Battery cell, battery pack including the battery cell, and vehicle

Abstract

The battery cell according to the present invention includes a case that accommodates an electrode assembly in an accommodation space provided between a first case part and a second case part facing each other, and an electrode lead having one end connected to the electrode assembly and the other end extending outside the case, the case including a sealing part provided by joining a periphery of the first case part and a periphery of the second case part to seal the accommodation space, and a venting part provided in other parts of the case excluding the periphery where the sealing part is provided.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0171820 filed on December 9, 2022, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0043132 filed on March 31, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety in the specification and drawings.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery cell, a battery pack including the battery cell, and a vehicle, and more particularly to a rechargeable battery cell, a battery pack including the battery cell, and a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0003] Generally, a secondary battery refers to a battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged, such as a lithium-ion battery, a lithium polymer battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-zinc battery, etc. A battery cell, which corresponds to the most basic secondary battery, can provide an output voltage of about 2.5V to 4.2V.

[0004] In recent years, as such battery cells are applied to devices requiring a high output voltage and a large charging capacity, such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS), battery modules formed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel, and battery packs formed by further connecting such battery modules in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel, have become widely used.

[0005] As such, the battery cells included in the battery module or battery pack are densely arranged in a small space in order to increase the energy density, so it is necessary to precisely control the exhaust direction of high-temperature gases and flames generated in each battery cell.

[0006] However, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, in the conventional technology, in order to discharge the gas generated inside the pouch-type battery cell to the outside, the bonding strength of a specific sealing part among the sealing parts of the pouch-type battery cell is intentionally weakened. As a result, when actually applied, such a conventional technology has problems in that not only does the sealing performance of the battery cell decrease, but also the gas discharge direction cannot be precisely controlled. This is because the sealing part of the pouch-type battery cell is manufactured by heat-sealing the PP (polypropylene) layer between the metal sheets that constitute the case of the battery cell, and it is difficult to manufacture it uniformly due to various factors such as the heating temperature and time, the thickness and quality of the PP layer, etc.

[0007] In addition, as disclosed in Patent Document 2 and the like, the conventional technology manufactures a battery pack by accommodating battery cells in a box-shaped metal case to form a battery module, and then further accommodating the battery module in a battery pack case, which increases the weight and volume of the entire battery pack and reduces the energy density of the battery pack. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-132868 A [Patent Document 2] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0052183 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery cell capable of precisely controlling the direction of gas discharge during swelling or thermal runaway of the battery cell, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell.

[0010] Another technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery cell that reduces the overall weight and volume of a battery pack including a plurality of battery cells and improves the energy density, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery cell includes a case having a first case part and a second case part facing each other, the case accommodating an electrode assembly in an accommodating space provided between the first case part and the second case part, and an electrode lead having one end connected to the electrode assembly and the other end extending outside the case, the case including a sealing part provided by joining a periphery of the first case part and a periphery of the second case part to seal the accommodating space, and a venting part provided in other parts of the case excluding the periphery part where the sealing part is provided, the venting part being configured to exhaust gas in the accommodating space to the outside of the case.

[0012] In one embodiment, the venting portion may form a part of the case and may be configured to rupture prior to the sealing portion when gas pressure in the accommodating space increases.

[0013] In one embodiment, the venting portion is configured to be thinner than the thickness of the other portions of the case, or to be the same thickness as the other portions, and may be provided with a linear groove or notch.

[0014] In one embodiment, the periphery of the case includes a first peripheral portion including the sealing portion and a second peripheral portion integrally formed with the first case portion and the second case portion, and the venting portion may be provided on the second peripheral portion.

[0015] A battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention includes a battery cell according to any one of the above-described embodiments.

[0016] In one embodiment, the battery cell may include a pouch-type battery cell.

[0017] In one embodiment, the battery pack includes a plurality of the battery cells, and the battery pack may further include a pack case having an internal space that accommodates the plurality of battery cells, and a battery cell cover configured to cover an outer surface of at least one battery cell among the plurality of battery cells accommodated in the internal space.

