Battery pack and automobile including same

Abstract

A battery pack and a vehicle including the same are disclosed. The battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of pouch-type battery cells, a pack case that accommodates the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in an internal space, and a cell cover that at least partially encloses and supports at least one of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in the internal space of the pack case, and the cell cover includes a first cover part that covers one side of at least one of the plurality of battery cells, a second cover part that covers the other side of at least one of the plurality of battery cells, and a third cover part that connects the first cover part and the second cover part, covers an upper end portion of the at least one battery cell, and has a first vent hole formed in at least a portion thereof for discharging gas or flame.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0089760 filed on July 20, 2022, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0089870 filed on July 20, 2022, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0110375 filed on August 31, 2022, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0110392 filed on August 31, 2022, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0068714 filed on May 26, 2023, and the contents disclosed in the specifications and drawings of these applications are incorporated herein 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 manufactured by a cell-to-pack (CTP) method and a vehicle including the same. [Background technology]

[0003] Generally, a secondary battery refers to a battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged, such as a lithium-ion battery, lithium polymer battery, nickel-cadmium battery, nickel-metal hydride battery, nickel-zinc battery, etc. The output voltage of a battery cell, which is the basic unit of charge and discharge of such a secondary battery, is approximately 2.5V to 4.2V.

[0004] In recent years, secondary batteries have been applied to devices that require high output voltage and large charging capacity, such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). A battery module is formed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series or in parallel, and a battery pack is widely used, which is manufactured by connecting a plurality of such battery modules in series or in parallel.

[0005] However, in conventional technology, battery modules are constructed by housing battery cells in a box-shaped metal case, and these battery modules are then housed in a battery pack case to manufacture a battery pack, which results in problems such as an increase in the weight and volume of the entire battery pack and a decrease in the energy density of the battery pack.

[0006] In addition, if the conventional cell-to-pack (CTP) method, in which multiple battery cells are directly attached to a battery pack case to increase the energy density of the battery pack, is applied to pouch-type battery cells with soft cases, it becomes difficult to handle or stack multiple battery cells at the same time, and there is a risk of the battery cells being damaged during the process of attaching them to the pack case.

[0007] Furthermore, in the conventional cell-to-pack method, multiple battery cells are densely packed inside the pack case, making it difficult to exhaust gases and flames generated when a battery cell experiences thermal runaway in the intended direction. This creates the problem that if thermal runaway occurs in some battery cells, it can lead to a chain reaction of thermal runaway in the remaining battery cells. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery pack and a vehicle including the same that reduces the weight and volume of the entire battery pack, increases the energy density, facilitates handling and installation of battery cells built into the battery pack, and prevents chain reaction thermal runaway by discharging gases and flames generated during thermal runaway of battery cells in the intended direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack may be provided that includes: a plurality of pouch-type battery cells; a pack case that houses the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in an internal space; and a cell cover that at least partially encloses and supports at least one pouch-type battery cell of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in the internal space of the pack case, wherein the cell cover includes: a first cover portion that covers one side of at least one battery cell of the plurality of battery cells; a second cover portion that covers the other side of the at least one battery cell of the plurality of battery cells; and a third cover portion that connects the first cover portion and the second cover portion, covers an upper end portion of the at least one battery cell, and has a first vent hole formed in at least a portion of the third cover portion for discharging gas or flame.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first vent hole may be configured to be closed when no swelling occurs in the at least one battery cell, and to be opened when swelling occurs in the at least one battery cell and a gap between the first cover portion and the second cover portion increases to or exceeds a predetermined distance.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first vent hole may be formed as a linear cutout portion in the third cover portion.

[0012] In one embodiment, the cutout portion has a notch shape and can be configured to break when the internal pressure of the cell cover reaches or exceeds a predetermined pressure.

[0013] In one embodiment, the third cover portion has a folding portion formed by folding a portion of the third cover portion to close the first vent hole, and the folding portion can be configured to open the first vent hole when the gap between the first cover portion and the second cover portion widens beyond a predetermined range.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first vent hole may be formed as a through hole that penetrates the third cover portion.

[0015] In one embodiment, a seal portion may be interposed between the folded portion and the through hole.

[0016] In one embodiment, the cell cover may be formed with a blocking portion configured to prevent removal of the battery cell inserted between the first cover portion and the second cover portion.

[0017] In one embodiment, the blocking portion may be configured to extend from a lower end of the first cover portion or the second cover portion and support a lower end of the battery cell.

[0018] In one embodiment, the blocking portion may be formed as a locking structure extending from a lower end of the first cover portion or the second cover portion and bent inwardly of the cell cover.

[0019] In one embodiment, an insertion groove is formed between the blocking portions, and the insertion groove may be configured to allow a jig configured to change the spacing between the first cover portion and the second cover portion of the cell cover to be inserted therein.

[0020] In one embodiment, an end cover may be included to cover the side surface of the cell cover.

[0021] In one embodiment, the end cover may be formed with a second vent hole for exhausting gases or flames.

[0022] In one embodiment, at least one of the first vent hole of the third cover portion and the second vent hole of the end cover can be selectively formed.

