Battery pack, battery module and automobile including same

Abstract

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery pack, a battery module, and a vehicle including the same, which are capable of ensuring excellent safety when a thermal event occurs by improving heat transfer. A battery pack according to an aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of pouch-type battery cells each having an electrode lead, a bus bar frame assembly coupled to at least some of the electrode leads of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells, and a cell cover provided to at least partially surround at least some of the pouch-type battery cells among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells, the cell cover having an end inserted into the bus bar frame assembly.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack, a battery module, and an automobile including the same, and more particularly, to a battery pack, a battery module, and an automobile including the same, which have excellent safety against thermal events.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0089570 filed on July 20, 2022 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0055756 filed on April 27, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety in the specification and drawings. [Background technology]

[0003] As technological development and demand for various mobile devices, electric vehicles, energy storage systems (ESS), etc. increases dramatically, interest in and demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is growing rapidly. Previously, nickel-cadmium batteries and nickel-metal hydride batteries were often used as secondary batteries, but this year lithium secondary batteries are being used more and more because they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based batteries, can be charged and discharged freely, have a very low self-discharge rate, and have a high energy density.

[0004] Such lithium secondary batteries mainly use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as positive and negative active materials, respectively, and include an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate, each coated with the positive and negative active materials, are arranged with a separator sandwiched therebetween, and an exterior material, i.e., a battery case, that hermetically houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0005] Generally, lithium secondary batteries are classified into can-type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is housed in a metal can and pouch-type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is housed in a pouch made of an aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the exterior material.

[0006] Recently, battery packs have been widely used for driving and energy storage in medium- to large-sized devices such as electric vehicles and ESS. A conventional battery pack includes one or more battery modules and a control unit for controlling charging and discharging of the battery pack inside a pack case. Here, a battery module is configured to include a plurality of battery cells inside a module case. That is, in the case of a conventional battery pack, a plurality of battery cells (secondary batteries) are housed inside a module case to configure each battery module, and one or more such battery modules are housed inside a pack case to configure a battery pack.

[0007] In particular, pouch-type batteries have various advantages such as being light in weight and leaving little dead space when stacked, but they have problems such as being vulnerable to external impacts and being somewhat difficult to assemble. Therefore, battery packs are generally manufactured in such a way that a number of cells are first modularized and then housed inside a pack case.

[0008] However, in the case of a conventional battery pack, modularization may cause disadvantages in terms of energy density, ease of assembly, cooling performance, etc. Specifically, in the process of modularizing a plurality of battery cells by housing them inside a module case, various components such as a module case or a stacking frame may unnecessarily increase the volume of the battery pack or reduce the space occupied by the battery cells. Since a process of first constructing a battery module by modularizing a plurality of battery cells and then housing the battery module in a pack case is performed, there is a problem that the manufacturing process of the battery pack becomes complicated. Since a module case is housed inside a pack case and battery cells are housed inside the module case, when heat from the battery cells housed inside the module case is discharged to the outside of the pack case through the module case, the cooling efficiency may decrease and the cooling structure may become complicated.

[0009] Recently, the demand for battery packs applied to electric vehicles and the like is increasing. Since such battery packs include a plurality of battery cells, safety needs to be managed more strictly. When thermal runaway, fire, explosion, etc. occurs in some cells of any one battery module, the generated high-temperature gas, flame, or high-temperature internal material is ejected and thermal propagation occurs to other adjacent battery modules, which may cause a secondary thermal runaway, secondary fire, explosion, etc., and cells in multiple battery modules may run away from each other in a chain reaction, ignite, or explode. Therefore, a means for suppressing or delaying the transfer of flame between battery modules when a thermal event such as thermal runaway occurs is very necessary. However, conventional battery packs and battery modules are vulnerable to thermal events. In particular, when a thermal event occurs inside a battery module or battery pack, thermal runaway occurs, causing a flame, and in the worst case, an explosion may occur.

[0010] In conventional battery packs and battery modules, direct contact between the battery cells is avoided by placing a silicone insulating pad between the battery cells, thereby slowing down the transfer of heat through conduction. However, this structure may be vulnerable to heat transfer through convection in the space.

[0011] Furthermore, each electrode lead of each battery cell may be coupled to a busbar frame assembly for mutual electrical connection, sensing, etc. In this case, since convection is likely to occur in the area where the electrode lead and the busbar frame assembly are present, when a thermal event occurs in a specific battery cell, a problem may occur in that heat is propagated due to thermal convection on the electrode lead side. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a battery pack, a battery module, and an automobile including the same, which are excellent in terms of energy density, ease of assembly, and / or cooling performance.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack, a battery module, and a vehicle including the same, which can ensure excellent safety when a thermal event occurs by improving heat transfer.

[0014] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] In order to achieve the above object, a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of pouch-type battery cells each having an electrode lead, a bus bar frame assembly coupled to at least some of the electrode leads of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells, and a cell cover provided to at least partially surround at least some of the pouch-type battery cells among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells, with an end portion inserted into the bus bar frame assembly.

[0016] The cell cover may be configured to support the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in an upright position.

[0017] The battery pack may further include a pack case that houses the pouch-type battery cell in an internal space, and the cell cover may partially surround the pouch-type battery cell such that at least one side of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell is exposed toward the pack case.

[0018] The pouch-type battery cell may include a receiving portion in which an electrode assembly is received and an edge portion on a periphery of the receiving portion, and the cell cover may be configured to surround both sides of the receiving portion of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell and a portion of the edge portion.

[0019] Here, the cell cover may be provided to cover both sides and an upper edge or a lower edge of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell receiving portion.

[0020] In addition, the cell cover may include a first side cover portion covering one side of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell, a second side cover portion covering the other side of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell, and an upper cover portion connecting the first side cover portion and the second side cover portion and covering an upper end of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell.

[0021] Also, the first and second side cover parts may be configured to have different sizes.

[0022] Also, two or more cell covers may be included, and adjacent cell covers may be arranged such that first side cover portions or second side cover portions of the same size face each other.

[0023] In addition, one of the first side cover part and the second side cover part may be inserted so as to penetrate the bus bar frame assembly, and the remaining one of the first side cover part and the second side cover part may be inserted so as not to penetrate the bus bar frame assembly.

[0024] One of the first side cover portion and the second side cover portion may be formed to extend and protrude toward a side where the bus bar frame assembly is located more than the other of the first side cover portion and the second side cover portion.

[0025] In addition, the bus bar frame assembly may be located at the front and rear of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells, and the front and rear ends of the cell covers may be inserted into the bus bar frame assemblies, respectively.

[0026] In addition, two or more cell covers may be included, and a thermal barrier may be interposed between adjacent cell covers.

[0027] Here, the thermal barrier may have an end inserted into the bus bar frame assembly together with the cell cover.

[0028] In addition, the battery pack according to the present invention may further include an insulating pad in contact with a surface of the cell cover.

[0029] Also, the cell cover may be formed by bending a single plate.

[0030] Additionally, the cell cover may include an insulating coating layer on an inner surface.

[0031] In addition, the battery pack according to the present invention may further include a control module that is housed in an internal space of the pack case and configured to control charging and discharging of the pouch-type battery cells.

[0032] Also, a vehicle according to another aspect of the present invention may include a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0033] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery module, at least one of which is accommodated in an internal space of a pack case, comprising: a plurality of pouch-type battery cells each having an electrode lead; a bus bar frame assembly coupled to at least some of the electrode leads of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells; a cell cover disposed to at least partially surround at least some of the pouch-type battery cells among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells, the cell cover having an end portion inserted into the bus bar frame assembly; and a module case that accommodates the pouch-type battery cell in the internal space.

[0034] Here, the module case may be configured to have at least a portion thereof open, and the bus bar frame assembly may be configured to be coupled to the open portion of the module case.

[0035] Also, a vehicle according to yet another aspect of the present invention may include a battery module according to the present invention. Effect of the Invention

[0036] According to one aspect of the present invention, a CTP (Cell To Pack) concept is adopted, and by eliminating a module case, etc., cooling performance and energy density are improved.

[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] In particular, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a configuration in which a plurality of pouch-type battery cells are stacked in a horizontal direction while being vertically upright may be easily implemented.

