KR20240030988A - Battery pack and vehicle including same - Google Patents

Abstract

A battery pack and a vehicle including the same are disclosed.
A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of cell units stacked on each other, each including at least one battery cell and a cell cover covering the at least one battery cell; and a case accommodating the plurality of cell units, wherein the cell cover includes: a slot into which the at least one battery cell is inserted; and a gas passage formed by a portion of an inner surface of the slot adjacent to the at least one battery cell being protruded or curved in a direction away from the at least one battery cell.

Description

Battery pack and vehicle including same}

The present invention relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, and more specifically, to a battery pack manufactured using a cell-to-pack method and a vehicle including such a battery pack.

Generally, secondary batteries refer to batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged, such as lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The output voltage of the battery cell, which is the basic unit of charging and discharging of these secondary batteries, is approximately 2.5V to 4.2V.

Recently, secondary batteries have been applied to devices that require high output voltage and large charging capacity, such as electric vehicles or ESS (Energy Storage Systems), and multiple battery cells are connected in series or parallel to form battery modules. Battery packs, which are manufactured by forming a battery module and connecting a plurality of battery modules thus configured in series or parallel, are widely used.

However, as disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2379227, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0052183, etc., the existing technology constructs a battery module by housing battery cells in a box-shaped metal case, and these batteries Since the battery pack is manufactured by housing the modules back in the battery pack case, there is a problem that the weight and volume of the entire battery pack increases and the energy density of the battery pack decreases.

In addition, in order to increase the energy density of the battery pack, the existing Cell To Pack method of installing multiple battery cells directly into the pack case of the battery pack is applied to pouch-type battery cells with a soft case. , it is difficult to handle or stack multiple battery cells at the same time, and there is a risk of damage to the battery cells during the process of mounting them in the pack case.

Moreover, because the existing cell-to-pack method places multiple battery cells space-intensively densely inside the pack case, it is difficult to discharge gases or flames generated during thermal runaway of battery cells in the intended direction. , there is a problem that when thermal runaway occurs in some battery cells, it causes serial thermal runaway in the remaining battery cells.

The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery pack and a vehicle including the same that reduce the overall weight and volume of the battery pack and increase energy density, while also facilitating the handling and installation of battery cells built into the battery pack. will be.

In addition, another technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery pack that prevents serial thermal runaway by discharging gas or flame generated during thermal runaway of a battery cell in an intended direction, and a vehicle including the same.

A battery pack according to an aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of cell units stacked on each other, each including at least one battery cell and a cell cover covering the at least one battery cell; and a case accommodating the plurality of cell units, wherein the cell cover includes: a slot into which the at least one battery cell is inserted; and a gas passage formed by a portion of an inner surface of the slot adjacent to the at least one battery cell being protruded or curved in a direction away from the at least one battery cell.

In one embodiment, the cell cover includes: a first cover portion forming one side wall of the slot; a second cover part forming another side wall of the slot facing the one side wall; and a third cover part that connects the first cover part and the second cover part and forms a distal end of the slot, and an entrance to the slot may be provided between the first cover part and the second cover part.

In one embodiment, the gas passage of the cell cover may be provided in at least one cover part among the first to third cover parts.

In one embodiment, the cell cover further includes an opening that exposes the electrode lead of the at least one battery cell inserted into the slot to the outside of the cell cover, and the gas passage of the cell cover is formed through the opening. It may extend by a predetermined length from other parts of the cell cover except for to the opening.

In one embodiment, the at least one battery cell may have electrode leads at both ends in the first direction, and the gas passage of the cell cover may extend along the first direction.

In one embodiment, the plurality of cell units each include a bus bar electrically connected to an electrode lead of the at least one battery cell; And it may further include a bus bar frame disposed in the opening of the cell cover to support the bus bar.

In one embodiment, the cell cover further includes a vent portion configured to discharge gas generated from the at least one battery cell inserted into the slot to the outside of the cell cover, and the gas passage of the cell cover is, It may extend a predetermined length from other parts of the cell cover except the vent part toward the vent part.

In one embodiment, the gas passage of the cell cover may extend from the inlet side of the slot to the vent side.

In one embodiment, each of the plurality of cell units may have a porous structure and may further include a gas filter disposed in a gas passage of the cell cover.

In one embodiment, the cell cover includes a plurality of gas passages, and the plurality of gas passages may be arranged side by side at a predetermined interval.

In one embodiment, the cell cover has a plurality of protrusions protruding from an outer surface of the cell cover corresponding to each of the plurality of gas passages, and a first cell cover among the cell covers of the plurality of cell units. The protrusions may be configured to engage in the form of gear teeth with the protrusions of the second cell cover adjacent to the first cell cover.