[0023] In one embodiment, the pack case includes a lower frame on which the plurality of battery cells are mounted, side frames extending upward from edges of the lower frame and forming an internal space that accommodates the plurality of battery cells, and an upper cover coupled to the side frames, wherein a gas channel through which gas can move is formed inside the upper cover, and the upper cover may have a communication hole that communicates with the first vent hole.

[0024] In one embodiment, the pack case includes a lower frame on which the plurality of battery cells are mounted, side frames extending upward from edges of the lower frame and forming an internal space that houses the plurality of battery cells, and an upper cover coupled to the side frames, wherein a gas channel through which gas can move is formed inside the side frames, and the side frames may have communication holes that communicate with the second vent holes.

[0025] In one embodiment, the pack case includes a reinforcing frame extending upward from inside the lower frame and coupled to the side frame, the gas channel being formed inside the reinforcing frame, and a communication hole communicating with the second vent hole may be formed in the reinforcing frame.

[0026] In one embodiment, the battery pack includes a hole closure member that closes the first vent hole, and the hole closure member may be configured to break as the internal pressure of the cell cover increases.

[0027] In one embodiment, the hole closing member may be made of a mica sheet.

[0028] Meanwhile, according to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle can be provided that includes the above-described battery pack. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the weight and volume of the entire battery pack, increase the energy density, facilitate the handling and installation of the battery cells built into the battery pack, and prevent chain reactions of thermal runaway by discharging gases and flames generated during thermal runaway of the battery cells in the intended direction.

[0030] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention to be described later, serve to further understand the technical concepts of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the matters described in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic overall assembly perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the bottom surface of the upper cover in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a cross section taken along line AA' in FIG. 1; [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery cell enclosed in a cell cover according to an embodiment of the present invention in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the cell cover and the battery cell in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 6 is a diagram showing a modified example of a battery cell enclosed in the cell cover of FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the first vent hole of the cell cover of FIG. 7 is deformed due to gas discharge. FIG. [Figure 9] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing another modified example of a battery cell enclosed in the cell cover of FIG. 5. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] 11 is a diagram showing a state in which the through-hole is opened due to an increase in the internal pressure of the cell cover in FIG. 10. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a modification of the battery pack of FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 13] 1 is a diagram illustrating a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be construed as meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical ideas of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms himself / herself in order to best describe the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiment described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical ideas of the present invention, and therefore various equivalents and modifications may be available at the time of filing this application.

[0033] In the drawings, the size of each component or specific parts of the component may be slightly exaggerated, omitted, or illustrated schematically for ease of explanation and clarity. Therefore, the size of each component does not fully reflect the actual size. If a detailed description of related well-known functions or configurations is deemed to be likely to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0034] The terms "coupled" or "connected" as used in this specification include not only cases where one member is directly coupled or connected to another member, but also cases where one member is indirectly coupled or connected to another member via a coupling member.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a schematic overall assembled perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a view showing the bottom of the upper cover in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a cross section taken along line A-A' in FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a battery cell enclosed in a cell cover according to one embodiment in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the cell cover and battery cell in FIG. 5.

[0036] As described above, the battery cells 100 are typically housed in a box-shaped metal case to form a battery module, and the battery module is housed in the pack case 200 of the battery pack 10 to form the battery pack 10. However, in this case, there are problems in that the weight and volume of the entire battery pack 10 increase and the energy density of the battery pack 10 decreases.

[0037] To solve this problem, the battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to remove the module case of the battery module and directly accommodate the battery cells 100 in the pack case 200 of the battery pack 10.

[0038] This allows additional battery cells 100 to be accommodated in the space occupied by the module case of the battery module and the like within the battery pack 10, thereby improving space efficiency and battery capacity. In other words, the present invention can be configured to not include a module case of the battery module.

[0039] However, embodiments using a module case are not completely excluded, and the pouch-type battery cell 100 of each embodiment of the present invention can be configured to be housed in a module case for a battery module as needed.

[0040] That is, a battery module including a pouch-type battery cell 100 to which the cell cover 300 according to each embodiment of the present invention is combined also falls within the scope of the present invention.

[0041] In this specification, even when simply referring to a battery cell 100, the battery cell 100 refers to a pouch-type battery cell 100.

[0042] 1 and 2, a battery pack 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a pouch-type battery cell 100, a pack case 200, and a cell cover 300.

[0043] The battery cell 100 may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a pouch outer casing. That is, the battery cell 100 corresponds to a basic unit of charge and discharge, and may be manufactured by housing the electrode assembly and electrolyte material inside a soft metal case and sealing the metal case. In this case, the electrode assembly may be manufactured by interposing a separator between a positive electrode and a negative electrode.

[0044] In addition, electrode leads electrically connected to the electrode assembly may be provided at the front and rear ends of the battery cell 100. Such a battery cell 100 may be formed in a pouch shape. A plurality of such pouch-type battery cells 100 may be included in the battery pack 10. A plurality of such pouch-type battery cells 100 may be stacked in at least one direction.

[0045] The pack case 200 has an empty space formed therein, and this empty space can accommodate a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100. In particular, in the present invention, the pouch-type battery cells 100 can be directly mounted on the pack case 200.

[0046] 5 and 6, the cell cover 300 may be provided to at least partially enclose at least one pouch-type battery cell 100 among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100. That is, the cell cover 300 may be formed in a shape that partially encloses the pouch-type battery cell 100 such that at least one side of the pouch-type battery cell 100 enclosed by the cell cover 300 is exposed to the outside.