[0039] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the energy density of a battery pack. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, since the battery cells are not modularized but directly housed in the pack case, it is possible to manufacture a battery pack that does not require a module case for a battery module. As a result, the space occupied by the module case can be reduced and more battery cells can be disposed inside the pack case. This has the effect of further improving the energy density of the battery pack. By directly assembling the pouch-type battery cells in the pack case of the battery pack, it is possible to maximize the space utilization rate of the battery pack and significantly improve the energy capacity.

[0040] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, a pouch-type battery cell having a case made of a flexible material can be easily formed into a sturdy shape, and a configuration in which the pouch-type battery cell is directly stacked inside a pack case or a module case can be easily realized, thereby improving the assemblability and mechanical stability of a battery pack or a battery module.

[0041] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, the cooling efficiency of the battery pack is further improved. In particular, in the case of one embodiment of the present invention, since a portion of each pouch-type battery cell is directly exposed to the pack case, heat of each pouch-type battery cell can be effectively discharged to the outside from the pack case.

[0042] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, when a thermal runaway occurs in a specific battery cell, it is possible to effectively respond to a thermal event. In particular, in the case of the present invention, when a thermal runaway occurs in a specific battery cell, the propagation of the thermal runaway can be effectively suppressed or delayed.

[0043] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the upper frame of the pack case is protected and a sealed structure is applied to each cell and each bank, thereby preventing the propagation of heat / flame between cells.

[0044] Additionally, one aspect of the present invention provides the ability to prevent internal short circuits and structural collapse in the event of a thermal event.

[0045] According to the present invention, there is provided a battery pack and a battery module having improved safety against thermal runaway, fire, explosion, etc., i.e., thermal safety. When some battery cells or battery modules in a battery module including a plurality of battery cells or a battery pack including a plurality of battery modules generate heat, the heat can be stably blocked from being transmitted to surrounding battery cells or battery modules.

[0046] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, the safety of the battery pack is improved. In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, gas and the like discharged from each battery cell can be smoothly discharged to the outside. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the discharge direction of gas and flames discharged from the battery cell can be controlled. Therefore, the propagation of thermal runaway to adjacent battery cells can be effectively prevented.

[0047] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to further understand the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to only the matters described in the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0048] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Diagram 2] 2 is a diagram showing a pouch-type battery cell included in the battery pack shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a portion of the battery pack shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 3 in a state where some components in FIG. 3 are joined together. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the configuration in FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which two pouch-type battery cells are surrounded by one cell cover in the battery pack illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of part B in FIG. [Figure 8] 4 is a diagram showing a schematic cross-sectional configuration of a front end portion in a state in which some components in FIG. 3 are joined. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0049] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in this specification and claims are not to be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but are to be construed as being in accordance with the meaning and concept of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventor himself can appropriately define the concept of the term in order to best describe the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiment described in this specification and the configuration shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore there may be various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted therefor at the time of this application.

[0050] In the drawings, the size of each component or a specific part constituting the component may be exaggerated, omitted, or illustrated in a schematic manner for convenience and clarity of description. Therefore, the size of each component does not completely reflect the actual size. If a detailed description of a known function or configuration related to the present invention is determined to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the description will be omitted.

[0051] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a pouch-type battery cell included in the battery pack shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a portion of the battery pack shown in Fig. 1.

[0052] 1 to 3, a battery pack 10 according to the present invention includes a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100, a bus bar frame assembly 150, and a cell cover 200. The battery pack 10 may further include a pack case 300 that houses the pouch-type battery cells 100 in an internal space.

[0053] A plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 may be included in the battery pack 10. The cell cover 200 may be configured to surround the pouch-type battery cell 100 in the internal space of the pack case 300. The plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 may be stacked in at least one direction. For example, referring to FIG. 1, the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 may be stacked and arranged in a horizontal direction, for example, in a left-right direction (Y-axis direction in the drawing). Also, the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 may be arranged in a front-back direction (X-axis direction in the drawing) as shown in FIG. 1. For example, referring to FIG. 1, the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 may be stacked such that 12 cells arranged in the left-right direction are provided as a pair in the front-back direction. The capacity and scale of the battery pack 10 can be expanded by increasing the number of stacked pouch-type battery cells 100.

[0054] The pack case 300 may include an upper frame 310 and a lower frame 320. In a more specific example, the lower frame 320 may be configured in a box shape with an open upper end, and may accommodate a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 in the internal space. The upper frame 310 may be configured in the form of a lid that covers the upper open portion of the lower frame 320. In this case, the upper frame 310 may be configured in a box shape with an open lower end. In addition, the cell cover 200 may be accommodated together with the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 in the internal space of the pack case 300. The pack case 300 may include a plastic or metal material. In addition, the pack case 300 may adopt various exterior materials of battery packs known at the time of filing of the present invention.

[0055] Also, the battery pack according to the present invention may further include a control module 400 accommodated in the internal space of the pack case 300. Such a control module 400 may include a BMS (Battery Management System). The control module 400 may be provided in the internal space of the pack case 300 and configured to generally control the charging and discharging operation and the data transmission and reception operation of the pouch-type battery cell 100. The control module 400 may be provided in pack units rather than in module units. More specifically, the control module 400 may be provided to control the charging and discharging state, the power state, and the performance state of the pouch-type battery cell 100 based on the pack voltage and the pack current. The control module 400 estimates the state of the battery cell 100 in the battery pack 10 and manages the battery pack 10 using the estimated state information. For example, the control module estimates and manages state information of the battery pack 10, such as the SOC (State Of Charge), SOH (State Of Health), the maximum input / output power allowance, and the output voltage of the battery pack 10. Such status information can be used to control charging or discharging of the battery pack 10, and can also be used to estimate when the battery pack 10 needs to be replaced.

[0056] The battery pack 10 according to the present invention may further include a battery disconnect unit (BDU) 500 as shown in FIG 1. The battery disconnect unit 500 may be configured to control electrical connection of the battery cells to manage the power capacity and functions of the battery pack 10. To this end, the battery disconnect unit 500 may include a power relay, a current sensor, a fuse, and the like. The battery disconnect unit 500 is also configured to be provided on a pack basis rather than on a module basis, and various disconnect units known at the time of filing of the present invention may be used.

[0057] In addition, the battery pack 10 according to the present invention may further include various battery pack components known at the time of filing of the present invention. For example, the battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a manual service disconnector (MSD) that allows an operator to manually disconnect a service plug to cut off power. In addition, the battery pack 10 may further include a flexible bus bar or cable for connecting a plurality of cell unit blocks to each other.

[0058] The pouch-type battery cell 100 is a basic unit for charging and discharging, and may be manufactured by storing an electrode assembly and an electrolyte inside a pouch exterior material 102 made of a laminate film containing a soft metal, and then sealing the pouch exterior material 102, as shown in Fig. 2. In this case, the electrode assembly may be manufactured by interposing a separator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The pouch exterior material 102 may be an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0059] Also, the pouch type battery cell 100 may have an electrode lead 104 on at least one side. More specifically, the electrode lead 104 electrically connected to the electrode assembly may be provided to be exposed to the outside of the pouch exterior material 102. In the pouch type battery cell 100 of this embodiment, the electrode lead 104 includes a pair of a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead. For example, the pouch type battery cell 100 may have the electrode leads 104 in the front and rear directions as shown in FIG. 2. The distance between both ends of the pouch exterior material 102 from which the electrode leads 104 protrude may be defined as the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the pouch type battery cell 100. In this manner, the positive electrode lead and the negative electrode lead may be provided at both front and rear ends in the longitudinal direction of the pouch type battery cell 100, i.e., the front end and the rear end of the pouch type battery cell 100.

