Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack is configured to reduce heat transfer to an adjacent cell in response to a predetermined event occurring in a certain battery cell. The battery pack includes a battery cell and a cover member configured to cover the battery cell. The cover member includes a reinforcing cover on the battery cells. The reinforcing cover includes flange portions arranged in two rows at a center portion of the reinforcing cover and extending in an arrangement direction of the battery cells.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0095339 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on July 21, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments are directed to a battery pack capable of reducing heat transfer to cells adjacent thereto when a predetermined event occurs in a certain battery cell. Background Art

[0004] Unlike non-rechargeable primary batteries, secondary batteries are rechargeable and dischargeable batteries. Low-capacity secondary batteries in which one battery cell is packaged in a pack are used in portable small electronic devices such as mobile phones and cameras, and large-capacity secondary batteries in which dozens of battery cells are connected to each other in a battery pack are widely used as power sources for driving motors in hybrid vehicles, etc.

[0005] The secondary battery may include an electrode assembly including a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate. The electrode assembly and the electrolyte are contained in a housing, and the cover plate is mounted on the housing. The electrode assembly may be a wound electrode assembly or a stacked electrode assembly. In such an electrode assembly, the electrode tab may protrude in an upward or lateral direction, and the current collector may be connected to the electrode tab.

[0006] Secondary batteries have recently been applied to high-output products such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). In order to generate the output required for these products, a plurality of secondary batteries may be provided in the form of a battery pack.

[0007] The information disclosed in this section is provided only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the present disclosure and therefore it may contain information that does not constitute relevant art. Summary of the invention

[0008] The embodiment provides a battery pack capable of reducing heat transfer to cells adjacent thereto when a predetermined event occurs in a certain battery cell.

[0009] A battery pack according to an embodiment includes a battery cell and a cover member configured to cover the battery cell and including a reinforcement cover on the battery cell. The reinforcement cover includes flange portions arranged in two rows at a center portion of the reinforcement cover and extending in an arrangement direction of the battery cell.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the flange portion may be located at a position corresponding to an opposite side of the vent of the battery cell.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the reinforcement cover may further include a plate portion covering an upper surface of the battery cell, and the flange portion may have a bent shape and may be coupled to an upper surface of the plate portion.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the flange portion may include at least one of steel and aluminum.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the flange portion may have a thickness in the range of approximately 1 mm to approximately 2 mm.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the reinforcement cover may further include a vent protrusion portion between the flange portions and corresponding to a vent of the battery cell.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the exhaust protrusion portion may protrude upward at a position corresponding to the position of the exhaust member.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the vent boss may have a thickness in the range of approximately 1 mm to approximately 2 mm.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the reinforcement cover may further include support portions at both ends of the reinforcement cover in the width direction of the battery cells, and the support portions may protrude and be spaced apart from each other in an arrangement direction of the battery cells.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the reinforcement cover may further include a vent portion between the support portions, the vent portion protruding to a height lower than that of the support portions.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, each of the battery cells may include a terminal provided on a side portion thereof without the reinforcement cover being on the side portion.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the battery pack may further include a heat insulation member between the battery cell and the reinforcement cover.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, each of the battery cells may include a terminal provided on an upper side thereof, with a reinforcement cover on the upper side.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the battery pack may further include a heat insulation member located outside the reinforcement cover and covering a terminal of each of the battery cells.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the width of the reinforcement cover may be smaller than the width of each of the battery cells. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The attached drawings incorporated in this specification illustrate embodiments, and the attached drawings are used to further illustrate the technical ideas of the present disclosure in conjunction with the specific description of the embodiments below, and the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to the contents shown in such drawings. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to this embodiment;

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of a portion A in FIG.

[0028] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to another embodiment; and

[0029] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to this other embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] The embodiments are provided to more fully illustrate the present disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the following embodiments may be modified into various other forms, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. These embodiments are provided to make the present disclosure more accurate and complete, and to fully and completely convey the ideas of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0032] In the following drawings, for the convenience and clarity of description, the thickness or size of each layer is magnified, and the same reference numerals in the drawings refer to the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one of the listed items and any combination of one or more of the listed items. As used herein, the term "connection" refers not only to the direct connection between component A and component B, but also to the indirect connection between component A and component B and component C is between component A and component B.

