KR20240012304A - Battery pack and device including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells stacked in one direction; A pack case storing the battery cells in an internal space; a cell cover that at least partially surrounds at least some of the plurality of battery cells in the internal space of the pack case; and a partition member positioned between the battery cells.

Description

Battery pack and device including the same {BATTERY PACK AND DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME}

The present invention relates to a battery pack and a device including the same, and more specifically, to a battery pack with improved energy density and cooling performance and enhanced safety and a device including the same.

In modern society, as the use of portable devices such as mobile phones, laptops, camcorders, and digital cameras becomes routine, the development of technologies in fields related to the above mobile devices is becoming more active. In addition, secondary batteries that can be charged and discharged are a way to solve air pollution from existing gasoline vehicles that use fossil fuels, and are used in electric vehicles (EV), hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles ( As it is used as a power source for batteries such as P-HEV), the need for development of secondary batteries is increasing.

Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel cadmium batteries, nickel hydrogen batteries, nickel zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among these, lithium secondary batteries have the advantages of being able to charge and discharge freely, have a low self-discharge rate, and have high energy density. It's in the spotlight.

This lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode and a negative electrode plate each coated with a positive and negative electrode active material are disposed with a separator in between, and an exterior material, that is, a battery case, that seals and stores the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte. In general, secondary batteries can be classified into can-type batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a metal can and pouch-type batteries in which the electrode assembly is built in a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the exterior material.

Recently, battery packs have been widely used for driving or energy storage in medium to large-sized devices such as electric vehicles or energy storage systems. A conventional battery pack includes one or more battery modules inside the pack case and a control unit that controls charging and discharging of the battery pack, such as a BMS (Battery Management System). Here, the battery module is configured to include a plurality of battery cells inside a module case. That is, in the case of a conventional battery pack, a plurality of battery cells (secondary batteries) are stored inside the module case to form each battery module, and one or more of these battery modules are stored inside the pack case to form a battery pack.

In particular, pouch-type batteries have advantages in many aspects, such as being light in weight and requiring less dead space when stacked, but they are vulnerable to external shocks and have somewhat poor assembly properties. Therefore, it is common to manufacture a battery pack by first modularizing a number of cells and then storing them inside a pack case. As a representative example, in the case of a conventional battery pack, a plurality of battery cells are first stored inside a module case to form a battery module, and then one or more of these battery modules are stored inside the pack case. Moreover, conventional battery modules include a stacking frame made of plastic, also called a cartridge, plates at both ends in the cell stacking direction, and fastening members such as bolts, as disclosed in the following prior literature (Korean Publication No. 10-2015-0044599). In many cases, multiple battery cells are stacked using various components. In many cases, the laminate formed in this way is again stored inside a module case and modularized.

However, such conventional battery packs may be disadvantageous in terms of energy density. Typically, in the process of modularizing multiple battery cells by storing them inside a module case, the volume of the battery pack may increase unnecessarily or the space occupied by the battery cells may decrease due to various components such as the module case or stacking frame. Furthermore, the space occupied by the components themselves, such as the module case or the stacking frame, as well as the storage space of the battery cells may be reduced to ensure assembly tolerances for these components. Therefore, in the case of conventional battery packs, there may be limitations in increasing energy density.

Additionally, conventional battery packs may be disadvantageous in terms of assembly. In particular, in order to manufacture a battery pack, first, a plurality of battery cells are modularized to form a battery module, and then the battery module is stored in a pack case. Therefore, there is a problem in that the battery pack manufacturing process becomes complicated. Moreover, as disclosed in the prior literature, the process and structure of forming a cell stack using stacking frames, bolts, plates, etc. can be very complicated.

Additionally, in the case of conventional battery packs, since the module case is stored inside the pack case and the battery cells are stored inside the module case, there is a problem that it is difficult to ensure excellent cooling properties. In particular, when heat from battery cells stored inside the module case is discharged to the outside of the pack case through the module case, cooling efficiency may decrease and the cooling structure may become complicated.

In addition, capacity and output are improved by connecting multiple battery cells included in a conventional battery pack in series or parallel to each other to form a battery cell stack, but the heat generated from multiple battery cells in a narrow space within the battery module is added up. There is a problem that the overall temperature can rise more rapidly as a result. In this case, the electrolyte inside the battery cell evaporates to generate high-temperature gas, and the gas is indiscriminately discharged outside the battery cell, which may cause a flame or explosion, which poses a problem with the safety of the battery pack. Therefore, the need to solve the above problems is emerging.

(Patent Document 1) Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2015-0044599 (Publication Date: April 27, 2015)

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery pack with improved durability and safety by preventing continuous thermal runaway phenomenon caused by indiscriminate discharge of high temperature gas, and a device including the same.

In addition, the aim is to provide devices including battery packs and automobiles with excellent energy density, assemblyability, and/or cooling properties.

However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described problems, and other problems not described may be expanded to the extent that can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the present invention.

A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells stacked in one direction; A pack case storing the battery cells in an internal space; a cell cover that at least partially surrounds at least some of the plurality of battery cells in the internal space of the pack case; and a partition member positioned between the battery cells.

The partition member has a hollow structure with an empty internal space, and the internal space of the partition member may be connected to the pack case to form a venting path.

The partition member may include a venting hole, which is a hole formed on one surface facing the battery cell.

Within the pack frame, the battery cells and the cell covers are arranged in a multi-row, one-layer structure, and at least two of the battery cells and the cell covers are arranged in a row along a first direction to form a battery cell group, which The partition member may be positioned between one battery cell group and another battery cell group.

One end of the one battery cell group may be positioned in contact with one side of the pack case, and the other end of the other battery cell group may be positioned in contact with the other side facing the one side of the pack case.

A first opening, which is a constant space, is formed between the other end of one of the battery cell groups and the other side of the pack case, and a second opening is a constant space between one end of the other battery cell group and one side of the lower pack case. An opening may be formed.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the cell cover may further include a discharge guide member mounted on one open side of the cell cover.

The discharge guiding member may include an internal space in communication with the cell cover, and a cover exposing the internal space to the outside.

The cover includes a first cover portion including a first interior space, which is a space formed to guide the direction of movement of the gas discharged from the battery cell, and the cell cover indicating the direction of movement of the gas moving through the first interior space. It may include a second cover part including a second internal space, which is a space formed to lead to the outside of.

The first cover part may be fixedly installed while covering the entire open side of the cell cover, and the second cover part may be connected to the first cover part and fixedly installed on one side of the cell cover.

The second cover part may include an outlet at one open end.

The outlet may be located in a direction toward the other side of the cell cover, which is opposite to one side of the cell cover where the second cover part is located.

The first cover part and the second cover part may be formed as a monolithic structure connected to each other such that the first inner space and the second inner space are continuously connected.

The discharge guiding member may be provided to face the partition member.

A device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the above battery pack.

According to embodiments, multiple battery cells can be stably stored inside the pack case without the need for a stacking frame such as a plastic cartridge or a separate module case. Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, battery cells having a case made of a soft material can be easily made into a sturdy form, so that a configuration in which they are directly stacked inside the pack case can be more easily implemented.

In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a configuration in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked side by side in the horizontal direction while standing vertically can be easily implemented.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the energy density of the battery pack can be improved.

Moreover, according to one embodiment of the present invention, since the battery cells are directly stored in the pack case without being modularized, a module case for the battery module, etc. is unnecessary. Accordingly, by reducing the space occupied by the module case, more battery cells can be placed inside the pack case. Therefore, the energy density of the battery pack is further improved.

