevented for each cell bank.

[0059] The cell cover (200) can be made of various materials to ensure rigidity. In particular, the cell cover (200) can be made of a metal material. In the case of such a metal material, the stacked state of the pouch-type battery cell (100) can be maintained more stably, and the pouch-type battery cell (100) can be protected more safely from external impacts. The cell cover (200) can be made of SUS material. For example, the cell cover (200) can be made entirely of SUS material.

[0060] A thermal barrier (not shown) may be further included between adjacent cell covers (200). The thermal barrier may be configured in the form of a pad made of an insulating material or a flame-suppressing material, and preferably may be composed of a compressible material. Preferably, the thermal barrier may be configured to be in close contact with the cell covers (200) between adjacent cell covers (200). Accordingly, the thermal barrier may be configured to suppress swelling phenomena that may occur in the pouch-type battery cell (100). In addition, the thermal barrier can delay the spread of flames due to thermal runaway and cause thermal transfer rupture while simultaneously suppressing swelling phenomena that may occur in the pouch-type battery cell (100), thereby further ensuring the structural stability of the battery pack (10).

[0061] The cell cover (200) can be made of various materials to ensure rigidity. In particular, the cell cover (200) can be made of a metal material. In the case of such a metal material, the stacked state of the pouch-type battery cell (100) can be maintained more stably, and the pouch-type battery cell (100) can be protected more safely from external impacts. The cell cover (200) can be made of SUS material. For example, the cell cover (200) can be made entirely of SUS material.

[0062] In this way, when the cell cover (200) is made of steel, it has excellent mechanical strength or rigidity, so it can more stably support the stacked state of the pouch-type battery cell (100). In addition, in this case, damage or breakage of the pouch-type battery cell (100) from external impacts, such as needle bodies, can be more effectively prevented. Furthermore, in this case, handling of the pouch-type battery cell (100) can be made easier. Also, due to the high melting point, the overall structure can be maintained stably when flames are generated from the battery cell (100). Since the melting point is higher than that of aluminum, it does not melt even when flames are ejected from the battery cell (100), and its shape can be maintained stably. Therefore, excellent effects such as preventing or delaying flame propagation between battery cells (100) and controlling venting can be secured.

[0063] In addition, by wrapping the battery cell (100) with a cell cover (200), the battery cell (100) can be easily formed into a rigid shape, making it easier to implement a configuration in which it is directly stacked inside a pack case (300). Accordingly, the assembly and mechanical stability of the battery pack (10) can be improved.

[0064] According to this configuration of the present invention, a plurality of pouch-type battery cells (100) can be stably stored inside a pack case (300) without the need for a stacking frame such as a plastic cartridge or a separate module case.

[0065] Furthermore, in the case of the present invention, a CTP (Cell To Pack) type battery pack (10) using a pouch-type battery cell (100) can be implemented more efficiently. That is, instead of housing the pouch-type battery cell (100) inside a separate module case and housing this module case inside the pack case (300), the battery pack (10) can be provided in a form in which the pouch-type battery cell (100) is directly housed inside the pack case (300). At this time, at least one side of the pouch-type battery cell (100) can be exposed outside the cell cover (200) and positioned to face directly with the pack case (300).

[0066] Accordingly, according to this aspect of the present invention, there is no need to additionally provide fastening members, such as a module case, a stacking frame, or bolts for maintaining the stacked state of the cells, in the battery pack (10). Therefore, the space occupied by other components, such as a module case or a stacking frame, or the space required to secure tolerances resulting therefrom, can be eliminated. Consequently, since the battery cells (100) can occupy more space by the amount of space removed by other components, the energy density of the battery pack (10) can be further improved.

[0067] In addition, according to this aspect of the present invention, since a module case, a stacking frame, bolts, etc. are not provided, the volume or weight of the battery pack (10) is reduced and the manufacturing process can be simplified.

[0068] In addition, according to this aspect of the present invention, handling of the pouch-type battery cell (100) can be made easier. For example, when a plurality of pouch-type battery cells (100) are stored inside a pack case (300), the pouch-type battery cells (100) can be held by a jig or the like. At this time, the jig may not directly hold the pouch-type battery cell (100), but may hold the cell cover (200) surrounding the pouch-type battery cell (100). Therefore, damage or breakage of the pouch-type battery cell (100) caused by the jig can be prevented.