[0033] The terms used in this specification are intended to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, singular forms may include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the terms "comprise" (or "include") and / or "comprising" (or "including") are intended to indicate the presence of the described figures, quantities, steps, operations, components, elements and / or groups thereof, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other figures, quantities, steps, operations, components, elements and / or groups thereof. In addition, the use of "may" when describing an embodiment may refer to "one or more embodiments".

[0034] Although terms such as "first" and "second" are used herein to describe various members, components, regions, layers and / or portions, the members, components, regions, layers and / or portions are not limited by the terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one member, one component, one region, one layer or one portion from another member, another component, another region, another layer or another portion. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure, a first member, a first component, a first region, a first layer or a first portion described later may refer to a second member, a second component, a second region, a second layer or a second portion.

[0035] Spatially related terms such as "under," "below," "down," "above," and "on" may be used to facilitate understanding that one element or feature in the drawings is shown as being different from another element or feature. Spatially related terms are intended to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure in various process states or use states, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. For example, if an element or feature in a figure is turned over, an element or feature described as "under" or "below" becomes "above" or "on." Therefore, "under" is a concept that includes "above" and "below."

[0036] The battery pack may include at least one battery module and a pack case including an accommodation space defined therein to accommodate the at least one battery module.

[0037] The battery module may include a plurality of battery cells and a module housing. The battery cells may be housed in the module housing in a stacked form. Each of the battery cells may include a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead. Depending on the type of battery, the battery cells may be classified into cylindrical battery cells, prismatic battery cells, and / or pouch-type battery cells.

[0038] Instead of a battery module, a cell stack in which battery cells are stacked may constitute a module in a battery pack. The cell stack may be accommodated in an accommodation space in a pack case, or may be accommodated in an accommodation space defined by a frame, a partition wall, or the like.

[0039] The battery cell may generate a large amount of heat during charging / discharging. The generated heat may accumulate in the battery cell and may accelerate the degradation of the battery cell. The battery pack may further include a cooling member to suppress the degradation of the battery cell. The cooling member may be provided on the bottom of the accommodation space provided with the battery cell. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. Depending on the battery pack, the cooling member may be provided on the top surface or the side surface of the accommodation space.

[0040] Under abnormal operating conditions also known as thermal runaway or thermal events, gases generated in the battery cells may be exhausted to the outside of the battery cells. The battery pack or battery module may be provided with an exhaust for exhausting the exhaust gas in order to suppress damage thereto due to the exhaust gas.

[0041] The battery pack may include a battery and a battery management system (BMS) configured to manage the battery. The battery management system may include a detection device, a balancing device, and a control device. The battery module may include a plurality of cells connected in series or in parallel to each other. A plurality of battery modules may be connected in series or in parallel to each other.

[0042] The detection device may detect the state of the battery (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, etc.) to obtain state information indicating the state of the battery. The detection device may detect the voltage of each of the cells constituting the battery or each of the battery modules. The detection device may detect the current flowing through each of the battery modules constituting the battery or the battery pack. The detection device may detect the temperature of the cells and / or modules and / or the ambient temperature at at least one point in the battery.

[0043] The balancing device may perform a balancing operation on the battery modules and / or cells constituting the battery. The control device may receive status information indicating the status of the battery module (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, etc.) from the detection device. The control device may monitor and calculate the status of the battery module (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), etc.) based on the status information received from the detection device. In some embodiments, the control device may perform control functions (e.g., temperature control functions, balancing control functions, charge / discharge control functions, etc.) and protection functions (e.g., over-discharge prevention functions, over-charge prevention functions, over-current prevention functions, short-circuit prevention functions, fire extinguishing functions, etc.) based on the results of monitoring the status of the battery module. In some embodiments, the control device may perform a function of wired or wireless communication with an external device located outside the battery pack (e.g., an upper controller, a vehicle, a charger, a power conversion system (PCS), etc.).

[0044] The control device can control the charge / discharge operation and protection operation of the battery. To this end, the control device can include a charge / discharge controller, a balance controller and a protection unit.

[0045] The battery management system can be a system that monitors the state of the battery and performs diagnostic functions, control functions, communication functions, and protection functions. The battery management system can calculate the state of charge / discharge of the battery, can calculate the life or health state (SOH) of the battery, can interrupt the power supply from the battery as needed (perform relay control), can perform thermal management control (cooling, heating, etc.), can perform high voltage interlock functions, and can detect or calculate insulation status and short circuit status.