[0047] The cell cover 300 may be configured to support the pouch-type battery cell 100 in an upright position. Generally, it is not easy to stack the pouch-type battery cells 100 in an upright position.

[0048] However, in a battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cell cover 300 may be configured to encase one or more pouch-type battery cells 100 while maintaining the enclosed pouch-type battery cells 100 in an upright, i.e., standing, state.

[0049] Furthermore, the cell cover 300 may be configured such that at least one side of the enclosed pouch-type battery cell 100 is exposed toward the bottom surface of the battery pack 10. However, the cell cover 300 is not limited to this.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , a cell cover 300 configured to encase at least one pouch-type battery cell 100 among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 100 can be housed in the internal space of the pack case 200.

[0051] The cell cover 300 may be configured to encase various numbers of pouch-type battery cells 100 together. For example, one cell cover 300 may be configured to encase one pouch-type battery cell 100 together. Alternatively, one cell cover 300 may be configured to encase two pouch-type battery cells 100 together. Alternatively, one cell cover 300 may be configured to encase three or more pouch-type battery cells 100 together.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the cell cover 300 may include a first cover portion 310, a second cover portion 320, and a third cover portion 330.

[0053] The first cover portion 310 may be configured to cover one side surface of at least one battery cell 100 among the plurality of battery cells 100. The first cover portion 310 may be formed in a shape that extends downward from one end of the third cover portion 330. For example, the first cover portion 310 may be formed in a shape that extends elongatedly downward from the left end portion of the third cover portion 330. The first cover portion 310 may be configured to enclose a wide surface of the battery cell 100 housed therein.

[0054] The second cover portion 320 may be configured to cover the other side surface of at least one battery cell 100 among the plurality of battery cells 100. The second cover portion 320 may be disposed so as to be spaced apart horizontally from the first cover portion 310. The second cover portion 320 may be formed in a shape that extends downward from the other end of the third cover portion 330. For example, the second cover portion 320 may be formed in a shape that extends elongatedly downward from the right end portion of the third cover portion 330. The second cover portion 320 may be configured to enclose a wide surface of the battery cell 100 housed therein.

[0055] The third cover part 330 connects the first cover part 310 and the second cover part 320 and covers an upper end portion of at least one battery cell 100. Here, a first vent hole 331 for discharging gas or flame may be formed in at least a portion of the third cover part 330. The first vent hole 331 will be described in detail later.

[0056] In the above embodiment, an internal space may be defined by the first cover portion 310, the second cover portion 320, and the third cover portion 330 of the cell cover 300. One or more battery cells 100 may be housed in the internal space of the cell cover 300 defined in this manner.

[0057] The cell cover 300 may be formed in an "n" shape, a "U" shape, or a "C" shape that surrounds three sides of at least one battery cell 100. Referring to FIG. 2 , the cell cover 300 may be configured so that a plurality of battery cells 100 can be stacked horizontally while standing upright.

[0058] For example, referring to Fig. 2, each of the cell covers 300 is formed in a shape that encloses one or more battery cells 100, and the plurality of battery cells 100 that are each enclosed by the cell covers 300 may be stacked one on top of another in the X-axis direction of Fig. 2. In this case, the cell covers 300 may stably maintain a configuration in which the plurality of battery cells 100 are stacked side by side in the X-axis direction while standing upright.

[0059] In addition, the cell cover 300 can surround three sides of at least one battery cell 100, which makes it easy to place bus bars and terminals of each unit on the sides that are not surrounded by each cell cover 300.

[0060] It can be said that a battery cell 100 such as the pouch-type battery cell 100 is formed as a substantially hexahedron. Electrode leads, i.e., a negative electrode lead and a positive electrode lead, may be formed on two of the six faces. The cell cover 300 is provided to enclose at least a portion of three of the remaining four faces of the six faces of the hexahedron battery cell 100, excluding the two faces on which the electrode leads are formed.

[0061] 5 and 6, the first vent hole 331 is closed when no swelling occurs in the battery cell 100. When swelling occurs in the battery cell 100 and the gap between the first cover part 310 and the second cover part 320, which are respectively coupled to the third cover part 330, widens to a predetermined distance or more, the first vent hole 331 may be configured to open.

[0062] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the first vent hole 331 may be formed as a linear cutout 332 in the third cover portion 330. For example, the cutout 332 may be formed by cutting with a sharp tool such as a knife. The cutout 332 may be, for example, a pair of parallel straight lines, but is not limited to this. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the cutout 332 may be formed as a plurality of pairs of parallel straight line cutouts 332 spaced a predetermined distance apart, but this is merely one embodiment, and the arrangement and configuration of the cutouts 332 may vary.

[0063] In a modified example, the cutout portion 332 may have a notch shape and be configured to rupture when the internal pressure of the cell cover 300 exceeds a predetermined pressure. That is, when forming the cutout portion 332, the cutout portion may not be formed completely through the third cover portion 330, but may be formed as a notched groove in only a portion of the third cover portion 330. In this case, the cutout portion 332 is closed when no swelling occurs. However, when swelling occurs and the internal pressure in the cell cover 300 increases, the gap between the first cover portion 310 and the second cover portion 320 widens to a predetermined distance or more, the notched groove ruptures and the cutout portion 332 is opened. However, such a configuration is also one embodiment and is not limited to this.

