Battery pack

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery pack for accommodating cell assemblies each comprising a pair of external electrodes on one side thereof, the battery pack comprising a pack case. The pack case comprises: a plurality of cell assemblies; and busbars for connecting external terminals of the cell assemblies, wherein, on any one pair of cell assemblies arranged so as to neighbor each other with respect to the length direction of the battery pack, the positions of the external terminals are arranged so as to be reversed with respect to the width direction of the battery pack, and the pack case further comprises busbar caps formed so as to correspond to the shapes of the busbars so as to cover the upper portions of the busbars.

Description

battery pack

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack accommodating a plurality of cell assemblies. More specifically, the battery pack of the present invention is characterized by a structure capable of effectively protecting a bus bar electrically connecting each cell assembly from spark particles that may occur due to a short circuit.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2024-0039910, filed March 22, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003]

[0004] Battery packs used in electric vehicles and other applications typically have a structure in which multiple cell assemblies, each containing a plurality of secondary batteries, are connected in series or parallel to achieve high output. Furthermore, these secondary batteries enable repeated charging and discharging through electrochemical reactions between components, including electrodes, separators, and electrolytes.

[0005] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional battery pack, wherein the battery pack is composed of a plurality of cell assemblies (10) and a pack case (20) capable of accommodating the cell assemblies (10).

[0006] The above cell assembly (10) includes a pair of external terminals, and each cell assembly (10) is electrically connected through a separate bus bar connecting the external terminals.

[0007] Meanwhile, if a short circuit occurs within one of the cell assemblies (10) housed in the pack case (20), a spark accompanied by high heat may occur. At this time, if the spark discharge or the like is scattered and contacts the bus bar, a short circuit may occur in a large number of cell assemblies (10) in an instant, which may lead to a large explosion or fire.

[0008] In particular, since the cell assemblies (10) accommodated in most battery packs are arranged with their external terminals facing the center of the pack case (20), there is a high possibility that the bus bars will come into contact with the flying spark particles. In other words, since conventional battery packs have a structure in which the bus bars are gathered at the center, they are vulnerable to a large fire if sparks or flames occur due to a short circuit.

[0009]

[0010] (Prior art document) Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0001228

[0011]

[0012] Accordingly, the present invention was created to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a battery pack having a structure that can eliminate a situation in which bus bars are concentrated in a specific area.

[0013] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a battery pack having a configuration capable of preventing flying spark discharges from contacting a bus bar.

[0014] Other objects and advantages of the present invention can be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0015] According to the present invention, a battery pack is provided that accommodates a cell assembly including a pair of external terminals on one side.

[0016] The battery pack includes a pack case; and a plurality of cell assemblies mounted in the pack case; wherein the pack case includes a bus bar connecting external terminals of each of the cell assemblies; wherein a pair of cell assemblies arranged adjacently based on the longitudinal direction of the battery pack are arranged such that the positions of the external terminals are reversed based on the width direction of the battery pack, and the pack case further includes a bus bar cap formed to correspond to the shape of the bus bar and covering an upper portion of the bus bar.

[0017] The above busbar cap may include a material having at least one of heat resistance and fire resistance.

[0018] The above pack case further includes a covering member positioned between the bus bar and the bus bar cap to cover the upper portion of the bus bar, and the covering member may include a material having insulating properties.

[0019] The above busbar may include a connecting busbar having a bent shape to connect a pair of cell assemblies having opposite external terminal positions.

[0020] The above busbar cap can be formed to be bent to correspond to the shape of the above connecting busbar.

[0021] The above connecting bus bar includes a first connecting portion crossing between a pair of cell assemblies, a second connecting portion bent in the width direction of the cell assembly at one end of the first connecting portion, and a third connecting portion bent in the width direction of the cell assembly at the other end of the first connecting portion, wherein the second connecting portion is connected to an external terminal of one of the cell assemblies of the pair of cell assemblies, and the third connecting portion can be connected to an external terminal of the other of the cell assemblies of the pair of cell assemblies.

[0022] The above busbar cap may include a first cover part covering a first connection part of the connecting busbar, a second cover part covering a second connection part, and a third cover part covering a third connection part.

[0023] The second connecting portion and the third connecting portion can be bent in opposite directions at both ends of the first connecting portion.

