Battery pack, battery module, and motor vehicle including the same

Abstract

The battery pack of the present invention includes: a plurality of pouch-type battery cells having a receiving portion in which an electrode assembly is received and an edge portion around the receiving portion; a pack case in which the edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell is disposed downward in an internal space and the pouch-type battery cell is received in an upright state; and a cell cover provided in the internal space of the pack case to at least partially enclose at least some of the pouch-type battery cells, the cell cover enclosing an upper edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell and exposing a lower edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell; the cell cover forms a separation space between the cell cover and an upper edge portion of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell, and the cell cover is provided with a pocket structure that restricts gas discharged from the pouch-type battery cell from moving horizontally and upwardly across the upper edge portion within the separation space.

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 having excellent safety and the like against thermal events.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0089574 filed on July 20, 2022, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0036122 filed on March 20, 2023, and all of the content disclosed in the specifications and drawings of the applications is incorporated into this application.

Background Art

[0003] The development of technologies and the increasing demand for various mobile devices, electric vehicles, energy storage systems (ESS), etc. are remarkable, and along with this, the interest and needs for secondary batteries as an energy source are rapidly growing. Conventionally, nickel-cadmium batteries or nickel-metal hydride batteries have been widely used as secondary batteries, but recently, lithium secondary batteries that have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based 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 a lithium secondary battery mainly uses a lithium-based oxide and a carbon material as a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, respectively. A lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate, each coated with such a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, are arranged with a separator interposed therebetween, and an exterior material that encloses the electrode assembly together with an electrolytic solution, for example, a battery case.

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

[0006] Recently, battery packs have been widely used as drive or energy storage units in medium- and large-sized devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). Conventional battery packs include one or more battery modules and a control unit for controlling charging and discharging of the battery pack inside the pack case, for example, a battery management system (BMS). Here, the battery module is configured to include a plurality of battery cells inside the module case. That is, in the case of a conventional battery pack, a plurality of battery cells (secondary batteries) are housed inside the module case to form respective battery modules, and such battery modules are housed inside one or more pack cases to form a battery pack.

[0007] In particular, in the case of pouch-type batteries, although they have advantages in various aspects such as being lightweight and having a small dead space during lamination, they are vulnerable to external impacts and have a problem of slightly inferior assemblability. Therefore, generally, the battery pack is manufactured in a form in which a plurality of battery cells are modularized and then housed inside the pack case.

[0008] However, in the case of conventional battery packs, there is a possibility of being disadvantaged in terms of energy density, assemblability, coolability, etc. due to modularization or the like. Specifically, in the process of accommodating a plurality of battery cells inside a module case and modularizing them, there is a risk that the volume of the battery pack may increase unnecessarily or the space occupied by the battery cells may decrease due to various components such as the module case or the frame for lamination. First, after modularizing a plurality of battery cells to form a battery module, it is inevitably necessary to go through the process of accommodating the battery module in a pack case, so there is a problem that the manufacturing process of the battery pack becomes complicated. Since the module case is accommodated inside the pack case and the battery cells are accommodated inside the module case, when discharging the heat of the battery cells accommodated inside the module case to the outside of the pack case through the module case, the cooling efficiency may decrease and the cooling structure may also become complicated.

[0009] Recently, the needs for battery packs applied to electric vehicles and the like have been increasing. Such battery packs are equipped with a plurality of cells and safety must be managed more strictly. If thermal runaway, ignition, explosion, etc. occur in some cells within any one battery module, the generated high-temperature gas, flame, or high-temperature internal substances may be ejected and propagated to other adjacent battery modules, resulting in secondary thermal runaway, secondary fire, explosion, etc. Therefore, when a thermal event such as thermal runaway occurs, it is currently very necessary to have means capable of suppressing or delaying the spread and ignition of flames between battery modules. However, conventional battery packs and battery modules are vulnerable to thermal events. In particular, when a thermal event occurs inside a battery module or a battery pack, as a result of thermal runaway, a flame may occur and in severe cases, an explosion may also occur. Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0010] Therefore, the present invention has been devised to solve the problems as described above, and the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery pack, a battery module, and an automobile including the same, which are excellent in energy density, assemblability, and / or coolability, etc.

[0011] Another technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery pack, a battery module, and an automobile including the same, which can ensure excellent safety when a thermal event occurs. Means for Solving the Problems

[0012] A battery pack according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a plurality of pouch-type battery cells including a housing portion for housing an electrode assembly and an edge portion provided around the housing portion; a pack case that disposes the edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell downward in an internal space and houses the pouch-type battery cell in an erected state; and a cell cover provided in the internal space of the pack case so as to at least partially wrap at least some of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells, wrap an upper-side edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell, and expose a lower-side edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell, wherein the cell cover forms a separation space between the cell cover and the upper-side edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell wrapped therewith, and a pocket structure is provided on the cell cover to restrict the gas discharged from the pouch-type battery cell from moving horizontally and upward across the upper-side edge portion in the separation space.

[0013] For example, the pocket structure can divide the separation space into two or more spaces communicating with each other, and restrict the movement of the gas between the divided spaces.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, the cell cover may include an upper cover portion configured to wrap the upper part of the edge portion on the upper side of the pouch-type battery cell, and a side cover portion extending downward from one end of the upper cover portion and wrapping the outside of the accommodating portion on one side of the wrapped pouch-type battery cell.

[0015] At this time, in the cell cover, the upper cover portion may be formed in multiple layers.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, the cell cover may include two unit covers whose upper end portions are bent toward each other.

[0017] The two unit covers may be stacked on top of each other in the vertical direction with at least a partial separation between the bent end portions.

[0018] The two unit covers may be a first cover configured to wrap the left surface and one edge portion of the wrapped pouch-type battery cell, and a second cover configured to wrap the right surface and the other edge portion of the wrapped pouch-type battery cell.

[0019] Here, the first cover includes a first upper cover portion configured to wrap the upper part of the edge portion on the upper side of the pouch-type battery cell, and a first side cover portion extending downward from one end of the first upper cover portion and wrapping the outside of the accommodation portion on one side of the wrapped pouch-type battery cell. The second cover includes a second upper cover portion configured to wrap the upper part of the edge portion on the upper side of the pouch-type battery cell, and a second side cover portion extending downward from one end of the second upper cover portion and wrapping the outside of the accommodation portion on the other side of the wrapped pouch-type battery cell. The second upper cover portion may be spaced upward from the first upper cover portion.

[0020] Preferably, the second upper cover portion may cover the first upper cover portion and extend to the first side cover portion.

[0021] Furthermore, the first upper cover portion and the second upper cover portion may have a first portion covering the pouch-type battery cell and a second portion having a surface direction different from that of the first portion.

[0022] Here, the first portion may be inclined downward.

[0023] And the second portion is connected to the end of the first portion and may be bent downward to form a blocking portion.

[0024] According to one example, the blocking portion of the second upper cover portion covers the first side cover portion.

[0025] Preferably, each of the two unit covers is formed in a shape where one plate is bent.

[0026] Also, the cell cover may guide the gas downward.

[0027] The first side cover portion and the pouch-type battery cell are adhered to each other, and the second side cover portion and the pouch-type battery cell may be adhered to each other.

[0028] In one example, the vertical length of the second side cover portion may be longer than that of the first side cover portion.

[0029] The pack case includes a discharge hole for discharging the gas at the bottom of the pack case, and the discharge hole may communicate with the separation space.

[0030] The cell cover may include an insulating coating layer on its inner surface.

[0031] Further, the battery pack according to the present invention may further include a control module housed in the internal space of the pack case and configured to control charging and discharging of the pouch-type battery cell.

[0032] 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 pouch-type battery cells including a housing portion for housing an electrode assembly and an edge portion provided around the housing portion; a module case disposed below the edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell in the internal space and housing the pouch-type battery cell in an upright state; and a cell cover provided in the internal space of the module case so as to at least partially wrap at least some of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells, wrapping the upper edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell and exposing the lower edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell. The cell cover forms a separation space between the cell cover and the upper edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell wrapped therewith, and a pocket structure is provided on the cell cover to limit movement of gas discharged from the pouch-type battery cell in a horizontal direction and upward across the upper edge portion in the separation space.

[0033] In addition, an automobile according to another aspect of the present invention may include a battery pack according to the present invention.

Advantages of the Invention

[0034] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack of a cell-to-pack (CTP) concept is provided. In such a battery pack, components such as a module case are omitted, and cooling performance, energy density, etc. can be improved.

[0035] According to one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of pouch-type battery cells can be stably accommodated inside a pack case without components such as a frame for stacking such as a plastic cartridge or a separate module case.

[0036] In particular, according to one 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 stood can be easily realized.

[0037] According to one aspect of the present invention, the energy density of the battery pack can be improved. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, since the battery cells are directly accommodated in the pack case without modularizing the battery cells, a battery pack that does not require a module case of a battery module or the like can be manufactured. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the space occupied by such a module case and arrange more battery cells inside the pack case. As a result, the effect of further improving the energy density of the battery pack is achieved. By directly assembling the pouch-type battery cells to the pack case of the battery pack, the space utilization rate of the battery pack can be maximized and the energy capacity can be significantly improved.