[0060] The pouch-type battery cell 100 may have a storage portion R in which an electrode assembly is stored, and edge portions E1 to E4 on the periphery of the storage portion R. For example, the pouch-type battery cell 100 may have four edges, such as an upper edge portion E1, a lower edge portion E2, a front edge portion E3, and a rear edge portion E4, and the four edges E1 to E4 may all be sealed portions according to a four-side sealing method, or only the lower edge portion E2 may be an unsealed portion in which the pouch exterior material is folded according to a three-side sealing method. For example, the upper edge portion E1 may be a sealed portion of the pouch-type battery cell 100, which is a so-called DSF (Double Side Folding) portion that is folded twice, and the lower edge portion E2 may be an unsealed portion. In constructing a battery module or a battery pack using a pouch-type battery cell, the size of the battery module can be minimized to reduce the space occupied by the pouch-type battery cell in the device and increase the space utilization, or the area occupied by the sealing part for a certain battery module size can be minimized to increase the size of the electrode assembly using the resulting surplus part, thereby increasing the capacity of the secondary battery. In most cases, for the latter, the dimensions are controlled by folding the sealing part located on the side of the pouch-type battery cell to form a folded part. However, simply folding the sealing part may open due to the springback cell swelling phenomenon of the folded part, so the folded part is taped to prevent this. In addition, when the sealing part located in the direction in which the electrode lead 104 is drawn out is defined as the cell terrace, the cell terrace of the pouch-type battery cell 100 in this embodiment is formed at the front edge part E3 and the rear edge part E4.

[0061] As described above, each pouch-type battery cell 100 has two wide surfaces that become the storage portion R, and the edges of these wide surfaces may have sealed or folded portions of the pouch exterior material. Therefore, considering the shape of the pouch-type battery cells 100, it is difficult to stack the pouch-type battery cells 100 in a standing state in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction in the drawing) with the narrow surface such as the edge portion (E1 or E2) facing downward. However, according to the present invention, since the cell cover 200 is included, the standing state of the pouch-type battery cells 100 is supported, so that multiple pouch-type battery cells 100 can be easily stacked in the left-right and / or front-back directions.

[0062] On the other hand, FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 3 in a state where some of the components in FIG. 3 are joined.

[0063] 3 and 4, the bus bar frame assembly 150 may be configured to be coupled to at least some of the electrode leads 104 of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100. The bus bar frame assembly 150 may be provided on the side on which the electrode leads 104 are formed. As described with reference to FIG. 2, since the electrode leads 104 are drawn out in both directions from the pouch-type battery cell 100, the bus bar frame assembly 150 may be coupled to both sides of the pouch-type battery cell 100 in the longitudinal direction, respectively.

[0064] For example, the bus bar frame assembly 150 may include bus bar electrodes 160 made of an electrically conductive material and a bus bar frame 170 made of an electrically insulating material for supporting the bus bar electrodes 160. The bus bar frame 170 may be configured to prevent short circuits of the bus bar electrodes 160. To this end, the bus bar frame 170 may be made of an insulating polymer synthetic resin. The bus bar frame 170 has lead holes 175 formed therein so that the electrode leads 104 can pass through and be welded to the bus bar electrodes 160.

[0065] The bus bar frame assembly 150 may electrically connect the electrode leads 104 to each other and electrically connect the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 in series and / or parallel. In addition, the bus bar frame assembly 150 may be configured to be connected to the control module 400 and transmit sensing information such as voltage.

[0066] Also, the battery pack 10 may further include an insulating cover 190. The insulating cover 190 may be configured to prevent a short circuit of the electrode leads 104 or the bus bar electrodes 160. To this end, the insulating cover 190 may be made of an insulating polymer synthetic resin. Furthermore, since the electrode leads 104 are provided on both sides of the pouch-type battery cell 100, the insulating cover 190 may also be included on both sides where the electrode leads 104 are provided. Of course, it is also possible to have the bus bar frame assembly 150 perform the function of the insulating cover 190 without separately including the insulating cover 190.

[0067] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the configuration in Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration in which two pouch-type battery cells are surrounded by one cell cover in the battery pack shown in Fig. 1, and Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of part B in Fig. 6.

[0068] 5 to 7, the cell cover 200 may be provided to at least partially surround at least some of the pouch-type battery cells 100 among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100. Furthermore, a plurality of cell covers 200 may be included in one battery pack 10.

[0069] The cell cover 200 may be configured to group and unitize a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 included in the battery pack 10. In this case, one cell cover 200 can be said to constitute one cell unit. One or a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 may be included in one cell unit.

[0070] For example, the cell cover 200 may be configured to at least partially surround two pouch-type battery cells 100. Each group of cells surrounded by the cell cover 200 may be expressed as a cell bank unit in addition to a cell unit. The pouch-type battery cells 100 in the cell unit or cell bank may include a series and / or parallel electrical connection configuration using bus bar electrodes 160, etc.

[0071] The cell cover 200 may be at least partially adhered to the outer surface of the pouch-type battery cell 100. For example, the inner surface of the cell cover 200 may be adhered to the storage portion R of the pouch-type battery cell 100. The member for adhesion may be thermally conductive. Such adhesion allows the cell cover 200 to be firmly bonded to the pouch-type battery cell 100, and may be useful in discharging heat generated in the pouch-type battery cell 100 to the outside of the pouch-type battery cell 100.

[0072] The cell cover 200 may be configured to support a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 in an upright state. In the battery pack 10 according to the present invention, the cell cover 200 may be configured to surround one or more pouch-type battery cells 100 and support the surrounded pouch-type battery cells 100 in an upright state, i.e., an upright state. In particular, the cell cover 200 may be configured to stack a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 in a horizontal direction in a state in which the pouch-type battery cells 100 are upright. For example, as in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 7, the plurality of cell covers 200 may be stacked on top of each other in a horizontal direction, and each cell cover 200 may be configured to surround one or more pouch-type battery cells 100. In this case, the cell cover 200 may stably maintain a configuration in which the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 are stacked horizontally in a state in which the pouch-type battery cells 100 are each upright.

[0073] In particular, the cell cover 200 may be configured to be self-supporting in the internal space of the pack case 300. That is, the cell cover 200 may be configured to maintain an upright state without the assistance of other components provided in the battery pack 10, such as the pack case 300 or the pouch-type battery cell 100.

[0074] The cell cover 200 may be configured to partially surround the pouch-type battery cell 100 such that at least one side of the surrounded pouch-type battery cell 100 is exposed to the outside. That is, the cell cover 200 may be configured to surround only a portion of the pouch-type battery cell 100 rather than completely surrounding the entire pouch-type battery cell 100. In particular, the cell cover 200 may be configured such that at least one side of the pouch-type battery cell 100 is exposed toward the pack case 300. In this respect, the cell cover 200 may be referred to by a term such as a cell sleeve.

[0075] 1 to 7, the cell cover 200 is configured to surround two pouch-type battery cells 100, but the surrounded pouch-type battery cells 100, i.e., the lower portions of the battery cells 100 accommodated in the internal space, may not be surrounded by the cell cover 200. Therefore, the lower portions of the battery cells 100 may be exposed to the pack case 300 side and directly face the pack case 300. In particular, referring to FIG. 1, the lower portions of the battery cells 100 may be exposed toward the bottom surface of the lower frame 320.

[0076] A battery cell in which all four edge portions E1 to E4 are sealed may be referred to as a four-side sealed cell, and a battery cell in which three edge portions E1, E3, and E4 are sealed may be referred to as a three-side sealed cell. In this configuration, the cell cover 200 may be configured to surround both sides of the storage portion R of the pouch-type battery cell 100 of the four-side sealed cell or three-side sealed cell, and parts of the edge portions E1 to E4. For example, the cell cover 200 may be configured in a "C-shape", "U-shape", or "n-shape" that surrounds three sides of the pouch-type battery cell 100.

[0077] For example, when one cell cover 200 is configured to surround one pouch-type battery cell 100, the cell cover 200 may be configured to surround both surfaces of the storage portion R of the same pouch-type battery cell 100 (e.g., the left and right surfaces of the same storage portion R) and a part of the edge portion of the corresponding battery cell 100 from the outside. In another example, when one cell cover 200 is configured to surround a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100, for example, a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 arranged in the left-right direction, the cell cover 200 may be configured to surround the outer surface of the storage portion R of the outermost pouch-type battery cell 100 and one side edge portion of the entire pouch-type battery cell 100. As a more specific example, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, one cell cover 200 may be configured to surround two pouch-type battery cells 100 stacked in the left-right direction. In this case, the cell cover 200 may be configured to surround the left surface of the left pouch-type battery cell 100, the upper edge portions E1 of the two pouch-type battery cells 100, and the right surface of the right pouch-type battery cell 100.

