Battery cell unit and method for manufacturing battery cell unit

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery cell unit comprising: an outer case having terminal parts; a battery cell assembly accommodated in the outer case and comprising a plurality of pouch battery cells; and busbars electrically connected to the respective terminal parts of the outer case, and each busbar being coupled to electrode leads of the same polarity that are provided on the plurality of pouch battery cells.

Description

Battery cell unit and battery cell unit manufacturing method

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell unit and a method for manufacturing a battery cell unit, and more specifically, to a battery cell unit and a method for manufacturing a battery cell unit that can secure thermal propagation (TP) stability by unitizing a pouch cell with high energy density and high capacity.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0182013 dated December 9, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the document of said Korean patent application are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0003] Unlike primary batteries that cannot be recharged, a battery cell unit refers to a rechargeable battery and is widely used in electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and camcorders, as well as electric vehicles.

[0004] In particular, there is increasing demand for pouch cells with high energy density and high capacity.

[0005] However, when thermal runaway occurs in a pouch cell, significant shock and pressure are generated, causing high-temperature gases, large amounts of sparks, and conductive particles to penetrate the pouch cell wrapped in a thin aluminum foil and eject to the outside, making it difficult to ensure thermal transfer stability.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for technology regarding a battery cell unit using a pouch cell capable of securing thermal propagation (TP) stability and a method for manufacturing the battery cell unit.

[0007] The first technical objective of the present invention is to provide a high-capacity battery cell unit with thermal propagation (TP) stability by unitizing a pouch cell with high energy density and high capacity.

[0008] The second technical objective of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a high-capacity battery cell unit having thermal propagation (TP) stability by unitizing a pouch cell with high energy density and high capacity.

[0009] To achieve the first technical objective, the present invention provides a battery cell unit comprising: an outer case provided with a terminal portion; a battery cell assembly housed within the outer case and comprising a plurality of pouch battery cells; and a bus bar coupled to electrode leads of the same polarity provided in the plurality of pouch battery cells and electrically connected to the terminal portion of the outer case.

[0010] In some embodiments, at least one of the upper and lower ends of the bus bar may be connected to the terminal portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the terminal portion includes a through hole and a terminal portion that can be electrically connected to an external terminal, and at least one of the upper and lower ends of the bus bar can pass through the through hole and be electrically connected to the terminal portion.

[0012]

[0013] In some embodiments, all or part of the electrode leads may overlap each other after being bent to form an overlap portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the busbar comprises an outer busbar located outside the overlap portion of the electrode leads and an inner busbar located inside the overlap portion of the electrode leads, the outer busbar is electrically connected to the overlap portion and the inner busbar, and one or more of the outer busbar and the inner busbar may be electrically connected to the terminal portion.

[0015]

[0016] In some embodiments, the outer busbar may be electrically connected to the overlap portion and the inner busbar through spot welding.

[0017]

[0018] In some embodiments, the outer case may include: a housing providing a shielded bottom surface and a side surface forming a receiving space for accommodating the battery cell assembly; and a cap plate coupled to the top surface of the housing to cover the battery cell assembly.

[0019] In some embodiments, the cap plate may include the terminal portion.

[0020] In some embodiments, the outer case may have an insulating layer provided on an inner surface facing the plurality of battery cells.

[0021] In some embodiments, the outer case may be in the shape of a cuboid having corners.

[0022]

[0023] To achieve the second technical objective, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a battery cell unit comprising: a battery cell assembly manufacturing step of manufacturing a battery cell assembly by arranging and fixing a plurality of pouch battery cells, each having electrode leads formed on both sides in the longitudinal direction, in a stacking direction; a busbar connection step of connecting electrode leads of the same polarity provided in the battery cell assembly to a busbar; an external case receiving step of receiving the battery cell assembly with the busbar connected thereto in an external case; and a terminal coupling step of electrically coupling at least one end of the upper and lower ends of the busbar to a terminal provided in the external case.

[0024] In some embodiments, the busbar connection step may include an overlap portion forming step in which the ends of the electrode leads are bent and then overlapped to form an overlap portion.