[0064] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a modified example of the battery cell enclosed in the cell cover of Fig. 5, and Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the state in which the first vent hole of the cell cover of Fig. 7 has been deformed due to gas discharge. Fig. 7 shows the modified example of Fig. 5.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 7, in a modified example, the notch 332 is formed in a substantially straight line along the horizontal extension direction of the cell cover 300, and the end in the extension direction can be formed in a shape that branches in two directions.

[0066] The cutout portion 332 may have an elongated center line 333 extending along the longitudinal direction of the cell cover 300, that is, the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction), and four branch lines branching off from both ends of the center line 333.

[0067] Specifically, the cutout portion 332 may be configured to include a center line 333 , a first end line 334 , and a second end line 337 .

[0068] A center line 333 of the cutout portion 332 is formed in the center portion. The size of the cutout portion 332 can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the scale, size, capacity, etc. of the battery cell 100. A first end line 334 of the cutout portion 332 can be formed to extend from one end of the center line 333, and a second end line 337 of the cutout portion 332 can be formed to extend from the other end of the center line 333.

[0069] Here, the first end line 334 may be configured to include, but is not limited to, a first directional line 335 extending in a first direction from one end of the center line 333, and a second directional line 336 extending in a second direction from one end of the center line 333. The formation of the first directional line 335 and the second directional line 336 has the effect of making it easier to break compared to when only the center line 333 is formed. Furthermore, the first directional line 335 and the second directional line 336 can be formed symmetrically to each other, but is not limited to this.

[0070] Furthermore, the second end line 337 may be configured to include, but is not limited to, a third direction line 338 extending in a third direction from the other end of the center line 333, and a fourth direction line 339 extending in a fourth direction from the other end of the center line 333. The formation of the third direction line 338 and the fourth direction line 339 has the effect of being easier to break than when only the center line 333 is formed, similar to the case where the first direction line 335 and the second direction line 336 are formed. Here, the third direction line 338 and the fourth direction line 339 can also be formed symmetrically to each other, but is not limited to this.

[0071] Meanwhile, the first edge line 334 and the second edge line 337 may also be symmetrical to each other, but are not limited thereto.

[0072] On the other hand, when the internal pressure of the cell cover 300 reaches or exceeds a predetermined pressure, the notch 332 breaks as shown in FIG. 8, allowing gas or flame to be discharged through the broken notch 332.

[0073] The notch 332 may be formed in various parts, for example, the upper side, of the cell cover 300. In this way, when the notch 332 is formed in the upper side of the cell cover 300, for example, in the third cover part 330, the gas or flame can be guided to be discharged in a predetermined upward direction.

[0074] In this case, even if thermal runaway occurs in any one of the battery cells 100, the gas or flame generated in that battery cell 100 can be discharged only upward from the cell cover 300. Therefore, the gas or flame will not spread to other battery cells 100 arranged 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 the thermal runaway on other battery cells 100 can be minimized.

[0075] Furthermore, the configuration of the cutout portion 332 as in the above embodiment can further improve the effect of preventing thermal runaway propagation between the battery cells 100. More specifically, referring to Fig. 8, the portion of the cell cover 300 where the cutout portion 332 is formed may be deformed in shape as shown in Fig. 8 due to the gas discharge pressure when the gas is discharged. Such shape deformation enables the cutout portion 332 to increase the opening area of ​​the gap (expansion) portion.

[0076] When the cutout portion 332 is deformed as shown in Figure 8, the gas or flame is guided upward by the deformed portion of the cell cover 300, making it possible to more effectively prevent the gas from moving in any direction other than upward.

[0077] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing another modified example of the battery cell enclosed in the cell cover of Fig. 5, Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' in Fig. 9, and Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which the through-hole has been opened due to an increase in the internal pressure of the cell cover in Fig. 10. Figs. 9 to 11 show another modified example of Fig. 5.

[0078] 9 to 11, the third cover part 330 may include a folding part 340 formed by folding a part of the third cover part 330 to close the first vent hole 331. Here, the first vent hole 331 may be formed as a through hole 350 penetrating the third cover part 330.

[0079] The folding portion 340 may be formed such that one side of the third cover portion 330 is folded once in one direction and then folded again in the opposite direction. For example, referring to FIG. 10 , the third cover portion 330 is formed linearly from left to right, folded once toward the left at the right end 341, and then folded again toward the right at the left end 342.

[0080] As described above, the folded portion 340 is formed by folding the third cover portion 330 twice, and the through-hole 350 is closed by the folded portion 340. That is, before swelling occurs in the battery cell 100, the through-hole 350 is closed by the folded portion 340. When swelling occurs in the battery cell 100, the internal pressure due to gas increases, and the gap between the first cover portion 310 and the second cover portion 320 of the cell cover 300 widens (see FIG. 11 ). When the gap between the first cover portion 310 and the second cover portion 320 of the cell cover 300 widens beyond a predetermined range, the through-hole 350 opens, and gas or flame generated in the battery cell 100 can be discharged to the outside through the through-hole 350. Meanwhile, a seal portion 380 (see FIG. 10 ) may be interposed between the folded portion 340 and the through-hole 350.