[0078] According to this embodiment, a configuration for supporting and protecting one or more pouch-type battery cells 100 can be easily implemented as one cell cover 200. Also, according to the embodiment, the handling process of one or more pouch-type battery cells 100 can be easily and safely performed by the cell cover 200. Also, according to the embodiment, one cell cover 200 can face the surfaces of two storage parts R with respect to the pouch-type battery cells 100 accommodated therein. Therefore, the cooling performance between the storage parts R and the cell cover 200 can be further improved. In particular, in this case, surface cooling is implemented due to the wide surface of the storage part R, thereby improving the cooling efficiency.

[0079] In particular, the cell cover 200 may be configured to surround an edge portion not provided with an electrode lead 104 among a plurality of edge portions of the pouch-type battery cell 100 housed therein. For example, as described with reference to FIG. 2, the pouch-type battery cell 100 may include two electrode leads 104, i.e., a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead. In this case, the two electrode leads 104 may be located at the front edge portion E3 and the rear edge portion E4, respectively. In this case, the cell cover 200 may be configured to surround one of the remaining two edge portions E1 and E2 excluding the front edge portion E3 and the rear edge portion E4. In this manner, the cell cover 200 may have a structure in which the both side surfaces and the upper end of the pouch-type battery cell 100 are covered, while the front end, the rear end, and the lower end of the pouch-type battery cell 100 are open.

[0080] In particular, according to the embodiment, the lower edge portion E2 is located adjacent to the open end of the cell cover 200, faces the pack case 300 without being surrounded by the cell cover 200, and may be in direct face-to-face contact with the pack case 300. Therefore, heat from the pouch-type battery cell 100 surrounded by the cell cover 200 can be quickly and smoothly discharged to the lower pack case 300. Therefore, the cooling performance of the battery pack 10 can be more effectively ensured.

[0081] In particular, this configuration can be more effectively implemented when cooling is mainly performed at the lower part of the pack case 300. For example, in the case of a battery pack mounted on an electric vehicle, cooling may mainly be performed at the lower part of the pack case 300 since it is mounted at the lower part of the vehicle body. In this case, when the lower edge part E2 of each pouch-type battery cell 100 faces and contacts the pack case 300 as in the above embodiment, heat is rapidly transferred from each battery cell 100 to the pack case 300, and cooling performance can be further improved.

[0082] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, when high-temperature gas or flame is discharged from the pouch-type battery cell 100 in a situation such as thermal runaway, the discharged gas or flame can be effectively prevented from moving upward. In particular, when a passenger is positioned above the battery pack 10, such as in an electric vehicle, according to the embodiment, the movement of gas or flame toward the passenger can be suppressed or delayed.

[0083] In addition, by surrounding three sides of the pouch-type battery cell 100, a configuration in which the bus bar electrodes 160 and the electrode leads 104 are positioned on the sides that are not surrounded by each cell cover 200 can be easily implemented.

[0084] Furthermore, according to this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to guide the exhaust direction of high-temperature gas, flame, etc. to the exposed side (the portion where the electrode lead 104 is formed) of the cell cover 200. For example, according to the embodiment, the front and rear of the cell cover 200 where the electrode lead 104 is located are open, so that gas or flame can be exhausted in the direction of the opening. In particular, when the cell cover 200 is configured so that the front and rear are open as described above, side directional venting can be easily implemented along the longitudinal direction of the pouch-type battery cell 100.

[0085] The pouch-type battery cell 100 has the advantages of being light, having little risk of electrolyte leakage, and being flexible in shape, allowing the same capacity of a secondary battery to be realized with a smaller volume and mass. However, when overheated, there is a risk of explosion, so ensuring safety is an important issue. Overheating of the pouch-type battery cell 100 occurs for various reasons, one of which is when an overcharge exceeds a limit and flows through the pouch-type battery cell 100. When an overcurrent flows, the pouch-type battery cell 100 generates heat due to Joule heat, so the internal temperature of the battery cell 100 rises rapidly. The rapid rise in temperature may induce a decomposition reaction of the electrolyte, generating gas. This may cause serious problems, such as a swelling phenomenon, which is a type of expansion phenomenon, due to an increase in pressure inside the pouch exterior material, causing a secondary battery to explode. When gas is generated inside the pouch-type battery cell 100 due to not only such an overcurrent but also exposure to high temperature, external impact, etc., it is necessary to effectively exhaust the gas to ensure the safety of the secondary battery. Discharging the gas generated inside the secondary battery to the outside is called venting. The cell cover 200 included in the battery pack 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured to be able to exhaust the vent gas, thereby ensuring the safety of the secondary battery.

[0086] If the pouch-type battery cell 100 is a three-sided sealed battery cell, the upper edge portion E1 as a sealed portion of the pouch-type battery cell 100 may be relatively more vulnerable to the discharge of high-temperature gas or flame than the lower edge portion E2 as an unsealed portion. However, according to the embodiment, the upper edge portion E1 as a sealed portion is disposed to face the cell cover 200, which may be more advantageous for directional venting.

[0087] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, gas and the like discharged from each pouch-type battery cell 100 can be smoothly discharged to the outside. Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the discharge direction of gas, flame, and the like discharged from the pouch-type battery cell 100 can be controlled. Therefore, the propagation of thermal runaway to the adjacent pouch-type battery cell 100 can be effectively prevented.

[0088] In the present invention, the pouch type battery cell 100 and the cell cover 200 may be directly attached to the pack case 300. Furthermore, the lower ends of the pouch type battery cell 100 and the cell cover 200 may be attached to the upper surface of the bottom of the pack case 300. For example, the cell cover 200 may be directly attached to the bottom surface of the lower frame 320 in the embodiment of FIG. 1. In this case, a part of the cell cover 200, for example, the lower end of the cell cover 200 indicated by "C1" in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, may be attached in direct contact with the bottom surface of the lower frame 320. The cell cover 200 may be configured to stably maintain the attached state when the lower end is attached in this manner. In this case, if the cell cover 200 is made of a metal material having excellent rigidity such as steel, particularly a stainless steel (SUS) material, the self-supporting state may be more stably maintained. Therefore, in this case, the upright state of the pouch type battery cell 100 is more reliably supported.

[0089] According to this aspect of the present invention, a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 can be directly attached and housed inside the pack case 300 without a module case. In particular, since the exterior material of the pouch-type battery cell 100 is made of a soft material, it is vulnerable to external impact and has low hardness. Therefore, it is difficult to house only the pouch-type battery cell 100 inside the pack case 300 without housing it in a module case. However, in the case of the present invention, the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 are coupled to the cell cover 200 with at least a portion of the pouch-type battery cells 100 surrounded by the cell cover 200, and therefore the stacked state is directly housed inside the pack case 300 and is stably maintained.

[0090] Furthermore, in the present invention, a CTP type battery pack using the pouch type battery cell 100 can be more efficiently implemented. That is, in the present invention, the pouch type battery cell 100 is not housed inside a separate module case and the module case is then housed inside the pack case 300, but the battery pack 10 can be provided such that the pouch type battery cell 100 is directly housed inside the pack case 300. In this case, at least one side of the pouch type battery cell 100 can be exposed to the outside of the cell cover 200 and disposed so as to directly face the pack case 300.

[0091] Therefore, according to this aspect of the present invention, the battery pack 10 does not need to further include a module case, a stacking frame, or fastening members such as bolts for maintaining the stacked state of the cells. As a result, the space occupied by other components such as the module case and the stacking frame and the space required to ensure tolerances therewith can be eliminated. Therefore, the battery cells can occupy more space by the amount of the eliminated space, thereby further improving the energy density of the battery pack 10.

[0092] Furthermore, according to this aspect of the present invention, since a module case, stacking frame, bolts, etc. are not provided, the volume and weight of the battery pack can be reduced and the manufacturing process can be simplified.

[0093] According to the present invention, the assemblability of a battery pack can be improved. In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is not necessary to perform a process of accommodating pouch-type battery cells in a module case to provide a battery module, and a process of accommodating one or more battery modules thus provided in a pack case. As a result, the manufacturing process is simplified and manufacturing time is reduced.

[0094] Furthermore, according to this aspect of the present invention, handling of the pouch-type battery cell 100 becomes easier. For example, when a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 are stored inside a pack case, the pouch-type battery cells 100 may be held by a jig or the like. In this case, the jig may hold the cell cover 200 surrounding the pouch-type battery cell 100 without directly holding the pouch-type battery cell 100. Therefore, damage or breakage of the pouch-type battery cell 100 by the jig can be prevented.

