Battery pack and automobile including same

Abstract

A battery pack and a vehicle including the same are disclosed. The battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of pouch-type battery cells stacked in at least one direction, a pack case that houses the pouch-type battery cells in its interior space, and a cell cover that is disposed in the interior space of the pack case to at least partially enclose at least some of the pouch-type battery cells and is configured to support the stacked state of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0102791 filed on August 4, 2021, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0074363 filed on June 17, 2022, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0096836 filed on August 3, 2022, and the contents disclosed in the specifications and drawings of those applications are incorporated into this application in their entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, and more particularly to a battery pack having improved energy density and cooling performance, and a vehicle including the same. [Background technology]

[0003] Interest in and demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing along with the development of technologies and increasing demand for various mobile devices, electric vehicles, energy storage systems (ESS), etc. While nickel-cadmium batteries or nickel-metal hydride batteries have traditionally been widely used as secondary batteries, lithium secondary batteries have recently become more widely used because they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, are easily charged and discharged, have a very low self-discharge rate, and have a high energy density.

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

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

[0006] Meanwhile, in recent years, battery packs have been widely used for driving and energy storage in medium- to large-sized devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems. A conventional battery pack includes one or more battery modules and a control unit, such as a BMS (Battery Management System), inside a pack case, that controls the charging and discharging of the battery pack. Here, a battery module is configured to include a plurality of battery cells inside a module case. That is, in the case of a conventional battery pack, a plurality of battery cells (secondary batteries) are housed inside a module case to form each battery module, and one or more of these battery modules are housed inside a pack case to form a battery pack.

[0007] In particular, pouch-type batteries have many advantages, such as being lightweight and leaving little dead space when stacked, but suffer from issues such as vulnerability to external impacts and poor assembly. Therefore, battery packs are typically manufactured by first modularizing multiple cells and then housing them inside a pack case. As a typical example, conventional battery packs are configured by first housing multiple pouch-type battery cells inside a module case to form a battery module, and then housing one or more of these battery modules inside the pack case. Furthermore, as disclosed in prior art documents (e.g., Patent Document 1), conventional battery modules often involve stacking multiple battery cells using multiple components, such as a plastic stacking frame (also known as a cartridge), plates at both ends of the cell stacking direction, and fastening members such as bolts. The stack thus formed is often further housed inside a module case to form a module.

[0008] However, such conventional battery packs may be disadvantageous in terms of energy density. Typically, in the process of modularizing a plurality of battery cells by housing them inside a module case, the volume of the battery pack may increase excessively or the space occupied by the battery cells may decrease due to the presence of numerous components, such as the module case or a stacking frame. Furthermore, a reduction in the space occupied by the battery cells is unavoidable due to the need to ensure assembly tolerances for the components, as well as the space occupied by the components themselves, such as the module case or the stacking frame. Therefore, conventional battery packs have limitations on increasing their energy density.

[0009] Furthermore, conventional battery packs are also disadvantageous in terms of assembly. In particular, manufacturing a battery pack requires first modularizing a plurality of battery cells to form a battery module, and then housing the battery module in a pack case, which makes the battery pack manufacturing process complicated. Furthermore, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the process and structure of forming a cell stack using a stacking frame, bolts, plates, etc. are very complicated.

[0010] Furthermore, in the case of a conventional battery pack, a module case is housed inside a pack case, and battery cells are housed inside the module case, which makes it difficult to ensure excellent cooling performance. In particular, when heat from the battery cells housed inside the module case is discharged to the outside of the pack case through the module case, cooling efficiency is reduced and the cooling structure becomes complicated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2015-0044599 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack and a vehicle, etc., which have excellent energy density, ease of assembly, and / or cooling performance.

[0013] The technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] A battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of pouch-type battery cells stacked in at least one direction, a pack case that houses the pouch-type battery cells in an internal space, and a cell cover that at least partially covers at least some of the pouch-type battery cells in the internal space of the pack case.

[0015] Here, the cell cover may be configured to support the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in an upright state.

[0016] In addition, the cell cover may be configured to partially enclose the pouch-type battery cell such that at least one side of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell is exposed toward the pack case.

[0017] In addition, the pouch-type battery cell may include a receiving portion in which an electrode assembly is received and an edge portion on a periphery of the receiving portion, and the cell cover may be configured to cover both sides of the receiving portion of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell and a portion of the edge portion.

[0018] The cell cover may be provided to cover both side surfaces and an upper edge of the housing portion of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell.

[0019] In addition, the cell cover may include an upper cover portion configured to cover an upper portion of an upper edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell, a first side cover portion extending downward from one end of the upper cover portion and covering the outside of one side housing portion of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell, and a second side cover portion extending downward from the other end of the upper cover portion at a position spaced apart from the first side cover portion and covering the outside of the other side housing portion of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell.

[0020] Furthermore, the pouch-type battery cell may include a sealed portion and an unsealed portion as the edge portion, and the cell cover may be configured to cover at least a portion of the sealed portion of the pouch-type battery cell and expose the unsealed portion.

[0021] The battery pack according to the present invention may further include a taping member that connects different ends of the cell cover together.

[0022] The cell cover may be formed by bending a single plate.

[0023] The pack case may also include a heat sink, and the plurality of pouch-type battery cells may be configured to be coupled to the heat sink.

[0024] In addition, a thermal resin may be interposed between the heat sink and the plurality of pouch-type battery cells.

[0025] The heat sink may include a plurality of unit heat sinks spaced apart from one another.

[0026] In addition, an end of the cell cover may be interposed in a space between the plurality of unit heat sinks.

[0027] The heat sink may include an upper heat sink and a lower heat sink disposed on the upper and lower parts of the cell cover, respectively.

[0028] Furthermore, the cell cover may be configured so that at least one end thereof is fitted to the pack case.

[0029] In addition, the cell cover may have a through hole formed therein configured to exhaust flames or gases generated in the pouch-type battery cell.

[0030] In addition, the through-hole of the cell cover may be configured to expand when swelling occurs in the pouch-type battery cell.

[0031] In addition, the cell cover may have a notch formed therein configured to exhaust flames or gases generated in the pouch-type battery cell.

[0032] The cell cover may have a dotted perforation formed along the periphery of the notch.

[0033] The battery pack according to the present invention may further include a battery management system housed in the internal space of the pack case.

[0034] Furthermore, a vehicle according to another aspect of the present invention includes a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0035] Furthermore, a cell assembly according to yet another aspect of the present invention includes a pouch-type battery cell and a cell cover configured to enclose both sides of a storage portion and one side of an edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell and expose the other side of the edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell to the outside. [Effects of the Invention]

[0036] According to one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of pouch-type battery cells can be stably stored inside a pack case without the need for a stacking frame such as a plastic cartridge or a separate module case, etc. Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, pouch-type battery cells having cases made of a flexible material can be easily configured in a rigid form, and a configuration in which they are directly stacked inside the pack case can be more easily implemented.

[0037] In particular, according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to easily implement a configuration in which a plurality of pouch-type battery cells are stacked in a horizontal direction while being vertically arranged.

[0038] According to one aspect of the present invention, the energy density of a battery pack is improved. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, battery cells are not modularized but are directly housed in a pack case, eliminating the need for a module case for a battery module. This reduces the space occupied by the module case, allowing more battery cells to be arranged inside the pack case. This further improves the energy density of the battery pack.

[0039] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the assembly of a battery pack is improved. In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a process of manufacturing a battery module by housing pouch-type battery cells in a module case, and a process of housing one or more manufactured battery modules in a pack case are not required. Therefore, the manufacturing process can be simplified and manufacturing time can be reduced.

[0040] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily implement a configuration in which the number of battery cells covered by a cell cover can be changed. In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the number of unit cells accommodated by the cell cover can be easily changed by changing the width of the cell cover. Therefore, in this case, the capacity or output of one cell cover can be easily changed.

[0041] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to easily implement a configuration in which the bus bar and terminals of each unit are positioned on the side, top, or bottom of each cell cover.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in the process of accommodating a flexible pouch-type battery cell inside a pack case, the pouch-type battery cell is not directly grasped but the cell cover is grasped. Therefore, the process of handling the pouch-type battery cell can be performed more easily and safely. Furthermore, in this case, damage or breakage of the pouch-type battery cell can be prevented during the cell handling process, such as when the pouch-type battery cell is accommodated inside the pack case.

[0043] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, the cooling efficiency of the battery pack can be further improved. In particular, in one embodiment of the present invention, a portion of each pouch-type battery cell is directly exposed to the pack case, so that heat from each pouch-type battery cell can be effectively dissipated to the outside through the pack case.

[0044] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, additional surface cooling is possible through the wide surface of the pouch-type battery cell.

[0045] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, dual cooling can be easily implemented for each pouch-type battery cell through the pack case and the cell cover.

[0046] According to one aspect of the present invention, the safety of a 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. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the discharge direction of gases and flames discharged from the battery cells can be controlled. Therefore, the propagation of thermal runaway between adjacent battery cells can be effectively prevented.

[0047] According to one aspect of the present invention, a long cell that is elongated in a specific direction can be more easily configured, and processability or assembly efficiency can be improved when manufacturing a cell assembly or a battery pack that uses such a long cell.

[0048] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to adaptively accommodate various types of battery cells and various numbers of cell assemblies by adjusting the length or width of the cell cover. In particular, since it is easy to adjust the size and number of battery cells, the present invention is advantageous in terms of expandability of the battery pack.

[0049] The present invention has various other effects, which will be described in detail in the respective embodiments, or the description of effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0050] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to further understand the technical concepts of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to only the matters described in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0051] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a partial configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a pouch-type battery cell and a cell cover housed inside a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a stacking configuration of a pouch-type battery cell and a cell cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the assembly of the configuration of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 1 is a partial perspective view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a partial perspective view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a partial perspective view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a cell cover according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a pack case according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a partial configuration of a battery pack to which the cell cover and pack case of FIGS. 10 and 11 are applied. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a pack case according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a partial configuration of a battery pack to which the pack case of FIG. 13 is applied. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are exploded perspective views schematically illustrating several configurations of a cell cover according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a cell cover according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a cell cover according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a configuration in which the cell cover of FIG. 17 is deformed by the discharge of gas or the like. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a cell cover according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a configuration in which the cell cover of FIG. 19 is deformed by the discharge of gas or the like. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a pouch-type battery cell and a cell cover housed inside a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary and dictionary meanings, but should be construed in a way that corresponds to the technical concept of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor himself can appropriately define the concept of terms in order to best describe the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiment described in this specification and the configuration shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention, and that various equivalents and modifications may be available as of the time of filing this application.