[0081] 6, a bus bar frame 390 may be coupled to the cell cover 300. This may be configured to support a bus bar that is electrically connected to an electrode lead of at least one battery cell 100 covered by the cell cover 300. In this case, the bus bar frame 390 may include a terminal that is electrically connected to the bus bar.

[0082] 6 again, the cell cover 300 may have a blocking portion 360 formed thereon. The blocking portion 360 is configured to prevent the battery cell 100 inserted between the first cover portion 310 and the second cover portion 320 from being removed.

[0083] That is, the blocking portion 360 may be formed as a locking structure extending from the lower end of the first cover portion 310 or the second cover portion 320 and bent toward the inside of the cell cover 300. When the blocking portion 360 is formed as a locking structure in this manner, it can support the lower end of the battery cell 100.

[0084] Meanwhile, an insertion groove 370 may be formed between the blocking portions 360. A jig may be inserted into the insertion groove 370 formed between the blocking portions 360, and the distance between the first cover portion 310 and the second cover portion 320 of the cell cover 300 may be changed by the jig inserted into the insertion groove 370.

[0085] 5 and 6, the end cover 400 is configured to cover the side of the cell cover 300 where the electrode leads are located. A second vent hole 410 for discharging gas or flame may be formed in the end cover 400. That is, in the event of a thermal event, gas or flame may be discharged through the second vent hole 410.

[0086] In the previously described embodiment, the first vent hole 331 is formed in the third cover portion 330 of the cell cover 300, and the gas or flame is discharged through the first vent hole 331. However, in this embodiment, the gas or flame can not only be discharged through the first vent hole 331 of the third cover portion 330, but also can be discharged through the second vent hole 410 formed in the end cover 400.

[0087] In this embodiment, at least one of the first vent hole 331 in the third cover portion 330 and the second vent hole 410 in the end cover 400 may be selectively formed. That is, only the first vent hole 331 in the third cover portion 330 may be formed, only the second vent hole 410 in the end cover 400 may be formed, or both the first vent hole 331 in the third cover portion 330 and the second vent hole 410 in the end cover 400 may be formed.

[0088] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the exhaust of gas or flame can be guided toward the exposed surface of the cell cover 300. For example, according to the above embodiment, the gas or flame can be exhausted laterally through the second vent hole 410 of the end cover 400. This makes it possible to easily achieve directional venting, which exhausts the gas or flame in a predetermined direction.

[0089] According to each of the above-described embodiments, the gas or flame can be discharged upward through the first vent hole 331 of the third cover part 330, or can be discharged laterally through the second vent hole 410 of the end cover 400. However, discharge here means discharge from the cell cover 300, and does not mean complete discharge from the pack case 200. Below, an embodiment will be described in which the gas or flame discharged from the cell cover 300 is completely discharged to the outside of the pack case 200 through the pack case 200.

[0090] However, in the case of flames, it may not be desirable for them to be completely exhausted to the outside of pack case 200, and it may be desirable for them to be exhausted if directional venting is suitably configured. Therefore, in the following, the object to be exhausted will be described as gas, etc., but the gas, etc. may or may not include flames.

[0091] First, an embodiment in which gas discharged upward through first vent hole 331 of third cover portion 330 is discharged to the outside of pack case 200 will be described.

[0092] 2, the pack case 200 may include a lower frame 210, a side frame 220, and an upper cover 230. The pack case 200 may be made of a plastic or metal material. Furthermore, the pack case 200 may employ various exterior materials for the battery pack 10 known at the time of filing of the present invention.

[0093] A plurality of battery cells 100 are mounted on the lower frame 210. A reinforcing frame 240, which will be described later, may be formed on the lower frame 210.

[0094] The side frame 220 extends upward from the edge of the lower frame 210, forming an internal space for accommodating a plurality of battery cells 100. When the reinforcing frame 240 is formed on the lower frame 210, the battery cells 100 are accommodated in the space formed by the side frame 220 and the reinforcing frame 240. Here, a cell cover 300 is coupled to the battery cell 100.

[0095] The upper cover 230 is coupled to the side frame 220 and covers the side frame 220 and the lower frame 210. Referring to Fig. 4, a gas channel 231 through which gas can move may be formed inside the upper cover 230. Referring to Fig. 3, a communication hole 232 communicating with the first vent hole 331 may be formed in the upper cover 230.

[0096] That is, at least a portion of the upper cover 230 is hollow, and a gas channel 231 is formed therein. A communication hole 232 is formed on one side of the upper cover 230. The communication hole 232 is also connected to a first vent hole 331 of the third cover portion 330 of the cell cover 300. When gas generated from the battery cell 100 is discharged through the first vent hole 331 of the third cover portion 330, the gas moves to the gas channel 231 inside the upper cover 230 through the communication hole 232 connected to the first vent hole 331. The gas then moves through the gas channel 231 of the upper cover 230 and is discharged through the final discharge hole 223 (see FIG. 2). Here, the final discharge hole 223 may be formed in various positions, for example, but is not limited to, in the side frame 220 as shown in FIG. 2. In this case, the side frame 220 and the upper cover 230 are also configured to be in communication with each other. Only when the side frame 220 and the top cover 230 are in communication can gases and the like that have traveled through the gas channel 231 inside the top cover 230 travel to the side frame 220 and be discharged through the final discharge hole 223.