[0069] In addition, the cooling efficiency of the battery pack (10) can be further improved. In particular, in the case of one embodiment of the present invention, since a part of each battery cell (100) can be directly exposed to the pack case (300), the heat of each battery cell (100) can be effectively discharged to the outside through the pack case (300).

[0070] Referring to FIG. 3, the busbar assembly (400) may be configured to connect the electrode leads (111) of the wrapped pouch-type battery cells (100). As illustrated, when the cell cover (200) is configured to wrap three pouch-type battery cells (100), the busbar assembly (400) may be configured to connect the three pouch-type battery cells (100) in parallel. When the cell cover (200) is configured to wrap six pouch-type battery cells (100), the busbar assembly (400) may be configured to connect the electrode leads (111) of three of the six battery cells (100) in parallel by one busbar, and then connect the electrode leads (111) of the other three battery cells (100) in parallel by another busbar, and then connect them in series.

[0071] The busbar assembly (400) may be configured to cover at least a portion of the part equipped with the electrode lead (111). At least a portion of the busbar assembly (400) may be inserted into the cell cover (200). At least a portion of the busbar assembly (400) may face the inner surface of the cell cover (200).

[0072] A busbar assembly (400) may be provided on the side of each cell unit (U) that is not covered by each cell cover (200). In this embodiment, the cell cover (200) surrounds at least three sides of the pouch-type battery cell (100) and exposes the front and rear of the pouch-type battery cell (100) where the electrode lead (111) is provided, and the bottom of the pouch-type battery cell (100). Therefore, the busbar assembly (400) may be provided on the front and rear of the cell cover (200) in the portion where the electrode lead (111) is provided in the pouch-type battery cell (100). At least a portion of the busbar assembly (400) may be inserted into the inside of the cell cover (200).

[0073] Referring to FIG. 3, the end cover (600) can be attached to one side of the busbar assembly (400). The end cover (600) can be configured to cover the side that is not covered by the busbar assembly (400) and the cell cover (200) of the pouch-type battery cell (100).

[0074] According to this configuration of the present invention, the cell cover (200) and the busbar assembly (400) can be efficiently combined by having a structure in which the busbar assembly (400) is inserted into the cell cover (200). In addition, the end cover (600) can cover the portion of the pouch-type battery cell (100) that is not covered by the cell cover (200), thereby providing more stable protection.

[0075] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cell cover included in a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 5, the cell cover (200) may have a first side cover portion (210), a second side cover portion (220), and an upper cover portion (230).

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 together with FIGS. 5, the first side cover portion (210) may be configured to cover one side of the wrapped pouch-type battery cell (100). The first side cover portion (210) may be configured to cover the left side (the side located in the negative direction of the Y-axis) of the wrapped pouch-type battery cell (100). The first side cover portion (210) may cover the storage portion (110) and the sealing portion (120) of the wrapped pouch-type battery cell (100). The first side cover portion (210) may be in the form of a plate.

[0078] The second side cover portion (220) may face the first side cover portion (210). The second side cover portion (220) may cover the other side of the wrapped pouch-type battery cell (100). The second side cover portion (220) may be configured to cover the right side (the side located in the positive direction of the Y-axis) of the wrapped pouch-type battery cell (100). The second side cover portion (220) may cover the storage portion (110) and the sealing portion (120) of the wrapped pouch-type battery cell (100). The second side cover portion (220) may be in the form of a plate.

[0079] The cell cover (200) may be configured to support a pouch-type battery cell (100) in an upright position between a first side cover portion (210) and a second side cover portion (220). The first side cover portion (210) and the second side cover portion (220) may be aligned with each other. Accordingly, the configuration in which the pouch-type battery cell (100) is stacked in an upright position in the left-right direction can be stably maintained.

[0080] The upper cover portion (230) can connect the first side cover portion (210) and the second side cover portion (220). The upper cover portion (230) can cover the upper part (positive direction of the Z-axis) of the wrapped pouch-type battery cell (100). The upper cover portion (230) can cover the upper part of the storage portion (110) of the wrapped pouch-type battery cell (100). The upper cover portion (230) may be in the form of a plate. The upper cover portion (230) may be provided with a cover venting portion (240) for discharging gas generated from the wrapped pouch-type battery cell (100). The cover venting portion (240) may be in the form of a simple hole that penetrates. The cover venting portion (240) may be configured to have lower rigidity compared to the surrounding portion so that it breaks when the pressure in the internal space of the cell cover (200) exceeds a certain pressure due to gas generated from the wrapped pouch-type battery cell (100). For example, the cover venting portion (240) may be formed to have a thinner thickness than the surrounding portion.

