Battery Pack and Battery Module

Abstract

The present invention discloses a battery pack and the like that can ensure excellent safety when a thermal event occurs. A battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention can include a plurality of battery cells each having an electrode lead; a cell cover provided so as to at least partially enclose at least some of the plurality of battery cells; and a bus bar frame assembly that is electrically connected to the electrode lead, coupled to at least one side of the cell cover, and configured to block the discharge of flames in a specific direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2022 - 0089575 filed on July 20, 2022 and Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0091932 filed on July 14, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the literature of the Korean patent applications are included as part of this specification.

[0002] 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 are excellent in safety against thermal events and the like.

Background Art

[0003] With the significant increase in the technological development and demand for various mobile devices, electric vehicles, energy storage systems (ESS), etc., the interest and demand for secondary batteries as an energy source have been rapidly increasing. Conventionally, nickel - cadmium batteries or nickel - metal hydride batteries have been widely used as secondary batteries. Recently, lithium secondary batteries, which have almost no memory effect compared to nickel - based secondary batteries, are freely chargeable and dischargeable, have a very low self - discharge rate, and have a high energy density, have been widely used.

[0004] Such lithium secondary batteries mainly use lithium - based oxides and carbon materials as the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material, respectively. A lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with such a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material are disposed with a separator therebetween, and an exterior material for sealing and housing the electrode assembly together with an electrolytic solution, that is, a battery case.

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

[0006] In recent years, battery packs have been widely used for driving and energy storage in medium and large-sized devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Conventional battery packs include one or more battery modules and a control unit for controlling charging and discharging of the battery pack, for example, a BMS (Battery Management System) inside a pack case. Here, the battery module is configured in a form that includes a large number 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 constitute respective battery modules, and one or more such battery modules are housed inside a pack case to constitute a battery pack.

[0007] In particular, in the case of a pouch-type battery, it has advantages in various aspects such as being light in weight and having little dead space during lamination, but there are problems of being vulnerable to external impacts and having somewhat inferior assemblability. Therefore, it is common for a battery pack to be manufactured in a form where a large number of cells are first modularized and then housed inside a pack case.

[0008] However, in the case of a conventional battery pack, there may be disadvantages in terms of energy density, assemblability, coolability, etc. due to modularization or the like. Also, in the case of a conventional battery pack or battery module, it may be vulnerable to thermal events. In particular, when a thermal event occurs inside a battery module or battery pack, thermal runaway may occur, a flame may be generated, and in severe cases, an explosion may also occur. Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] Therefore, the present invention was devised to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a battery pack, a battery module, etc. that can ensure excellent safety when a thermal event occurs.

[0010] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] A battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention can include a plurality of battery cells each having an electrode lead; a cell cover provided to at least partially wrap at least some of the plurality of battery cells; and a bus bar frame assembly that is electrically connected to the electrode lead, coupled to at least one side of the cell cover, and configured to block the discharge of flames in a specific direction.

[0012] Here, the bus bar frame assembly can include a bus bar electrode made of an electrically conductive material and in direct contact with the electrode lead, a bus bar housing made of an electrically insulating material and supporting the bus bar electrode, and a blocking member made of a material having a higher melting point than the bus bar housing, located on one side of the bus bar housing, and configured to block the discharge of flames.

[0013] Further, the blocking member can include a main body that blocks the horizontal discharge of flames and an extension portion configured to be bent from the upper end of the main body toward the cell cover.

[0014] Also, the cell cover can be configured to wrap both side surfaces and upper corner portions of at least some of the battery cells.

[0015] Also, the cell cover and the bus bar frame assembly can be configured such that internal venting gas is discharged downward.

[0016] Also, the battery pack according to the present invention can further include a pack case that houses a plurality of battery cells, a cell cover, and a bus bar frame assembly in an internal space.

[0017] Here, the pack case can be formed with venting holes at the bottom for discharging venting gas inside the cell cover.

[0018] Also, the battery pack according to the present invention can further include a control module configured to control charging and discharging of the battery cells.

[0019] Also, a battery module according to another aspect of the present invention is a battery module housed in the internal space of a pack case, including: a plurality of battery cells each having an electrode lead; a cell cover provided to at least partially wrap at least some of the plurality of battery cells; a bus bar frame assembly electrically connected to the electrode leads and coupled to at least one side of the cell cover and configured to block flame discharge in a specific direction; and a module case for housing the plurality of battery cells and the cell cover in the internal space.

[0020] Here, the module case can be configured in a form where at least a part thereof is open, and the bus bar frame assembly can be configured to be coupled to the open portion of the module case.