[0038] 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 and firmly formed, and a configuration in which it is directly stacked inside a pack case or a module case can be more easily realized. Therefore, the assemblability and mechanical stability of the battery pack and the battery module can be improved.

[0039] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, the cooling efficiency of the battery pack and the battery module can be further improved. In particular, in the case of one embodiment of the present invention, since a part of each pouch-type battery cell is directly exposed to the pack case or the module case, the heat of each pouch-type battery cell can be effectively released to the outside through the pack case or the module case.

[0040] Furthermore, 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 fire, 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 the accumulation of heat and prevent the discharge of flames, control of the discharge of vent gas, directional venting, and blocking of sparks can be realized.

[0041] In particular, according to the present invention, by providing a pocket structure in the cell cover, it is possible to limit the movement of a part of the gas discharged from the pouch-type battery cell in a certain direction and trap (capture) high-temperature particles or the like that may be contained in the gas. When the gas is ejected, the active material particles inside the pouch-type battery cell may be discharged to the outside in a state of being heated to a high temperature, and such high-temperature particles may appear in the form of a spark. According to the present invention, due to the pocket structure of the cell cover, such particles can be collected, and an excellent spark blocking effect can be obtained.

[0042] According to such an implementation configuration of the present invention, the discharge of an ignition source such as a spark to the outside is prevented or suppressed by the cell cover, thereby blocking ignition in the external space of the cell cover, for example, the internal space or the external space of the pack case. Therefore, according to one aspect of the present invention, even when a thermal event occurs, internal short circuits and structural collapses can be prevented.

[0043] Thus, according to the present invention, there are provided a battery pack and a battery module with enhanced safety against thermal runaway, fire, explosion, etc., that is, thermal safety. In a battery module including a plurality of battery cells, and a battery pack directly including a plurality of battery modules or a plurality of battery cells, when some of the battery cells or battery modules generate heat, heat propagation to surrounding battery cells or battery modules can be surely blocked.

[0044] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, the safety of the battery pack can be improved. In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, gases and the like discharged from each battery cell can be smoothly discharged to the outside. Further, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the discharge direction of gases, flames, etc. discharged from the battery cell can be controlled. Therefore, the propagation of thermal runaway between adjacent battery cells can be effectively prevented.

[0045] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate desirable embodiments of the present invention and are for the purpose of further understanding the technical idea of the present invention together with the content of the invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited only to the matters described in the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0046]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0047] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms and words used in this specification and the claims are not to be construed as limited to ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be construed in accordance with the technical idea of the present invention in accordance with the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms in order to explain the invention in the best way. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0048] In the drawings, the size of each component or a specific part constituting the component is exaggerated, omitted, or schematically shown for ease of explanation and clarity. Therefore, the size of each component does not fully reflect the actual size. When it is recognized that a detailed description of related known functions or configurations may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a disassembled view of some components of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a pouch-type battery cell and a cell cover housed inside the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the coupling configuration of a pouch-type battery cell and a cell cover housed inside the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a Y-Z cross-sectional view of FIG. 3.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100, a pack case 300, and a cell cover 200.

[0051] The pouch-type battery cell 100 may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a pouch exterior material. Such pouch-type battery cells 100 may be included in a plurality in the battery pack 10. And such a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 may be stacked in at least one direction. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 may be stacked and arranged in the horizontal direction, for example, the left-right direction (the Y-axis direction in the figure). Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 may be arranged in the front-rear direction (the X-axis direction in the figure). Further, a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 are arranged in the horizontal direction, but may be arranged in a shape forming a plurality of rows in the left-right direction and the horizontal direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 may be stacked in a shape in which two cell rows arranged in the left-right direction are provided in the front-rear direction.

[0052] Each pouch-type battery cell 100 may include a housing portion indicated by "R" and edge portions indicated by "E1" to "E4" as shown in FIG. 2. Here, the housing portion R may be a portion in which an electrode assembly formed in a form in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate are stacked on each other with a separator interposed therebetween is housed. Also, an electrolytic solution may be housed in such a housing portion R. And the edge portions E1 to E4 may be arranged in a shape surrounding the periphery of such a housing portion R.

[0053] In particular, the edge portions E1 to E4 can be sealing portions where the pouch exterior material, which is the case of the pouch-type battery cell 100, is sealed. For example, in the implementation configuration of FIG. 2, four edge portions E1 to E4 are provided, and it can be said that they are located at the upper edge portion, the lower edge portion, the front edge portion, and the rear edge portion, respectively, with respect to the accommodating portion R. At this time, all four edge portions E1 to E4 can be sealing portions. Alternatively, a part of the four edge portions E1 to E4 can be formed in a folded shape instead of a sealing portion. For example, in the implementation configuration of FIG. 2, the upper edge portion E1, the front edge portion E3, and the rear edge portion E4 are all sealing portions, but the lower edge portion E2 can be a portion where the pouch exterior material is folded. For example, the upper edge portion E1 can be a sealing portion of the pouch-type battery cell 100 and a portion that is folded twice, so-called double side folding (DSF), and the lower edge portion E2 can be an unsealed portion of the pouch-type battery cell 100.

[0054] The pack case 300 can have an empty space (an empty space) formed inside to accommodate a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the pack case 300 can include an upper case 310 and a lower case 320. To give a more specific example, the lower case 320 can be formed in a box shape with an open upper end to accommodate a plurality of battery cells in the internal space. And the upper case 310 can be formed in a lid shape to cover the open portion at the upper end of the lower case 320. At this time, the upper case 310 may also be formed in a box shape with an open lower end. Also, in the internal space of such a pack case 300, the cell cover 200 can be accommodated together with a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100. The pack case 300 can be made of plastic or a metal material. In addition, the pack case 300 can adopt the materials of various known battery pack exterior materials at the time of filing the present invention.

[0055] In particular, the pack case 300 arranges the edge portions E1 to E4 of the pouch-type battery cell 100 downward in the internal space so that the pouch-type battery cell 100 can be accommodated in an upright state. In the embodiment, an example is given in which the edge portion E2 on the lower side of the pouch-type battery cell 100 is located downward.

[0056] The cell cover 200 can be configured to wrap around the pouch-type battery cell 100 in the internal space of the pack case 300. That is, the cell cover 200 can be configured to wrap around at least some of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 included in the battery pack 10. Further, the cell cover 200 can be provided so as to at least partially wrap around the pouch-type battery cell 100.

[0057] The cell cover 200 can be configured to wrap around one or more pouch-type battery cells 100. For example, in the implementation configurations of FIGS. 1 to 4, one cell cover 200 is shown in a shape that wraps around two pouch-type battery cells 100. The cell cover 200 may be configured to wrap around two or more pouch-type battery cells 100 together.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a coupling configuration between a pouch-type battery cell and a cell cover accommodated inside a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, one cell cover 200 is shown in a shape that wraps around one pouch-type battery cell 100. Thus, one cell cover 200 may be configured to wrap around only one pouch-type battery cell 100. In this case, it can be said that the cell cover 200 is individually coupled to each of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100.

[0059] For a battery cell in which all four edge portions E1 to E4 are sealed, it can be referred to as a four-sided sealed cell, and for a battery cell in which three edge portions E1, E3, and E4 are sealed, it can be referred to as a three-sided sealed cell. In such a configuration, the cell cover 200 can be configured to wrap around both sides of the accommodation portion R of the pouch-type battery cell 100 that can be a four-sided sealed cell or a three-sided sealed cell and a part of the edge portions E1 to E4. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when one cell cover 200 is formed in a shape that wraps around one pouch-type battery cell 100, the cell cover 200 can be configured to wrap around the surfaces on both sides of the accommodation portion R of the same pouch-type battery cell 100 (for example, the left surface and the right surface of the same accommodation portion R), and a part of the edge portion of the battery cell 100 from the outside. Another example is that when one cell cover 200 is formed in a shape that wraps around a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100, for example, a plurality of battery cells arranged in the left-right direction, it can be formed in a shape that wraps around the outer surface of the accommodation portion of the outermost battery cell and one edge portion of the entire battery cell. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, one cell cover 200 can be formed in a shape that wraps around two pouch-type battery cells 100 laminated in the left-right direction. At this time, the cell cover 200 can be formed in a shape that wraps around the left surface of the left battery cell, one edge portion of the two battery cells, and the right surface of the right battery cell.

[0060] The cell cover 200 can be configured to support a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 in an upright state. Each pouch-type battery cell 100 has two wide surfaces where the accommodating portion R is located, as shown in FIG. 2. The edge portions E1 to E4, which are the edge portions of the wide surfaces, may have seal portions or folded portions of the pouch exterior material and may have narrow surfaces. Therefore, it is generally difficult to stack the pouch-type battery cells 100 in a shape that stands upright with the narrow surface facing down. However, in the battery pack according to the present invention, the cell cover 200 can be configured to support the upright state, that is, the standing state, of the enclosed pouch-type battery cells 100 while enclosing one or more pouch-type battery cells 100.

[0061] In particular, the cell cover 200 can be configured such that a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 can be horizontally stacked in an upright state in the vertical direction. For example, as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a plurality of cell covers 200 are horizontally stacked on each other, and each cell cover 200 can be formed in a shape that encloses one or more pouch-type battery cells 100. In this case, the cell cover 200 enables a configuration in which a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 are stacked side by side in a standing state to be stably maintained.