[0053] In the drawings, the size of each component or specific parts constituting the component may be exaggerated, omitted, or outlined for the sake of convenience and clarity of description. Therefore, the size of each component does not solely reflect the actual size. Furthermore, if it is determined that a detailed description of related well-known functions or configurations may obscure the gist of the present invention, such description will be omitted.

[0054] Furthermore, the terms "coupled" or "connected" as used herein include not only a direct coupling or connection between one member and another member, but also an indirect coupling or connection between one member and another member via a joint member.

[0055] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a partial configuration of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a pouch-type battery cell and a cell cover housed inside a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic stacked configuration of the pouch-type battery cell and the cell cover according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] 1 to 3, a battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a pouch-type battery cell 100, a pack case 300, and a cell cover 200.

[0057] The pouch-type battery cell 100 is a pouch-type secondary battery and may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a pouch outer casing. A battery pack may include a plurality of such pouch-type battery cells 100. The plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 may be stacked in at least one direction. For example, referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 may be stacked horizontally, e.g., in the left-right direction (the Y-axis direction in the drawings). Alternatively, the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 may be arranged in the front-rear direction (the X-axis direction in the drawings) as shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 may be arranged horizontally to form a plurality of rows in the left-right and horizontal directions. For example, referring to FIG. 1, the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 may be stacked such that two rows of cells arranged in the left-right direction are arranged in the front-rear direction.

[0058] The battery pack according to the present invention may employ various types of pouch-type battery cells 100 known at the time of filing of the present invention, and detailed description of the configuration of such pouch-type battery cells 100 will be omitted.

[0059] The pack case 300 has an empty space formed therein and accommodates a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the pack case 300 may include an upper case 310 and a lower case 320. More specifically, the lower case 320 is configured in a box shape with an open top, and may accommodate a plurality of battery cells in the internal space. The upper case 310 may be configured as a cover that covers the upper open portion of the lower case 320. In this case, the upper case 310 may be configured in a box shape with an open bottom. The internal space of the pack case 300 may accommodate a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 as well as a cell cover 200. The pack case 300 may be made of plastic or metal. Alternatively, the pack case 300 may be made of various battery pack exterior materials known at the time of filing of the present invention.

[0060] The cell cover 200 is configured to cover and enclose the pouch-type battery cells 100 in the internal space of the pack case. That is, the cell cover 200 may be configured to cover and enclose at least some of the pouch-type battery cells 100 included in the battery pack. Furthermore, the cell cover may be provided to at least partially cover the pouch-type battery cells 100.

[0061] The cell cover 200 may be configured to support the stacked state of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 inside the pack case 300 through a structure that covers and encases the battery cells. For example, the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 may be stacked in a horizontal direction (Y-axis direction in the drawings) as shown in Figures 1 and 3. In this case, the cell cover 200 may be configured to stably maintain the stacked state of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 stacked in the horizontal direction.

[0062] According to this embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 are directly placed and housed inside the pack case 300 without a module case. In particular, the exterior material of the pouch-type battery cells 100 is made of a soft material, which makes them vulnerable to external impacts and has low hardness. Therefore, it is not easy to house the pouch-type battery cells 100 alone inside the pack case 300 without housing them in a module case. However, in the present invention, the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 are directly housed inside the pack case 300 while being at least partially covered by the cell cover 200 and combined with the cell cover 200, and the stacked state can be stably maintained.

[0063] Furthermore, the present invention can more efficiently implement a CTP (Cell To Pack) type battery pack using the pouch-type battery cell 100. That is, the present invention can configure the battery pack 10 by directly housing the pouch-type battery cell 100 inside the pack case 300, rather than housing the pouch-type battery cell 100 inside a separate module case and then housing the module case inside the pack case 300. In this case, at least one side of the pouch-type battery cell 100 is exposed to the outside of the cell cover 200 and is disposed so as to directly face the pack case 300.

[0064] Therefore, according to this embodiment of the present invention, there is no need to further include a module case, a stacking frame, or fastening members such as bolts for maintaining the stacked state of the cells in the battery pack 10. Therefore, the space occupied by other components such as the module case or stacking frame or the space required to ensure tolerances therefor can be eliminated, allowing the battery cells to occupy the eliminated space, thereby further improving the energy density of the battery pack.

[0065] Furthermore, according to this embodiment of the present invention, since a module case, stacking frame, bolts, etc. are not provided, the volume and weight of the battery pack can be reduced and the manufacturing process can be simplified.

[0066] Furthermore, according to this embodiment of the present invention, handling of the pouch-type battery cells 100 becomes easier. For example, when a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 are stored inside a pack case, the pouch-type battery cells 100 may be held by a jig or the like. In this case, the jig does not directly hold the pouch-type battery cells 100, but holds the cell covers 200 that encase the pouch-type battery cells 100. Therefore, damage or breakage of the pouch-type battery cells 100 by the jig can be prevented.

[0067] Furthermore, according to this embodiment of the present invention, the cell cover 200 is coupled to the pouch-type battery cell 100, so that the pouch-type battery cell 100 can be effectively protected without a module case.

[0068] The cell cover 200 may be made of various materials to ensure rigidity. In particular, the cell cover 200 may be made of a metal material. A metal material can more stably maintain the stacked state of the pouch-type battery cells and more safely protect the pouch-type battery cells from external impacts. In particular, the cell cover 200 may include a steel material or a stainless steel (SUS) material. For example, the entire cell cover 200 may be made of SUS material.

[0069] When the cell cover 200 is made of a steel material, it has excellent mechanical strength and rigidity, and can therefore more stably support the stacked state of the pouch-type battery cells 100. In this case, damage or breakage of the pouch-type battery cells 100 due to external impact, for example, a needle-shaped object, can be more effectively prevented. Furthermore, in this case, the pouch-type battery cells can be more easily handled.

[0070] Furthermore, as in the above-described embodiment, when the cell cover 200 is made of a steel material, the high melting point of the steel allows the overall structure to be stably maintained when a flame breaks out from the battery cell 100. In particular, since the steel material has a higher melting point than aluminum, it does not melt even when a flame breaks out from the battery cell 100 and can stably maintain its shape. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the effect of preventing or delaying the spread of flame between the battery cells 100, the effect of controlling venting, etc.

[0071] The cell cover 200 may be configured to cover one or more pouch-type battery cells 100. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, one cell cover 200 may be configured to cover only one pouch-type battery cell 100. In this case, a cell cover 200 is individually attached to each of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100. Alternatively, the cell cover 200 may be configured to cover two or more pouch-type battery cells 100 together. This will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 22.

[0072] 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 be adhered to the inner surface of the housing of the pouch-type battery cell 100.

[0073] The battery pack may include one or more cell covers 200. In particular, the cell covers 200 may be configured to group and unitize a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 included in the battery pack. In this case, one cell cover 200 constitutes one cell unit. One cell unit may include one or more pouch-type battery cells 100. For example, FIG. 2 shows one cell unit as indicated by U1, and FIG. 3 shows two cell units. A battery pack may include a plurality of cell units, in which case, a plurality of cell covers 200 may be included in the battery pack. For example, when the cell cover 200 is configured to encase one pouch-type battery cell 100, the battery pack may include the same number of cell covers 200 as the pouch-type battery cells 100. As another example, when the cell cover 200 is configured to encase two or more pouch-type battery cells 100, the battery pack may include a smaller number of cell covers 200 than the pouch-type battery cells 100.

[0074] The cell cover 200 may be configured to support a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 in an upright position. As shown in FIG. 2 , each pouch-type battery cell 100 has two wide surfaces, and the edges of the wide surfaces may have sealed or folded portions of the pouch exterior material. Therefore, pouch-type battery cells 100 are generally not easily stacked in an upright position. However, in the battery pack according to the present invention, the cell cover 200 may be configured to encase one or more pouch-type battery cells 100 and support the enclosed pouch-type battery cells 100 in an upright position, i.e., an upright position.

[0075] In particular, the cell cover 200 may be configured to stack a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 horizontally in a vertically standing state. For example, as in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 3, a plurality of cell covers 200 may be stacked horizontally, and each cell cover 200 may be configured to enclose one or more pouch-type battery cells 100. In this case, the cell cover 200 stably maintains the stacked configuration in which the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 are arranged horizontally in a vertically standing state.

[0076] In particular, the cell cover 200 may be configured to be able to stand on its own in the internal space of the pack case 300. That is, the cell cover 200 may be configured to maintain an upright state by itself without the assistance of other components provided in the battery pack, such as the pack case 300 or the pouch-type battery cell 100.

[0077] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the cell cover 200 may be directly placed on the bottom surface of the lower case 320. In this case, a portion of the cell cover 200, for example, the lower end portion of the cell cover 200 indicated by C1 in FIG. 2, may be placed in direct contact with the bottom surface of the lower case 320. The cell cover 200 may be configured to stably maintain its placed state when the lower end portion is placed in this manner. In this case, if the cell cover 200 is made of a metal material with excellent rigidity such as steel, particularly a stainless steel material, the self-standing state can be more stably maintained. Therefore, in this case, the pouch-type battery cell 100 can be more reliably supported in an upright state.

[0078] The cell cover 200 may be configured to partially enclose the pouch-type battery cell so that at least one side of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell is exposed to the outside. That is, the cell cover 200 may be configured to enclose only a portion of the pouch-type battery cell 100 rather than completely enclosing the entire pouch-type battery cell. In particular, the cell cover 200 may be configured so that at least one side of the pouch-type battery cell is exposed toward the pack case 300. In this respect, the cell cover 200 may also be referred to as a cell sleeve.

[0079] 2 and 3, the cell cover 200 is configured to encase one pouch-type battery cell 100, but the lower portion of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell 100, i.e., the battery cell 100 housed in the internal space, is not covered by the cell cover 200. Therefore, the lower portion of the battery cell 100 is exposed toward the pack case 300 and directly faces the pack case 300. In particular, with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the lower portion of the battery cell 100 may be exposed toward the bottom surface of the lower case 320.

[0080] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the cooling performance of the battery pack can be more effectively ensured. In particular, according to this embodiment, the pouch-type battery cells 100 and the pack case 300 can be in direct face-to-face contact with each other through the open end of the cell cover 200. That is, one side of the pouch-type battery cells 100 disposed adjacent to the open end of the cell cover 200 can directly face or contact the pack case 300. Therefore, heat released from each pouch-type battery cell 100 can be directly transferred to the pack case 300, improving cooling performance. In addition, since a separate cooling structure is not required between the pouch-type battery cells 100 and the pack case 300, efficient cooling performance can be achieved. In addition, it is not necessary to provide a space between the pouch-type battery cells 100 for the inflow of a coolant such as air.