In one embodiment, the cell cover may further include a blocking portion provided at an entrance of the slot and configured to block removal of the at least one battery cell inserted into the slot.

In one embodiment, the at least one battery cell may be configured as a pouch-type secondary battery.

A vehicle according to another aspect of the present invention includes a battery pack according to any one of the above-described embodiments.

According to the present invention, a plurality of battery cells are not accommodated in a separate module case and mounted on the case of the battery pack, but are only partially covered by a cell cover of a simplified structure and mounted directly on the pack case, so that the battery pack It reduces the overall weight and volume of the battery pack and increases the energy density of the battery pack, while facilitating safe handling and installation of battery cells during battery pack manufacturing and reducing manufacturing costs.

In addition, each cell cover is provided with a gas passage for discharging the gas of the battery cell covered by the cell cover, so that gas or flame generated during thermal runaway of the battery cell can be easily directed in the intended direction. discharge, and prevent chain thermal runaway between battery cells.

Additionally, the gas passage of the cell cover is configured to move gas toward the opening or vent of the cell cover, thereby making it possible to more smoothly discharge gas generated from the battery cell.

In addition, the cell cover may include a first cover part that covers one side of the at least one battery cell, a second cover part that covers the other side of the at least one battery cell, and a top of the at least one battery cell. By including a third cover part that covers the part and providing openings at both ends of the at least one battery cell in the longitudinal direction, gas generated from the battery cell can be discharged in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell.

In another embodiment, a vent portion configured to discharge gas is provided at the top of the cell cover, and the gas passage is configured to extend toward the vent portion, thereby discharging gas generated from the battery cell upward from the battery cell. can do.

Additionally, by disposing a gas filter with a porous structure inside the gas passage, it is possible to prevent sparks, flames, or foreign substances from being discharged outside the cell cover.

In addition, as the gas passage is provided, the protrusions protruding from the outer surface of each cell cover are configured to engage in the form of gears with the protrusions of adjacent cell covers, allowing multiple cell units to be space-intensively arranged within the case. and can reduce the volume of the overall battery pack.

In addition, the blocking portion of the cell cover supports the battery cell inserted into the cell cover and blocks removal of the inserted battery cell, thereby preventing the battery cell from changing position or leaving the cell cover, thereby ensuring the safety of the battery pack. and reliability can be guaranteed.

In addition, an insertion groove is provided in the blocking portion of the cell cover so that a jig that changes the slot width of the cell cover by contacting the inner surface of the cell cover can be easily inserted, thereby inserting a battery cell into the cell cover. This facilitates and prevents damage to the battery cells.

In addition, the cell cover has an opening that exposes the electrode lead of the battery cell inserted into the cell cover to the outside, and a bus bar assembly disposed in the opening and electrically connected to the electrode lead has a penetration for gas discharge. By providing a hole, gas discharged from the electrode lead portion of the battery cell can be quickly discharged to the outside of the cell cover.

In addition, the openings or vents provided on each cell cover are configured to face the same direction, thereby preventing gases or flames generated during thermal runaway of a battery cell from being discharged to other battery cells and preventing chain thermal runaway. can do.

In addition, the bus bar frame of the bus bar assembly disposed in the opening of the cell cover has through holes for gas discharge, and is disposed between the through holes so that the bus bar does not block the through holes, so that the gas generated from the battery cell in the cell cover Smooth discharge can be guaranteed.

Furthermore, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to clearly understand from the following description that various embodiments according to the present invention can solve various technical problems not mentioned above.

1 is a diagram showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is an exploded view showing the battery assembly of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is an enlarged view showing area M1 in Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a diagram showing a cell unit of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing the cell unit shown in FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A1' of the cell cover shown in FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a stacked state of cell units according to the embodiment of FIG. 4.
Figure 8 is a diagram showing a cell cover according to a modified embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A2-A2' of the cell cover shown in FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a stacked state of cell covers according to the embodiment of FIG. 8.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the bus bar assembly of the cell unit shown in FIG. 5.
Figure 12 is a diagram showing a bus bar assembly according to a modified embodiment.
Figure 13 is a diagram showing a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in order to clarify solutions corresponding to the technical problems of the present invention. However, when explaining the present invention, if the description of related known technology rather obscures the gist of the present invention, the description may be omitted. Additionally, the terms used in this specification are terms defined in consideration of functions in the present invention, and may vary depending on the intention or custom of the designer, manufacturer, etc. Therefore, definitions of terms described below should be made based on the content throughout this specification.