[0018] In one embodiment, the battery cell cover may include a slot configured to insert at least one of the battery cells, and a vent hole provided at a position corresponding to a venting portion of the at least one battery cell inserted into the slot.

[0019] In one embodiment, the battery cell cover may further include a first cover portion covering a first side of the at least one battery cell, a second cover portion covering a second side of the at least one battery cell, and a third cover portion connecting the first cover portion and the second cover portion and covering a third side of the at least one battery cell located between the first side and the second side, and the vent hole may be provided in the third cover portion.

[0020] In one embodiment, the slot may be provided between the first cover part and the second cover part.

[0021] In an embodiment, the battery cell cover may further include a prevention portion that supports the at least one battery cell inserted in the slot and prevents removal of the at least one battery cell.

[0022] A vehicle according to yet another aspect of the present invention includes a battery cell or a battery pack according to any one of the above-described embodiments. Effect of the Invention

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, a venting portion for discharging internal gas of a battery cell is provided in an area of ​​an entire case of a battery cell having a sealed periphery, excluding the sealed periphery, thereby making it possible to precisely control the direction of gas discharge when swelling or thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell.

[0024] In addition, instead of accommodating a plurality of battery cells in a separate module case and attaching it to a pack case of the battery pack, the battery cell cover has a simplified structure and is partially covered and directly attached to the battery pack case, thereby reducing the weight and volume of the entire battery pack and improving the energy density of the battery pack.

[0025] In addition, the battery cell cover has a vent hole at a position corresponding to the venting portion of the battery cell, thereby preventing a chain reaction of thermal runaway of other battery cells or other battery units adjacent to the battery cell discharging gas.

[0026] In addition, the blocking portion of the battery cell cover supports the battery cell inserted inside the battery cell cover and prevents the battery cell from being removed, thereby preventing the battery cell from changing position or becoming detached, and ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery pack.

[0027] In addition, by providing an insertion groove in the blocking portion of the cell cover into which a jig for changing the spacing between both ends of the battery cell cover is inserted, the assembly process of inserting the battery cells into the battery cell cover can be facilitated and damage to the battery cells can be prevented.

[0028] Furthermore, a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand from the following description that the various embodiments of the present invention are capable of solving various technical problems not described above. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing region A1 of FIG. [Diagram 3] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing venting portions of a battery cell according to a modified embodiment; [Figure 4] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing venting portions of a battery cell according to another modified embodiment. [Diagram 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view showing a battery unit included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the battery unit shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an assembly method of the battery unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an assembly method of the battery unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified battery cell cover. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 shows a battery cell cover according to another modified embodiment. [Figure 12] 1 is a diagram showing a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] In order to clarify the solution to the technical problem of the present invention, the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, in the description of the present invention, if the description of related known technologies may make the gist of the present invention unclear, the description will be omitted. Furthermore, the terms used in this specification are defined in consideration of the functions in the present invention, and may vary depending on the intentions or practices of the designer, manufacturer, etc. Therefore, the definitions of the terms described below should be based on the entire contents of this specification.

[0031] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a battery cell 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, a battery cell 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an electrode assembly 110, a case 120, and an electrode lead 130.

[0033] The electrode assembly 110 has a laminated structure in which a positive electrode and a negative electrode are laminated with a separator interposed therebetween.

[0034] The case 120 includes a first case portion 122a and a second case portion 122b facing each other, and is configured to accommodate the electrode lead 130 and an electrolyte material in an accommodation space provided between the first case portion 122a and the second case portion 122b. The case 120 may be configured in a pouch shape as shown in FIG.

[0035] The case 120 may be manufactured from a sheet of a metal material including aluminum. In one embodiment, the case 120 may be manufactured from a single metal sheet. For example, the case 120 may be manufactured by folding a metal sheet so that both ends of the metal sheet face each other, and then joining and sealing the overlapped edges of the both ends. In this case, the first case part 122a and the second case part 122b may be integrally formed.

