Battery device

Abstract

A battery device according to embodiments comprises: a housing accommodating a plurality of battery cells; an end cover coupled to one side of the housing and having an opening for discharging a gas generated from at least one of the plurality of battery cells; and a heat-resistant cover provided on the outside of the end cover, wherein the heat-resistant cover may comprise: a heat-resistant body coupled to the housing or the end cover; a venting portion which is connected to the heat-resistant body and covers at least partial region of the opening; and a cut portion disposed between the heat-resistant body and the venting portion.

Description

battery device

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery device.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 2024-0184934 filed on December 12, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the document of said Korean patent application are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0003] Secondary batteries are rechargeable and dischargeable, so they are widely used in mobile devices such as digital cameras, mobile phones, and laptops. In particular, they are recently attracting attention as an energy source for electric vehicles and Energy Storage Systems (ESS).

[0004] As large capacity and high output power are required in electric vehicles and power storage devices, battery devices or battery packs housing multiple secondary batteries (battery cells) inside a housing are being widely utilized.

[0005] In a battery device housing multiple secondary batteries, high-temperature gas or flames may be generated in some battery cells due to external impact, severe charging and discharging, or short circuits between secondary batteries. At this time, if the high-temperature gas or flames emitted from the battery cells are transferred to adjacent battery devices, it may cause a chain reaction of thermal runaway in multiple battery devices.

[0006] Therefore, a structure is required that can safely discharge high-temperature gases ejected from battery cells so that they do not accumulate around the battery pack, accelerate thermal runaway, or affect other battery devices.

[0007] The present invention is designed to solve at least some of the problems of the prior art described above, and provides a battery device and a battery pack including the same that can protect adjacent battery devices while preventing gas or flames generated during an event from remaining around the battery device for a long period of time.

[0008] To achieve the above objective, embodiments of the present invention provide a battery device comprising: a housing for accommodating a plurality of battery cells; an end cover coupled to one side of the housing and having an opening provided for discharging gas generated from at least one of the plurality of battery cells; and a heat-resistant cover disposed on the outside of the end cover, wherein the heat-resistant cover comprises a heat-resistant body portion coupled to the housing or the end cover; a venting portion connected to the heat-resistant body portion and covering at least a portion of the opening; and an incision portion disposed between the heat-resistant body portion and the venting portion.

[0009] In the embodiments, the battery device further includes an insulating cover disposed on the inner side of the end cover and preventing the end cover and a plurality of battery cells from being electrically short-circuited, and the insulating cover may include an exposed portion exposed to the outside of the end cover through an opening.

[0010] In the embodiments, the venting portion of the heat-resistant cover may be positioned to face the exposed portion of the insulating cover.

[0011] In the embodiments, the battery device further includes a busbar assembly that electrically connects a plurality of battery cells to one another, and an insulating cover may be positioned to face the busbar assembly and the plurality of battery cells in the longitudinal direction.

[0012] In the embodiments, the busbar assembly includes terminal terminals for electrical connection between a plurality of battery cells and an external circuit, and the insulating cover may have terminal holes that expose the terminal terminals to the outside of the insulating cover.

[0013] In the embodiments, the terminal connector may be exposed to the outside of the end cover through an opening in the end cover.

[0014] In the embodiments, the heat-resistant body may include a first part positioned facing the upper frame of the housing; and a second part connected to the first part and positioned facing the end cover.

[0015] In the embodiments, the venting portion is connected to both ends of the second portion of the heat-resistant body portion, and the cut portion may be positioned between the first portion of the heat-resistant body portion and the venting portion.

[0016] In the embodiments, the incision may be positioned between the first part of the heat-resistant body and the venting part, and between the second part of the heat-resistant body and the venting part, respectively.

[0017] In the embodiments, the first part of the heat-resistant body is coupled to the upper frame, and the second part of the heat-resistant body can be coupled to the end cover.

[0018] In the embodiments, the battery device may further include a fixing pin that penetrates the heat-resistant body portion and is coupled to a coupling hole of the end cover.

[0019] In the embodiments, the heat-resistant body portion and the venting portion of the heat-resistant cover may include soft mica having flexibility.

[0020] In the embodiments, in the event of a thermal runaway situation of at least one of the plurality of battery cells, the venting portion may be configured to detach from the heat-resistant body portion and open the opening of the end cover.