For reference, in this specification, terms indicating direction are terms based on the components shown in the attached drawings, and are relative terms that can change depending on the posture or position of the actual components.

Figure 1 shows a battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the battery pack 10 includes a battery assembly 100 and a case 300 that accommodates one or two or more battery assemblies 100.

Additionally, the battery assembly 100 includes a plurality of cell units 200. Each cell unit 200 includes at least one battery cell and a cell cover that partially surrounds and covers the at least one battery cell.

The battery cell included in each cell unit 200 may be composed of a pouch-type secondary battery. In this case, the pouch-type secondary battery can be manufactured by storing the electrode assembly and electrolyte material in a pouch-type case and sealing the case. Depending on the embodiment, the battery cell may be configured in various forms, such as a prismatic secondary battery or a cylindrical secondary battery.

These plurality of cell units 200 may be stacked in one direction and accommodated in the case 300 .

The case 300 may be provided with a receiving room R1 in which the battery assembly 100 can be directly seated without a separate case. For example, the case 300 may be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery assemblies 100 in separate accommodation rooms.

To this end, the case 300 may include a lower case 310 having an opening at the top and an internal space connected to the opening, and an upper case 310 covering the opening of the lower case 310. You can.

The lower case 310 may include a wall 312 that divides its interior space into a plurality of accommodation rooms. A gas inlet 314 through which gas generated from the battery assembly 100 accommodated in the receiving room R1 flows may be provided in the wall 312 of the lower case 310 adjacent to each receiving room R1. . Additionally, a gas valve 316 that discharges gas may be provided on the outer surface of the lower case 310. A gas channel connecting the gas inlet 314 and the gas valve 316 may be provided inside the lower case 310.

In this case, a gas venting path discharging gas to the gas valve 316 may be provided individually for each receiving room. That is, the gas generated in the first receiving room is discharged through the first gas venting path leading to the first gas inlet, the first gas channel, and the first gas valve, and the gas generated in the second receiving room is discharged through the second gas inlet and the first gas valve. It may be configured to be discharged through a second gas venting path leading to two gas channels and a second gas valve.

Meanwhile, a heat sink 330 configured to cool the battery cells of the battery assembly 100 by making thermal contact with the battery assembly 100 may be disposed in each receiving room R1. This heat sink 300 may be made of a metal material with high thermal conductivity and heat resistance.

Meanwhile, the case 300 may be provided with an accommodation space R2 to accommodate various electrical components required for the operation of the battery pack 10.

In one embodiment, the battery pack 10 may further include a control module 340. This control module 340 includes a battery management system (BMS) that manages the charging and discharging operations, state of charge (SOC), and state of health (SOH) of the battery cells included in the battery assembly, and is installed in the case (300). ) can be installed in the receiving space (R2).

Additionally, the battery pack 10 may further include a switching unit 350. This switching unit 350 may be configured to control electrical connection between the battery pack 10 and an external circuit. To this end, the switching unit 350 may optionally include a current sensor, power relay, fuse, etc.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the battery assembly 100 of the battery pack shown in FIG. 1 .

As shown in FIG. 2, the battery assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of cell units 200 and a support structure 110.

The plurality of cell units 200 each include at least one battery cell and are configured to be stacked side by side in the width direction (Y-axis direction). As will be described again below, each cell unit 200 may include at least one battery cell that is a basic unit of charge and discharge, and a cell cover that partially covers and supports the battery cell.

The support structure 110 is configured to support the plurality of cell units 200 and maintain the stacked state of the plurality of cell units 200. To this end, the support structure 110 may include a side wall 112 and an integrated end cover 114. The side wall 112 and the integrated end cover 114 may be arranged along the lateral circumference of the plurality of cell units 200 stacked on each other.

In one embodiment, the support structure 110 may include a pair of side walls 112 and an integrated end cover 114, respectively.

In this case, the side walls 112 are disposed one at each end of the plurality of cell units 200 based on the width direction (Y-axis direction) or the stacking direction of the plurality of cell units 200, It may be configured to support the cell unit 200.

That is, among a pair of side walls, the first side wall is disposed adjacent to the first cell unit located on the outermost side of the plurality of cell units 200, and the second side wall is disposed adjacent to the first cell unit located on the outermost side of the plurality of cell units 200. ) can be placed adjacent to the second cell unit located on the outermost side of the other side.

The side wall 112, together with the integrated end cover 114, which will be described later, brings the plurality of cell units 200 into close contact with each other to form a single cell unit block that can be handled simultaneously. In this case, the side wall 112 can evenly distribute the pressure applied to the plurality of cell units 200 throughout the cell units 200.