[0024] The pack case further includes a cross beam interposed between a pair of cell assemblies arranged adjacently in the longitudinal direction of the battery pack to separate each cell assembly, and the connecting bus bar may be positioned on the upper portion of the cross beam.

[0025] The above busbar cap can be coupled to the top of the crossbeam so that the connecting busbar located on the crossbeam is not exposed to the outside.

[0026] The above cross beam includes an insertion groove formed corresponding to the shape of the connecting bus bar so that the connecting bus bar can be inserted, and the connecting bus bar can be inserted into and fixed in the insertion groove of the cross beam.

[0027] The above cell assembly includes a cell stack in which a plurality of cells from which electrode leads are derived are stacked; and an end plate respectively coupled to the front and rear surfaces of the cell stack; wherein the external terminal is formed on the end plate coupled at a position corresponding to the electrode leads and can be electrically connected to the electrode leads.

[0028] The above cell assembly may further include a module frame surrounding the perimeter of the cell stack and coupled to the end plate.

[0029] The module frame includes a lower frame supporting the lower portion of the cell stack; an upper frame supporting the upper portion of the cell stack; and a pair of side frames supporting both sides of the cell stack; and the upper frame may include a plurality of opening holes.

[0030] The above cell assembly further includes a pair of support frames for supporting the cell stack on both sides of the cell stack, and each support frame at a position facing each other in the adjacently arranged cell assemblies is combined to form a separation beam, and the connecting bus bar can be positioned on the upper portion of the separation beam.

[0031] The above busbar cap can be coupled to the upper part of the separation beam so that the connecting busbar located on the separation beam is not exposed to the outside.

[0032] According to the present invention, a battery pack is provided that improves safety by applying a bus bar of a modified shape, thereby reducing the probability of spark discharge occurring in a thermal runaway situation of a cell assembly reaching the bus bar.

[0033] In addition, according to the present invention, the phenomenon of the busbar directly contacting a spark discharge can be prevented by using a busbar cap configuration that covers the upper part of the busbar.

[0034] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a conventional battery pack.

[0035] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cell assembly included in the battery pack of FIG. 2.

[0037] Figure 4 is a plan view of a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a pair of cell assemblies and a connecting bus bar included in the battery pack of FIG. 2.

[0039] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a pair of cell assemblies and a connecting bus bar.

[0040] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the cell assembly and connecting busbar and busbar cap of Figure 6.

[0041] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a modified example of a cross beam included in a pack case.

[0042] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a connecting busbar, a covering member, and a busbar cap.

[0043] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 11 is a plan view of a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a pair of cell assemblies and a connecting bus bar included in the battery pack of FIG. 10.

[0046] Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing the cell assembly of Fig. 12 combined.

[0047] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a bus bar connected to the cell assembly of Fig. 13.

[0048] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a modified example of a cell assembly included in a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 16 is a plan view of the cell assembly of Figure 15.

[0050] Figure 17 is a plan view of the cell assembly of Figure 16, paired together.

[0051] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a pair of support frames and a connecting bus bar included in a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the support frame of Fig. 18 combined.

[0053] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of a term to best explain his or her invention, they should be construed as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0054] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0055] In addition, when describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0056] Since the embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the sizes and proportions of each component do not fully reflect the actual sizes or proportions.

[0057]

[0058] The present invention relates to a battery pack accommodating a plurality of cell assemblies. More specifically, the battery pack of the present invention is characterized by a structure capable of effectively protecting a bus bar electrically connecting each cell assembly from spark discharge that may occur due to a short circuit.

[0059] FIGS. 2 to 9 relate to a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 10 to 19 relate to a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the battery pack of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the directions used in the following description to designate relative positions, such as front-back, up-down, left-right, etc., are intended to aid understanding of the invention, and unless otherwise specified, the directions depicted in the drawings will be used as a reference.

[0061]

[0062] Here, the width direction of the cell assembly refers to the direction in which the cells are stacked, and the length direction of the cell assembly refers to the direction orthogonal to the width direction of the cell assembly, i.e., the direction connecting the two sides where the end plates are joined.

[0063] Additionally, the width direction (D2) of the battery pack refers to the length direction of the cell assembly accommodated in the battery pack, and the length direction (D1) of the battery pack refers to the width direction of the cell assembly accommodated in the battery pack.