[0025] In some embodiments, the busbar comprises an outer busbar located outside the overlap portion of the electrode leads and an inner busbar located inside the overlap portion of the electrode leads, and the busbar connection step may further include an inner and outer busbar connection step of electrically connecting the outer busbar to the overlap portion and the inner busbar after the overlap portion forming step.

[0026] In some embodiments, the terminal portion includes a terminal portion that can be electrically connected to a through hole and an external terminal, and the terminal portion coupling step may electrically connect one or more of the outer busbar and the inner busbar after passing them through the through hole.

[0027] In some embodiments, during the inner and outer busbar connection step, the outer busbar may be electrically connected to the overlap portion and the inner busbar through spot welding.

[0028] In some embodiments, the outer case comprises a housing providing a shielded bottom and side forming a receiving space for receiving a battery cell assembly connected to the busbar, and a cap plate coupled to the top surface of the housing to cover the battery cell assembly, and the outer case receiving step may place the battery cell assembly connected to the busbar within the housing and coupled the cap plate to the top surface of the housing to cover the battery cell assembly connected to the busbar.

[0029]

[0030] In some embodiments, the cap plate includes the terminal portion, the terminal portion includes a through hole and a terminal portion that can be electrically connected to an external terminal, and the terminal portion coupling step may electrically connect one or more of the outer busbar and the inner busbar after passing them through the through hole.

[0031] The battery cell unit according to the embodiments of the present invention has the effect of being able to manufacture a high-capacity battery cell unit with high energy density and high-capacity pouch cell unit to have thermal propagation (TP) stability.

[0032] The effects obtainable from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the disassembled state of a battery cell unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a diagram exemplarily illustrating the process in which electrode leads of a battery cell unit according to one embodiment of the present invention overlap to form an overlap portion.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a diagram exemplarily illustrating the process of inserting the overlapping portion of the electrode leads and the bus bar of a battery cell unit according to one embodiment of the present invention into the through hole of the terminal portion after they are combined.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a battery cell unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a method for manufacturing a battery cell unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing some elements of a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the concept of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, embodiments of the concept of the present invention may be modified in various different forms, and the scope of the concept of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by the embodiments described below. It is preferable to interpret the embodiments of the concept of the present invention as being provided to more completely explain the concept of the present invention to those with average knowledge in the art. Identical reference numerals denote identical elements throughout. Furthermore, various elements and areas in the drawings are depicted schematically. Accordingly, the concept of the present invention is not limited by the relative sizes or spacing depicted in the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the concept of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and conversely, the second component may be named the first component.

[0043] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the concept of the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, expressions such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to indicate the existence of the features, number, 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, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0044] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the concept of the present invention pertains. Furthermore, it will be understood that commonly used terms, such as those defined in advance, should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their intent in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0045] Where an embodiment can be implemented differently, a specific process sequence may be performed differently from the order described. For example, two processes described in succession may be performed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order of the description.

[0046] In the accompanying drawings, variations of the depicted shapes may be expected, for example, depending on manufacturing technology and / or tolerances. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to specific shapes of the areas depicted herein, but should include, for example, variations in shape resulting from the manufacturing process. All terms "and / or" used herein include each of the mentioned components and all combinations of one or more thereof. Additionally, the term "substrate" as used herein may refer to the substrate itself, or a laminated structure including the substrate and a certain layer or film formed on its surface. Furthermore, the term "surface of the substrate" in this specification may refer to the exposed surface of the substrate itself, or the outer surface of a certain layer or film formed on the substrate.

[0047]

[0048] (1st embodiment)

[0049] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a disassembled state of a battery cell unit (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a drawing exemplarily showing the process in which electrode leads (1021) of a battery cell unit (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention overlap to form an overlap portion (1022).

[0050] FIG. 3 is a diagram exemplarily illustrating the process of inserting the overlapping portion (1022) and the bus bar (103) of the electrode leads (1021) of a battery cell unit (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention into the through hole (104a) of the terminal portion (104) after they are combined, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a battery cell unit (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a battery cell unit (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an outer case (101), a battery cell assembly (102), and a bus bar (103).