This side wall 112 may be made of a metal material including aluminum or stainless steel, or may be made of a material that combines metal and polymer synthetic resin through insert molding.

The integrated end covers 114 may be disposed one at each end of the plurality of cell units 200 based on the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the plurality of cell units 200. In addition, the integrated end cover 114 has one end connected to the first side wall and the other end connected to the second side wall, and is one of the cell covers of the plurality of cell units 200. It may be configured to cover the openings of two or more cell covers together.

To this end, the side wall 112 may include connection portions 112a provided at both ends thereof and connected to one end or the other end of the integrated end cover 114. Correspondingly, the integrated end cover 114 has a main body portion that covers the openings of the plurality of cell units 200, and a corresponding body portion extending from this body portion and connected to the connection portion 112a of the side wall 112. It may include a connection portion 114a.

In one embodiment, the integrated end cover 114 has a vent for discharging gas generated from the battery cells of the cell unit at each part of the integrated end cover 114 corresponding to the openings of the plurality of cell units 200. A hole 114b may be provided.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the integrated end cover 114 extends from the main body to the lower end of the plurality of cell units 200, and includes a support portion 114c that supports the lower end of the plurality of cell units 200. ) may include.

This integrated end cover 114 may be made of a metal material including aluminum or stainless steel or a polymer synthetic resin, or may be made of a material combining metal and polymer synthetic resin through insert molding.

In this way, the integrated end cover 114, which supports the cell units and integrally covers the openings of the cell units, is applied to the battery assembly 100, so that unit end covers applied to each cell unit can be omitted, and the unit end covers 114 applied to each cell unit can be omitted. The manufacturing process can be simplified.

In Figure 3, the M1 area of Figure 1 is shown in an enlarged view.

As shown in FIG. 3, the side wall 112 and the integrated end cover 114 included in the support structure 110 of the battery assembly 100 are interconnected to support a plurality of cell units 200. there is. To this end, the connection portion 112a of the side wall 112 may be provided with an insertion groove into which the corresponding connection portion 114a of the integrated end cover 114 is inserted.

The corresponding connection part 114a of the integrated end cover 114 is inserted into the insertion groove provided in the connection part 112a of the side wall 112 and then connected to the side wall by a fastening member S1 such as a screw or bolt. It may be fixed to the connection portion 112a of (112).

In addition, the support portion 114c of the integrated end cover 114 extends from the main body of the integrated end cover 114 to the lower end of the plurality of cell units 200, and supports the lower end of the plurality of cell units 200. It can be configured to do so. In this case, the support portion 114c of the integrated end cover 114 may be configured to support the bus bar frame of each cell unit 200.

Figure 4 shows a cell unit 200 of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the cell unit 200 may include a cell cover 210 that partially covers and supports at least one battery cell and maintains it in an upright state.

The cell cover 210 may include a protrusion 212 in which a portion of the cell cover 210 protrudes in a direction away from the battery cell inserted into the cell cover 210. A gas passage, which will be described later, is provided inside the protrusion 212.

Meanwhile, the cell unit 200 may further include a bus bar assembly 220. The bus bar assembly 220 includes a bus bar that is electrically connected to the electrode lead of the battery cell, and may be disposed at both ends of the cell cover 210 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction).

In FIG. 5, the cell unit 200 shown in FIG. 4 is shown in an exploded view.

As shown in FIG. 5, the cell unit 200 may include at least one battery cell 202 and a cell cover 210.

The battery cell 202 corresponds to the most basic secondary battery that can be charged and discharged, and can be manufactured by storing an electrode assembly and electrolyte material inside a case and sealing the case. The electrode assembly may be manufactured by interposing a separator between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode.

This battery cell 202 may be composed of a pouch-type secondary battery having a predetermined length and height. Additionally, electrode leads 202a electrically connected to the electrode assembly may be provided at both ends of the battery cell 202 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction).

The cell cover 210 may be configured to partially cover and support at least one battery cell 202 and maintain it in an upright state. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , the cell cover 210 may be configured to partially cover and support the three battery cells 202 stacked on each other and maintain the corresponding battery cells in an upright state.

To this end, the cell cover 210 has a slot 214 into which at least one battery cell 202 is inserted, and an electrode lead 202a of at least one battery cell 202 inserted into the slot 214. It has an exposed opening 216 and may be configured to cover at least one battery cell 202 inserted into the slot 214.

As will be described again below, the cell cover 210 has a gas passage formed by a portion of the inner surface of the slot 214 adjacent to at least one battery cell 202 protruding or curved in a direction away from the battery cell. do. As such a gas passage is provided, a protrusion 212 corresponding to the gas passage is formed on the outer surface of the cell cover 210.