Additionally, according to one aspect of the present invention, the assembling of the battery pack can be improved. In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the process of preparing a battery module by storing battery cells in a module case, the process of storing one or more battery modules thus prepared in a pack case, etc. may not be performed. Accordingly, the manufacturing process can be simplified and manufacturing time can be reduced.

Additionally, according to one aspect of the present invention, a configuration for changing the number of battery cells surrounded by a cell cover can be easily implemented. In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the number of unit cells accommodated by the cell cover can be easily changed by changing the width of the cell cover. Therefore, in this case, changes in capacity or output by one cell cover can be easily made.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, for each cell unit, a configuration in which the bus bar or terminal of each unit is located on the side, top, or bottom of each cell cover can be easily implemented.

Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, in the process of storing a soft battery cell inside a pack case, the cell cover can be held without directly holding the battery cell. Therefore, the process of handling the battery cell can be performed more easily and safely. Moreover, in this case, it is possible to prevent the battery cells from being damaged or broken during cell handling, such as storing the battery cells inside the pack case.

Additionally, according to one aspect of the present invention, the cooling efficiency of the battery pack can be further improved. In particular, in one embodiment of the present invention, a portion of each battery cell is directly exposed to the pack case, so heat from each battery cell can be effectively discharged to the outside through the pack case.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, additional surface cooling may be possible through the large surface of the battery cell.

Additionally, according to one aspect of the present invention, the safety of the battery pack can be improved.

In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, gas discharged from each battery cell can be smoothly discharged to the outside. Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the discharge direction of gas or flame discharged from a battery cell can be controlled. Accordingly, thermal runaway propagation between adjacent battery cells can be effectively prevented.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, continuous thermal runaway phenomenon can be prevented by preventing high-temperature gas from being indiscriminately discharged outside the battery cell.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing some components of a battery pack separated according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery cell and a cell cover stored inside a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a configuration in which the battery cell and cell cover of Figure 2 are combined.
4 to 6 are partial perspective views schematically showing some configurations of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a view of the battery pack of FIG. 1 viewed in the -z-axis direction.
Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view showing some components of a battery pack separated according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery cell and a cell cover stored inside a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a configuration in which the battery cell and cell cover of Figure 9 are combined.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the configuration in which the battery cell and cell cover of FIG. 10 are combined, viewed in the y-axis direction.
FIG. 12 is a view of the configuration in which the battery cell and cell cover of FIG. 9 are combined, viewed in the -z-axis direction.
Figure 13 is a partial perspective view schematically showing some configurations of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing A1 in FIG. 8.
FIG. 15 is a view of the battery pack of FIG. 8 viewed in the -z-axis direction.

Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. The present invention may be implemented in many different forms other than those described below, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by the embodiments described herein.

In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not relevant to the description are omitted, and identical or similar components are given the same reference numerals throughout the specification.

In addition, since the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily enlarged or reduced for convenience of explanation, it is obvious that the content of the present invention is not limited to what is shown. In the drawings below, the thickness of each layer is enlarged to clearly express the various layers and regions. In the drawings below, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for convenience of explanation.

Additionally, when a part of a layer, membrane, area, plate, etc. is described as being “on” or “on” another part, this means that the corresponding part of the layer, membrane, area, plate, etc. is “directly above” the other part. In addition, it should be interpreted to include cases where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part of a corresponding layer, membrane, region, plate, etc. is described as being "right on top" of another part, it may mean that there are no other parts in between. In addition, being "on" or "on" a reference part means being located above or below the reference part, and necessarily meaning being located "above" or "on" the direction opposite to gravity. Maybe not. Meanwhile, just as describing something as being “above” or “on” another part, explaining it as being “below” or “under” another part may also be understood with reference to the above-described content.

In addition, throughout the specification, when a part is said to "include" a certain component, this means that it may further include other components rather than excluding other components, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

In addition, throughout the specification, when referring to “on a plane,” this means when the relevant part is viewed from above, and when referring to “in cross-section,” this means when a cross-section of the relevant part is cut vertically and viewed from the side.

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing some components of a battery pack separated according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery cell and a cell cover stored inside a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a configuration in which the battery cell and cell cover of Figure 2 are combined.

1 to 3, the battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell 100, a pack case 300, and a cell cover 200.

A plurality of battery cells 100 may be included in the battery pack 10 . And, these plurality of battery cells 100 can be stacked in at least one direction. For example, referring to FIGS. 1 and 3 , a plurality of battery cells 100 may be stacked and arranged in a horizontal direction, for example, in a left-right direction (y-axis direction in the drawing). Additionally, the plurality of battery cells 100 may be arranged in the front-back direction (x-axis direction in the figure) as shown in FIG. 1.

Furthermore, the plurality of battery cells 100 may be arranged horizontally, forming multiple rows in the left-right and horizontal directions. For example, referring to what is shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of battery cells 100 may be stacked in a form of three cell rows arranged in the left and right directions in the front-back direction.

The battery pack 10 according to the present invention can employ various types of battery cells 100 known at the time of filing of the present invention. As an example, the battery cell 100 may be a pouch-type battery cell. Such a pouch-type battery cell can be formed by storing an electrode assembly in a pouch case of a laminate sheet including a resin layer and a metal layer, and then fusing the outer periphery of the pouch case. These battery cells may be formed in a rectangular sheet structure. However, the structure of the battery cell is not limited to this, and various types of battery cells can be applied, so detailed description of the structure of such battery cells will be omitted.

The pack case 300 has an empty space formed therein and can accommodate a plurality of battery cells 100. For example, the pack case 300 may include an upper case 310 and a lower case 320, as shown in FIG. 1 . As a more specific example, the lower case 320 is configured in the form of a box with an open top and can accommodate a plurality of battery cells 100 in the internal space. Additionally, the upper case 310 may be configured in the form of a cover that covers the upper opening of the lower case 320. At this time, the upper case 310 may be configured in the form of a box with an open bottom. Additionally, the cell cover 200 along with a plurality of battery cells 100 can be accommodated in the internal space of the pack case 300. The pack case 300 may be made of plastic or metal. In addition, the pack case 300 may employ various exterior materials of battery packs known at the time of filing the present invention.

The cell cover 200 may be configured to surround the battery cell 100 in the internal space of the pack case 300. That is, the cell cover 200 may be configured to cover at least some of the battery cells 100 among the plurality of battery cells 100 included in the battery pack 10. Furthermore, the cell cover 200 may be provided to at least partially cover the battery cell 100.

In addition, the cell cover 200 may be configured to support the stacked state of the plurality of battery cells 100 inside the pack case 300 through a structure that surrounds the battery cells 100 in this way. For example, a plurality of battery cells 100 may be stacked in the horizontal direction (y-axis direction of the figure) as shown in FIG. 1 . At this time, the cell cover 200 may be configured to stably maintain the stacked state of the plurality of battery cells 100 stacked in the horizontal direction.

According to this aspect of the present invention, a plurality of battery cells 100 can be directly seated and stored inside the pack case 300 without a module case. In particular, in the case of the battery cells 100, the exterior material is made of a soft material, so it is vulnerable to external shock and has low hardness. Therefore, it is not easy to store the battery cell 100 itself inside the pack case 300 without storing it in the module case. However, in the case of the present invention, the plurality of battery cells 100 are combined with the cell cover 200 in a state in which at least a portion is surrounded by the cell cover 200, and are directly stored inside the pack case 300, The stacked state can be maintained stably.

Therefore, according to this aspect of the present invention, there is no need to additionally provide the battery pack 10 with a module case, a stacking frame, or fastening members such as bolts for maintaining the stacked state of the cells. Accordingly, the space occupied by other components, such as a module case or a stacking frame, or the resulting space for securing tolerances can be eliminated. Therefore, since the battery cells can occupy more space as the space removed, the energy density of the battery pack can be further improved.