[0081] A busbar assembly (400) may be inserted between the portion where the first side cover portion (210) covers the sealing portion (120) and the portion where the second side cover portion (220) covers the sealing portion (120). The first side cover portion (210) and the second side cover portion (220) may have a portion that protrudes further toward the electrode lead (111) than the upper cover portion (230). That is, the cell cover (200) may be in an 'n' shape that wraps at least three sides of the storage portion (110), with only a portion of the first side cover portion (210) and the second side cover portion (220) protruding further than the upper cover portion (230) so that only a portion of the first side cover portion (210) and the second side cover portion (220) covers the sealing portion (120).

[0082] At least some of the first side cover portion (210), the second side cover portion (220), and the upper cover portion (230) may be configured in a form that is integrated with one another. The first side cover portion (210), the second side cover portion (220), and the upper cover portion (230) may be formed by bending a single plate. The configuration of forming a bent portion on a single plate to form the cell cover (200) in this manner can be implemented in various ways, such as by pressing or roll forming. According to such an embodiment of the present invention, the manufacturing of the cell cover (200) can be made simpler. Alternatively, the first side cover portion (210), the second side cover portion (220), and the upper cover portion (230) may each be manufactured separately and then joined together through bonding, fitting, welding, or bolting.

[0083] A plurality of cell covers (200) may be included in the battery pack (10). In this case, an adhesive member may be interposed between the cell covers (200). For example, an adhesive member may be interposed between the first side cover portion (210) and / or the second side cover portion (220), which are the parts where two cell covers (200) face each other, to adhesively fix them together. Through this adhesive configuration, the connection between multiple cell covers (200) can be made more robust. The adhesive member may be insulating to achieve insulation between the cell covers (200), which may be made of a metal material. Additionally, the adhesive member may be thermally conductive. Through this adhesion, the cell covers (200) are firmly bonded to the battery cell (100) and may help to dissipate heat generated in the battery cell (100) to the outside of the battery cell (100).

[0084] The cell cover (200) may include an insulating coating layer on its inner surface. The insulating coating layer may be coated on the inner surface of the first side cover portion (210) and / or the inner surface of the second side cover portion (220). The insulating coating layer may be coated, applied, or attached with an insulating material selected from silicone resin, polyamide, and rubber. The insulating coating layer can maximize the insulating coating effect with a minimal amount of coating. Additionally, since the insulating coating layer is applied to the inner surface of the cell cover (200), the insulation between the pouch-type battery cell (100) and the cell cover (200) can be enhanced.

[0085] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a busbar assembly included in a battery pack according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a partial cross-section of a busbar assembly included in a battery pack according to the present invention, which is the AA' cross-sectional view of FIG. 6.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the busbar assembly (400) may include a busbar terminal (410) and a busbar frame (420). The busbar terminal (410) may be connected to an electrode lead (111) of a battery cell (100). The busbar terminal (410) may be connected to an electrode lead (111) received through a lead receiving portion (421). The busbar terminal (410) may be electrically connected by welding, with the electrode lead (111) received through the lead receiving portion (421) facing the busbar terminal (410). After the welding, an intermediate cover (500) and an end cover (600) may be assembled to the busbar assembly (400) to complete the assembly process of the cell unit (U).

[0087] The busbar frame (420) may be configured to accommodate a busbar terminal (410). The busbar terminal (410) may be accommodated on the outer surface (positive X-axis direction) of the busbar frame (420). The busbar frame (420) may be provided with a lead receiving portion (421) for accommodating an electrode lead (111). The lead receiving portion (421) may be in the form of a slit configured to allow the electrode lead (111) to pass through. The busbar frame (420) may be provided with a penetration portion (422) to allow gas generated from at least some of the pouch-type battery cells (100) to move. The penetration portion (422) may be in the form of a slit or a hole to allow gas to move, and may be the remaining area excluding the area where the electrode lead (111) is accommodated in the slit-shaped lead receiving portion (421).

