Battery packs and battery modules

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery pack, a battery module, and an automobile including the same, and more particularly, to a battery pack, a battery module, and an automobile including the same, which are excellent in safety against thermal events and the like.

Background Art

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

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

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

[0006] In recent years, battery packs have been widely used for propulsion and energy storage in medium- and large-scale devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Conventional battery packs include one or more battery modules and a control unit, such as a BMS (Battery Management System), which controls the charging and discharging of the battery pack, inside the pack case. Here, the battery module is configured to contain a large number of battery cells inside the module case. In other words, in the case of conventional battery packs, multiple battery cells (secondary batteries) are housed inside the module case to constitute each battery module, and one or more such battery modules are housed inside the pack case to constitute the battery pack.

[0007] In particular, pouch-type batteries have advantages in various aspects, such as being lightweight and having less dead space when stacked, but they are vulnerable to external shocks and have somewhat inferior assembly. Therefore, it is common practice to manufacture battery packs by first modularizing a large number of cells and then housing them inside a pack case.

[0008] However, conventional battery packs may have disadvantages in terms of energy density, ease of assembly, and cooling due to their modular design. Furthermore, conventional battery packs and modules can be vulnerable to thermal events. In particular, if a thermal event occurs inside a battery module or battery pack, thermal runaway can occur, leading to flames and, in severe cases, explosions. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] Therefore, the present invention was devised to solve the aforementioned problems and aims to provide a battery pack and battery module, etc., that can ensure excellent safety when a thermal event occurs.

[0010] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention may include a plurality of battery cells, each having electrode leads; a cell cover provided to at least partially enclose at least some of the plurality of battery cells; and a busbar flame assembly electrically connected to the electrode leads and coupled to at least one side of the cell cover, configured to block flame exhaust in a specific direction.

[0012] Here, the busbar frame assembly may comprise busbar electrodes made of an electrically conductive material that are in direct contact with electrode leads, a busbar housing made of an electrically insulating material that supports the busbar electrodes, and a shielding member made of a material with a higher melting point than the busbar housing, located on one side of the busbar housing, and configured to block the exhaust of flames.

[0013] Furthermore, the blocking member may include a main body that blocks the horizontal discharge of flames and an extension that is bent from the upper end of the main body toward the cell cover.

[0014] Furthermore, the cell cover can be configured to enclose at least some of the battery cells' sides and upper corners.

[0015] Furthermore, the cell cover and busbar frame assembly can be configured so that the internal venting gas is discharged downwards.

[0016] Furthermore, the battery pack according to the present invention may further include a pack case that houses a plurality of battery cells, cell covers, and busbar frame assemblies in its internal space.

[0017] Here, the pack case can have venting holes formed at the bottom to release the venting gas inside the cell cover.

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

[0019] Furthermore, a battery module according to another aspect of the present invention is a battery module housed in the internal space of a pack case, which may include: a plurality of battery cells, each having electrode leads; a cell cover provided to at least partially enclose at least some of the plurality of battery cells; a busbar frame assembly electrically connected to the electrode leads and coupled to at least one side of the cell cover and configured to block flame exhaust in a specific direction; and a module case housing the plurality of battery cells and cell covers in its internal space.

[0020] Here, the module case is configured in a form that is at least partially open, and the busbar frame assembly can be configured to be coupled to the open portion of the module case.

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

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

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

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

[0025]

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

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

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

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

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

[0031] The cell cover and the group of battery cells housed in the cell cover consist of a plurality of units and are mounted in the internal space of the pack case, and one busbar frame assembly can be positioned on at least one open side of each of the plurality of cell covers.