Additionally, according to this aspect of the present invention, since a module case, stacking frame, bolts, etc. are not provided, the volume and weight of the battery pack can be reduced and the manufacturing process can be simplified.

Additionally, according to this aspect of the present invention, handling of the battery cell 100 can become easier. For example, when storing a plurality of battery cells 100 inside the pack case 300, the battery cells 100 may be held by a jig or the like. At this time, the jig may hold the cell cover 200 surrounding the battery cell 100, rather than directly holding the battery cell 100. Therefore, damage or breakage of the battery cell 100 caused by the jig can be prevented.

Additionally, according to this aspect of the present invention, the cell cover 200 is coupled to the battery cell 100, so that the battery cell 100 can be effectively protected without a module case.

The cell cover 200 may be made of various materials to ensure rigidity. In particular, the cell cover 200 may be made of a metal material. In the case of such a metal material, the stacked state of the battery cells 100 can be maintained more stably and the battery cells 100 can be more safely protected from external shock. In particular, the cell cover 200 may be made of steel, or even stainless steel (SUS). For example, the cell cover 200 may be entirely made of SUS material.

In this way, when the cell cover 200 is made of a steel material, it has excellent mechanical strength and rigidity, so the stacked state of the battery cells 100 can be supported more stably. Additionally, in this case, it is possible to more effectively prevent damage or breakage of the battery cell 100 from external impacts, such as needles. Additionally, in this case, handling of the battery cell 100 may become easier.

Additionally, as in the above embodiment, when the cell cover 200 is made of a steel material, due to its high melting point, when a flame occurs from the battery cell 100, the overall structure can be stably maintained. In particular, in the case of steel material, the melting point is higher than that of aluminum material, so it does not melt even with flame ejected from the battery cell 100 and its shape can be stably maintained. Accordingly, excellent flame propagation prevention and delay effects between battery cells 100, venting control effects, etc. can be secured.

The cell cover 200 may be configured to surround one or more battery cells 100. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cell cover 200 may be configured to cover two or more battery cells 100 together. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and one cell cover 200 may be configured to cover only one battery cell 100. In this case, it can be said that the cell cover 200 is individually coupled to each battery cell 100 among the plurality of battery cells 100.

The cell cover 200 may be at least partially adhered to the outer surface of the battery cell 100. For example, the cell cover 200 may have its inner surface adhered to the receiving portion of the battery cell 100.

One or more cell covers 200 may be included in the battery pack 10 . In particular, the cell cover 200 may be configured to group a plurality of battery cells 100 included in the battery pack 10 and unitize them. In this case, one cell cover 200 can be said to constitute one cell unit. Additionally, one cell unit may include one or more battery cells 100. For example, in Figure 2, one cell unit U1 is shown, as indicated by U1. The battery pack 10 may include a plurality of cell units U1, and in this case, it can be said that a plurality of cell covers 200 are included in the battery pack 10. For example, when the cell cover 200 is configured to surround one battery cell 100, the battery pack 10 may include the same number of cell covers 200 as the number of battery cells 100. As another example, when the cell cover 200 is configured to surround two or more battery cells 100, the battery pack 10 may include a smaller number of cell covers 200 than the number of battery cells 100.

The cell cover 200 may be configured to support a plurality of battery cells 100 in an upright state. As shown in FIG. 2, each battery cell 100 has two wide surfaces, and a sealing portion or folded portion of the pouch exterior material may be present at the edge of the large surfaces. Therefore, it is generally difficult to stack the battery cells 100 in an upright direction (z-axis direction and -z-axis direction). However, in the battery pack 10 according to the present invention, the cell cover 200 surrounds one or more battery cells 100 and supports the upright state, that is, the standing state, of the wrapped battery cells 100. It can be configured.

In particular, the cell cover 200 may be configured so that a plurality of battery cells 100 can be stacked horizontally while standing upright (z-axis direction and -z-axis direction). For example, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, a plurality of cell covers 200 are stacked on each other in the horizontal direction, and each cell cover 200 surrounds one or more battery cells 100. It can be configured. In this case, the configuration in which the plurality of battery cells 100 are stacked side by side in the horizontal direction when each is erected can be stably maintained by the cell cover 200.

In particular, the cell cover 200 can be configured to stand on its own in the internal space of the pack case 300. In other words, the cell cover 200 can be configured to maintain an upright position on its own without the help of other components provided in the battery pack 10, such as the pack case 300 or the battery cell 100.

For example, the cell cover 200 may be directly seated on the bottom surface of the lower case 320 in the embodiment of FIG. 1 . At this time, a portion of the cell cover 200, for example, the lower end C1 of the cell cover 200 indicated as C1 in FIG. 2 may be seated in direct contact with the bottom surface of the lower case 320. In addition, when the lower portion C1 is seated in this way, the cell cover 200 may be configured to maintain the seated state stably. At this time, when the cell cover 200 is made of a metal material with excellent rigidity such as steel, especially a SUS material, the self-standing state can be maintained more stably. Therefore, in this case, the standing state of the battery cell 100 can be more reliably supported.

The cell cover 200 may be configured to partially surround the battery cell 100 so that at least one side of the wrapped battery cell 100 is exposed to the outside. That is, the cell cover 200 may not completely surround the battery cell 100 as a whole, but may be configured to only partially cover the battery cell 100. In particular, the cell cover 200 may be configured so that at least one side of the battery cell 100 is exposed toward the pack case 300.

For example, referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the cell cover 200 is configured to surround one battery cell 100, and includes the wrapped battery cell 100, that is, the battery cell 100 accommodated in the internal space. The lower portion of the battery cell 100 may not be surrounded by the cell cover 200. Accordingly, the lower part of the battery cell 100 is exposed toward the pack case 300 and can directly face the pack case 300. In particular, referring to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the lower part of the battery cell 100 may be exposed toward the bottom surface of the lower case 320.

According to this embodiment of the present invention, the cooling performance of the battery pack 10 can be secured more effectively. In particular, according to the above embodiment, the battery cell 100 and the pack case 300 may be in direct contact with each other. Accordingly, the heat emitted from each battery cell 100 is directly transferred to the pack case 300, and cooling performance can be improved. Additionally, in this case, since a separate cooling structure does not need to be provided between the battery cell 100 and the pack case 300, efficient cooling performance can be implemented. In this case, space may not be provided between the battery cells 100 for a refrigerant such as air to flow in.

As shown in FIG. 2, each battery cell 100 may have a receiving portion indicated by R and an edge portion indicated by E1 to E4. Here, the storage portion R may be a portion that accommodates an electrode assembly composed of a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate stacked on top of each other with a separator interposed therebetween. Additionally, electrolyte solution can be stored in this storage portion (R). Additionally, the edge portions E1 to E4 may be arranged to surround the storage portion R.

In particular, the edge portions E1 to E4 may be sealing portions in which the pouch exterior material, which is the case of the battery cell, is sealed. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, four edge portions E1 to E4 are provided, and are located at the upper edge, lower edge, front edge, and rear edge, respectively, based on the storage portion R. It can be said to be located. At this time, all four edge parts (E1 to E4) may be sealing parts. Alternatively, some of the four edge portions E1 to E4 may be configured in a folded form rather than a sealing portion. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the upper edge portion E1, the front edge portion E3, and the rear edge portion E4 are all sealing portions, but the lower edge portion E2 is a pouch exterior material. may be a folded part. Here, a battery cell with all four edge portions (E1 to E4) sealed can be referred to as a four-side sealing cell, and a battery cell with three edge portions (E1, E3, E4) sealed can be referred to as a three-side sealing cell. there is.