[0036] In another embodiment, the case 120 may be manufactured from two metal sheets. For example, the case may be manufactured by stacking two metal sheets facing each other and joining and sealing the edges of the two overlapped metal sheets. In this case, the first case part 122a and the second case part 122b may be made of different metal sheets.

[0037] At the periphery where the cases 120 are joined together, a PP (polypropylene) layer may be provided on the surfaces that come into contact with each other, and these PP layers may be heat-sealed together.

[0038] This case sealing process is difficult to perform uniformly due to various factors such as heating temperature, time, thickness, width, and quality of the PP layer, etc. Therefore, it is difficult to uniformly control the direction of gas discharged through the sealed peripheral portion of the pouch-type battery cell 100.

[0039] In addition, when thermal runaway occurs in a battery cell, if high-temperature gas or flames generated inside the battery cell are discharged toward the sealing portion where the electrode lead is located, it may damage the terminal connected to the electrode lead or cause a chain reaction of thermal runaway in other nearby battery cells.

[0040] In addition, in order to uniformly control the direction of gas discharged through the sealed peripheral portion of the pouch-type battery cell 100, if the sealing of a specific peripheral portion is weakened, it may result in electrolyte leakage or damage to the battery cell.

[0041] In order to solve these problems, the case 120 of the pouch-type battery cell 100 according to the present invention includes sealing portions 124 a , 124 b , and 124 c and a venting portion 126 .

[0042] The sealing portions 124a, 124b, and 124c are provided by joining the periphery of the first case portion 122a and the periphery of the second case portion 122b to each other so that the accommodation space of the case 120 in which the electrode assembly 110 is accommodated is sealed.

[0043] The venting portion 126 is provided in most parts of the case 120 except for the peripheral portion where the sealing portions 124a, 124b, and 124c are provided, and is configured to exhaust gas in the storage space to the outside of the case 120.

[0044] In this case, the venting portion 126 may be configured to form a part of the case 120 and to burst prior to the sealing portions 124a, 124b, and 124c when the gas pressure in the receiving space increases.

[0045] Therefore, the venting portion 126 may be thinner than the other portions of the case, or may be the same thickness as the other portions, and may include linear grooves or notches.

[0046] As described above, the case 120 may be manufactured from a single metal sheet. That is, the case 120 may be manufactured by folding a metal sheet so that both ends of the metal sheet face each other, and then bonding and sealing the edges of the overlapped metal sheet.

[0047] As a result, the case 120 may include a first peripheral portion including sealing portions 124a, 124b, 124c, and a second peripheral portion 124d that is integrally formed with the first case portion 122a and the second case portion 122b and does not require sealing.

[0048] In this case, the venting portion 126 may be provided in the second peripheral portion 124d. If the gas exhaust position and direction of the battery cell 100 are controlled through the venting portion 126, the gas can be exhausted in a desired direction in a battery module or a battery pack to which the battery cell 100 is applied.

[0049] The electrode lead 130 may have one end connected to the positive or negative electrode of the electrode assembly 110 and the other end extending to the outside of the case 120. In this case, the electrode lead 130 may extend to the outside by passing through a peripheral portion of the entire peripheral edge of the case 120 where the sealing portions 124a and 124b are located.

[0050] Meanwhile, the sealing portion 124c of the peripheral portion through which the electrode lead 130 does not pass may be folded to closely contact the body of the battery cell 100 in order to reduce the size of the battery cell 100, and then fixed by a fixing member 140 such as tape.

[0051] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of area A1 of FIG.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 2, the venting portion 126 of the battery cell 100 may be provided in a second peripheral portion 124d of the entire peripheral edge of the case 120 that is integrally formed with the first case portion 122a and the second case portion 122b and does not require sealing.

[0053] In this case, the venting portion 126 constitutes a part of the second peripheral portion 124d, and when the gas pressure in the storage space provided inside the case 120 increases, it may burst prior to the sealing portions 124a, 124b, and 124c of the first case portion 122a.