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

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

[0034] A battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells stacked in one direction, a module case housing the battery cells in an internal space, a cell cover that at least partially encloses at least some of the plurality of battery cells in the internal space of the battery cells, and a busbar frame assembly disposed on at least one open side of the cell cover, wherein the busbar frame assembly may include a shut-off member that blocks the discharge of venting gas from the battery cells. [Effects of the Invention]

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

[0036] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, pouch-type battery cells having a flexible material case can be easily made into a rigid form, and a configuration in which they are directly stacked inside the pack case can be more easily realized. Therefore, the assembly ease and mechanical stability of battery packs and battery modules can be improved.

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

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

[0039] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, internal short circuits and structural collapse can be prevented even when thermal events occur. In particular, in the case of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, high-pressure gas and high-temperature dust are ejected from the gap in which the busbar frame assembly is located, and the problem of collapse of numerous structures, such as the busbar frame assembly, top plate, and end plate, can be more effectively prevented.

[0040] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, by separating the battery cell into five compartments, with the top and four sides blocked off, heat / flame propagation between cells can be prevented, and the emission of flames and the like can be suppressed.

[0041] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the CTP (Cell To Pack) concept allows for the removal of module cases and other components, thereby improving cooling performance and energy density.

[0042] In addition to the above, the present invention may have various other effects, which will be described in each embodiment, or effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art will not be described.

[0043] The following drawings accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention later, serve to further illustrate the technical concept of the present invention. The present invention should not be construed as being limited solely to the matters depicted in such drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0044] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view showing a partial configuration of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the cell module assembly. [Figure 3] This is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of a cell cover included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the battery pack's components. [Figure 5] This is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of some of the components. [Figure 7] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of some of the components. [Figure 8] This figure shows the front busbar frame assembly of the battery pack in Figure 1. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of some of the components. [Figure 10] This figure shows the busbar frame assembly at the rear of the battery pack in Figure 1. [Figure 11] This is another embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic perspective view showing a partial configuration of an embodiment in which the blocking member in Figure 8 is modified. [Figure 12]This is a schematic diagram showing the pack case configuration of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a bottom view drawing of a partial configuration of a pack case according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This diagram schematically illustrates directional venting in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a drawing showing the lower surface of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0045] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, according to preferred embodiments. Terms and words used herein and in the claims should not be construed to be limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but rather to be interpreted in a sense consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, based on the principle that inventors may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their invention. Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings represent only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may exist at the time of filing.

[0046] In the drawings, the size of each component or specific parts comprising that component is exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for the sake of clarity and ease of explanation. Therefore, the size of each component does not fully reflect its actual size. Where a specific description of a relevant known function or configuration is deemed likely to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the invention, such description will be omitted.

[0047] Furthermore, when a layer, membrane, region, plate, or other part is "on top of" or "on top of" another part, this includes not only when it is "directly above" the other part, but also when there is another part in between. Conversely, when we say that one part is "directly above" another part, it means that there is no other part in the middle. Also, when we say that something is "on top of" or "on top of" a reference part, it means that it is located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean that it is located "on top of" or "on top of" the opposite direction of gravity.

[0048] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain component, unless otherwise stated, it means that it may include other components rather than excluding them.

[0049] Furthermore, throughout the specification, "on a plane" means when the subject is viewed from above, and "on a cross-section" means when the cross-section of the subject is viewed from the side after being cut vertically.

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

[0051] Referring to Figure 1, the battery pack according to the present invention may include a cell module assembly 100 and a busbar frame assembly 200, which include a plurality of battery cells 10 and cell covers 110 (see Figures 2 and 3).

[0052] The battery cell 10 may be, for example, a pouch-type rechargeable battery and may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a pouch outer casing that houses them. Multiple such battery cells 10 may be included in a battery pack. Multiple such battery cells 10 may be stacked in at least one direction. The top and bottom surfaces of the cell module assembly 100 may further be provided with a resin layer 150.