In this configuration, the cell cover 200 may be configured to cover both sides of the receiving portion (R) and a portion of the edge portions (E1 to E4) of the battery cell 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when one cell cover 200 is configured to surround one battery cell 100, the cell cover 200 is a storage portion of the same battery cell 100. (R) may be configured to surround both surfaces (for example, the left surface and the right surface of the same storage portion (R)) and a portion of the edge portion of the corresponding battery cell 100 from the outside. As another example, when one cell cover 200 is configured to surround a plurality of battery cells 100, for example, a plurality of battery cells arranged in the left and right directions, the outer surface of the housing portion of the outermost battery cell and the entire battery It may be configured to surround one edge portion of the cell. As a more specific example, one cell cover 200 may be configured to surround three or six battery cells 100 stacked in the left and right directions. At this time, the cell cover 200 may be configured to cover the left surface of the left battery cell, one edge portion of three or six battery cells, and the right surface of the right battery cell.

According to this embodiment, a configuration that supports and protects one or more battery cells 100 can be easily implemented as a single cell cover 200. Additionally, according to the above embodiment, a process of handling one or more battery cells 100 through the cell cover 200 can be easily and safely performed. Additionally, according to the above embodiment, one cell cover 200 can face the surfaces of the two storage units (R) with respect to the battery cells 100 accommodated therein. Accordingly, cooling performance between the storage portion R and the cell cover 200 can be further improved. In particular, in this case, surface cooling is implemented through the large surface of the storage portion (R), so cooling efficiency can be improved.

Meanwhile, in the battery pack 10 according to the present invention, TIM (Thermal Interface Material) may be interposed to increase heat transfer performance between different components. For example, TIM may be filled between the battery cell 100 and the cell cover 200, between the cell cover 200 and the pack case 300, and/or between the battery cell 100 and the pack case 300. You can. In this case, the cooling performance of the battery pack 10, such as dual cooling performance, can be further improved.

In particular, the cell cover 200 may be configured to surround an edge portion not provided with the electrode lead 110 among several edge portions of the battery cell 100 accommodated therein. For example, referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the battery cell 100 may be provided with two electrode leads 110, that is, a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead. At this time, the two electrode leads may be located on the front edge portion E3 and the rear edge portion E4, respectively. At this time, the cell cover 200 may be configured to surround one of the two edge parts E1 and E2 excluding the front edge part E3 and the rear edge part E4.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the battery cell 100 may be said to be formed in an approximately hexahedron. Additionally, electrode leads 110, that is, a negative electrode lead and a positive electrode lead, may be formed on two of the six surfaces. In addition, the cell cover 200 is provided to cover at least a portion of three of the four sides of the six-sided battery cell 100, excluding the two sides where the electrode leads 110 are formed.

According to this embodiment of the present invention, the discharge direction of gas or flame, etc. can be directed to the exposed side of the cell cover 200. For example, according to the above embodiment, since the front side (x-axis direction) and the rear side (-x-axis direction) of the cell cover 200 where the electrode lead 110 is located are open, Gas or flame can be discharged. In particular, when the cell cover 200 is configured with the front and back open as described above, side directional venting can be easily implemented.

Moreover, the cell cover 200 may be provided in a form that covers both sides and the upper edge portion E1 of the storage portion R with respect to one or more battery cells 100 accommodated and wrapped therein. For example, referring to what is shown in FIG. 2, when the cell cover 200 is configured to surround six battery cells 100 stacked in the left and right directions, the cell cover 200 is in a form that surrounds the left surface of the housing portion (R) of the left outermost battery cell, the upper edge portions (E1) of the six battery cells, and the right surface of the housing portion (R) of the right outermost battery cell. It can be configured. As another example, one battery cell 100 may be configured to surround both the left and right surfaces of the storage portion (R) and the upper edge portion (E1).

According to this embodiment of the present invention, a structure that supports and protects one or more battery cells 100 can be easily implemented as a single cell cover 200. In particular, according to the above embodiment, the lower edge portion E2 may be in direct contact with the pack case 300 without being surrounded by the cell cover 200. Accordingly, the heat of the battery cell 100 surrounded by the cell cover 200 can be quickly and smoothly discharged toward the pack case 300 below. Accordingly, the cooling performance of the battery pack 10 can be secured more effectively.

In particular, this configuration can be implemented more effectively when cooling is mainly performed at the bottom of the pack case 300. For example, in the case of a battery pack mounted on an electric vehicle, cooling may occur mainly at the bottom of the pack case 300 because it is mounted at the bottom of the vehicle body. At this time, as in the above embodiment, when the lower edge portion E2 of each battery cell 100 is in face-to-face contact with the pack case 300, heat is rapidly generated from each battery cell 100 toward the pack case 300. As it is delivered effectively, cooling performance can be further improved.

In addition, according to the above embodiment, when high-temperature gas or flame is discharged from the battery cell 100 in a situation such as thermal runaway, it is possible to effectively prevent the discharged gas or flame from heading toward the upper side. In particular, when a passenger is located on the upper side of the battery pack 10, such as in an electric vehicle, according to the above embodiment, gas or flame, etc., can be suppressed or delayed from heading toward the passenger.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the cell cover 200 can be said to be formed in a shape roughly similar to the letter n. And, through this shape, the cell cover 200 has a front side (x-axis direction) and a rear side (-x-axis direction) where the electrode lead 110 protrudes with respect to the battery cell 100 accommodated therein. , and it can be said to be configured to cover all parts except the lower side (-z-axis direction). That is, the cell cover 200 may be provided to cover the outer and upper sides of the housing portion (R) of the battery cell 100 accommodated therein.

More specifically, the cell cover 200 may include an upper cover part 210, a first side cover part 220, and a second side cover part 230, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. You can.

Here, the upper cover part 210 may be configured to surround the upper part of the upper edge part E1 of the battery cell 100 accommodated therein. In particular, the upper cover portion 210 may be configured to be in contact with or spaced apart from the upper edge portion E1 of the battery cell 100. Additionally, the upper cover portion 210 may be configured in a flat shape. In this case, the upper cover part 210 is formed in a straight horizontal cross-section and can wrap the upper edge part E1 of the battery cell 100 in a straight line from the outside.

The first side cover part 220 may be configured to extend downward from one end of the upper cover part 210. For example, the first side cover part 220 may be configured to extend long from the left end of the upper cover part 210 in a downward direction (-z-axis direction in the drawing). Furthermore, the first side cover portion 220 may be formed in a flat shape. At this time, the first side cover part 220 may be configured in a bent form from the upper cover part 210.

And, the first side cover portion 220 may be configured to surround the outside of one side storage portion (R) of the battery cell 100 accommodated therein. For example, when one battery cell 100 is accommodated in the cell cover 200, the first side cover portion 220 surrounds the left surface of the housing portion (R) of the accommodated battery cell 100 from the left. It can be configured as follows. Here, the first side cover part 220 may be in direct contact with the outer surface of the receiving part (R).

The second side cover part 230 may be positioned to be spaced apart from the first side cover part 220 in the horizontal direction. And, the second side cover part 230 may be configured to extend downward from the other end of the upper cover part 210. For example, the second side cover part 230 may be configured to extend downward from the right end of the upper cover part 210. Moreover, the second side cover part 230 may also be configured in a flat shape like the first side cover part 220. At this time, the second side cover part 230 and the first side cover part 220 can be said to be arranged parallel to each other while being spaced apart in the horizontal direction.