[0064]

[0065] (First embodiment)

[0066] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery pack (1) according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cell assembly (100) included in the battery pack (1) of FIG. 2.

[0067]

[0068] The battery pack (1) of the present invention includes a pack case (1000) and a plurality of cell assemblies (100) mounted in the pack case (1000).

[0069] Referring to FIG. 2, the pack case (1000) accommodates a plurality of cell assemblies (100) including a pair of external terminals (131) on one side.

[0070]

[0071] The above cell assembly (100) includes a cell stack (110) in which a plurality of cells (not shown) from which electrode leads are derived are stacked in one direction.

[0072] Each of the above cells includes an electrode assembly in which electrodes and separators are alternately laminated, an electrode lead connected to the electrode, a case enclosing the electrode assembly so that the electrode lead extends to the outside, and an electrolyte filled together with the electrode assembly within the case.

[0073] The above electrode may be a positive electrode having a slurry of a positive electrode active material, a binder resin, a conductive agent, and other additives applied to at least one surface of a current collector, or a negative electrode having a slurry of a negative electrode active material, a binder resin, a conductive agent, and other additives applied to at least one surface of a current collector. Accordingly, the electrode assembly is configured by alternately stacking a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode.

[0074] The positive electrode active material may include a lithium-containing transition metal oxide, and the negative electrode active material may include lithium metal, carbon material, and metal compound or a mixture thereof capable of absorbing and releasing lithium ions.

[0075] The above separator can be a conventional porous polymer film used in lithium secondary batteries.

[0076] The above case is a sheet material processed into a predetermined shape. At this time, the sheet material is composed of a multilayer structure in which an outermost outer resin layer made of an insulating material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or nylon, a metal layer made of aluminum that maintains mechanical strength and prevents the penetration of moisture and oxygen, and an inner resin layer made of a polyolefin-based material that has thermal adhesive properties and acts as a sealant are laminated.

[0077] The sheet material forming the case may have a predetermined adhesive resin layer interposed between the inner resin layer and the metal layer, and between the outer resin layer and the metal layer, as needed. The adhesive resin layer is formed as a single layer or multiple layers for smooth adhesion between different materials, and the material is typically a polyolefin resin, or a polyurethane resin may be used for smooth processing, and a mixture of these may also be employed.

[0078] The above cell can be classified into square, pouch-shaped, and cylindrical shapes depending on the shape of the electrode assembly and case. However, in the detailed description and drawings of the present invention, a pouch-shaped cell is used as an example for convenience of understanding.

[0079] An end plate (130) configured to protect and support the cell stack (110) may be coupled to the front and rear of the cell stack (110).

[0080] The above cell assembly (100) further includes an external terminal (131) electrically connected to the electrode lead derived from the cell stack (110).

[0081] The above external terminal (131) is formed on the end plate (130), and is formed so that one end is exposed to the outside of the end plate (130).

[0082] Specifically, the external terminal (131) is formed on an end plate (130) that is joined at a position corresponding to the electrode lead of the cell stack (110) among a pair of end plates (130) located on the front and rear sides of the cell assembly (100).

[0083] Referring to FIG. 3, an external terminal (131) is formed on the end plate (130) located on the front of the cell assembly (100).

[0084]

[0085] The cell assembly (100) included in the battery pack (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention further includes a module frame (120) that surrounds the periphery of the cell stack (110) and is coupled to the end plate (130), as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0086] The above module frame (120) includes a lower frame (not shown) that supports the lower portion of the cell stack (110), an upper frame (121) that supports the upper portion of the cell stack (110), and a pair of side frames (122) that support both sides of the cell stack (110).

[0087] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the upper frame (121) of the present invention includes an opening hole (121a) that is opened so that gas, flames, spark particles, etc. can be quickly discharged when a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs inside the cell assembly (100) due to a short circuit or the like. Accordingly, when the cell stack (110) wrapped by the module frame (120) undergoes a thermal runaway, gas, spark particles, etc. can be discharged upward through the opening hole (121a).