[0053] Furthermore, each battery cell 10 may be provided with an electrode lead 12 (see Figure 5) on at least one side. For example, a battery cell 10 may be provided with electrode leads 12 (see Figure 5) on both sides (in the front-rear direction). Based on this, the case in which busbar frame assemblies 200 are provided on the upper side (in the front-rear direction) of the cell module assembly 100 is shown below. Hereafter, for convenience, the front busbar frame assembly 200a and the rear busbar frame assembly 200b will be collectively referred to as drawing number "200".

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

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

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

[0057] Furthermore, the battery pack according to the present invention may further include a heating pad 140, as shown in Figure 2.

[0058] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of a cell cover included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 3, the cell cover 110 partially covers the exterior of at least one battery cell. The cell cover 110 can be configured to support the battery cell 10 housed inside. In particular, the cell cover 110 can be configured to stably support the battery cell 10 housed inside in an upright position. For this reason, the cell cover 110 can be configured to cover both sides of a single battery cell 10 or a group of battery cells 10, and either the top or the bottom. For example, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the cell cover 110 may have two first cover portions 111 and second cover portions 112 (top cover portions) that enclose a single battery cell 10 or a group of battery cells 10 housed inside. In this case, the bottom side is open.

[0059] A pair of first cover portions 111 cover both opposing sides of a single battery cell 10 or group of battery cells 10 housed inside. The second cover portion 112 connects the pair of first cover portions 111 and covers either the top or bottom surface of the single battery cell 10 or group of battery cells 10 housed inside. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated configuration, and the second cover portion 112 may cover the lower side of the battery cell 10, leaving the upper side open. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the second cover portion 112 covering the top or bottom surface of a group of battery cells 10; if the orientation in which a single battery cell 10 or group of battery cells 10 housed inside the cell cover 110 is arranged is changed, the orientation of the surface covered by the second cover portion 112 can also be changed accordingly.

[0060] Furthermore, the cell cover 110 is provided with an opening 113 on at least one of its front and rear sides. The opening can be provided on one or both ends where the electrode leads 12 of the battery cell 10 housed in the cell cover 110 are located.

[0061] In summary, the cell cover 110 can have a structure that is open to the front, rear, and bottom of a single battery cell 10 or group of battery cells 10 housed inside. In this case, the cross-sectional configuration of the cell cover 110 as viewed from the front is roughly similar to the shape of an "n". Therefore, in this case, the cell cover 110 can also be called an "n-fin". On the other hand, the present invention is not limited to the above and can have a structure that is open to the front, rear, and top. In other words, the cross-sectional configuration of the cell cover 110 as viewed from the front is roughly similar to the shape of a "u".

[0062] The cell cover 110 can be constructed in a form in which two first cover portions 111 and second cover portions 112 are integrated by, for example, bending a single plate. Alternatively, the two first cover portions 111 and second cover portions 112 can be manufactured separately and then joined together. The cell cover 110 can be attached to the bottom surface inside the pack case 300, for example, with adhesive. In this case, the lower ends of the two first cover portions 111 of the cell cover 110 can be attached to the bottom surface inside the pack case 300.

[0063] Furthermore, the cell cover 110 can be made of a metal material, for example. In particular, the cell cover 110 can be made of steel. Alternatively, the cell cover 110 can be made of SUS material. In this case, even if a flame is generated in a specific battery cell 10, the high melting point of the cell cover 110 makes it possible to more effectively prevent the flame from spreading to the battery cells of adjacent cell covers 110.

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

[0065] Furthermore, for electrical insulation, the cell cover 110 can have an insulating film (not shown) attached to the first cover portions 111 on both facing sides and / or to the second cover portion 112 located on one of the top and bottom surfaces. The insulating film can be attached to at least one of the inner and outer surfaces of the cell cover 110. The insulating film can be formed with a thickness of, for example, 0.005t to 0.1t. Alternatively, the insulating film can be formed with a thickness of, for example, approximately 0.05t. In addition, the insulating film material can be, for example, PI (polyimide) or PC (polycarbonate). The thickness and material of the insulating film are not limited to those described above and can be varied and modified depending on the environment in which the present invention is applied.