[0021] In the embodiments, in the event of a thermal runaway situation of at least one of the plurality of battery cells, the venting portion may be configured to rotate relative to the heat-resistant body portion by the pressure of the internal space of the housing to open the opening of the end cover.

[0022] In the embodiments, the incision may be formed by cutting at least a portion between the heat-resistant body portion and the venting portion in the heat-resistant cover.

[0023] According to the embodiments, a battery device and a battery pack including the same can be implemented to protect adjacent battery devices while preventing gas or flames generated in an event situation from remaining around the battery device for a long period of time.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a top view of a battery pack according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery device according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a housing and a cell stack of a battery device according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a cover assembly of a battery device according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a reference diagram for explaining the combination of an end cover and a heat-resistant cover in a battery device according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a partial enlarged view of a battery device according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a reference diagram for explaining gas ejection in a thermal runaway situation of a battery device according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a front view of a battery device according to various embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 9 is a front view of a battery device according to various embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 10 is a reference diagram for explaining gas ejection in a thermal runaway situation of a battery device according to various embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 11 is a reference diagram for explaining the connection between a plurality of battery devices in a battery pack according to various embodiments.

[0035] Prior to the detailed description of the present invention, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Instead, they should be interpreted in a sense and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor may appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention. Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all aspects of the technical spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications capable of replacing them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0036] Identical reference numbers or symbols in each drawing attached to this specification represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function. For convenience of explanation and understanding, the same reference numbers or symbols may be used to describe different embodiments. That is, even if components having the same reference number are depicted in multiple drawings, the multiple drawings do not all represent a single embodiment.

[0037] In the following description, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as "comprising" or "constituting" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0038] In addition, it should be noted in advance that expressions such as upper side, top, lower side, bottom, side, front, and rear in the following description are based on the direction depicted in the drawings, and may be expressed differently if the direction of the object changes.

[0039] Additionally, in this specification and claims, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to distinguish between components. These ordinal numbers are used to distinguish identical or similar components from one another, and the meaning of the terms should not be limited by the use of such ordinal numbers. For example, the order of use or arrangement of components combined with such ordinal numbers should not be limited by the number. If necessary, each ordinal number may be used interchangeably.

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented. For example, a person skilled in the art who understands the scope of the present invention may propose other embodiments that fall within the scope of the concept of the present invention by adding, changing, or deleting components, and such embodiments shall also be deemed to be within the scope of the concept of the present invention. In the drawings, the shapes and sizes of elements may be exaggerated for clearer explanation.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a top view of a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment.

[0042] A battery pack (1) according to one embodiment may include a plurality of battery devices (10) and a pack housing (20) that accommodates them.

[0043] A plurality of battery devices (10) may be accommodated in a pack housing (20). The pack housing (20) may include a lower plate (21) and a plurality of support beams (22). A battery device (10) may be seated in an inner receiving space formed by the lower plate (21) and the plurality of support beams (22). Meanwhile, although not shown in FIG. 1, the pack housing (20) may further include an upper plate positioned on top of the plurality of support beams (22) to close the receiving space of the pack housing (20).

[0044] The lower plate (21) can form the lower surface of the pack housing (20). In various embodiments, the lower plate (21) may be provided as a square plate-shaped member or a polygonal plate-shaped member other than a square, but the shape of the lower plate (21) is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0045] Multiple battery devices (10) can be seated on the upper part of the lower plate (21).

[0046] The lower plate (21) may be formed of a metal material having rigidity. For example, at least a portion of the lower plate (21) may include aluminum. If the lower plate (21) includes aluminum, due to the excellent thermal conductivity of aluminum, the effect of rapidly dissipating heat energy generated in the battery device (10) to the outside of the battery pack (1) can be expected.

[0047] The support beam (22) can be connected to the lower plate (21). For example, referring to FIG. 1, at least some of the multiple support beams (22) can form the sides of the pack housing (20), and other some can be placed on the upper surface of the lower plate (21) to partition the internal space of the pack housing (20).

[0048] A plurality of battery devices (10) can be accommodated in the space partitioned by the support beam (22).

[0049] In one embodiment, the battery device (10) may include a plurality of battery cells (e.g., 110 in FIG. 3) and a housing (e.g., 300 in FIG. 2) that accommodates the plurality of battery cells (110 in FIG. 3).

[0050] In the following description, the term "battery device (10)" refers collectively to an energy storage device composed of a plurality of battery cells (110 in FIG. 3) electrically connected. That is, the "battery device (10)" of the present disclosure can be understood as not only a battery module but also various types of energy storage devices, including an Energy Storage System (ESS).