In this case, the gas passage may be configured to extend a predetermined length from other parts of the cell cover 210 other than the opening 216 toward the opening 216.

For example, when battery cells inserted into the cell cover 210 have electrode leads 202a at both ends in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction), the battery cells are provided at both ends of the cell cover 210 in the longitudinal direction. Each may be provided with an opening 216, and the gas passage may be configured to extend along the longitudinal direction.

This cell cover 210 may be configured in an 'n' shape or a 'u' shape that surrounds three sides of the at least one battery cell.

For example, the cell cover 210 includes a first cover part 210a forming one sidewall of the slot 214 into which at least one battery cell is inserted, and a second cover part forming the other sidewall of the slot 214 ( 210b), and a third cover part 210c that connects the first cover part 210a and the second cover part 210b and forms a distal end of the slot 214.

That is, the first cover portion 210a may cover one side of the battery cells inserted into the slot 214. Additionally, the second cover portion 210b may cover the other side of the inserted battery cells. Additionally, the third cover portion 210c may cover the top of the inserted battery cells.

In this case, between the first cover part 210a and the second cover part 210b, the entrance of the slot 214 and the electrode lead of at least one battery cell 202 inserted into the slot 214 An opening 216 through which 202a is exposed may be provided.

In Figure 5, the number of battery cells 202 covered by one cell cover 210 is shown as three, but the number of battery cells covered by the cell cover 210 varies depending on the scale of the cell cover 210. The number can be changed in various ways.

In one embodiment, the cell unit 200 may further include a busbar assembly 220. The bus bar assembly 220 includes a bus bar 222 electrically connected to the electrode lead 202a of the battery cell 202 inserted into the cell cover 210, and an opening of the cell cover 210 ( 216) may include a bus bar frame 224 that supports the bus bar 222.

In addition, the bus bar assembly 220 further includes an insulating cover 226 that is disposed between the bus bar frame 224 and the integrated end cover 114 to prevent short circuit of the bus bar 222. It can be included. This insulating cover 226 may be made of polymer synthetic resin with insulating properties.

In one embodiment, the cell cover 210 may further include a blocking portion 218 provided at the entrance of the slot 214 to block removal of the battery cell inserted into the slot 214. The blocking portion 218 protrudes from the ends of the first cover portion 210a and the second cover portion 210b toward the entrance of the slot 214, respectively, and is configured to support the lower ends of the battery cells inserted into the slot 214. It can be.

In addition, in one embodiment, the blocking portion 218 contacts the inner surface of the cell cover 210 to determine the width of the slot 214, that is, between the first cover portion 210a and the second cover portion 210b. It may be provided with an insertion groove (218a) into which the finger of the jig that changes the spacing is inserted.

The above-described battery cell cover 210 may be formed as one piece. For example, the battery cell cover 210 may be manufactured through a sheet metal processing process or an injection process.

In this way, the cell cover 210 of a simplified structure is made of a metal material with higher rigidity than the battery cell case, and can protect the battery cell covered by the cell cover from external shock or vibration. For example, the battery cell cover 210 may be made of a material containing stainless steel (SUS), which is easy to process and has high corrosion resistance.

Although not shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the cell unit 200 may further include a clamping member configured to clamp the cell cover 210 . In this case, the clamping member clamps the cell cover 210 into which at least one battery cell is inserted, causing the slot 214 of the cell cover 210 to open or the battery cell inserted into the slot 214 ( 202) may be configured to prevent the cell cover 210 from being separated. This clamping member may be made of tape or a band-shaped metal material.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A1' of the cell cover 210 shown in FIG. 5.

As shown in FIG. 6, the cell cover 210 is formed so that a portion of the inner surface of the slot 214 adjacent to at least one battery cell 202 protrudes or is curved in a direction away from the battery cell. It is provided with a gas passage (212a). As the gas passage 212a is provided, a protrusion 212 corresponding to the gas passage is formed on the outer surface of the cell cover 210.

The gas passage 212a may be provided in at least one of the first cover part 210a, the second cover part 210b, and the third cover part 210c of the cell cover 210. Additionally, the gas passage 212a may be configured to extend by a predetermined length from other parts of the cell cover 210 other than the opening 216 toward the opening 216.

In one embodiment, the cell unit 200 may include a plurality of the above-described gas passages 212a. In this case, the plurality of gas passages 212a may be arranged side by side along the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the cell unit 200 at a predetermined interval.

