Cell unit and battery pack containing it

Abstract

The present invention provides a cell unit having a simple structure and excellent expandability, safety, etc. A cell unit according to one aspect of the present invention may include one or more pouch-type cells, a unit case that houses the one or more pouch-type cells in an internal space, and a vent member that is located in the internal space of the unit case and has a vent flow path formed therein so that vent gas discharged from the pouch-type cells can be discharged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0188345 filed on December 27, 2021, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0161188 filed on November 28, 2022, and all of the content disclosed in the specifications and drawings of the said applications is incorporated into this application.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery, and to a cell unit having a simple structure and excellent in expandability, safety, etc., a battery pack including the same, and an automobile, etc.

Background Art

[0003] As the demand for portable electronic products such as notebook computers, video cameras, mobile phones, etc. has rapidly increased, and as the commercialization of robots, electric vehicles, etc. has been in full swing, research on high-performance secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged has been actively conducted.

[0004] Currently, commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among these, lithium secondary batteries have attracted attention for their advantages such as being able to be freely charged and discharged because they hardly exhibit a memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, having a very low self-discharge rate, and having a high energy density.

[0005] Such lithium secondary batteries mainly use a lithium-based oxide and a carbon material as a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, respectively. A lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with such a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material are arranged with a separator sandwiched therebetween, and an exterior material that encloses the electrode assembly together with an electrolytic solution, for example, a battery case.

[0006] Generally, secondary batteries can be classified into two types based on the shape of their casing: can-type secondary batteries (can-cells), in which the electrode assembly is housed in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries (pouch-cells), in which the electrode assembly is housed in an aluminum laminate sheet pouch.

[0007] In particular, pouch-type cells have advantages in many respects, such as being lightweight and having less dead space when stacked, but they have problems such as being vulnerable to external impacts and having poor assembly and processability. For this reason, conventionally, battery packs are often manufactured by first housing multiple pouch-type cells in a module housing (module case) to form a battery module, and then housing such a battery module inside a pack housing (pack case).

[0008] However, such conventional battery pack configurations can be disadvantageous in terms of space utilization. In particular, during the modularization process, where multiple battery cells are housed in a module housing, various components such as the module housing and stacking frame (cartridge) can unnecessarily increase the volume of the battery pack or decrease the space occupied by the battery cells. Furthermore, in addition to the space occupied by the components themselves, such as the module housing and stacking frame, the space for housing the battery cells may be reduced in order to ensure assembly tolerances for these components. As a result, conventional battery packs may have limited ability to increase energy density.

[0009] Furthermore, conventional battery packs can be disadvantageous in terms of assembly and manufacturing costs. In particular, conventional battery packs have multiple components for stacking pouch-type cells, which results in a complex structure and increases manufacturing costs and time.

[0010] Furthermore, with conventional battery packs, once the size and shape of the battery module are determined, it is extremely difficult to change them. Therefore, it is very difficult to apply a single battery module to multiple pack housings or to change the internal structure of a pack housing. Consequently, conventional battery packs have low expandability.

[0011] On the other hand, because a battery pack contains multiple battery cells, it is susceptible to thermal chain reactions between them. For example, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in one battery cell, there is a risk that this thermal runaway will propagate to other battery cells. If this propagation of thermal runaway is not properly suppressed, an event occurring in one battery cell can trigger a chain reaction in multiple battery cells. This could cause an explosion or fire in the battery pack, and furthermore, could cause significant damage to the equipment containing the battery pack, nearby facilities, or users. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a cell unit and a battery pack including the same, as well as an automobile, which are excellent in terms of energy density, expandability, safety, etc.

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

[0014] A cell unit according to one aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned objectives may include one or more pouch-type cells, a unit case that houses the one or more pouch-type cells in its internal space, and a vent member located in the internal space of the unit case and configured to have a vent channel formed inside so that vent gas discharged from the pouch-type cells can be discharged.

[0015] Here, the unit case may comprise a lower case in which a plate-like member is bent, and an upper case connected to the upper end opening of the lower case.

[0016] Furthermore, the unit case may include unit terminals configured to be electrically connected to the electrode leads of the pouch-type cell housed in the internal space and to be exposed to the outside.

[0017] Furthermore, the vent member may be configured in a plate shape and positioned facing adjacent pouch-type cells.

[0018] Furthermore, multiple pouch-type cells are housed in the internal space of the unit case, and the vent member may be interposed between the multiple pouch-type cells.

[0019] Furthermore, the vent member can be attached to the inner surface of the unit case.

[0020] Furthermore, the vent members may be located on both sides of the one or more pouch-type cells housed in the unit case.

[0021] Furthermore, the vent member may have an inlet formed on the side facing the pouch-type cell and an outlet formed on the side not facing the pouch-type cell.

[0022] Furthermore, the vent member may have an inlet formed in the portion facing the terrace portion of the pouch-type cell.

[0023] Further, two inlets may be formed in the vent member corresponding to one pouch-type cell, and an outlet may be formed between the two inlets.

[0024] Further, the vent member may be configured such that the flow direction of the fluid flowing into the inlet and the flow direction of the fluid flowing inside the vent passage are orthogonal to each other.

[0025] Further, the vent member may be configured such that the flow direction of the fluid flowing inside the vent passage and the flow direction of the fluid flowing out from the outlet are orthogonal to each other.

[0026] Further, the vent member may be configured such that inlets are respectively formed on opposite side surfaces thereof, and the inlets formed on both side surfaces are not symmetric with respect to the central axis in the direction perpendicular to the side surfaces of the vent member.

[0027] Further, two or more unit passages may be formed in the internal space of the vent member, and the inlets formed on both side surfaces may be configured to communicate with different unit passages.

[0028] Further, a vent hole may be formed in the unit case at a position corresponding to the outlet of the vent member.

[0029] Further, the cell unit according to the present invention may further include a support member that supports the opposing inner surfaces of the unit case.

[0030] Further, in the internal space of the unit case, two pouch-type cells are arranged such that the side surfaces provided with electrode leads face each other, and the support member may be interposed between the two pouch-type cells arranged such that the electrode leads face each other.

[0031] Further, a battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object may include a plurality of cell units according to the present invention.

[0032] Furthermore, a battery module according to yet another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned objectives may include a plurality of cell units according to the present invention.

[0033] Furthermore, an automobile according to yet another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned objectives may include a plurality of cell units according to the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] According to one aspect of the present invention, when configuring a battery pack that includes multiple pouch-type cells, the space utilization rate can be increased. Furthermore, in the case of the present invention, the space occupied by the pouch-type cells can be increased. Therefore, a battery pack with high energy density can be provided.

[0035] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, a cell unit with a simple structure can be provided. Therefore, a battery pack with excellent productivity and reduced manufacturing costs and time can be realized.

[0036] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the protection and handling of pouch-type cells during the manufacturing of the battery pack can be advantageous. Therefore, the ease of assembly and processability of the battery pack can be further improved.

[0037] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a cell unit with a configuration different from that of conventional battery modules. In particular, a cell unit according to one aspect of the present invention is thought to be composed of smaller units than conventional battery modules. For example, a cell unit according to the present invention can have a reduced number of cells and overall size compared to a conventional battery module.

[0038] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, superior expandability can be ensured compared to conventional battery modules and battery packs. In particular, the small cell group (cell unit) according to the present invention can be easily applied to pack housings of various shapes and sizes. Therefore, the present invention offers excellent compatibility with various types of battery packs and excellent expandability, as it can be easily modified and applied even when the design of the pack housing or other components is changed.

[0039] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the propagation of thermal events between cells can be effectively suppressed. In particular, in the present invention, by connecting the vent structure contained inside the cell unit to the vent path (pack channel) of the pack housing and performing rapid directional vent control, the propagation of thermal runaway can be effectively suppressed.

[0040] Furthermore, the present invention can have many other effects, which will be explained in the respective embodiments, or effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art will not be explained.

[0041] The drawings accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further illustrate the technical idea of ​​the invention along with the content of the invention; therefore, the present invention shall not be construed as being limited only to what is shown in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0042] [Figure 1] This is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of a cell unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a combined perspective view of the configuration shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of a vent member according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a vent member according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5]This is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of a cell unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of a cell unit according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a schematic side view showing a partial configuration of a cell unit according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing a portion of the configuration of a cell unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing a vent member included in a cell unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below. [Figure 10] This is an enlarged view of section A5 in Figure 9. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of a cell unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below. [Figure 12] This is an enlarged view of section A6 in Figure 11. [Figure 13] This is a schematic top cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a cell unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view showing the formation of a portion of the cell unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a different direction than that shown in Figure 15. [Figure 15] Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view showing the formation of a portion of the cell unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a different direction. [Figure 16] This is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of a vent member according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] This diagram schematically shows the internal structure of a vent member according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This is a partially enlarged view schematically showing the internal structure of a vent member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This is a lower perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a vent member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] Figure 19 is a schematic lower perspective view showing the configuration of the cell unit including the venting member. [Figure 21] This is a cross-sectional view along the line A9-A9' in Figure 2. [Figure 22] This is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a cell unit according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] This is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a cell unit according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] This is an exploded perspective view illustrating a portion of the battery pack configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] This figure shows the movement of vent gas in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0043] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used herein and in the claims shall not be interpreted in their usual or dictionary sense, but rather in a sense and concept appropriate to the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventor himself may appropriately define the concept of terms in order to best describe the invention.

[0044] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings represent only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the invention. It should be understood that there are various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted for these at the time of filing this application.

[0045] On the other hand, while directional terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used in this specification, these terms are merely for convenience of explanation and can change depending on the position of the object being described, the observer's position, etc., as will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0046] Furthermore, although this specification includes descriptions of various embodiments, each embodiment will be described primarily in terms of its differences from other embodiments, and detailed descriptions will be omitted for parts that are identical or similar to those described in other embodiments.

[0047] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a cell unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a combined perspective view of the configuration in Figure 1.

[0048] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the cell unit according to the present invention includes a pouch-type cell 100 and a unit case 200.

[0049] The pouch-type cell 100 is a secondary battery, particularly a pouch-type secondary battery, in which an electrode assembly and an electrolyte are housed inside an aluminum pouch outer casing, and the outer periphery is sealed. One or more pouch-type cells 100 may be arranged in a cell unit. For example, eight pouch-type cells 100 may be arranged in one cell unit. However, the number of pouch-type cells 100 included in a cell unit can be varied.