[0062] In particular, the cell cover 200 can be configured to be self-standing in the internal space of the pack case 300. That is, the cell cover 200 can be configured to maintain its standing state by itself without relying on the assistance of other components provided in the battery pack, such as the pack case 300 and the pouch-type battery cells 100.

[0063] The cell cover 200 can be formed in a shape that partially wraps the pouch-type battery cell 100 such that at least one side of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell 100 is exposed to the outside. That is, the cell cover 200 can be formed in a shape that wraps only a part of the pouch-type battery cell 100 without entirely and completely wrapping it. In particular, the cell cover 200 can be configured such that at least one side of the pouch-type battery cell 100 is exposed toward the pack case 300. From this perspective, the cell cover 200 can be referred to by terms such as a cell sleeve.

[0064] For example, referring to the implementation configurations of FIGS. 2 to 4, the cell cover 200 is formed in a shape that wraps two pouch-type battery cells 100. However, the lower edge portion E2 of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell 100, that is, the battery cell 100 housed in the internal space, may not be wrapped by the cell cover 200. Therefore, the lower edge portion E2 of the battery cell 100 is exposed toward the pack case 300 and can face the pack case 300 directly. In particular, referring to the implementation configuration of FIG. 1, the lower edge portion E2 of the battery cell 100 can be exposed toward the bottom surface of the lower case 320.

[0065] In the present invention, the pouch-type battery cell 100 and the cell cover 200 can be directly placed on the pack case 300. Further, the lower ends of the pouch-type battery cell 100 and the cell cover 200 can be placed on the upper surface of the bottom surface of the pack case 300. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the cell cover 200 can be directly placed on the bottom surface of the lower case 320. At this time, a part of the cell cover 200, for example, the lower end portion of the cell cover 200 indicated by "C1" in FIG. 2 can be directly placed in contact with the bottom surface of the lower case 320. And when the lower end portion of the cell cover 200 is placed in this way, the cell cover 200 can be configured to stably hold the placement state. At this time, when the cell cover 200 is made of a metal material excellent in rigidity, such as steel, particularly stainless steel (SUS), the self-standing state can be more stably maintained. Therefore, in this case, the standing state of the pouch-type battery cell 100 can be more firmly supported.

[0066] And the cell cover 200 can be configured to support the battery cell 100 housed therein. In particular, the cell cover 200 can be configured to stably support the standing state of the battery cell 100 housed therein. The cell cover 200 can be configured to support the stacked state of a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 inside the pack case 300 through a structure that wraps the battery cells in this way. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 can be stacked in the horizontal direction (the Y-axis direction in the figure). At this time, the cell cover 200 can be configured to stably hold the stacked state of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 stacked in the horizontal direction.

[0067] According to such an aspect of the present invention, without a module case, a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 can be directly placed and accommodated inside a pack case 300. In particular, in the case of the pouch-type battery cell 100, the exterior material is made of a soft material and is vulnerable to external impacts, and moreover, it can be said that the hardness is low. Therefore, it is by no means easy to accommodate the pouch-type battery cell 100 itself inside the pack case 300 without accommodating it in a module case. However, in the case of the present invention, a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 are combined with a cell cover 200 in a state where at least a part thereof is wrapped by the cell cover 200, and are directly accommodated inside the pack case 300, and their stacked state can be stably maintained.

[0068] Furthermore, in the case of the present invention, a CTP (Cell To Pack) type battery pack using the pouch-type battery cell 100 can be realized more efficiently. That is, in the case of the present invention, the pouch-type battery cell 100 is not accommodated inside a separate module case and such a module case is not accommodated inside the pack case 300, but the battery pack 10 can be provided in a form in which the pouch-type battery cell 100 is directly accommodated inside the pack case 300. At this time, at least one side of the pouch-type battery cell 100 can be exposed outside the cell cover 200 and arranged to face the pack case 300 directly.

[0069] Therefore, according to such an aspect of the present invention, it is not necessary to further provide fastening members such as a module case, a stacking frame, and bolts for maintaining the stacked state of the battery cells 100 in the battery pack 10. Therefore, it is possible to remove the space occupied by other components such as a module case and a stacking frame and the space for ensuring tolerances due thereto. Therefore, since the battery cells 100 can occupy more space corresponding to the removed space, the energy density of the battery pack 10 can be further improved.

[0070] Also, according to such an aspect of the present invention, since there are no module cases, frames for stacking, bolts, etc., the volume and weight of the battery pack 10 can be reduced, and the manufacturing process can be simplified.

[0071] According to the present invention, the assemblability of the battery pack 10 can be improved. In particular, according to an embodiment of the present invention, steps such as a step of accommodating the pouch-type battery cell 100 in a module case to provide a battery module, and a step of accommodating one or more battery modules thus provided in a pack case 300 do not need to be performed. Therefore, the manufacturing process is simplified, and the manufacturing time can be shortened.

[0072] Also, according to such an aspect of the present invention, it becomes even easier to handle the pouch-type battery cell 100. For example, when accommodating a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 inside the pack case 300, the pouch-type battery cell 100 can be gripped by a jig or the like. At this time, the jig can grip the cell cover 200 that wraps the pouch-type battery cell 100 without directly gripping the pouch-type battery cell 100. Therefore, damage or breakage of the pouch-type battery cell 100 by the jig can be prevented.

[0073] Also, according to such an aspect of the present invention, the cell cover 200 is coupled to the pouch-type battery cell 100, and the pouch-type battery cell 100 can be effectively protected even without a module case.

[0074] Moreover, according to such an implementation configuration of the present invention, the cooling performance of the battery pack 10 can be more effectively ensured. In particular, according to the above implementation configuration, the pouch-type battery cell 100 and the pack case 300 can directly face and contact each other through the opened end (open end) of the cell cover 200. That is, one side surface of the pouch-type battery cell 100 arranged adjacent to the open end of the cell cover 200 can directly face and contact the pack case 300. Therefore, the heat released from each pouch-type battery cell 100 can be directly transmitted to the pack case 300, and the cooling performance can be improved. Also, in this case, since there is no need to separately deploy a 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 may be no space provided for a refrigerant such as air to flow into between the pouch-type battery cells 100.

[0075] Also, in this case, when at least one side of the cell cover 200 is opened, it may be advantageous for weight reduction of the battery pack 10. For example, when the cell cover 200 is made of a material such as steel, if the lower end portion of the cell cover 200 is formed in an opened shape, the weight of the cell cover 200 can be reduced by an amount corresponding to the lower plate. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the battery pack 10 may include many cell covers 200. If all the cell covers 200 are formed in an opened shape without a lower plate, the weight of the battery pack 10 can be significantly reduced.

[0076] Moreover, according to one aspect of the present invention, it becomes possible to more easily provide a configuration of a long cell in which the length in a specific direction is formed in a long shape.

[0077] For example, in the case of a conventional rectangular cell, if the length in a specific direction is formed to be long, there is a risk that it will be difficult to perform the process of fitting the electrode assembly into a rectangular case. In particular, there is a concern that problems such as damage to the electrode assembly may occur during the process of fitting such an electrode assembly. However, according to one embodiment of the present invention, increasing the length in one direction for the pouch-type battery cell 100 and the cell cover 200 can be easily achieved at the stages of forming the pouch exterior material, manufacturing the electrode assembly, and manufacturing the cell cover 200. And, in this way, the process of fitting the long cell having a shape manufactured to be long in one direction through the opened side surface (for example, the lower end portion) of the cell cover 200 can be easily performed. Therefore, according to such a side surface of the present invention, excellent assemblability, processability, productivity, etc. can be ensured even when manufacturing the battery pack 10 using the long cell.

[0078] According to such an embodiment, a configuration for supporting and protecting one or more pouch-type battery cells 100 with one cell cover 200 can be easily realized. Also, according to the above embodiment, the process of handling one or more pouch-type battery cells 100 via the cell cover 200 can be performed easily and safely. Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, one cell cover 200 can face the surfaces of the two accommodating portions R with respect to the pouch-type battery cell 100 accommodated inside. Therefore, the cooling performance can be further improved between the accommodating portion R and the cell cover 200. In particular, in this case, cooling in a plane is realized through the wide surface of the accommodating portion R, and the cooling efficiency becomes good.

[0079] In particular, the cell cover 200 can be formed in a shape that wraps around an edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell 100 housed inside, where no electrode lead is provided among a plurality of edge portions. For example, referring to the implementation configuration shown in FIG. 2, the pouch-type battery cell 100 may include two electrode leads 110, that is, a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead. At this time, the two electrode leads may be located at the front edge portion E3 and the rear edge portion E4, respectively. At this time, the cell cover 200 can be formed in a shape that wraps around either one of the remaining two edge portions E1 and E2 excluding such a front edge portion E3 and a rear edge portion E4. The cell cover 200 can wrap around the upper edge portion E1 of the pouch-type battery cell 100 and expose the lower edge portion E2.

[0080] Furthermore, the cell cover 200 can be provided in a shape that covers both side surfaces of the accommodating portion R and the upper edge portion E1 with respect to one or more pouch-type battery cells 100 housed and wrapped inside. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the cell cover 200 can be formed in a shape that surrounds the left surface and the right surface of the accommodating portion R and the upper edge portion E1 with respect to one pouch-type battery cell 100. To give another example, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, when the cell cover 200 is formed in a shape that wraps around two pouch-type battery cells 100 laminated in the left-right direction, the cell cover 200 can be formed in a shape that wraps around the left surface of the accommodating portion of the left battery cell, the upper edge portion E1 of the two battery cells, and the right surface of the accommodating portion of the right battery cell.