[0081] In this case, at least one side of the cell cover 200 is open, which is advantageous for reducing the weight of the battery pack. For example, if the cell cover 200 is made of a material such as steel, and the lower end of the cell cover 200 is formed in an open shape, the weight of the cell cover 200 can be reduced by the weight of the lower plate. Furthermore, since the battery pack 10 may include many cell covers 200 as shown in FIG. 1, if all the cell covers 200 are formed in an open shape without a lower plate, the weight of the battery pack 10 can be significantly reduced.

[0082] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to more easily configure a long cell that is formed long in a specific direction.

[0083] For example, in the case of conventional prismatic cells, if the length in a particular direction is long, the process of inserting the electrode assembly into a prismatic case is difficult. In particular, damage to the electrode assembly may occur during the electrode assembly insertion process. However, according to one embodiment of the present invention, increasing the length in one direction for the pouch-type battery cell 100 and cell cover 200 can be easily achieved during the steps of forming the pouch exterior material, manufacturing the electrode assembly, and manufacturing the cell cover 200. Furthermore, the process of inserting such a long cell that is long in one direction through an open side (e.g., the bottom end) of the cell cover 200 can be easily performed. Therefore, according to this embodiment of the present invention, excellent assembly, processability, productivity, etc. can be ensured even when manufacturing a battery pack 10 using long cells.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 2, each pouch-type battery cell 100 may have a storage portion indicated by R and edge portions indicated by E1 to E4. Here, the storage portion R may be a portion that stores an electrode assembly configured by stacking a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate with a separator interposed therebetween. An electrolyte may also be stored in the storage portion R. The edge portions E1 to E4 may be arranged in a manner that surrounds the storage portion R.

[0085] In particular, the edge portions may be sealing portions where a pouch exterior material, which is a case of a pouch-type battery cell, is sealed. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, four edge portions may be provided, and they may be located at the upper edge, lower edge, front edge, and rear edge of the receiving portion R, respectively. In this case, the four edge portions E1 to E4 may all be sealing portions. Alternatively, some of the four edge portions E1 to E4 may be configured in a folded form rather than being sealing portions. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the upper edge portion E1, the front edge portion E3, and the rear edge portion E4 may be sealing portions, and the lower edge portion E2 may be a portion where the pouch exterior material is folded. Here, a battery cell in which all four edge portions E1 to E4 are sealed may be referred to as a four-sided sealed cell, and a battery cell in which three edge portions E1, E3, and E4 are sealed may be referred to as a three-sided sealed cell.

[0086] In this configuration, the cell cover 200 may be configured to cover both sides of the housing portion R of the pouch-type battery cell 100 and parts of the edge portions E1 to E4. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when one cell cover 200 is configured to encase one pouch-type battery cell 100, the cell cover 200 may be configured to cover both sides of the housing portion R of one pouch-type battery cell 100 (e.g., the left and right sides of the housing portion R) and parts of the edge portions of the battery cell 100 from the outside. As another example, when one cell cover 200 is configured to encase multiple pouch-type battery cells 100, for example, multiple battery cells arranged in the horizontal direction, the cell cover 200 may be configured to encase the outer surface of the housing portion of the outermost battery cell and one edge portion of all the battery cells. As a more specific example, one cell cover 200 may be configured to encase three pouch-type battery cells 100 stacked in the horizontal direction. In this case, the cell cover 200 may be configured to cover the left side surface of the left battery cell, one edge portion of each of the three battery cells, and the right side surface of the right battery cell.

[0087] According to this embodiment, it is possible to easily implement a configuration in which one cell cover 200 supports and protects one or more pouch-type battery cells 100. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the cell cover 200 allows the process of handling one or more pouch-type battery cells 100 to be easily and safely performed. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, one cell cover 200 may face the surfaces of two housing portions R with respect to the pouch-type battery cells 100 housed therein. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the cooling performance between the housing portions R and the cell cover 200. In particular, in this case, surface cooling is implemented through the wide surface of the housing portion R, improving cooling efficiency.

[0088] Meanwhile, in the battery pack according to the present invention, a TIM (Thermal Interface Material) may be interposed to improve heat transfer performance between different components. For example, the TIM may 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, for example, dual cooling performance, may be further improved.

[0089] In particular, the cell cover 200 may be configured to cover edge portions of the pouch-type battery cell 100 accommodated therein that are not provided with electrode leads. For example, referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the pouch-type battery cell 100 may have two electrode leads 110, i.e., a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead. In this case, the two electrode leads may be located at the front edge portion E3 and the rear edge portion E4, respectively. In this case, the cell cover may be configured to cover one of the remaining two edge portions (E1, E2) excluding the front edge portion E3 and the rear edge portion E4.

[0090] 2 and 3, the pouch-type battery cell 100 may be formed in a substantially hexahedral shape. Electrode leads 110, i.e., a negative electrode lead and a positive electrode lead, may be formed on two of the six sides. The cell cover 200 is provided to cover at least a portion of three of the four sides of the six-sided pouch-type battery cell 100, excluding the two sides on which the electrode leads 110 are formed.

[0091] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the direction of the discharge of a flame or the like can be guided toward the exposed side of the cell cover 200. For example, according to this embodiment, the front and rear of the cell cover 200 where the electrode lead 110 is located are open, and thus the discharge of a flame or the like can be directed toward the open sides. In particular, when the cell cover 200 is configured with the front and rear open, side directional venting can be easily implemented. Alternatively, when the bottom or top of the cell cover 200 is open, directional venting can be performed toward the open side (open end) of the bottom or top of the cell cover 200.

[0092] Furthermore, the cell cover 200 may be provided in a form covering both side surfaces and an upper edge portion E1 of the housing portion R of one or more pouch-type battery cells 100 housed and enclosed therein. For example, referring to Fig. 2, the cell cover 200 may be configured in a form covering the left and right sides and the upper edge portion E1 of the housing portion R of one pouch-type battery cell 100. As another example, when the cell cover 200 is configured in a form covering two pouch-type battery cells 100 stacked in the left-right direction, the cell cover 200 may be configured in a form covering the left side surface of the housing portion of the left battery cell, the upper edge portions E1 of the two battery cells, and the right side surface of the housing portion of the right battery cell.

[0093] According to this embodiment of the present invention, it is easy to implement a configuration in which one or more battery cells are supported and protected by one cell cover 200. In particular, according to this embodiment, the lower edge portion E2 is located adjacent to the open end of the cell cover 200 and is not covered by the cell cover 200, so it faces the pack case 300 and can be in direct contact with the pack case 300. Therefore, heat from the pouch-type battery cells 100 covered by the cell cover 200 can be quickly and smoothly dissipated to the pack case 300 below. Therefore, the cooling performance of the battery pack can be more effectively ensured.

[0094] In particular, this configuration can be more effectively implemented when cooling is mainly performed at the bottom of the pack case 300. For example, in the case of a battery pack installed in an electric vehicle, since it is installed at the bottom of the vehicle body, cooling may mainly be performed at the bottom of the pack case 300. In this case, when the lower edge portion E2 of each pouch-type battery cell 100 faces and contacts the pack case as in the present embodiment, heat is quickly transferred from each battery cell 100 to the pack case, thereby further improving cooling performance.

[0095] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, when high-temperature gas or flame is emitted from the pouch-type battery cell 100 in a situation such as thermal runaway, the emitted gas or flame can be effectively prevented from moving upward. In particular, when a passenger is positioned on the upper side of the battery pack 10, such as in an electric vehicle, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent or delay the gas or flame from moving toward the passenger.

[0096] The pack case 300 may be configured with its internal space sealed. In particular, the pack case 300 may be configured to be directly exposed to the outside. Therefore, the pack case 300 needs to ensure a certain level of waterproofing, dustproofing, etc., and therefore may be configured with a sealed structure. In this case, the pack case 300 may be separately formed with a vent hole or the like for discharging venting gas discharged from the cell cover 200 to the outside.

[0097] 2 and 3, the cell cover 200 may be formed in a substantially N-shape. The cell cover 200 may be configured to cover the pouch-type battery cell 100 housed therein except for the front and rear ends from which the electrode leads protrude, and the bottom side. That is, the cell cover 200 may be provided to cover the outside and top side of the housing portion of the pouch-type battery cell housed therein.

[0098] More specifically, the cell cover 200 may include an upper cover portion 210, a first side cover portion 220, and a second side cover portion 230, as shown in FIGS.

[0099] Here, the upper cover part 210 may be configured to cover the upper part of the upper edge part E1 of the pouch-type battery cell 100 housed therein.

[0100] In particular, the portion (cover portion) of the cell cover 200 located between the two side cover portions and the side of the pouch-type battery cell 100 facing it may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance, and this space may be configured as an open space.

[0101] For example, the upper cover part 210 may be configured to be spaced apart from the upper edge part E1 of the pouch-type battery cell 100. More specifically, referring to the partial enlarged view of FIG. 3 , the lower surface (inner surface) of the upper cover part 210 and the upper edge part E1 disposed adjacent to the upper cover part 210 may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance (D). At least a portion of this space may be configured as an empty space. Of course, a gaseous substance such as air may be present in the space between the edge part of the battery cell 100 and the inner surface of the cell cover 200. Furthermore, other substances may be partially interposed in this space.

[0102] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the empty space formed between the side (edge) of the pouch-type battery cell 100 and the cell cover 200 may provide a path for the movement of venting gas, etc. For example, if venting gas is generated in the battery cell 100 housed inside the cell cover 200 due to thermal runaway or the like, the generated venting gas may move in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction) through the empty space between the upper edge portion E1 adjacent to the upper cover portion 210 and the upper cover portion 210. Therefore, regardless of where a structure for discharging venting gas to the outside of the cell cover 200, such as a through-hole or notch (described below), is located in the cell cover 200 or other components, the venting gas can move smoothly and quickly to the location where the corresponding discharge structure is located. This prevents an increase in the internal pressure of the cell cover 200 and enables efficient venting control, such as guiding the direction in which venting gas is discharged.

[0103] Meanwhile, the upper cover part 210 may be configured to contact the upper edge part E1 of the pouch-type battery cell 100.

[0104] The upper cover part 210 may also be configured in a flat shape. In this case, the cross section of the upper cover part 210 may be formed in a horizontally linear shape, and may wrap the upper edge part E1 of the pouch-type battery cell 100 from the outside in a linear shape.

[0105] The first side cover part 220 may be configured to extend downward from one end of the upper cover part 210. For example, the first side cover part 220 may be configured to extend downward (in the -Z-axis direction in the drawing) from the left end part of the upper cover part 210. Furthermore, the first side cover part 220 may be formed in a flat shape. In this case, the first side cover part 220 may be configured to be bent from the upper cover part 210.