[0088]

[0089] The battery pack (1) of the present invention may further include an upper case (not shown) that is coupled with the pack case (1000) to cover the upper portion of the cell assembly (100) accommodated in the pack case (1000). However, since the upper case deviates from the characteristics of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0090]

[0091] The pack case (1000) of the present invention includes a plate-shaped base plate (300) that supports the lower portion of the cell assembly (100) and a side beam (400) that is coupled to the base plate (300) along an edge of the base plate (300) to support the side portion of the cell assembly (100) mounted on the base plate (300).

[0092] In addition, the battery pack (1) of the present invention according to the first embodiment further includes a cross beam (500) interposed between a pair of cell assemblies (100) arranged adjacently with respect to the longitudinal direction (D1) of the battery pack (1) as illustrated in FIG. 2 to separate each cell assembly (100).

[0093] The above cross beam (500) may serve to separate the sides of each cell assembly (100) from each other, or may serve to support the sides of each cell assembly (100).

[0094]

[0095] The pack case (1000) of the present invention includes a bus bar connecting the external terminals (131) of each cell assembly (100) as shown in FIG. 2, and further includes a bus bar cap (600) formed to correspond to the shape of the bus bar and covering the upper portion of the bus bar.

[0096] The cell assemblies (100) mounted on the pack case (1000) are arranged so that the positions of a pair of external terminals (131) that are adjacent to each other are opposite to each other based on the longitudinal direction (D1) of the battery pack (1), as illustrated in FIG. 2. That is, the positions of the external terminals (131) of the adjacent pair of cell assemblies (100) are reversed based on the width direction (D2) of the battery pack (1).

[0097] Accordingly, the bus bar that electrically connects the two adjacent cell assemblies (100) is also formed corresponding to the arrangement shape of the cell assemblies (100).

[0098] Specifically, the above bus bar includes a connecting bus bar (210) having a bent shape to connect a pair of cell assemblies (100) whose external terminals (131) are located at opposite positions.

[0099] Figure 4 is a plan view of a battery pack (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 4, a plurality of cell assemblies (100) arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction (D1) of the battery pack (1) have their external terminals (131) facing in opposite directions with respect to the width direction (D2) of the battery pack (1). At this time, the connecting bus bar (210) connects a pair of cell assemblies (100) arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction (D1) of the battery pack (1) as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0101] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a pair of cell assemblies (100) and a connecting bus bar (210) included in the battery pack (1) of FIG. 2, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pair of cell assemblies (100) and a connecting bus bar (210) combined.

[0102] The above connecting bus bar (210) includes a first connecting portion (210a) crossing between a pair of cell assemblies (100), a second connecting portion (210b) bent in the width direction (D2) of the cell assembly (100) at one end of the first connecting portion (210a), and a third connecting portion (210c) bent in the width direction (D2) of the cell assembly (100) at the other end of the first connecting portion (210a).

[0103] The second connecting portion (210b) and the third connecting portion (210c) are bent in opposite directions at both ends of the first connecting portion (210a).

[0104] The second connecting portion (210b) is connected to an external terminal (131) of one of the cell assemblies (100) of the pair of cell assemblies (100), and the third connecting portion (210c) is connected to an external terminal (131) of the other of the cell assemblies (100) of the pair of cell assemblies (100).

[0105] The above connecting bus bar (210) is located on the upper part of the cross beam (500) located between the cell assemblies (100) as shown.

[0106] According to some embodiments, the first connecting portion (210a) of the connecting bus bar (210) may be supported at the bottom by the cross beam (500).

[0107] According to some embodiments, the connecting bus bar (210) may be coupled and fixed to the cross beam (500).

[0108]

[0109] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the cell assembly (100) and the connecting bus bar (210) and bus bar cap (600) of FIG. 6.

[0110] The above busbar cap (600) covers and protects the upper part of the busbar.

[0111] The busbar cap (600) covers the busbar to protect it from spark particles, flames, and high-temperature gases approaching from the outside. Therefore, the busbar cap (600) includes a material having at least one of heat resistance and fire resistance. For example, the busbar cap (600) may include mica.

[0112] In addition, the busbar cap (600) may further include an insulating material. For example, the busbar cap (600) may further include glass fiber.

[0113] The busbar cap (600) coupled to the above-described connecting busbar (210) is formed to be bent to correspond to the shape of the connecting busbar (210) as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 7.