[0051] A plurality of battery devices (10) housed in a pack housing (20) can be electrically connected to each other through a conductive connecting member (30). For example, referring to FIG. 1, the connecting member (30) is a member in the form of a conductive metal bar and can be connected to each of two battery devices (10) arranged adjacently to electrically connect the two battery devices (10) to each other.

[0052] In one embodiment, the battery device (10) may further include a housing (300) that accommodates a plurality of battery cells (110) and a heat-resistant cover (430) configured to prevent high-temperature gas or flames emitted during a thermal runaway situation from accumulating around the battery device (10).

[0053] Referring to FIG. 1, a heat-resistant cover (430) may be placed at one end and the other end of the battery device (10). The heat-resistant cover (430) can protect the battery device (10) from gas or flames emitted from an adjacent battery device (10). Additionally, the heat-resistant cover (430) is configured so that at least a portion of it deforms in the event of a thermal runaway of the battery device (10), thereby inducing gas or flames emitted from the battery device (10) to quickly escape without remaining in the space between the battery device (10) and the pack housing (20) for a long time.

[0054] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5, a battery device (10) equipped with a heat-resistant cover (430) will be described in more detail.

[0055] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery device (10) according to one embodiment.

[0056] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the housing (300) and cell stack of a battery device (10) according to one embodiment.

[0057] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a cover assembly of a battery device (10) according to one embodiment.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a reference diagram for explaining the combination of an end cover and a heat-resistant cover (430) in a battery device (10) according to one embodiment.

[0059] Since the battery device (10) described in FIGS. 2 to 5 corresponds to the battery device (10) described in FIG. 1, descriptions that overlap with FIG. 1 may be omitted.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 together, in one embodiment, the battery device (10) may be configured to include one or more battery cells (110) inside a housing (300) to output or store electrical energy.

[0061] The housing (300) provides an internal space in which one or more cell stacks (100) can be accommodated. The housing (300) may be formed of a material having a certain rigidity to protect the cell stacks (100) and other electrical components accommodated in the internal space from external impact. For example, the housing (300) may include a metal material such as iron, stainless steel, or aluminum.

[0062] The housing (300) may include a lower frame (310) and an upper frame (320) that are joined together. The lower frame (310) may be provided as a U-shaped frame on which the cell stack (100) is seated and which is open at the front and back in the upper and longitudinal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction), and the upper frame (320) may be configured to be joined to the open upper part of the lower frame (310) to cover the upper surface of the cell stack (100).

[0063] However, the structure of the housing (300) is not limited to this, and can be any shape as long as it has an internal space capable of accommodating at least one cell stack (100). For example, the housing (300) may be composed of an integrated monoframe in which the upper frame (320) and the lower frame (310) are formed integrally and the front and rear are open.

[0064] One or more battery cells (110) may be accommodated in the internal space of the housing (300). For example, referring to FIG. 3, a cell stack (100) formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells (110) in one direction may be accommodated in the internal space formed between the lower frame (310) and the upper frame (320).

[0065] In one embodiment, a plurality of battery cells (110) included in the battery device (10) may be stacked in a first direction (e.g., X-axis direction) to form at least a part of the cell stack (100). In the following description, the stacking direction of the battery cells (110) is referred to as the 'cell stacking direction' or 'first direction'.

[0066] In one embodiment, the battery cell (110) may be a rechargeable and dischargeable secondary battery. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the battery cell (110) may be a pouch-type secondary battery in which an electrode assembly is housed inside a sealed pouch.

[0067] In a pouch-type secondary battery, the electrode assembly and the electrolyte may be housed inside a pouch formed by processing one or more outer materials. The outer material forming the pouch may be composed of an aluminum laminated film, but the specific material is not limited to this.

[0068] However, the configuration shown in FIG. 3 is merely an exemplary shape of the battery cell (110), and the battery cell (110) included in the battery device (10) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited to a pouch-type secondary battery. For example, the battery cell (110) may be configured as a prismatic secondary battery in which an electrode assembly is housed inside a prismatic case having a certain rigidity. Alternatively, the battery cell (110) may be configured as an all-solid-state battery.

[0069] Additionally, FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary cell stack (100) according to the present disclosure, and the number of battery cells (110) constituting the cell stack (100) and the stacking pattern may be varied as needed.