[0066] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the battery pack configuration shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 shows the case where busbar frame assemblies 200 are mounted on the front and rear surfaces of the cell module assembly 100, respectively. It also shows the case where the blocking member 230, which is a component of the busbar frame assembly 200, is separated. Furthermore, for ease of understanding, in Figure 4, the insulating pads 130 located on both sides of the cell module assembly 100 and the resin layer 150 applied to the upper and lower surfaces of the cell module assembly 100 are omitted from the configuration shown in Figure 1.

[0067] The busbar frame assembly 200 may include busbar electrodes 210, busbar housings 220, and blocking members 230. The busbar electrodes 210 and busbar housings 220 will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7. The blocking members 230 will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10.

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

[0069] Furthermore, the busbar frame assembly 200 can be configured to block flame exhaust in a specific direction. In addition, the busbar frame assembly 200 can also be configured to block flame exhaust in the upward and / or horizontal directions. Here, the horizontal direction may be the direction in which the electrode leads 12 are located, for example, the front-to-back direction.

[0070] The busbar electrode 210 and busbar housing 220 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5-7. Figure 5 is a partially enlarged view of Figure 4, showing the case when the cell cover 110 is coupled to the busbar housing 220. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of some components of Figure 4, showing the busbar electrode 210 and busbar housing 220. Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of some components of Figure 4, showing the cell cover 110, busbar electrode 210 and busbar housing 220.

[0071] The busbar electrodes 210 are made of an electrically conductive material and can be configured to make direct contact with the electrode leads 12. The electrode leads 12 can pass through the lead slots 221 of the busbar housing 220 and be joined to the busbar electrodes 210 from outside the busbar housing 220. The busbar electrodes 210 can be made of materials such as copper or aluminum. In particular, the busbar electrodes 210 can be configured to maintain contact with the electrode leads 12 by means of welding or other methods. The busbar electrodes 210 of the busbar frame assembly 200 can electrically connect the electrode leads 12 and connect multiple battery cells 10 electrically in series and / or parallel. The busbar frame assembly 200 can also be connected to a control module such as a BMS (Battery Management System) through the busbar electrodes 210 and configured to transmit sensing information such as voltage. Among the busbar electrodes 210, terminal busbars 211 as shown in Figures 1 and 8 may be included.

[0072] The busbar housing 220 is made of an electrically insulating material such as plastic and can be configured to support the busbar electrodes 210. In particular, referring to Figures 5 and 6, the busbar housing 220 may have lead slots 221 formed therein so that the electrode leads 12 can pass through. The electrode leads 12 pass through the lead slots 221 of the busbar housing 220 and are joined to the busbar electrodes 210.

[0073] Furthermore, the busbar housing 220 may be further provided with a cell cover slot 222 to maintain an airtight connection with the cell cover 110. The projection 110a formed at the open end of the cell cover 110 in Figure 3 can be inserted and coupled into the cell cover slot 222 of the busbar housing 220.

[0074] The number of busbar electrodes 210 and lead slots 221 in the busbar housing 220 are not limited to those shown in the present invention, and can be varied and modified depending on the number of battery cells 10, the number of cell covers 110, the method of joining the electrode leads 12 and the busbar electrodes 210, etc. Similarly, the number and arrangement of cell cover slots 222 in the busbar housing 220 are not limited to those shown in the present invention, and can be varied and modified depending on the number of battery cells 10, the number of cell covers 110, the arrangement of the protrusions 110a of the cell covers 110, etc. The arrangement of the protrusions 110a of each of the multiple cell covers 110 is also not limited to those shown in Figure 7, and can be varied and modified depending on the method by which the present invention is realized.