[0114] Specifically, the busbar cap (600) includes a first cover part (600a) covering the first connection part (210a) of the connection busbar (210), a second cover part (600b) covering the second connection part (210b), and a third cover part (600c) covering the third connection part (210c).

[0115] The first cover part (600a) of the busbar cap (600) crosses between the cell assemblies (100), the second cover part (600b) is bent in the width direction (D2) of the cell assemblies (100) at one end of the first cover part (600a), and the third cover part (600c) is bent in the width direction (D2) of the cell assemblies (100) at the other end of the first cover part (600a).

[0116] According to some embodiments, the busbar cap (600) may be directly coupled to the connecting busbar (210), or may be coupled and fixed to the cross beam (500). That is, the busbar cap (600) may be coupled to the upper end of the cross beam (500) so that the connecting busbar (210) positioned on the cross beam (500) is not exposed to the outside.

[0117]

[0118] In some embodiments, the cross beam (500) may further include an insertion groove (510) into which the connecting bus bar (210) is inserted.

[0119] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a modified example of a cross beam (500) included in a pack case (1000).

[0120] As illustrated in Fig. 8, the insertion groove (510) at the top of the cross beam (500) is formed to correspond to the shape of the connecting bus bar (210) so that the connecting bus bar (210) can be inserted therein. Accordingly, the connecting bus bar (210) can be inserted into and fixed in the insertion groove (510) of the cross beam (500).

[0121] The above bus bar cap (600) is coupled to the upper end of the cross beam (500) so as to cover the upper portion of the connecting bus bar (210) inserted into the insertion groove (510).

[0122]

[0123] In some embodiments, the pack case (1000) may further include a covering member (700) positioned between the bus bar and the bus bar cap (600) to cover the upper portion of the bus bar.

[0124] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a connecting bus bar (210), a covering member (700), and a bus bar cap (600).

[0125] The above covering member (700) includes an insulating material and serves to prevent short circuits and static electricity from occurring in a portion of the connecting bus bar (210).

[0126] The above covering member (700) is formed to correspond to the shape of the connecting bus bar (210) because it must cover and insulate the entire upper portion of the connecting bus bar (210). Specifically, the covering member (700) includes a first covering member (700a) covering the first connecting portion (210a) of the connecting bus bar (210), a second covering member (700b) covering the second connecting portion (210b), and a third covering member (700c) covering the third connecting portion (210c), as illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0127] The above busbar cap (600) preferably covers the entire covering member (700) covering the connecting busbar (210).

[0128]

[0129] The battery pack (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention can minimize the impact on other cell assemblies (100) even if one cell assembly (100) explodes or generates sparks due to an internal short circuit or the like, or if flying products such as spark particles are generated, by modifying the structure of the connecting bus bar (210) and configuring a bus bar cap (600) that covers the upper portion of the connecting bus bar (210).

[0130]

[0131] (Second embodiment)

[0132] The busbar cap (600) of the present invention can also be applied to a battery pack (1) that accommodates a cell assembly (100) to which a module frame (120) is not applied.

[0133] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a battery pack (1) according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 is a plan view of a battery pack (1) according to the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a pair of cell assemblies (100) and a connecting bus bar (210) included in the battery pack (1) of FIG. 10, FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the cell assemblies (100) of FIG. 12 combined, and FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the connecting bus bar (210) combined with the cell assemblies (100) of FIG. 13.

[0134] The cell assembly (100) included in the battery pack (1) according to the second embodiment further includes a pair of support frames (140) that support the cell stack (110) on both sides of the cell stack (110) as shown in FIGS. 10 to 14.

[0135] Each of the above support frames (140) can be fixed by being combined with the end plates (130) located at the front and rear of the cell assembly (100).

[0136] In the above-described adjacently arranged cell assemblies (100), each support frame (140) facing each other is combined as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 to form one separation beam (800).

[0137] The above separation beam (800) can perform the same role as the cross beam (500) of the battery pack (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0138] The above connecting bus bar (210) is located on the upper part of the separation beam (800) as shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 14.

[0139] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a modified example of a cell assembly (100) included in a battery pack (1) according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a plan view of the cell assembly (100) of FIG. 15.