[0054] Therefore, the venting portion 126 may be configured to be thinner than the thickness of other portions of the case 120 .

[0055] FIG. 3 shows a modified battery cell venting portion 126A.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 3, the venting portion 126A of the battery cell according to the modified embodiment may be configured to have the same thickness as other portions of the case 120 and may include a linear groove or notch.

[0057] The bursting mode of the venting portion 126A may be determined depending on the shape of the groove or notch of the venting portion 126A. For example, the venting portion 126A may be configured to separate from the case 120 in a circular, elliptical, or rectangular shape when the gas pressure in the receiving space increases.

[0058] FIG. 4 shows a battery cell venting portion 126B according to another variation.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 4, the venting portion 126B of the battery cell according to another modified embodiment may be configured to be divided into a plurality of portions and separated from the case 120 when the gas pressure in the accommodating space increases.

[0060] The battery cell according to the present invention can be applied not only to the battery pack described below, but also to battery packs and battery modules having structures different from the battery pack.

[0061] FIG. 5 shows a battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 5 , a battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a battery unit 200 including the above-described battery cells 100, and a pack case 12.

[0063] The battery unit 200 may form a block with at least one other battery unit and be housed in the pack case 12. In this case, a plurality of battery units constituting each battery unit block may be stacked side by side with each other.

[0064] As described below, each battery unit 200 may include at least one battery cell and a battery cell cover that partially covers and supports the exterior of the at least one battery cell. In this case, the at least one battery cell may include the pouch-type battery cell 100 shown in FIG.

[0065] The pack case 12 has an internal space for accommodating a plurality of battery units 200. In this case, each battery unit 200 may be directly mounted in the pack case 12 without a separate case.

[0066] Furthermore, the pack case 12 may be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery unit blocks, each including a plurality of battery units 200, in a plurality of accommodation chambers that are separated from one another.

[0067] Therefore, the pack case 12 may include walls that define an internal space, and cross beams 12a, 12b that divide the internal space into a plurality of storage chambers.

[0068] In one embodiment, a gas inlet through which gas generated in the battery unit 200 flows may be provided on one surface of a wall adjacent to the internal space of the pack case 12, and a gas channel may be provided inside the wall. In addition, a gas valve for discharging gas that has moved through the gas channel to the outside may be provided on the other surface of the wall adjacent to the outside.

[0069] In this case, a gas movement path connected to the gas inlet, the gas channel, and the gas valve of the side wall may be provided individually for each accommodation chamber. That is, gas discharged from a first battery unit block may be discharged through a first gas venting path connected to a first gas inlet, a first gas channel, and a first gas valve, and gas discharged from a second battery unit block may be discharged through a second gas venting path connected to a second gas inlet, a second gas channel, and a second gas valve.

[0070] In one embodiment, the battery pack 10 may further include a heat sink (not shown). The heat sink may be interposed between the battery unit block and a bottom surface of a receiving chamber in which the battery unit block is placed. Such a heat sink may be configured to be in thermal contact with the battery unit block to cool the battery unit block. To this end, the heat sink may be made of a metal material having high thermal conductivity and heat resistance.

[0071] In addition, the pack case 12 may be configured to further accommodate various electrical components required for the battery pack 10. For example, the pack case 12 may accommodate various electrical components (not shown) that control the charging and discharging operations of the battery cells included in each battery unit 200 or monitor a State of Charge (SOC), a State of Health (SOH), and the like.

[0072] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a battery unit 200 included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 6, the battery unit 200 may include a battery cell cover 210 configured to partially cover and support an exterior of at least one battery cell.

[0074] As will be described later, the battery cell cover 210 may be configured to cover both side surfaces and an upper edge of at least one battery cell, while leaving the front end, rear end and bottom end sides of at least one battery cell open.

[0075] In addition, the battery cell cover 210 may include a vent hole 216 for discharging gas or flame from the battery cell inserted therein.

[0076] FIG. 7 shows an exploded perspective view of the battery unit 200 shown in FIG.