[0106] Furthermore, the first side cover part 220 may be configured to cover one side of the receiving portion of the pouch-type battery cell 100 received therein. For example, when one pouch-type battery cell 100 is received in the cell cover 200, the first side cover part 220 may be configured to cover the left side of the receiving portion of the received pouch-type battery cell 100 from the left side. Here, the first side cover part 220 may be in direct contact with the outer surface of the receiving portion.

[0107] The second side cover part 230 may be positioned spaced apart from the first side cover part 220 in the horizontal direction. The second side cover part 230 may be configured to extend downward from the other end of the upper cover part 210. For example, the second side cover part 230 may be configured to extend downward from the right end part of the upper cover part 210. The second side cover part 230 may also be configured to have a flat shape, similar to the first side cover part 220. In this case, it can be said that the second side cover part 230 and the first side cover part 220 are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction.

[0108] Furthermore, the second side cover part 230 may be configured to cover the other side of the storage portion for the pouch-type battery cell 100 housed therein. For example, when one pouch-type battery cell 100 is housed in the cell cover 200, the second side cover part 230 may be configured to cover the right side of the storage portion for the housed pouch-type battery cell 100 from the right side. Here, the second side cover part 230 may be in direct contact with the outer surface of the storage portion.

[0109] In this embodiment, an internal space may be defined by the upper cover part 210, the first side cover part 220, and the second side cover part 230. The cell cover 200 may accommodate one or more battery cells in the internal space defined in this manner.

[0110] In addition, in this embodiment, the cell cover 200 may be configured such that one side is closed and the remaining side is open with respect to the internal space between the first side cover part 220 and the second side cover part 230, which are vertically erected parallel to each other. For example, the space between the first side cover part 220 and the second side cover part 230 may have an upper side closed by the upper cover part 210 and open ends on the front, rear, and bottom. In this case, the front edge part E3 and the rear edge part E4, where the electrode lead 110 is located, may be disposed adjacent to the front open end and the rear open end, respectively, and the bottom edge part E2 may be disposed adjacent to the bottom open end.

[0111] 2, the lower ends of the first and second side cover parts 220 and 230 may contact the bottom surface of the pack case 300. In particular, the contact structure between the lower ends of the first and second side cover parts 220 and 230 and the pack case 300 may be formed in a shape that extends elongated in the front-rear direction (the X-axis direction in the drawing). According to this embodiment, it is possible to more stably implement a self-standing structure of the cell cover 200 that can maintain the pouch-type battery cell 100 housed therein in an upright state.

[0112] Furthermore, the first side cover portion 220 and the second side cover portion 230 may have the same height. That is, the first side cover portion 220 and the second side cover portion 230 may have the same length extending downward from the upper cover portion 210. In this case, it is possible to more easily achieve a self-standing structure for the cell cover 200.

[0113] Meanwhile, to further explain the cell cover 200 and pouch-type battery cell 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the upper cover part 210 faces the upper edge part E1 of the pouch-type battery cell 100 and may cover and enclose the upper edge part E1 together with the first side cover part 220 and the second side cover part 230.

[0114] In addition, the cross-sectional areas of the first side cover portion 220 and the second side cover portion 230 are larger than the cross-sectional area of the pouch-type battery cell 100 facing the first side cover portion 220 and the second side cover portion 230, and by preventing the storage portion R from being exposed to the outside, safety can be maximized.

[0115] In particular, the pouch-type battery cell 100 may include a sealed portion and an unsealed portion as the edge portions E1 to E4. For example, in the embodiment of Fig. 2, the upper edge portion E1 may be a sealed portion of the pouch-type battery cell 100 and may be a DSF (Double Side Folding) portion, and the lower edge portion E2 may be an unsealed portion of the pouch-type battery cell 100.

[0116] Here, the cell cover 200 may be configured to enclose the pouch-type battery cell 100, but may be configured to cover at least a portion of the sealed portion of the edge portions E1 to E4, while leaving at least a portion of the unsealed portion exposed to the outside. For example, referring to the embodiment of FIG. 2 , the cell cover 200 may be configured to cover the upper edge portion E1, which is a portion of the sealed portion of the pouch-type battery cell 100. In this case, the pouch-type battery cell 100 housed inside the cell cover 200 may be configured such that the upper edge portion E1, which is the sealed portion, faces the upper cover portion 210. In addition, the cell cover 200 may cover the pouch-type battery cell 100 such that the lower edge portion E2, which is the unsealed portion of the pouch-type battery cell 100, is exposed to the outside. In this case, the lower edge portion E2, which is the unsealed portion of the pouch-type battery cell 100, may be disposed on the open surface of the cell cover 200.

[0117] In the pouch-type battery cell 100, the upper edge portion E1, which is the sealed portion, may be more vulnerable to the emission of high-temperature gas or flame than the lower edge portion E2, which is the unsealed portion. However, according to the present embodiment, the upper edge portion E1, which is the sealed portion, is disposed to face the upper cover portion 210, which is more advantageous for directional venting.

[0118] In addition, in the pouch-type battery cell 100, the lower edge portion E2, which is the unsealed portion, has a relatively larger cross-sectional area and a flatter shape than the upper edge portion E1, which is the sealed portion, and therefore can be placed on the open surface of the cell cover 200 and can come into direct contact with the thermal resin 326 described below, thereby increasing cooling efficiency.

[0119] Furthermore, when the lower case 320 is placed on one side of the vehicle body, the first side cover part 220 and the second side cover part 230 may extend from the upper cover part 210 toward the one side of the vehicle body, and the upper edge part E1 may be disposed farther from the one side of the vehicle body than the lower edge part E2. In other words, when the lower case 320 is placed on one side of the vehicle body, the cell cover 200 may be configured in such a way that the side disposed relatively close to the one side of the vehicle body is open.

[0120] Conversely, when the upper case 310 is placed on one side of the vehicle body, the first side cover portion 220 and the second side cover portion 230 may extend from the upper cover portion 210 so as to be farther away from the one side of the vehicle body, and the upper edge portion E1 may be disposed closer to the one side of the vehicle body than the lower edge portion E2. In other words, when the upper case 310 is placed on one side of the vehicle body, the cell cover 200 may be configured such that the surface disposed relatively farther from the one side of the vehicle body is open.

[0121] That is, the arrangement of the cell cover 200 and the pouch-type battery cell 100 can be set in various ways depending on the relationship with the vehicle body, the pack case 300, and the configuration arranged on the vehicle body in addition to the pack case 300.

[0122] Meanwhile, although the present embodiment has been illustrated and described with a configuration in which the cell cover 200 is formed in an n-shape, the cell cover 200 may be formed in various other shapes. For example, the cell cover 200 may be formed in various other shapes, such as an I-shape, a U-shape, or an L-shape. In particular, when the cell cover 200 is formed in a U-shape, the upper cover portion 210 described herein may be referred to as a lower cover portion. In such an embodiment, the same or similar configuration of the upper cover portion 210 described in various embodiments of the present invention may be applied. For example, when the cell cover 200 includes a lower cover portion instead of the upper cover portion 210, the lower edge portion E2 of the pouch-type battery cell 100 may be configured to face the lower cover portion. The open end of the cell cover 200 may be formed on the upper side instead of the lower side, and the upper edge portion E1 of the battery cell 100 may be disposed adjacent to the open end of the upper side. That is, in such an embodiment, the upper edge portion E1 of the battery cell 100 may be exposed outside the cell cover 200 toward the inner surface of the pack case 300.

[0123] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a partial configuration of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0124] 4, the battery pack according to the present invention may further include a busbar assembly 700. Here, the busbar assembly 700 may be configured to electrically connect a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 to each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the busbar assembly 700 may be coupled to the electrode leads 110 of two pouch-type battery cells 100 to electrically connect the two pouch-type battery cells 100 in series and / or parallel. The busbar assembly 700 may include busbar terminals made of an electrically conductive material such as copper or aluminum and in direct contact with the electrode leads 110, and a busbar housing made of an electrically insulating material such as plastic and supporting the busbar terminals.

[0125] Furthermore, in the pouch-type battery cell 100, when electrode leads 110 are provided on both sides, the bus bar assemblies 700 may also be included on both sides where the electrode leads 110 are provided. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, when the electrode leads 110 protrude both forward (-X axis direction in the drawing) and backward (+X axis direction in the drawing), the bus bar assemblies 700 may also be located on both the front and rear.

[0126] The busbar assembly 700 may be coupled to one or more cell covers 200. For example, referring to FIG. 4 , two cell covers 200 may be configured to wrap around other pouch-type battery cells 100 and be stacked horizontally. In this case, the busbar assembly 700 may be coupled to the front and rear ends of the two cell covers 200, respectively. Particularly in this embodiment, one busbar assembly 700 may be coupled to the ends of the two cell covers 200. As another example, one busbar assembly 700 may be coupled to the end of one cell cover 200. In this case, one cell cover 200 may house one or more pouch-type battery cells 100.

[0127] The bus bar assembly 700 may be coupled to the cell cover 200 in various ways. For example, the bus bar assembly 700 may be coupled to the cell cover 200 through various fastening methods such as adhesion, welding, fitting, hook coupling, bolting, and rivet coupling.

[0128] Meanwhile, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 are unitized by the cell cover 200 has been described, but a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 can also be unitized by the bus bar assembly 700. For example, referring to the embodiment of FIG. 4, two pouch-type battery cells 100 and two cell covers 200 are connected together by one bus bar assembly 700. In this case, the two pouch-type battery cells 100 and two cell covers 200 shown in FIG. 4 can be said to be included in one cell unit. In other words, the configuration of FIG. 4 can be said to show one cell unit.

[0129] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a portion of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is an assembled perspective view of the configuration of FIG.

[0130] 5 and 6 , the battery pack according to the present invention may further include a taping member 600. The taping member 600 may be configured to connect different ends of the cell covers 200 together. In particular, the taping member 600 may include a base layer and an adhesive layer formed on the surface of the base layer. Here, the different ends of the cell covers 200 connected by the taping member 600 may be ends of different cell covers 200 or different ends of the same cell cover 200.

[0131] For example, referring to the configurations shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the taping member 600 may be attached to the ends of multiple cell covers 200. That is, multiple cell covers 200 may be taped together using one taping member 600. More specifically, the taping member 600 may be attached to the lower ends of two cell covers 200 stacked in the left-right direction. In this case, the left end of the taping member 600 may be attached to the lower end of the left cover 200L, and the right end of the taping member 600 may be attached to the lower end of the right cover 200R. In particular, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the left cover 200L and the right cover 200R may each include a first side cover portion 220 on the left side and a second side cover portion 230 on the right side. In this case, the left end of the taping member 600 may be attached to the left side surface of the first side cover portion 220 of the left cover 200L, and the right end of the taping member 600 may be attached to the right side surface of the second side cover portion 230 of the right cover 200R.