[0140] Since the above cell assembly (100) excludes the module frame (120) configuration that surrounds the cell stack (110), the internal cell stack (110) is exposed to the outside as shown in FIGS. 10 to 15.

[0141] The support frames (140) located on both sides of the cell stack (110) can support the side surfaces of the cell stack (110) and protect the cell stack (110) from impacts generated from the side.

[0142] The above busbar cap (600) is attached to the upper part of the separation beam (800) so that the connecting busbar (210) located on the separation beam (800) is not exposed to the outside.

[0143]

[0144] In some embodiments, the upper portion of the support frame (140) includes a second guide portion (140b) protruding from an end where the external terminal (131) is located based on the longitudinal direction (D1) of the cell assembly (100), and a first guide portion (140a) protruding from an end corresponding to the opposite side of the second guide portion (140b).

[0145] That is, the first guide portion (140a) and the second guide portion (140b) are formed to protrude upward at both ends of the support frame (140), respectively.

[0146] The above second guide portion (140b) is a straight line extending along the width direction (D2) of the cell assembly (100).

[0147] The above first guide portion (140a) extends along the width direction (D2) of the cell assembly (100) and has a shape that is bent at a right angle at an end adjacent to the cell stack (110).

[0148] A pair of support frames (140) included in the above cell assembly (100) include an auxiliary groove formed by the protrusion of the first guide portion (140a) and the second guide portion (140b) on the upper portion.

[0149] The above auxiliary home has a form in which one side facing the external terminal (131) and one side facing the first guide portion (140a) are both open.

[0150]

[0151] *The auxiliary grooves formed in the above pair of support frames (140) have shapes that are symmetrical to each other.

[0152] Figure 17 is a plan view of the cell assembly (100) of Figure 16, which is paired.

[0153] A pair of adjacent cell assemblies (100) mounted on the pack case (1000) of the present invention are arranged in the same form as in FIG. 17, and a second guide part (140b) included in the support frame (140) of one cell assembly (100) is coupled with a first guide part (140a) of the support frame (140) of another adjacent cell assembly (100).

[0154] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a pair of support frames (140) and a connecting bus bar (210) included in a battery pack (1) according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the support frames (140) of FIG. 18 combined.

[0155] The auxiliary groove (141) of each of the above support frames (140) forms one joining groove (810) when a pair of support frames (140) are joined as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19.

[0156] The above-mentioned joining groove (810) can perform the same role as the insertion groove (510) included in the cross beam (500) of the battery pack (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0157] The connecting groove (810) at the top of the above separation beam (800) corresponds to the shape of the connecting bus bar (210) so that the connecting bus bar (210) can be inserted therein. Accordingly, the connecting bus bar (210) can be inserted into and fixed in the connecting groove (810) of the above separation beam (800).

[0158] The above bus bar cap (600) is coupled to the upper end of the separation beam (800) so as to cover the upper portion of the connecting bus bar (210) inserted into the coupling groove (810).

[0159]

[0160] The battery pack (1) according to the second embodiment of the present invention can minimize the impact on other cell assemblies (100) even if one cell assembly (100) explodes or generates sparks due to an internal short circuit or the like, or if flying products such as spark particles are generated, by modifying the structure of the connecting bus bar (210) and configuring a bus bar cap (600) that covers the upper portion of the connecting bus bar (210).

[0161]

[0162] The present invention has been described in more detail through drawings and examples. However, the configurations described in the drawings or examples described in this specification are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modified examples may exist as of the time of this application.

[0163]

[0164] (Explanation of symbols)