[0052] A terminal portion (104) may be provided in the above outer case (101).

[0053] The above terminal part (104) is connected to an external terminal so that current can flow in or out from the outside.

[0054] The battery cell assembly (102) is housed within the outer case (101) and may include a plurality of pouch battery cells.

[0055] The battery cell assembly (102) is housed within the outer case (101) and unitized as a battery cell unit (10), thereby increasing thermal propagation (TP) stability.

[0056] In some embodiments, the battery cell assembly (102) may have a plurality of pouch battery cells having electrode leads (1021) arranged and fixed in a stacking direction (e.g., Y direction).

[0057] In some embodiments, the plurality of pouch battery cells can be fixed by adhering one or more of the upper and lower parts of the pouch battery cells with tape or the like.

[0058] In some embodiments, the electrode lead (1021) provided in each pouch battery cell constituting the plurality of pouch battery cells may be provided on both sides in the longitudinal direction.

[0059] The above busbar (103) can be coupled to electrode leads (1021) of the same polarity provided in the plurality of pouch battery cells.

[0060] The above bus bar (103) can be electrically connected to the terminal portion (104) of the above outer case (101).

[0061] The above bus bar (103) is connected to the terminal portion (104) so ​​that current may flow in or out from the outside, and the current may flow in or out to the plurality of pouch battery cells through electrodes of the same polarity provided in the plurality of pouch battery cells coupled to the bus bar (103).

[0062]

[0063] In some embodiments, at least one of the upper and lower ends of the bus bar (103) may be connected to the terminal portion (104).

[0064] In some embodiments, the terminal portion (104) includes a through hole (104a) and a terminal portion (104b) that can be electrically connected to an external terminal, and at least one of the upper and lower ends of the bus bar (103) can pass through the through hole (104a) and be electrically connected to the terminal portion (104b).

[0065] In some embodiments, the terminal portion (104b) may be formed to surround the through hole (104a).

[0066] At least one of the upper and lower ends of the bus bar (103) can be electrically connected to the terminal portion (104b) formed by wrapping the through hole (104a) after passing through the through hole (104a) through welding.

[0067] At least one of the upper and lower ends of the bus bar (103) passes through the through hole (104a) and is electrically connected to the terminal part (104b), thereby preventing positional change of the bus bar (103) due to external impact.

[0068]

[0069] Referring to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, all or part of the electrode leads (1021) may be bent to face each other and then overlapped to form an overlap portion (1022).

[0070] By forming the above overlap portion (1022), current can be introduced or discharged to the electrode leads (1021) of the same polarity through the bus bar (103).

[0071] In some embodiments, the bus bar (103) comprises an outer bus bar (103a) located outside the overlap portion (1022) of the electrode leads (1021) and an inner bus bar (103b) located inside the overlap portion (1022) of the electrode leads (1021), the outer bus bar (103a) is electrically connected to the overlap portion (1022) and the inner bus bar (103b), and one or more of the outer bus bar (103a) and the inner bus bar (103b) may be electrically connected to the terminal portion (104).

[0072] In some embodiments, one or more of the outer bus bar (103a) and the inner bus bar (103b) may pass through a through hole (104a) included in the terminal portion (104) and be electrically connected to the terminal portion (104b).

[0073] In some embodiments, the outer busbar (103a) may be electrically connected to the overlap portion (1022) and the inner busbar (103b) through spot welding.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 3, after arranging the outer busbar (103a), the overlap portion (1022), and the inner busbar (103b) in that order, spot welding can be performed on the outer busbar (103a) in the direction of the arrow.

[0075] The outer busbar (103a) can be electrically connected to the overlap portion (1022) and the inner busbar (103b) through spot welding, thereby allowing the outer busbar (103a), the overlap portion (1022), and the inner busbar (103b) to be electrically connected simply and quickly.

[0076]

[0077] In some embodiments, the outer case (101) may include a housing (101a) and a cap plate (101b).

[0078] The above housing (101a) may provide a shielded bottom surface and a side surface that form a receiving space for accommodating the battery cell assembly (102).