[0095] Also, according to this aspect of the present invention, the cell cover 200 is coupled to the pouch-type battery cell 100, so that the pouch-type battery cell 100 can be effectively protected without a module case.

[0096] Also, according to this embodiment of the present invention, the cooling performance of the battery pack 10 can be more effectively ensured. In particular, according to the embodiment, the pouch type battery cell 100 and the pack case 300 can directly face each other and come into contact with each other through the open end of the cell cover 200. That is, one side of the pouch type battery cell 100 arranged adjacent to the open end of the cell cover 200 can directly face or come into contact with the pack case 300. Therefore, the heat released from each pouch type battery cell 100 is directly transferred to the pack case 30, improving the cooling performance. Also, in this case, since there is no need to provide a separate cooling structure between the pouch type battery cell 100 and the pack case 300, efficient cooling performance can be realized. And, in this case, there is no need to provide a space between the pouch type battery cells 100 for a refrigerant such as air to flow in.

[0097] In this case, at least one side of the cell cover 200 is open, which may be advantageous in reducing the weight of the battery pack 10. For example, when the cell cover 200 is made of a material such as steel, if the lower end of the cell cover 200 is formed to be open, the weight of the cell cover 200 may be reduced by the weight of the lower plate. Furthermore, as shown in FIG 1, the battery pack 10 may include many cell covers 200, and if all the cell covers 200 are formed to be open without a lower plate, the weight of the battery pack 10 may be significantly reduced.

[0098] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, a long cell structure having a long length in a specific direction can be more easily provided.

[0099] For example, in the case of a conventional prismatic cell, if the length in a specific direction is long, the process of inserting the electrode assembly into the prismatic case may not be easy. In particular, the electrode assembly may be damaged during the process of inserting the electrode assembly. However, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the pouch-type battery cell 100 and the cell cover 200 can be easily lengthened in one direction during the steps of forming the pouch exterior material, manufacturing the electrode assembly, and manufacturing the cell cover 200. In addition, the process of inserting the long cell, which is long in one direction, from the open side (e.g., the lower end) of the cell cover 200 is easily performed. Therefore, according to this aspect of the present invention, excellent assembly, processability, productivity, etc. can be ensured when manufacturing the battery pack 10 using the long cell.

[0100] A plurality of cell covers 200 may be included in the battery pack 10. When a plurality of cell covers 200 are included, the plurality of cell covers 200 may be closely adhered and fixed to each other. For example, an adhesive member may be interposed between the portions of the two cell covers 200 facing each other to adhere and fix them. This adhesive configuration may make the connection configuration between the plurality of cell covers 200 more solid. For example, a plurality of cell covers 200 may be arranged in a line, and adjacent cell covers 200 may be adhered and fixed to each other. The adhesive member may be insulating. Such an adhesive member may achieve insulation between the cell covers 200 made of a metal material.

[0101] In another example, the multiple cell covers 200 may be spaced apart from each other. For example, multiple cell covers 200 may be arranged side by side, and a space may exist between adjacent cell covers 200. For example, multiple cell covers 200 may be arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction, and the cell covers 200 may also be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction. The space may block direct heat transfer between the cell covers 200. In addition, the space may be used to insert another member required for the configuration of the battery pack 10.

[0102] In particular, the battery pack 10 according to the present invention may further include a thermal barrier 250 as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The thermal barrier 250 may be configured in the form of a pad made of a heat insulating material and may be interposed between adjacent cell covers 200. Preferably, the thermal barrier 250 may be configured of a compressible material and may be interposed between adjacent cell covers 200. Alternatively, the thermal barrier 250 may be interposed between the pouch-type battery cells 100 within one cell cover 200. For example, the thermal barrier 250 may include a material having elasticity like a sponge.

[0103] The thermal barrier 250 may be interposed between at least a portion of the cell covers 200 in the form of an insulating pad or a flame suppression pad. Such an insulating pad or a flame suppression pad can prevent heat or flame generated in any one of the cell covers 200 from being transferred to the other cell covers 200 and affecting other pouch-type battery cells 100. The flame suppression pad may be a heat-resistant resin such as polyvinyl chloride resin, a material such as silicone or ceramic, or a composite of a heat-resistant resin and a ceramic or glass filler. The thermal barrier 250 may be formed of a metal plate or the like with an insulating coating. However, these are only examples, and any flame-retardant material may be used. It is preferable that the thermal barrier 250 is made of a material that does not decompose, melt, or ignite at least up to a temperature (e.g., 150°C to 200°C) at which the pouch-type battery cell 100 experiences thermal runaway.

[0104] Preferably, the thermal barrier 250 may be configured to be in close contact with the cell cover 200 between the adjacent cell covers 200. Thus, the thermal barrier 250 may be configured to suppress a swelling phenomenon caused in the pouch-type battery cell 100. The size of the surface of the thermal barrier 250 facing the cell cover 200 may correspond to the size of the side surface of the cell cover 200. Thus, the spread of a flame due to thermal runaway of the pouch-type battery cell 100 can be delayed and the swelling phenomenon caused in the pouch-type battery cell 100 can be suppressed, so that the structural stability of the battery pack 10 can be further ensured.

[0105] The cell cover 200 may be made of various materials to ensure rigidity. In particular, the cell cover 200 may be made of a metal material. In the case of such a metal material, the stacked state of the pouch-type battery cells 100 can be more stably maintained and the pouch-type battery cells 100 can be more safely protected from external impact. In particular, the cell cover 200 may include a steel material and / or a SUS material. For example, the cell cover 200 may be entirely made of a SUS material.

[0106] In this manner, when the cell cover 200 is made of a steel material, the mechanical strength or rigidity is excellent, and therefore the stacked state of the pouch-type battery cells 100 can be more stably supported. In this case, damage or breakage of the pouch-type battery cells 100 due to external impact, for example, a needle-shaped object, can be more effectively prevented. In this case, the pouch-type battery cells 100 can be more easily handled.

[0107] In addition, when the cell cover 200 is made of a steel material as in the above embodiment, the high melting point allows the overall structure to be stably maintained when a flame breaks out from the pouch-type battery cell 100. In particular, since the melting point of steel is higher than that of aluminum, the steel does not melt even when a flame breaks out from the pouch-type battery cell 100, and the shape of the steel is stably maintained. Therefore, it is possible to excellently ensure the effect of preventing or delaying the spread of flame between the pouch-type battery cells 100, the effect of controlling venting, etc.

[0108] Meanwhile, in the battery pack 10 according to the present invention, a thermal interface material (TIM) may be interposed to improve the heat transfer performance between different components. For example, the TIM may be filled between the pouch type battery cell 100 and the cell cover 200, between the cell cover 200 and the pack case 300, and / or between the pouch type battery cell 100 and the pack case 300. In this case, the cooling performance of the battery pack 10 can be further improved. The TIM is for reducing the contact thermal resistance between members. In a battery pack where cooling is important, it is necessary to improve the thermal performance of the entire system by using a material that can minimize the contact thermal resistance. The TIM can be various, such as thermally conductive grease, a thermally conductive sheet, a thermally conductive pad, a thermally conductive adhesive, and a PCM (phase change material). As a specific example, the TIM can be any one of a thermally conductive silicone-based bond, a thermally conductive silicone pad, and a thermally conductive acrylic bond. Heat dissipating silicone adhesives and heat dissipating acrylic adhesives are commercially available as one-component or two-component adhesives, and may be applied between different components by coating or injection. Heat dissipating silicone pads include a base film such as a double-sided tape and release paper on the top and bottom of the base film, and may be applied between different components by adhesion after removing the release paper. Heat dissipating silicone adhesives, heat dissipating silicone pads, and heat dissipating acrylic adhesives have higher thermal conductivity than ordinary adhesives, and therefore may further increase the amount and speed of heat transfer between different components. Therefore, according to this embodiment of the present invention, the heat dissipation performance of the pouch-type battery cell 100 may be further improved, and the cooling performance of the battery pack 10 may be further improved.