[0088] As previously mentioned, the busbar assembly (400) is provided at the front and rear of the cell cover (200) in the portion where the electrode lead (111) is provided in the pouch-type battery cell (100). In the cell cover (200), a portion of the first side cover portion (210) and the second side cover portion (220) may protrude more than the upper cover portion (230). A portion of the busbar frame (420) may protrude more than the upper cover portion (230), and the remaining portion may be inserted into and in contact with the inner side of the first side cover portion (210) and the inner side of the second side cover portion (220) in the portion that protrudes more than the upper cover portion (230). Through this configuration, efficient coupling between the cell cover (200) and the busbar assembly (400) becomes possible.

[0089] The busbar assembly (400) may be provided with a groove (H2) for connection with the intermediate cover (500). The groove (H2) may be in the form of being inserted on the outer surface located in the positive direction of the X-axis of the busbar assembly (400). The busbar frame (420) may be provided with a multi-stage form formed so that the side portion of the intermediate cover (500) (see 520 in FIG. 9) can be fitted between an upper groove (H2, a hook located in the positive direction of the Z-axis) and a lower groove (H2, a hook located in the negative direction of the Z-axis) located on the same Y-axis. The multi-stage form may have a width corresponding to the side portion (520) in the X-axis direction.

[0090] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an end cover included in a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0091] The end cover (600) may be provided with a first venting portion (610) communicating with a penetration portion (422) of the busbar frame (420). The first venting portion (610) may be configured to discharge gas and / or flames generated in at least a portion of the pouch-type battery cell (100) wrapped by the cell cover (200) into the internal space of the pack case (300).

[0092] The first venting section (610) may be in the form of a simple hole penetrating the end cover (600). In addition, it may not only be in a fully open form, but may also be a specific device that is not fully open, remains closed under normal conditions, and can be opened according to changes in pressure or temperature. The first venting section (610) may be, for example, a one-way valve. The description of the first venting section (610) may similarly apply to the second venting section (see 301 in FIG. 13) of the pack case (300) to be described later.

[0093] According to this configuration of the present invention, when gas and / or flames are generated due to swelling or thermal runaway in a pouch-type battery cell (100), they can be discharged to the outside of the cell unit (U) through the first venting portion (610) of the end cover (600). Thus, by inducing side venting, it is possible to prevent gas and / or flames from being randomly discharged through the open portion of the cell cover (200). In this way, a battery pack (10) with excellent swelling response performance can be provided.

[0094] Additionally, the first venting section (610) is formed in the end cover (600) that covers the open portion of the cell cover (200), so the first venting section (610) has an area smaller than the open portion of the cell cover (200) or the area covered by the end cover (600). Therefore, compared to the case where the end cover (600) is not provided, when the end cover (600) is provided, the discharge angle of the venting gas or flame is minimized, thereby minimizing the transfer of the flame.

[0095] The end cover (600) may be provided with a guide portion (620). The guide portion (620) may be in a shape that protrudes in the negative direction of the X-axis to form a surface having a predetermined width from the end of the inner surface located in the negative direction of the X-axis of the end cover (600).

[0096] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing an intermediate cover included in a battery pack according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a partial cross-section of an intermediate cover included in a battery pack according to the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 9'.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 3, the intermediate cover (500) may be provided between the busbar assembly (400) and the end cover (600).

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the intermediate cover (500) may be provided with a connecting portion (510) to communicate with the penetration portion (422). The connecting portion (510) may be in communication with the first venting portion (610) of the end cover (600). The connecting portion (510) may be provided with a mesh member (M). The mesh member (M) may be configured to function as a flame arrester by being provided in a form in which multiple porous metal plates are overlapped. However, the mesh member (M) may be provided in the form of a mesh plate between the intermediate cover (500) and the end cover (600).

[0099] The middle cover (500) may be provided with a hook (H1). The hook (H1) may be in the form of a protrusion on the inner surface located in the negative direction of the X-axis of the middle cover (500). The middle cover (500) may be provided with a side portion (520) between the upper hook (H1, a hook located in the positive direction of the Z-axis) located on the same Y-axis and the lower hook (H1, a hook located in the negative direction of the Z-axis).

[0100] Furthermore, the intermediate cover (500) may be provided with a seating portion (530). The seating portion (530) may be in a shape that protrudes in the X-axis direction to form a surface having a predetermined width from the end of the outer surface located in the X-axis direction of the intermediate cover (500). The seating portion (530) may be provided on the upper and / or lower part of the intermediate cover (500) to facilitate seating of the guide portion (620) of the end cover (600).

[0101] The intermediate cover (500) may include an insulating material. The insulating material may block the electrical connection between the busbar assembly (400) and the end cover (600).