[0070] Meanwhile, in various embodiments, the cell stack (100) may further include a protective member capable of protecting a plurality of battery cells (110). For example, the protective member may be a surface pressure pad capable of applying a predetermined surface pressure to the battery cell (110) to prevent the battery cell (110) from swelling during the charging and discharging process. The surface pressure pad may further include at least one of polyurethane, silicone, and rubber (EPDM), and may apply pressure to the battery cell (110) using the elasticity of these materials. Alternatively, the protective member may be an insulating sheet capable of blocking high-temperature thermal energy or flame generated in one battery cell (110) from being transferred to an adjacent battery cell (110). The insulating sheet may be made of a material such as mica, silicate, or ceramic wool, which has excellent flame retardancy, heat resistance, and thermal insulation properties, and may effectively block the propagation of thermal energy within the cell stack (100).

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5 together, the battery device (10) may include a busbar assembly (200) electrically connected to a battery cell (110) of a cell stack (100).

[0072] A busbar assembly (200) is positioned on at least one side of a cell stack (100) to electrically connect the battery cells (110) to one another. For example, a pair of busbar assemblies (200) may be provided and positioned at both ends of the cell stack (100) to face the cell stack (100) in a second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) which is perpendicular to the cell stacking direction. However, a pair of busbar assemblies (200) may be connected to each other to form a single component.

[0073] The busbar (210) can be formed of a conductive material and serves to electrically connect a plurality of battery cells (110) to each other. The busbar (210) can be electrically connected to the battery cells (110). Various welding methods, including laser welding, can be applied to the connection between the busbar (210) and the battery cells (110). However, the connection method is not limited to welding, and any connection method capable of electrically conducting two metallic materials is possible.

[0074] The busbar frame (220) can support the busbar (210) so that it is stably connected to the battery cell (110). The busbar (210) can be electrically connected to the battery cell (110) while fixed to the busbar frame (220).

[0075] The busbar assembly (200) may include a terminal (230) used to electrically connect the battery device (10) to an external circuit. The terminal (230) may be electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of busbars (210) and may be configured to be exposed to the outside of the battery device (10). The connecting member (30) described above through FIG. 1 may be coupled to the terminal (230) to electrically connect one battery device (10) to another battery device (10).

[0076] Referring together to FIGS. 2 to 4, in the battery device (10), an end cover (410) may be disposed on the outside of the busbar assembly (200). The end cover (410) is coupled to an open side of the housing (300) and can cover and protect the cell stack (100) in the longitudinal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) of the battery cell (110).

[0077] The end cover (410) may include a material having rigidity (e.g., a metal such as aluminum or a resin compound) to protect the cell laminate (100) from external impact.

[0078] An opening (411) may be provided in the end cover (410). High-temperature gas or flame generated during a thermal runaway situation of the cell stack (100) may be discharged to the outside of the battery device (10) through the opening (411) of the end cover (410).

[0079] In one embodiment, the battery device (10) may further include an insulating cover (420) disposed between the end cover (410) and the busbar assembly (200). The insulating cover (420) may include an insulating material. For example, the insulating cover (420) may include a polymer resin material. The insulating cover (420) is disposed between the end cover (410) and the busbar assembly (200) to prevent the end cover (410) and the busbar assembly (200) from being electrically short-circuited.

[0080] At least a portion of the insulating cover (420) may be exposed to the outside of the battery device (10) through the opening (411) of the end cover (410). For example, referring to FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4 together, as the end cover (410) is joined to the insulating cover (420), a portion of the insulating cover (420) may be exposed to the outside of the battery device (10) through the opening (411) of the end cover (410). The portion exposed through the opening (411) of the end cover (410) in this manner is referred to as the exposed portion (422) of the insulating cover (420).

[0081] The insulating cover (420) may be provided with a terminal hole (421) that can expose a terminal terminal (230) to the outside of the insulating cover (420). For example, referring to FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4 together, the terminal hole (421) may be provided in the exposed portion (422) of the insulating cover (420), and a pair of terminal terminals (230) may be exposed to the outside of the battery device (10) through the terminal hole (421) of the insulating cover (420) and the opening (411) of the end cover (410).

[0082] In one embodiment, the battery device (10) may further include a heat-resistant cover (430) capable of protecting the battery device (10) in a thermal runaway situation inside the battery pack (1). For example, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the heat-resistant cover (430) may be positioned to cover an area near the front corner and an area near the rear corner of the battery device (10). Here, 'front' and 'rear' may refer to the front and rear of the battery device (10) in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction).