[0021] Also, an automobile according to another aspect of the present invention can include the battery pack or the battery module according to the present invention.

[0022] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells stacked in one direction, a pack case for housing the battery cells in an internal space, a cell cover in the internal space of the pack case for at least partially wrapping at least some of the plurality of battery cells, and a bus bar frame assembly disposed on at least the open side of the cell cover, and the bus bar frame assembly can include a blocking member for blocking discharge of venting gas from the battery cells.

[0023] The venting gas can be discharged from the surface of the open surface of the cell cover that is not blocked by the blocking member.

[0024] The blocking member can have a bent shape and include a main body disposed on at least one open side of the cell cover and an extension portion that covers an end portion of the cell cover.

[0025] By overlapping the extension portion of the cell cover and the blocking member, it is possible to prevent the venting gas from being discharged from the gap between the cell cover and the bus bar frame assembly.

[0026] The bus bar frame assembly further includes a bus bar electrode electrically coupled to the electrode lead of the battery cell and a bus bar housing that supports the bus bar electrode, and the blocking member can be mounted on the outer surface of the bus bar housing.

[0027] The cell cover can include a pair of first cover portions that cover opposite side surfaces of at least some of the battery cells facing each other and a second cover portion that covers either the upper surface or the lower surface of at least some of the battery cells.

[0028] The bus bar frame assembly is disposed on either the front surface or the rear surface of the battery cell, and the blocking member can include a main body disposed on either the front surface or the rear surface of the battery cell and an extension portion that covers an end portion of the second cover portion of the cell cover.

[0029] The blocking member can further include an extension portion that covers an end portion of the first cover portion of the cell cover.

[0030] The pack case includes at least one venting hole for discharging the venting gas, and the venting hole can be provided on the side where the cell cover is openable, among the upper and lower surfaces of the pack case.

[0031] The cell cover and the group of battery cells housed in the cell cover are plural, and are mounted in the internal space of the pack case, and one bus bar frame assembly can be arranged on at least one open side of the plurality of cell covers respectively.

[0032] The cross-section of the blocking member can be formed in an L-shape when viewed from the side.

[0033] The cross-section of the cell cover can be formed in an n-shape or a u-shape when viewed from the front.

[0034] A battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells stacked in one direction, a module case for housing the battery cells in an internal space, a cell cover that at least partially wraps at least some of the plurality of battery cells in the internal space of the battery cells, and a bus bar frame assembly disposed on at least one open side of the cell cover, and the bus bar frame assembly can include a blocking member that blocks the discharge of venting gas from the battery cells.

Advantages of the Invention

[0035] According to one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of battery cells can be stably housed inside a pack case or a module case without a configuration such as a stacking frame like a plastic cartridge or another module case.

[0036] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, a pouch-type battery cell having a soft material case can be easily formed into a rigid form, and a configuration directly laminated inside a pack case can be more easily realized. Therefore, the assemblability and mechanical stability of battery packs and battery modules can be improved.

[0037] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, when thermal runaway occurs in a specific battery cell, it is possible to effectively respond to thermal events. In particular, in the case of the present invention, among the three elements (fuel, oxygen, ignition source) that cause a flame to occur, the accumulation and discharge of heat corresponding to the ignition source can be blocked or appropriately controlled. Furthermore, in the case of the present invention, in order to block heat accumulation and prevent flame discharge, it is possible to realize discharge control of venting gas, directional venting, and flame blocking.

[0038] In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, by enabling directional venting in the downward direction, the safety of users located above, such as passengers, can be enhanced.

[0039] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, internal short circuits and structural collapses can be prevented even during thermal events. In particular, in the case of the present invention, during a thermal event, high-pressure gas and high-temperature dust are ejected from the gap where the bus bar frame assembly is located, and problems that cause the collapse of a number of structures, such as the bus bar frame assembly, top plate, and end plate, can be more effectively prevented.

[0040] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, by separating five sides with the upper part and four side parts blocked with respect to the battery cell, heat / flame propagation between cells can be prevented, and the discharge of flames and the like can be suppressed.

[0041] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, as a CTP (Cell To Pack) concept, the module case and the like are removed, and the cooling performance, energy density, and the like can be improved.

[0042] In addition to this, the present invention can have various other effects. Regarding these, for effects that will be described in each implementation configuration or that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0043] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate desirable embodiments of the present invention and serve to further understand the technical idea of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention to be described later. The present invention should not be construed as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0044]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0045] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Terms and words used in this specification and the claims should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms in order to explain his own invention in the best way, they must be construed in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical idea of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. It should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modifications that replace them at the time of this application.