[0046] The relay may be a mechanical contactor that is switched on or off by the magnetic force of a coil, or may be a semiconductor switch such as a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET).

[0047] The relay control function may be a function of interrupting the power supply from the battery when a problem occurs in the vehicle and the battery system. One or more relays and a pre-charge relay may be provided at each of the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal.

[0048] When connected to the battery load, an inrush current may be generated in the high-voltage capacitor on the input side of the inverter. The pre-charge control function may be a function of performing connection with a pre-charge resistor by operating a pre-charge relay before connecting the main relay in order to prevent inrush current from being drawn when the vehicle starts.

[0049] The high voltage interlock may be a detection circuit that uses a small signal to check whether all high voltage components are connected to the vehicle system. The high voltage interlock function may be a function that forces a relay to be disconnected when any component of the entire circuit is in a disconnected state.

[0050] Hereinafter, a configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment will be described.

[0051] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack according to this embodiment. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Magnified view of section A in FIG.

[0052] See also Figure 1 to Figure 3 A battery pack 100 according to one embodiment may include a plurality of battery cells 110 and a cover member 120 coupled to the battery cells 110 and covering outer surfaces of the battery cells 110. In some embodiments, the battery pack 100 may further include an insulation member 130 between the battery cells 110 and the cover member 120.

[0053] A plurality of battery cells 110 may be arranged in one direction. Each of the battery cells 110 may include an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly may include a first electrode plate, a separator, and a second electrode plate, each of which is formed in a thin plate shape or a film shape. The first electrode plate, the separator, and the second electrode plate may be stacked or wound. In some embodiments, the first electrode plate may be a negative electrode plate, and the second electrode plate may be a positive electrode plate. In other embodiments, the first electrode plate may be a positive electrode plate, and the second electrode plate may be a negative electrode plate.

[0054] The first electrode plate may be formed by applying a first electrode active material such as graphite or carbon to a first electrode current collector formed as a metal foil made of copper or nickel, and may include a first electrode uncoated portion as an area where the first electrode active material is not applied. The first electrode uncoated portion may provide a path for current flow between the first electrode plate and the outside.

[0055] The second electrode plate may be formed by applying a second electrode active material such as a transition metal oxide to a second electrode current collector formed as a metal foil made of aluminum, and may include a second electrode uncoated portion as a region where the second electrode active material is not applied.

[0056] The separator may be between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate to prevent a short circuit and enable movement of lithium ions. The separator may be a film made of polyethylene, polypropylene, or a combination thereof.

[0057] The electrode assembly may be housed in a housing together with an (optional) electrolyte. The electrolyte may contain an organic solvent such as ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), or dimethyl carbonate (DMC), and a lithium salt such as LiPF6 or LiBF4.

[0058] The housing may be sealed by components such as a cover plate or side plates. Figure 1 An embodiment is illustrated in which the case is sealed by a side plate, and electrode terminals 111 coupled to the first and second electrode plates are formed on both sides of the battery cell 110. In one or more embodiments, the electrode terminals 111 may protrude from both sides (e.g., opposite sides) of the case.

[0059] In one or more embodiments, each of the battery cells 110 may include a vent 112 in its upper surface. The vent 112 may be thinner than other areas of the battery cell 110, and thus may be configured to open earlier than other areas of the battery cell 110 when the internal pressure in the battery cell 110 is equal to or higher than a reference pressure. The vent 112 may be used to guide the internal gas in the battery cell 110 to be discharged to the outside in response to the internal pressure in the battery cell 110 being equal to or higher than a reference pressure, thereby preventing accidents such as explosions. In the battery pack 100, structures such as bus bars may be provided for electrical connection between battery cells through electrode terminals 111 formed on side portions of the battery cells. In embodiments where the vent 112 is in the upper surface of the battery cell 110, the structure may not be affected by the opening of the vent 112 of the battery cell 110.

[0060] In one or more embodiments, a spacer may be between every two adjacent battery cells among the battery cells 110. The spacer may be used to allow adjacent battery cells to be electrically isolated from each other and to block heat transfer from one battery cell to another battery cell adjacent thereto.