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

[0076] First, the shielding member 230 can be made of a material with a higher melting point than the busbar housing 220. For example, the shielding member 230 can be made of a metal material, especially a steel material such as SUS. Furthermore, the shielding member 230 can have an appropriate thickness considering manufacturability and assembly, for example, a thickness of 0.05t to 0.5t, or for example, a thickness of 0.3t. In this case, the shielding member 230 can maintain its shape stably without melting or collapsing even in the presence of high-temperature venting gas or flames.

[0077] Referring to Figure 4, the blocking member 230 can be located on one side of the busbar housing 220. In particular, the blocking member 230 can be attached to the outer surface of the busbar housing 220. The blocking member 230 can be configured to block flame exhaust. Specifically, the blocking member 230 can prevent the venting gas discharged from the inside of the cell cover 110 from moving in the same horizontal or upward direction as the front-to-back direction.

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

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

[0080] The main body 231 is attached to the outer surface of the busbar housing 220. The extension 232 is formed by bending from the upper or lower end of the main body 231 toward the cell cover 110. The extension 232 is bent from the upper end of the main body 231 toward the cell cover 110.

[0081] The extension 232 is positioned on the upper side of the front and rear ends of the cell cover 110, but can be positioned on top of the cell cover 110. This allows the front and rear ends of the upper surface of the battery cell 10 to be covered by overlapping the cell cover 110 and the extension 232.

[0082] In more detail, the blocking member 230 is positioned on the end of the cell cover 110 and connects to the cell cover 110. This seals the open front and rear portions of the cell cover 110.

[0083] The busbar housing 220 is connected to the open front and rear portions of the cell cover 110 (see Figure 5, etc.), but if a shut-off member 230 is not provided, venting gas may leak from the slots 221 and 222 of the busbar housing 220, or from the gaps in the front and rear connection portions between the busbar housing 220 and the cell cover 110.

[0084] However, according to the present invention, by covering the outer surface of the busbar housing 220 and the end of the cell cover 110 with the blocking member 230, the cell cover 110 and the extension 232 of the blocking member 230 overlap, preventing venting gas from being discharged through the gap between the cell cover 110 and the busbar frame assembly 200. At the same time, it is possible to prevent such venting gas from leaking in unintended directions of the battery pack (forward, backward, or upward in Figure 4). This makes it possible to achieve directional venting, as will be described later in Figure 12.

[0085] On the other hand, the blocking member 230 can be formed by bending a single plate to create a single unit, with the main body 231 and the extension 232 being the same. For example, a part of a single SUS plate can be bent, and the main body 231 and the extension 232 can be separated around the bent portion. Alternatively, the main body 231 and the extension 232 can be joined together to form the unit.

[0086] Furthermore, one or more isolation members 230 can be included in a single busbar frame assembly 200. For example, multiple unit isolation members 230 can be arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the outside of the busbar housing 220. Alternatively, a single isolation member 230 can be configured to cover the entire outer surface of the busbar housing 220.

[0087] The blocking member 230 includes a coupling hole 231a in the main body 231. As described above in Figures 4 and 5, after joining the electrode lead 12 to the busbar electrode 210 on the outer surface of the busbar housing 220, the blocking member 230 shown in Figure 9 is attached to the outer surface of the busbar housing 220, and the busbar electrode 210, busbar housing 220, and blocking member 230 can be connected at once via the coupling hole 231a. At this time, the busbar electrode 210, busbar housing 220, and blocking member 230 can be connected by methods such as bolt connection, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various methods of connection are possible.

[0088] Furthermore, the blocking member 230 may further include a terminal busbar penetration portion 232a in the extension portion 232 through which the terminal busbar 211 can pass. Even if the blocking member 230 covers the outer surface of the busbar housing 220, the terminal busbar 211 protrudes outside the blocking member 230. As a result, the cell module assembly 100 can be electrically connected to a BMS or the like via the terminal busbar 211 protruding outside the blocking member 230. The terminal busbar penetration portion 232a can be formed into a total of two, one for the positive terminal and one for the negative terminal.