And the second side cover portion 230 may be configured to surround the outside of the other side storage portion (R) of the battery cell 100 accommodated therein. For example, when one or more battery cells 100 are accommodated in the cell cover 200, the second side cover portion 230 covers the right surface of the receiving portion (R) of the accommodated outermost right battery cell 100. It can be configured to wrap from the right side. Here, the second side cover portion 230 may be in direct contact with the outer surface of the receiving portion (R).

In the above embodiment, the internal space may be limited by the upper cover part 210, the first side cover part 220, and the second side cover part 230. Additionally, the cell cover 200 can accommodate one or more battery cells 100 in this limited internal space.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the lower ends (C1) of the first side cover part 220 and the second side cover part 230, as indicated by C1 in FIG. 2, are in contact with the bottom surface of the pack case 300. You can. In particular, the contact configuration between the lower end C1 of the first side cover part 220 and the second side cover part 230 and the pack case 300 is extended in the front-back direction (x-axis direction in the drawing). It may be formed in an extended form. According to this embodiment, the self-supporting configuration of the cell cover 200, which can maintain the battery cell 100 accommodated therein in an upright state, can be implemented more stably.

Moreover, the first side cover part 220 and the second side cover part 230 may have the same height. That is, the first side cover part 220 and the second side cover part 230 may have the same length extending downward from the upper cover part 210. In this case, the self-standing configuration of the cell cover 200 can be more easily achieved.

Meanwhile, to describe again the cell cover 200 and the battery cell 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the upper cover portion 210 may face the upper edge portion E1 of the battery cell 100. and can surround the upper edge portion (E1) together with the first side cover portion 220 and the second side cover portion 230.

In addition, the cross-sectional area of the first side cover part 220 and the second side cover part 230 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the battery cell 100 where the first side cover part 220 and the second side cover part 230 face each other. It is provided in a large size to prevent the storage part (R) from being exposed to the outside, thereby ensuring maximum safety.

In particular, the battery cell 100 may include a sealed portion and an unsealed portion as edge portions E1 to E4. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the upper edge portion E1 may be a double side folding (DSF) portion as a sealing portion of the battery cell 100, and the lower edge portion E2 may be a portion of the battery cell 100. It may be an unsealed portion of (100).

Here, the cell cover 200 may be configured to surround the battery cell 100, covering at least a portion of the sealing portion among the edge portions E1 to E4, and exposing at least a portion of the unsealed portion to the outside without enclosing it. there is. For example, referring to the embodiment of FIG. 2, the cell cover 200 may be configured to cover the upper edge portion E1, which is part of the sealing portion of the battery cell 100. In this case, the battery cell 100 accommodated inside the cell cover 200 can be said to be configured so that the upper edge portion E1, which is a sealing portion, faces the upper cover portion 210. Additionally, the cell cover 200 may cover the battery cell 100 so that the lower edge portion E2, which is an unsealed portion of the battery cell 100, is exposed to the outside. In this case, the lower edge portion E2, which is an unsealed portion of the battery cell 100, can be said to be disposed on the open surface of the cell cover 200.

In the battery cell 100, the upper edge portion E1, which is a sealed portion, may be relatively more vulnerable to the discharge of high-temperature gas or flame than the lower edge portion E2, which is an unsealed portion. However, according to the above embodiment, the upper edge portion E1, which is a sealing portion, is arranged to face the upper cover portion 210, which may be more advantageous for directional venting.

In addition, in the battery cell 100, the lower edge portion E2, which is an unsealed portion, has a relatively larger cross-sectional area than the upper edge portion E1, which is a sealed portion, and is provided in a flat shape and placed on the open surface of the cell cover 200. It can be done, and the cooling efficiency can be increased by direct contact with the thermal resin 326, which will be described later.

Furthermore, when the lower case 320 is seated on one side of the car body, the first side cover part 220 and the second side cover part 230 may extend from the upper cover part 210 toward one side of the car body, The upper edge portion E1 may be disposed farther from one side of the vehicle body than the lower edge portion E2. That is, when the lower case 320 is seated on one side of the vehicle body, the cell cover 200 may be configured so that the side disposed relatively close to the one side of the vehicle body is open.

Conversely, when the upper case 310 is seated on one side of the car body, the first side cover part 220 and the second side cover part 230 may extend away from the upper cover part 210 and one side of the car body. , the upper edge portion E1 may be disposed closer to one surface of the vehicle body than the lower edge portion E2. That is, when the upper case 310 is seated on one side of the vehicle body, the cell cover 200 may be configured so that the side located relatively far from the one side of the vehicle body is open.

That is, the arrangement of the cell cover 200 and the battery cell 100 can be set in various ways depending on the relationship with the vehicle body, the pack case 300, and components other than the pack case 300 disposed on the vehicle body.

Meanwhile, in the above embodiment, the cell cover 200 is shown and described focusing on an n-shaped configuration, but the cell cover 200 may be configured in various other shapes. For example, the cell cover 200 may be formed in various other shapes such as I-shape, U-shape, L-shape, etc.

The battery pack 10 according to the present invention may further include a busbar assembly 700. Here, the bus bar assembly 700 may be configured to electrically connect a plurality of battery cells 100 to each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the bus bar assembly 700 is coupled to the electrode leads 110 of the two battery cells 100 and electrically connects the two battery cells 100 in series. /Or it can be connected in parallel. The busbar assembly 700 includes a busbar terminal made of an electrically conductive material such as copper or aluminum and in direct contact with the electrode lead 110, and a busbar housing made of an electrically insulating material such as plastic and supporting the busbar terminal. can be provided.

Moreover, when the electrode leads 110 are provided on both sides of the battery cell 100, the bus bar assembly 700 may also be included on both sides where the electrode leads 110 are provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the electrode lead 110 protrudes both on the front side (x-axis direction) and on the rear side (-x-axis direction), the bus bar assembly 700 also protrudes from the front side and the rear side (-x axis direction). It can be located both on the rear side.

The bus bar assembly 700 may be combined with one or more cell covers 200. For example, referring to FIG. 1 , two or more cell covers 200 may each be configured to surround different battery cells 100 and be stacked in the horizontal direction. At this time, the bus bar assembly 700 may be coupled to the front and rear ends of two or more cell covers 200, respectively. In particular, in this embodiment, one bus bar assembly 700 may be coupled to the ends of two or more cell covers 200. As another example, one bus bar assembly 700 may be coupled to the end of one cell cover 200. At this time, one cell cover 200 can accommodate one or multiple battery cells 100.

The busbar assembly 700 may be coupled to the cell cover 200 in various ways. For example, the bus bar assembly 700 may be coupled and fixed to the cell cover 200 through various fastening methods such as adhesive, welding, fitting, hook, bolting, and riveting.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the battery pack 10 according to the present invention may further include an insulating cover portion 780. At this time, the insulating cover portion 780 is made of an electrically insulating material, prevents the bus bar assembly 700 from being exposed to the outside by the end plate, and secures and maintains electrical insulation.

Meanwhile, the battery pack 10 according to the present invention may further include an end cover 800. The end cover 800 may be mounted on both open sides of the cell cover 200 while covering the bus bar assembly 700 and the insulating cover portion 780. The end cover 780 secures the bus bar assembly 700 and the insulating cover portion 780 to secure the structural stability of the cell unit U1. Additionally, the end cover 800 can protect the bus bar assembly 700, a plurality of battery cells 100, and other electrical components from external shock. The end cover 800 is provided with at least one hole, so that the insulating cover portion 780 may be partially exposed, which may cause high temperature gas or flame to be generated from the battery cell 100 under high temperature and high pressure conditions. , it can be discharged to the outside.