[0079] The cap plate (101b) can be attached to the upper surface of the housing (101a) to cover the battery cell assembly (102).

[0080] In some embodiments, the cap plate (101b) may include a terminal portion (104).

[0081] In some embodiments, the terminal portion (104) includes a through hole (104a) and a terminal portion (104b) that can be electrically connected to an external terminal, and at least one of the upper and lower ends of the bus bar (103) can pass through the through hole (104a) and be electrically connected to the terminal portion (104b).

[0082] In some embodiments, the terminal portion (104b) may be formed to surround the through hole (104a).

[0083] At least one of the upper and lower ends of the bus bar (103) can be electrically connected to the terminal part (104b) through welding by passing through the through hole (104a).

[0084] In some embodiments, the terminal portion (104) may be formed on both sides of the cap plate (101b).

[0085] In some embodiments, the outer case (101) may have an insulating layer on an inner surface facing the battery cell assembly (102).

[0086] The above outer case (101) has an insulating layer on its inner surface facing the battery cell assembly (102), thereby slowing down the rate of heat transfer when heat transfer occurs in the battery cell assembly (102).

[0087] In some embodiments, the outer case (101) may be a cuboid shape having corners.

[0088] The above outer case (101) has a cuboid shape with corners, so that when manufacturing a battery pack by stacking the battery cell units (10), the empty space can be reduced, thereby increasing space efficiency.

[0089]

[0090] (2nd Example)

[0091] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a disassembled state of a battery cell unit (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a drawing exemplarily showing the process in which electrode leads (1021) of a battery cell unit (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention overlap to form an overlap portion (1022).

[0092] FIG. 3 is a diagram exemplarily illustrating the process of inserting the overlapping portion (1022) and the bus bar (103) of the electrode leads (1021) of a battery cell unit (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention into the through hole (104a) of the terminal portion (104) after they are combined, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a battery cell unit (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a method for manufacturing a battery cell unit (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a method for manufacturing a battery cell unit (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery cell assembly manufacturing step (S1), a busbar connection step (S2), an external case receiving step (S3), and a terminal part coupling step (S4).

[0095] The above battery cell assembly manufacturing step (S1) can manufacture a battery cell assembly (102) by arranging and fixing a plurality of pouch battery cells, each having electrode leads (1021) formed on both sides in the longitudinal direction (e.g., X direction), in the stacking direction (e.g., Y direction).

[0096] In some embodiments, the plurality of pouch battery cells can be fixed by adhering one or more of the upper and lower parts of the pouch battery cells with tape or the like.

[0097]

[0098] The above busbar connection step (S2) can connect electrode leads (1021) of the same polarity provided in the battery cell assembly (102) to the busbar (103).

[0099] The above external case receiving step (S3) can receive the battery cell assembly (102) connected to the busbar (103) into the external case (101).

[0100] The above terminal coupling step (S4) can electrically connect at least one of the upper and lower ends of the bus bar (103) to a terminal part (104) provided in the outer case (101).

[0101] Through the busbar connection step (S2) and the terminal part coupling step (S4), the busbar (103) is connected to the terminal part (104) so ​​that current can be introduced or introduced from the outside, and the current can be introduced or introduced to the plurality of pouch battery cells through electrodes of the same polarity provided in the plurality of pouch battery cells coupled to the busbar (103).

[0102]

[0103] In some embodiments, the busbar connection step (S2) may include an overlap portion forming step (S21) in which the ends of the electrode leads (1021) are bent and then overlapped to form an overlap portion (1022).

[0104] In some embodiments, the busbar (103) comprises an outer busbar (103a) located outside the overlap portion (1022) of the electrode leads (1021) and an inner busbar (103b) located inside the overlap portion (1022) of the electrode leads (1021), and the busbar connection step (S2) may further include an inner / outer busbar connection step (S22) in which the outer busbar (103a) is electrically connected to the overlap portion (1022) and the inner busbar (103b) after the overlap portion forming step (S21).