[0089] The shape, structure, and arrangement of the terminal busbar through-hole 232a through which the terminal busbar 211 can pass are not limited to those shown in the present invention, and various modifications and changes are possible. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the terminal busbar through-hole 232a can be provided on the front busbar frame assembly 200a, but in some cases it can be provided on the rear busbar frame assembly 200b, and in some cases one can be provided on both the front busbar frame assembly 200a and the rear busbar frame assembly 200b, and so on, allowing for various modifications and changes.

[0090] Furthermore, the blocking member 230 may further include sealing members 233 at the end of the extension 232. This prevents venting gas from leaking through the gap between the end of the extension 232 and the cell cover 110. The sealing members 233 can be provided in pairs, for example, as shown in Figure 9, and can be provided on the upper and lower ends of the extension 232 of the blocking member 230, respectively. However, various modifications and changes are possible, such as providing a single sealing member 233 on only one of the upper or lower ends of the extension 232.

[0091] Furthermore, for example, the blocking member 230 can also be composed of a plurality of sub-blocking members 2301, 2302, ..., 230n. Gaps can be formed between each of the plurality of sub-blocking members 2301, 2302, ..., 230n, and the protruding portion 110a of the cell cover 110 described above can be connected to them. Although the number of sub-blocking members of the front busbar frame assembly 200a in Figure 8 and the number of sub-blocking members of the rear busbar frame assembly 200b in Figure 10 are shown to be different, the present invention is not limited to what is shown, and various modifications and changes are possible. In other words, it can be modified and applied in various ways depending on the shape of the front and rear protruding portions 110a of the cell cover 110 that constitute the cell module assembly 100 and the shape of the front and rear busbar housings 220 of the busbar frame assembly 200.

[0092] Furthermore, as shown, the present invention does not necessarily have to consist of multiple sub-blocking members 2301, 2302, ..., 230n. A single blocking member 230 may be integrally formed and cover up to the protruding portion 110a of the cell cover 110, and various modifications and changes are possible.

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

[0094] Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a partial configuration of an embodiment of the blocking member 230 of Figure 8, as another embodiment of the present invention. The blocking member 230 of Figure 12 further includes extensions 234 bent from both ends of the main body 231 toward the cell cover 110. The extensions 234 can be located on both sides of the front and rear ends of the cell cover 110. In this case, the front and rear ends of both sides of the battery cell 10 can be covered by overlapping the cell cover 110 and the extensions 234. The extensions 234 can be provided in pairs.

[0095] The overlapping of the cell cover 110 and the extensions 232 and 234 of the blocking member 230 prevents venting gas from being discharged through the gap between the cell cover 110 and the busbar frame assembly 200.

[0096] Further explanation of the blocking member 230 in Figure 11 refers to the explanation of the extension 232 described above in Figures 1 to 10. Similarly, the busbar frame assembly 200b at the rear of Figure 10 can also be further modified and changed in various ways, such as by including extensions 234 bent from both ends of the main body 231 toward the cell cover 110.

[0097] The directional venting of the battery pack of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 12 and 13.

[0098] Venting gas is discharged from the open surface of the cell cover 110 that is not blocked by the blocking member 230. For example, the cell cover 110 and busbar frame assembly 200 can be configured so that venting gas inside the pack is discharged downwards. For example, the cell cover 110 can be configured to seal the top and left and right sides of the battery cell 10 housed inside in an n-fin configuration, while leaving the front, rear and bottom open. In this case, the front and rear of the cell cover 110 can be covered or sealed by the busbar frame assembly 200. Therefore, the internal housing space formed by the cell cover 110 and busbar frame assembly 200 can be opened only downwards. Consequently, if venting gas and flames are generated from the battery cell 10 housed in the internal space, the gas and flames can be discharged only downwards. In this case, a directional venting structure is achieved in which the discharge direction of venting gas and the like is formed downwards. In particular, sparks such as active material particles may be present when venting gas is discharged, but depending on the implementation configuration, the venting path can be formed to bend, thereby suppressing the external discharge of active material particles and flames.