[0077] 7, the battery unit 200 may include at least one battery cell 100 according to the present invention, and a battery cell cover 210. The battery unit 200 may also include a bus bar 220, a bus bar frame 230, and an insulating cover 240.

[0078] As described above, the battery cell 100 may include a venting portion 126 provided in a peripheral portion that does not include a sealing portion.

[0079] The battery cell cover 210 may be configured to partially cover and support at least one battery cell 100. In this case, the battery cell cover 210 may be configured to support at least one battery cell 100 in an upright state.

[0080] For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the battery cell cover 210 may be configured to partially cover and enclose the exteriors of three pouch-type battery cells 100 while supporting the battery cells in an upright position.

[0081] Therefore, the battery cell cover 210 may include a slot 212 configured to insert at least one battery cell 100, and an opening 214 configured to expose the electrode lead 130 of the battery cell 100 inserted into the slot 212 to the outside of the battery cell cover 210.

[0082] In particular, the battery cell cover 210 may include a vent hole 216 provided at a position corresponding to the venting portion 126 of the battery cell 100 inserted into the slot 212 .

[0083] Such a battery cell cover 210 may include a first cover portion 210a covering one side of the battery cell inserted into the slot 212, a second cover portion 210b covering the other side of the battery cell, and a third cover portion 210c connecting the first cover portion 210a and the second cover portion 210b to cover an upper end of the battery cell.

[0084] For example, the battery cell cover 210 may be configured in an "n" shape, a "u" shape, or a "C" shape that surrounds three sides of at least one battery cell.

[0085] As described above, the periphery of the battery cell 100 inserted and supported in the battery cell cover 210 may include a first periphery portion including a sealing portion and a second periphery portion integrally formed with the battery cell 100 and not including a sealing portion. The venting portion 126 of the battery cell 100 may be provided in the second periphery portion of the battery cell 100.

[0086] In addition, the third cover portion 210c of the battery cell cover 210 may be configured to cover a second peripheral portion of the battery cell inserted into the slot 212. In addition, the third cover portion 210c may have a vent hole 216 at a position corresponding to a venting portion of the battery cell.

[0087] In one embodiment, the battery cell cover 210 may include a blocking portion 218. The blocking portion 218 may be configured to support a battery cell inserted into the slot 212 of the battery cell cover 210 and to prevent the battery cell from being removed. To this end, the blocking portion 218 may be configured to extend from ends of the first cover portion 210a and the second cover portion 210b, respectively, and to support a lower end of a battery cell inserted into the battery cell cover 210.

[0088] For example, the blocking portion 218 may be bent from the end of the first cover portion 210a and the second cover portion 210b toward the slot 212 to form a locking structure.

[0089] In one embodiment, the blocking portion 218 may have an insertion groove 218a into which the tip of a jig configured to contact the inner surface of the battery cell cover 210 to change the spacing between the first cover portion 210a and the second cover portion 210b is inserted.

[0090] The above-mentioned battery cell cover 210 may be integrally formed. For example, the battery cell cover 210 may be manufactured by bending a plate-shaped metal sheet or by an injection molding method.

[0091] The battery cell cover 210 having such a simplified structure is made of a metal material having higher rigidity than the case of the battery cell 100, and can protect the battery cell 100 from external shocks and vibrations. For example, the battery cell cover 210 can be made of a material including stainless steel (SUS), which is easy to process and has high corrosion resistance.

[0092] The bus bar 220 may be configured to be electrically connected to the electrode lead 130 of at least one battery cell 100 covered by the battery cell cover 210.

[0093] The bus bar frame 230 may be configured to support the bus bar 220. Such a bus bar frame 230 may include a terminal that is electrically connected to the bus bar 220.

[0094] The insulating cover 240 may be configured to prevent short-circuiting of the electrode leads 130 or the bus bars 220. To this end, the insulating cover 240 may be made of a polymeric synthetic resin having insulating properties.