[0132] As another example, the taping member 600 may be attached to an end of one cell cover 200. That is, one cell cover 200 may be taped with one taping member 600. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the taping member 600 may be attached to the lower part of one cell cover 200. In this case, the taping member 600 may connect different ends of one cell cover 200. In particular, one cell cover 200 may have the first side cover part 220 located on the left side and the second side cover part 230 located on the right side. In this case, the left end of the taping member 600 may be attached to the left side surface of the first side cover part 220, and the right end of the taping member 600 may be attached to the right side surface of the second side cover part 230.

[0133] The taping member 600 may be located outside the pouch-type battery cell 100 that is not covered by the cell cover 200. For example, in the embodiments of Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the cell cover 200 may be configured to expose the lower end of the pouch-type battery cell 100 to the outside without covering it. In this case, the taping member 600 may be attached to the lower end of the cell cover 200 that does not cover the pouch-type battery cell 100 and is exposed to the outside.

[0134] In particular, the taping member 600 may be configured to connect at least one side of one cell unit. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, two cell covers 200 may be included in one cell unit U2. The two cell covers 200 may be connected to each other by one bus bar assembly 700. In this case, the taping member 600 may be attached to connect one end, particularly the lower end, of the two cell covers 200. Furthermore, a plurality of taping members 600 may be included in one cell unit U2. For example, referring to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, three taping members 600 may be arranged spaced apart in the front-rear direction (the X-axis direction in the drawings) to connect the lower ends of the two cell covers 200. Here, the front-rear direction is a horizontal direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the pouch-type battery cells 100.

[0135] According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the end of the cell cover 200 in one cell unit U2 from spreading. For example, when the lower portions of the first side cover portion 220 and the second side cover portion 230 of the cell cover 200 are taped with the taping member 600, it is possible to prevent the first side cover portion 220 and the second side cover portion 230 from spreading out to both sides. Therefore, the storage state of the cell cover 200 and the pouch-type battery cells 100 inside the pack case 300 is stably maintained. In particular, according to this embodiment, it is possible to stably maintain the self-standing configuration of the cell cover 200.

[0136] A plurality of cell units including the pouch-type battery cell 100, cell cover 200, bus bar assembly 700, and taping member 600 formed as shown in FIG. 6 may be stacked and housed inside the pack case 300. For example, the plurality of cell units may be arranged in a stacked horizontal direction in the internal space of the lower case 320 as shown in FIG. 1. In this case, the plurality of cell units may be stacked such that the surfaces of the cell covers 200 face each other. In particular, the respective cell covers 200 may be stacked in the left-right direction with the first side cover part 220 and the second side cover part 230 facing each other. The cell units may also be stacked in the front-rear direction. In this case, the plurality of cell units may be stacked such that the electrode leads 110 protruding in the front-rear direction from each cell unit face each other.

[0137] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the module case of the battery module can be removed to further improve space efficiency.

[0138] Meanwhile, in an embodiment in which one or more taping members 600 are attached to the open side of the cell cover 200, the taping members 600 may be configured to expose a portion of the open side of the cell cover 200 rather than covering the entire open side of the cell cover 200. For example, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, when the lower side of the cell cover 200 is open and a plurality of taping members 600 are attached to the lower side, an open portion may still exist on the lower side of the cell cover 200 where the taping members 600 are not attached and the internal space of the cell cover 200 is exposed downward. In such an embodiment, the open portion exposed downward may function as a space for discharging heat, etc.

[0139] The cell cover 200 may be formed by bending a single plate. For example, the cell cover 200 may be formed by bending both ends of a single plate in the same direction to enclose one or more pouch-type battery cells 100. In particular, as shown in FIG. 2, when one cell cover 200 includes an upper cover part 210, a first side cover part 220, and a second side cover part 230, the upper cover part 210, the first side cover part 220, and the second side cover part 230 may be formed from a single plate. In this case, it can be said that the cell cover 200 is formed by integrating many components.

[0140] Here, each component may be separated through a bent portion. In particular, two bent portions may be formed in one plate. The upper cover portion 210, the first side cover portion 220, and the second side cover portion 230 may be separated based on these two bent portions. In particular, the central portion of one plate may form the upper cover portion 210, and both sides may be bent or folded downward around the upper cover portion 210 to form the first side cover portion 220 and the second side cover portion 230. The structure for forming bent portions in one plate to form the cell cover 200 may be implemented using various methods, such as pressing or rolling.

[0141] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the cell cover 200 can be manufactured more easily. Therefore, the manufacturing cost and time of the battery pack can be reduced. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the mechanical strength and rigidity of the cell cover 200 can be ensured to be higher. Furthermore, in this case, the heat conduction performance through the cell cover 200 can be further improved, and the cooling performance can be further improved.

[0142] 7 to 9 are partial perspective views schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, Fig. 7 illustrates a configuration in which a heat sink 301 is provided in a lower case 320 of the battery pack, and Fig. 8 illustrates a configuration in which a thermal resin 326 is applied to the heat sink 301 of Fig. 7. Also, Fig. 9 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration in which a plurality of cell units of Fig. 6 are stacked in the internal space of the lower case 320 of Fig. 8.

[0143] 7, the pack case 300 may include a heat sink 301. A plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 coupled with cell covers 200 may be thermally coupled to the heat sink 301. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a lower case 320 of the pack case 300 may be provided with a lower heat sink 321. A plurality of cell units U2 may be directly placed on the upper surface of the lower heat sink 321, as shown in FIG. 9. In particular, the cell covers 200 and pouch-type battery cells 100 of each cell unit U2 may be placed upright in a vertical direction with their lower ends in direct contact with the upper part of the lower heat sink 321.

[0144] In this embodiment, a thermal resin may be interposed between the heat sink 301 and the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100. For example, referring to Fig. 8, a thermal resin 326 may be applied to the upper surface of the lower heat sink 321. Then, as shown in Fig. 9, a plurality of cell units U2, i.e., a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 and a plurality of cell covers 200, may be placed on the upper surface of the lower heat sink 321 to which the thermal resin 326 has been applied.

[0145] Here, the thermal resin 326 may be made of a material that is thermally conductive and adhesive. The thermal resin 326 may transfer heat to the heat sink 301 so that heat generated in the pouch-type battery cell 100 is dissipated through the heat sink 301. Furthermore, since the thermal resin 326 has adhesive properties, it may mechanically couple the cell cover 200 and / or the pouch-type battery cell 100 to the heat sink 301.

[0146] In this embodiment, a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 coupled with cell covers 200 may be directly placed on the upper surface of a lower heat sink 321 coated with a thermal resin 326, as shown in FIG. 9 . In this case, a plurality of cell units U2 may be stably coupled and fixed to the upper surface of the lower heat sink 321 by the thermal resin 326. In particular, the pouch-type battery cells 100 and cell covers 200 included in each cell unit U2 may be formed such that the length in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) is longer than the width in the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction). Therefore, the pouch-type battery cells 100 and cell covers 200 may be placed in an upright position on the upper surface of the lower heat sink 321. In this case, the thermal resin 326 may more stably maintain the upright position of the pouch-type battery cells 100 and cell covers 200.

[0147] 10 and 11 are perspective views each schematically illustrating the configuration of a cell cover 200 and a pack case 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Also, Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of a portion of a battery pack to which the cell cover 200 and the pack case 300 of Figs. 10 and 11 are applied. For many embodiments included in this specification, including this embodiment, detailed descriptions of parts that are the same as or similar to the descriptions of other embodiments will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

[0148] 10 to 12, the cell covers 200 may be configured such that at least one end thereof is fitted into the pack case 300. More specifically, as shown by D1 in FIG. 12, the lower end of each cell cover 200 may be partially fitted into the lower case 320 and fastened thereto.

[0149] In particular, the cell cover 200 may have a protrusion 240 formed at the lower end thereof, as shown in Fig. 10. The protrusion 240 may extend downward from the lower end of the cell cover 200 by a relatively large distance.

[0150] Furthermore, a plurality of protrusions 240 may be provided. For example, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 10, a protrusion 240 may be provided on each of the first side cover part 220 and the second side cover part 230. Also, a plurality of protrusions 240 may be provided on each side cover part. For example, as shown in Fig. 10, a plurality of protrusions 240, for example, three protrusions 240, may be provided on the lower end of the second side cover part 230 along the front-rear direction.

[0151] In an embodiment provided with such a cell cover 200, the pack case 300 may be formed with a coupling groove 322 into which the protrusion 240 can be inserted, as shown in FIG. 11 . Here, the coupling groove 322 may be formed at a position and in a shape corresponding to the protrusion 240. For example, referring to the embodiment of FIG. 11 , the bottom surface of the lower case 320 on which the cell cover 200 is placed may be formed with a coupling groove 322 at a position and in a shape corresponding to the protrusion 240 of the cell cover. Furthermore, one or more protrusions 240 may be fitted into one coupling groove 322. For example, two protrusions 240 may be inserted into the coupling groove 322 in the center portion, such as the portion indicated by D1 in FIG. 12 . Meanwhile, one protrusion 240 may be inserted into the coupling groove 322 located at the outermost position in the stacking direction of the cell covers 200 in the pack case 300. For example, in the configuration of FIG. 12, one protrusion 240 can be inserted into each of the leftmost and rightmost coupling grooves 322 among the plurality of coupling grooves 322 arranged in the left-right direction.

[0152] Meanwhile, a heat sink 301 may be provided in the pack case 300. The cell cover 200 may be mounted and coupled to the heat sink 301. Accordingly, coupling grooves 322 of the pack case may be formed in the heat sink 301. For example, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, a plurality of coupling grooves 322 may be formed in the lower heat sink 321, and the protrusions 240 at the lower end of the cell cover 200 may be inserted into the coupling grooves 322.

[0153] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the connection between the cell cover 200 and the pack case 300 is further improved. Therefore, even in situations such as vibrations or impacts applied to the battery pack or swelling of the pouch-type battery cells 100, the stacked state of the cell cover 200 and the pouch-type battery cells 100 accommodated therein is stably maintained. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the cell cover 200 from moving in the front-back direction (X-axis direction). Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the cell cover 200 from moving in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction), and effectively prevent the gap between the first side cover part 220 and the second side cover part 230 from widening.

[0154] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a thermal resin 326 may be applied to the upper surface of the heat sink 301, for example, the lower heat sink 321. At this time, the thermal resin 326 flows into the coupling groove 322 of the lower heat sink 321, thereby further increasing the coupling strength between the protrusion 240 of the cell cover 200 and the lower heat sink 321.