[0083] In the drawings, the heat-resistant cover (430) is shown positioned at the front corner and rear corner portions of the battery device (10), respectively, but the position and quantity of the heat-resistant cover (430) are not limited thereto. For example, based on FIG. 4, the heat-resistant cover (430) may locally cover the portion where the terminal terminal (230) is positioned at one corner portion of the battery device (10). Alternatively, the heat-resistant cover (430) may be positioned to cover only the portion where the terminal terminal (230) is not positioned. Alternatively, the heat-resistant cover (430) may be formed to extend from one end cover (410) of the battery device (10) through the upper surface of the housing (300) to the opposite end cover (410). In addition, the heat-resistant cover (430) can be applied without limitation to any portion of the battery device (10) where gas or flame may escape.

[0084] In one embodiment, the heat-resistant cover (430) may comprise a material having high heat resistance or high flame retardancy. For example, the heat-resistant cover (430) may comprise natural or synthetic mica, ceramic, or silica.

[0085] In one embodiment, the heat-resistant cover (430) may include soft mica having flexibility. Since soft mica has higher moldability than hard mica, the heat-resistant cover (430) including it can be appropriately deformed to correspond to the shape of the housing (300), the insulating cover (420), and the end cover (410).

[0086] In one embodiment, the heat-resistant cover (430) may be combined and fixed with at least one of the housing (300), end cover (410), or insulating cover (420) in the battery device (10).

[0087] Referring to FIG. 5, the heat-resistant cover (430) may include a heat-resistant body portion (431) that is coupled to the housing (300), end cover (410), or insulation cover (420), and a venting portion (432) that is connected to the heat-resistant body portion (431) and covers at least a portion of the opening (411) of the end cover (410).

[0088] The heat-resistant body part (431) can cover at least a portion of the housing (300) and end cover (410) to protect them from high-temperature thermal energy.

[0089] In one embodiment, the heat-resistant body portion (431) may have a structure that is bent to correspond to the corner of the battery device (10). For example, referring to FIG. 5, the heat-resistant body portion (431) may include a first portion (431a) that is positioned facing the upper frame (320) of the housing (300) and the battery device (10) in the height direction (e.g., Z-axis direction), and a second portion (431b) that is connected to the first portion (431a) and is positioned facing the end cover (410) in the length direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) of the battery device (10).

[0090] In one embodiment, the heat-resistant body portion (431) of the heat-resistant cover (430) may be coupled to the housing (300) or the end cover (410) at at least one of the first portion (431a) and the second portion (431b).

[0091] In one embodiment, the heat-resistant cover (430) may further include a venting portion (432) connected to the heat-resistant body portion (431). The venting portion (432) may cover at least a portion of the opening (411) of the end cover (410) while connected to the heat-resistant body portion (431). For example, referring to FIG. 5, the venting portion (432) may be connected to both ends of the first direction (X-axis direction) of the second portion (431b) of the heat-resistant body portion (431), and may be positioned to face the exposed portion (422) of the insulating cover (420) that is exposed through the opening (411) of the end cover (410) as the heat-resistant cover (430) is coupled to the housing (300) or the end cover (410).

[0092] In one embodiment, the venting portion (432) may be configured to be detachable from the heat-resistant body portion (431) by an external force. For example, a cut portion (433) may be formed between the heat-resistant body portion (431) and the venting portion (432), and the venting portion (432) may be connected to the heat-resistant body portion (431) through a location where the cut portion (433) is not formed. In this structure, the venting pressure formed as high-pressure gas or flame is ejected through the opening (411) of the end cover (410) inside the battery device (10) pushes the venting portion (432) out, causing the venting portion (432) to be separated and detached from the heat-resistant body portion (431). As the venting portion (432) is detached from the heat-resistant body portion (431), the opening (411) of the end cover (410) is opened more widely, allowing for smooth gas ejection.

[0093] In one embodiment, the cut portion (433) may be formed between the first portion (431a) of the heat-resistant body portion (431) and the venting portion (432) and / or between the second portion (431b) and the venting portion (432). For example, a first cut portion (433a) may be formed between the first portion (431a) of the heat-resistant body portion (431) and the venting portion (432), and a second cut portion (433b) may be formed between the second portion (431b) of the heat-resistant body portion (431) and the venting portion (432). For example, the first cut portion (433a) and the second cut portion (433b) may be formed to extend in different directions at different locations.