In addition, the cell unit 200 may further include a gas filter 230 that has a porous structure and is disposed in the gas passage 212a of the cell cover 210. In this way, the gas filter 230 having a porous structure is disposed inside the gas passage 212a, thereby preventing sparks, flames, or foreign substances from being discharged to the outside of the cell unit 200.

FIG. 7 shows a stacked state of cell units according to the embodiment of FIG. 4.

As shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of cell units 200A and 200B may be stacked side by side in one direction.

In addition, the cell cover 210 of each cell unit has a plurality of protrusions 212 protruding from the outer surface of the cell cover 210, respectively, corresponding to a plurality of gas passages formed on the inner surface of the cell cover 210. ) can be provided.

In this case, the protrusions of the first cell cover among the cell covers of the plurality of cell units 200A and 200B may be configured to engage in the form of gears with the protrusions of the second cell cover adjacent to the first cell cover. .

Figure 8 shows a cell cover 210' according to a modified embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8, the cell cover 210' has a slot 214 into which at least one battery cell is inserted, and an opening through which the electrode lead of at least one battery cell inserted into the slot 214 is exposed. It is provided with 216 and may be configured to cover at least one battery cell inserted into the slot 214.

In particular, the cell cover 210' has a gas passage formed by a portion of the inner surface of the slot 214 adjacent to the battery cells inserted into the cell cover 210' protruding or curved in a direction away from the battery cell. Equipped with As such a gas passage is provided, a protrusion 212' corresponding to the gas passage is formed on the outer surface of the cell cover 210'.

This cell cover 210 may be configured in an 'n' shape or a 'u' shape that surrounds three sides of the at least one battery cell.

For example, the cell cover 210 includes a first cover part 210a forming one sidewall of the slot 214 into which at least one battery cell is inserted, and a second cover part forming the other sidewall of the slot 214 ( 210b), and a third cover part 210c that connects the first cover part 210a and the second cover part 210b and forms a distal end of the slot 214.

In addition, the cell cover 210' may further include a vent portion 210d configured to discharge gas generated from a battery cell inserted into the slot 214 to the outside of the cell cover 210'. This vent portion 210d may be provided by forming a through hole or forming notches or grooves of various shapes on the surface of the cell cover 210'. For example, the vent portion 210d may be provided in the third cover portion 210c of the cell cover 210'.

In this case, the gas passage of the cell cover 210' may extend by a predetermined length from other parts of the cell cover 210' except the vent part 210d toward the vent part 210d. For example, the gas passage of the cell cover 210' may extend from the inlet side of the slot 214 to the vent portion 210d.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line A2-A2' of the cell cover 210' shown in FIG. 8.

As shown in FIG. 9, the cell cover 210' has a portion of the inner surface of the slot 214 adjacent to the battery cell inserted into the slot 214 protruding or curved in a direction away from the battery cell. and a gas passage 212'a formed by As the gas passage 212'a is provided, a protrusion 212' corresponding to the gas passage 212'a is formed on the outer surface of the cell cover 210'.

The gas passage 212'a may be provided in at least one of the first cover part 210a, the second cover part 210b, and the third cover part 210c of the cell cover 210'. there is. For example, the gas passage 212'a may be provided in the first cover part 210a and the second cover part 210b.

Meanwhile, the third cover part 210c may be provided with a vent part 210d configured to discharge gas generated from the battery cell inserted into the slot 214.

In this case, the gas passage 212'a may be configured to extend a predetermined length from other parts of the cell cover 210' excluding the vent portion 210d toward the vent portion 210d. For example, the gas passage of the cell cover 210' may extend from the inlet side of the slot 214 to the vent portion 210d.

In one embodiment, the cell unit 200 may include a plurality of the above-described gas passages 212'a. In this case, the plurality of gas passages 212'a may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the cell unit 200 at predetermined intervals.

Additionally, the cell unit 200 may further include a gas filter 230 that has a porous structure and is disposed in the gas passage 212'a of the cell cover 210'. In this way, the gas filter 230 having a porous structure is disposed inside the gas passage 212'a, thereby preventing sparks, flames, or foreign substances from being discharged to the outside of the cell unit 200.

FIG. 10 shows a stacked state of cell units according to the embodiment of FIG. 8.

As shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of cell units 200'A and 200'B may be stacked side by side in one direction.

In addition, the cell cover 210' of each cell unit has a plurality of gas passages protruding from the outer surface of the cell cover 210', respectively, corresponding to a plurality of gas passages formed on the inner surface of the cell cover 210'. It may be provided with a protrusion 212'.