[0155] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the assembly position of the cell cover 200 inside the pack case 300 can be guided through the fitting configuration between the cell cover 200 and the pack case 300. Therefore, in this case, the assembly efficiency of the battery pack is further improved.

[0156] Fig. 13 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a pack case 300 according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a portion of a battery pack to which the pack case 300 of Fig. 13 is applied.

[0157] 13, the heat sink 301, for example, the lower heat sink 321, may include a plurality of unit heat sinks 323. Here, the plurality of unit heat sinks 323 may be provided in the pack case 300, for example, the lower case 320, spaced apart from one another at predetermined intervals 324.

[0158] In particular, the plurality of unit heat sinks 323 may be arranged along the stacking direction of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100. For example, referring to the embodiment shown in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 may be stacked in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). In this case, the plurality of unit heat sinks 323 may be arranged in the left-right direction at predetermined intervals 324 from each other.

[0159] 14, a plurality of unit heat sinks 323 may be mounted in one main case. For example, although not shown in FIG. 14, a bottom plate on which the plurality of unit heat sinks 323 are mounted may be provided below the plurality of unit heat sinks 323 in the lower case 320.

[0160] According to this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent heat propagation through the heat sink 301. That is, when heat is generated from some of the pouch-type battery cells 100 and transferred to the corresponding unit heat sink 323, the unit heat sinks 323 are spaced apart from each other, so that it is possible to prevent the heat from being transferred to other unit heat sinks 323. Therefore, problems such as thermal runaway propagation between the battery cells 100 can be more effectively prevented.

[0161] 14, the cell covers 200 may be spaced apart from one another. Alternatively, heat insulating pads, fire suppression pads, or the like may be interposed at least partially between the cell covers 200.

[0162] In this embodiment, the end of the cell cover 200 may be configured to be interposed in the spacing between the unit heat sinks 323. For example, if a protrusion 240 is formed on the underside of the cell cover 200 as in the embodiment of Fig. 10, the protrusion 240 of the cell cover 200 may be coupled to the gap 324 between the unit heat sinks 323, i.e., the spacing, as shown in Fig. 14. As another example, even if the cell cover 200 does not have the protrusion 240, the lower end of the cell cover 200, such as the portion indicated by C1 in Fig. 2, may be elongated in the front-to-rear direction and fitted into the gap 324 between the unit heat sinks 323.

[0163] According to this embodiment in which a portion of the cell cover 200 is fitted into the space between the plurality of unit heat sinks 323, the bonding force between the pack case 300 equipped with the unit heat sink 323 and the cell cover 200 can be stably secured.

[0164] In addition, in this embodiment, a thermal resin 326 may be applied to the heat sink 301. At this time, the thermal resin 326 may flow into the gaps 324 between the plurality of unit heat sinks 323. Therefore, the bonding strength between the cell cover 200 and the heat sink 301 may be further improved.

[0165] 12 and 14, the heat sink 301 may include two heat sinks, particularly an upper heat sink 311 and a lower heat sink 321. Here, the upper heat sink 311 may be disposed on the upper part of the cell cover 200. Furthermore, the upper heat sink 311 may be located on the upper part of the upper cover part 210 of the cell cover 200 and may be in direct or indirect contact with the upper cover part 210. Also, the lower heat sink 321 may be disposed on the lower part of the cell cover 200. Furthermore, the lower heat sink 321 may be in contact with the lower end of the cell cover 200. Here, a thermal resin 312 may be interposed between the cell cover 200 and the upper heat sink 311 and / or between the cell cover 200 and the pouch-type battery cell 100 to bond them to each other. Furthermore, a thermal resin 326 may be interposed between the pouch-type battery cell 100 and the lower heat sink 321 to bond them to each other.

[0166] According to the above embodiment, the cooling performance of the battery pack is further improved. In particular, in this embodiment, heat generated from the pouch-type battery cell 100 can be dissipated by moving toward the upper and lower sides, i.e., the upper heat sink 311 and the lower heat sink 321. Therefore, in this case, dual cooling of the battery pack can be easily implemented.

[0167] Meanwhile, in many of the above-described embodiments of the thermal resin, the description has focused on a configuration in which the pack case 300 is provided with a heat sink 301. However, it goes without saying that the thermal resin can also be applied to a configuration in which the pack case 300 does not include a heat sink 301. In this case, the thermal resin can be provided on the inner surface of the pack case 300. For example, the thermal resin is applied to the bottom surface of the pack case 300 on which the cell unit is placed, and bonds the lower end of the cell unit to the bottom surface of the pack case 300. The thermal resin can also bond the edge of the pouch-type battery cell 100 to the edge of the cell cover 200 inside the cell unit.

[0168] As shown in FIG. 1 , the battery pack 10 according to the present invention may further include a battery management system 400. The battery management system (BMS) 400 may be provided in the internal space of the pack case 300 and configured to generally control the charging / discharging operation and data transmission / reception operation of the pouch-type battery cells 100. The battery management system 400 may be provided in pack units rather than in module units. More specifically, the battery management system 400 may be configured to control the charging / discharging state, power state, performance state, etc. of the pouch-type battery cells 100 through the pack voltage and pack current. Such battery management systems are well known as of the filing date of the present invention, and therefore, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0169] The battery pack 10 according to the present invention may further include a battery disconnection unit (BDU) 500, as shown in FIG. 1. The BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit) 500 may be configured to control the electrical connection of the battery cells to manage the power capacity and functions of the battery pack 10. To this end, the BDU 500 may include a power relay, a current sensor, a fuse, etc. The BDU 500 is also configured to be provided on a pack basis rather than on a module basis, and various disconnection units known at the time of filing of the present invention may be used.

[0170] In addition, the battery pack 10 according to the present invention may further include various battery pack components known at the time of filing of the present invention. For example, the battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a manual service disconnector (MSD) that allows an operator to manually disconnect the service plug to cut off the power supply.

[0171] Meanwhile, in the above-described embodiment, the cell cover 200 has been described as being manufactured as a single unit in a substantially N-shape, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. That is, the cell cover 200 may be manufactured in various other shapes or manners. This will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 15.

[0172] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a cell cover 200 according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0173] First, referring to FIG. 15(a), the cell cover 200 may include two unit members 260. Here, each unit member 260 may be formed in an L-shape. Such unit members 260 may also be referred to as L-pins due to their physical characteristics. In particular, the two unit members 260 may be configured such that their upper ends are bent in opposite directions toward each other. That is, the upper end of the left L-pin 260L may be bent to the right, and the upper end of the right L-pin 260R may be bent to the left. These two L-shaped unit members (260L, 260R) may be combined with each other to form the N-shaped cell cover 200 as shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the left L-pin 260L may constitute the left side of the upper cover part 210 and the first side cover part 220, and the right L-pin 260R may constitute the right side of the upper cover part 210 and the second side cover part 230.

[0174] 15(a), the cell cover 200 may further include an insulating member 270. The insulating member 270 may be made of an electrically insulating material and provided on the inner surface of the cell cover 200 in which the pouch-type battery cell 100 is housed. In particular, the insulating member 270 may have an adhesive layer on at least one surface and be attached to the inner surface of the cell cover 200. Furthermore, when two L-pins (260L, 260R) are coupled to each other to form one cell cover 200, the insulating member 270 may support or strengthen the bonding force between the two L-pins (260L, 260R). The insulating member 270 may also be made of a heat-resistant material. For example, the insulating member 270 may be in the form of a heat-resistant tape in which an adhesive is applied to the surface of a heat-resistant ceramic sheet.

[0175] According to this embodiment of the present invention, since it is only necessary to bend one plate once, it is possible to more easily achieve an N-shaped cell cover 200 to cover the pouch-type battery cell 100. In particular, according to this embodiment, it is not necessary to perform a deep pressing process on a plate material made of a material such as high-strength steel to form the cell cover 200. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to achieve good spring-back and flatness of the cell cover 200. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the cell cover 200 can better withstand heat and fire.

[0176] 15(b), the cell cover 200 may further include an upper plate 280 in addition to the two L-shaped unit members 260. The upper plate 280 may be formed in a flat shape and configured to be stacked on top of the upper bent portions of the two L-pins (260L, 260R). Both ends of the upper plate 280 may be joined to the two L-pins (260L, 260R), respectively, to connect them together. Here, the upper plate 280 may form all or part of the upper cover portion 210 of the n-shaped cell cover 200 of FIG. 2 described above.

[0177] This embodiment can achieve excellent flatness of the cell cover 200. In particular, in this embodiment, the upper plate 280 is flat and positioned on the upper part of the cell cover 200, further improving the flatness of the portion corresponding to the upper cover part 210. Therefore, the volume of the battery pack can be reduced, the energy density can be increased, and the cooling performance on the upper side can be further improved.

[0178] 15(c), the cell cover 200 may include two L-shaped unit members 260 and an upper plate 280, similar to the embodiment of FIG. 15(b). However, in the case of FIG. 15(c), unlike the embodiment of FIG. 15(b), a convex portion 281 may be provided on the upper plate 280. In particular, the convex portion 281 may have a shape that protrudes upward (in the +Z-axis direction) from the upper plate 280.

[0179] This embodiment can effectively address swelling in the pouch-type battery cell 100. For example, if swelling occurs in the pouch-type battery cell 100 accommodated in the internal accommodation space of the cell cover 200 configured as shown in FIG. 15(c), the distance between the left L-pin 260L and the right L-pin 260R may at least partially increase. In this case, the convex portion 281 of the upper plate 280 may expand or its degree of expansion may decrease. Therefore, stress generated in the cell cover 200, particularly in the upper end portion, may be reduced.

[0180] FIG. 16 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a cell cover 200 according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0181] 16 , a through-hole 250 may be formed in the cell cover 200. The through-hole 250 may be configured to exhaust flames or gases generated in the pouch-type battery cell 100 enclosed by the cell cover 200. The through-hole 250 may be formed in various positions in the cell cover 200. For example, the through-hole 250 may be formed in the upper cover part 210 as shown in FIG. 16 . The through-hole 250 may also be formed in various shapes in the cell cover 200. For example, the through-hole 250 may be formed in a diamond shape or a rhombuses shape as shown in FIG. 16 . However, the through-hole 250 may also be formed in various other shapes, such as a square shape or a circular shape.

[0182] Furthermore, a plurality of through holes 250 may be formed in one cell cover 200. For example, a plurality of through holes 250 may be formed and arranged in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction in the upper cover portion 210. Furthermore, the through holes 250 may be formed in a lattice or mesh pattern.