[0102] According to this configuration of the present invention, the flow of flame that may occur in the pouch-type battery cell (100) can be primarily blocked by the intermediate cover (500), thereby reducing the intensity of the flame and preventing rapid discharge of the flame to the first venting section (610). In addition, a short circuit caused by contact between the busbar assembly (400) and the end cover (600) can be prevented.

[0103] FIGS. 11 and FIGS. 12 are drawings showing a cross-section of a portion of a component of a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0104] With reference to FIGS. 11 and FIGS. 12 together with FIGS. 6 to 10, we will examine the connection relationship of the busbar assembly (400), the intermediate cover (500), and the end cover (600).

[0105] Referring to FIG. 11, the busbar assembly (400) may be configured to be coupled with an end cover (600) and / or an intermediate cover (500). Preferably, the intermediate cover (500) may be coupled to the busbar assembly (400), and the end cover (600) may be coupled to the intermediate cover (500) in sequence. That is, the intermediate cover (500) is inserted and coupled to the outside of the busbar assembly (400) and is inserted and coupled to the inside of the first side cover portion (210) and the second side cover portion (220) of the cell cover (200), and the end cover (600) is inserted and coupled to the outside of the intermediate cover (500) and is inserted and coupled to the inside of the first side cover portion (210) and the second side cover portion (220) of the cell cover (200).

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the hook (H1) of the intermediate cover (500) and the groove (H2) of the busbar assembly (400) are formed at corresponding positions, so that the hook (H1) overlaps or is fully fitted into the groove (H2). This coupling structure is an efficient structure that avoids the overall thickness becoming too thick and occupying excessive placement space, and enables assembly between the busbar assembly (400) and the intermediate cover (500) within the limited space of the cell cover (200).

[0107] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the hook (H1) is positioned at each corner of the intermediate cover (500) and extends toward the busbar assembly (400). As shown in detail in FIG. 12, the hook (H1) includes a main body (H1a) and a protrusion (H1b), the main body (H1a) extends to the catch (H2a) of the groove (H2), and the protrusion (H1b) engages with the catch (H2a) of the groove (H2). The hook (H1) has a relatively short length, so that the hook (H1) can avoid breaking easily due to being too long. Since there is a fastening part at each corner of the intermediate cover (500), the assembly between the intermediate cover (500) and the busbar assembly (400) can be smoother and more secure.

[0108] The seating portion (530) of the intermediate cover (500) shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 and the guide portion (620) of the end cover (600) shown in FIG. 8 are formed at corresponding positions, so that when the intermediate cover (500) and the end cover (600) are assembled together as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the guide portion (620) can be seated on the seating portion (530). The predetermined width of the seating portion (530) may be approximately the same as the predetermined width of the guide portion (620). This combined structure can form a certain space between the intermediate cover (500) and the end cover (600) to reduce the intensity of the flame or the temperature of the gas when the flame and / or gas is discharged. A mesh member may be provided in the certain space.

[0109] According to the above embodiment, the assembly process of the battery pack (10) is described as follows: the battery cell (100) is wrapped with a cell cover (200), and then a busbar assembly (400) is inserted into the open part of the cell cover (200) to assemble it. The electrode lead (111) of the battery cell (100) is passed through the lead receiving portion (421), then bent, and fixed to the busbar terminal (410) through known joining means such as welding. An intermediate cover (500) is assembled to the busbar assembly (400). An end cover (600) is assembled to the intermediate cover (500). Next, the end cover (600) is welded. Due to the unique joining structure of the busbar assembly (400), the intermediate cover (500), and the end cover (600), the joining between them can be easily and efficiently achieved.

[0110] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing some components of a battery pack according to the present invention separated.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 13, the pack case (300) may be equipped with a second venting part (301).

[0112] The second venting section (301) may be configured to communicate with the first venting section (610) of the end cover (600) to discharge gas and / or flame generated from at least one of the cell units (U) housed inside the pack case (300) to the outside of the battery pack (10). A detailed description of the second venting section (301) may be replaced by a description of the first venting section (610).