[0050] The pouch-type cell 100 may be configured with two electrode leads 101, namely a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead, protruding from one side or both sides. Here, a cell with the two electrode leads 101 on the same side is sometimes called a unidirectional cell, and a cell with the two electrode leads 101 on different sides is sometimes called a bidirectional cell. In Figure 2, for each pouch-type cell 100, the electrode leads 101 are located on the front and rear sides, respectively. Since such a configuration of pouch-type battery cells was already known at the time of filing of the present invention, a detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

[0051] The unit case 200 can accommodate one or more pouch-type cells 100 in its internal space. For example, as shown in A1 of Figure 1, the unit case 200 has an empty space, which is an internal storage space that can accommodate one or more pouch-type cells 100.

[0052] Furthermore, such a unit case 200 can be thinner (e.g., 1-3 mm) and have a simpler shape than the module case that makes up a typical battery module. Also, the unit case 200 can contain fewer pouch-type cells 100 than a typical module case. For example, one module case may contain several dozen pouch-type cells 100, but the unit case 200 can accommodate fewer, for example, 10 or fewer pouch-type cells 100. Therefore, the cell unit according to the present invention can be made up of a smaller unit than a typical battery module.

[0053] The unit case 200 may be made of a metal material in order to ensure a certain level of mechanical rigidity and to improve cooling performance. In particular, the unit case 200 may be made of aluminum.

[0054] Within the internal space of the unit case 200, the pouch-type cell 100 can be housed in an upright position. That is, the pouch-type cell 100 can be erected at the bottom of the unit case 200 such that a portion of the edge (seal portion) surrounding the housing section is located at the top and bottom of the housing section. In this case, the lower edge of the pouch-type cell 100 can abut against the bottom of the unit case 200, and the housing section of the pouch-type cell 100 can be positioned to face horizontally, particularly in the left-right direction (X-axis direction). For this reason, the cell unit can be configured in a suitable form so that such a pouch-type cell 100 is well maintained in an upright position.

[0055] On the other hand, in this specification, unless otherwise specified, the X-axis direction can represent the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction can represent the front-back direction, and the Z-axis direction can represent the up-down direction.

[0056] The cell unit according to the present invention may include a vent member 300.

[0057] The vent member 300, like the pouch-type cell 100, may be located in the internal space A1 of the unit case 200. In particular, the vent member 300 may be positioned adjacent to the pouch-type cell 100. The vent member 300 may be configured so that vent gas flows in and is discharged to the outside. This will be explained in more detail with further reference to Figures 3 and 4.

[0058] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the vent member 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the vent member 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, Figure 4 may be a cross-sectional view along the line A2-A2' in Figure 3.

[0059] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the vent member 300 can be configured such that vent gas flows into it, through its internal space, and is discharged to the outside. In particular, the vent member 300 can be formed with an internal empty space, as shown by V in Figure 4. This empty space can function as a vent passage. Therefore, when vent gas is discharged from the pouch-type cell 100, the vent gas can flow through the vent passage V of the vent member 300 and be discharged to the outside. More specifically, referring to Figure 3, the vent gas discharged from the pouch-type cell 100 can flow into the internal space of the vent member 300, i.e., the vent passage V, as shown by arrow B1. The vent gas that has flowed into the vent member 300 can then flow along the vent passage V, as shown by arrow B2, and be discharged to the outside of the vent passage V, as shown by arrow B3.

[0060] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the propagation of thermal runaway can be effectively prevented. For example, if a thermal runaway situation occurs in a pouch-type cell 100 located adjacent to a vent member 300, and vent gas, heat, flames, etc. are generated, the vent gas, flames, etc. can flow into the interior of the vent member 300 and be discharged to the outside along a predetermined path. Therefore, it is possible to block or suppress the vent gas, flames, etc. from moving toward other normal pouch-type cells 100. Thus, in this case, it is possible to prevent the occurrence and spread of thermal runaway propagation between cells.

[0061] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, a cell unit can be constructed by including fewer pouch-type cells 100 inside the unit case than in a typical battery module. Therefore, multiple battery cells (pouch-type cells) included in a battery pack or the like can be protected on a small scale. In particular, thermal runaway propagation between pouch-type cells 100 included in different cell units can be prevented more effectively.

[0062] Furthermore, the above-described implementation allows for the control of vent gas and flame emissions. In particular, the above-described implementation enables effective directional venting by rapidly venting vent gas while appropriately guiding its direction. Therefore, the above-described implementation can prevent explosions of higher-level components including the pouch-type cell 100, such as cell units, battery modules, and battery packs, and suppress the propagation of heat and flames between cells and modules.

[0063] To ensure such effects as heat and flame blocking, the vent member 300 may have a larger area than the pouch-type cell 100 in order to completely cover the pouch-type cell 100 horizontally. For example, the vent member 300 may be formed to be taller than the pouch-type cell 100 in the vertical direction and longer than the pouch-type cell 100 in the front-to-back direction.

[0064] The vent member 300 may be made of a material with excellent heat resistance because it may be exposed to heat, gas, flames, etc. Furthermore, the vent member 300 may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity to ensure excellent cooling performance. In addition, the vent member 300 may be made of a material with excellent moldability or processability, assembly properties, rigidity, etc. For example, the vent member 300 may include metal materials such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel (SUS), ceramic materials such as mica, or high heat-resistant polymer materials. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such specific materials for the vent member 300.

[0065] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the unit case 200 may comprise a lower case 210 and an upper case 220.

[0066] Here, the lower case 210 can be configured to form a housing space for the pouch-type cell 100. In particular, the lower case 210 can be configured as a folded plate-like member, as shown in Figure 1. For example, the lower case 210 can be formed by folding an aluminum plate into a U-shape. When the lower case 210 is formed in a U-shape, it is sometimes called a U-frame. Furthermore, the lower case 210 can be said to have its central part forming the bottom, and its left and right ends folded vertically to form the left wall and right wall, respectively. In this case, the upper end, front end, and rear end of the lower case 210 can be open.

[0067] The upper case 220 can be connected to the upper end opening of the lower case 210. In particular, if the lower case 210 is configured in a form in which a plate-like member is bent, as in the above embodiment, the lower case 210 can be said to have an upper end opening, a front end opening, and a rear end opening. In this case, the upper case 220 can be connected to the upper end opening formed in the lower case 210 and formed to cover or seal the upper end opening. In particular, the upper case 220 can be formed in a plate-like form, as shown in Figure 1. For example, the upper case 220 may be made of an aluminum plate.

[0068] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the unit case 200 can have a simple structure and be easy to manufacture. In this case, the unit case 200 may also be lightweight and thin. Therefore, it is advantageous for reducing the weight and improving the energy density of battery packs and battery modules. In this case, a simple structure can be realized to protect the pouch-type cell 100.

[0069] In the above implementation configuration, the unit case 200 may further include an end case 230.

[0070] The end cases 230 can be coupled to either the front or rear end opening of the lower case 210, respectively. In particular, if the lower case 210 has both a front and a rear end opening, a single cell unit may have two end cases 230. In this case, the end case 230 coupled to the front end opening may be called the front case, and the end case 230 coupled to the rear end opening may be called the rear case. The end cases 230 may also be configured in a plate shape. In this case, the end cases 230 may be called end plates. Furthermore, the end cases 230 may be made of a metal material such as aluminum.

[0071] According to this embodiment of the present invention, a configuration for protecting one or more pouch-type cells 100 housed inside can be realized with a simple case structure. In particular, according to the above embodiment, a configuration that covers the pouch-type cells 100 housed inside in all directions (up, down, front, back, left, and right) can be easily realized.

[0072] As described above, when a single unit case 200 includes multiple sub-components, each sub-component can be joined by welding. For example, the lower case 210 and the upper case 220 can be joined by welding their edges to each other. Similarly, the end case 230 can be joined by welding its edges to the lower case 210 and the upper case 220. In particular, since the joints between each sub-component can be formed linearly, the welds can also be formed linearly.

[0073] Here, each sub-component to be welded can be made from the same material. For example, the lower case 210, upper case 220, and end case 230 may be made of aluminum. Such an implementation can improve the weldability between multiple sub-components. Thus, the bonding strength of the unit case 200 can be stably ensured, and the assembly of the unit case 200 can also be improved.

[0074] The cell unit according to the present invention may further include a busbar assembly 400.

[0075] The busbar assembly 400 can be electrically connected to the electrode leads 101 of the pouch-type cells 100 housed in the internal space of the unit case 200. In particular, when a cell unit houses multiple pouch-type cells 100, the busbar assembly 400 can electrically connect the multiple pouch-type cells 100 in series and / or parallel. The busbar assembly 400 can also be connected to the electrode leads 101 of the multiple pouch-type cells 100 to structurally fix the multiple pouch-type cells 100 together.

[0076] The busbar assembly 400 may be provided in the pouch-type cell 100 at the location where the electrode leads 101 are located, for connection with the electrode leads 101. For example, referring to the embodiment in Figure 1, since the electrode leads 101 of the pouch-type cell 100 protrude forward and backward, the busbar assembly 400 may be located on the front and rear sides of the pouch-type cell 100, respectively. In particular, as shown in Figure 1, multiple busbar assemblies 400 may be included in a single cell unit. Furthermore, if the cell stacks stacked in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) are arranged in multiple rows in the front-back direction (Y-axis direction), two busbar assemblies 400 may be located at both the front and rear ends of each cell row. Therefore, if the cell stacks are arranged in two rows, four busbar assemblies may be arranged in the front-back direction.

[0077] The busbar assembly 400 may include busbar terminals 410 and a busbar frame 420.

[0078] Here, the busbar terminal 410 may be made of a conductive (electrically conductive) metal material such as copper or aluminum. For example, the busbar terminal 410 may be formed in the shape of a copper bar. The busbar terminal 410 can enable electrical connection between the pouch-type cell 100 and the inside or outside of the cell unit. Furthermore, the busbar terminal 410 may be directly in contact with and fixed to the electrode lead 101. In this case, the busbar terminal 410 and the electrode lead 101 may be welded to each other in order to maintain the contact and fixed state.