[0061] The cover member 120 may surround the battery cell 110 to protect the battery cell 110 from external impact. The cover member 120 may include a lower cover 121 below the battery cell 110, a side cover 122 along the side surface of the battery cell 110, an end cover 123 coupled to the frontmost (or frontmost) and rearmost battery cells among the battery cells 110, and a reinforcement cover 124 on the battery cell 110. In some embodiments, the cover may be referred to as a plate.

[0062] The lower cover 121 may extend along the surface of the plurality of battery cells 110 (e.g., the lower surface of the battery cells 110). The lower cover 121 may support the load of the battery cells 110 and the heat insulation member 130. The lower cover 121 may also be configured to dissipate heat generated in the battery cells 110 through the lower surface of the battery pack 100.

[0063] The side cover 122 may be on the lower cover 121, and may be coupled to both side surfaces of the battery cell 110 in a direction in which the battery cells 110 are arranged, thereby fixing the positions of the battery cells 110. The electrode terminals 111 of the battery cells 110 may be exposed through the side cover 122, and separate bus bars may be coupled to the electrode terminals 111 to electrically connect the battery cells 110 to each other.

[0064] The end cap 123 may be coupled to the frontmost (or most forward) and rearmost battery cells among the battery cells 110. The end cap 123 may fix the position of the battery cell 110 and press the frontmost (or most forward) and rearmost battery cells among the battery cells 110. The end cap 123 may be coupled to the lower cover 121, the side cover 122, and the reinforcement cover 124, and the battery cell 110 may be accommodated in an internal space defined by the covers 121, 122, 123, and 124.

[0065] The reinforcing cap 124 may be coupled to the upper surface of the battery cell 110. The reinforcing cap 124 may protect the upper surface of the battery cell 110 and provide mechanical rigidity thereto. The reinforcing cap 124 may be made of (or include) steel. In other embodiments, the reinforcing cap 124 may be made of (or include) stainless steel or aluminum.

[0066] The reinforcement cap 124 may include an opening in a region of the reinforcement cap 124 corresponding to the vent of the battery cell 110. Since the vent does not interfere with the reinforcement cap 124 due to the opening in the reinforcement cap 124, the operation of the vent of the battery cell 110 is not inhibited.

[0067] In some embodiments, the reinforcement cover 124 may include a plate portion 124a, a support portion 124b arranged on two edges of the plate portion 124a and in the longitudinal direction of the plate portion 124a, a vent portion 124c arranged on two edges of the plate portion 124a and in the longitudinal direction of the plate portion 124a, two rows of flange portions 124d at the center of the plate portion 124a and spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the plate portion 124a, and a vent protrusion portion 124e between the flange portions 124d and corresponding to the vent piece 112 of the battery cell 110.

[0068] The plate portion 124a may have a generally flat shape and completely (or generally completely) cover the upper surface of the battery cell 110. The support portion 124b may be on both edges of the plate portion 124a and may be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the plate portion 124a. The support portion 124b may be on both ends of the reinforcing cover 124 in the width direction of the battery cell 110 and may be arranged along the arrangement direction of the battery cell 110. The support portions 124b may be spaced apart from each other and may protrude further upward than the plate portion 124a. The exhaust portion 124c may be between the support portions 124b along the two edges of the plate portion 124a and may protrude further upward than the plate portion 124a. The exhaust portion 124c may be lower than the support portion 124b so as to allow the gas generated when an event occurs in the battery cell 110 to move along the exhaust portion 124c on the upper surface of the plate portion 124a. The gas movement channel defined by the exhaust portion 124c can be on the upper surface of the plate portion 124a in the longitudinal direction of the plate portion 124a and in the width direction of the plate portion 124a perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the plate portion 124a, so that the gas can be easily moved and discharged to the outside of the battery pack 100.

[0069] The flange portion 124d may be located at a position corresponding to the opposite side of the exhaust member 112 of the plurality of battery cells 110. The flange portion 124d may be arranged in two rows at the central portion of the plate portion 124a so as to provide rigidity to the reinforcement cover 124. That is, the flange portion 124d may be arranged in two rows at the central portion of the reinforcement cover 124. The flange portion 124d may extend in the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells 110. The flange portions 124d may be separate components, and they may each have a curved shape, such as a substantially L-shaped shape. The flange portion 124d may be coupled to the plate portion 124a (e.g., the upper surface of the plate portion 124a). The flange portion 124d having an L-shape may more reliably provide rigidity to the entire reinforcement cover 124, and may prevent (or at least mitigate) sagging of the reinforcement cover 124. In one or more embodiments, the flange portion 124d may have a thickness of about (or approximately) 1 mm to about (or approximately) 2 mm. If the thickness of the flange portion 124 d is equal to or greater than 1 mm, desired rigidity may be achieved, and if the thickness of the flange portion 124 d is equal to or less than 2 mm, it may be suitable for reducing the overall weight of the battery pack 100 .