[0105] Referring to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, all or part of the electrode leads (1021) may be bent to face each other and then overlapped to form an overlap portion (1022).

[0106] In some embodiments, the terminal portion (104) includes a through hole (104a) and a terminal portion (104b) that can be electrically connected to an external terminal, and the terminal portion coupling step (S4) can pass one or more of the outer bus bar (103a) and the inner bus bar (103b) through the through hole (104a) and then electrically connect them to the terminal portion (104b).

[0107] In some embodiments, in the inner and outer busbar connection step (S22), the outer busbar (103a) may be electrically connected to the overlap portion (1022) and the inner busbar (103b) through spot welding.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 3, after arranging the outer busbar (103a), the overlap portion (1022), and the inner busbar (103b) in that order, spot welding can be performed on the outer busbar (103a) in the direction of the arrow.

[0109]

[0110] In some embodiments, the outer case (101) comprises a housing (101a) providing a shielded bottom and side forming a receiving space for a battery cell assembly (102) to which the bus bar (103) is connected, and a cap plate (101b) coupled to the upper surface of the housing (101a) to cover the battery cell assembly (102), and the outer case receiving step (S3) may place the battery cell assembly (102) to which the bus bar (103) is connected within the housing (101a) and attach the cap plate (101b) to the upper surface of the housing (101a) to cover the battery cell assembly (102) to which the bus bar (103) is connected.

[0111]

[0112] In some embodiments, the cap plate (101b) includes the terminal portion (104), the terminal portion (104) includes a through hole (104a) and a terminal portion (104b) that can be electrically connected to an external terminal, and the terminal portion coupling step (S4) can electrically connect one or more of the outer bus bar (103a) and the inner bus bar (103b) to the terminal portion (104b) after passing them through the through hole (104a).

[0113]

[0114] (3rd Example)

[0115] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing some elements of a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the battery pack (1) may include a lower case (11), battery cell units (100), a center beam (13), a cross beam (16), a plurality of exhaust devices (14), a pack gasket (165), and an upper case (17). The battery pack (1) may be the final form of a battery system mounted on a mobility device, etc. Additionally, the battery cell units (100) may be one or more of the battery cell units (100) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0117] The pack housing (20) defining the exterior of the battery pack (1) may include the lower case (11) and the upper case (17).

[0118] The lower case (11) may provide an internal space (19) for mounting a plurality of battery cell units (100). In some embodiments, the lower case (11) may include a plate portion (11P) and a side wall (11S). Two directions substantially parallel to the plate portion (11P) are defined as a first direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) and a second direction (e.g., Y-axis direction), and a direction substantially perpendicular to the plate portion (11P) of the lower case (11) is defined as a third direction (e.g., X-axis direction).

[0119] A plurality of battery cell units (100) may be disposed on a plate portion (11P) of a lower case (11). The plate portion (11P) may support a plurality of battery cell units (100). The plate portion (11P) may include substantially parallel upper and lower surfaces. The upper surface of the plate portion (11P) may face the plurality of battery cell units (100). The lower surface of the plate portion (11P) is the opposite side of the upper surface of the plate portion (11P).

[0120] The above side wall (11S) can horizontally surround a plurality of battery cell units (100). The above side wall (11S) can protect a plurality of battery cell units (100) from the side. The side wall (11S) may include a first side wall (11-1), a second side wall (11-2), a third side wall (11-3), and a fourth side wall (11-4). The first to fourth side walls (11-1, 11-2, 11-3, 11-4) may be fixed to each other by a method such as friction stir welding, spot welding, etc., and are not particularly limited.

[0121] The first and second side walls (11-1, 11-2) may be substantially perpendicular to the second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). The third and fourth side walls (11-3, 11-4) may be substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction). In some embodiments, the first and second side walls (11-1, 11-2) may cover the sides of the plate portion (11P). In some embodiments, the third and fourth side walls (11-3, 11-4) may be disposed on the plate portion (11P).