[0079] The busbar frame 420 is a component for supporting the busbar terminals 410 and may be made of an electrically insulating material for insulation from the electrode leads 101 and the busbar terminals 410. For example, the busbar frame 420 may be made of a plastic material. The busbar frame 420 may be made in a substantially plate shape. In particular, as shown in Figure 1, the busbar frame 420 may be made in a form in which two wide surfaces are erected vertically in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction), that is, facing the pouch-type cell 100 or its laminate. On the other hand, if the two wide surfaces of the pouch-type cell 100 are erected facing left-to-right, the busbar frame 420 may be erected so that the two wide surfaces are facing substantially front-to-back. In this case, the pouch-type cell 100 and the busbar frame 420 can be said to be erected in a form that is substantially orthogonal to each other.

[0080] A portion of the busbar assembly 400, particularly the busbar terminals 410, is exposed to the outside of the unit case 200 and can function as terminals for the cell unit. For example, the busbar terminals 410 of the busbar assembly 400 located in the center in Figure 1 may have their upper ends exposed to the outside by penetrating the unit case 200. For this purpose, a terminal hole may be formed in the unit case 200, for example, the upper case 220, as indicated by H1. Then, as shown by E in Figure 2, a portion of the busbar terminals 410 exposed to the outside by penetrating the terminal hole H1 of the unit case 200 can function as a unit terminal. Furthermore, at least two unit terminals E are provided on a single cell unit, which can function as a positive terminal and a negative terminal, respectively. Such unit terminals E allow for the electrical connection of one cell unit to other external components. For example, one cell unit can be electrically connected to another cell unit via the unit terminals E. In this case, the cell units can be electrically connected in series and / or parallel by providing separate connecting members to the unit terminals E. Furthermore, the unit terminal E may be connected to the terminals of a battery module or battery pack that includes a cell unit, so that charging and discharging power can be exchanged.

[0081] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the electrical connection structure of the cell unit can be realized in a simple form.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the busbar frame 420 may be located between the pouch-type cell 100 and the end case 230. Furthermore, a cell array may be formed in the cell unit by stacking a plurality of pouch-type cells 100 in a predetermined direction, for example, the left-right direction (X-axis direction). In this case, the busbar frame 420 may be configured to have an area that covers the entire front or rear side of the cell array. Alternatively, the busbar frame 420 may be formed to have a shape and size similar to the end case 230 and configured to cover the entire inside of the end case 230.

[0083] Furthermore, the busbar frame 420 is housed in the internal space formed by the lower case 210 and the upper case 220, but its ends may be configured to contact the inner surfaces of the lower case 210 and the upper case 220. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the busbar frame 420 is formed in a plate shape that is erected substantially vertically, but its lower edge and left and right edges may be configured to continuously contact the inner surface of the U-shaped frame of the lower case 210. The upper edge of the busbar frame 420 may be configured to continuously contact the inner surface, i.e., the lower surface, of the upper case 220.

[0084] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the coupling between the busbar frame 420 and the unit case 200 can be more stably ensured. In this case, by sealing the space between the busbar frame 420 and the unit case 200, it is possible to prevent vent gas, flames, etc., generated from the pouch-type cell 100 from leaking to the end case 230.

[0085] On the other hand, in the cell unit according to the present invention, the position and shape of the unit terminal E, and the structure of the part in which the unit terminal E is provided can be configured in various ways. This will be explained in more detail with reference to Figures 5 to 7.

[0086] Figures 5 and 6 are schematic perspective views illustrating the configuration of a cell unit according to different embodiments of the present invention. Figure 7 is a schematic side view illustrating the configuration of a part of a cell unit according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. For example, Figure 7 is a modified example of the configuration in Figure 5 and can be said to be a schematic diagram showing the configuration as viewed from the direction of arrow B4.

[0087] First, referring to Figure 5, the unit terminal E may be provided in a recess of the unit case 200. For example, a recess that is recessed downwards may be formed in the central part of the upper case 220, as shown by G1. In this case, the recess G1 may be configured to be open on the top and left sides. The unit terminal E may then be located in such a recess G1 of the upper case 220.

[0088] With this implementation configuration, the degree to which the unit terminal E protrudes outward from the unit case 200 can be reduced or eliminated. For example, by forming the unit terminal E in the recess G1 of the upper case 220, the degree to which it protrudes upward can be reduced or eliminated.

[0089] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the protection performance of the unit terminal E can be improved by reducing exposure of the unit terminal E to external shocks, foreign objects, etc.

[0090] Furthermore, the cell unit according to the present invention may further include a terminal cover 900, as shown in Figure 5. The terminal cover 900 may be configured to surround the outside of the unit terminal E. For example, the terminal cover 900 may be configured to cover the upper and / or left side of the unit terminal E located on the upper case 220.

[0091] Furthermore, the terminal cover 900 may have a coupling structure for connecting with the unit case 200. For example, the terminal cover 900 can be inserted and fastened to the unit case 200. As a more specific example, referring to the embodiment in Figure 5, the terminal cover 900 may have a fastening projection that protrudes downward, as shown by D1. The upper case 220 may have a fastening hole corresponding to the fastening projection D1 of the terminal cover 900, as shown by D2.

[0092] In this configuration, the terminal cover 900 can be joined to the upper case 220 by inserting and fastening the fastening projection D1 of the terminal cover 900 into the fastening hole D2 of the upper case 220.

[0093] In particular, as described above, if a recess G1 is formed in the unit case 200 to which the terminal cover 900 is coupled, for example, the upper case 220, and the unit terminal E is located in such a recess G1, the coupling configuration of the terminal cover 900 can be realized more easily. Furthermore, the terminal cover 900 may have a flat outer surface, and this outer surface may be configured to be substantially parallel to the outer surface of the unit case 200, or even to be located on substantially the same plane.

[0094] According to this embodiment of the present invention, not only the unit terminal E but also the terminal cover 900 can be made so that they do not protrude too much outward from the unit case 200, for example, the upper case 220. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the structure of the terminal cover 900 can be simplified, which may make it easier to manufacture and assemble the terminal cover 900.

[0095] Next, as shown in Figure 6, the unit terminal E can also be located at the longitudinal end of the cell unit. That is, in the implementations in Figures 2 and 5, the unit terminal E is located approximately in the center of the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction), which is the longitudinal direction of the cell unit, whereas in the implementation in Figure 6, the unit terminal E is located at the longitudinal end of the cell unit, particularly the front end.

[0096] According to this embodiment of the present invention, since the unit terminal E is located at the corner of the cell unit, the connection configuration of the unit terminal E can be realized more easily. In particular, multiple cell units may be stacked, and in this case, the stacking direction is likely to be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cell unit. In this case, as shown in Figure 6, if the unit terminal E is located at the longitudinal end, such as the front end of the cell unit, the connection process between the unit terminals E can be made easier.

[0097] Next, referring to the implementation in Figure 7, similar to the implementation in Figure 5, the unit terminal E may be provided in a recess as shown by G1'. However, in the implementation in Figure 7, unlike the implementation in Figure 5, the unit terminal E may be located on the side of the recess G1' rather than on the bottom surface of the recess G1'.

[0098] More specifically, the recess G1' is provided in the upper case 220, is concave downwards, and may have a bottom surface indicated by G11 and a side surface indicated by G12. In this case, the unit terminal E may be located on the side surface G12 of the recess G1'. In particular, the side surface G12 of the recess G1' may be formed at an angle. That is, the side surface G12 of the recess G1' may be formed not perpendicular to the bottom surface G11, but at an acute or obtuse angle. In this case, the side surface G12 of the recess G1' may be an inclined surface. In such a configuration, the unit terminal E may be located on the inclined surface of the recess G1'.

[0099] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the outward protrusion height of the unit terminal E can be reduced without shortening the length of the unit terminal E. Therefore, the external exposure of the unit terminal E can be more effectively suppressed. Furthermore, in this case, the depth of the recess G1' in which the unit terminal E is located does not need to be increased. Therefore, the reduction in the internal space of the unit case 200 due to the formation of the recess G1' can be minimized. Thus, the energy density of the cell unit can be improved, and interference between the unit case 200 and internal components such as the pouch-type cell 100 and the busbar assembly 400 can be reduced.

[0100] In the multiple embodiments shown in Figures 2, 5 to 7, only embodiments in which the unit terminal E is located on the upper case 220 are shown. However, the unit terminal E can also be located in a part other than the upper case 220. For example, the unit terminal E can also be located on the end case 230 side.

[0101] On the other hand, the busbar assembly 400 may include a terminal sealing member 430. This will be explained in more detail with reference to Figure 8.

[0102] Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing a portion of the configuration of a cell unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, Figure 8 may show an enlarged configuration of portion A4 of Figure 1.

[0103] Referring to Figures 1 and 8, the busbar assembly 400 may be provided with a terminal sealing member 430 that surrounds a portion of the busbar terminal 410 constituting the unit terminal E. In particular, the terminal sealing member 430 may be configured to seal the terminal hole H1 of the unit case 200 while being in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the busbar terminal 410. That is, the terminal sealing member 430 can seal the remaining portion of the terminal hole H1 excluding the portion occupied by the busbar terminal 410. The terminal sealing member 430 may be made of a material having elasticity, electrical insulation, etc. For example, the terminal sealing member 430 may be made of silicone or rubber. The terminal sealing member 430 may also include a material to improve heat resistance. For example, the terminal sealing member 430 may be configured to have a heat-resistant ceramic coating layer on the outer surface of a silicone material.

[0104] According to this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent vent gas and the like, generated in situations such as thermal runaway, from leaking out from the unit terminal E side. Therefore, in this case, more effective vent control may be possible.

[0105] The cell unit according to the present invention may further include an insulating cover 500, as shown in Figure 1. The insulating cover 500 may be made of an electrically insulating material such as rubber, plastic, or ceramic. In particular, the insulating cover 500 may be interposed between the pouch-type cell 100 and the end case 230. Furthermore, since a busbar assembly 400 may be provided on the electrode lead 101 side of the pouch-type cell 100, it can also be said that the insulating cover 500 is interposed between such a busbar assembly 400 and the end case 230.

[0106] With this configuration, even if the end case 230 is made of a conductive material such as aluminum, insulation between the end case 230 and the electrode lead 101 can be ensured. Furthermore, with this configuration, since the insulating cover 500 is located on the end case 230 side, leakage of vent gas and the like from the end case 230 side can be suppressed. For this reason, the insulating cover 500 can be configured to be similar in size and shape to the end case 230.