[0081] According to such an implementation configuration of the present invention, with one cell cover 200, it is possible to easily realize a configuration for supporting and protecting one or more battery cells. In particular, according to the above embodiment, the lower edge portion E2 is positioned adjacent to the open end of the cell cover 200, faces the pack case 300 without being wrapped by the cell cover 200, and can directly face and contact the pack case 300. Therefore, the heat of the pouch-type battery cell 100 wrapped by the cell cover 200 can be quickly and smoothly discharged to the lower pack case 300 side. Therefore, the cooling performance of the battery pack 10 can be more effectively ensured.

[0082] In particular, such a configuration can be more effectively adopted 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, since it is mounted at the lower part of the vehicle body, it is possible to mainly perform cooling at the lower part of the pack case 300. At this time, when the edge portion E2 on the lower side of each battery cell 100 faces and contacts the pack case 300 as in the above embodiment, heat can be quickly transferred from each battery cell 100 to the pack case 300 side, and the cooling performance can be further improved.

[0083] In the pouch-type battery cell 100, the upper edge portion E1 as a seal portion may be more vulnerable to the discharge of relatively high-temperature gas or flame than the lower edge portion E2 which is an unsealed portion. However, according to the above embodiment, since the upper edge portion E1 which is a seal portion is wrapped by the cell cover 200 and arranged to face the cell cover 200, it may be more advantageous due to directional venting.

[0084] The cell cover 200 can be composed of a variety of materials to ensure rigidity. In particular, the cell cover 200 can be composed of a metal material. In the case of such a metal material, the laminated state of the pouch-type battery cell 100 can be held more stably, and the pouch-type battery cell 100 can be protected more safely from external impacts. In particular, the cell cover 200 can include a steel material and further a SUS material. For example, the cell cover 200 can be entirely made of a SUS material. The cell cover 200 made of a SUS material can have a thickness of approximately 0.2 mm.

[0085] In this way, when the cell cover 200 is made of a steel material, since it is excellent in mechanical strength or rigidity, the laminated state of the pouch-type battery cell 100 can be supported more stably. Also, in this case, damage or breakage of the pouch-type battery cell 100 from external impacts, such as needle-like bodies, can be more effectively prevented. Moreover, in this case, the handling of the pouch-type battery cell 100 can be made easier.

[0086] Also, as in the above-described embodiment, when the cell cover 200 is made of a steel material, it becomes possible to stably hold the overall structure when a flame occurs from the battery cell 100 due to its high melting point. In particular, in the case of a steel material, since the melting point is higher than that of an aluminum material, it does not melt even in the flame ejected from the battery cell 100, and its shape can be stably held. Therefore, effects such as prevention or delay of flame propagation between the battery cells 100 and vent control effects can be excellently ensured.

[0087] The cell cover 200 may include an insulating coating layer on the inside. The insulating coating layer may be formed by coating, applying, or adhering any one of insulating materials such as silicon resin, polyamide, and rubber. According to the configuration of the insulating coating layer of the cell cover 200 according to such an embodiment, the insulating coating effect can be maximized with a minimum coating amount. Further, since the insulating coating layer is provided on the inner surface of the cell cover 200, the insulation between the pouch-type battery cell 100 and the cell cover 200 can be enhanced.

[0088] The cell cover 200 may be at least partially adhered to the outer surface of the battery cell 100. For example, the cell cover 200 may have its inner surface adhered to the accommodating portion R of the pouch-type battery cell 100. The member for adhesion may be thermally conductive. Through such adhesion, the cell cover 200 can be firmly coupled to the battery cell 100 and help discharge the heat generated from the battery cell 100 to the outside of the battery cell 100.

[0089] The cell cover 200 can be included one or more in the battery pack 10. When a plurality of cell covers 200 are included, the plurality of cell covers 200 can be separated from each other. For example, the plurality of cell covers 200 can be separated in the X-axis direction. The direct heat transfer between the cell covers 200 can be blocked through the separated space. Also, separate members necessary for constructing the battery pack 10 can be inserted through the separated space. Alternatively, a heat insulation pad, a flame suppression pad, or the like can be interposed between at least a part of the plurality of cell covers 200. Such a heat insulation pad or a flame suppression pad can prevent heat or flame generated in one cell unit from spreading to the other cell unit side and affecting other battery cells 100. The flame suppression pad can be formed of a heat-resistant resin such as vinyl chloride resin, a material such as silicon or ceramic, or a composite of a heat-resistant resin and ceramic or glass filler, or a metal plate with an insulating coating, but these are merely exemplary, and any flame-retardant material may be used. It is preferable that at least up to the temperature at which the battery cell 100 undergoes thermal runaway (for example, 150°C to 200°C), it is composed of a material that does not decompose, dissolve, or catch fire. For example, when the thickness of the cell cover 200 is about 0.2 mm, such an insulating member pad or a flame suppression pad can have a thickness of about 2 mm. That is, the plurality of cell covers 200 can also be separated from each other by about 2 mm.

[0090] Also, when a plurality of cell covers 200 are laminated and included in the battery pack 10, an adhesive member can be interposed between the cell covers 200. For example, an adhesive member can be interposed at a portion where two cell covers 200 face each other to adhesively fix them. Through such an adhesive configuration, the connection configuration between the plurality of cell covers 200 can be made even stronger. Here, the adhesive member can be insulating. Such an adhesive member can achieve insulation between cell covers 200 made of a metal material.

[0091] In particular, the cell cover 200 can be configured to group and unitize a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 included in the battery pack. In this case, it can be said that one cell cover 200 constitutes one cell unit. And one cell unit may include one or a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100. For example, in FIG. 2, as indicated by "U1", one cell unit is shown, and it can be said that a plurality of cell units are shown in FIG. 1. In this way, the battery pack 10 may include a plurality of cell units, and in this case, it can be said that a plurality of cell covers 200 are included in the battery pack. For example, when the cell cover 200 is formed in a shape that wraps one pouch-type battery cell 100, the battery pack may include the same number of cell covers 200 as the number of pouch-type battery cells 100. As another example, when the cell cover 200 is formed in a shape that wraps two or more pouch-type battery cells 100, the battery pack may include a number of cell covers 200 that is less than the number of pouch-type battery cells 100. On the other hand, each cell group wrapped by the cell cover 200 may also be expressed as a cell bank in addition to being called a cell unit. The pouch-type battery cells 100 within the cell unit or cell bank may include a direct and / or parallel electrical connection configuration via a bus bar or the like.

[0092] Here, the cell cover 200 is a unit cover and may include a first cover 210 and a second cover 220 as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5. The cell cover 200 has a separation space S between it and the edge portion E1 on the upper side of the wrapped pouch-type battery cell 100. The cell cover 200 may include a pocket structure P that restricts the gas discharged from the pouch-type battery cell 100 from moving horizontally and upward across the upper edge portion E1 within the separation space S.

[0093] The pouch-type battery cell 100 has the advantages of being lightweight, having a low possibility of electrolyte leakage, being flexible in shape, and being able to achieve a secondary battery with the same capacity with a smaller volume and mass. On the other hand, since there is a risk of explosion when overheating occurs, ensuring safety is one of the important issues. The overheating of the pouch-type battery cell 100 is caused by various reasons, and one of them is the case where an overcurrent flows through the pouch-type battery cell 100 beyond the limit. When an overcurrent flows, the pouch-type battery cell 100 generates heat due to Joule heat, so the temperature inside the battery cell 100 rises rapidly. The rapid rise in temperature may cause a decomposition reaction of the electrolyte and generate gas. Due to the increase in the internal pressure of the pouch exterior material, a swelling phenomenon, which is a kind of bulging phenomenon, may occur, and serious problems such as the explosion of the secondary battery may occur. Not only such overcurrent, but also when gas is generated inside the pouch-type battery cell 100 due to exposure to high temperature, external impact, etc., it is necessary to effectively discharge 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 such that the gas discharged from the pouch-type battery cell 100 can once gather in the separation space S between the two unit covers 210 and 220 and be discharged in the guiding direction, so it is possible to ensure the safety of the secondary battery.

[0094] The first cover 210 can be configured to wrap the left surface and one side edge of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell 100. And the second cover 220 can be configured to wrap the right surface and the other side edge of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell 100. Here, the first cover 210 and the second cover 220 are each formed in a substantially L shape, and it can be said that the cell cover 200 according to such an embodiment of the present invention is formed in a shape in which two L-shaped unit covers 210 and 220 are coupled to each other.

[0095] In particular, the first cover 210 and the second cover 220 may be configured to wrap around the upper edge of the pouch-type battery cell 100. These two unit covers 210 and 220 can be fastened and fixed by various fastening methods such as welding, adhesion, fitting, and engagement with each other.