[0099] Furthermore, the battery pack according to the present invention may further include a pack case 300 with an internal space, as shown in Figure 12. Here, the internal space of the pack case 300 can house a cell module assembly 100 including a plurality of battery cells 10 and cell covers 110, and a busbar frame assembly 200, etc. The pack case 300 may also include, for example, a lower case 310 and an upper case 320, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be modified and implemented in various ways as long as it can house the cell module assembly 100 inside.

[0100] In particular, the pack case 300 can have at least one venting hole 330 at its bottom for venting gas from inside the cell cover 110, as shown in Figures 12 and 13. Figure 13 is an enlarged view of the portion of the pack case 300 in Figure 12 where the venting hole 330 is located (dotted line). Here, the venting hole 330 of the pack case 300 can be configured to communicate with the internal space of the cell cover 110. That is, a cell module assembly 100 including the cell cover 110 and a plurality of battery cells 10 is fixed to the bottom of the pack case 300, but the venting gas discharged from the battery cells 10 is blocked from being discharged upward and horizontally by the cell cover 110 and the busbar frame assembly 200, and can only be discharged downward through the venting hole 330 of the pack case 300, as indicated by the arrows. In such an implementation, the cell cover 110, the busbar frame assembly 200 and the pack case 300 can achieve a downward directional venting structure.

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

[0102] On the other hand, a battery pack can house one or more battery modules. The battery modules will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15. At this time, the configurations described in the various embodiments described earlier, in particular the contents of the cell module assembly 100 including the battery cell 10 and cell cover 110 and the busbar frame assembly 200, can also be applied to the battery module, so the explanation of redundant contents will be omitted and the above will be referred to in Figures 1 to 13.

[0103] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing directional venting in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 is a diagram showing the lower surface of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] A battery module according to another aspect of the present invention is a battery module housed in the internal space of a pack case 300, and may include a cell module assembly 100 comprising a plurality of battery cells 10, each having electrode leads 12, and a cell cover 110 provided to at least partially enclose at least some of the battery cells 10; a busbar frame assembly 200 electrically connected to the electrode leads 12 and configured to block flame exhaust in a specific direction, on at least one side of the cell module assembly 100 (e.g., the side on which the electrode leads 12 are provided or both opposing sides), coupled to the open surface of the cell cover 110; and a module case 400 that houses the cell module assembly 100, comprising the plurality of battery cells 10 and the cell cover 110, in its internal space.

[0105] The module case 400 is configured in a form in which at least a portion is open, and the busbar frame assembly 200 can be configured to connect to the open portion of the module case 400. For example, the module case 400 can be configured in a monoframe form in which the top, bottom, left and right sides are closed around the central internal space, and the front and rear sides are open. In this case, the busbar frame assembly 200 can be connected to the front and rear open portions of such a module case 400.

[0106] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15, the module case 400 may have at least one venting hole 410 formed at its bottom for discharging venting gas from inside the cell cover 110. The venting hole 410 of such a module case 400 may be configured to communicate with the storage space of the cell cover 110 housed inside the module case 400. In such an implementation, if venting gas is generated from the battery cell 10 housed inside the cell cover 110, the generated venting gas can be discharged downwards, rather than upwards or forwards / backwards, as shown in Figure 15.

[0107] In addition, for the cell module assembly 100 and busbar frame assembly 200, which include multiple battery cells 10 and cell covers 110 contained in the battery module, the same or similar description as above for the battery pack can be applied, so a detailed description for these will be omitted.