4 to 6 are partial perspective views schematically showing some configurations of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration in which a heat sink 301 is provided in the lower case 320 of a battery pack, and FIG. 5 shows thermal resin 326 applied to the heat sink 301 of FIG. 5. This is a drawing showing the configuration. In addition, FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration in which multiple cell units of FIG. 2 are stacked in the inner space of the lower case 320 of FIG. 5.

First, referring to FIG. 4, the pack case 300 may be provided with a heat sink 301. And, the plurality of battery cells 100 to which the cell cover 200 is coupled can be thermally coupled to the heat sink 301. For example, the lower case 320 of the pack case 300 may be provided with a lower heat sink 321. And, as shown in FIG. 6, the plurality of cell units U1 may be directly seated on the upper surface of the lower heat sink 321. In particular, the cell cover 200 and the battery cell 100 provided in each cell unit (U1) are erected in the vertical direction (z-axis direction and -z-axis direction), with the lower end of the lower heat sink 321. It can be seated by directly contacting the upper part.

In this implementation configuration, thermal resin may be interposed between the heat sink 301 and the plurality of battery cells 100. For example, referring to FIG. 5 , thermal resin 326 may be applied to the upper surface of the lower heat sink 321. And, as shown in FIG. 6, on the upper surface of the lower heat sink 321 to which the thermal resin 326 is applied, a plurality of cell units U1, that is, a plurality of battery cells 100 and a plurality of The cell cover 200 may be seated.

Here, the thermal resin 326 may be made of a material that conducts heat and has adhesive properties. The thermal resin 326 can transfer heat to the heat sink 301 so that the heat generated in the battery cell 100 is dissipated through the heat sink 301. In addition, since the thermal resin 326 has adhesive properties, the cell cover 200 and/or the battery cell 100 can be mechanically coupled to the heat sink 301.

In this implementation configuration, a plurality of battery cells 100 to which the cell cover 200 is coupled can be directly seated on the upper surface of the lower heat sink 321 to which thermal resin 326 is applied, as shown in FIG. 6. . In this case, the plurality of cell units U1 can be stably coupled and fixed to the upper surface of the lower heat sink 321 by the thermal resin 326. In particular, the battery cell 100 and the cell cover 200 included in each cell unit (U1) have lengths in the up and down directions (z-axis direction and -z-axis direction) and in the left and right directions (y-axis direction and -y-axis direction). ) It can be formed longer than its width. Accordingly, the battery cell 100 and the cell cover 200 can be said to be seated on the upper surface of the lower heat sink 321 in an erect state, that is, in an upright state. At this time, the thermal resin 326 can maintain the upright state of the battery cell 100 and the cell cover 200 more stably.

FIG. 7 is a view of the battery pack of FIG. 1 viewed in the -z-axis direction.

Referring to Figures 1 and 7, the battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a pack case 300 that accommodates a plurality of battery cells 100 and a cell cover 220. A plurality of battery cells 100 and cell covers 220 may be arranged in one row along the first direction d1. In Figure 7, the cell cover 200 and the connection member 350 are schematically represented by dotted lines for convenience of explanation.

At this time, the plurality of battery cells 100 and cell covers 220 are arranged in one row along the first direction d1, and are divided into a first battery cell group G1, a second battery cell group G2, respectively. and a third battery cell group (G3).

Additionally, within the pack case 300, the first to third battery cell groups G1, G2, and G3 may be arranged along the second direction d2 perpendicular to the first direction d1. The first direction d1 and the second direction d2 are directions parallel to the ground or one surface of the pack case 300, that is, directions parallel to the xy plane.

Meanwhile, the battery pack 10 according to this embodiment may include a partition member 330. The partition member 330 is a structure that can control effects such as conduction, convection, and radiation of heat transfer, and can perform the function of preventing the expansion of heat transfer. Based on this, the partition member 330 may include an insulating material to prevent conduction, and may also include a thin metal plate to prevent venting gas.

The partition wall member 330 may include a first partition wall member 330a and a second partition wall member 330b. Specifically, the first partition member 330a may be located between the first battery cell group G1 and the second battery cell group G2, and the second battery cell group G2 and the third battery cell group ( The second partition member 330b may be located between G3). The first partition member 330a and the second partition member 330b may extend along the first direction d1. The first to third battery cell groups G1, G2, and G3 are spatially separated by the first partition member 330a and the second partition member 330b.

At one side of the first partition member 330a and the second partition member 330b, there is a first opening 331a connecting the space of the first battery cell group G1 and the space of the second battery cell group G2, A second opening 331b may be formed to connect the space of the second battery cell group G2 and the space of the third battery cell group G3. At this time, the first opening 331a and the second opening 331b may be located on opposite sides of each other based on the first direction d1. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the first opening 331a may be formed on the leftmost side (-y-axis direction), and the second opening 331b may be formed on the rightmost side (y-axis direction).

Specifically, within the pack case 300, the first partition member 330a and the second partition member 330b may be positioned with one end of each end in contact with one side and the other side of the pack case 300. More specifically, one end of the first partition member 330a is located in contact with one side of the pack case 300, and in this case, between the other end of the first partition member 330a and the other side facing one side of the pack case 300. A first opening 331a, which is a constant space, may be formed. In addition, the other end of the second partition member 330b is located in contact with the other surface facing one surface of the pack case 300, and in this case, between one end of the second partition member 330b and one surface of the lower pack case 320 A second opening 331b that is a constant space may be formed.

Meanwhile, the plurality of battery cells 100 inside the pack case 300 are electrically connected to each other by a connecting member 350.

The above structure is such that, when a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs in any one of the battery cells 100, flame and gas are indiscriminately discharged to the battery cell 100 inside the battery pack 10 and the battery pack ( 10) and/or devices equipped with the battery pack 10 can be prevented from simultaneously exploding.

That is, in the battery pack 10 according to this embodiment, the first partition member 330a and the second partition member 330b are disposed between the first to third battery cell groups G1, G2, and G3, and , by arranging a plurality of battery cells 100 and cell covers 200 in one row within the first to third battery cell groups (G1, G2, G3), propagation of the thermal runaway phenomenon is prevented. It was done sequentially in units of battery cells (100).

Therefore, the venting gas and heat cannot be propagated directly to the first battery cell group G1 or the third battery cell group G3 by the first partition member 330a and the second partition wall member 330b, and the first Venting gas and heat may propagate through the opening 331a and the second opening 331b. In particular, a plurality of battery cells 100 and cell covers 200 are arranged by the first partition member 330a having the first opening 331a and the second partition member 330b having the second opening 331b. Even if this happens, a thermal runaway phenomenon propagation path that continues in a row can be created.

As above, by designing the battery pack to allow sequential propagation, the time for the venting gas and heat to propagate can be increased. Additionally, as venting gas and heat sequentially propagate within the battery pack, the intensity of thermal runaway may gradually decrease. In other words, the battery pack 10 according to this embodiment can prevent thermal runaway from occurring in any one of the battery cells 100, leading to ignition or explosion of the battery pack 10 itself. If the partition member 330 is not present, the thermal runaway phenomenon that starts in one battery cell 100 immediately propagates to the battery cells 100 in other battery cell groups, and from several battery cells 100 in a short period of time. Venting gas and high temperature heat may be released in large quantities. This is highly likely to lead to ignition and explosion of the battery pack 10.

Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view showing some components of a battery pack separated according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery cell and a cell cover stored inside a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a configuration in which the battery cell and cell cover of Figure 9 are combined.

The battery pack 10' according to another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 is a modified example in which some components are added based on the contents of FIGS. 1 to 7, and the same contents as described above are omitted. do.