[0096] The cell cover 200 may be configured to wrap around both side surfaces and the upper edge of at least a part of the pouch-type battery cell 100. For example, the cell cover 200 composed of two unit covers 210 and 220 may be said to include two side cover portions that wrap around the left and right side surfaces of the pouch-type battery cell 100 housed inside and an upper cover portion that wraps around the upper edge, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5. At this time, it can be said that the upper cover portion is formed in at least two layers. The configuration of the upper cover portion can also be deformed to form two or more layers. It can be said that the upper cover portion is configured to wrap around the upper part of the edge portion E1 on the upper side of the pouch-type battery cell 100. And the side cover portion extends downward from one end of the upper cover portion and can be said to wrap around the outside of the accommodating portion R on one side of the pouch-type battery cell 100.

[0097] According to the present invention, by providing the pocket structure P in the cell cover 200, the movement of a part of the gas discharged from the pouch-type battery cell 100 in a certain direction is restricted. When the gas is ejected, the active material particles inside the pouch-type battery cell 100 may be discharged to the outside in a state of being heated to a high temperature, and such high-temperature particles may appear in the form of a spark. According to the present invention, since the pocket structure P of the cell cover 200 can collect such particles, an excellent spark blocking effect can be obtained.

[0098] In an embodiment, the upper cover portion is formed in two layers. In such an embodiment, it can be said that there are two pocket structures P. In the configuration where the upper cover portion is formed in two layers as in the embodiment, spark-like particles can be collected in each layer.

[0099] Also, the two unit covers 210 and 220 can be formed in a shape where one end is bent toward each other. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the upper end of the first cover 210 can be bent in the right direction, and the upper end of the second cover 220 can be bent in the left direction. Here, the upper end of the first cover 210 and the upper end of the second cover 220 can be stacked vertically with at least a partially separated state. That is, the upper end of the first cover 210 and the upper end of the second cover 220 can be configured to form the upper cover portion of the cell cover 200 together, so that a multilayer upper cover portion can be provided. More specifically, referring to the configuration of FIG. 2, it can be said that the upper end of the first unit cover 210 constitutes the first layer of the upper cover portion, and the upper end of the second unit cover 220 constitutes the second layer of the upper cover portion. At this time, the sparks (particles) inside the cell cover 200 can be collected by the first layer by the first unit cover 210 and / or the second layer by the second unit cover 220.

[0100] Each of the two unit covers 210 and 220 can be formed in a shape where a single plate is bent. For example, each of the two unit covers 210 and 220 can be formed in a shape that wraps one or more pouch-type battery cells 100 by bending one end of a single plate material.

[0101] It can be said that the cross-sectional shape of the cell cover 200 viewed from the front side is similar to a substantially "n" shape. Therefore, in this case, the cell cover 200 may also be referred to as an "n-fin". Also, it can be said that the cross-sectional shapes of the first cover 210 and the second cover 220 viewed from the front side are similar to a substantially "L" shape. Therefore, in this case, the first cover 210 and the second cover 220 may also be referred to as "L-fins". And it can be said that the cell cover 200 is an n-fin formed from two L-fins.

[0102] More specifically, the first cover 210 includes a first upper cover portion 212 configured to wrap around the upper part of the edge portion E1 on the upper side of the pouch-type battery cell 100, and a first side cover portion 214 extending downward from one end of the first upper cover portion 212 and configured to wrap around the outside of the accommodation portion R on one side of the wrapped pouch-type battery cell 100. The second cover 220 includes a second upper cover portion 222 configured to wrap around the upper part of the edge portion E1 on the upper side of the pouch-type battery cell 100, and a second side cover portion 224 extending downward from one end of the second upper cover portion 222 and configured to wrap around the outside of the accommodation portion R on the other side of the wrapped pouch-type battery cell 100. The first upper cover portion 212 and the second upper cover portion 222 are vertically spaced apart. In this embodiment, the second upper cover portion 222 is spaced upward from the first upper cover portion 212.

[0103] The first side cover portion 214 may be formed in a shape that extends downward from one end of the first upper cover portion 212. For example, the first side cover portion 214 may be formed in a shape that extends in a long shape downward (in the -Z axis direction in the figure) from the left end of the first upper cover portion 212. Further, the first side cover portion 214 may be formed in a planar shape. At this time, the first side cover portion 214 may be formed in a shape bent from the first upper cover portion 212.

[0104] And the first side cover portion 214 may be configured to wrap around the outside of the accommodation portion R on one side of the pouch-type battery cell 100 accommodated inside. For example, when one pouch-type battery cell 100 is accommodated in the cell cover 200, the first side cover portion 214 may be configured to wrap around the left surface of the accommodation portion R of the accommodated pouch-type battery cell 100 from the left side. Here, the first side cover portion 214 may directly contact the outer surface of the accommodation portion R.

[0105] The second side cover portion 224 may be positioned so as to be horizontally spaced apart from the first side cover portion 214. And the second side cover portion 224 may be formed in a shape extending downward from one end of the second upper cover portion 222. For example, the second side cover portion 224 may be formed in a shape extending downward in a long shape from the right end of the second upper cover portion 222. Further, the second side cover portion 224 may also be formed in a planar shape, similar to the first side cover portion 214. At this time, it can be said that the second side cover portion 224 and the first side cover portion 214 are arranged parallel to each other in a horizontally spaced state. And the second side cover portion 224 may be formed in a shape bent from the second upper cover portion 222.

[0106] The first side cover portion 214 and the first upper cover portion 212 may be made of a single plate. The second side cover portion 224 and the second upper cover portion 222 may also be made of a single plate. In this case, each of the two unit covers 210, 220 can be said to have a plurality of components integrally formed. Here, each component can be separated via a bent portion. In particular, one bent portion can be formed in a single plate. And based on such one bent portion, the first side cover portion 214 and the first upper cover portion 212 can be separated, and the second side cover portion 224 and the second upper cover portion 222 can be separated. In this way, the configuration of forming a bent portion in a single plate to form the cell cover 200 can be realized by various methods such as press or roll forming.

[0107] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, the manufacturing of the cell cover 200 becomes even simpler. Therefore, the manufacturing cost and time of the battery pack can be reduced. Also, according to such an embodiment, the mechanical strength and rigidity of the cell cover 200 can be ensured to be higher. Moreover, in this case, the heat conduction performance through the cell cover 200 is improved, and the cooling performance can be further improved.

[0108] Further, the second side cover portion 224 may be configured to wrap around the outside of the accommodating portion R on the other side of the pouch-type battery cell 100 accommodated therein. For example, when one pouch-type battery cell 100 is accommodated in the cell cover 200, the second side cover portion 224 may be configured to wrap around the right surface of the accommodating portion R of the accommodated pouch-type battery cell 100 from the right side. Here, the second side cover portion 224 may be in direct contact with the outer surface of the accommodating portion R.

[0109] In the above-described implementation configuration, the internal space may be limited by the first and second upper cover portions 212 and 222, and the first and second side cover portions 214 and 224. And the cell cover 200 may accommodate one or more pouch-type battery cells 100 in the internally space thus limited.

[0110] Here, the first upper cover portion 212 and the second upper cover portion 222 can be configured to wrap around the upper part of the edge portion E1 on the upper side of the pouch-type battery cell 100 housed inside. In particular, the separation space S inside the cell cover 200 can be formed in a hollow shape. According to such an implementation configuration of the present invention, the empty space formed between the side portion (edge portion) of the pouch-type battery cell 100 and the cell cover 200 can provide a path for the movement of vent gas and the like. For example, when vent gas is generated due to thermal runaway or the like in the battery cell 100 housed inside the cell cover 200, the generated vent gas can move in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) through the empty space between the upper edge portion E1 adjacent to the first upper cover portion 212 and the first upper cover portion 212 and the first side cover portion 214. Therefore, no matter where the components for discharging the vent gas to the outside of the cell cover 200, such as through holes and cutout portions as described later, are located in any part of the cell cover 200 or other components, the vent gas can move smoothly and quickly to the part where the discharge-related components are located. Thus, it is possible to prevent the internal pressure of the cell cover 200 from increasing and to perform efficient vent control such as guiding the discharge direction of the vent gas.

[0111] On the other hand, the pocket structure P divides the separation space S into two or more spaces S1, S2 that communicate with each other. Thereby, it becomes possible to limit the movement of the vent gas between the divided spaces S1, S2. Therefore, there is an effect that high-temperature particles can be confined (captured) in each of the divided spaces S1, S2.

[0112] The second upper cover portion 222 covers the first upper cover portion 212 and extends to the first side cover portion 214. With such a structure, the edge portion E1 on the upper side of the pouch-type battery cell 100 is wrapped by the cell cover 200.

[0113] Further, the first upper cover portion 212 may include a first portion 212a that covers the pouch-type battery cell 100 and a second portion 212b having a surface direction different from that of the first portion 212a. That is, the first upper cover portion 212 may be formed in a three-dimensional shape rather than a planar shape. In this case, the first portion 212a of the first upper cover portion 212 can wrap around the edge portion E1 on the upper side of the pouch-type battery cell 100. Also, the first portion 212a of the first upper cover portion 212 may be inclined downward. For example, the first portion 212a may be formed in a shape bent downward from the first side cover portion 214 such that the right end of the first portion 212a is inclined downward. According to such an embodiment of the present invention, the collection effect of sparks (particles) can be further improved by the inclined configuration. That is, due to the inclined configuration of the first portion 212a, the area of the portion corresponding to the exit when exiting the space S1 is smaller than the area of the portion corresponding to the entrance when entering the space S1, as seen from the particles. Therefore, once the particles are confined (captured) within the space S1, it becomes difficult for the particles to exit the space S1. The second portion 212b of the first upper cover portion 212 is connected to the end of the first portion 212a and can be bent downward to form a blocking portion. Such a blocking portion can further improve the spark blocking effect.

