Thermal barrier and battery cell assembly including the same

Abstract

A thermal barrier is provided that includes an insulating plate having a plurality of holes and filled with insulating oil inside, a first flame-retardant pad having a plurality of first pins coupled to a first side of the insulating plate, and a corresponding of the plurality of first pins inserted into each of the plurality of holes.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a thermal barrier and a battery cell assembly including the same. Background Technology

[0003] Rechargeable batteries can be used repeatedly for extended periods through recharging. They are used in various fields, including mobility, portable electronic devices, and Energy Storage Systems (ESS). In particular, the demand for rechargeable batteries for mobility is increasing further in order to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and decrease carbon emissions. However, concerns regarding the safety of rechargeable batteries for mobility remain a significant challenge that needs to be addressed.

[0004] In the case of mobility, multiple battery cells are used to ensure performance characteristics such as power output and driving range. Generally, multiple battery cells form a battery cell assembly, and a battery pack composed of such assemblies is installed in a vehicle. In this scenario, the battery cells constituting an assembly are located adjacent to each other, and the battery cell assemblies forming the battery pack are also located close to one another. Consequently, if a thermal runaway event occurs in some battery cells, thermal propagation to adjacent battery cells can easily take place. If such thermal propagation occurs in a chain reaction, it can lead to a major explosion or fire.

[0005] Therefore, technology is needed to delay or prevent the occurrence of thermal runaway events, or to delay or prevent heat propagation when a thermal runaway event occurs. Prior art literature

[0007] Republic of Korea Registered Patent No. 10-2065748 The problem to be solved

[0008] The problem that the present disclosure aims to solve is to provide a thermal barrier capable of delaying or preventing the occurrence of a thermal runaway event, or delaying or preventing heat propagation when a thermal runaway event occurs. means of solving the problem

[0010] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure capable of solving the above problems are as follows.

[0011] A thermal barrier according to exemplary embodiments comprises an insulating plate having a plurality of holes and filled with insulating oil inside, and a first flame-retardant pad coupled to a first side of the insulating plate and having a plurality of first pins, wherein a corresponding of the plurality of first pins may be inserted into each of the plurality of holes.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of first pins protrude in a first direction, and the dimension of each of the plurality of first pins in the first direction may be smaller than the dimension of each of the plurality of holes in the first direction.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of holes and the plurality of first pins may be arranged in a square grid pattern, a rectangular grid pattern, a honeycomb pattern, a zigzag pattern, or a radial pattern.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the material of the first flame-retardant pad may be one or more of ceramic, silicon, and mica.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the material of the insulating plate may be one or more of iron, carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.

[0016] A thermal barrier according to exemplary embodiments comprises an insulating plate having a plurality of holes and filled with insulating oil, a first flame-retardant pad coupled to a first side of the insulating plate and having a plurality of first pins, and a second flame-retardant pad coupled to a second side opposite to the first side of the insulating plate and having a plurality of second pins, wherein a corresponding one of the plurality of first pins and a corresponding one of the plurality of second pins may be inserted into each of the plurality of holes.

[0017] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of first pins and the plurality of second pins protrude in a first direction, and the sum of the dimension of each of the plurality of first pins in the first direction and the dimension of each of the plurality of second pins in the first direction may be smaller than the dimension of each of the plurality of holes in the first direction.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of holes, the plurality of first pins and the plurality of second pins may be arranged in a square grid pattern, a rectangular grid pattern, a honeycomb pattern, a zigzag pattern, or a radial pattern.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments, the material of the first flame-retardant pad and the material of the second flame-retardant pad may be one or more of ceramic, silicon, and mica.

[0020] In exemplary embodiments, the material of the insulating plate may be one or more of iron, carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.

[0022] A battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments is:

[0023] Multiple battery cells arranged in a first direction;

[0024] Multiple thermal barriers; and

[0025] First and second side plates spaced apart from each other in the first direction with the plurality of battery cells in between;

[0026] Includes,

[0027] Each of the above plurality of thermal barriers includes an insulating plate having a plurality of holes and filled with insulating oil inside, and a first flame-retardant pad coupled to a first side of the insulating plate and having a plurality of first pins, and a corresponding of the plurality of first pins can be inserted into each of the plurality of holes.

[0028] In exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of thermal barriers is coupled to a second side opposite to the first side of the insulating plate and further includes a second flame-retardant pad comprising a plurality of second pins, and a corresponding of the plurality of first pins and a corresponding of the plurality of second pins may be inserted into each of the plurality of holes.