[0046] In the drawings, the size of each component or a specific part constituting the component is exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for the convenience of explanation and clarification. Therefore, the size of each component does not fully reflect the actual size. When it is determined that a specific description of a related known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, such a description will be omitted.

[0047] Also, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is "on" or "above" another part, this includes not only the case where it is directly above the other part but also the case where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is said to be "directly above" another part, it means that there is no other part in the middle. Also, being "on" or "above" a reference part means being located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean being located "on" or "above" in the direction opposite to gravity.

[0048] Also, throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain component, it means that, unless otherwise specified to the contrary, it does not exclude other components but can further include other components.

[0049] Also, throughout the specification, "on a plane" means when the target part is viewed from above, and "in a cross-section" means when the cross-section obtained by cutting the target part vertically is viewed from the side.

[0050] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a partial configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the cell module assembly of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a cell cover included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery pack according to the present invention can include a cell module assembly 100 including a plurality of battery cells 10 and a cell cover 110 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) and a bus bar frame assembly 200.

[0052] The battery cell 10 is, for example, a pouch-type secondary battery, and can include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a pouch exterior material that houses these internally. Such a battery cell 10 may be included in a plurality in a battery pack. Such a plurality of battery cells 10 can be stacked in at least one direction. Each of the upper and lower surfaces of the cell module assembly 100 can further include a resin layer 150.

[0053] Also, each battery cell 10 can include an electrode lead 12 (see FIG. 5) on at least one side. For example, the battery cell 10 can include electrode leads 12 (see FIG. 5) on both sides (in the front-rear direction). Based on this, a case is shown where bus bar frame assemblies 200 are provided on the upper side (in the front-rear direction) of the cell module assembly 100 respectively. Hereinafter, for convenience, the front bus bar frame assembly 200a and the rear bus bar frame assembly 200b are collectively referred to by the drawing number "200".

[0054] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the cell module assembly of FIG. 1, showing a cross-section along line A-A of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 2, the cell cover 110 can be provided so as to at least partially enclose at least some of the plurality of battery cells 10. For example, the cell cover 110 can be configured to at least partially enclose one or more battery cells 10. As an example, as shown in FIG. 2, one cell cover 110 can be configured to enclose two battery cells 10. On the other hand, each cell group enclosed by the cell cover 110 can also be expressed as a cell bank or a cell unit. Also, a plurality of cell covers 110 may be included in one battery pack. The cell cover 110 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 3 and the like.

[0055] In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the battery pack according to the present invention can include a thermal barrier 120. The thermal barrier 120 can be configured in the form of a pad made of a heat-insulating material and can be interposed between adjacent cell covers 110. In some cases, it can be housed within one cell cover 110 and can also be interposed between adjacent battery cells 10. The thermal barrier 120 can be formed, for example, with a thickness of 0.05t to 4t, or, for example, 2.0t.

[0056] In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the battery pack according to the present invention can further include an insulating pad 130 at the outermost contour in the stacking direction of a cell assembly formed by stacking a plurality of cell covers 110 and a plurality of battery cells 10. The insulating pad 130 can be made of a material such as GFRP, for example, and can be formed, for example, with a thickness of 0.05t to 1t, or, for example, 0.35t.

[0057] In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the battery pack according to the present invention can further include a heating pad 140.

[0058] FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a cell cover included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, the cell cover 110 partially covers the outside of at least one battery cell. The cell cover 110 can be configured to support the battery cell 10 housed inside. In particular, the cell cover 110 can be configured to stably support the standing state of the battery cell 10 housed inside. For this reason, the cell cover 110 can be configured to cover both side surfaces and either the upper side or the lower side of one battery cell 10 or a group of a plurality of battery cells 10. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the cell cover 110 can include two first cover portions 111 and a second cover portion 112 (upper surface cover portion) that enclose one battery cell 10 or a group of battery cells 10 housed inside. At this time, the lower side is open.

[0059] A pair of (two) first cover parts 111 cover opposite side surfaces of one battery cell 10 or a group of battery cells 10 housed inside. The second cover part 112 connects between the pair of first cover parts 111 and covers either the upper surface or the lower surface of one battery cell 10 or a group of battery cells 10 housed inside. On the other hand, the present invention is not limited to what is shown in the drawings. The second cover part 112 may cover the lower side of the battery cell 10, and at this time, the upper side may be open. Further, the present invention is not limited to the second cover part 112 covering the upper surface or the lower surface of the group of battery cells 10. When the direction in which one battery cell 10 or a group of battery cells 10 housed inside the cell cover 110 is arranged is changed, accordingly, the direction of the surface covered by the second cover part 112 can also be changed.