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

[0109] Although the present invention has been described above, even with limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and of course, various modifications and variations are possible within the equivalent scope of the technical concept of the present invention and the claims described below by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 10 battery cells 12 electrode leads 100-cell module assembly 110 Cell Cover 111 First Cover Section 112 Second Cover Section 113 Open area 120 Thermal Barrier 130 Insulating Pads 140 Hitting Pad 150 resin layer 200 Busbar Frame Assembly 210 busbar electrodes 220 Busbar Housing 230 Barrier 231 Main unit 232 Extension 233 Sealing components 234 Extension 300 pack case 310 Lower Case 320 Top Case 330 Venting Hall 400 Module Case 410 Venting Hall

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells stacked in one direction, A pack case that houses the battery cells in its internal space, Within the internal space of the pack case, a cell cover encloses at least two of the plurality of battery cells, and A busbar frame assembly located on at least one open side of the cell cover, Includes, The busbar frame assembly includes a shut-off member that blocks the discharge of venting gas from the battery cell. The blocking member has a bent shape and includes a main body positioned on at least one open side of the cell cover and an extension that covers the end of the cell cover. A battery pack in which the cell cover and the extension of the blocking member overlap, thereby preventing the venting gas from being discharged through the gap between the cell cover and the busbar frame assembly.

2. Multiple battery cells stacked in one direction, A pack case that houses the battery cells in its internal space, Within the internal space of the pack case, a cell cover encloses at least two of the plurality of battery cells, and A busbar frame assembly located on at least one open side of the cell cover, Includes, The busbar frame assembly includes a shut-off member that blocks the discharge of venting gas from the battery cell. The cross-section of the aforementioned blocking member is L-shaped when viewed from the side, in a battery pack.

3. The venting gas is discharged from the open surface of the cell cover that is not blocked by the blocking member, as described in claim 1 or 2.

4. The busbar frame assembly further includes busbar electrodes electrically coupled to the electrode leads of the battery cell and a busbar housing supporting the busbar electrodes, The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the blocking member is attached to the outer surface of the busbar housing.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cell cover includes a pair of first cover portions that cover both facing sides of the at least two battery cells and a second cover portion that connects the pair of first cover portions and covers either the upper surface or the lower surface of the at least two battery cells.

6. The busbar frame assembly is positioned on either the front or rear side of the battery cell in the longitudinal direction. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the blocking member includes a main body and an extension that covers the end of the second cover portion of the cell cover, which are disposed on at least one of the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell in the longitudinal direction.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, wherein the blocking member further includes an extension that covers the end of the first cover portion of the cell cover.

8. The pack case includes at least one venting hole for discharging the venting gas, The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein the venting holes are provided on the open side of the cell cover, which is the upper and lower surface of the pack case.

9. The cell cover and the group of battery cells housed in the cell cover consist of multiple units and are mounted in the internal space of the pack case. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one busbar frame assembly is disposed on at least one open side of each of the plurality of cell covers.

10. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cross-section of the cell cover is formed in an N-shape or U-shape when viewed from the front.

11. Multiple battery cells stacked in one direction, A module case that houses the battery cells in its internal space, In the internal space of the module case, a cell cover enclosing at least two of the plurality of battery cells, A busbar frame assembly located on at least one open side of the cell cover, Includes, The busbar frame assembly includes a shut-off member that blocks the discharge of venting gas from the battery cell. The blocking member has a bent shape and includes a main body positioned on at least one open side of the cell cover and an extension that covers the end of the cell cover. A battery module in which the cell cover and the extension of the blocking member overlap, thereby preventing the venting gas from being discharged through the gap between the cell cover and the busbar frame assembly.

12. Multiple battery cells stacked in one direction, A module case that houses the battery cells in its internal space, In the internal space of the module case, a cell cover enclosing at least two of the plurality of battery cells, A busbar frame assembly located on at least one open side of the cell cover, Includes, The busbar frame assembly includes a shut-off member that blocks the discharge of venting gas from the battery cell. The cross-section of the aforementioned blocking member is L-shaped when viewed from the side, forming a battery module.

Images