[0095] 6 and 7, the battery unit 200 may further include a clamping member configured to clamp the battery cell cover 210. Such a clamping member may be configured to clamp the battery cell cover 210 into which at least one battery cell 100 is inserted, to prevent the gap between the first cover portion 210a and the second cover portion 210b of the battery cell cover 210 from widening, or to prevent the battery cell 100 inserted into the slot 212 of the battery cell cover 210 from falling out of the slot 212. Such a clamping member may be made of tape, or may be made of a metal material having elasticity.

[0096] Meanwhile, although FIG. 7 shows three battery cells 100 covered by the battery cell cover 210, the number of battery cells covered by the battery cell cover 210 may be changed in various ways depending on the scale of the battery cell cover 210.

[0097] 8 and 9 show an assembly method of the battery unit.

[0098] First, as shown in FIG. 8, when the tip of the jig is inserted into the inside of the battery cell cover 210 to widen the gap between the first cover portion 210a and the second cover portion 210b of the battery cell cover 210, the battery cell 100 can be safely inserted between the first cover portion 210a and the second cover portion 210b.

[0099] The blocking portion 218 of the battery cell cover 210 may have an appropriate length and shape so as not to damage the battery cell thus inserted.

[0100] Then, as shown in FIG. 9, after at least one battery cell 100 is inserted into the battery cell cover 210, the tip of the jig is removed, and the first cover part 210a and the second cover part 210b of the battery cell cover 210 return to their original positions due to their elastic force.

[0101] Then, the blocking portion 218 of the battery cell cover 210 may support the lower end of the battery cell 100 inserted between the first cover portion 210a and the second cover portion 210b, thereby preventing the battery cell 100 from being removed.

[0102] Therefore, the blocking portion 218 may extend from each of the ends of the first cover portion 210a and the second cover portion 210b to support a lower end of the battery cell 100. For example, the blocking portion 218 may be bent from each of the ends of the first cover portion 210a and the second cover portion 210b toward the inside of the battery cell cover 210 to form a locking structure.

[0103] FIG. 10 shows a modified battery cell cover 210'.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 10, the blocking portion 218' of the battery cell cover 210' is bent from each of the ends of the first cover portion 210a and the second cover portion 210b of the battery cell cover 210' toward the inside of the battery cell cover 210', but may also be bent toward the third cover portion 210c to form a locking structure.

[0105] FIG. 11 shows another variation of a battery cell cover 210''.

[0106] 11, the blocking portion 218'' of the battery cell cover 210'' may be bent from each of the ends of the first cover portion 210a and the second cover portion 210b of the battery cell cover 210'' toward the third cover portion 210c, and then bent again to the opposite side of the third cover portion 210c. As such, the blocking portion 218'' is configured to support the battery cell with a rounded surface, which can prevent damage to soft battery cells such as pouch-type battery cells.

[0107] FIG. 12 shows a vehicle 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] 12, a vehicle 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes at least one battery cell 100 according to any one of the various embodiments described above. For example, the vehicle 2 may include a battery pack 10 including the battery cell 100 according to the present invention as described above.

[0109] In this manner, the battery cell 100 or the battery pack 10 included in the vehicle 2 can provide the electric energy required for various operations of the vehicle 2.

[0110] For reference, the pouch-type battery cell 100 or the battery pack 10 according to the present invention can be applied to energy storage systems (ESS) and various electric devices in addition to vehicles.

[0111] As described above, according to the present invention, a venting portion for discharging internal gas of a battery cell is provided in an area of ​​an entire case of a battery cell having a sealed periphery, excluding the sealed periphery, thereby making it possible to precisely control the direction of gas discharge when swelling or thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell.

[0112] In addition, instead of accommodating a plurality of battery cells in a separate module case and attaching it to a pack case of the battery pack, the battery cell cover has a simplified structure and is partially covered and directly attached to the battery pack case, thereby reducing the weight and volume of the entire battery pack and improving the energy density of the battery pack.

[0113] In addition, the battery cell cover has a vent hole at a position corresponding to the venting portion of the battery cell, thereby preventing a chain reaction of thermal runaway of other battery cells or other battery units adjacent to the battery cell discharging gas.