[0029] In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the plurality of thermal barriers may be located between two adjacent battery cells.

[0030] In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the plurality of thermal barriers may be located between the first side plate and the plurality of battery cells or between the second side plate and the plurality of battery cells.

[0031] In exemplary embodiments, the battery cell assembly further includes a top plate covering the top of the plurality of battery cells, and at least one of the plurality of thermal barriers may be located between the top plate and the plurality of battery cells. Effects of the invention

[0033] The thermal barrier according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure includes not only a flame-retardant pad but also an insulating plate, so that the occurrence of a thermal runaway event can be more effectively delayed or prevented, and even when a thermal runaway event occurs, heat propagation can be more effectively delayed or prevented.

[0034] The effects of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly derived and understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the following description. That is, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be clearly derived and understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0036] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a thermal barrier according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a thermal barrier according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a thermal barrier according to other exemplary embodiments. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a thermal barrier according to other exemplary embodiments. FIG. 5 is a simplified drawing of a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 6 is a simplified drawing of a battery cell assembly according to other exemplary embodiments. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0037] Terms or words used in this disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning consistent with the technical concept of this disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the meaning of terms or words to best describe his own invention.

[0038] In this disclosure, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this disclosure, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "on" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately above" the other part, but also cases where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "under" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately below" the other part, but also cases where there is another part in between.

[0039] It should be understood that the embodiments and drawings are merely examples of the present disclosure and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present disclosure, and that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist.

[0040] In describing the present disclosure, if it is determined that a detailed description of a known configuration or function could obscure the essence of the present disclosure, such detailed description is omitted.

[0041] The drawings are provided to more fully explain the present disclosure to a person skilled in the art; therefore, the shapes, sizes, and number of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for clearer explanation. The shape, size, proportion, and number of each component in the drawings do not entirely reflect the actual shape, size, proportion, and number of each component.

[0042] In this disclosure, for convenience of explanation, a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system is used to describe the positions of the components, the shapes of the components, and the relationships between the components. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are shown in FIGS. 1 through 6. In this disclosure, "X direction" refers to a direction parallel to the X-axis. In this disclosure, "Y direction" refers to a direction parallel to the Y-axis. In this disclosure, "Z direction" refers to a direction parallel to the Z-axis.

[0044] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0046] (1st embodiment)

[0047] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a thermal barrier according to exemplary embodiments.

[0048] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a thermal barrier according to exemplary embodiments.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the thermal barrier (10) may include an insulating plate (11) and a first flame-retardant pad (12). The thermal barrier (10) may be located adjacent to the battery cell (20) to delay or prevent a thermal runaway event from occurring in the battery cell (20), and may delay or prevent heat propagation to the surroundings when a thermal runaway event occurs in the battery cell (20). The location of the thermal barrier (10) will be described later in the third and fourth embodiments.

[0050] The insulating plate (11) may include a sealed space inside. The sealed space inside the insulating plate (11) may be filled with insulating oil. Since the insulating oil can absorb heat generated from the surroundings, it can delay or prevent the occurrence of thermal runaway events and heat propagation. As the name suggests, the insulating oil does not conduct electricity, so it can prevent unwanted short circuits inside the battery cell assembly, thereby enhancing safety. The insulating plate (11) can delay or prevent the first flame-retardant pad (12) from disappearing due to thermal decomposition, thermal collapse, combustion, etc., in the event of a thermal runaway event.

[0051] The insulating plate (11) may include a plurality of holes (11H). The plurality of holes (11H) may extend in the Y direction. The plurality of holes (11H) may be open in the Y direction. The Y-direction dimension (i.e., depth in the Y direction) of each of the plurality of holes (11H) may be substantially the same as the Y-direction dimension (i.e., thickness in the Y direction) of the insulating plate (11). The plurality of holes (11H) may not be connected to a sealed space inside the insulating plate (110).

[0052] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the planar shape perpendicular to the Y direction of the plurality of holes (11H) is depicted as being approximately circular, but this is merely illustrative. The planar shape perpendicular to the Y direction of the plurality of holes (11H) may be approximately elliptical, square, rounded square, rectangular, rounded rectangular, etc.

[0053] In FIGS. 1 and 2, a plurality of holes (11H) are shown arranged in a square grid pattern, but this is merely illustrative. The plurality of holes (11H) may be arranged in a rectangular grid pattern, a honeycomb pattern, a zigzag pattern, or a radial pattern. A corresponding one of a plurality of first pins (12P) may be inserted into each of the plurality of holes (11H).

[0054] The material of the insulating plate (11) may be one or more of iron, carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel and aluminum.