[0097] Next, an embodiment in which gas discharged laterally through the second vent hole 410 of the end cover 400 is discharged to the outside of the pack case 200 will be described.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 2, the pack case 200 may include a lower frame 210 , a side frame 220 , and an upper cover 230 .

[0099] The description of the lower frame 210 is the same as that of the previous embodiment, and therefore the same description will be used instead. Furthermore, the upper cover 230 may have a gas channel 231 formed therein, as in the previous embodiment, or may not have a gas channel 231 formed therein, as in the previous embodiment.

[0100] In this embodiment, if gas channels 231 are formed inside the upper cover 230, it is possible to discharge gases and the like in an upward direction through the upper cover 230, and it is also possible to discharge gases and the like in a lateral direction through the end cover 400. However, if gas channels 231 are not formed inside the upper cover 230, it is not possible to discharge gases and the like through the upper cover 230, and gases and the like can only be discharged in a lateral direction through the end cover 400.

[0101] Here, the side frame 220 extends upward from the edge of the lower frame 210 to form an internal space for accommodating a plurality of battery cells 100, similar to the previous embodiment.

[0102] 4, a gas channel 221 through which gas can move may be formed inside the side frame 220. Also, referring to FIG. 2, a communication hole 222 communicating with the second vent hole 410 may be formed in the side frame 220. That is, at least a portion of the side frame 220 is hollow, and the gas channel 221 is formed therein, and the communication hole 222 is formed on one side of the side frame 220. The communication hole 222 is also communicated with the second vent hole 410 of the end cover 400 coupled to the cell cover 300. When gas, etc. generated from the battery cell 100 is discharged through the second vent hole 410 of the end cover 400, it may move to the gas channel 221 inside the side frame 220 through the communication hole 222 communicating with the second vent hole 410. The gas, etc. then moves through the gas channel 221 of the side frame 220 and is discharged through the final discharge hole 223. Here, the explanation regarding the final discharge hole 223 is the same as that described above, and therefore a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0103] 2, the pack case 200 may include a reinforcing frame 240. The reinforcing frame 240 may extend upward from the interior of the lower frame 210 and be configured to be coupled to the side frame 220.

[0104] 2, one reinforcing frame 240 is provided in the pack case 200, but this is merely one embodiment and the number of reinforcing frames 240 may vary. The reinforcing frame 240 is coupled to the side frame 220, thereby forming a space between the reinforcing frame 240 and the side frame 220, and the battery cells 100 are housed in this space.

[0105] Although not shown in the drawings, a gas channel (not shown) through which gas can move may be formed inside the reinforcing frame 240, similar to the side frame 220 described above. Also, referring to FIG. 2 , the reinforcing frame 240 may have a communication hole 242 that communicates with the second vent hole 410. That is, at least a portion of the reinforcing frame 240 is hollow, and a gas channel (not shown) is formed therein, and the communication hole 242 is formed on one side of the reinforcing frame 240. The communication hole 242 also communicates with the second vent hole 410 of the end cover 400 coupled to the cell cover 300. When gas, etc. generated from the battery cell 100 is discharged through the second vent hole 410 of the end cover 400, it moves to the gas channel (not shown) inside the reinforcing frame 240 through the communication hole 242 that communicates with the second vent hole 410. The gas, etc. then moves through the gas channel (not shown) of the reinforcing frame 240 and is discharged through the final discharge hole 223. That is, the second vent holes 410 on both side ends of the end cover 400 can be configured to communicate with the communication holes 222 of the side frame 220 and the communication holes 242 of the reinforcing frame 240. Again, the explanation regarding the final discharge hole 223 is the same as that described above, and therefore will not be repeated in detail.

[0106] Meanwhile, the battery pack 10 according to this embodiment may further include a control module configured to control charging and discharging of the pouch-type battery cells 100. Referring to Fig. 2, such a control module may include a battery management system (BMS) 600 and a battery disconnect unit (BDU) 700, and may be housed inside the pack case 200 together with the battery cells 100 and the cell covers 300.

[0107] Figure 12 is a diagram showing a modified example of the battery pack of Figures 1 and 2. The description common to the parts described in the battery pack according to the related embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 of the present invention will be replaced with the description above.

[0108] 1 and 2 in that the embodiment of FIG. 12 includes a hole closing member 500 that closes the first vent hole 331 formed in the third cover portion 330 of the cell cover 300. In the embodiment of FIG.

[0109] In this embodiment, the first vent hole 331 may be configured in various ways. It may be formed as a notch 332 as in the previous embodiment, or may be formed as a through-hole. Furthermore, the hole closing member 500 is configured to break as the internal pressure of the cell cover 300 increases.

[0110] That is, when no swelling occurs, the first vent hole 331 is closed by the hole closing member 500, but when the internal pressure of the cell cover 300 increases due to swelling, the hole closing member 500 is broken, opening the first vent hole 331. For this reason, the hole closing member 500 may be made of, but is not limited to, a mica sheet. Also, referring to FIG. 12 , the hole closing member 500 may be disposed to cover the upper side of the cell cover 300.