[0109] Also, the battery pack 10 according to the present invention may further include an insulating pad 260 as shown in Figs. 3 to 5. The insulating pad 260 may be made of an electrically insulating material and may be in contact with a surface of at least one cell cover 200. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, the insulating pad 260 may be located at both ends in the stacking direction of a cell assembly including a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 and a plurality of cell covers 200 stacked in the left-right direction. In particular, the insulating pad 260 may be configured to be inserted into the bus bar frame assembly 150 together with the cell cover 200. The insulating pad 260 may be made of a material such as glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP).

[0110] The cell cover 200 may further include an insulating member (not shown). The insulating member may be made of an electrically insulating material and may be provided on the inner surface of the cell cover 200 in which the pouch-type battery cell 100 is housed. In particular, the insulating member may have an adhesive layer on at least one side and be attached to the inner surface of the cell cover 200. In addition, the insulating member may be attached to the pouch-type battery cell 100 as well as the inner surface of the cell cover 200 by providing adhesive layers on both sides. In addition, the insulating member may be made of a material having heat resistance. For example, the insulating member may be configured in the form of a heat-resistant tape in which an adhesive is applied to the surface of a heat-resistant ceramic sheet. The insulating member may be a film made of a PI (polyimide) material. In addition, the insulating member may be located on the inner and outer surfaces of the cell cover 200, i.e., on both sides.

[0111] Meanwhile, the cell cover 200 will be described in more detail with reference to Figs. 5 to 7. The cell cover 200 is provided to cover both side surfaces and an upper edge portion E1 of the storage portion R of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell 100. The cell cover 200 may include a first side cover part 210 covering one side of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell 100, a second side cover part 220 covering the other side of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell 100, and an upper cover part 230 connecting the first side cover part 210 and the second side cover part 220 and covering an upper end part of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell 100.

[0112] For example, the first side cover part 210 may cover the outer side of the storage part R of the pouch-type battery cell 100 located at the left end of the pouch-type battery cell 100 surrounded by the cell cover 200. The second side cover part 220 may cover the outer side of the storage part R of the pouch-type battery cell 100 located at the right end of the pouch-type battery cell 100 surrounded by the cell cover 200.

[0113] The upper cover part 230 may be configured to surround an upper portion of the upper edge part E1 of the pouch-type battery cell 100 housed therein. The upper cover part 230 may be configured in a planar shape. In this case, the upper cover part 230 may have a cross section formed in a horizontal linear shape and may surround the upper edge part E1 of the pouch-type battery cell 100 from the outside in a linear shape.

[0114] It is possible to easily implement a configuration in which the number of pouch-type battery cells 100 surrounded by the cell cover 200 can be changed. In particular, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the number of unit cells accommodated by the cell cover 200 can be easily changed by changing the width of the cell cover 200 (the width along the Y-axis direction of the upper cover part 230). Therefore, in this case, it is easy to change the capacity or output of one cell cover 200.

[0115] The first side cover part 210 may be configured to extend downward from one end of the upper cover part 230. For example, the first side cover part 210 may be configured to extend downward from a left end part of the upper cover part 230. The first side cover part 210 may be configured to surround a wide surface of the pouch-type battery cell 100 accommodated therein. Furthermore, the first side cover part 210 may be formed in a planar shape. In this case, the first side cover part 210 may be configured in a shape bent from the upper cover part 230.

[0116] The second side cover part 220 may be positioned horizontally apart from the first side cover part 210. The second side cover part 220 may be configured to extend downward from the other end of the upper cover part 230. For example, the second side cover part 220 may be configured to extend downward from the right end part of the upper cover part 230. The second side cover part 220 may be configured to surround a wide surface of the pouch-type battery cell 100 accommodated therein. The second side cover part 220 may also be configured in a flat shape like the first side cover part 210. In this case, the second side cover part 220 may also be configured in a shape bent from the upper cover part 230.

[0117] In the embodiment, an internal space may be defined by the first side cover part 210, the second side cover part 220, and the upper cover part 230. The cell cover 200 may accommodate one or more pouch-type battery cells 100 in the internal space defined in this manner.

[0118] In this case, the cross-sectional configuration of the cell cover 200 as viewed from the front is approximately similar to the letter "n". Therefore, in this case, the cell cover 200 may be referred to as an "n-fin". Furthermore, each cell bank may be covered by the cell cover 200.

[0119] Meanwhile, in the drawings attached to this specification, the cell cover 200 is mainly shown to be formed in an "n" shape, but the cell cover 200 may also be formed in a "U" shape. In this case, the cell cover 200 may be provided to cover both side surfaces and the lower edge portion E2 of the receiving portion R of the pouch-type battery cell 100.

[0120] Preferably, the cell cover 200 may be integrally formed. In this case, the cell cover 200 may be formed by bending a metal plate having a plate structure. That is, the cell cover 200 may be formed by bending one plate. The cell cover 200 may be formed to surround one or more pouch-type battery cells 100 by bending both ends of one plate in the same direction. In particular, when one cell cover 200 includes the first side cover part 210, the second side cover part 220, and the upper cover part 230, the first side cover part 210, the second side cover part 220, and the upper cover part 230 may be formed of one plate. In this case, the cell cover 200 may be said to be formed by integrally manufacturing a plurality of components. Here, each component may be divided by a bent part. In particular, two bent parts may be formed in one plate. Based on these two bent portions, the first side cover part 210, the second side cover part 220, and the upper cover part 230 may be divided. In particular, a central part of one plate may form the upper cover part 230, and both sides may be bent or folded downward by approximately 90 degrees around the upper cover part 230 to form the first side cover part 210 and the second side cover part 220. In this manner, the configuration of forming the bent parts in one plate to form the cell cover 200 may be embodied in various ways, such as pressing or roll forming.

[0121] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the cell cover 200 can be manufactured more easily. In addition, the cell cover 200 having a simplified structure is made of a metal material having higher rigidity than the case of the pouch-type battery cell 100, such as a pouch exterior material, and can protect the pouch-type battery cell 100 surrounded by the cell cover 200 from external impact and vibration. In this case, the thermal conduction performance of the cell cover 200 is further improved, and the cooling performance can be further improved.

[0122] The cell cover 200 may include an insulating coating layer on its inner surface. The insulating coating layer may be formed by coating, applying, or attaching any one of insulating materials selected from silicone resin, polyamide, and rubber. According to the configuration of the insulating coating layer of the cell cover 200 according to the present embodiment, the insulating coating effect can be maximized with a minimum amount of coating. In addition, 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 is enhanced.

[0123] The first side cover part 210 and the second side cover part 220 may be configured to have the same size, or the first side cover part 210 and the second side cover part 220 may be configured to have different sizes.

[0124] For example, when multiple cell covers 200 are included, in some of the cell covers 200, the first side cover portion 210 and the second side cover portion 220 may have the same size. In other of the cell covers 200, the first side cover portion 210 and the second side cover portion 220 may have different sizes.

[0125] For example, the cell cover 200 may include a first side cover part 210 located on the left side and a second side cover part 220 located on the right side based on the pouch-type battery cell 100 accommodated therein. In this case, the first side cover part 210 may be formed smaller than the second side cover part 220. In particular, the second side cover part 220 may be formed to extend so as to protrude toward a side where the bus bar frame assembly 150 is located more than the first side cover part 110. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a front-rear length L2 of the second side cover part 220 may be longer than a front-rear length L1 of the first side cover part 210.

[0126] 6, the vertical length S1 of the first side cover part 210 and the vertical length S2 of the second side cover part 220 may be the same or different. When the vertical length S1 of the first side cover part 210 and the vertical length S2 of the second side cover part 220 are the same, the self-supporting structure of the cell cover 200 can be more easily achieved.

[0127] When the vertical length S1 of the first side cover part 210 and the vertical length S2 of the second side cover part 220 are different, the longer side cover part may be inserted into the pack case 300 to firmly fix the cell cover 200. The pack case 300 may have a fastening groove to fit and fix the longer side cover part. According to this embodiment of the present invention, the binding force between the cell cover 200 and the pack case 300 may be improved. Therefore, even if vent gas or the like is generated from the pouch type battery cell 100, the shape or position deformation may be minimized, and the overall structure of the battery pack 10 may be maintained as it is. Even in a situation where vibration or impact is applied to the battery pack 10 or swelling of the pouch type battery cell 100 occurs, the stacked state of the cell cover 200 and the pouch type battery cell 100 accommodated therein may be stably maintained. Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the cell cover 200 may be effectively prevented from moving in the vertical and horizontal directions. Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the assembly position of the cell cover 200 is guided by the fitting configuration between the cell cover 200 and the pack case 300. Therefore, in this case, the ease of assembly of the battery pack 10 is further improved.