[0060] Also, the cell cover 110 is provided with an opening part 113 on at least one of the front side and the rear side. An opening part can be provided at one end or both end sides where the electrode lead 12 of the battery cell 10 housed in the cell cover 110 is located.

[0061] In summary, the cell cover 110 can have a structure that is open on the front, rear, and lower sides of one battery cell 10 or a group of battery cells 10 housed inside. In this case, it can be said that the cross-sectional configuration of the cell cover 110 as viewed from the front side is similar to a substantially "n" shape. Therefore, in this case, the cell cover 110 can also be called an "n-fin". On the other hand, the present invention is not limited to what is described above and can have a structure that is open on the front, rear, and upper sides. That is, it can be said that the cross-sectional configuration of the cell cover 110 as viewed from the front side is similar to a substantially "u" shape.

[0062] The cell cover 110 can be configured in a form in which two first cover portions 111 and a second cover portion 112 are integrated, for example, by bending one plate. Or, the two first cover portions 111 and the second cover portion 112 can be separately manufactured and produced in a form where they are coupled to each other. The cell cover 110 can be coupled, for example, to the bottom surface inside the pack case 300 with an adhesive or the like. At this time, the lower end portions of the two first cover portions 111 of the cell cover 110 can be coupled to the bottom surface inside the pack case 300.

[0063] Also, the cell cover 110 can be made of, for example, a metal material. In particular, the cell cover 110 can be made of a steel material. Or, the cell cover 110 can be made of a SUS material. In this case, even if a flame occurs in the specific battery cell 10, since the melting point of the cell cover 110 is high, it is possible to more effectively prevent the flame from being transmitted to the battery cells of the adjacent cell cover 110 by the flame or the like.

[0064] The cell cover 110 can be formed, for example, with a thickness of 0.01t to 0.4t. Or, the cell cover 110 can be formed, for example, with a thickness of approximately 0.2t.

[0065] Also, for electrical insulation, the cell cover 110 can have an insulating film (not shown) attached to the first cover portions 111 on both facing sides and / or the second cover portion 112 disposed on one of the upper and lower surfaces. The insulating film can be attached to at least one of the inner and outer surfaces of the cell cover 110. The insulating film can be formed, for example, with a thickness of 0.005t to 0.1t. Or, the insulating film can be formed, for example, with a thickness of approximately 0.05t. Also, as the material of the insulating film, for example, PI (polyimide), or PC (polycarbonate) or the like can be attached. The thickness and material of the insulating film are not limited to those described above, and can be variously deformed and changed according to the environment to which the present invention is applied.

[0066] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a partial configuration of the battery pack of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 shows a case where bus bar frame assemblies 200 are respectively mounted on the front and rear surfaces of the cell module assembly 100. A case where a cutoff member 230, which is a component of the bus bar frame assembly 200, is separated is shown. Also, in FIG. 4, for convenience of understanding, in the configuration of FIG. 1, the insulating pads 130 arranged on both sides of the cell module assembly 100 and the resin layer 150 applied to the upper and lower surfaces of the cell module assembly 100 are omitted and shown.

[0067] The bus bar frame assembly 200 can include a bus bar electrode 210, a bus bar housing 220, and a cutoff member 230. The bus bar electrode 210 and the bus bar housing 220 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. Also, the cutoff member 230 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10.

[0068] In FIG. 4, the bus bar frame assembly 200 can be coupled to at least one open side of the cell cover 110. For example, the bus bar frame assembly 200 can be coupled to the open front side end and the open rear side end of the cell cover 110.

[0069] Also, the bus bar frame assembly 200 can be configured to block the discharge of flames in a specific direction. Further, the bus bar frame assembly 200 can also be configured to block the discharge of flames in the upper and / or horizontal directions. Here, the horizontal direction may be the direction in which the electrode lead 12 is located, for example, the front-rear direction.

[0070] The bus bar electrode 210 and the bus bar housing 220 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 to 7. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 4, showing the case where the cell cover 110 is coupled to the bus bar housing 220. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of some components of FIG. 4, showing the bus bar electrode 210 and the bus bar housing 220. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of some components of FIG. 4, showing the cell cover 110, the bus bar electrode 210, and the bus bar housing 220.

[0071] The bus bar electrode 210 is made of an electrically conductive material and can be configured to be in direct contact with the electrode lead 12. The electrode lead 12 can penetrate through the lead slot 221 of the bus bar housing 220 and be joined to the bus bar electrode 210 from outside the bus bar housing 220. The bus bar electrode 210 can be made of a material such as copper or aluminum. In particular, the bus bar electrode 210 can be configured such that the contact state is maintained with the electrode lead 12 by a method such as welding. The bus bar electrode 210 of the bus bar frame assembly 200 can electrically connect between the electrode leads 12 and can be electrically connected in series and / or in parallel between a plurality of battery cells 10. Further, the bus bar frame assembly 200 can be configured to be connected to a control module such as a BMS (Battery Management System) through the bus bar electrode 210 so that sensing information such as voltage is transmitted. Among the bus bar electrodes 210, a terminal bus bar 211 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 8 can be included.