[0094] In one embodiment, the cut portion (433) may be formed by cutting at least a portion between the heat-resistant body portion (431) and the venting portion (432) in the heat-resistant cover (430). Alternatively, the cut portion (433) may be a groove or notch formed in at least a portion between the heat-resistant body portion (431) and the venting portion (432) in the heat-resistant cover (430). However, the specific structure of the cut portion (433) is not limited to the above description and may be implemented in any structure as long as it can be ruptured by the venting pressure of the battery device (10).

[0095] In particular, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, when the heat-resistant body portion (431) and the venting portion (432) of the heat-resistant cover (430) include soft mica, there is an advantage in that the cut portion (433) is more easily implemented. That is, when the heat-resistant cover (430) includes soft mica, compared to the case where it is made only of hard mica, the material rigidity is lower, so the cut portion (433) with a cut, notch, or groove structure can be more easily implemented.

[0096] In one embodiment, the heat-resistant cover (430) may be attached to the housing (300) or the end cover (410) via an adhesive member such as imide tape or heat-resistant silicone. For example, the heat-resistant body portion (431) of the heat-resistant cover (430) may be attached to the upper frame (320) of the housing (300) via an adhesive member. Alternatively, the heat-resistant body portion (431) of the heat-resistant cover (430) may be attached to the end cover (410) via an adhesive member.

[0097] Alternatively, in one embodiment, the heat-resistant cover (430) may be mechanically fastened to the housing (300) or end cover (410) through a separate fastening member, a fixing pin (440). For example, referring to FIG. 5, a coupling hole (412) is formed in the end cover (410), and a fixing pin (440) passes through the heat-resistant body part (431) and is fastened to the coupling hole (412), so that the heat-resistant cover (430) can be fixed to the housing (300) or end cover (410).

[0098] In this way, when the heat-resistant cover (430) is fixed to the housing (300) or end cover (410) through the fixing pin (440), the fixed position of the heat-resistant cover (430) can be firmly maintained despite external forces such as thermal shock or gas pressure that occur during a thermal runaway situation of the battery device (10).

[0099] However, in addition to the aforementioned coupling structure, any coupling method may be applied as long as the heat-resistant cover (430) can be fixed to the housing (300) or the end cover (410).

[0100] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7, the features of the heat-resistant cover (430) related to the event situation of the battery device (10) will be explained in more detail.

[0101] FIG. 6 is a partial enlarged view of a battery device (10) according to one embodiment.

[0102] FIG. 7 is a reference diagram for explaining gas ejection in a thermal runaway situation of a battery device (10) according to one embodiment.

[0103] The battery device (10) described in FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7 corresponds to the battery device (10) of FIGS. 1 to 5, so redundant descriptions may be omitted.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 6, in a normal operating state of the battery device (10), the heat-resistant cover (430) can cover and protect one edge area of ​​the battery device (10). In this state, the heat-resistant body portion (431) of the heat-resistant cover (430) can be fixed to the end cover (410) and the housing (300), and the venting portion (432) can at least partially cover the opening (411) of the end cover (410) to protect the end cover (410), insulation cover (420), and terminal terminal (230), etc., inside.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 7, in an event situation of the battery device (10), high-temperature gas or flame generated inside the battery device (10) can be discharged to the outside of the battery device (10) through the opening (411) of the end cover (410). If the insulating cover (420) is made of a resin material, at least a part of the insulating cover (420), for example, the exposed part (422) exposed through the opening (411) of the end cover (410), can be melted by the gas or flame, and accordingly, the gas or flame can be discharged more smoothly through the opening (411).

[0106] As the first cut (433a) and / or second cut (433b) of the heat-resistant cover (430) rupture due to the venting pressure generated by the release of gas or flame, the venting portion (432) may be separated from the heat-resistant body portion (431) or rotated relative to the heat-resistant body portion (431) to open the opening (411) of the end cover (410) more widely. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the venting portion (432) of the heat-resistant cover (430) may be detached from the heat-resistant body portion (431) due to the venting pressure, and the portion covering the opening (411) of the end cover (410) may disappear, allowing the opening (411) to open more widely. As the venting section (432) is removed, gas or flame inside the battery device (10) can be discharged more smoothly through the opening (411) of the end cover (410), so that it can flow far away without staying or accumulating in the area near the battery device (10).