[0070] The exhaust protrusion 124e may be located at a position corresponding to the position of each exhaust member 112 of the battery cell 110. The exhaust protrusion 124e may provide rigidity to the periphery of the exhaust member 112 of the battery cell 110. The exhaust protrusion 124e may protrude upward along the periphery of the exhaust member 112 formed in the upper surface of the battery cell 110 so as to have a relatively small thickness, thereby protecting the exhaust member 112 from external force applied to the exhaust member 112. The exhaust protrusion 124e may expose the exhaust member 112 through the opening formed therein, so as not to interfere with or inhibit the operation of the exhaust member 112 when an event occurs. The exhaust protrusion 124e may have a thickness of about (or approximately) 1 mm to about (or approximately) 2 mm. If the thickness of the exhaust protrusion 124e is equal to or greater than 1 mm, the required rigidity may be achieved, and if the thickness of the exhaust protrusion 124e is equal to or less than 2 mm, it may be suitable for reducing the total weight of the battery pack 100.

[0071] The heat insulating member 130 may be between the battery cell 110 and the reinforcing cover 124. The heat insulating member 130 may cover the upper surface of the battery cell 110 on which the vent 112 is formed. In the event that the vent 112 of any one of the battery cells 110 is opened, high temperature substances may be discharged from the corresponding battery cell. If the high temperature substance spreads to the adjacent battery cell 110, for example, spreads to the vent 112 of the adjacent battery cell 110 that is susceptible to heat, the vent 112 of the adjacent battery cell 110 may be opened. This may cause a problem that an event occurring in a certain battery cell 110 is transmitted to another battery cell 110 adjacent thereto. Because the heat insulating member 130 covers the outer side of the upper surface of the battery cell 110 on which the vent 112 is formed, the heat insulating member 120 may prevent the high temperature substance spread from any one of the battery cells 110 from directly contacting another battery cell 110. In some embodiments, the thermal insulation member 130 may be on the outer surface of the battery cell 110 and cover the vent 112 of the battery cell 110 , and thus the thermal insulation member 130 may protect the vent 112 , which is relatively susceptible to heat, from high temperature diffused substances.

[0072] The thermal insulation member 130 can block (or at least reduce) the heat from the high-temperature substances dispersed from any one of the battery cells 110 to be transferred to another battery cell 110. The thermal insulation member 130 can be configured to be opened as the vent 112 is opened when the vent 112 operates due to the internal pressure in the corresponding battery cell 110. In this way, the thermal insulation member 130 can protect the battery cell 110 from the high-temperature dispersed substances without interfering with or inhibiting the operation of the vent 112. In one or more embodiments, the thermal insulation member 130 can be or include, for example, a mica sheet. In some embodiments, the mica sheet can have a thickness of about (or approximately) 0.1 mm to about (or approximately) 2 mm. If the thickness of the mica sheet is equal to or greater than 0.1 mm, the required rigidity can be ensured, and if the thickness of the mica sheet is equal to or less than 2 mm, it can be suitable for reducing the total weight of the battery pack 100.

[0073] As described above, in the battery pack 100 including the reinforcement cover 124 covering the battery cell 110 according to one embodiment, the gas generated when an event occurs in the battery cell 110 can be moved in the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the plate portion 124a by the support portion 124b and the vent portion 124c formed in the longitudinal direction of the plate portion 124a, and the rigidity of the reinforcement cover 124 can be ensured by the flange portion 124d arranged in two rows at the central portion of the plate portion 122a. The vent protrusion portion 124e of the reinforcement cover 124 located at a position corresponding to the position of each vent member 112 of the battery cell 110 can protect the vent member 112 and can provide rigidity to the vent member 112.

[0074] Hereinafter, a configuration of a battery pack according to another embodiment will be described.

[0075] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a battery pack 200 according to another embodiment. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack 200 according to this other embodiment.