[0114] The first portion 212a of the first upper cover portion 212 may extend by a length adjacent to the second side cover portion 224. It is preferable to increase the length of the first portion 212a as much as possible to lengthen the portion covering the internal pouch-type battery cell 100.

[0115] The angle α formed by the first side cover portion 214 and the first portion 212a of the first upper cover portion 212 can be an acute angle. The space S1 surrounded by the first side cover portion 214 and the first upper cover portion 212 is highest at the portion where the first side cover portion 214 and the first upper cover portion 212 are in contact, that is, at the bent portion (corner) of the first cover 210. In other words, the space S1 can be an upwardly concave space having the bent portion of the first cover 210 as the height peak (highest point). Thereby, the vent gas accompanied by upward movement is likely to gather in the concave space, and an excellent particle collection effect can be obtained. Also, the angle formed by the first portion 212a and the second portion 212b of the first upper cover portion 212 can also be an acute angle. The corner is formed at the contact portion between the first portion 212a and the second portion 212b, and due to the structural feature of the corner, the vent gas is likely to gather at that portion. Therefore, an excellent particle collection effect can be obtained.

[0116] The second upper cover portion 222 may have a first portion 222a that covers the pouch-type battery cell 100 and a second portion 222b that has a surface direction different from the surface direction of the first portion 222a. That is, the second upper cover portion 222 may also be formed in a three-dimensional shape rather than a planar shape. In this case, the first portion 222a of the second upper cover portion 222 is spaced upward from the first portion 212a of the first upper cover portion 212 that wraps around the upper edge portion E1 of the pouch-type battery cell 100. Also, the first portion 222a of the second upper cover portion 222 may be inclined downward. For example, the first portion 222a may be formed in a shape bent downward from the second side cover portion 224 such that the left end of the first portion 222a is inclined downward. According to such an embodiment configuration of the present invention, due to the inclined configuration, the high-temperature particle collection effect can be further improved. Similar to what has been described above, due to the inclined configuration of the first portion 222a, when viewed from the particles, the area of the portion corresponding to the exit when exiting the space S2 is smaller than the area of the portion corresponding to the entrance when entering the space S2. Therefore, once the particles are captured (confined) within the space S2, it becomes difficult for the particles to exit the space S2. The second portion 222b of the second upper cover portion 222 is connected to the end of the first portion 222a and can be bent downward to form a blocking portion. With such a blocking portion, the spark blocking effect can be further improved.

[0117] The first portion 222a of the second upper cover portion 222 may extend by a length adjacent to the first side cover portion 214. It is preferable to increase the length of the overlapping portion with the first portion 212a of the first upper cover portion 212 by making the length of the first portion 222a extend as much as possible.

[0118] The angle β formed between the second side cover portion 224 and the first portion 222a of the second upper cover portion 222 can be an acute angle. The space S2 surrounded by the second side cover portion 224 and the second upper cover portion 222 is highest at the portion where the second side cover portion 224 and the second upper cover portion 222 are in contact, that is, at the bent portion of the second cover 220. In other words, the space S2 can be an upwardly concave space with the bent portion of the second cover 220 as the height peak. Thereby, the vent gas accompanied by upward movement is likely to gather in the concave space. Therefore, an excellent particle collection effect can be obtained.

[0119] The space S1 can be an upwardly concave space with the bent portion of the first cover 210 as the height peak, and the space S2 can be an upwardly concave space with the bent portion of the second cover 220 as the height peak. By doing so, the upwardly concave spaces S1 and S2 have the effect of being arranged while being shifted from each other to the left and right, and the lower and upper sides, respectively, within the cell cover 200. That is, due to the special structure of the cell cover 200, by dividing the space S within the cell cover 200 into two spaces S1 and S2 that are shifted from each other, the gas collection effect in each space can be maximized.

[0120] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, although the configuration in which both the first portion 212a of the first upper cover portion 212 and the first portion 222a of the second upper cover portion 222 are inclined has been described as an example, a spark blocking effect can also be seen even if only one of them is inclined.

[0121] Further, the second portion 222b of the second upper cover portion 222, which is a blocking portion, can cover the first side cover portion 214. More specifically, the second portion 222b corresponding to the left end portion at the upper end of the second cover 220 located relatively upward can be formed in a shape that adheres to the outer surface of the first cover 210, particularly the outer surface of the first side cover portion 214, while being bent downward. With such a configuration, the connection between the first side cover portion 214 and the second side cover portion 224 becomes tighter, and it is possible to prevent vent gas from leaking from the cell cover 200 toward the first side cover portion 214 or the second side cover portion 224.

[0122] Compared with the first side cover portion 214, the second side cover portion 224 can have a longer length in the vertical direction. In FIG. 4, the length of the first side cover portion 214 is denoted as L1, and the length of the second side cover portion 224 is denoted as L2. In this case, L2 > L1 can be satisfied.

[0123] The lower ends C1 of the first side cover portion 214 and the second side cover portion 224 can contact the bottom surface of the pack case 300. If the heights of the lower ends C1 of the first side cover portion 214 and the second side cover portion 224 are the same, by simply making the length L2 of the second side cover portion 224 longer than the length L1 of the first side cover portion 214, a configuration in which there is a separation between the first upper cover portion 212 connected to the first side cover portion 214 and the second upper cover portion 222 connected to the second side cover portion 224 can be achieved.

[0124] The space S1 formed by the first side cover portion 214 and the first upper cover portion 212 and the edge portion E1 on the upper side of the pouch-type battery cell 100, and the space S2 formed by the second side cover portion 224 and the second upper cover portion 222 and the edge portion E1 on the upper side of the pouch-type battery cell 100 are divided but communicate with each other. Since the movement of the vent gas in the horizontal direction and upward across the upper edge portion E1 in the separated space S is restricted by the pocket structure P, the movement of the vent gas between the divided spaces S1 and S2 can be restricted. Thereby, a spark blocking effect can be exhibited.

[0125] The vertical lengths of the first and second side cover portions 214 and 224, the angles at which the first portions 212a and 222a are inclined, and the lengths of the first portions 212a and 222a can be determined so that the divided spaces S1 and S2 have substantially the same volume. This is to prevent the vent gas from being biased and concentrated in one of the spaces or particles from being trapped.

[0126] More specifically, the gas discharged from the pouch-type battery cell 100 moves upward to a relatively spacious area within the cell cover 200, and can once gather in the space S1 formed by the first side cover portion 214 and the first upper cover portion 212 at the upper edge portion E1 of the pouch-type battery cell 100. Here, the further upward movement of the vent gas is primarily restricted by the first portion 212a of the first upper cover portion 212. Also, the horizontal movement of the vent gas is primarily restricted by the second portion 212b of the first upper cover portion 212. A part of the vent gas that escapes from between the second portion 222b of the first upper cover portion 212 and the upper edge portion E1 of the pouch-type battery cell 100 and moves further upward can gather again in the space S2 formed by the second side cover portion 224 and the second upper cover portion 222 at the upper edge portion E1 of the pouch-type battery cell 100. The further upward movement of the vent gas is secondarily restricted by the first portion 222a of the second upper cover portion 222. Also, the horizontal movement of the vent gas is secondarily restricted by the second portion 222b of the second upper cover portion 222. By doing so, the vent gas gathered in the separation space S can have its movement induced downward with relatively less restriction. In particular, the cell cover 200 can be formed in an n-fin shape with the upper side and the left and right side surfaces closed with respect to the pouch-type battery cell 100 housed inside. At this time, the cell cover 200 can be configured such that the vent gas existing inside is discharged downward.

[0127] In such a configuration, the pack case 300 may include a discharge hole 330 at the bottom for discharging the vent gas. Here, the discharge hole 330 of the pack case 300 can be configured to communicate with the internal space of the cell cover 200. That is, the cell cover 200 and the pouch-type battery cell 100 are placed on the bottom of the pack case 300, and the vent gas discharged from the pouch-type battery cell 100 has its upward and sideward discharges blocked by the cell cover 200, and as shown by the arrow, can be discharged only downward through the discharge hole 330 of the pack case 300.

[0128] When the gas generated inside the secondary battery is discharged in a plurality of directions instead of a single direction, it is not possible to easily discharge the vent gas to the outside, and the time for discharging the vent gas is prolonged, which may significantly reduce the safety of the secondary battery. According to the present invention, the vent gas can be discharged in a single direction through two unit covers 210 and 220. According to the above-described embodiment configuration, when high-temperature gas, flame, etc. are discharged from the pouch-type battery cell 100 under a situation such as thermal runaway, it is possible to prevent the discharged gas and flame from heading upward. In particular, when a passenger is located on the upper side of the battery pack 10 as in an electric vehicle or the like, according to the above-described embodiment configuration, it is possible to suppress or delay the gas, flame, etc. from heading toward the passenger side. In particular, according to an embodiment of the present invention, by enabling downward directional venting, the safety of users and the like located on the upper side such as passengers can be enhanced. In the case of such an embodiment configuration, directional venting can be achieved through the cell cover 200 and the pack case 300. Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment configuration of the present invention, the cell cover 200 can simultaneously achieve an effect of suppressing spark discharge along with directional venting.