[0107] In particular, if the venting portion (432) is fixed in its original position, that is, in a position that at least partially covers the opening (411) of the end cover (410), there is a risk that the flow of gas or flame coming out through the opening (411) will be guided toward the lower direction of the battery device (10), causing the gas or flame to remain in the space between the cross beam of the pack housing (20) and the battery device (10) for a long period of time. On the other hand, the heat-resistant cover (430) according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can have the venting portion (432) covering the opening (411) detached or at least partially deformed to widely open the opening (411), thereby dispersing the flow direction of the gas or flame in multiple directions, and thus can prevent the gas or flame from remaining in the space between the cross beam of the pack housing (20) and the battery device (10) for a long period of time.

[0108] Meanwhile, in a battery device (10) where no event situation occurs, the shape of the heat-resistant cover (430) is maintained as is, so the front or rear of the battery device (10), particularly the high-voltage terminal (230) inside the heat-resistant cover (430), can be safely protected from high-temperature gas or flame.

[0109] Hereinafter, a heat-resistant cover (430) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10.

[0110] FIG. 8 is a front view of a battery device (10) according to various embodiments.

[0111] FIG. 9 is a front view of a battery device (10) according to various embodiments.

[0112] FIG. 10 is a reference diagram for explaining gas ejection in a thermal runaway situation of a battery device (10) according to various embodiments.

[0113] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the venting portion (432) may be configured to open the opening (411) of the end cover (410) by relative movement or relative rotation, without being detached from the heat-resistant body portion (431) during an event situation of the battery device (10).

[0114] For example, referring to FIG. 8, the cut portion (433) of the heat-resistant cover (430) may extend along the first direction (X-axis direction) between the venting portion (432) and the first portion (431a) of the heat-resistant body portion (431), and the cut portion (433) may not be formed between the venting portion (432) and the second portion (431b) of the heat-resistant body portion (431).

[0115] In this case, when the cut portion (433) is ruptured by the venting pressure generated during an event situation of the battery device (10), the venting portion (432) of the heat-resistant cover (430) does not fall off into the heat-resistant body portion (431) and can rotate about the heat-resistant body portion (431) around an axis intersecting the first direction (X-axis direction) (for example, an axis parallel to the height direction of the battery device (10).

[0116] Alternatively, referring to FIG. 9, the cut portion (433) of the heat-resistant cover (430) may be extended along a third direction (Z-axis direction), which is the height direction of the battery device (10), between the venting portion (432) and the second portion (431b) of the heat-resistant body portion (431), and the cut portion (433) may not be formed between the venting portion (432) and the first portion (431a) of the heat-resistant body portion (431).

[0117] In this case, when the cut portion (433) is ruptured by the venting pressure generated during an event situation of the battery device (10), the venting portion (432) of the heat-resistant cover (430) does not fall off into the heat-resistant body portion (431) and can rotate about the heat-resistant body portion (431) around an axis intersecting the third direction (Z-axis direction) (e.g., an axis parallel to the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0118] In particular, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, as the heat-resistant cover (430) includes soft mica, the rotation or movement of such a venting part (432) can be implemented more smoothly.

[0119] As the venting portion (432) rotates relative to the heat-resistant body portion (431) in this manner, the opening (411) of the end cover (410) can be opened widely. For example, referring to FIG. 10, as the venting portion (432) rotates due to the venting pressure, the opening (411) of the end cover (410) that was covered by the venting portion (432) is opened widely, and gas or flame inside the battery device (10) can escape smoothly, just as described above through FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. Accordingly, the flow direction of the gas or flame can be dispersed in multiple directions, and the phenomenon of the gas or flame remaining in the space between the cross beam of the pack housing (20), the lower plate (21), and the battery device (10) for a long period of time can be prevented.

[0120] Meanwhile, regarding the battery device (10) described in FIGS. 8 to 10, all other features except for the location of the cut portion (433) can be described by referring to the description of the battery device (10) described in FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0121] FIG. 11 is a reference diagram for explaining the connection between a plurality of battery devices (10) in a battery pack (1) according to various embodiments.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 11, a plurality of adjacent battery devices (10) can be electrically connected to each other through a conductive connecting member (30). The connecting member (30) can be electrically connected to two adjacent battery devices (10) by contacting the terminal (230) of each battery device (10).