[0076] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 , a battery pack 200 according to another embodiment may include a plurality of battery cells 210 and a cover member 220 coupled to the battery cells 210 and covering the outer surfaces of the battery cells 210. The battery pack 200 according to another embodiment may further include a heat insulation member 230 on the cover member 220. Components similar to those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by similar reference numerals, and the differences therebetween will be mainly described below.

[0077] Each of the battery cells 210 may include electrode terminals 211 on an upper surface (or upper side) thereof and vents 212 between the electrode terminals 211. Unlike the above embodiment, both the electrode terminals 211 and the vents 212 are on an upper surface of each of the battery cells 210.

[0078] The cover member 220 may include a lower cover 221 below the battery cell 210, a side cover 222 along the side surface of the battery cell 210, an end cover 223 connected to the frontmost (or foremost) and rearmost battery cells among the battery cells 210, a reinforcement cover 224 on the battery cell 210, and an upper cover 225 on the reinforcement cover 224.

[0079] In some embodiments, the lower cover 221 may extend along the surfaces of the plurality of arranged battery cells 210 (e.g., the lower surfaces of the battery cells 210). The side cover 222 may be on the lower cover 221, and may be coupled to both side surfaces of the battery cells 210 in the direction in which the battery cells 210 are arranged. The end cover 223 may be coupled to the frontmost (or most forward) and rearmost battery cells among the battery cells 210, thereby fixing the positions of the battery cells 210 and pressing the frontmost (or most forward) and rearmost battery cells among the battery cells 210.

[0080] The reinforcement cap 224 may be coupled to the upper surface of the battery cell 210. The reinforcement cap 224 may be configured to protect the upper surface of the battery cell 210 and provide mechanical rigidity thereto. The reinforcement cap 224 may not cover the electrode terminal 211, but may cover the central area of ​​the upper surface of the battery cell 210 where the vent 212 is formed. In some embodiments, the width of the reinforcement cap 224 may be smaller than the width of each of the battery cells 210. Therefore, the electrode terminal 211 may be exposed to the outside of the reinforcement cap 224 and may be used for electrical connection using a bus bar.

[0081] The reinforcing cap 224 may include an opening formed in a region of the reinforcing cap 224 corresponding to the vent 212 of the battery cell 210. Since the reinforcing cap 224 does not interfere with the vent 212 due to the opening therein, the operation of the vent 212 of the battery cell 210 is not inhibited.

[0082] In some embodiments, the reinforcement cover 224 may include a plate portion 224a, two rows of flange portions 224d at the center of the plate portion 224a and spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the plate portion 224a, and a vent protrusion 224e between the flange portions 224d and positioned to correspond to (e.g., match) the vent member 212 of the battery cell 210.

[0083] The flange portion 224d may be arranged in two rows at the center portion of the plate portion 224a to provide rigidity to the reinforcing cover 224. As in the above-described embodiment, the flange portions 224d may each have a substantially L-shape. In other embodiments, the flange portion 224d may be formed integrally with the plate portion 224a by, for example, bending the plate portion 224a so as to protrude in a substantially U-shape. The flange portion 224d may have a thickness of about (or approximately) 1 mm to about (or approximately) 2 mm. If the thickness of the flange portion 224d is equal to or greater than 1 mm, the desired rigidity may be achieved, and if the thickness of the flange portion 224d is equal to or less than 2 mm, it may be suitable for reducing the total weight of the battery pack 200.

[0084] The exhaust protrusion 224e may be at a position corresponding to the position of each exhaust member 212 of the battery cell 210. The exhaust protrusion 224e may provide rigidity to the periphery of the exhaust member 212 of the battery cell 210. The exhaust protrusion 224e may expose the exhaust member 212 through an opening formed therein, so as not to interfere with or inhibit the operation of the exhaust member 212 when an event occurs. The exhaust protrusion 224e may have a thickness of about (or approximately) 1 mm to about (or approximately) 2 mm. If the thickness of the exhaust protrusion 224e is equal to or greater than 1 mm, the required rigidity may be achieved, and if the width of the exhaust protrusion 224e is equal to or less than 2 mm, it may be suitable for reducing the total weight of the battery pack 200.

[0085] The heat insulation member 230 may be on the outside of the reinforcement cover 224. The heat insulation member 230 may be coupled to a region of the upper cover 225 corresponding to the electrode terminal 211 of the battery cell 210 exposed to the outside of the reinforcement cover 224. Figure 2 As shown in , the battery pack 200 may further include a heat insulation member 231 between the plurality of battery cells 210 and the reinforcement cover 224 .