[0113] Referring again to FIG. 1, the battery pack (10) according to the present invention may further include a Battery Management System (700, BMS) and a Battery Disconnect Unit (800, BDU). The BMS is mounted in the internal space of the pack case (300) and may be configured to control the charging and discharging operation or data transmission and reception operation of the pouch-type battery cell (100) overall. The BMS may be provided at the battery pack (10) unit rather than at the battery module unit. More specifically, the BMS may be provided to control the charging and discharging state, power state, and performance state of the pouch-type battery cell (100) through the pack voltage and pack current. The BMS estimates the state of the battery cell (100) within the battery pack (10) and manages the battery pack (10) using the estimated state information. For example, it estimates and manages state information of the battery pack (10), such as the State of Charge (SOC), State of Health (SOH), maximum input / output power allowance, and output voltage of the battery pack (10). Furthermore, by utilizing this status information, the charging or discharging of the battery pack (10) can be controlled, and furthermore, the replacement time of the battery pack (10) can be estimated. The BDU may be configured to control the electrical connection of the battery cell (100) to manage the power capacity and function of the battery pack (10). To this end, the BDU may include a power relay, a current sensor, a fuse, etc. The BDU is also configured to be provided at the battery pack (10) unit rather than at the battery module unit, and various cutoff units known at the time of filing of the present invention may be employed.

[0114] In addition, the battery pack (10) according to the present invention may further include various components of the battery pack (10) known at the time of filing the present invention. For example, in the case of the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, it may further include a Manual Service Disconnector (MSD) that allows a worker to manually disconnect the service plug to cut off the power. Additionally, it may further include flexible busbars or cables for interconnecting a plurality of battery cells (100) having an n×n arrangement as previously mentioned.

[0115] However, the present invention may apply the structure applied to the battery pack (10) described above to a battery module. That is, the structure of the pack case (300) may be applied to the module case to accommodate a plurality of cell units (U) in the module case, and the module case may be provided with a venting portion to form a battery module. Such a battery module is a battery module that is stored in one or more of the internal space of the pack case (300), and may include a plurality of pouch-type battery cells (100) and cell covers (200) as described above, and may include a module case that accommodates the pouch-type battery cells (100) in the internal space (the structure of the pack case (300) of the battery pack (10) according to the present invention as described above may be used as is).

[0116] The battery pack (10) according to the present invention or the battery module described herein can be applied to various devices. Typical examples of such devices include means of transportation such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles (1), and hybrid vehicles (1), but the present invention is not limited thereto. In particular, the battery pack (10) is suitable for use as a battery pack (10) for electric vehicles (1). It can also be used as an energy source for an ESS.

[0117] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing an automobile according to the present invention.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 14, the automobile (1) may include a battery pack (10) according to the present invention as described above. In addition, the automobile (1) according to the present invention may include various other components included in the automobile (1) in addition to the battery pack (10). For example, the automobile (1) according to the present invention may include, in addition to the battery pack (10) according to the present invention, a vehicle body, a motor, an ECU (electronic control unit), and other control devices.

[0119] The battery pack (10) may be disposed at a predetermined location within the vehicle (1). The battery pack (10) may be used as an electric energy source to drive the vehicle (1) by providing driving force to the motor of the electric vehicle (1). In this case, the battery pack (10) has a high nominal voltage of 100V or more.

[0120] The battery pack (10) can be charged or discharged by an inverter depending on the operation of the motor and / or internal combustion engine. The battery pack (10) can be charged by a regenerative charging device combined with a brake. The battery pack (10) can be electrically connected to the motor of the vehicle (1) through the inverter.

[0121] In this way, the battery pack (10) equipped in the vehicle (1) can provide electrical energy required for various operations of the vehicle (1). In addition, since the battery pack (10) has the various effects mentioned above, the vehicle (1) including it can also have those effects intact.

[0122] Specifically, as one example, the battery pack (10) can have a high energy density by including a cell cover (200), thereby eliminating the module case. Energy density refers to the amount of energy stored per unit weight. When the energy density of the battery pack (10) increases, more energy is stored in the battery pack (10) for the same weight. Therefore, a vehicle (1) containing such a battery pack (10) can be utilized in various ways, such as increasing the driving range per charge, increasing acceleration, carrying more cargo, or making the interior space larger. In addition, when the energy density of the battery pack (10) increases, it becomes lighter for the same energy. When the battery pack (10) becomes lighter and the vehicle (1) containing it becomes lighter, it also has various advantages, such as improved acceleration, enhanced energy efficiency, and improved durability.