[0107] Furthermore, the cell unit according to the present invention may further include a connector 600, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0108] The connector 600 is provided on one side of the cell unit and may be configured to transmit and / or receive signals or data between the cell unit and external components. For example, the connector 600 may be provided to transmit information regarding the electrical characteristics of one or more pouch-type cells 100 contained inside the cell unit, such as voltage and current. As another example, the connector 600 may be provided to transmit temperature measurement information from inside and outside the cell unit to the outside. In this case, the cell unit may separately include a temperature sensor. For example, the connector 600 may be a path for transmitting temperature information measured by a thermistor provided in the internal space of the unit case 200 to other external components. In particular, the connector 600 may be connected to a control unit, such as a Battery Management System (BMS), located outside the cell unit, by a connecting cable or the like. In this case, information from the cell unit may be transmitted to the BMS via the connector 600.

[0109] In the embodiment equipped with the connector 600 as described above, the connector 600 may be exposed to the outside of the unit case 200. For this reason, the unit case 200, for example, the end case 230, may have a connecting hole formed therein for the connector 600 to pass through, as shown by H2 in Figure 1. Furthermore, if the insulating cover 500 is located inside the end case 230, the insulating cover 500 may also have another connecting hole, i.e., an insulating connecting hole, formed therein, as shown by H2' in Figure 1, in a position and shape corresponding to the connecting hole H2. In this case, the connector 600 located inside the unit case 200 may be exposed to the outside of the unit case 200 by sequentially passing through the insulating connecting hole H2' and the connecting hole H2.

[0110] Furthermore, in the above-described implementation, connection sealing members may be provided in the insulating connection hole H2' and connection hole H2 through which the connector 600 passes, in order to more reliably prevent the leakage of vent gas and the like.

[0111] Furthermore, the cell unit according to the present invention may further include a pad member 710, as shown in Figure 1.

[0112] The pad member 710 is plate-shaped and can be interposed between the wide surface of the cell unit and the lower case 210. Furthermore, the pad member 710 can be erected vertically and arranged in parallel with the pouch-type cell 100. In particular, multiple pouch-type cells 100 can be stacked horizontally in the internal space of the unit case 200. In this case, the pad member 710 can be interposed between the outermost cell and the inner surface of the side wall of the lower case 210.

[0113] The pad member 710 may be configured in a substantially plate shape, but it may have a certain thickness or more to prevent the outer surface of the pouch-type cell 100 from directly contacting the inner surface of the unit case 200. Furthermore, the pad member 710 may be configured to absorb swelling of the pouch-type cell 100. The pad member 710 may also be made of a material that is elastic and / or electrically insulating. For example, the pad member 710 may be made of polyurethane material.

[0114] According to this embodiment of the present invention, even if swelling occurs in the pouch-type cell 100, the pad member 710 absorbs the swelling, thereby preventing damage, breakage, deformation, etc., to the pouch-type cell 100 and the unit case 200. Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, even if the unit case 200 is made of a conductive material such as aluminum, electrical insulation between the pouch-type cell 100 and the unit case 200 can be ensured.

[0115] Furthermore, the cell unit according to the present invention may further include a sheet member 720, as shown in Figure 1.

[0116] The sheet member 720 may be configured in a plate shape, similar to the pad member 710, but may be thinner than the pad member 710. The sheet member 720 may also be arranged in a vertical configuration parallel to the pouch-type cell 100. In particular, the sheet member 720 may be interposed between the pouch-type cell 100 and the vent member 300. The sheet member 720 can prevent the pouch-type cell 100 from directly contacting the vent member 300. Furthermore, the sheet member 720 may be made of an electrically insulating material.

[0117] According to this embodiment of the present invention, even if the vent member 300 is made of a conductive material such as aluminum, electrical insulation between the pouch-type cell 100 and the vent member 300 can be stably ensured.

[0118] The vent member 300 can be configured in the shape of a plate. In this case, the vent member 300 can be said to have two wide surfaces. For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the vent member 300 can be configured in the shape of an upright plate. In this case, the two wide surfaces of the vent member 300 can be said to be configured to face horizontally, for example, in the left-right direction (X-axis direction).

[0119] Furthermore, the vent member 300 may be configured to face an adjacent pouch-type cell 100. That is, the vent member 300 may be positioned such that at least one of its two wide surfaces faces the wide surface of the pouch-type cell 100. For example, the pouch-type cell 100 may be positioned to the left and / or right of the vent member 300 when the vent member 300 is erected so that both surfaces face left and right. In particular, the pouch-type cell 100 may be positioned adjacent to the vent member 300 when the wide surface of its housing faces left and right.

[0120] According to this embodiment of the present invention, when one or more pouch-type cells 100 and vent members 300 are stacked to form a laminate, it is possible to effectively control venting by the vent members 300 while preventing the thickness of the laminate from increasing. In other words, in the above embodiment, the overall size of the cell unit does not increase, dead space is reduced, and the energy density of the cell unit can be further improved.

[0121] Furthermore, with this configuration, the distance between the pouch-type cell 100 and the vent member 300 can be shortened, allowing vent gas and the like discharged from the pouch-type cell 100 to be quickly discharged to the outside through the vent member 300. In addition, with this configuration, even with a reduced width for the vent member 300, a good effect of blocking heat and flames from reaching adjacent pouch-type cells 100 can be obtained.

[0122] The vent member 300 may be configured to contact the inner surface of the unit case 200. For example, the vent member 300 may be configured so that its upper and lower ends continuously contact the lower surface of the upper case 220 and the upper surface of the lower case 210. Alternatively, the vent member 300 may be configured so that its front and rear ends contact the inner surfaces of the end case 230 or the busbar assembly 400.

[0123] According to this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent vent gas, flames, etc. from leaking through the gap between the vent member 300 and the unit case 200 or busbar assembly 400. Therefore, the vent gas control effect and the heat / flame shielding effect can be further improved.

[0124] In particular, with respect to one pouch-type cell 100, a vent member 300 may be located on one side and a unit case 200 on the other side. For example, in the case of a pouch-type cell 100 located to the right of a vent member 300, the vent member 300 may be located on the left side and the unit case 200 on the right side. In this case, the left and right sides of the pouch-type cell 100 are blocked by the vent member 300 and the unit case 200, respectively, and the propagation of heat and flames can be suppressed.

[0125] Furthermore, the vent member 300 may be formed to have an upper end and / or lower end that are wider than the other parts.

[0126] For example, as shown in A8 of Figure 4, the upper end of the vent member 300 can be extended to have a wider width in the left-right direction than other parts. The extended portion formed at the upper end of the vent member 300 in this manner can then be tightly fixed to the inner surface of the unit case 200, for example, the lower surface of the upper case 220.

[0127] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the vent member 300 can be stably fixed in the internal space of the unit case 200. In particular, when the vent member 300 is configured in a plate shape and placed upright in the internal space of the unit case 200, the extension configuration A8 at the upper end allows the vent member 300 to stand precisely vertically to the ground without tilting to the left or right. Therefore, the structural stability and ease of assembly of the cell unit can be improved. Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, even if pressure is applied to the vent member 300 in a situation where vent gas or the like is generated, the vent member 300 can be minimized from being pushed or deformed.

[0128] In particular, the extended portion of the vent member 300 may be configured so that both ends protrude outward, for example, upward, compared to other parts. For example, as shown in part A8 of Figure 4, the extended portion of the vent member 300 may be configured so that both the left and right ends protrude upward. In this case, it is possible to more effectively prevent the upright position of the vent member 300 from tilting to the left or right due to assembly tolerances or the like.

[0129] Multiple pouch-type cells 100 can be housed in the internal space of the unit case 200. For example, referring to the configuration shown in Figure 1, four pouch-type cells 100 can be stacked in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) in the internal space of the unit case 200. In this case, each pouch-type cell 100 can be arranged side by side in the left-right direction with its wide surface facing each other, while being erected vertically so that the wide surfaces of the housing portion face each other.

[0130] In such an implementation, the vent member 300 can be interposed between adjacent pouch-type cells 100. For example, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 1, the vent member 300 can be interposed only between the two central pouch-type cells 100 out of four pouch-type cells 100 stacked in the left-right direction. In this case, two pouch-type cells 100 are stacked to the left of the vent member 300, and the other two pouch-type cells 100 are stacked to the right of the vent member 300. However, the vent member 300 can also be interposed between all of the pouch-type cells 100 stacked in the left-right direction.

[0131] In this case, the vent member 300 may have openings on both sides for allowing vent gas to flow in. For example, if the vent member 300 is configured as a plate that is erected to have a left side and a right side, then inlets I may be formed on the left side and the right side, respectively.

[0132] According to this embodiment of the present invention, more efficient vent control and heat / flame blocking effects can be achieved. That is, one vent member 300 can play a role in venting multiple different pouch-type cells 100 located on both sides together. In addition, the vent member 300 can prevent or suppress the mutual transmission of heat, gas, flame, etc. between the different pouch-type cells 100 located on both sides.

[0133] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a vent member 300 included in a cell unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below. Figure 10 is an enlarged view of part A5 of Figure 9.

[0134] Referring further to Figures 9 and 10 in conjunction with the above-mentioned figures, the vent member 300 may have an inlet indicated by I and an outlet indicated by O. Such an inlet I and outlet O may be configured to communicate with the internal space of the vent member 300, i.e., the vent flow path V. In this case, the inlet I and outlet O may be located at different positions from each other and configured to open the vent flow path V at different points from each other.

[0135] The inlet I may be formed on the side of the vent member 300 facing the pouch-type cell 100. For example, the vent member 300 may be configured as an upright plate, with its left and right planes facing the pouch-type cell 100. In this case, the inlet I may be formed on the surface of the vent member 300 facing the pouch-type cell 100, i.e., on the left and right planes, respectively.

[0136] Furthermore, the outlet O may be formed on a side of the vent member 300 that does not face the pouch-type cell 100. For example, if pouch-type cells 100 are arranged on the left and right sides of the vent member 300, the outlet O may be provided on a side other than the left and right sides of the vent member 300. As a more specific example, the outlet O may be provided on the lower edge portion of the vent member 300, as shown in Figures 3 and 10.

[0137] The inlet I may be configured to allow vent gas, flames, etc., generated from the pouch-type cell 100 to flow into the vent channel V. Therefore, the inlet I may be exposed to the internal space of the unit case 200 where the pouch-type cell 100 is located, but may not be exposed to the external space of the unit case 200. In other words, as shown in Figure 2, the inlet I may not be exposed to the outside when the cell unit is assembled.