Referring to Figures 8 to 10, the battery pack 10' according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a discharge guide member 900.

The discharge guiding member 900 may be mounted on one open side of the cell cover 200. For example, the discharge guiding member 900 may be mounted on the front or rear side of the cell cover 200 to control the direction of gas or flame discharged to the front or rear of the cell cover 200.

Specifically, when the discharge guiding member 900 is mounted on the front side of the cell cover 200, discharged gas or flame, etc. can be discharged to the rear side of the cell cover 200, and the discharge guiding member 900 When mounted on the rear side of the cell cover 200, discharged gas or flame can be discharged toward the front of the cell cover 200.

Below, the discharge guiding member 900 will be described in more detail.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the configuration in which the battery cell and cell cover of FIG. 10 are combined, viewed in the y-axis direction. FIG. 12 is a view of the configuration in which the battery cell and cell cover of FIG. 9 are combined, viewed in the -z-axis direction.

Referring to Figures 11 and 12, a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell 100, a cell cover 200 mounted to surround the battery cell, and a cell cover 200 mounted on one open side of the cell cover 200. It includes a discharge guiding member 900. The same description for the above-described configuration will be omitted below.

The discharge guide member 900 is configured to discharge high-temperature gas or flame generated from the battery cell 100 to the outside of the cell cover 200 in a directional manner. This discharge guiding member 900 may be mounted on one open side of the cell cover 200.

The discharge guiding member 900 includes internal spaces 911a and 913a in communication with the cell cover 200, and a cover 910 provided to cover one open side of the cell cover 200. In detail, the discharge guiding member 900 connects the first internal space 911a and the second internal space 913a, and the first internal space 911a and the second internal space 913a to the outside of the cell cover 200. It includes a cover 910 having an outlet 930 exposed to the.

The cover 910 includes a first cover part 911 having a first internal space 911a and a second cover part 913 having a second internal space 913a. Here, the first internal space 911a may be a space formed to guide the direction of movement of the gas discharged from the battery cell 100 to the outlet 930. The second internal space 913a may be a space formed to guide the direction of movement of the gas discharged through the first internal space 911a to the outside of the cell cover 200.

The first cover part 911 and the second cover part 913 may be formed as a single body connected to each other so that the first internal space 911a and the second internal space 913a are continuously connected. At this time, the first cover part 911 may be fixedly installed on one side of the cell cover 200 while completely covering one side of the cell cover 200. The second cover part 911 is connected to the first cover part 911 and is fixedly installed on one side of the cell cover 200. In this case, the second cover part 913 has one end open. may include. One open end of the second cover part 913 may be an outlet 930, but the configuration of the outlet is not necessarily limited to this.

Depending on the fixation form of the first cover part 911 and the second cover part 913, the outlet 930 may be placed in a direction toward the other side of the cell cover 200. That is, the outlet 930 may be placed toward the other side of the cell cover 200, which is opposite to one side of the cell cover 200 where the cover 910 is located. Accordingly, the gas moving through the internal spaces 911a and 913a of the cover 910 is discharged through the outlet 930 to the other side opposite to one side of the cell cover 200 provided with the cover 910. possible.

In this way, the cover 910, that is, the discharge guiding member 900, can configure a gas flow path into and out of the cell cover 200.

Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the outlet 930 of the cover 910 is illustrated as being disposed on the upper side of the cell cover 200, but the location of the outlet 930 is not necessarily limited to this.

Additionally, referring again to FIG. 8, each discharge inducing member 900 moves the cell cover 200 along one direction (y-axis direction) in which the plurality of battery cells 100 and the cell cover 200 are stacked. ) can be aligned to be located in front (x-axis direction) or behind (-x-axis direction).

Specifically, in the plurality of battery cells 100 and the cell cover 200 mounted in a row in the pack case 300, the outlet 930 of the discharge guide member 900 is provided facing the partition member 330. It can be. As an example, the discharge guiding member 900 may be disposed on one side (x-axis direction) or the other side (-x-axis direction) of the cell cover 200.

Referring again to FIGS. 11 and 12, in this battery pack, when gas and flame are discharged from the battery cell 100 in a high temperature and high pressure state, the gas and flame are emitted through the open cell cover 200. It can be discharged to the outside through the discharge port 930 on one side and the discharge guiding member 900.

Figure 13 is a partial perspective view schematically showing some configurations of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 13, in the battery pack 10' according to another embodiment of the present invention, the lower pack case 320 includes a plurality of cell units U1', that is, a plurality of battery cells and a plurality of cell units U1'. The cell cover 200 may be seated.

In this implementation configuration, the plurality of battery cells 100 to which the cell cover 200 is coupled can be directly seated on the upper surface of the lower heat sink 321 to which the thermal resin 326 is applied. In this case, the plurality of cell units (U1') can be stably coupled and fixed to the upper surface of the lower heat sink 321 by the thermal resin 326. In particular, the pouch-type battery cell 100 and the cell cover 200 included in each cell unit (U1') have lengths in the up and down directions (z-axis direction and -z-axis direction) and in the left and right directions (y-axis direction and - y-axis direction) can be formed longer than the width. Accordingly, the battery cell 100 and the cell cover 200 can be said to be seated on the upper surface of the lower heat sink 321 in an erect state, that is, in an upright state. At this time, the thermal resin 326 can maintain the upright state of the battery cell and the cell cover 200 more stably.

In addition, since the discharge guiding member 900 is located on one side (x-axis direction) of the cell cover 200, high-temperature gases or flames generated from the battery cell are directed to the other side (-x-axis direction) of the cell cover 200. direction) can be discharged. Specifically, high-temperature gases, flames, etc. are directed to the other side of the cell cover 200 (-x-axis direction) along the outlet of the discharge guide member 900 provided on one side (x-axis direction) of the cell cover 200. It can be discharged toward, and can also be discharged to the outside through an end cover provided on the other side (-x-axis direction) of the cell cover 200.

Meanwhile, although not specifically mentioned above, the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention adds a battery management system (BMS) and/or a cooling device that manages the temperature or voltage of the battery, etc. It can be included as .

FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing A1 in FIG. 8. FIG. 15 is a view of the battery pack of FIG. 8 viewed in the -z-axis direction.

14 and 15, a battery pack 10' according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells 100, a cell cover 220, and one side of the cell cover 220. It includes a discharge guiding member 900, and a pack case 300 for storing a plurality of battery cells 100 and a cell cover 220. The cell covers 220 including a plurality of battery cells 100 and a discharge guide member 900 may be arranged in one row along the first direction d1. The discharge guiding member 900 may be provided to face the partition member 300', which will be described later.

In Figure 15, the discharge guide member 900, cell cover 200, and connection member 350 are schematically represented by solid and dotted lines for convenience of explanation.

At this time, the cell covers 220 including a plurality of battery cells 100 and the discharge inducing member 900 are arranged in one row along the first direction d1, and are respectively divided into a first battery cell group G1, It can be defined as a second battery cell group (G2) and a third battery cell group (G3).

Additionally, within the pack case 300, the first to third battery cell groups G1, G2, and G3 may be arranged along the second direction d2 perpendicular to the first direction d1. The first direction d1 and the second direction d2 are directions parallel to the ground or one surface of the pack case 300, that is, directions parallel to the xy plane.

Meanwhile, the battery pack 10' according to this embodiment may include a partition member 330'. In this case, the partition member 330' may include a venting hole 370 that is connected to the pack case 300 and discharges gas to the outside.