[0072] The bus bar housing 220 is made of an electrically insulating material such as plastic and can be configured to support the bus bar electrode 210. In particular, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the bus bar housing 220 can be formed with a lead slot 221 or the like so that the electrode lead 12 can penetrate therethrough. The electrode lead 12 penetrates through the lead slot 221 of the bus bar housing 220 and is joined to the bus bar electrode 210.

[0073] In addition, the bus bar housing 220 can further include a cell cover slot 222 so that the connection with the cell cover 110 is maintained airtight. The protrusion 110a formed at the open end of the cell cover 110 in FIG. 3 can be inserted and coupled to the cell cover slot 222 of the bus bar housing 220.

[0074] The number of bus bar electrodes 210 and the number of lead slots 221 in the bus bar housing 220 are not limited to those illustrated in the present invention, and can be variously deformed, changed, and applied according to the number of battery cells 10, the number of cell covers 110, the joining method between the electrode leads 12 and the bus bar electrodes 210, etc. Also, the number and arrangement of the cell cover slots 222 in the bus bar housing 220 are not limited to those illustrated in the present invention, and can be variously deformed, changed, and applied according to the number of battery cells 10, the number of cell covers 110, the arrangement of the protrusions 110a of the cell cover 110, etc. The arrangement of the respective cell cover protrusions 110a in the plurality of cell covers 110 is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 7, and can be variously deformed, changed, and applied according to the method by which the present invention is realized.

[0075] The blocking member 230 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 8 to 10. FIG. 8 shows a front bus bar frame assembly 200a including the blocking member 230. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of some components of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 shows a bus bar frame assembly 200b including the blocking member 230.

[0076] First, the blocking member 230 can be made of a material having a melting point higher than that of the bus bar housing 220. For example, the blocking member 230 can be made of a metal material, particularly a steel material such as SUS. Also, the blocking member 230 can have an appropriate thickness considering manufacturability and assemblability, for example, a thickness of 0.05t to 0.5t, or, for example, a thickness of 0.3t. In this case, the form of the blocking member 230 can be stably maintained without melting or collapsing even in the presence of high-temperature venting gas or flame.

[0077] Also, referring to FIG. 4, the blocking member 230 can be located on one surface of the bus bar housing 220. In particular, the blocking member 230 can be attached to the outer surface of the bus bar housing 220. And the blocking member 230 can be configured to block the discharge of flames. In particular, the blocking member 230 can prevent the venting gas discharged from the inside of the cell cover 110 from heading in the same horizontal direction or upper direction as the front-rear direction.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the blocking member 230 has a bent shape and includes a main body 231 and an extension portion 232. It can be said that the cross-section of the blocking member 230 is formed in an L shape when viewed from the side. The main body 231 and the extension portion 232 may be integrally formed, or may be manufactured and joined separately.

[0079] The main body 231 blocks the mainly horizontal venting of the venting gas (flame). The extension portion 232 blocks the mainly vertical (upper direction in FIG. 4) venting of the venting gas (flame).

[0080] The main body 231 is attached to the outer surface of the bus bar housing 220. The extension portion 232 is configured in a form bent from the upper end or the lower end of the main body 231 toward the cell cover 110. The extension portion 232 is bent from the upper end of the main body 231 toward the cell cover 110.

[0081] The extension portion 232 is disposed on the upper side of the front and rear ends of the cell cover 110, but can be located above the cell cover 110. Thereby, the front and rear ends of the upper surface of the battery cell 10 can be overlapped and covered by the cell cover 110 and the extension portion 232.

[0082] Specifically, the blocking member 230 is disposed on the end of the cell cover 110 and is coupled to the cell cover 110. Thereby, the open portions in front of and behind the cell cover 110 are sealed.

[0083] When the bus bar housing 220 is coupled to the open portions in front of and behind the cell cover 110 (see, for example, FIG. 5), if the blocking member 230 is not provided, there is a possibility that the venting gas may leak from the slots 221 and 222 of the bus bar housing 220 or from the gaps at the coupling portions in front of and behind the bus bar housing 220 and the cell cover 110.