[0122] In some embodiments, the first to fourth sidewalls (11-1, 11-2, 11-3, 11-4) may be provided by an extrusion process. According to exemplary embodiments, the first to fourth sidewalls (11-1, 11-2, 11-3, 11-4) may include an internal void space, and accordingly, the sidewall (11S) may be lightweight. According to exemplary embodiments, the void space of the first to fourth sidewalls (11-1, 11-2, 11-3, 11-4) may be either a gas venting path or a coolant channel.

[0123] Hereinafter, the technical concept of the present invention is explained with reference to an embodiment in which each of the plurality of battery cell units (100) does not include a module frame. However, this is a non-limiting example and does not limit the technical concept of the present invention in any sense. A person skilled in the art will be able to easily arrive at a battery pack in which battery modules including a module frame that exposes one edge of the battery cells are employed, based on what is described herein.

[0124] The center beam (13) can isolate elements mounted on the lower case (11) from one another. Accordingly, the center beam (13) can protect multiple battery cell units (100) while preventing unwanted short circuits between them.

[0125] The center beam (13) may extend between the third and fourth side walls (11-3, 11-4). The center beam (13) may extend in a first direction (e.g., Z-axis direction). The center beam (13) may be in contact with the third side wall (11-3) and the fourth side wall (11-4). The center beam (13) may isolate a plurality of battery cell units (100) from one another. The center beam (13) may be interposed between a plurality of battery cell units (100). In some embodiments, the center beam (13) may divide the internal space (19) into two regions in a second direction (e.g., Y-axis direction).

[0126] In some embodiments, the cross beam (16) may be provided to divide the internal space (19) into two or more regions in a first direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction). The cross beam (16) may additionally isolate elements isolated by the center beam (13).

[0127] Some cross beams (16) may extend in a second direction (e.g., in the Y-axis direction) between the center beam (13) and the first side wall (11-1). Other cross beams (16) may extend in a second direction (e.g., in the Y-axis direction) between the center beam (13) and the second side wall (11-2). In some embodiments, the cross beams (16) may be provided to define a space in which a stack of one battery cell unit or a group of battery cell units is accommodated.

[0128] The arrangement of the center beam (13), cross beam (16), and plurality of battery cell units (100) disclosed in FIGS. 6 and 7 is a non-limiting example and does not limit the technical concept of the present invention in any sense. A person skilled in the art will be able to easily arrive at a battery pack including various arrangements and numbers of center beams and battery cells based on what is described herein.

[0129] In some embodiments, a plurality of exhaust devices (14) may be coupled to the fourth side wall (11-4). The fourth side wall (11-4) may include a plurality of exhaust holes connected to the plurality of exhaust devices (14). The plurality of exhaust holes may be configured to provide a path for discharging gas and heat inside the battery pack (1).

[0130] A plurality of exhaust devices (14) may be configured to delay thermal propagation by releasing high-temperature gas inside the battery pack (1) to the outside when at least one of the plurality of battery cell units (100) is in a thermal runway state.

[0131] Here, thermal runaway of multiple battery cell units (100) is a state in which a temperature change of multiple battery cell units (100) further accelerates the temperature change, and is an uncontrollable positive feedback. Multiple battery cell units (100) in a thermal runaway state exhibit a rapid temperature rise and can emit a large amount of high-pressure gas and combustion residue.

[0132] The battery pack (1) may further include electrical components. In some embodiments, the electrical components may be mounted on the lower case (11). In some embodiments, the electrical components may be positioned between a fourth side wall (11-4) where exhaust devices (14) are installed and a plurality of battery cell units (100). In some embodiments, the electrical components may include any electronic components necessary to drive the battery pack.

[0133] In some embodiments, the electrical components may include, for example, a battery management system (BMS). The BMS may be configured to perform monitoring, balancing, and control of the battery pack. In some embodiments, monitoring of the battery pack (1) may include measuring the voltage and current of a specific battery cell among a plurality of battery cell units (100) and measuring the temperature of set locations within the battery pack (1). In some embodiments, the battery pack (1) may include measuring instruments for measuring the voltage, current, and temperature described above.