[0129] Also, according to the embodiment configuration of the pocket structure P, it can contribute to suppressing or delaying the discharge of highly straight flames, sparks, etc., and reducing the temperature of the vent gas while the vent gas is discharged along a longer travel path.

[0130] Thus, according to the present invention, it becomes possible to guide and discharge the flame or gas in a preset direction. In this case, even if thermal runaway occurs in any one of the battery cells 100, the flame or gas generated in that battery cell 100 can be discharged only in the preset direction through the cell cover 200. If the preset direction is such that it does not face the other cell covers 200, it becomes possible to prevent the flame or gas from propagating to the other battery cells 100 arranged adjacent to the battery cell 100 in which thermal runaway has occurred. That is, even if thermal runaway occurs in any one of the battery cells 100, the influence of the thermal runaway on the other battery cells 100 can be minimized. In the present invention, since the vent gas can be discharged downward, the effect of preventing the thermal runaway from spreading to other battery cells is remarkable.

[0131] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, due to the inclination and bending configuration of the first upper cover portion 212 and the second upper cover portion 222 of the cell cover 200, while dividing the separation space S, a pocket structure P capable of collecting sparks, active material particles, etc. contained in the vent gas is realized. However, a modification example in which such a pocket structure is realized by other shape changes of the cell cover 200 is also possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0132] According to such an implementation configuration of the present invention, by preventing or suppressing the external discharge of an ignition source such as a spark by the cell cover 200, it is possible to block the occurrence of ignition in the space outside the cell cover 200, for example, the internal space or the external space of the pack case 300. Therefore, according to one aspect of the present invention, even when a thermal event occurs, it is possible to prevent internal short circuits and structural collapses.

[0133] While maintaining the function of guiding the gas and flame generated during the ignition of the pouch-type battery cell 100 downward, the pocket structure P can suppress the movement of the high-temperature active material from any one of the pouch-type battery cells 100 in which an explosion occurs to the other adjacent pouch-type battery cells 100. Thereby, vent gas is discharged, but the discharge of an ignition source such as a spark is suppressed. Therefore, the present invention can prevent thermal runaway and chain ignition such as fire and explosion from spreading to other pouch-type battery cells 100, and can greatly improve safety.

[0134] In addition, the pocket structure P can be appropriately realized in the separation space S in the cell cover 200 by changing the structure of the cell cover 200 which can be a thin plate-like one, and the increase in the size of the cell unit U1 can be suppressed. Furthermore, since it can be realized from the cell cover 200 which can be a thin plate-like one, an increase in weight can also be suppressed. Thus, according to the present invention, even when a situation occurs in which a flame jets out from the secondary battery, while suppressing an increase in the size and weight of the battery pack 10, the jet of the flame to the outside is prevented and safety is improved. According to such an embodiment of the present invention, the discharge of sparks, flames, high-temperature active material particles, etc. contained in the vent gas to the outside can be suppressed. Therefore, the fire suppression performance can be further improved. Thus, according to the present invention, the interruption of sparks and the like can be realized. For weight reduction, when the pack case 300 is made of aluminum, if a spark scatters and directly collides with the pack case 300, there is a risk of melting the pack case 300 and causing a structural collapse. According to the embodiment of the present invention, since it is possible to prevent a spark from scattering and directly colliding with the pack case 300 side, such a structural collapse can be prevented.

[0135] The first side cover portion 214 and the pouch-type battery cell 100, and the second side cover portion 224 and the pouch-type battery cell 100 may be adhered. The first side cover portion 214 and the pouch-type battery cell 100, and the second side cover portion 224 and the pouch-type battery cell 100 may be directly adhered, but as shown in FIG. 6, it is preferably indirectly adhered in a state further including an insulating member 230.

[0136] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a coupling configuration between a pouch-type battery cell and a cell cover housed inside a battery pack according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 6, the cell cover 200 may further include an insulating member 230. The insulating member 230 may be made of an electrically insulating material and disposed on the inner surface of the cell cover 200 in which the pouch-type battery cell 100 is housed. In particular, the insulating member 230 may be provided with an adhesive layer on at least one side surface and adhered to the inner surface of the cell cover 200. Further, the insulating member 230 may be provided with adhesive layers on both side surfaces and not only adhered to the inner surface of the cell cover 200 but also adhered to the pouch-type battery cell 100. Moreover, the insulating member 230 may be made of a heat-resistant material. For example, the insulating member 230 may be formed in the shape of a heat-resistant tape with an adhesive applied to the surface of a heat-resistant ceramic sheet. The insulating member 230 may be a film made of a polyimide (PI) material. The thickness of the insulating member 230 may be approximately 0.5 mm. Also, the insulating member 230 may be located on the inner surface and the outer surface of the cell cover 200, that is, on both sides.

[0138] On the one hand, in the battery pack according to the present invention, in order to enhance the heat transfer performance between different components, a thermal interface material (TIM) may be interposed. For example, TIM can be filled between the battery cell 100 and the cell cover 200, between the cell cover 200 and the pack case 300, and / or between the battery cell 100 and the pack case 300. In this case, the cooling performance of the battery pack can be further improved. TIM is for reducing the contact thermal resistance between members. In a battery pack where cooling is highly regarded, it is thus necessary to improve the thermal performance of the entire system by using a material that can minimize the contact thermal resistance as much as possible. As TIM, various materials such as thermally conductive grease, heat dissipation sheet, heat dissipation pad, thermally conductive adhesive, and PCM (phase change material) can be adopted. Taking specific examples, TIM can be any one of a thermally conductive silicone-based bond, a thermally conductive silicone pad, and a thermally conductive acrylic bond. The thermally conductive silicone-based bond and the thermally conductive acrylic bond are commercially available in one-component or two-component types and can be applied between different components by coating or injection methods. Since the thermally conductive silicone pad includes a base film such as a double-sided tape and release papers on its upper and lower parts, it can be applied between different components by an adhesion method after peeling off the release paper. The thermally conductive silicone-based bond, the thermally conductive silicone pad, and the thermally conductive acrylic bond have a higher thermal conductivity than ordinary adhesives, so the heat transfer amount, heat transfer rate, etc. can be further increased between different components. Therefore, according to such an embodiment of the present invention, the heat discharge performance of the pouch-type battery cell 100 can be further improved so that the cooling performance of the battery pack 10 can be further improved.

[0139] According to 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 that cause a flame, the accumulation and discharge of heat corresponding to the ignition source can be blocked or appropriately controlled. Further, in the case of the present invention, in order to block the accumulation of heat and prevent the discharge of the flame, it is possible to realize the control of the discharge of the vent gas through the cell cover 200 and the directional venting. Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent internal short circuits and structural collapses even when a thermal event occurs.

[0140] Further, the battery pack 10 according to the present invention may further include a control module 400 housed in the internal space of the pack case 300. Such a control module 400 may include a battery management system (BMS). The control module 400 is mounted in the internal space of the pack case 300 and may be configured to generally control the charge and discharge operations, data transmission and reception operations, etc. of the pouch-type battery cell 100. The control module 400 may be arranged in pack units rather than in module units. More specifically, the control module 400 may be provided to control the charge and discharge state, power state, performance state, etc. of the pouch-type battery cell 100 using the pack voltage and pack current. The control module 400 estimates the state of the battery cells 100 in the battery pack 10 and manages the battery pack 10 using the estimated state information. For example, it estimates and manages the state information of the battery pack 10 such as the state of charge (SOC) of the battery pack 10, the state of health (SOH), the allowable capacity of the maximum input and output power, and the output voltage. Then, using such state information, it controls the charging or discharging of the battery pack 10, and it is also possible to estimate the replacement timing of the battery pack 10.

[0141] In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the battery pack 10 according to the present invention may further include a battery disconnect unit 500 (BDU: Battery Disconnect Unit). The battery disconnect unit 500 may be configured to control the electrical connection of battery cells in order to manage the power capacity and functions of the battery pack 10. For this purpose, the battery disconnect unit 500 may include a power relay, a current sensor, a fuse, etc. The battery disconnect unit 500 is also a component arranged in pack units rather than module units, and various known disconnect units at the time of filing the present invention can be adopted.

[0142] In addition to this, the battery pack 10 according to the present invention may further include various components of known battery packs at the time of filing the present invention. For example, in the case of the battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, it may further include a manual service disconnector (MSD) that allows an operator to manually remove a service plug to cut off the power supply. It may also further include a flexible bus bar or cable for connecting a plurality of cell unit blocks to each other.

[0143] FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a partial cross-section of a battery pack according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 7, the battery pack 10 according to the present invention may include a thermal barrier 240. The thermal barrier 240 may be formed in the shape of a pad made of a heat insulating material and may be interposed between adjacent cell covers 200. For example, the thermal barrier 240 may be formed to have a thickness of 2 mm.

[0145] In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the battery pack 10 according to the present invention may further include an insulating or preventive pad 250 such as GFRP at the outermost contour in the stacking direction of a cell assembly formed by stacking a plurality of cell covers 200 and a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100. For example, GFRP may be formed to have a thickness of 3.5 mm.

[0146] Also, as shown in FIG. 7, the battery pack 10 according to the present invention may further include a heating pad 260.