[0084] However, according to the present invention, by covering the outer surface of the bus bar housing 220 and the end portion of the cell cover 110 with the blocking member 230, and by overlapping the cell cover 110 and the extension portion 232 of the blocking member 230, it is possible to prevent the venting gas from being discharged from the gap between the cell cover 110 and the bus bar frame assembly 200. At the same time, it is possible to prevent such venting gas from leaking in an unintended direction (front-back or upward in FIG. 4) of the battery pack. Thereby, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 12, directional venting can be achieved.

[0085] On the other hand, the blocking member 230 can be formed such that the main body 231 and the extension portion 232 are integrally formed by bending a single plate. For example, a part of a single SUS plate can be bent, and the main body 231 and the extension portion 232 can be divided with the bent portion as the center. Alternatively, the main body 231 and the extension portion 232 can be integrally formed by being joined together.

[0086] Also, the blocking member 230 can include one or more in one bus bar frame assembly 200. For example, a plurality of unit blocking members 230 can be arranged side by side in the left-right direction outside the bus bar housing 220. Alternatively, one blocking member 230 can be configured to cover the entire outer surface of the bus bar housing 220.

[0087] The blocking member 230 includes a coupling hole 231a in the main body 231. As described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, after joining the electrode lead 12 to the bus bar electrode 210 on the outer surface of the bus bar housing 220, the blocking member 230 in FIG. 9 is attached to the outer surface of the bus bar housing 220, and the bus bar electrode 210, the bus bar housing 220, and the blocking member 230 can be joined together through the coupling hole 231a at once. At this time, the bus bar electrode 210, the bus bar housing 220, and the blocking member 230 can be joined by a method such as bolt connection, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and various methods of joining are possible.

[0088] Further, the blocking member 230 can further include a terminal bus bar through-hole 232a in the extension portion 232 through which the terminal bus bar 211 can pass. Even when the blocking member 230 covers the outer surface of the bus bar housing 220, the terminal bus bar 211 protrudes outside the blocking member 230. Thereby, the cell module assembly 100 can be electrically connected to a BMS or the like through the terminal bus bar 211 protruding outside the blocking member 230. The terminal bus bar through-hole 232a can be formed in a total of two for the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

[0089] The shape, structure, and arrangement of the terminal bus bar through-hole 232a through which the terminal bus bar 211 can pass are not limited to those illustrated in the present invention, and various modifications and changes are possible. Also, as shown in FIG. 8, the front bus bar frame assembly 200a can be provided with the terminal bus bar through-hole 232a, but in some cases, the rear bus bar frame assembly 200b can be provided with it, and in some cases, the front bus bar frame assembly 200a and the rear bus bar frame assembly 200b can each be provided with one, and various modifications and changes are possible.

[0090] In addition, the blocking member 230 can further include a sealing member 233 at the end of the extension portion 232. It is possible to prevent the bending gas from leaking from the gap between the end of the extension portion 232 and the cell cover 110. The sealing member 233 can be provided in a pair, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, and can be provided at the upper and lower portions of the end of the extension portion 232 of the blocking member 230, respectively. However, various modifications and changes are possible, such as providing only one sealing member 233 at either the upper or lower portion of the end of the extension portion 232.

[0091] Also, for example, the blocking member 230 can be composed of a plurality of sub-blocking members 2301, 2302, …, 230n. A gap can be formed between each of the plurality of sub-blocking members 2301, 2302, …, 230n, and the protruding portion 110a of the cell cover 110 described above can also be coupled thereto. Although the number of sub-blocking members of the front bus bar frame assembly 200a in FIG. 8 and the number of sub-blocking members of the rear bus bar frame assembly 200b in FIG. 10 are shown to be different, the present invention is not limited to what is shown, and various modifications and changes are possible. That is, according to the shapes of the protruding portions 110a in the front and rear of the cell cover 110 constituting the cell module assembly 100 and the shapes of the bus bar housings 220 in the front and rear of the bus bar frame assembly 200, it can be variously deformed, changed, and applied.

[0092] Also, the present invention does not necessarily have to be composed of a plurality of sub-blocking members 2301, 2302, …, 230n as shown, and various modifications and changes are possible, such as one blocking member 230 being integrally formed to cover the protruding portion 110a of the cell cover 110.

[0093] FIG. 10 shows the rear bus bar frame assembly 200b of the battery pack in FIG. 1. The description of each component overlaps with the description of each component of the front bus bar frame assembly 200a of the battery pack in FIG. 8, so refer to the above description.

[0094] FIG. 11 is a perspective view schematically showing a partial configuration of an embodiment in which the blocking member 230 of FIG. 8 is modified as another embodiment of the present invention. The blocking member 230 of FIG. 12 further includes extension portions 234 bent from both side ends of the main body 231 in the direction of the cell cover 110. The extension portions 234 can be located on both side surfaces of the front and rear ends of the cell cover 110. In this case, the front and rear ends of both side surfaces of the battery cell 10 can be overlapped and covered by the cell cover 110 and the extension portions 234. The extension portions 234 can be provided in a pair.