[0128] Also, two or more cell covers 200 may be included inside the battery pack 10, as shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4. In this case, adjacent cell covers 200 may be arranged such that side cover parts of the same size face each other. For example, adjacent cell covers 200 may be configured such that first side cover parts 210 having small sizes face each other, or second side cover parts 220 having large sizes face each other.

[0129] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic cross-sectional configuration of the front end portion in a state where the partial configuration of FIG. 3 is joined.

[0130] 4 and 6 to 8, the cell cover 200 may be configured such that the end C2 is inserted into the bus bar frame assembly 150, particularly the bus bar frame 170. Since the bus bar frame assembly 150 is located at the front and rear of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 as shown in FIG. 3, the front end and rear end of the cell cover 200 may be inserted into the bus bar frame assembly 150 located in the front and rear directions, respectively.

[0131] For example, as shown by "AA" in Fig. 8, the end C2 of the cell cover 200 may be inserted into the bus bar frame assembly 150. Here, the cell cover 200 may be inserted so that the cell cover 200 penetrates or does not penetrate the bus bar frame assembly 150. For this purpose, the bus bar frame assembly 150, particularly the bus bar frame 170, may have an insertion portion H in the form of a groove or hole into which the end C2 of the cell cover 200 is inserted. The cell cover 200 inserted into the bus bar frame assembly 150 more reliably prevents the vent gas and / or flame discharged from any one of the pouch-type battery cells 100 from progressing to the other cell cover 200.

[0132] The bus bar frame 170 is formed with a lead outlet hole 175 so that the electrode lead 104 can be inserted therethrough and welded to the bus bar electrode 160. The insertion portion H may be formed at a position spaced apart from the lead outlet hole 175. As shown in the figure, the pouch type battery cells 100 may be arranged in groups of two, for example, and the electrode leads 104 provided in a pair of pouch type battery cells 100 belonging to the same group may be drawn out to the outside from the same lead outlet hole 175. In addition, the pair of electrode leads 104 drawn out to the outside from the lead outlet hole 175 are attached to the same bus bar electrode 160 by welding or the like. Of course, the number and polarity of the electrode leads 104 drawn out from one lead outlet hole 175 may be changed from these examples depending on the series and parallel connection relationship of the pouch type battery cells 100.

[0133] The bus bar frame 170 may include a plurality of lead guides 180 formed below the lead pull-out holes 175 and guiding the electrode leads 104 to extend from below the lead pull-out holes 175 toward the lead pull-out holes 175. Desirably, the insertion portion H is formed in the lead guide 180. The cross section of the lead guide 180 perpendicular to the Z axis has a substantially triangular, rectangular, or trapezoidal structure, and the insertion portion H may be formed at the apex of the triangle or the upper surface of the rectangular or trapezoidal shape. In particular, the lead guide 180 may be formed to be thicker than other parts of the bus bar frame 170 or to have a structure having a wall. Therefore, when the insertion portion H is formed in the lead guide 180, the depth D of the insertion portion H can be made sufficiently deep, and the cell cover 200 can be inserted and stably maintained.

[0134] In this embodiment, the cell cover 200 may surround one or more pouch-type battery cells 100 or cell banks and then be inserted into or penetrated by the bus bar frame assembly 150. This forms an independent space between the cell banks, and can prevent the direct transfer of vent gas or flame to the cell terrace spaces located at the front edge E3 and rear edge E4.

[0135] Therefore, in this case, it is possible to effectively suppress or delay the propagation of thermal runaway between the pouch-type battery cells 100 inside the battery pack 10. In particular, according to the embodiment, it is possible to effectively prevent the propagation of thermal runaway caused by thermal convection due to the cell terrace space.

[0136] Furthermore, if a thermal runaway occurs in a particular pouch-type battery cell 100 in one cell bank, the thermal event can be effectively dealt with. The cell cover 200 effectively suppresses or delays heat transfer between the cell banks.

[0137] Meanwhile, in the independent spaces between each cell bank, the vent gas may be guided in a specific direction. For example, the vent gas may be discharged from each independent space to the bottom of the cell cover 200. Alternatively, an exhaust port may be formed in a specific portion of the cell cover 200, and the vent gas may be discharged from each independent space to the outside through the exhaust port. This prevents the vent gas from being discharged to the upper frame 310, protecting the upper frame 310, and a sealed structure may be applied to each cell and bank, preventing the transfer of heat / flame between cells.

[0138] The thermal barrier 250 may have an end (see D1 in FIG. 5) inserted into the bus bar frame assembly 150 together with the cell cover 200. In particular, the thermal barrier 250 may be inserted into the same insertion portion H as the cell cover 200, as shown by "BB" in FIG. 8. In this case, the thermal barrier 250 may have improved connectivity with the cell cover 200. In particular, the cell cover 200 may be integrated with the thermal barrier 250 and inserted into the bus bar frame assembly 150 to form a sealed space between the cell banks. Since the thermal barrier 250 may be made of a compressible material, the isolation between the cell banks may be further ensured by making the width of the insertion portion H tight and inserting the thermal barrier 250 in a compressed state.

[0139] In the case of conventional battery packs and battery modules, heat transfer by conduction is delayed by preventing direct contact between the cells by placing a silicone insulating pad between the battery cells, but the structure can be vulnerable to heat transfer by convection in the space. In addition, convection is likely to occur in the area where the electrode lead and bus bar frame assembly are located, so if a thermal event occurs in a specific battery cell, heat transfer problems can occur due to heat convection on the electrode lead side.

[0140] According to the present invention, each bank can be sealed by inserting the cell cover 200 into the bus bar frame assembly 150. Since heat transfer due to convection is blocked by the cell cover 200, the battery pack 10 including the cell cover 200 and the bus bar frame assembly 150 has high safety against thermal runaway, fire, explosion, etc., i.e., thermal safety.

[0141] As described above, adjacent cell covers 200 may be configured such that the first side cover parts 210 having a smaller size face each other, or the second side cover parts 220 having a larger size face each other. In this case, the two first side cover parts 210 facing each other may be inserted into the same insertion portion H of the bus bar frame assembly 150 as shown by "CC" in FIG 8. And, the two second side cover parts 220 facing each other may be inserted into the same insertion portion H of the bus bar frame assembly 150 as shown by "DD" in FIG 8.

[0142] In addition, one of the first side cover part 210 and the second side cover part 220 may be inserted so as to penetrate the bus bar frame assembly 150, and the remaining one of the first side cover part 210 and the second side cover part 220 may be inserted so as not to penetrate the bus bar frame assembly 150.

[0143] For example, as shown in Fig. 8, in each cell cover 200, the second side cover part 220 may be inserted into the insertion part H of the bus bar frame assembly 150 in a form that penetrates the bus bar frame assembly 150 as shown by "DD" in Fig. 8. In this case, the insertion part H into which the second side cover part 220 is inserted is a hole. Also, in each cell cover 200, the first side cover part 210 may be inserted into the insertion part H of the bus bar frame assembly 150 without penetrating the bus bar frame assembly 150 as shown by "CC" in Fig. 8. In this case, the insertion part H into which the first side cover part 210 is inserted is a groove.

[0144] In addition, depending on the shape of the bus bar frame assembly 150 and the change in the connection relationship between the electrode leads 104, the first side cover part 210 and the second side cover part 220 may be the same size in some cell covers 200 in the battery pack 10. In the example shown in FIG. 8, eight cell banks are included. The electrode leads 104 of the two pouch-type battery cells 100 in the first cell bank located at the left end are welded to one bus bar electrode 160a. The electrode leads 104 of the pouch-type battery cells 100 in the adjacent second and third cell banks are welded to the same bus bar electrode 160b. In the cell covers 200 of the first and third cell banks, the first side cover part 210 and the second side cover part 220 are different in size. In the cell cover 200 of the second cell bank, the first side cover part 210 and the second side cover part 220 are the same in size.

[0145] Meanwhile, the battery pack may house one or more battery modules, and the configurations described in the above-mentioned embodiments, for example, the configurations of the pouch-type battery cell, the bus bar frame assembly, and the cell cover, may be applied to the battery module.