The partition member 330' according to this embodiment may have a hollow structure with an empty interior space. In this case, the internal space 335 of the partition member 330' may be connected to a venting path (not shown) formed inside the pack case 300. That is, the internal space 335 of the partition member 330' may be connected to the pack case 300 to form a venting path.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 14 , the venting hole 370 may be at least one hole formed on the side of the partition member 330'. More specifically, the venting hole 370 may be a hole formed on one surface of the partition member 330' facing the battery cell 100. That is, the venting hole 370 is a hole formed through one side of the partition member 330' facing the battery cell 100, and serves as a passage connecting the internal space and the outside of the partition member 330'. You can.

Therefore, when high-temperature gas or flame is generated in the battery cell 100, the high-temperature gas or flame discharged to the outside of the cell cover 200 through one side of the cell cover 200 or the discharge guide member 900 , it can move to the internal space 335 of the partition member 330' through the venting hole 370. As a result, the high-temperature gas or flame discharged to the outside of the cell cover 200 does not remain inside the pack case 300 but is discharged to the outside through the venting hole 370, thereby generating heat in the neighboring battery cell 100. Since the possibility of propagation of a runaway phenomenon is reduced, the safety of the battery can be improved.

The partition member 330' is a first partition member 330a' located between the first battery cell group G1 and the second battery cell group G2, and the second battery cell group G2 and the third battery cell. It may include a second partition member 330b' located between the groups G3. The first to third battery cell groups G1, G2, and G3 are spatially separated by the first partition member 330a' and the second partition member 330b'.

On one side of the first partition member 330a' and the second partition member 330b', a first opening 331a connects the space of the first battery cell group G1 and the space of the second battery cell group G2. And, a second opening 331b may be formed to connect the space of the second battery cell group G2 and the space of the third battery cell group G3.

Meanwhile, the plurality of battery cells 100 inside the pack case 300 are electrically connected to each other by a connecting member 350.

The above structure is such that, when a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs in one of the battery cells 100, flame and gas are indiscriminately discharged to the battery cell 100 inside the battery pack, causing damage to the battery pack and/or battery. It can prevent devices equipped with the pack from exploding simultaneously.

That is, in the battery pack 10' according to this embodiment, the first partition member 330a' and the second partition member 330b' are formed between the first to third battery cell groups G1, G2, and G3. By arranging a plurality of battery cells 100 and cell covers 200 in one row within the first to third battery cell groups G1, G2, and G3, the propagation of the thermal runaway phenomenon ( propagation) was performed sequentially in units of battery cells (100).

Therefore, the venting gas and heat cannot be immediately propagated to the first battery cell group G1 or the third battery cell group G3 by the first partition member 330a' and the second partition wall member 330b'. Venting gas and heat may propagate through the first opening 331a and the second opening 331b. In particular, a plurality of battery cells 100 and the cell cover 200 are formed by the first partition member 330a with the first opening 331a and the second partition member 330b' with the second opening 331b'. Even if they are placed, a thermal runaway phenomenon propagation path that continues in a row can be created.

As above, by designing the battery pack to allow sequential propagation, the time for the venting gas and heat to propagate can be increased. Additionally, as venting gas and heat sequentially propagate within the battery pack, the intensity of thermal runaway may gradually decrease. In other words, the battery pack 10' according to this embodiment can prevent thermal runaway from occurring in any one of the battery cells 100 from leading to ignition or explosion of the battery pack 10' itself. If the partition member 330 is not present, the thermal runaway phenomenon that starts in one battery cell 100 immediately propagates to the battery cells 100 in other battery cell groups, and from several battery cells 100 in a short period of time. Venting gas and high temperature heat may be released in large quantities. This is highly likely to lead to ignition and explosion of the battery pack (10’).

In addition, when high-temperature gas or flame is generated in the battery cell 100, due to the discharge guide member 900 provided on one open side of the cell cover 200, the high-temperature gas or flame is transmitted through the partition member 330'. ) can be vented in one direction. In this case, high-temperature gas or flame may be discharged to the outside along a venting path formed inside the pack case 300 through the venting hole 370 provided in the partition member 330'. Therefore, in the battery pack 10' according to another embodiment of the present invention, gas or flame emitted from the plurality of battery cells 100 and the cell cover 200 do not remain in the pack case 300 for a long time, Since it can be discharged directly to the outside, damage to neighboring or adjacent battery cells 100 and cell covers 200 can be prevented or reduced. In other words, the safety of the battery can be improved.

Alternatively, even if the venting hole 370 is not provided in the partition member 300' of the present embodiment, the venting direction of high-temperature gas or flame discharged from the cell cover 200 can be adjusted due to the discharge guiding member 900. Therefore, the battery pack can be designed in a way that has as little influence as possible on the neighboring battery cells 100, and the safety of the battery can be improved.

The battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied to various devices. For example, a device to which a battery pack is applied may be a means of transportation such as an electric bicycle, electric car, or hybrid car. However, the above-described devices are not limited thereto, and the battery pack according to this embodiment can be used in various devices other than the above-described examples, which also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims are also possible. It falls within the scope of invention rights.

10, 10': battery pack 100: battery cell
200: Cell cover 210: Upper cover part
220: first side cover part 230: second side cover part
300: pack case 301: heat sink
310: upper case 320: lower case
326: thermal resin 330, 330': partition member
350: Connection member 700: Busbar assembly
780: Insulating cover part 800: End cover
900: Discharge guiding member

Claims (15)

A plurality of battery cells stacked in one direction;
A pack case storing the battery cells in an internal space;
a cell cover that at least partially surrounds at least some of the plurality of battery cells in the internal space of the pack case; and
A battery pack including a partition member positioned between the battery cells. In paragraph 1:
The partition member is a hollow structure with an empty interior space,
The internal space of the partition member is connected to the pack case to form a venting path. In paragraph 2,
The partition wall member is a battery pack including a venting hole, which is a hole formed on one side facing the battery cell. In paragraph 1:
Within the pack frame, the battery cells and the cell covers are arranged in a multi-row, one-layer structure,
At least two of the battery cells and the cell covers are arranged in a row along a first direction to form a battery cell group,
A battery pack in which the partition member is positioned between one battery cell group and another battery cell group. In paragraph 4,
One end of one of the battery cell groups is positioned in contact with one side of the pack case,
A battery pack in which the other end of the other battery cell group is positioned in contact with the other side facing one side of the pack case. In paragraph 5,
A first opening, which is a constant space, is formed between the other end of one of the battery cell groups and the other side of the pack case,
A battery pack in which a second opening, which is a constant space, is formed between one end of the other battery cell group and one surface of the lower pack case. In paragraph 1:
The cell cover is a battery pack that further includes a discharge guide member mounted on one open side of the cell cover. In paragraph 7:
The discharge guiding member is,
an internal space communicating with the cell cover, and
A battery pack including a cover exposing the internal space to the outside. In paragraph 8:
The cover is,
A first cover part including a first internal space, which is a space formed to guide the direction of movement of the gas discharged from the battery cell, and
A battery pack comprising a second cover portion including a second inner space, which is a space formed to guide the direction of movement of gas moving through the first inner space to the outside of the cell cover. In paragraph 9:
The first cover part is fixedly installed and covers the entire open side of the cell cover,
A battery pack in which the second cover part is connected to the first cover part and is fixedly installed on one side of the cell cover. In paragraph 9:
The second cover part is a battery pack including an outlet at one open end. In paragraph 11:
The battery pack wherein the outlet is located in a direction toward the other side of the cell cover, which is opposite to one side of the cell cover where the second cover part is located. In paragraph 9:
The first cover part and the second cover part are formed as a monolithic structure connected to each other so that the first inner space and the second inner space are continuously connected. In paragraph 9:
The discharge guiding member is a battery pack provided to face the partition member. A device comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 14.