In this case, the protrusions of the first cell cover among the cell covers of the plurality of cell units 200'A and 200'B are engaged in the form of gears with the protrusions of the second cell cover adjacent to the first cell cover. It can be configured.

FIG. 11 shows the bus bar assembly 220 of the cell unit shown in FIG. 5.

As shown in FIG. 11, the bus bar assembly 220 may include a bus bar 222 and a bus bar frame 224.

The bus bar 222 is configured to be electrically connected to the electrode lead of the battery cell inserted into the slot of the cell cover. For this purpose, the bus bar 222 may be made of an electrically conductive material.

The bus bar frame 224 is disposed in the opening of the cell cover and is coupled to the bus bar 222 to support the bus bar 222. Additionally, the bus bar 222 may have through holes 224a and 224b. Among the through holes 224a and 224b, the first through hole 224a may be configured to insert an electrode lead of a battery cell connected to the bus bar 222. Among the through holes 224a and 224b, the second through hole 224b may be configured to discharge gas generated from a battery cell inserted into the cell cover to the outside of the cell cover.

In this case, the bus bar 222 has a width (W) narrower than the distance (d) between the through holes (224a, 224b) provided in the bus bar frame 224, and the distance between the through holes (224a, 224b) is can be placed in Additionally, the bus bar 222 may extend by a predetermined length in a direction away from the through holes 224a and 224b, thereby expanding the contact surface for electrical connection with the electrode leads.

Figure 12 shows a bus bar assembly 220' according to a modified embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 12, the bus bar 222' of the bus bar assembly 220' according to a modified embodiment is in communication with the through holes 224a and 224b of the bus bar frame 224. A through hole 222'a may be provided.

In this case, the through holes 224a and 224b of the bus bar frame 224 may be configured to be located within the opening area of the corresponding through hole 222'a.

In this way, the bus bar frame 224 of the bus bar assembly 220, 220' disposed in the opening 216 of the cell cover 210, 210' is provided with through holes for gas discharge, and the bus bar 222, 222') is disposed between the through holes of the bus bar frame 224 so as not to block them, thereby ensuring smooth discharge of gas generated from the battery cells in the cell covers 210 and 210'.

13 shows a vehicle 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 13, the vehicle 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include one or two or more battery packs 10 according to the various embodiments described above.

In this way, the battery pack 10 applied to the vehicle 2 can provide electrical energy required for various operations of the vehicle 2.

For reference, it goes without saying that the battery pack according to the present invention can be applied to ESS (Energy Storage System) or various electrical devices in addition to automobiles.

As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of battery cells are not accommodated in a separate module case and mounted on the case of the battery pack, but are only partially covered by a cell cover of a simplified structure and are directly mounted on the pack case. By being installed, it is possible to reduce the overall weight and volume of the battery pack and increase the energy density of the battery pack, while facilitating safe handling and installation of battery cells when manufacturing the battery pack, and reducing manufacturing costs.

In addition, each cell cover is provided with a gas passage for discharging the gas of the battery cell covered by the cell cover, so that gas or flame generated during thermal runaway of the battery cell can be easily directed in the intended direction. discharge, and prevent chain thermal runaway between battery cells.

Additionally, the gas passage of the cell cover is configured to move gas toward the opening or vent of the cell cover, thereby making it possible to more smoothly discharge gas generated from the battery cell.

In addition, the cell cover may include a first cover part that covers one side of the at least one battery cell, a second cover part that covers the other side of the at least one battery cell, and a top of the at least one battery cell. By including a third cover part that covers the part and providing openings at both ends of the at least one battery cell in the longitudinal direction, gas generated from the battery cell can be discharged in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell.

In another embodiment, a vent portion configured to discharge gas is provided at the top of the cell cover, and the gas passage is configured to extend toward the vent portion, thereby discharging gas generated from the battery cell upward from the battery cell. can do.

Additionally, by disposing a gas filter with a porous structure inside the gas passage, it is possible to prevent sparks, flames, or foreign substances from being discharged outside the cell cover.

In addition, as the gas passage is provided, the protrusions protruding from the outer surface of each cell cover are configured to engage in the form of gears with the protrusions of adjacent cell covers, allowing multiple cell units to be space-intensively arranged within the case. and can reduce the volume of the overall battery pack.

In addition, the blocking portion of the cell cover supports the battery cell inserted into the cell cover and blocks removal of the inserted battery cell, thereby preventing the battery cell from changing position or leaving the cell cover, thereby ensuring the safety of the battery pack. and reliability can be guaranteed.

In addition, an insertion groove is provided in the blocking portion of the cell cover so that a jig that changes the slot width of the cell cover by contacting the inner surface of the cell cover can be easily inserted, thereby inserting a battery cell into the cell cover. This facilitates and prevents damage to the battery cells.