[0146] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0147] 9, the battery module 20 may be one or more battery modules housed in the internal space of the pack case 300 as shown in FIG 1. The battery module 20 may include a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 as described above.

[0148] The bus bar frame assembly 150 is coupled to at least some of the electrode leads 104 of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100. The battery module 20 also includes a cell cover 200 provided to at least partially surround at least some of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100, and having an end C2 inserted into the bus bar frame assembly 150.

[0149] The battery module 20 may include a module case that houses a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 in an internal space. The module case may be configured to be at least partially open. The bus bar frame assembly 150 may be configured to be coupled to the open portion of the module case. In the case where an insulating cover 190 is further included, the insulating cover 190 may also be configured to be coupled to the open portion of the module case.

[0150] For example, the module case may include a body frame MC1. The body frame MC1 may be configured so that the upper, lower, left and right sides are closed and the front and rear are open with respect to the internal space. In this case, the upper, lower, left and right sides may each be configured in the form of a plate, and the four plates may be manufactured into a tube shape integrated with each other. The body frame MC1 in this form may be called a mono frame. In this case, the bus bar frame assembly 150 may be coupled to the front and rear openings of the body frame MC1.

[0151] In another example, the module case may include a U-frame and an upper plate. A left plate and a right plate may be integrally formed with a base plate to form the U-frame. The upper plate may be coupled to an upper portion of the U-frame, and the bus bar frame assembly 150 may be coupled to openings at the front and rear ends of the U-frame, respectively.

[0152] In addition, the description of each component of the battery pack 10 according to the present invention may be applied to each component of the battery module 20 according to the present invention in the same or similar manner, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0153] The battery pack 10 or the battery module 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied to various devices. Representative examples of such devices include transportation means such as electric bicycles, electric cars, and hybrid cars, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The battery pack 10 is suitable for use as a battery pack for electric cars. It can also be used as an energy source for ESS. ESS refers to a stand-alone system that stores hundreds of kWH or more of power. ESS is the core of the renewable energy industry. Since it is difficult to produce power at the desired time from renewable energies such as solar and wind power, it is important to store the power and make it available when needed. The battery pack 10 of the present invention can have an energy density and capacity suitable for use as an energy source for such ESS.

[0154] FIG. 10 shows a vehicle V according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0155] As shown in FIG. 10, an automobile V according to an embodiment of the present invention may include at least one battery pack 10 according to any one of the various embodiments described above.

[0156] Here, the automobile V may include a specific automobile that uses electricity as a driving source, such as an electric automobile or a hybrid automobile. The automobile V may further include various other components included in the automobile, such as a body and a motor, in addition to the battery pack 10 according to the present invention.

[0157] The battery pack 10 may be disposed at a predetermined position within an automobile V. The battery pack 10 may be used as an electric energy source that provides driving force to a motor of an electric vehicle to drive the automobile V. In this case, the battery pack 10 has a high nominal voltage of 100 V or more.

[0158] The battery pack 10 may be charged or discharged by an inverter driven by a motor and / or an internal combustion engine. The battery pack 10 may be charged by a regenerative charging device coupled to a brake. The battery pack 10 may be electrically connected to a motor of the vehicle V via an inverter.

[0159] In this manner, the battery pack 10 provided in the vehicle V can provide the electrical energy required for many operations of the vehicle V. In addition, since the battery pack 10 has the various effects described above, the vehicle V including the battery pack 10 also has the same effects.

[0160] As a specific example, the battery pack 10 may have a high energy density since it includes the cell cover 200 and thus may omit a module case. Energy density means the amount of energy stored per unit weight. When the energy density of the battery pack is increased, more energy is stored in the battery pack for the same weight. Therefore, in the case of a vehicle V including such a battery pack 10, it is possible to further increase the driving distance per charge, to accelerate faster, to load more luggage, and to make the interior space larger, and it is possible to use it in various ways. In addition, when the energy density of the battery pack is increased, it becomes lighter for the same energy. When the battery pack 10 becomes lighter, the vehicle V including it becomes lighter, and there are many advantages such as better acceleration, improved energy efficiency, and improved durability.

[0161] As another specific example, the battery pack 10 may have high safety. Since automobiles are directly related to human life, safety is of utmost importance. Due to the physical properties of lithium, the pouch-type battery cell 100 always has a risk of fire. However, the battery pack 10 according to the present invention includes the cell cover 200, so that even if a thermal event occurs in the pouch-type battery cell 100, it can be prevented from being transferred to other parts. Therefore, the automobile V including the battery pack 10 is secured in fire stability.

[0162] The present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modified embodiments can be embodied within the technical scope of the present invention. Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be considered from an explanatory perspective, not a limiting one. In other words, the true technical spirit of the present invention is set forth in the claims, and all differences within the scope of the claims should be interpreted as being included in the present invention.

[0163] In this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used, but it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such terms are used merely for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the position of the object of interest, the position of the observer, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0164] 10 Battery Pack 20 Battery Module 100 pouch type battery cells 150 Busbar Frame Assembly 160 Busbar electrode 170 Busbar frame 180 Lead Guide 190 Insulating cover 200 Cell Cover 210 First side cover part 220 Second side cover part 230 Upper cover part 250 Thermal Barrier 260 Insulation Pad 300 pack case 310 Upper Frame 320 Lower Frame 400 Control Module H Insertion Part V Automobile

Claims

1. A plurality of pouch-type battery cells each having an electrode lead; a bus bar frame assembly coupled to at least some of the electrode leads of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells; a cell cover provided to at least partially surround at least some of the pouch-type battery cells among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells, and an end portion of the cell cover being inserted into the bus bar frame assembly.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the cell cover is configured to support the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in an upright state.

3. The battery pack further includes a pack case that accommodates the pouch-type battery cell in an internal space, The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the cell cover partially surrounds the pouch-type battery cell such that at least one side of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell is exposed toward the pack case.

4. The pouch-type battery cell includes a receiving portion in which an electrode assembly is received and an edge portion on a periphery of the receiving portion, The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the cell cover is configured to surround both sides and a portion of an edge of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell receiving portion.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4 , wherein the cell cover is provided to cover both sides and an upper edge or a lower edge of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell receiving portion.

6. The cell cover includes a first side cover portion that covers one side of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell; a second side cover portion covering another side of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell; 2. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising: an upper cover part connecting the first side cover part and the second side cover part and covering an upper end of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, wherein the first side cover part and the second side cover part are configured to have different sizes.

8. 8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein the cell cover includes two or more cell covers, and adjacent cell covers are arranged such that the first side cover portions or the second side cover portions of the same size face each other.

9. 8. The battery pack of claim 7, wherein one of the first side cover part and the second side cover part is inserted so as to penetrate the bus bar frame assembly, and the remaining one of the first side cover part and the second side cover part is inserted so as not to penetrate the bus bar frame assembly.

10. 8. The battery pack of claim 7, wherein one of the first side cover part and the second side cover part is formed to extend and protrude toward a side where the bus bar frame assembly is located further than the other of the first side cover part and the second side cover part.

11. 2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the bus bar frame assembly is located at a front end and a rear end of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells, and a front end and a rear end of the cell cover are inserted into the bus bar frame assembly, respectively.

12. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the cell cover includes two or more cell covers, and a thermal barrier is interposed between adjacent cell covers.

13. The battery pack according to claim 12 , wherein an end of the thermal barrier together with the cell cover is inserted into the bus bar frame assembly.

14. The battery pack according to claim 1 , further comprising an insulating pad in contact with a surface of the cell cover.

15. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the cell cover is formed by bending a single plate.

16. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the cell cover comprises an insulating coating layer on an inner surface thereof.

17. A motor vehicle comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. One or more battery modules are stored in an internal space of a pack case, A plurality of pouch-type battery cells each having an electrode lead; a bus bar frame assembly coupled to at least some of the electrode leads of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells; a cell cover provided to at least partially surround at least some of the pouch-type battery cells among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells, and an end portion of the cell cover is inserted into the bus bar frame assembly; a module case that houses the pouch-type battery cell in an internal space.

19. The battery module according to claim 18, wherein the module case is configured to be at least partially open, and the bus bar frame assembly is configured to be coupled to the open portion of the module case.

20. A motor vehicle comprising a battery module according to claim 18 or 19.

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