[0095] By overlapping the cell cover 110 and the extension portions 232 and 234 of the blocking member 230, it is possible to prevent the venting gas from being discharged from the gap between the cell cover 110 and the bus bar frame assembly 200.

[0096] For other descriptions regarding the blocking member 230 of FIG. 11, refer to the description regarding the extension portion 232 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10. Also, the rear bus bar frame assembly 200b of FIG. 10 can also further include extension portions 234 bent from both side ends of the main body 231 in the direction of the cell cover 110, and various modifications and changes are possible.

[0097] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, the directional venting of the battery pack of the present invention will be described.

[0098] The venting gas is discharged from the open surface of the cell cover 110 that is not blocked by the blocking member 230. For example, in the cell cover 110 and the bus bar frame assembly 200, the venting gas inside the pack can be configured to be discharged downward. For example, the cell cover 110 can be configured to enclose the upper part and the left and right sides of the battery cell 10 housed therein in the form of n-fins, with the front, rear, and lower parts open. At this time, the front and rear of the cell cover 110 can be covered or sealed by the bus bar frame assembly 200. Therefore, the internal accommodation space formed by the cell cover 110 and the bus bar frame assembly 200 can be opened only in the downward direction. Therefore, when venting gas, flames, etc. are generated from the battery cell 10 housed in the internal space, the gas, flames, etc. can be discharged only in the downward direction. In this case, a directional venting structure in which the discharge direction of the venting gas, etc. is formed downward is achieved. In particular, when venting gas is discharged, there may be sparks such as active material particles, but according to the implementation configuration, the venting path is formed so as to be bent, and external discharge of active material particles, flames, etc. can be suppressed.

[0099] Also, the battery pack according to the present invention can further include a pack case 300 having an internal space as shown in FIG. 12. Here, in the internal space of the pack case 300, a cell module assembly 100 including a plurality of battery cells 10 and cell covers 110, a bus bar frame assembly 200, etc. can be housed. Also, the pack case 300 can include, for example, a lower case 310 and an upper case 320, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be variously deformed and modified as long as it can house the cell module assembly 100 inside.

[0100] In particular, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the pack case 300 can form at least one venting hole 330 at the bottom for discharging the venting gas inside the cell cover 110. FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a portion (dotted line) where the venting hole 330 of the pack case 300 in FIG. 12 is disposed. Here, the venting hole 330 of the pack case 300 can be configured to communicate with the internal space of the cell cover 110. That is, the cell cover 110 and the cell module assembly 100 including the plurality of battery cells 10 are fixed to the bottom of the pack case 300, but the venting gas discharged from the battery cell 10 is blocked from being discharged upward and horizontally by the cell cover 110 and the bus bar frame assembly 200, and as shown by the arrow, it can be discharged only in the downward direction through the venting hole 330 of the pack case 300. In the case of such an implementation configuration, a directional venting structure in the downward direction can be achieved by the cell cover 110, the bus bar frame assembly 200, and the pack case 300.

[0101] Further, the battery pack according to the present invention can further include a control module (not shown) configured to control the charging and discharging of the battery cell 10. Such a control module can include a BMS (Battery Management System) and can be housed inside the pack case 300 together with the battery cell 10 and the cell cover 110.

[0102] On the other hand, one or more battery modules can be housed in the battery pack. The battery module will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. At this time, the configurations described in the various embodiments described above, in particular, the cell module assembly 100 including the battery cell 10 and the cell cover 110 and the bus bar frame assembly 200, etc., can also be applied to the battery module. Therefore, the overlapping content will be omitted from the description, and reference is made to the above description in FIGS. 1 to 13.

[0103] FIG. 14 is a drawing schematically showing the directional venting in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Further, FIG. 15 is a drawing showing the lower surface of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] A battery module according to another aspect of the present invention is a battery module housed in the internal space of a pack case 300, including a plurality of battery cells 10 each having an electrode lead 12 and a cell module assembly 100 including a cell cover 110 provided so as to at least partially wrap at least some of the plurality of battery cells 10; a bus bar frame assembly 200 electrically connected to the electrode lead 12 and coupled to the open surface of the cell cover 110 on at least one side (for example, one side where the electrode lead 12 is provided or both facing sides) of the cell module assembly 100 and configured to block the discharge of flames in a specific direction; and a module case 400 that houses the cell module assembly 100 including the plurality of battery cells 10 and the cell cover 110 in the internal space.