[0183] In particular, the through-holes 250 of the cell cover 200 may be configured to expand when swelling occurs in the pouch-type battery cell 100. For example, in the embodiment of Fig. 16, when swelling occurs in the pouch-type battery cell 100 accommodated inside the cell cover 200, the first side cover part 220 and the second side cover part 230 may receive a force in a direction away from each other. In this case, if one or more through-holes 250 formed in the upper cover part 210 are configured to expand, the stress applied to the cell cover 200 can be reduced.

[0184] According to this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to achieve both the effect of discharging flame and gas and the effect of dealing with swelling through the through-holes 250. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to control the direction of discharge of flame and gas when they are discharged through the through-holes 250. Furthermore, when the through-holes 250 are formed in the upper cover part 210 as in this embodiment, the gas and flame are discharged upward without heading toward other pouch-type battery cells 100 stacked in the horizontal direction. Therefore, it is possible to further prevent the spread of gas, flame, etc. between cells.

[0185] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the through-hole 250 of the cell cover 200 may be configured to be opened when the battery cell 100 swells. That is, the through-hole 250 may be configured to be normally closed and to be widened and opened by pressure applied to the cell cover 200 when the battery cell 100 swells.

[0186] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the through-hole 250 of the cell cover 200 is closed when the battery cell 100 is in a normal state, thereby stably ensuring the protection effect of the battery cell 100 by the cell cover 200. For example, because the through-hole 250 of the cell cover 200 is closed in the normal state, external foreign matter such as water or dust can be prevented from entering the inside of the cell cover 200. Furthermore, when swelling occurs in the battery cell 100, venting gas may be emitted from the battery cell 100 due to thermal runaway. Therefore, by forming the through-hole 250 of the cell cover 200 only when such swelling occurs, preparations for discharging the venting gas can be made. Furthermore, through this preparation, when venting gas is emitted from the battery cell 100, it can be quickly discharged to the outside of the cell cover 200.

[0187] Furthermore, such an upward venting configuration is more effective in suppressing a fire when a fire extinguishing agent is present above the cell cover 200 or above the battery pack 10. For example, if a fire tank containing a fire extinguishing agent is disposed above the cell cover 200, when flames or gas are discharged above the cell cover 200, the fire extinguishing agent can be discharged from the fire tank, thereby preventing or delaying the fire.

[0188] Meanwhile, when the through-hole 250 is formed in the cell cover 200 as shown in Fig. 16, a thermal resin 312 may be interposed between the cell cover 200 and the pouch-type battery cell 100 as shown in Fig. 12 and Fig. 14. In this case, it is possible to alleviate the problem of reduced safety, such as the pouch-type battery cell 100 being exposed to the outside through the through-hole 250.

[0189] Fig. 17 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a cell cover 200 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 18 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a configuration in which the cell cover 200 of Fig. 17 is deformed by the discharge of gas or the like.

[0190] 17 , a notch 291 may be formed in the cell cover 200. The notch 291 may be configured to vent flames or gases generated in the pouch-type battery cell 100. In particular, the notch 291 may be formed by cutting a portion of the cell cover 200 with a sharp object such as a blade. For example, the notch 291 may be formed by cutting a linear shape through the cell cover 200 with a blade. Such a notch 291 may be referred to as a slit. Alternatively, the notch 291 may be formed by forming a notch rather than completely penetrating the cell cover 200.

[0191] The notch 291 is formed in a substantially straight line along the horizontal extension direction of the cell cover 200, but may be configured so that the end in the extension direction is branched.

[0192] 17, the notch 291 may include a central notch line J1 extending longitudinally along the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) of the cell cover 200, and branch notch lines J2, J2', J3, and J3' branching from both ends of the central notch line J1. More specifically, two front notch lines J2 and J2' may be formed at the front end of the central notch line J1, branching at a predetermined angle with the central notch line J1. Furthermore, two rear notch lines J3 and J3' may be formed at the rear end of the central notch line J1, branching at a predetermined angle with the central notch line J1. In particular, the front notch lines J2 and J2' or the rear notch lines J3 and J3' may be formed at a right angle or an obtuse angle with the central notch line J1.

[0193] If gas or flame is emitted from the pouch-type battery cell 100 housed inside the cell cover 200, the cell cover 200 may be deformed as shown in FIG.

[0194] Of course, the slits and their modified forms in FIGS. 17 and 18 are merely examples, and may be modified into various other forms depending on the form of the notch 291 or the exhaust pressure of gas, flame, etc.

[0195] More specifically, when a notch 291 is formed in the cell cover 200 as shown in Fig. 17, if a flame or gas is generated from the battery cell 100 due to thermal runaway of the battery cell 100, the internal pressure of the battery cell 100 may increase. If the increase in the internal pressure exceeds a certain level, the notch 291 widens, and the flame or gas is discharged through the widened portion 295 of the notch 291, as shown in Fig. 18.

[0196] According to this embodiment, the battery cells 100 housed inside the cell cover 200 are not exposed to the outside, but when gas or flame is generated, it can be smoothly discharged to the outside.

[0197] The notch 291 may be formed in various parts of the cell cover 200, for example, in the upper side as shown in Figures 17 and 18. When the notch 291 is formed in the upper side of the cell cover 200, for example, in the upper cover part 210, flames or gases are guided and discharged in a predetermined upward direction.

[0198] In this case, even if thermal runaway occurs in any one battery cell 100, the flame or gas generated in that battery cell 100 can be exhausted only from the upper side of the cell cover 200. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the flame or gas from spreading to other battery cells 100 disposed adjacent to the side of the battery cell 100 in which thermal runaway has occurred. In other words, even if thermal runaway occurs in one battery cell 100, the influence of that thermal runaway on the other battery cells 100 can be minimized.

[0199] Furthermore, the cutout configuration of this embodiment can further improve the effectiveness of preventing thermal runaway propagation between cell units. More specifically, referring to the embodiment of Fig. 18, the portion of the cell cover 200 where the cutout 291 is formed is deformed by the exhaust pressure of the venting gas when the venting gas is exhausted. This deformation can then cause the cutout 291 to widen, i.e., to deform into an opening 295, increasing the open area.

[0200] In particular, when the notch 291 has a slit shape with both ends branched, as shown in Fig. 17, one or more deformed parts may be formed as the venting gas is discharged. That is, referring to the embodiment of Fig. 18, when the venting gas is discharged from the notch 291 as shown in Fig. 17, four deformed parts K1, K1', K2, and K3 may be formed. In this case, the left deformed part K1 may be formed by the three notch lines J1, J2, and J3 in Fig. 17, and the right deformed part K1' may be formed by the three notch lines J1, J2', and J3' in Fig. 17. In addition, the front deformed part K2 may be formed by the two front notch lines J2 and J2' in Fig. 17, and the rear deformed part K3 may be formed by the two rear notch lines J3 and J3' in Fig. 17. Here, the four deformed parts K1, K1', K2, and K3 may be configured in a shape that stands upright in a substantially vertical direction (Z-axis direction) from a plane (XY plane) formed by the upper cover part 210 of the cell cover 200. For example, the four deformed parts K1, K1', K2, and K3 may be formed in a shape that protrudes substantially vertically upward from the upper cover part 210.

[0201] According to this embodiment, the multiple deformed parts K1, K1', K2, and K3 can more effectively prevent venting gas from moving toward other cell covers 200. In particular, the left deformed part K1 guides the flow of venting gas discharged upward through the opening 295 so that it is formed in the upward (+Z-axis) direction, while preventing the venting gas from flowing to the left at the top of the cell cover 200. The right deformed part K1' guides the flow of venting gas discharged upward through the opening 295 so that it is formed in the upward (+Z-axis) direction, preventing the venting gas from flowing to the right at the top of the cell cover 200. This more effectively blocks the propagation of heat and flames between cell units stacked in the left-right direction. The front-end deformed part K2 and the rear-end deformed part K3 prevent the venting gas discharged upward through the opening 295 from moving forward (in the -X-axis) and backward (in the +X-axis) directions. In particular, other cell units, busbar assemblies, etc. may be placed in front of or behind each cell unit, and such an embodiment can prevent high-temperature venting gases, flames, etc. from moving toward other cell units or busbar assemblies.

[0202] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the battery pack according to the present invention may further include a heat insulating material (not shown) or various injection parts (not shown) inside the cell cover 200 or in place of a part of the cell cover 200. In this case, the heat insulating material or injection part may also have the above-mentioned notch 291 or through hole 250. Furthermore, when the heat insulating material or injection part is provided inside the cell cover 200, the notch or through hole of the heat insulating material or injection part may be formed to have a position or shape corresponding to the notch 291 or through hole 250 of the cell cover 200.

[0203] Fig. 19 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a cell cover 200 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. Also, Fig. 20 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a configuration in which the cell cover 200 of Fig. 19 is deformed by the discharge of gas or the like.

[0204] 19, perforations 292 may be formed around the notch 291. In particular, a plurality of perforations 292 may be formed in a dotted line shape around the notch 291. In this case, since the perforations 292 are dotted holes, flames or gases may be discharged through the dotted perforations 292 in the event of thermal runaway. Furthermore, when gases or flames are discharged, the flames or gases may also be discharged from openings 295 formed as the notch 291 widens, as shown in FIG. 20. Here, the perforations 292 may be formed in a hole shape with a smaller open area than the openings 295 formed by the notch 291.

[0205] According to this embodiment, gas or flame can be discharged from the cell cover 200 more quickly and smoothly through the notches 291 and the perforations 292. In particular, in this embodiment, when gas or flame is generated, the gas or flame can be discharged primarily through the perforations 292. Then, if the gas or flame expands beyond a certain level, the gas or flame can be discharged secondarily through the notches 291.

[0206] Furthermore, when a small amount of gas is emitted from the battery cell 100 in the early stage of thermal runaway, the emitted gas may first be discharged to the outside of the cell cover 200 through the perforations 292. At this time, the notches 291 do not expand, preventing the battery cell 100 from being exposed to the outside through the openings 295 formed by the notches 291. When the thermal runaway becomes severe and a large amount of gas is emitted from the battery cell 100, the notches 291 may secondarily expand due to the pressure of the gas being emitted, forming the openings 295. Therefore, a large amount of gas is discharged to the outside through both the perforations 292 and the openings 295, allowing gas inside the cell cover 200 to be quickly and smoothly discharged to the outside. Therefore, according to this embodiment of the present invention, gradual venting control according to the level of gas generation is possible.