[0134] Balancing of the battery pack (1) is an operation that reduces deviations between multiple battery cell units (100). Control of the battery pack (1) includes preventing overcharging, over-discharging, and overcurrent. Through monitoring, balancing, and control, the battery pack (1) can operate under optimal conditions, and accordingly, the shortening of the lifespan of each of the multiple battery cell units (100) can be prevented or reduced.

[0135] The above electrical components may further include a cooling device, a PRA (power relay assembly), a safety plug, etc. The cooling device may include a cooling fan. The cooling fan can prevent overheating of each of the plurality of battery cell units (100) by circulating air inside the battery pack (1). The PRA may be configured to supply or cut off power from the high-voltage battery to an external load (e.g., a vehicle motor). The PRA can protect the plurality of battery cell units (100) and the external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) by cutting off power supply to the external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) in situations where abnormal voltage occurs, such as a voltage surge.

[0136] The battery pack (1) may further include a plurality of cell unit busbars configured to electrically connect a plurality of battery cell units (100). The plurality of battery cell units (100) may be connected in series and / or in parallel by the plurality of cell unit busbars. Accordingly, the battery pack (1) may be configured to output a high voltage to an external load (e.g., a vehicle motor).

[0137] The gasket (165) may include a material that has elasticity in response to applied pressure. The gasket (165) may include rubber synthesized from a material such as EPDM (ethylene-propylene diene monomer). When the lower case (11) and the upper case (17) are combined, the gasket (165) may be interposed between the lower case (11) and the upper case (17). The lower case (11) and the upper case (17) may press the gasket (165) to cause some deformation in the gasket (165). Accordingly, the battery pack (1) can be sealed, and external fluid can be blocked from the internal space of the battery pack (1).

[0138] The upper case (17) may be coupled to the lower case (11). In some embodiments, the upper case (17) may include a main surface and an edge portion. The main surface may cover elements mounted in the battery pack (1), such as a plurality of battery cell units (100) and electrical components. The edge portion is a surface that contacts the lower case (11). In some embodiments, the upper case (17) may have a flat shape, in which case the edge portion may horizontally surround the main surface. In some embodiments, the main surface may be elevated relative to the edge portion, and the edge portion and the main surface may be connected by a curved portion.

[0139]

[0140] (Fourth Example)

[0141] FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0142] Referring to FIG. 8, a vehicle (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention as described above. Here, the vehicle (V) may include a specific vehicle that uses electricity as a driving source, such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. In addition, the vehicle (V) may further include various other components included in the vehicle, such as a vehicle body or a motor, in addition to the battery pack (1) according to the present invention.

[0143] The battery pack (1) can be installed at a predetermined location within the vehicle (V). The battery pack (1) can be used as an electric energy source to drive the vehicle (V) by providing driving force to the motor of the electric vehicle. In this case, the battery pack (1) can have a high nominal voltage of 100V or more.

[0144] The battery pack (1) may be charged or discharged by an inverter depending on the operation of a motor and / or internal combustion engine. The battery pack (1) may be charged by a regenerative charging device combined with a brake. The battery pack (1) may be electrically connected to the motor of the vehicle (V) through an inverter.

[0145]

[0146] As described above, although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to modify and implement the present invention in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. Therefore, future modifications to the embodiments of the present invention will not depart from the technology of the present invention.

[0147]

[0148] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0149] 10: Battery cell unit

[0150] 101 : External case

[0151] 101a : Housing

[0152] 101b : Cap plate

[0153] 102 : Battery cell assembly

[0154] 1021 : Electrode lead

[0155] 1022 : Overlap section

[0156] 103 : Busbar

[0157] 103a : Outer busbar

[0158] 103b : Inner busbar

[0159] 104 : Terminal section

[0160] 104a : Through hole

[0161] 104b : Terminal section

[0162]

[0163] S1: Battery cell assembly manufacturing stage

[0164] S2: Busbar connection step

[0165] S21: Overlap portion formation step

[0166] S22: Inner and outer busbar connection step

[0167] S3: External case acceptance stage

[0168] S4: Terminal connection step

Claims

1. An external case provided with a terminal section; A battery cell assembly housed within the above-mentioned outer case and comprising a plurality of pouch battery cells; and A battery cell unit comprising: a bus bar coupled to electrode leads of the same polarity provided in the plurality of pouch battery cells and electrically connected to the terminal portion of the outer case.