In addition, the cell cover has an opening that exposes the electrode lead of the battery cell inserted into the cell cover to the outside, and a bus bar assembly disposed in the opening and electrically connected to the electrode lead has a penetration for gas discharge. By providing a hole, gas discharged from the electrode lead portion of the battery cell can be quickly discharged to the outside of the cell cover.

In addition, the openings or vents provided on each cell cover are configured to face the same direction, thereby preventing gases or flames generated during thermal runaway of a battery cell from being discharged to other battery cells and preventing chain thermal runaway. can do.

In addition, the bus bar frame of the bus bar assembly disposed in the opening of the cell cover has through holes for gas discharge, and is disposed between the through holes so that the bus bar does not block the through holes, so that the gas generated from the battery cell in the cell cover Smooth discharge can be guaranteed.

Furthermore, it goes without saying that embodiments according to the present invention can solve various technical problems other than those mentioned in this specification in the relevant technical field as well as related technical fields.

So far, the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will clearly understand that various modified embodiments can be implemented within the technical scope of the present invention. Therefore, the previously disclosed embodiments should be considered from an explanatory perspective rather than a limiting perspective. In other words, the scope of the true technical idea of the present invention is shown in the claims, and all differences within the scope of equivalents should be construed as being included in the present invention.

2: vehicle
10: Battery pack
100: Battery assembly
110: support structure
200: cell unit
202: battery cell
210, 210': Cell cover
212, 212': protrusion
212a, 212'a: gas passage
220, 220': Busbar assembly
230: gas filter
300: Case
310: lower case
320: upper case
330: heat sink
340: control module
350: switching unit

Claims (14)

a plurality of cell units stacked on each other, each including at least one battery cell and a cell cover covering the at least one battery cell; and
Includes a case accommodating the plurality of cell units,
The cell cover is,
a slot into which the at least one battery cell is inserted; and
A battery pack comprising a gas passage formed by a portion of an inner surface of the slot adjacent to the at least one battery cell being protruded or curved in a direction away from the at least one battery cell. According to paragraph 1,
The cell cover is,
a first cover portion forming one side wall of the slot;
a second cover part forming another side wall of the slot facing the one side wall; and
A third cover part connects the first cover part and the second cover part and forms a distal end of the slot,
A battery pack, characterized in that an entrance to the slot is provided between the first cover part and the second cover part. According to paragraph 2,
The battery pack, wherein the gas passage of the cell cover is provided in at least one cover part among the first to third cover parts. According to paragraph 1,
The cell cover further includes an opening exposing the electrode lead of the at least one battery cell inserted into the slot to the outside of the cell cover,
The battery pack, wherein the gas passage of the cell cover extends a predetermined length from other parts of the cell cover except the opening toward the opening. According to paragraph 4,
The at least one battery cell has electrode leads at both ends in a first direction, respectively,
The battery pack, wherein the gas passage of the cell cover extends along the first direction. According to paragraph 4,
Each of the plurality of cell units,
a bus bar electrically connected to an electrode lead of the at least one battery cell; and
The battery pack further includes a bus bar frame disposed in the opening of the cell cover to support the bus bar. According to paragraph 1,
The cell cover further includes a vent configured to discharge gas generated from the at least one battery cell inserted into the slot to the outside of the cell cover,
The battery pack, wherein the gas passage of the cell cover extends a predetermined length from other parts of the cell cover except the vent portion toward the vent portion. In clause 7,
The battery pack, wherein the gas passage of the cell cover extends from the inlet side of the slot to the vent side. According to paragraph 1,
Each of the plurality of cell units,
A battery pack having a porous structure and further comprising a gas filter disposed in a gas passage of the cell cover. According to paragraph 1,
The cell cover includes a plurality of gas passages,
A battery pack characterized in that a plurality of gas passages are arranged side by side at predetermined intervals. According to clause 10,
The cell cover has a plurality of protrusions protruding from an outer surface of the cell cover, respectively corresponding to the plurality of gas passages,
A battery pack, wherein the protrusions of a first cell cover among the cell covers of the plurality of cell units are configured to engage with the protrusions of a second cell cover adjacent to the first cell cover in the form of gears. According to paragraph 1,
The battery pack, wherein the cell cover further includes a blocking portion provided at an entrance of the slot and configured to block removal of the at least one battery cell inserted into the slot. According to paragraph 1,
A battery pack, wherein the at least one battery cell is composed of a pouch-type secondary battery. A vehicle comprising the battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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