[0207] FIG. 21 is a perspective view schematically showing a partial configuration of a battery pack according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0208] 21 , the battery pack according to the present invention may further include an end plate 800. The end plate 800 may be provided on at least one side of the cell cover 200. In particular, the end plate 800 may be provided on an exposed side of the cell cover 200. For example, the end plate 800 may be coupled to the front and rear openings of the cell cover 200, from which the electrode leads 110 are exposed. Furthermore, the end plate 800 may be located on the front and rear outer sides of the bus bar assembly 700. The end plate 800 may include an electrically insulating material to ensure electrical insulation from the bus bar assembly 700. Furthermore, the end plate 800 may include a material capable of ensuring a certain level of mechanical rigidity. For example, the end plate 800 may include a plastic and / or metal material.

[0209] According to this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to improve the mechanical and electrical safety of the bus bar assembly 700. In addition, in this case, it is more advantageous in terms of controlling the emission of gases, flames, etc., preventing the spread of thermal runaway, and ensuring the safety of human life.

[0210] In the embodiment of Fig. 21, a discharge hole F1 may be formed in the end plate 800. The discharge hole F1 may induce venting toward the end plate 800 in the event of thermal runaway of the pouch-type battery cell 100 housed inside the cell cover 200. The discharge hole F1 of the end plate 800 may be formed in various shapes. For example, the discharge hole F1 may be formed in the shape of the through hole 250, the notch 291, or the perforated portion 292 shown in Figs. 16 to 20.

[0211] 21, the battery pack according to the present invention may further include a cover terminal 900. The cover terminal 900 is electrically connected to the bus bar assembly 700 and functions as an electrode terminal of each battery cell 100 or cell unit. Therefore, by connecting the cover terminals 900 to each other, a plurality of cell units can be electrically connected to each other.

[0212] In particular, the cover terminal 900 may be provided on the outside of the cell cover 200 or the end plate 800. For example, the cover terminal 900 may be located on the upper side of the cell cover 200, i.e., on the upper cover portion 210, as shown in FIG. 21 . In this case, a connecting member connecting the cover terminals 900 of multiple cell units may be located on the top of the cell unit stack, electrically connecting the cell units to each other. Alternatively, the cover terminal 900 may be located on the side or bottom of the cell cover 200 and / or on the end plate 800 side. For example, the cover terminal 900 may be located on the top of the end plate 800 or the top of the bus bar assembly 700.

[0213] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, electrical connection between a plurality of battery cells 100 or a plurality of cell units can be more easily achieved.

[0214] Furthermore, in an embodiment including the end plate 800 and / or the cover terminal 900, the electrode leads 110 of the battery cells 100 housed inside the cell cover 200 may not be exposed to the outside. For example, in each cell unit, the cover terminal 900 may be exposed to the outside and function as a terminal for electrical connection of the cell unit, and the electrode leads 110 may be covered by the end plate 800 and housed in the internal space without being exposed to the outside.

[0215] Alternatively, the bus bar terminals provided on the bus bar assembly 700 may be exposed to the outside and function as terminals of the cell units.

[0216] The battery pack according to the present invention may further include a separate end cover that covers the outside of the cell cover 200. The end cover may be configured to encase one or more cell covers 200 together.

[0217] Meanwhile, in many of the above-described embodiments, the configuration in which one battery cell 100 is covered by one cell cover 200 has been described, but a configuration in which multiple battery cells 100 are covered by one cell cover 200 may also be used. This will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 22 .

[0218] FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a pouch-type battery cell and a cell cover housed inside a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0219] 22, two or more pouch-type battery cells 100 may be enclosed in one cell cover 200. More specifically, in the embodiment of Fig. 22, two pouch-type battery cells 100 may be arranged in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction), and one cell cover 200 may be configured to cover both of these battery cells 100. In this case, one cell cover 200 may be configured to enclose the left side, right side, and top of a cell stack in which two pouch-type battery cells 100 are stacked.

[0220] 22, the description of many of the above-described embodiments may be applied in the same or similar manner, with the only difference being that two or more battery cells 100 are housed in the cell cover 200. Therefore, a detailed description of FIG. 22 will be omitted.

[0221] Furthermore, when a plurality of cell covers 200 are stacked in the battery pack 10, an adhesive member may be interposed between the cell covers 200. For example, two cell covers 200, for example, a first cover and a second cover, may be disposed adjacent to each other, and the first side cover portion 220 of the first cover and the second side cover portion 230 of the second cover may be stacked facing each other. In this case, an adhesive member may be interposed between the first side cover portion 220 of the first cover and the second side cover portion 230 of the second cover to bond and fix them together.

[0222] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0223] 23, a vehicle V according to the present invention includes the battery pack 10 according to the present invention. Here, the vehicle V according to the present invention may include a vehicle V that uses electricity as a driving source, such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. Furthermore, the vehicle according to the present invention may further include various other components included in a vehicle, such as a body and a motor, in addition to the battery pack 10 according to the present invention.

[0224] Furthermore, a cell assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present invention includes the pouch-type battery cell 100 and the cell cover 200, excluding the pack case 300 in the battery pack 10 according to the present invention described above.

[0225] In particular, in the cell assembly according to the present invention, the cell cover 200 may be configured to cover both sides of the storage portion and one side of the edge portion (sealing portion) of the pouch-type battery cell 100. The cell cover 200 may also be configured not to cover the other side of the edge portion (sealing portion) of the pouch-type battery cell 100 but to expose it to the outside.

[0226] For example, a cell assembly according to the present invention may be a cell unit such as that shown in Fig. 2 as U1, a cell unit such as that shown in Fig. 6 as U2, or a cell unit such as that shown in Fig. 22. In this case, the cell cover 200 included in the cell assembly may be n-shaped and configured to cover one or more pouch-type battery cells 100, and may be configured to cover both sides and an upper edge E1 of the storage portion R of such battery cell 100. Alternatively, the cell cover 200 included in the cell assembly may be U-shaped and configured to cover both sides and a lower edge E2 of the storage portion R of one or more pouch-type battery cells 100.

[0227] The details of the battery cell 100 and the cell cover 200 of the battery pack according to the present invention may be applied to the cell assembly according to the present invention in the same or similar manner, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted. The cell assembly according to the present invention may further include at least one of the taping member 600, the bus bar assembly 700, the end plate 800, and the cover terminal 900 described above.

[0228] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and rear are used in this specification, these terms are used for the convenience of explanation, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art of the present invention that these terms may change depending on the position of the object of interest, the position of the observer, etc.

[0229] Furthermore, in this specification, terms such as top, bottom, left, right, front, and rear may also be expressed by other terms, particularly ordinal numbers such as first, second, and third. For example, the upper cover portion 210 of the cell cover 200 may be expressed as the third side cover portion. The front open end, rear open end, and lower open end of the cell cover 200 may be expressed as the first open end, the second open end, and the third open end, respectively. In the pouch-type battery cell 100, the lower edge portion E2 may also be expressed as the first side edge portion or the first surface, and the upper edge portion E1 may also be expressed as the second side edge portion or the second surface. In the pouch-type battery cell 100, the left storage portion and the right storage portion may also be expressed as the third surface and the fourth surface, respectively.

[0230] As described above, the present invention has been described using 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 by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains within the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0231] 10: Battery pack 100: Pouch-type battery cell 110: Electrode lead 200: Cell cover 210: Upper cover part 220: First side cover part 230: Second side cover part 240:Protrusion 250:Through hole 270: Insulating material 300: Pack case 301: Heat sink 310: Upper case 311: Upper heat sink 312: Thermal resin 320: Lower case 321: Lower heat sink 322: Binding groove 323: Unit heat sink 324: Interval 326: Thermal resin 400: Battery Management System 500: Battery disconnect unit 600: Taping material 700: Busbar assembly 800: End plate 900: Cover terminal

Claims

1. a plurality of pouch-type battery cells stacked in at least one direction; a pack case that directly houses the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in an internal space without housing one or more module cases housing the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in the pack case; a cell cover that at least partially covers at least some of the pouch-type battery cells in the internal space of the pack case; and a taping member for connecting different ends of the cell cover; Including the battery pack.

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

3. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the cell cover partially covers the pouch-type battery cell such that at least one side of the covered pouch-type battery cell is exposed toward the pack case.

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

5. The battery pack according to claim 4 , wherein the cell cover is provided to cover both side surfaces and an upper edge portion of the housing portion of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell.

6. 6. The battery pack of claim 5, wherein the cell cover includes: an upper cover portion configured to cover an upper portion of the upper edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell; a first side cover portion extending downward from one end of the upper cover portion to cover an outside of one side housing portion of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell; and a second side cover portion extending downward from the other end of the upper cover portion at a position spaced apart from the first side cover portion to cover an outside of the other side housing portion of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell.

7. the pouch-type battery cell includes a sealed portion and an unsealed portion as the edge portion, The battery pack according to claim 4 , wherein the cell cover is configured to cover at least a portion of the sealed portion of the pouch-type battery cell, and to expose the unsealed portion.

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

9. the pack case includes a heat sink; The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of pouch-type battery cells are coupled to the heat sink.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9 , wherein a thermal resin is interposed between the heat sink and the plurality of pouch-type battery cells.

11. The battery pack according to claim 9 , wherein the heat sink includes a plurality of unit heat sinks spaced apart from one another.

12. The battery pack according to claim 11 , wherein an end of the cell cover is interposed in a space between the plurality of unit heat sinks.

13. The battery pack according to claim 9 , wherein the heat sink includes an upper heat sink and a lower heat sink disposed on an upper portion and a lower portion of the cell cover, respectively.

14. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein at least one end of the cell cover is configured to be fitted into the pack case.

15. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the cell cover has a through-hole formed therein configured to exhaust flames or gases generated in the pouch-type battery cell.

16. The battery pack according to claim 15 , wherein the through-hole of the cell cover is configured to expand when swelling occurs in the pouch-type battery cell.

17. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the cell cover has a notch formed therein configured to exhaust flames or gases generated in the pouch-type battery cell.

18. The battery pack according to claim 17 , wherein the cell cover has a dotted perforation formed along a periphery of the notch.

19. The battery pack according to claim 1 , further comprising a battery management system housed in the internal space of the pack case.

20. 20. A motor vehicle comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. A pouch-type battery cell; a cell cover configured to cover both sides of a storage portion and one side of an edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell and expose the other side of the edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell to the outside; Including, A cell assembly, wherein the cell cover has a through-hole formed therein configured to exhaust flames or gases generated in the pouch-type battery cell.

22. A pouch-type battery cell; a cell cover configured to cover both sides of a storage portion and one side of an edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell and expose the other side of the edge portion of the pouch-type battery cell to the outside; Including, A cell assembly, wherein the cell cover has a notch formed therein configured to exhaust flames or gases generated in the pouch-type battery cell.

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