[0111] According to the present invention, instead of a plurality of battery cells 100 being housed in a separate module case and then attached to the pack case 200 of the battery pack 10, the battery cells 100 are only partially covered by a cell cover 300 having a simplified structure and then attached directly to the pack case 200. This reduces the weight and volume of the entire battery pack 10, increases the energy density of the battery pack 10, and facilitates safe handling and attachment of the battery cells 100 during the manufacture of the battery pack 10, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0112] In addition, the cell cover 300 includes a first cover portion 310, a second cover portion 320, and a third cover portion 330, and has a structure in which, when the gap between the first cover portion 310 and the second cover portion 320 widens due to swelling of at least one battery cell 100, the first vent hole 331 of the third cover portion 330 is opened. This makes it possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the battery cell 100 under normal circumstances, and when swelling of the battery cell 100 occurs, the first vent hole 331 through which gas can be discharged is immediately provided, thereby making it possible to prepare for thermal runaway of the battery cell 100.

[0113] In addition, the blocking portion 360 of the cell cover 300 supports the battery cell 100 inserted into the cell cover 300 and prevents the battery cell 100 from being removed, thereby preventing the battery cell 100 from changing its position or falling out of the cell cover 300, and ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery pack 10.

[0114] In addition, an insertion groove 370 into which a jig configured to contact the inner surface of the cell cover 300 and change the spacing between both ends of the cell cover 300 is inserted is provided in the blocking portion 360 of the cell cover 300, thereby facilitating the assembly process of inserting the battery cell 100 into the cell cover 300 and preventing damage to the battery cell 100.

[0115] Furthermore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description that various embodiments of the present invention can solve other technical problems not mentioned above.

[0116] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a vehicle including a battery pack according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] An automobile 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs 10 according to the above-described embodiments. Here, the automobile 20 includes various automobiles 20 that are designed to use electricity, such as electric automobiles and hybrid automobiles.

[0118] In this specification, when terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and rear are used, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are used merely for the convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the position of the object in question, the position of the observer, etc.

[0119] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited thereto, and that various modifications and variations may be made by those skilled in the art within the spirit of the present invention and the scope of equivalents of the claims. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered from an illustrative rather than a restrictive perspective. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the above description, and all differences within the scope of equivalents thereof should be construed as being included in the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0120] The present invention relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, and is particularly applicable to industries related to secondary batteries. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 10 Battery Pack 20. Automobiles 100 pouch type battery cells 200 pack case 210 Lower Frame 220 Side Frame 221 Gas Channel 222 Communication hole 223 Final discharge hole 230 Upper cover 231 Gas Channel 232 Communication hole 240 Reinforcement Frame 242 Communication hole 300 cell cover 310 First cover part 320 Second cover part 330 Third cover part 331 First vent hole 332 Notch 333 Center Line 334 First End Line 335 First Direction Line 336 Second Direction Line 337 Second End Line 338 Third Direction Line 339 Fourth Direction Line 340 Folding section 341 Right side end 342 Left side end 350 through hole 360 Blocking part 370 Insertion groove 380 Seal part 390 Busbar Frame 400 end cover 410 Secondary Vent Hole 500 Hole Closure Member 600 Battery Management System 700 Battery Disconnect Unit

Claims

1. a plurality of pouch-type battery cells; a pack case that houses the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in its internal space; a cell cover that at least partially encloses and supports at least one battery cell among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in an internal space of the pack case; Including, The cell cover is a first cover portion that covers one side surface of at least one battery cell among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells; a second cover portion that covers the other side surface of at least one battery cell among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells; a third cover part that connects the first cover part and the second cover part, covers an upper end portion of the at least one battery cell, and has a first vent hole formed in at least a portion thereof for discharging gas or flame; The pack case is a lower frame on which the plurality of pouch-type battery cells are mounted; a side frame extending upward from an edge of the lower frame and defining an interior space for accommodating the plurality of pouch-type battery cells; an upper cover coupled to the side frame; a gas channel through which gas can move is formed inside the upper cover and the side frame; a communication hole communicating with the first vent hole is formed in the upper cover, The side frame has a final exhaust hole formed therein that communicates with the gas channel.

2. A plurality of pouch-type battery cells; a pack case that houses the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in its internal space; a cell cover that at least partially encloses and supports at least one battery cell among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in an internal space of the pack case; Including, The cell cover is a first cover portion that covers one side surface of at least one battery cell among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells; a second cover portion that covers the other side surface of at least one battery cell among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells; a third cover part that connects the first cover part and the second cover part, covers an upper end portion of the at least one battery cell, and has a first vent hole formed in at least a portion thereof for discharging gas or flame; the first vent hole is configured to be closed when no swelling occurs in the at least one battery cell, and to be opened when swelling occurs in the at least one battery cell and a gap between the first cover portion and the second cover portion becomes greater than or equal to a predetermined distance.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2 , wherein the first vent hole is formed as a linear cutout portion in the third cover portion.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3 , wherein the cutout portion has a notch shape and is configured to break when an internal pressure of the cell cover reaches or exceeds a predetermined pressure.