2. In Paragraph 1, A battery cell unit in which at least one of the upper and lower ends of the above busbar is connected to the terminal portion.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above terminal portion includes a through hole and a terminal portion that can be electrically connected to an external terminal, and A battery cell unit in which at least one of the upper and lower ends of the above busbar penetrates the through hole and is electrically connected to the terminal part.

4. In Paragraph 1, A battery cell unit in which all or part of the electrode leads are bent and then overlapped to form an overlap portion.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above busbar includes an outer busbar located outside the overlap portion of the electrode leads and an inner busbar located inside the overlap portion of the electrode leads. The outer busbar is electrically connected to the overlap portion and the inner busbar, and A battery cell unit in which one or more of the above outer busbar and inner busbar are electrically connected to the terminal portion.

6. In Paragraph 5, A battery cell unit in which the outer busbar is electrically connected to the overlap portion and the inner busbar through spot welding.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above external case is, A housing providing a shielded bottom surface and a side surface forming a receiving space for accommodating the battery cell assembly; and A battery cell unit comprising: a cap plate coupled to the upper surface of the housing to cover the battery cell assembly.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above cap plate is a battery cell unit including the above terminal portion.

9. In Paragraph 1, The above-described outer case is a battery cell unit having an insulating layer provided on an inner surface facing the battery cell assembly.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned outer case is a battery cell unit having a cuboid shape with corners.

11. A battery cell assembly manufacturing step of manufacturing a battery cell assembly by arranging and fixing a plurality of pouch battery cells, each having electrode leads formed on both sides in the longitudinal direction, in a stacking direction; A busbar connection step of connecting electrode leads of the same polarity provided in the battery cell assembly to a busbar; An external case receiving step of receiving a battery cell assembly connected to the above busbar in an external case; and A terminal coupling step of electrically coupling at least one of the upper and lower ends of the busbar to a terminal provided in the outer case; A method for manufacturing a battery cell unit including 12. In Paragraph 11, The above busbar connection step is, A method for manufacturing a battery cell unit, comprising: a step of forming an overlap portion in which the ends of the electrode leads are bent and then overlapped to form an overlap portion.

13. In Paragraph 12, The above busbar includes an outer busbar located outside the overlap portion of the electrode leads and an inner busbar located inside the overlap portion of the electrode leads. The above busbar connection step is, A method for manufacturing a battery cell unit, further comprising: an inner and outer busbar connection step of electrically connecting the outer busbar to the overlap portion and the inner busbar after the step of forming the overlap portion.

14. In Paragraph 13, The above terminal portion includes a through hole and a terminal portion that can be electrically connected to an external terminal, and A method for manufacturing a battery cell unit, wherein the terminal coupling step involves passing one or more of the outer busbar and the inner busbar through the through hole and then electrically connecting them to the terminal.

15. In Paragraph 13, A method for manufacturing a battery cell unit, wherein in the inner and outer busbar connection step, the outer busbar is electrically connected to the overlap portion and the inner busbar through spot welding.

16. In Paragraph 11, The above external case is, It includes a housing that provides a shielded bottom surface and a side surface forming a receiving space for accommodating a battery cell assembly connected to the busbar, and a cap plate coupled to the top surface of the housing to cover the battery cell assembly. The above external case acceptance step is, A battery cell assembly connected to the busbar is placed within the above housing, and A method for manufacturing a battery cell unit, wherein the above-mentioned cap plate is coupled to the upper surface of the housing to cover the battery cell assembly to which the above-mentioned busbar is connected.

17. In Paragraph 16, The above cap plate includes the above terminal portion, and The above terminal portion includes a through hole and a terminal portion that can be electrically connected to an external terminal, and A method for manufacturing a battery cell unit, wherein the terminal coupling step involves passing one or more of the outer busbar and the inner busbar through the through hole and then electrically connecting them to the terminal.

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