[0086] In some embodiments, after the bus bar 213 is coupled to the upper side of the electrode terminal 211 of the battery cell 210, the heat insulating member 230 may be placed so as to cover the upper side of the electrode terminal 211 and the bus bar 213. The heat insulating members 230, 231 may prevent (or at least mitigate) high-temperature substances generated when an event occurs in any one of the battery cells 210 from spreading to another battery cell 210 adjacent thereto and contacting the other battery cell 210, thereby blocking (or at least mitigating) the event or heat from being transferred to the other battery cell 210.

[0087] In some embodiments, the upper cover 225 may include a plurality of openings 225a arranged at both edges and one opening 225b arranged in the center. The bus bar 213 may be located in the opening 225a and may be electrically connected to the terminal of the battery cell 210. The heat insulation member 231 and the reinforcement cover 224 may be positioned through the opening 225b and placed on the battery cell 210.

[0088] As described above, in the battery pack 200 including the reinforcement cover 224 covering the battery cell 210 according to another embodiment, the rigidity of the reinforcement cover 224 can be achieved by the flange portion 224d arranged in two rows in the longitudinal direction of the plate portion 224a at the central portion of the plate portion 224a. The vent protrusion portion 224e of the reinforcement cover 224 located at a position corresponding to the position of each vent member 212 of the battery cell 210 can protect the vent member 212 and can provide rigidity to the vent member 212.

[0089] As is apparent from the above description, a battery pack according to an embodiment may include a reinforcement cover covering a battery cell. Gas generated when an event occurs in the battery cell may move in the longitudinal direction and width direction of the plate portion of the reinforcement cover through a support portion and a vent portion formed in the longitudinal direction of the plate portion, and the rigidity of the reinforcement cover may be achieved by a flange portion arranged in two rows at a central portion of the plate portion.

[0090] The reinforcement cover may include a vent protrusion portion located at a position corresponding to that of the vent of the battery cell, thereby protecting the vent and providing rigidity to the vent.

[0091] The above is merely one embodiment for implementing the battery pack according to the present disclosure, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims.

Claims

1. A battery pack comprising: Multiple battery cells; and a cover member configured to cover the plurality of battery cells, the cover member comprising a reinforcing cover on the plurality of battery cells, The reinforcement cover includes flange portions arranged in two rows at a central portion of the reinforcement cover and extending in an arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells. 2 . The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the flange portion is located at a position corresponding to an opposite side of the exhaust member of the plurality of battery cells.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing cover further comprises a plate portion covering upper surfaces of the plurality of battery cells, and wherein each of the flange portions has a curved shape and is coupled to an upper surface of the plate portion. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the flange portion comprises at least one of steel and aluminum. 5 . The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the flange portion has a thickness in the range of 1 mm to 2 mm. 6 . The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement cover further comprises a vent protrusion portion between the flange portions and corresponding to vents of the plurality of battery cells. 7 . The battery pack according to claim 6 , wherein the exhaust protrusion portion protrudes upward at a position corresponding to a position of the exhaust member. 8 . The battery pack according to claim 6 , wherein the vent protrusion portion has a thickness in the range of 1 mm to 2 mm.

9. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcement cover further includes support portions on both ends of the reinforcement cover in the width direction of the plurality of battery cells, the support portions being arranged along the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells and spaced apart from each other in the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells. 10 . The battery pack according to claim 9 , wherein the reinforcement cover further comprises a vent portion between the support portions, the vent portion protruding to a height lower than that of the support portions. 11 . The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of battery cells includes a terminal on a side portion of the each battery cell, and wherein the reinforcement cover is not on the side portion. 12 . The battery pack according to claim 1 , further comprising a heat insulation member between the plurality of battery cells and the reinforcement cover. 13 . The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of battery cells comprises a terminal at an upper side of each battery cell, and wherein the reinforcement cover is at the upper side of each battery cell. 14 . The battery pack according to claim 13 , further comprising a heat insulation member at an outer side of the reinforcement cover and covering the terminal of each battery cell. 15 . The battery pack according to claim 13 , wherein a width of the reinforcement cover is smaller than a width of each of the battery cells.

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