5. A plurality of pouch-type battery cells; a pack case that houses the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in its internal space; a cell cover that at least partially encloses and supports at least one battery cell among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in an internal space of the pack case; Including, The cell cover is a first cover portion that covers one side surface of at least one battery cell among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells; a second cover portion that covers the other side surface of at least one battery cell among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells; a third cover part that connects the first cover part and the second cover part, covers an upper end portion of the at least one battery cell, and has a first vent hole formed in at least a portion thereof for discharging gas or flame; the third cover portion includes a folding portion formed by folding a portion of the third cover portion to close the first vent hole; the folding portion is configured to open the first vent hole when a gap between the first cover portion and the second cover portion becomes larger than a predetermined range.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5 , wherein the first vent hole is formed as a through-hole that penetrates the third cover portion.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6 , wherein a seal portion is interposed between the folding portion and the through hole.

8. 2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the cell cover is formed with a blocking portion configured to prevent removal of the battery cell inserted between the first cover portion and the second cover portion.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8 , wherein the blocking portion is configured to extend from a lower end of the first cover portion or the second cover portion and support a lower end of the battery cell.

10. A plurality of pouch-type battery cells; a pack case that houses the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in its internal space; a cell cover that at least partially encloses and supports at least one battery cell among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in an internal space of the pack case; Including, The cell cover is a first cover portion that covers one side surface of at least one battery cell among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells; a second cover portion that covers the other side surface of at least one battery cell among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells; a third cover part that connects the first cover part and the second cover part, covers an upper end portion of the at least one battery cell, and has a first vent hole formed in at least a portion thereof for discharging gas or flame; the cell cover is formed with a blocking portion configured to prevent removal of the battery cell inserted between the first cover portion and the second cover portion; The battery pack, wherein the blocking portion is formed as a locking structure that extends from a lower end of the first cover portion or the second cover portion and is bent inwardly of the cell cover.

11. A plurality of pouch-type battery cells; a pack case that houses the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in its internal space; a cell cover that at least partially encloses and supports at least one battery cell among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in an internal space of the pack case; Including, The cell cover is a first cover portion that covers one side surface of at least one battery cell among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells; a second cover portion that covers the other side surface of at least one battery cell among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells; a third cover part that connects the first cover part and the second cover part, covers an upper end portion of the at least one battery cell, and has a first vent hole formed in at least a portion thereof for discharging gas or flame; the cell cover is formed with a blocking portion configured to prevent removal of the battery cell inserted between the first cover portion and the second cover portion; An insertion groove is formed between the blocking portions, The insertion groove is configured to allow a jig configured to change the gap between the first cover portion and the second cover portion of the cell cover to be inserted into the insertion groove.

12. The battery pack according to claim 1 , further comprising an end cover covering a side surface of the cell cover.

13. A plurality of pouch-type battery cells; a pack case that houses the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in its internal space; a cell cover that at least partially encloses and supports at least one battery cell among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in an internal space of the pack case; Including, The cell cover is a first cover portion that covers one side surface of at least one battery cell among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells; a second cover portion that covers the other side surface of at least one battery cell among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells; a third cover part that connects the first cover part and the second cover part, covers an upper end portion of the at least one battery cell, and has a first vent hole formed in at least a portion thereof for discharging gas or flame; an end cover that covers a side surface of the cell cover, The battery pack, wherein the end cover is formed with a second vent hole for discharging gas or flame.

14. A plurality of pouch-type battery cells; a pack case that houses the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in its internal space; a cell cover that at least partially encloses and supports at least one battery cell among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in an internal space of the pack case; Including, The cell cover is a first cover portion that covers one side surface of at least one battery cell among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells; a second cover portion that covers the other side surface of at least one battery cell among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells; a third cover portion that connects the first cover portion and the second cover portion and covers an upper end portion of the at least one battery cell; an end cover that covers a side surface of the cell cover, The battery pack, wherein the end cover is formed with a second vent hole for discharging gas or flame.

15. The pack case is a lower frame on which the plurality of pouch-type battery cells are mounted; a side frame extending upward from an edge of the lower frame and defining an interior space for accommodating the plurality of pouch-type battery cells; an upper cover coupled to the side frame; A gas channel through which gas can move is formed inside the side frame, The battery pack according to claim 13 , wherein the side frame has a communication hole formed therein that communicates with the second vent hole.

16. The pack case is a reinforcing frame extending upward from an interior of the lower frame and coupled to the side frame; the gas channel is formed inside the stiffening frame; The battery pack according to claim 15 , wherein the reinforcing frame has a communication hole formed therein that communicates with the second vent hole.

17. A plurality of pouch-type battery cells; a pack case that houses the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in its internal space; a cell cover that at least partially encloses and supports at least one battery cell among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells in an internal space of the pack case; Including, The cell cover is a first cover portion that covers one side surface of at least one battery cell among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells; a second cover portion that covers the other side surface of at least one battery cell among the plurality of pouch-type battery cells; a third cover part that connects the first cover part and the second cover part, covers an upper end portion of the at least one battery cell, and has a first vent hole formed in at least a portion thereof for discharging gas or flame; a hole closing member that closes the first vent hole, The hole closure member is configured to break as the internal pressure of the cell cover increases.

18. 18. The battery pack according to claim 17, wherein the hole closure member is made of a mica sheet.

19. A motor vehicle comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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