[0105] The module case 400 may be configured in a form where at least a part thereof is open, and the bus bar frame assembly 200 may be configured to be coupled to the open portion of the module case 400. For example, the module case 400 may be configured in a monoframe form where the upper, lower, left, and right sides are closed around the internal space and the front and rear are open. At this time, the bus bar frame assembly 200 can be coupled to the front and rear open portions of such a module case 400.

[0106] In addition, as shown in FIG. 15, the module case 400 can have at least one venting hole 410 formed at the bottom for discharging venting gas inside the cell cover 110. The venting hole 410 of such a module case 400 can be configured to communicate with the storage space of the cell cover 110 stored inside the module case 400. In such an implementation configuration, when venting gas or the like is generated from the battery cell 10 stored inside the cell cover 110, the generated venting gas can be discharged to the lower side instead of being discharged to the upper side or the front and rear sides as shown in FIG. 15.

[0107] In addition, in the case of the cell module assembly 100 and the bus bar frame assembly 200 including the plurality of battery cells 10 and the cell covers 110 included in the battery module, the previous description of the battery pack can be applied identically or similarly, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0108] On the other hand, an automobile according to another aspect of the present invention can include the battery pack or the battery module according to the present invention.

[0109] As described above, although the present invention has been described with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereby, and it goes without saying that various modifications and variations can be made by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains within the equivalent scope of the technical idea of the present invention and the claims described below.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0110] 10 Battery cell 12 Electrode lead 100 Cell module assembly 110 Cell cover 111 First cover portion 112 Second cover portion 113 Opening portion 120 Thermal barrier 130 Insulating Pad 140 Hitting Pad 150 Resin Layer 200 Busbar Frame Assembly 210 Busbar Electrode 220 Busbar Housing 230 Shutoff Member 231 Body 232 Extension 233 Sealing Member 234 Extension 300 Pack Case 310 Lower Case 320 Upper Case 330 Venting Hole 400 Module Case 410 Venting Hole

Claims

1. A plurality of battery cells stacked in one direction, A pack case that houses the battery cells in an internal space, In the internal space of the pack case, a cell cover that at least partially wraps at least some of the plurality of battery cells, and A bus bar frame assembly disposed on at least one open side of the cell cover, Including, The bus bar frame assembly includes a blocking member that blocks the discharge of venting gas from the battery cells, a battery pack.

2. The venting gas is discharged from a surface of the open surface of the cell cover that is not blocked by the blocking member, the battery pack according to claim 1.

3. The blocking member has a bent shape and includes a main body disposed on at least one open side of the cell cover and an extension portion that covers an end portion of the cell cover, the battery pack according to claim 1.

4. By overlapping the cell cover and the extension portion of the blocking member, the venting gas is prevented from being discharged from a gap between the cell cover and the bus bar frame assembly, the battery pack according to claim 3.

5. The bus bar frame assembly further includes a bus bar electrode electrically coupled to an electrode lead of the battery cell and a bus bar housing that supports the bus bar electrode, The blocking member is mounted on an outer surface of the bus bar housing, the battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The cell cover includes a pair of first cover portions that cover opposite side surfaces of at least some of the battery cells facing each other and a second cover portion that connects between the pair of first cover portions and covers either the upper surface or the lower surface of at least some of the battery cells, the battery pack according to claim 1.

7. The bus bar frame assembly is disposed on either the front surface or the rear surface of the battery cell, The blocking member includes a main body disposed on at least one of the front surface and the rear surface of the battery cell and an extension portion that covers an end portion of the second cover portion of the cell cover, the battery pack according to claim 6.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein the blocking member further includes an extension portion that covers an end portion of the first cover portion of the cell cover.

9. The pack case includes at least one venting hole for discharging the venting gas, The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the venting hole is provided on the upper surface and the lower surface of the pack case on the side where the cell cover is the open surface side.

10. The cell cover and a group of battery cells housed in the cell cover are configured in plurality and are mounted in the internal space of the pack case, The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein one bus bar frame assembly is disposed on at least one open side of the plurality of cell covers.

11. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein a cross section of the blocking member is formed in an L shape when viewed from the side.

12. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein a cross section of the cell cover is formed in an n shape or a u shape when viewed from the front.

13. A plurality of battery cells stacked in one direction, A module case that houses the battery cells in an internal space, In the internal space of the module case, a cell cover that at least partially wraps at least some of the plurality of battery cells, and A bus bar frame assembly disposed on at least one open side of the cell cover, including The bus bar frame assembly includes a blocking member that blocks discharge of venting gas from the battery cells, a battery module.

Images