[0165] 10: (Prior art) Cell assembly

[0166] 20: (Prior art) Pack case

[0167] 1: Battery pack

[0168] 1000: Pack Case

[0169] 100: Cell assembly

[0170] 110: Cell Stack

[0171] 120: Module Frame

[0172] 121: Upper frame

[0173] 121a: Opening hole

[0174] 122: Side frame

[0175] 130: End plate

[0176] 131: External terminal

[0177] 140: Support frame

[0178] 140a: Guide Section 1

[0179] 140b: Second Guide Section

[0180] 141: Auxiliary home

[0181] 210: Connecting busbar

[0182] 210a: First connection

[0183] 210b: Second connector

[0184] 210c: Third connection

[0185] 300: Base Plate

[0186] 400: Side beam

[0187] 500: Cross beam

[0188] 510: Insertion groove

[0189] 600: Busbar Cap

[0190] 600a: First cover section

[0191] 600b: Second cover section

[0192] 600c: Third cover section

[0193] 700: Covering member

[0194] 700a: First covering section

[0195] 700b: Second covering

[0196] 700c: Third layer

[0197] 800: Separation beam

[0198] 810: Combination Home

[0199] D1: Battery pack length direction

[0200] D2: Battery pack width direction

Claims

1. A battery pack accommodating a cell assembly including a pair of external terminals on one side, Pack case; and A plurality of cell assemblies mounted in the pack case; The above pack case includes a bus bar connecting the external terminals of each cell assembly; Any pair of cell assemblies arranged adjacently based on the longitudinal direction of the battery pack are arranged so that the positions of the external terminals are reversed based on the width direction of the battery pack, A battery pack characterized in that the pack case further includes a busbar cap formed to correspond to the shape of the busbar and covering the upper portion of the busbar.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery pack in which the above busbar cap includes a material having at least one of heat resistance and fire resistance.

3. In paragraph 1, The above pack case further includes a covering member positioned between the bus bar and the bus bar cap to cover the upper portion of the bus bar, A battery pack in which the above covering member includes a material having insulating properties.

4. In paragraph 1, A battery pack comprising a connecting bus bar having a bent shape to connect a pair of cell assemblies having opposite external terminal positions.

5. In paragraph 4, The above busbar cap is a battery pack formed to be bent corresponding to the shape of the above connecting busbar.

6. In paragraph 4, The above connecting bus bar includes a first connecting portion crossing between a pair of cell assemblies, a second connecting portion bent in the width direction of the cell assembly at one end of the first connecting portion, and a third connecting portion bent in the width direction of the cell assembly at the other end of the first connecting portion, A battery pack wherein the second connecting portion is connected to an external terminal of one of the pair of cell assemblies, and the third connecting portion is connected to an external terminal of the other of the pair of cell assemblies.

7. In paragraph 6, A battery pack in which the busbar cap includes a first cover portion covering a first connection portion of the connecting busbar, a second cover portion covering a second connection portion, and a third cover portion covering a third connection portion.

8. In paragraph 6, A battery pack in which the second connecting portion and the third connecting portion are bent in opposite directions at both ends of the first connecting portion.

9. In paragraph 4, The pack case further includes a cross beam interposed between a pair of cell assemblies arranged adjacently in the longitudinal direction of the battery pack to separate each cell assembly, The above connecting bus bar is a battery pack located on the upper part of the cross beam.

10. In paragraph 9, The above busbar cap is a battery pack that is connected to the top of the cross beam so that the connecting busbar located on the cross beam is not exposed to the outside.

11. In paragraph 9, The above cross beam includes an insertion groove formed corresponding to the shape of the connecting bus bar so that the connecting bus bar is inserted, A battery pack in which the above connecting bus bar is inserted into and fixed in the insertion groove of the above cross beam.

12. In paragraph 4, The above cell assembly, A cell stack comprising a plurality of cells from which electrode leads are derived; and End plates respectively coupled to the front and rear of the cell stack; A battery pack in which the external terminal is formed on an end plate that is joined at a position corresponding to the electrode lead and is electrically connected to the electrode lead.

13. In paragraph 12, A battery pack wherein the cell assembly further includes a module frame surrounding the perimeter of the cell stack and coupled to the end plate.

14. In paragraph 13, The above module frame is, A lower frame supporting the lower portion of the above cell stack; an upper frame supporting the upper portion of the cell stack; and A pair of side frames supporting both sides of the cell stack; The upper frame is a battery pack including a plurality of opening holes.

15. In paragraph 12, The above cell assembly further includes a pair of support frames supporting the cell stack on both sides of the cell stack, In the above-mentioned adjacently arranged cell assemblies, each support frame at a position facing each other is combined to form a separation beam, The above connecting bus bar is a battery pack located on the upper part of the above separation beam.

16. In paragraph 15, The above busbar cap is a battery pack that is connected to the upper part of the separation beam so that the connecting busbar located on the separation beam is not exposed to the outside.

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