[0138] Furthermore, the outlet O may be configured to discharge vent gas, flames, etc., flowing inside the vent channel V to the outside. Therefore, the outlet O may be exposed to the external space of the unit case 200. This will be explained in more detail with reference to Figures 11 and 12.

[0139] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a cell unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below. Figure 12 is an enlarged view of part A6 of Figure 11.

[0140] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, the unit case 200 may be configured to limit the internal space so that most of the pouch-type cell 100 and vent member 300 housed within the internal space are not exposed to the outside. However, one side of the unit case 200, for example, the bottom of the lower case 210, may be provided with a vent hole that opens up the internal space, as shown by H3 in Figure 12. That is, the unit case 200 may have a vent hole H3 formed at a position corresponding to the outlet O of the vent member 300. Furthermore, the unit case 200 may be configured to completely enclose the internal space housing the pouch-type cell 100 and vent member 300, except for the vent hole H3, and in particular to seal the internal space.

[0141] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the vent hole H3 can communicate with the outlet O of the vent member 300. That is, the outlet O of the vent member 300 can be exposed to the outside through the vent hole H3 of the unit case 200. However, other parts of the vent member 300 other than the outlet O, such as the pouch-type cell 100, may be kept from being exposed through such a vent hole H3 inside the unit case 200.

[0142] According to this embodiment of the present invention, vent gas and the like that flowing into the internal space of the vent member 300, i.e., the vent flow path V, can be discharged to the outside of the unit case 200 through the outlet O and the vent hole H3. In other words, as shown by the arrow in Figure 3, a configuration in which vent gas is discharged through the vent member 300 can be easily realized. In particular, according to the above embodiment, vent gas and flames ejected from the pouch-type cell 100 can be quickly introduced into the vent member 300. Therefore, when vent gas is generated inside the cell unit, the internal pressure can be quickly reduced to prevent explosions, etc. Furthermore, heat inside the cell unit can also be discharged to the outside, reducing the risk of thermal runaway and fire.

[0143] Furthermore, according to the above configuration, vent gas, flames, etc. discharged from the pouch-type cell 100 can be directly discharged to the outside of the unit case 200 via the vent member 300. Therefore, it is possible to prevent or minimize contact with or influence of vent gas, flames, etc., on other pouch-type cells 100 contained inside the unit case 200.

[0144] Figure 13 is a schematic upper cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a cell unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0145] Referring to Figure 13, the vent member 300 can be attached to the inner surface of the unit case 200. More specifically, one or more pouch-type cells 100 can be arranged inside the unit case 200 in a configuration where they are elongated and erected in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction). Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Figure 13, multiple pouch-type cells 100 are arranged in the left-to-right direction (X-axis direction) and the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) to form a cell array.

[0146] In this case, the vent member 300 can be attached to the inner surface of the unit case 200. That is, the vent member 300 can be interposed between the unit case 200 and the pouch-type cell 100. Furthermore, if the pouch-type cell 100 is housed inside the unit case 200 in a vertically upright position, the vent member 300 can also be attached to the inner surface of the unit case 200 in an upright position. In such an implementation, the inlet I of the vent member 300 can be formed on only one plane. For example, in the case of a vent member 300 attached to the inner surface of the left side wall of the unit case 200, the inlet I may be formed only on the right-side plane facing the pouch-type cell 100, and not on the left-side plane facing the unit case 200.

[0147] According to this embodiment of the present invention, since the vent member 300 is provided inside the unit case 200, it is advantageous for protecting the unit case 200 from vent gas, flames, heat, etc., and it is possible to more effectively protect the pouch-type cell 100 from external impacts, etc. According to the above embodiment, the vent member 300 blocks the direct movement of vent gas, flames, heat, etc. towards the unit case 200, thereby more effectively preventing vent gas, flames, etc. from being discharged or moving in unintended directions, such as through gaps in the unit case 200. Therefore, in the above embodiment, the effect of suppressing heat propagation can be further improved. In addition, according to the above embodiment, it is not necessary to interpose the vent member 300 when stacking multiple pouch-type cells 100. Therefore, the assembly of the cell array can be made easier.

[0148] Furthermore, the vent members 300 may be located on both sides of the pouch-type cell 100 housed within the unit case 200.

[0149] For example, referring to the implementation configuration in Figure 13, multiple pouch-type cells 100 can be stacked in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) inside the unit case 200. Vent members 300 can then be located on the left and right outer sides of such a cell stack. In Figure 13, the vent member 300 located on the left side is labeled 300L, and the vent member 300 located on the right side is labeled 300R. In other words, the vent members 300 can be positioned on both sides of the stacking direction of the cell array. In another example, if only one pouch-type cell 100 is housed in the unit case 200, different vent members 300 can be located on both the left and right housing portions of that single pouch-type cell 100.

[0150] Furthermore, multiple pouch-type cells 100 can be arranged in the front-to-back direction, i.e., in the longitudinal direction of the pouch-type cells 100, within the unit case 200. For example, referring to the embodiment in Figure 13, a cell stack formed by stacking in the left-to-right direction can be arranged in multiple rows, for example, two rows, in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction). In this case, one vent member 300 can be located on the outside of the same side of different cell rows. For example, in the embodiment in Figure 13, the left-side member 300L can be commonly located on the left side of two cell rows, and the right-side member 300R can be commonly located on the right side of two cell rows. In other examples, different vent members 300 can be arranged in each cell row.

[0151] According to this embodiment of the present invention, since the vent members 300 are arranged on both outer casings of the pouch-type cell 100, venting by the vent members 300 can be controlled more reliably. Furthermore, leakage of vent gas, etc., to unintended parts of the unit case 200 can be prevented more reliably. In addition, since both sides of the pouch-type cell 100 are protected by the vent members 300, the protective effect on the pouch-type cell 100 can be further improved.

[0152] The vent member 300 may be provided with an inlet I in the portion facing the terrace of the adjacent pouch-type cell 100. This will be explained in more detail with reference to Figures 14 and 15.

[0153] Figures 14 and 15 are exploded perspective views showing some configurations of a cell unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from different directions.

[0154] Referring to Figures 14 and 15, a vent member 300 is interposed between two pouch-type cells 100. More specifically, a first cell C1 may be positioned facing the left side of the vent member 300, and a second cell C2 may be positioned facing the right side of the vent member 300. Here, each of the pouch-type cells 100 may be provided with a terrace portion, as indicated by T. The terrace portion T may represent the portion of the sealing portion surrounding the housing in the pouch-type cell 100 from which the electrode leads 101 protrude.

[0155] In this configuration, the vent member 300 may have an inlet formed in the portion facing the terrace T. For example, referring to Figure 14, the vent member 300 may have first inlets, indicated by I11 and I12, formed on the front and rear ends of the left side plane facing the terraces T11 and T12 of the first cell C1. Next, looking at Figure 15, the vent member 300 may have second inlets, indicated by I21 and I22, formed on the front and rear ends of the right side surface facing the terraces T21 and T22 of the second cell C2.

[0156] According to this embodiment of the present invention, when vent gas is discharged from the pouch-type cell 100, the vent gas can be introduced into the vent member 300 more quickly. That is, in the case of a pouch-type battery cell, if the internal pressure becomes high, rupture is likely to occur on the terrace portion T side where the electrode leads 101 are located. In particular, when the pouch-type cells 100 are stacked horizontally in an upright position, the upper and lower seal portions of the pouch-type cell 100 may fold due to volume reduction, etc. Therefore, when vent gas is ejected from the pouch-type cell 100, the vent gas is likely to be ejected from the terrace portion T side among the multiple seal portions. At this time, if the inlet I of the vent member 300 is located in a part adjacent to and facing the terrace portion T, the vent gas ejected from the terrace portion T can quickly flow into the internal space of the vent member 300. Furthermore, in this case, the flow of vent gas to parts other than the vent member 300 within the internal space of the unit case 200 can be suppressed to the greatest extent possible, and problems caused by vent gas, such as heating of other parts of the pouch-type cell 100 or heating of other pouch-type cells 100, can be prevented.

[0157] The vent member 300 may have two inlets I corresponding to one pouch-type cell 100. For example, referring to Figure 14, two inlets, namely a first forward inlet I11 and a first rear inlet I12, may be arranged corresponding to the first cell C1. Also, as shown in Figure 15, two inlets, namely a second forward inlet I21 and a second rear inlet I22, may be arranged corresponding to the second cell C2.

[0158] Furthermore, if the terrace portion T is located in two or more parts of a single pouch-type cell 100, multiple inlets I may also be formed. In particular, if the electrode leads 101 are provided protruding in both directions, for example, in the front and rear directions, the terrace portion T may be located on the front and rear sides of the pouch-type cell 100, respectively. For example, in the case of the first cell C1, terrace portions T may be provided on the front and rear sides, as shown by T11 and T12. In this case, the vent member 300 may have two first inlets, indicated by I11 and I12, on the front and rear sides of its left side, corresponding to these two terrace portions T11 and T12. The vent member 300 may also have two second inlets, indicated by I21 and I22, on the front and rear sides of its right side, facing the front terrace portion T21 and rear terrace portion T22 of the second cell C2. In other words, the vent member 300 may have two inlets spaced apart in the front-to-back direction, which is the longitudinal direction where the electrode leads 101 of the pouch-type cell 100 are located at both ends.

[0159] Thus, in an embodiment in which two inlets I are formed corresponding to one pouch-type cell 100, the outlet O can be formed between the two inlets I. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 14, the vent member 300 may have an outlet O formed between two first inlets, namely the first forward inlet I11 and the first rear inlet I12. In particular, the outlet O may be located in the central part between the two first inlets I11 and I12 that are spaced apart in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction) of the vent member 300. This outlet O is in communication with the two first inlets I11 and I12, and allows fluid that has flowed into the vent flow path V via the two first inlets I11 and I12 to be discharged to the outside of the vent member 300.

[0160] Furthermore, referring to the implementation configuration in Figure 15, an outlet O can be formed between two second inlets, namely the second forward inlet I21 and the second rear inlet I22. This outlet O is in communication with the two second inlets I21 and I22, allowing the fluid that flows into the vent channel V via the two second inlets I21 and I22 to be discharged to the outside of the vent member 300.

[0161] Furthermore, one outlet O can be in common with the first inlets I11 and I12 and the second inlets I21 and I22. That is, the outlet O shown in Figure 14, i.e., the outlet O that is in communication with the first inlets I11 and I12, can be the same outlet O that is in communication with the second inlets I21 and I22 shown in Figure 15.