[0147] FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a partial cross-section of a battery pack according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0148] The point that the second upper cover portion 222 covers the first upper cover portion 212 and extends to the first side cover portion 214 is the same as that of the previous embodiment. Here, only the point that the first upper cover portion 212 is inclined and the second upper cover portion 222 is coupled to the first upper cover portion 212 to form a pocket structure P is different.

[0149] FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a partial cross-section of a battery pack according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0150] Here, the cell cover 200 includes an upper cover portion 200a configured to wrap around the upper part of the edge portion E1 on the upper side of the pouch-type battery cell 100, a left side cover portion 200b extending downward from one end of the upper cover portion 200a and wrapping around the outside of the accommodation portion R on one side of the wrapped pouch-type battery cell 100, and a right side cover portion 200c extending downward from the other end of the upper cover portion 200a and wrapping around the outside of the accommodation portion R on the other side of the wrapped pouch-type battery cell 100. Inside the left side cover portion 200b, a partition wall 200d protruding inward of the cell cover 200 and extending downward is formed. The end portion of such a partition wall 200d may be bent further downward to form a blocking portion 200e. The partition wall 200d, the blocking portion 200e, and the upper cover portion 200a realize a pocket structure P.

[0151] The gas discharged from the pouch-type battery cell 100 moves upward and can once gather in the space S1 formed by the left side cover portion 200b, the partition wall 200d, and the blocking portion 200e at the upper edge portion E1 of the pouch-type battery cell 100. The upward movement of the vent gas is primarily restricted by the partition wall 200d. Also, the horizontal movement of the vent gas is primarily restricted by the blocking portion 200e. The vent gas that escapes from between the blocking portion 200e and the upper edge portion E1 of the pouch-type battery cell 100 and moves upward can gather again in the space S2 formed by the right side cover portion 200c and the upper cover portion 200a at the upper edge portion E1 of the pouch-type battery cell 100. The upward movement of the vent gas is secondarily restricted by the upper cover portion 200a. Also, the horizontal movement of the vent gas is secondarily restricted by the left side cover portion 200b and the right side cover portion 200c.

[0152] On the other hand, one or more battery modules can be accommodated in the battery pack. At this time, the components described in the column of the above various embodiments, particularly the contents regarding the battery cell and the cell cover, are applicable to the battery module.

[0153] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 10, the battery module 20 can be a battery module that is accommodated one or more in the internal space of the pack case 300 as shown in FIG. 1. The battery module 20 can include a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 as described above.

[0155] The battery module 20 may include a module case that houses the pouch-type battery cells 100 in an internal space. The module case may include a main body frame MC1 and an end plate MC2. The main body frame MC1 may be formed in a shape with its upper, lower, left, and right sides closed and its front and rear sides open. At this time, the upper, lower, left, and right sides may each be formed in the shape of a plate, and such four plates may be manufactured in the shape of an integrated tube. And such a main body frame MC1 of such a shape may be referred to as a mono frame. The end plate MC2 may be configured to be coupled to the open portion of the main body frame MC1.

[0156] As another example, the module case may include a U-frame, a top plate, and an end plate. The left and right plates may be formed in a shape integrated with a base plate to form the U-frame. The top plate may be coupled to the upper portion of the U-frame, and the end plate may be coupled to the open portions at the front end and the rear end of the U-frame, respectively.

[0157] The battery module 20 includes the cell cover 200 as described above. Here, in the case of a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 and the cell cover 200, the above description regarding the battery pack 10 is equally or similarly applicable. In addition, the battery module 20 may be configured to include a bus bar for electrically connecting a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100, a sensing wire for sensing the voltage and temperature of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100, and the like.

[0158] The module case may have a discharge hole 330 formed at the bottom for discharging vent gas inside the cell cover 200. Further, the discharge hole 330 of such a module case may be configured to communicate with the accommodation space of the cell cover 200 accommodated inside the module case. In such an implementation configuration, when vent gas or the like is generated from the pouch-type battery cell 100 accommodated inside the cell cover 200, the generated vent gas may be discharged downward as indicated by the arrow, rather than being discharged upward or in the front-back or side directions as shown in FIG. 10.

[0159] The battery pack 10 or the battery module 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention is applicable to various devices. Representative examples of such devices include transportation means such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The battery pack 10 can be suitably utilized as a battery pack for an electric vehicle. It should be noted that it can be used as an energy source for an energy storage system (ESS).

[0160] FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an automobile according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0161] Referring to FIG. 11, an automobile V according to an embodiment of the present invention may include the battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention described above. Here, the automobile V may include a predetermined automobile that uses electricity as a driving source, such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. Further, in addition to the battery pack 10 according to the present invention, the automobile V may further include various other components included in the automobile, such as a vehicle body and a motor.

[0162] The battery pack 10 may be disposed at a predetermined position inside the automobile V. The battery pack 10 can be used as an electric energy source that supplies driving force to the motor of the electric vehicle to drive the automobile V. In this case, the battery pack 10 has a high nominal voltage of 100V or more.

[0163] The battery pack 10 can be charged or discharged by an inverter according to the drive of a motor and / or an internal combustion engine. The battery pack 10 can be charged by a regenerative charging device coupled to a brake. The battery pack 10 can be electrically connected to the motor of the vehicle V via an inverter.

[0164] On the other hand, in this specification, directional terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used, but these terms are merely used for ease of explanation and may vary depending on the position of the object in question and the position of the observer, etc., which is obvious to those skilled in the art of the present invention.

[0165] As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that various modifications and variations can be made within the equivalent scope of the technical idea and claims of the present invention by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0166] 10 Battery pack 20 Battery module 100 Pouch-type battery cell 200 Cell cover 210 First cover 212 First upper cover portion 212a, 222a First portion 212b, 222b Second portion 214 First side cover portion 220 Second cover 222 Second upper cover portion 224 Second side cover portion 230 Insulating member 300 Pack case V Vehicle

Claims

1. A plurality of pouch-type battery cells including a housing portion in which an electrode assembly is housed and an edge portion around the housing portion, A pack case that disposes the edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell downward in an internal space and houses the pouch-type battery cell in an erected state, In the internal space of the pack case, at least a part of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells is provided so as to at least partially wrap the pouch-type battery cells, wrap the upper edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell, and expose the lower edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell. A cell cover, Including, The cell cover forms a separation space between the cell cover and the upper edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell wrapped by the cell cover, A battery pack provided with a pocket structure on the cell cover that restricts the gas discharged from the pouch-type battery cell from moving horizontally and upward across the upper edge portion in the separation space.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the pocket structure divides the separation space into two or more spaces communicating with each other and restricts the movement of the gas between the divided spaces.

3. The cell cover, An upper cover portion configured to wrap the upper portion of the upper edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell, A side cover portion extending downward from one end of the upper cover portion and wrapping the outside of the housing portion on one side of the wrapped pouch-type battery cell, The battery pack according to claim 1, including.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the upper cover portion of the cell cover is formed in multiple layers.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the cell cover includes two unit covers whose upper end portions are bent toward each other.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the two unit covers are stacked on top of each other in the vertical direction with the bent end portions at least partially separated from each other.

7. The two unit covers, The battery pack according to claim 5, comprising a first cover configured to wrap the left surface and one edge of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell, and a second cover configured to wrap the right surface and the other edge of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell.

8. The first cover includes a first upper cover portion configured to wrap the upper part of the upper edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell, and a first side cover portion extending downward from one end of the first upper cover portion and wrapping the outside of the accommodating portion on one side of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell. The second cover includes a second upper cover portion configured to wrap the upper part of the upper edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell, and a second side cover portion extending downward from one end of the second upper cover portion and wrapping the outside of the accommodating portion on the other side of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein the second upper cover portion is spaced upward from the first upper cover portion.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein the second upper cover portion covers the first upper cover portion and extends to the first side cover portion.

10. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein the first upper cover portion and the second upper cover portion have a first portion covering the pouch-type battery cell and a second portion having a surface direction different from that of the first portion.

11. The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein the first portion is inclined downward.

12. The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein the second portion is connected to an end of the first portion and is bent downward to form a blocking portion.

13. The battery pack according to claim 12, wherein the blocking portion of the second upper cover portion covers the first side cover portion.

14. The battery pack according to claim 12, wherein each of the two unit covers is formed in a shape where a single plate is bent.

15. The cell cover of the battery pack according to claim 1 guides the gas downward.

16. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein the first side cover portion and the pouch-type battery cell are adhered to each other, and the second side cover portion and the pouch-type battery cell are adhered to each other.

17. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein the second side cover portion has a longer length in the vertical direction than the first side cover portion.

18. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the pack case includes a discharge hole for discharging the gas at the bottom of the pack case, and the discharge hole communicates with the separation space.

19. A battery module housed in the internal space of a pack case, a plurality of pouch-type battery cells including a housing portion in which an electrode assembly is housed and an edge portion around the housing portion; a module case that disposes the edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell downward in the internal space and houses the pouch-type battery cell in an upright state; a cell cover provided in the internal space of the module case so as to at least partially wrap at least some of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells, wrap the upper edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell, and expose the lower edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell; comprising the cell cover forms a separation space between the cell cover and the upper edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell wrapped therewith, A battery module, wherein the cell cover is provided with a pocket structure that restricts the gas discharged from the pouch-type battery cell from moving horizontally and upward across the upper edge portion in the separation space.

20. An automobile including the battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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