[0123] To give another specific example, the battery pack (10) can have high safety. Since the vehicle (1) is an object directly related to human life, safety is something that absolutely cannot be compromised. Due to the physical properties of lithium, there is always a risk of fire in pouch-type battery cells (100). However, the battery pack (10) according to the present invention includes a cell cover (200), thereby preventing the transfer of a thermal event to other parts even if a thermal event occurs in the pouch-type battery cell (100). Therefore, fire safety is ensured for the vehicle (1) including the battery pack (10).

[0124] As described above, although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is evident to those skilled in the art that many various obvious variations are possible from this description without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be interpreted by the claims described to include examples of such many variations. Explanation of the symbols

[0125] 1 : Car 10: Battery pack U : Cell unit 100 : Battery cell 111: Electrode Lead 110 : Storage compartment 120 : Sealing part 200 : Cell cover 210: First side cover part 220 : Second side cover part 230 : Upper cover part 300 : Pack Case 301: Second venting section 310 : Case body 320 : Top cover 400 : Busbar Assembly 410 : Busbar terminal 420 : Busbar frame 421 : Reed receiving part 422 : Penetration 500 : Middle cover 510 : Connecting part 520 : Side 530 : Seating part 600 : End cover 610: 1st venting section 620 : Guide section 700: Battery Management System 800: Battery disconnect unit M : Mesh member H1 : Hook H1a : Main body H1b: Protrusion H2 : Home H2a : Stopper

Claims

Claim 1 A plurality of pouch-type battery cells having electrode leads; a pack case that accommodates the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in an internal space; a cell cover configured to enclose a portion of at least one of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in the internal space of the pack case; a busbar assembly configured to connect the electrode leads of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell; an end cover coupled to one side of the busbar assembly; and an intermediate cover provided between the busbar assembly and the end cover; wherein the cell cover comprises: a first side cover portion covering one side of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell; and a second side cover portion facing the first side cover portion and covering the other side of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell. A battery pack comprising: an upper cover portion covering the upper portion of a pouch-type battery cell that is wrapped and connected to the first side cover portion and the second side cover portion; wherein the first side cover portion and the second side cover portion include a portion that protrudes further toward the electrode lead side than the upper cover portion, a portion of the busbar assembly protrudes outwardly from the upper cover portion, and the remaining portion of the busbar assembly, the intermediate cover, and the end cover are each inserted into and in contact with the inner side of the first side cover portion and the inner side of the second side cover portion, respectively. Claim 2 A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the cell cover is configured to partially enclose the pouch-type battery cell such that the portion equipped with the electrode lead is exposed to the outside. Claim 3 A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the busbar assembly is configured to cover at least a portion of the part equipped with the electrode lead. Claim 4 A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the busbar assembly is characterized in that at least a portion thereof is inserted into the cell cover. Claim 5 A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the busbar assembly comprises: a busbar terminal connected to the electrode lead; and a busbar frame configured to accommodate the busbar terminal, and having a lead receiving portion that accommodates the electrode lead and a through portion configured to allow gas generated from at least some of the wrapped pouch-type battery cells to move. Claim 6 A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the end cover is coupled to the busbar assembly. Claim 7 A battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the end cover is characterized by having a first venting portion communicating with the through portion. Claim 8 delete Claim 9 A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate cover is coupled to the busbar assembly. Claim 10 A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate cover is configured to be coupled with the end cover. Claim 11 A battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the intermediate cover is configured to have a communication portion configured to communicate with the penetration portion. Claim 12 A battery pack according to claim 7, characterized in that the gas is discharged into the internal space of the pack case through the first venting part. Claim 13 A battery pack according to claim 11, wherein the above-mentioned connecting part is characterized by having a mesh member. Claim 14 A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate cover comprises an insulating material to block the electrical connection between the busbar assembly and the end cover. Claim 15 A battery pack according to claim 12, wherein the pack case is configured to have a second venting part that is in communication with the first venting part and is configured to discharge the gas to the outside of the battery pack. Claim 16 delete Claim 17 A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the cell cover is configured to support the pouch-type battery cell in an upright position between the first side cover portion and the second side cover portion. Claim 18 A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the cell cover comprises an insulating coating layer on at least a portion of the inner surface of the first side cover portion and the inner surface of the second side cover portion. Claim 19 A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the cell cover comprises an adhesive member on at least a portion of the outer surface of the first side cover portion and the outer surface of the second side cover portion. Claim 20 delete Claim 21 An automobile comprising a battery pack according to any one of paragraphs 1 through 7, 9 through 15 and 17 through 19.

Images