[0162] In this configuration, the outlet O is located between the two inlets I and may be located in the housing of the corresponding pouch-type cell 100, particularly in the central portion. In this case, when venting gas or flames, the discharged portion can be located as far away as possible from the electrode lead 101 side of each pouch-type cell 100. In particular, other cell units may be present on the electrode lead 101 side of the pouch-type cell 100. Therefore, by venting vent gas or flames to a portion away from the electrode lead 101, the impact of vent gas or flames ejected from a specific cell unit on other cell units can be minimized. Consequently, in this case, thermal runaway propagation between cell units can be prevented more effectively.

[0163] Furthermore, electrical components such as busbars may be located on the side where the electrode lead 101 is situated. According to the above embodiment, it is possible to prevent vent gas, flames, etc. from being discharged near these electrical components. Therefore, damage to electrical components due to vent gas, flames, etc. can be prevented.

[0164] The vent member 300 may be configured such that the flow direction of the fluid flowing into the inlet I and the flow direction of the fluid flowing inside the vent channel V are perpendicular to each other.

[0165] For example, referring to Figure 3, the flow direction of the vent gas flowing into inlet I can be left-right (X-axis direction), as indicated by arrow B1. Furthermore, once the vent gas enters through inlet I, it can flow through the vent channel V in the forward-backward direction (Y-axis direction), as indicated by arrow B2. In this case, both the direction of arrow B1 and the direction of arrow B2 are horizontal, but they can be said to be orthogonal to each other.

[0166] With this implementation configuration, when vent gas is ejected from the pouch-type cell 100, the discharge of flames, sparks, active material particles, etc., that are ejected along with the vent gas can be suppressed. In particular, flames, sparks, and active material particles have high linearity when moving. Therefore, as in the above implementation configuration, their movement can be suppressed by switching their direction of movement to a vertical direction. Furthermore, if flames, sparks, and active material particles are discharged to the outside of the unit case 200, they may be directed towards other surrounding components, such as other cell units, and could cause thermal runaway or ignition to the outside. However, in the above implementation configuration, by suppressing the discharge of such flames, sparks, and active material particles to the outside, the causes of such thermal runaway and ignition can be blocked.

[0167] Furthermore, the vent member 300 may be configured such that the flow direction of the fluid flowing through the vent channel V and the flow direction of the fluid flowing out from the outlet O are perpendicular to each other.

[0168] For example, referring to Figure 3, the vent gas flowing through the vent channel V in the forward / backward direction (Y-axis direction) indicated by arrow B2 can be switched to the upward / downward direction (Z-axis direction) indicated by arrow B3 at the outlet O side of the vent member 300. Furthermore, even in this case, the flow direction of the fluid flowing into the inlet I and the flow direction of the fluid flowing out of the outlet O can be perpendicular to each other.

[0169] With this implementation configuration, by switching the exhaust path for sparks and flames to a vertical direction as described above, the exhaust of flames and sparks to the outside can be suppressed, thereby more reliably blocking the factors that could cause thermal runaway or ignition to the outside.

[0170] Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the vent member 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 17 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the vent member 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, Figures 16 and 17 may be the vent member 300 described in the embodiments of Figures 14 and 15.

[0171] Referring to Figure 16 in conjunction with Figure 4, the vent member 300 is configured in a substantially upright plate shape, and more specifically, it may comprise a first vent plate 310 and a second vent plate 320. That is, the vent member 300 may have a first vent plate 310 and a second vent plate 320, each formed in an upright shape and arranged parallel to each other with a gap between them in the left-right direction. The first vent plate 310 and the second vent plate 320 may be joined in the left-right direction to form a single vent member 300. In this case, the first vent plate 310 and the second vent plate 320 may be manufactured separately and then joined by welding, bolting, adhesive, or other methods at their edges, or they may be manufactured integrally from the beginning by an extrusion method. Furthermore, when the first vent plate 310 and the second vent plate 320 are joined, a separation space may be formed on the left and right sides, and such a separation space can form the hollow of the vent member 300, i.e., the vent flow path V.

[0172] Furthermore, the vent member 300 may have inlets I formed on opposite sides. That is, the vent member 300 may have a first inlet I1 formed on the first vent plate 310 and a second inlet I2 formed on the second vent plate 320. In this case, the inlets I formed on both sides, i.e., the first inlet I1 and the second inlet I2, may be configured so that they are not symmetrical with respect to the center line in the left-right direction.

[0173] In particular, the first inlet I1 is formed on the first vent plate 310 of the vent member 300, while the second inlet I2 is not formed on the first vent plate 310 but on the second vent plate 320. However, in Figure 17, for the sake of explanation, the relative position of the second inlet I2 is shown as a dotted line on the first vent plate 310 when the first vent plate 310 and the second vent plate 320 are joined together.

[0174] Referring to Figures 16 and 17, the first inlet I1 and the second inlet I2 may be configured so as not to be symmetrical with respect to the left-right central axis of the vent member 300. That is, the first inlet I1 and the second inlet I2 may be configured to be formed at different positions when reversed in the left-right direction. As a more specific example, the first inlet I1 and the second inlet I2 may be formed at different positions in the vertical and / or front-back directions.

[0175] In particular, the two inlets I formed on different sides of the vent member 300 can be configured so that they do not overlap at all. For example, as shown in Figure 17, the first inlet I1 and the second inlet I2 can be formed at different positions in the vertical direction and arranged so that there are no overlapping portions in the vertical direction.

[0176] In this configuration, the first inlet I1 may be configured to open the vent flow path V of the vent member 300 only to the left and not to the right. The second inlet I2 may be configured to open the vent flow path V of the vent member 300 only to the right and not to the left.

[0177] According to this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent vent gas, flames, etc. that have entered through one inlet I of the vent member 300 from being discharged through the other inlet I. For example, as shown in Figure 14, if vent gas, flames, etc. enter from the left side of the vent member 300 through the first inlet I1, it is possible to prevent the vent gas, etc. from being immediately discharged through the second inlet I2 to the second cell C2 located on the right side of the vent member 300. In another example, as shown in Figure 15, if vent gas, flames, etc. enter from the right side of the vent member 300 through the second inlet I2, it is possible to prevent the vent gas, etc. from being immediately discharged through the first inlet I1 to the first cell C1 located on the left side of the vent member 300. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the propagation of heat or flames through the vent member 300 between different pouch-type cells 100 that are arranged with the vent member 300 in between.

[0178] Furthermore, the vent member 300 may have two or more unit flow channels formed in its internal space. For example, as shown in Figures 4, 16, and 17, the vent member 300 may have an internal partition wall W provided in its internal space. Such an internal partition wall W can divide the vent flow channel V into multiple unit flow channels. In particular, multiple internal partition walls W may be provided in a single vent flow channel V.

[0179] Furthermore, the internal partition wall W may be configured to divide the vent passage V in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the vent gas. For example, referring to the embodiments in Figures 3, 4, 16, and 17, if the vent gas flows horizontally through the vent passage V as indicated by arrow B2, the internal partition wall W may be arranged to divide the vent passage V vertically. In this case, the internal partition wall W may have a shape that extends long in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction), which is the flow direction of the vent gas. In particular, the internal partition wall W may be formed to extend long from the inlet I side to the outlet O side of the vent passage V. Also, the internal partition wall W may be arranged in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) to form multiple unit passages. For example, the vent member 300 may have seven internal partition walls W arranged at intervals from each other in the vertical direction. In this case, eight unit passages may be formed in the vent member 300 as indicated by V1 to V8.

[0180] Since the internal partition wall W divides the internal space of the vent member 300, both ends in the width direction can contact different sides of the vent member 300. For example, referring to the embodiment in Figure 4, the left end of the internal partition wall W may contact the inner surface of the first vent plate 310, and the right end may contact the inner surface of the second vent plate 320. In particular, the internal partition wall W may be configured to protrude to the right from the right surface of the first vent plate 310. The right end of the internal partition wall W may then extend to and contact the left surface of the second vent plate 320.

[0181] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the rigidity of the vent member 300 can be improved. In particular, when pressure or impact is applied to the side surface of the vent member 300, the internal partition wall W can support the side surface of the vent member 300. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the vent member 300 from being damaged, broken, or deformed due to pressure, impact, etc. Furthermore, if vent gas or flame is generated from a particular pouch-type cell 100, a large pressure may be applied to the vent member 300. In this case, the internal partition wall W can maintain the structural stability of the vent member 300 even when such pressure is applied.

[0182] Thus, in an embodiment in which a plurality of unit flow paths are formed in the vent member 300, the inlets I formed on both sides of the vent member 300 may be configured to communicate with each other to different unit flow paths. That is, the inlets I formed on different sides of the vent member 300 may be configured to divide and communicate with the plurality of unit flow paths formed in the vent member 300.

[0183] For example, referring to the embodiment shown in Figures 4, 16, and 17, the first inlet I1 formed on the left side of the vent member 300 may be formed to communicate with four unit flow paths V5 to V8 located above the vertical centerline in the hollow portion of the vent member 300. The second inlet I2 formed on the right side of the vent member 300 may be formed to communicate with four unit flow paths V1 to V4 located below the vertical centerline in the hollow portion of the vent member 300.

[0184] With this configuration, the paths through which vent gas, flames, etc., are discharged can be separated for the pouch-type cells 100 arranged on both sides of a single vent member 300. Therefore, the flow of vent gas and flames toward the other side can be more reliably blocked between the pouch-type cells 100 arranged on either side of the vent member 300. Consequently, in this case, the heat and flame blocking performance between the pouch-type cells 100 within a single cell unit can be further improved.

[0185] Figure 18 is a schematic enlarged view of the internal structure of the vent member 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention. For example, Figure 18 can be said to show an enlarged configuration of a modified embodiment of part A7 in Figure 17.

[0186] Referring to Figure 18, the vent member 300 may have a projection P1 in its internal space. In particular, the projection P1 may be configured to bend the flow direction of the vent gas inside the vent passage V. For example, inside the vent member 300, the vent passage V may be divided into multiple unit passages by a plurality of internal partitions W arranged in the vertical direction. In this case, projections P1 may be alternately provided at the upper and lower parts of each unit passage. In particular, the alternately provided upper and lower projections P1 are positioned at different locations in the horizontal direction. In this case, as indicated by the arrows, the flow direction of the vent gas can be repeatedly bent in the vertical direction. That is, the basic flow direction of the vent gas is in the +Y axis direction, but the direction of the vent gas can be switched to the +Z axis direction and the -Z axis direction during movement.