[0114] In addition, the blocking portion of the battery cell cover supports the battery cell inserted inside the battery cell cover and prevents the battery cell from being removed, thereby preventing the battery cell from changing position or becoming detached, and ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery pack.

[0115] In addition, by providing an insertion groove in the blocking portion of the cell cover into which a jig for changing the spacing between both ends of the battery cell cover is inserted, the assembly process of inserting the battery cells into the battery cell cover can be facilitated and damage to the battery cells can be prevented.

[0116] Furthermore, it goes without saying that the embodiments of the present invention can solve various other technical problems in the art, as well as in related arts, other than those described in this specification.

[0117] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will clearly understand that various modifications 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 perspective. In other words, the true scope of the technical ideas of the present invention is set forth in the claims, and all differences within the scope of equivalents thereto should be interpreted as being included in the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 2 Vehicles 10 Battery Pack 12 pack case 12a Cross beam 12b Cross beam 100 (pouch type) battery cells 110 Electrode assembly 120 cases 122a First case part 122b Second case part 124a Sealing part 124b Sealing part 124c Sealing part 124d Second peripheral part 126 Venting section 126A Venting section 126B Venting section 130 Electrode Lead 140 Fixing member 200 Battery Unit 210 Battery cell cover 210' Battery Cell Cover 210'' Battery Cell Cover 210a First cover part 210b second cover part 210c Third cover part 212 Slots 214 Aperture 216 Vent hole 218 Blocking part 218' Blocking part 218'' Blocking part 218a Insertion groove 220 Busbar 230 Busbar Frame 240 Insulating cover

Claims

1. a case including a first case portion and a second case portion facing each other, the case accommodating an electrode assembly in an accommodating space provided between the first case portion and the second case portion; an electrode lead having one end connected to the electrode assembly and the other end extending outside the case, The case is a sealing portion provided by joining a periphery of the first case portion and a periphery of the second case portion to seal the accommodation space; a venting portion provided in a portion of the case other than the peripheral portion where the sealing portion is provided, and configured to exhaust gas in the storage space to the outside of the case; Including, a battery cell.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1 , wherein the venting portion constitutes a part of the case and is configured to rupture prior to the sealing portion when gas pressure in the accommodating space increases.

3. The battery cell according to claim 2 , wherein the venting portion is configured to be thinner than or the same thickness as the other portions of the case, and is provided with a linear groove or notch.

4. The periphery of the case is a first peripheral portion including the sealing portion; a second peripheral portion integrally formed with the first case portion and the second case portion; Including, The battery cell according to claim 1 , wherein the venting portion is provided in the second peripheral portion.

5. A battery pack comprising the battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. 6. The battery pack of claim 5, wherein the battery cells comprise pouch-type battery cells.

7. The battery pack includes a plurality of the battery cells, The battery pack includes: a pack case having an internal space that houses a plurality of the battery cells; a battery cell cover configured to cover an outer surface of at least one battery cell among the plurality of battery cells accommodated in the internal space; 6. The battery pack of claim 5, further comprising:

8. The battery cell cover includes: a slot configured to receive at least one of the battery cells; a vent hole provided at a position corresponding to the venting portion of at least one of the battery cells inserted into the slot; 8. The battery pack of claim 7, comprising:

9. The battery cell cover includes: A first cover portion covering a first surface of the at least one battery cell; A second cover portion covering a second surface of the at least one battery cell; a third cover part connecting the first cover part and the second cover part and covering a third surface of at least one of the battery cells located between the first surface and the second surface; Further comprising: The battery pack according to claim 8 , wherein the vent hole is provided in the third cover portion.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9 , wherein the slot is provided between the first cover part and the second cover part.

11. The battery pack according to claim 8 , wherein the battery cell cover further includes a prevention portion that supports the at least one battery cell inserted in the slot and prevents the at least one battery cell from being removed.

12. A vehicle comprising a battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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