[0123] In various embodiments, the heat-resistant cover (430) of the battery device (10) can protect the portion where the battery device (10) and the connecting member (30) are connected to each other. For example, referring to FIG. 11, the heat-resistant cover (430) can cover at least a portion of the upper surface of the connecting member (30) connected to the battery device (10) to protect the portion where the connecting member (30) and the terminal terminal (230) are connected from high-temperature gas or flame. In particular, the heat-resistant cover (430) can protect the terminal terminal (230) and the connecting member (30) connected thereto from conductive particles emitted by combustion during an event situation of the battery device (10), thereby preventing a chain reaction of thermal runaway phenomena from occurring inside the battery pack (1) due to electrical short circuits, etc.

[0124] In addition, in the heat-resistant cover (430) of the battery device (10) where the event situation occurs, as described above through FIGS. 6 to 10, the venting part (432) detaches or moves, and the opening (411) of the end cover (410) can be opened more widely. Accordingly, gas or flame can spread out widely without concentrating in any specific direction, and it can be prevented from causing secondary damage to the battery device (10) or battery pack (1) by staying near the battery device (10) for a long time.

[0125] Meanwhile, the battery pack (1) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can be used as a power source for various electronic devices, and the battery device may be, for example, a laptop computer, netbook, tablet PC, mobile phone, MP3, wearable electronic device, power tool, electric vehicle (EV), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), electric bicycle (E-bike), electric scooter (E-scooter), electric golf cart, or power storage system (ESS), but is not limited to these.

[0126] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and it will be obvious to those with average knowledge in the art that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention as described in the claims. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments may be implemented by deleting some components, and each embodiment may be implemented in combination with one another.

Claims

1. A housing that accommodates multiple battery cells; An end cover coupled to one side of the above housing and having an opening provided to discharge gas generated from at least one of a plurality of battery cells; and It includes a heat-resistant cover disposed on the outer side of the above end cover, and The above heat-resistant cover is A heat-resistant body part coupled to the above housing or the above end cover; A venting portion connected to the heat-resistant body portion and covering at least a portion of the opening; and A battery device comprising an incision portion disposed between the heat-resistant body portion and the venting portion.

2. In Paragraph 1, It further includes an insulating cover disposed on the inner side of the end cover and preventing the end cover and the plurality of battery cells from being electrically short-circuited, The above insulating cover is, A battery device including an exposed portion exposed to the outside of the end cover through the opening.

3. In Paragraph 2, A battery device in which the venting portion of the heat-resistant cover is positioned to face the exposed portion of the insulating cover.

4. In Paragraph 2, It further includes a busbar assembly that electrically connects the plurality of battery cells. The above insulating cover is a battery device arranged to face the busbar assembly and the plurality of battery cells in the longitudinal direction.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above busbar assembly is It includes terminal terminals for electrical connection between the plurality of battery cells and an external circuit, The above insulating cover is A battery device having a terminal hole that exposes the terminal terminal to the outside of the insulating cover.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above terminal is a battery device exposed to the outside of the end cover through the opening of the end cover.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above heat-resistant body A first part positioned facing the upper frame of the above housing; and A battery device comprising a second part connected to the first part and positioned facing the end cover.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above venting portion is connected to both ends of the second portion of the heat-resistant body portion, and The above-mentioned cut portion is a battery device positioned between the first portion of the heat-resistant body portion and the venting portion.

9. In Paragraph 7, A battery device in which the above-mentioned incisions are respectively positioned between the first portion of the heat-resistant body part and the venting portion, and between the second portion of the heat-resistant body part and the venting portion.

10. In Paragraph 7 The first part of the heat-resistant body is coupled to the upper frame, and The second part of the heat-resistant body is a battery device coupled to the end cover.

11. In Paragraph 7, A battery device further comprising a fixing pin that penetrates the heat-resistant body portion and is coupled to the coupling hole of the end cover.

12. In Paragraph 1, A battery device comprising the heat-resistant body portion and the venting portion of the heat-resistant cover, wherein the heat-resistant body portion and the venting portion comprise flexible soft mica.

13. In Paragraph 1, A battery device configured such that, in the event of a thermal runaway situation of at least one of the plurality of battery cells, the venting portion detaches from the heat-resistant body portion and opens the opening of the end cover.

14. In Paragraph 1, A battery device configured such that, in the event of a thermal runaway situation of at least one of the plurality of battery cells, the venting portion rotates relative to the heat-resistant body portion by the pressure of the internal space of the housing to open the opening of the end cover.

15. In Paragraph 1, A battery device formed by cutting at least a portion between the heat-resistant body portion and the venting portion in the heat-resistant cover.

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