[0187] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the movement of highly directional flames, sparks, active material particles, etc., within the internal space of the vent member 300, i.e., the vent flow path V, can be suppressed. Therefore, in this case, problems that may occur when flames, sparks, active material particles, etc., are discharged to the outside of the vent member 300, such as problems that may arise from them acting as an ignition source or a cause of heat propagation, can be prevented.

[0188] Figure 19 is a schematic lower perspective view showing the configuration of a vent member 300 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 20 is a schematic lower perspective view showing the configuration of a cell unit including the vent member 300 of Figure 19.

[0189] First, referring to Figure 19, the outlet O of the vent member 300 can be configured to protrude outward. In particular, if the outlet O of the vent member 300 is formed at the lower edge, outflow projections protruding downward can be formed around the outlet O, as shown by P2. For example, outflow projections P2 protruding downward can be formed on the left and right sides of the outlet O, extending long in the front-rear direction.

[0190] Furthermore, the outflow projection P2 can be inserted into the vent hole H3 of the unit case 200. In particular, at least a portion of the outflow projection P2 can protrude outward through the vent hole H3. For example, referring to Figure 20, the outflow projection P2 formed at the outlet O of the vent member 300 can be inserted into the vent hole H3 of the unit case 200 and may protrude outward from the unit case 200, particularly downward toward the lower case 210.

[0191] This implementation configuration improves the coupling and assembly between the vent member 300 and the unit case 200. Furthermore, this implementation configuration ensures that vent gas and the like that flowing into the vent channel V of the vent member 300 are reliably discharged to the outside of the cell unit through the outlet O of the vent member 300 and the vent hole H3 of the unit case 200. Moreover, in this implementation configuration, since the outlet O of the vent member 300 can be located outside the unit case 200, it is possible to prevent the vent gas from the vent member 300 from flowing back into the inside of the unit case 200.

[0192] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 24 and 25 described later, the unit case 200 can be mounted in the internal space of the pack housing to constitute a battery pack. In this case, a vent path can also be formed in the pack housing, and the outflow projection P2 protruding from the outside of the unit case 200 can be directly inserted into the vent path of the pack housing. In this case, vent gas and the like can be more reliably moved from the vent member 300 to the vent path of the pack housing.

[0193] Furthermore, although not shown in Figure 20, the vent hole H3 of the unit case 200 may be configured to protrude outward. The portion of the unit case 200 that protrudes outward from the vent hole H3, i.e., the vent projection, can be inserted into the vent path side of the pack housing. According to this embodiment of the present invention, the ease of assembly and connection between the unit case 200 and the pack housing can be improved, and the vent gas discharged from the unit case 200 can move smoothly into the vent path of the pack housing.

[0194] The cell unit according to the present invention may further include a support member 800, as shown in Figure 1. The configuration of such a support member 800 will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 21.

[0195] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view along the line A9-A9' in Figure 2.

[0196] Referring to Figures 1 and 21, the support member 800 may be configured to support opposing surfaces of the unit case 200. More specifically, the lower case 210 may have a left wall indicated by 210L in Figure 21 and a right wall indicated by 210R in Figure 21. The support member 800 can then support the left wall 210L and the right wall 210R of the lower case 210. For this reason, the left end of the support member 800 is formed flat as shown by A10, and this left end surface can support the left wall 210L of the lower case 210. The right end of the support member 800 is formed flat as shown by A10', and this right end surface can support the right wall 210R of the lower case 210.

[0197] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the rigidity of the unit case 200 can be reinforced by supporting the opposing inner surfaces (left inner surface and right inner surface) of the unit case 200. In particular, even if impact or pressure is applied to the unit case 200 from the outside, the unit case 200 can be supported, preventing deformation or damage to the unit case 200. Therefore, the pouch-type cell 100 and vent member 300 housed inside the unit case 200 can be protected more safely.

[0198] The support member 800 may be made of a metal material such as steel or aluminum to increase its mechanical rigidity. In this case, an insulating member may be included between the support member 800 and the busbar assembly 400. Alternatively, the support member 800 may be made of plastic to ensure a certain level of mechanical rigidity, electrical insulation, and lightness. In this case, no other components for electrically insulating the busbar assembly 400 or electrode leads 101 from the support member 800 may be included.

[0199] Furthermore, the support member 800 can be located in the central part of the horizontal direction within the internal space of the unit case 200. For example, if the unit case 200 is formed to extend long in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction), the support member 800 can be located in the central part in the front-to-back direction to support the unit case 200 in the left-to-right direction. The central part of the unit case 200 in the longitudinal direction may be the most susceptible to deformation, and according to the above embodiment, deformation of this central part can be prevented.

[0200] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 21, the two pouch-type cells 100 can be arranged in the internal space of the unit case 200 such that the sides on which the electrode leads 101 are provided face each other. For example, referring to Figure 21, a first cell C1 and a third cell C3, each having different types of electrode leads 101 arranged in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction), can be arranged in the front-to-back direction. In this case, the rear electrode lead 101 of the first cell C1 and the front electrode lead 101 of the third cell C3 are arranged to face each other.

[0201] In this configuration, the support member 800 can be interposed between two pouch-type cells 100. That is, the support member 800 can be interposed between two cells C1 and C3 arranged in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the support member 800 can be interposed not only between two cells, but also between multiple cells. For example, as shown in Figure 21, with one support member 800 in between, four pouch-type cells 100 can be arranged in the left-right direction on the front side, and four pouch-type cells 100 can be arranged in the left-right direction on the rear side.

[0202] In this configuration, the support member 800 can partition the space between the pouch-type cells 100 located on both sides in the front-rear direction. In particular, as shown in A10 and A10', both the left and right ends of the support member 800 can be in close contact with the left and right side walls of the unit case 200, for example, the lower case 210. Furthermore, the upper and lower ends of the support member 800 can be in close contact with the interior of the unit case 200, for example, the lower surface of the upper case 220 and the upper bottom surface of the lower case 210.

[0203] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the propagation of vent gas, flames, heat, etc., between cells located on both sides in the front-rear direction with respect to the support member 800 can be suppressed. For example, the support member 800 can block the propagation of heat and flames between the four pouch-type cells 100 located on the front side and the four pouch-type cells 100 located on the rear side.

[0204] Figures 22 and 23 are exploded perspective views schematically showing the configuration of a cell unit according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0205] First, referring to Figure 22, the cell unit may be configured such that, unlike the implementation configuration in Figure 1, only one pouch-type cell 100 is arranged in the front-to-back direction, rather than multiple pouch-type cells 100 being arranged in the front-to-back direction. That is, the cell unit may be configured to allow adjustment of the number of cells arranged in the front-to-back direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the pouch-type cell 100. In this case, such a cell unit can be realized by adjusting the number of pouch-type cells 100 and vent members 300, as well as the front-to-back dimensions (length) of the unit case 200.

[0206] Next, referring to Figure 23, the cell unit can be configured to have a different number of pouch-type cells 100 stacked in the left-right direction compared to the configuration in Figure 1. For example, in the cell unit, two pouch-type cells 100 can be stacked in the left-right direction to form one cell row, and these cell rows can be arranged in two rows in the front-back direction. In this case, such a cell unit can be realized by adjusting the number of pouch-type cells 100 and the left-right dimensions (width) of the unit case 200 compared to the configuration in Figure 1.

[0207] As shown in the embodiments in Figures 22 and 23, the cell unit according to the present invention can be easily adjusted in shape, size, specifications, etc. In particular, the scale and shape of the cell unit can be easily adjusted by adjusting the number and size of the vent members 300, the width and length of the unit case 200, etc., according to the number of pouch-type cells 100 contained inside the unit case 200. Therefore, the cell unit according to the present invention can be said to have excellent scalability.

[0208] As shown in Figure 1 and other figures, multiple pouch-type cells 100 can be arranged in the front-to-back direction. That is, a cell unit can have multiple rows of cells stacked adjacent to the vent member 300. For example, as shown in Figure 1, four pouch-type cells 100 can be stacked in the left-to-right direction and facing each other to form one row of cells. Furthermore, two such rows of cells can be included inside the unit case 200. In this case, two vent holes H3 corresponding to the two rows of cells can be formed on one side of the unit case 200, for example, the bottom, as shown in Figure 11.

[0209] Here, different cell rows may include different vent members 300. For example, as shown in Figure 1, two cell rows, namely the front row and the rear row, each include different vent members 300 and can be responsible for controlling the vents of each cell row. Support members 800 may be interposed between each cell row.

[0210] In other examples, a single vent member 300 may be configured to commonly control the vents of different cell rows. For example, as shown in Figure 13, a single vent member 300 may be formed to extend long in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) from the front end to the rear end of the unit case 200, and can penetrate both the front row and the rear row. In this case, the vent member 300 may be configured to penetrate the support member 800. In this case, reducing the number of vent members 300 can improve the assembly and productivity of the cell unit.

[0211] Figure 24 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a part of the configuration of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 25 is a diagram showing the movement of vent gas in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0212] Referring to Figures 24 and 25, other battery packs according to the present invention may include a plurality of cell units (indicated as U) according to the present invention. The battery pack may also include a pack housing (indicated as PH). In particular, the plurality of cell units U can be directly housed in the internal space of such a pack housing PH. That is, the plurality of cell units U can be directly mounted in the pack housing PH rather than being mounted in a module case for constituting a battery module.

[0213] In this case, the proportion of space occupied by the pouch-type cells 100 within the pack housing PH can be increased, thereby further improving the energy density of the battery pack. In particular, the cell unit U according to the present invention can ensure good heat and flame shielding performance as well as effective vent control. Furthermore, the cell unit U according to the present invention is advantageous for cell-to-pack (a new method that eliminates modules and mounts the combination of cells as a pack directly in the vehicle) because each small pouch-type cell 100 is protected by the unit case 200 and venting is controlled.

[0214] Furthermore, in the battery pack according to the present invention, since the cell unit U is directly seated on the pack housing PH, the cooling effect can be further improved. In particular, the unit case 200 of each cell unit U may be made of aluminum. In this case, heat from the cell unit U is easily conducted to the pack housing PH side via the unit case 200, and the cooling of each cell unit U can be performed more smoothly.

[0215] In this configuration, each cell unit U may be a unit formed by dividing and grouping multiple pouch-type cells 100 contained in the battery pack into smaller units. In this case, the pouch-type cells can be protected with a simple structure. Furthermore, each group of divided pouch-type cells 100 may be equipped with a unit case 200 and a vent member 300, thereby achieving the effect of blocking the propagation of heat and / or flame between multiple cells contained in the battery pack.

[0216] In particular, the unit case 200 of the cell unit U according to the present invention has a vent hole H3 formed therein, as described above, so that vent gas and the like inside the unit case 200 can be discharged to the outside. At this time, a vent path may be formed in the pack housing PH to guide the vent gas and the like discharged from the cell unit U to the outside. For example, as shown by the arrows in Figures 24 and 25, vent gas and the like that that flows from the cell unit U into the pack housing PH can be guided to the outside of the battery pack and discharged through the vent path inside the pack housing PH.

[0217] As a more specific example, the pack housing PH, particularly the lower housing, can be configured as two unit housings, namely a first housing PH1 and a second housing PH2, stacked vertically, as shown in Figure 24. Here, the first housing PH1 is the part on which the cell unit U is directly seated, and the second housing PH2 may be located below the first housing PH1. More specifically, the first housing PH1 may comprise a base plate and side walls erected around this base plate to form a space for housing the cell unit U. The second housing PH2 may comprise a plate (plate-like body).

[0218] Here, the vent path may be formed in at least part of the first housing PH1 and / or the second housing PH2. Alternatively, the vent path may be formed in at least part of the space between the first housing PH1 and the second housing PH2.

[0219] For example, referring to the configuration shown in Figure 24, a portion of the vent path may be formed in the second housing PH2, as indicated by VP. In particular, such a vent path may be formed in a pipe shape, for example, a flat rectangular pipe shape, in the plate-shaped second housing PH2. Furthermore, the vent path may be configured to protrude upward from the plate-shaped body of the second housing PH2. In this case, a second pack inlet may be formed in the vent path of the second housing PH2, as indicated by PI2, which opens the hollow portion of the pipe. The first housing PH1 may then have an opening indicated by PI1, i.e., a first pack inlet, which communicates with the second pack inlet PI2 of the second housing PH2.

[0220] The vent path of such a pack housing PH may be formed to communicate with the vent holes H3 of the cell units U housed in the internal space of the pack housing PH. For example, as shown in Figure 11, each cell unit U may be formed to be elongated in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction), and two vent holes H3 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the front-to-back direction. In this case, the pack housing PH may have two pack inlets in the front-to-back direction, as shown by PI in Figure 24, corresponding to the positions of the vent holes H3 of each cell unit U. Furthermore, if multiple cell units U are stacked in the left-to-right direction (X-axis direction), multiple pack inlets PI may be arranged in the left-to-right direction, corresponding to the vent holes H3 of the multiple cell units. In addition, a pack outlet may be formed in the vent path of the pack housing PH, as shown by PO. Such a pack outlet PO may be configured to discharge vent gas and the like that flowing into the vent path of the pack housing PH to the outside of the battery pack.

[0221] In particular, in a pack housing PH, vent paths can be located at both ends of the longitudinal direction of the cell unit U. For example, as shown in Figures 24 and 25, if the cell unit U is formed to be long in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) and multiple units are arranged in the left-to-right direction (X-axis direction), vent paths can be located on both sides of the pack housing PH in the front-to-back direction. Also, the pack outlet PO of the pack housing PH can be formed at the end of the cell unit U in the stacking direction. For example, the pack outlet PO can be located at the right end (+X-axis direction) of the pack housing PH.

[0222] In this configuration, vent gas and the like discharged from each cell unit U can be moved to the front-to-rear ends of the pack housing PH via pack inlets PI1 and PI2 and vent paths formed in the pack housing PH. The vent gas and the like that have been moved in this way can then be moved in at least one direction, for example to the right, and discharged to the outside of the pack housing PH via the pack outlet PO.

[0223] Furthermore, as shown in the embodiments of Figures 24 and 25, when multiple cell units U are seated in the pack housing PH, the mechanical rigidity of the battery pack can be enhanced. In particular, the longitudinal end of each cell unit U may contact the inner surface of the pack housing PH. For example, the front and rear ends of the cell unit U may contact the front and rear inner surfaces of the pack housing PH, respectively. Therefore, the cell unit U can support the inner surfaces of the pack housing PH, i.e., the front and rear inner surfaces. In this case, the cell unit U can support the pack housing PH against pressure or impact applied to the front or rear side of the pack housing PH, preventing damage or breakage to the pack housing PH and its internal components, such as the cell unit U. In particular, this configuration eliminates the need for a separate center beam or the like to support the internal space of the pack housing PH in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the energy density, ease of assembly, productivity, etc., of the battery pack can be further improved.

[0224] The battery pack according to the present invention may further include a control unit in addition to the cell unit according to the present invention. Such a control unit may be configured to understand or control the overall operation and environment of the battery pack, the charging and discharging operation and state of the pouch-type cell 100, etc. For example, the control unit may be a battery management system (BMS) itself or may include components thereof. In particular, the control unit may be included in the battery pack unit rather than the battery module unit. Since such control units are known at the time of filing of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0225] Furthermore, the battery pack according to the present invention may further include various other components besides such cell units and control units, such as busbars, pack housings, relays, current sensors, etc., which are components of various battery packs known at the time of filing the present invention.

[0226] On the other hand, while Figures 24 and 25 describe a cell-to-pack (CTP) configuration in which the cell unit U is directly mounted to the pack housing PH, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a cell-to-pack configuration. That is, the cell unit U may also be mounted in a module case to form a battery module, and then mounted to the pack housing PH.

[0227] The battery module according to the present invention may include a plurality of the cell units described above. That is, the cell units according to the present invention can be said to be a cell group composed of smaller units than a typical battery module. Furthermore, the battery module according to the present invention may include a module case for housing such a plurality of cell units. For example, the module case may include a lower module housing and an upper module housing, and the internal space may be limited by the lower module housing and the upper module housing.

[0228] The cell unit according to the present invention can be applied to automobiles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. That is, an automobile according to the present invention may include the cell unit according to the present invention, a battery pack containing the same, and a battery module. In addition, an automobile according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the automobile, in addition to such cell unit, battery pack, and battery module. For example, an automobile according to the present invention may further include, in addition to the cell unit according to the present invention, a vehicle body, a motor, an electronic control unit (ECU), and other control devices.

[0229] Furthermore, the cell unit according to the present invention can be applied to an energy storage system (ESS). That is, the energy storage system according to the present invention may include the cell unit, battery pack, and battery module according to the present invention.

[0230] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto, and that various modifications and variations can be made by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, within the equivalent scope of the technical concept and claims of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0231] 100 pouch-type cells 101 Electrode Leads 200 Unit Case 210 Lower case 220 Upper Case 230 End Cases 300 Vent Member 310 First Bend Plate 320 Second vent plate 400 Busbar Assembly 410 Busbar Terminals 420 Busbar Frame 430 Terminal sealing material 500 Insulating Cover 600 connectors 710 Pad component 720 Sheet material 800 Support member 900 Terminal Cover V vent channel I inlet O Outlet E Unit Terminal H1 terminal hole H2 connection hole H3 vent hole T Terrace Section W Internal bulkhead U Cell Unit PH Pack Housing PI Pack Entrance PO Pack Outlet

Claims

1. One or more pouch-type cells, A unit case that houses one or more pouch-type cells in its internal space, A vent member is located in the internal space of the unit case and has a vent channel formed inside so that the vent gas discharged from the pouch-type cell can be discharged, Includes, The aforementioned vent member is configured as an upright plate, A cell unit in which the vent member has inlets formed on opposite sides, and the inlets formed on both sides pass through the center between the two sides of the vent member and are configured not to be symmetrical with respect to a central axis parallel to the direction in which the vent member stands.

2. The cell unit according to claim 1, wherein the unit case comprises a lower case in which a plate-shaped member is formed in a folded shape, and an upper case coupled to the upper end opening of the lower case.

3. The cell unit according to claim 1, wherein the unit case comprises unit terminals configured to be electrically connected to the electrode leads of the pouch-type cell housed in the internal space and exposed to the outside.

4. The cell unit according to claim 1, wherein the vent member is arranged facing an adjacent pouch-type cell.

5. Multiple pouch-type cells are housed in the internal space of the aforementioned unit case. The cell unit according to claim 1, wherein the vent member is interposed between the plurality of pouch-type cells.

6. The cell unit according to claim 1, wherein the vent member is attached to the inner surface of the unit case.

7. The cell unit according to claim 1, wherein the vent members are located on both sides of the one or more pouch-type cells housed in the unit case.

8. The cell unit according to claim 1, wherein the vent member has an inlet formed on the side facing the pouch-type cell and an outlet formed on the side not facing the pouch-type cell.

9. The vent member has an inlet formed in the portion facing the terrace portion of the pouch-type cell. The cell unit according to claim 1, wherein the terrace portion is a portion of the sealing portion surrounding the housing portion for housing the electrode assembly and electrolyte in the pouch-type cell, and the electrode leads protrude from it.

10. The cell unit according to claim 1, wherein the vent member has two inlets corresponding to one pouch-type cell, and an outlet is formed between the two inlets.

11. The cell unit according to claim 1, wherein the vent member is configured such that the flow direction of the fluid flowing into the inlet and the flow direction of the fluid flowing inside the vent channel are perpendicular to each other.

12. The cell unit according to claim 1, wherein the vent member is configured such that the flow direction of the fluid flowing inside the vent channel and the flow direction of the fluid flowing out from the outlet are perpendicular to each other.

13. The cell unit according to claim 1, wherein the vent member has two or more unit flow channels formed in its internal space, and the inlets formed on both sides are configured to communicate with each other to different unit flow channels.

14. The cell unit according to claim 1, wherein the unit case has a vent hole formed at a position corresponding to the outlet of the vent member.

15. The cell unit according to claim 1, further comprising a support member for supporting opposing inner surfaces of the unit case.

16. Within the internal space of the unit case, the two pouch-type cells are arranged so that the sides on which the electrode leads are provided face each other. The cell unit according to claim 15, wherein the support member is interposed between the two pouch-type cells, which are arranged so that the electrode leads face each other.

17. A battery pack comprising a plurality of cell units as described in any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A battery module comprising a plurality of cell units as described in any one of claims 1 to 16.

19. An automobile comprising a plurality of cell units according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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