[0055] The material of the first flame-retardant pad (12) may be a flame-retardant material. The first flame-retardant pad (12) may delay or prevent the occurrence of thermal runaway events and heat propagation. The material of the first flame-retardant pad (12) may be one or more of ceramic, silicon, and mica.

[0056] The first flame-retardant pad (12) can be attached to the first side (11S1) of the insulating plate (11) by means such as a press-fit. The first side (11S1) may face the first flame-retardant pad (12). The first flame-retardant pad (12) may include a plurality of first pins (12P). The plurality of first pins (12P) may protrude in the Y direction. Each of the plurality of first pins (12P) may be inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of holes (11H).

[0057] The dimension in the X direction of each of the plurality of first pins (12P) may be slightly larger than the dimension in the X direction of each of the plurality of holes (11H). The dimension in the Z direction of each of the plurality of first pins (12P) may be slightly larger than the dimension in the Z direction of each of the plurality of holes (11H). The dimension in the Y direction of each of the plurality of first pins (12P) may be smaller than the dimension in the Y direction of each of the plurality of holes (11H). Each of the plurality of first pins (12P) may be fully inserted into a corresponding of the plurality of holes (11H).

[0058] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the Y direction of each of the plurality of first pins (12P) is shown as being approximately circular, but this is merely illustrative. The cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the Y direction of each of the plurality of first pins (12P) may be approximately elliptical, square, rounded square, rectangular, rounded rectangular, etc.

[0059] In FIGS. 1 and 2, a plurality of first pins (12P) are shown arranged in a square grid pattern, but this is merely illustrative. The plurality of first pins (12P) may be arranged in a rectangular grid pattern, a honeycomb pattern, a zigzag pattern, or a radial pattern.

[0060] The cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the Y direction of each of the plurality of first pins (12P) may be substantially identical to the planar shape perpendicular to the Y direction of the plurality of holes (11H). The arrangement pattern of the plurality of first pins (12P) may be substantially identical to the arrangement pattern of the plurality of holes (11H).

[0062] (2nd Example)

[0063] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a thermal barrier according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0064] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a thermal barrier according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the thermal barrier (10') may include an insulating plate (11), a first flame-retardant pad (12), and a second flame-retardant pad (13). The thermal barrier (10') may be located adjacent to the battery cell (20) to delay or prevent a thermal runaway event from occurring in the battery cell (20), and may delay or prevent heat propagation to the surroundings when a thermal runaway event occurs in the battery cell (20). The location of the thermal barrier (10') will be described later in the third and fourth embodiments.

[0066] The insulating plate (11) may include a sealed space inside. The sealed space inside the insulating plate (11) may be filled with insulating oil. Since the insulating oil can absorb heat generated from the surroundings, it can delay or prevent the occurrence of thermal runaway events and heat propagation. As the name suggests, the insulating oil does not conduct electricity, so it can prevent unwanted short circuits inside the battery cell assembly, thereby enhancing safety. The insulating plate (11) can delay or prevent the first flame-retardant pad (12) and the second flame-retardant pad (13) from disappearing due to thermal decomposition, thermal collapse, combustion, etc., in the event of a thermal runaway event.

[0067] The insulating plate (11) may include a plurality of holes (11H). The plurality of holes (11H) may extend in the Y direction. The plurality of holes (11H) may be open in the Y direction. The Y-direction dimension (i.e., depth in the Y direction) of each of the plurality of holes (11H) may be substantially the same as the Y-direction dimension (i.e., thickness in the Y direction) of the insulating plate (11). The plurality of holes (11H) may not be connected to a sealed space inside the insulating plate (110).

[0068] In FIG. 3, the planar shape perpendicular to the Y direction of the plurality of holes (11H) is shown as being approximately circular, but this is merely illustrative. The planar shape perpendicular to the Y direction of the plurality of holes (11H) may be approximately elliptical, square, rounded square, rectangular, rounded rectangular, etc.

[0069] FIG. 3 shows a plurality of holes (11H) arranged in a square grid pattern, but this is merely illustrative. The plurality of holes (11H) may be arranged in a rectangular grid pattern, a honeycomb pattern, a zigzag pattern, or a radial pattern. A corresponding one of the plurality of first pins (12P) and a corresponding one of the plurality of second pins (13P) may be inserted into each of the plurality of holes (11H).

[0070] The material of the insulating plate (11) may be one or more of iron, carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel and aluminum.

[0071] The material of the first flame-retardant pad (12) may be a flame-retardant material. The first flame-retardant pad (12) may delay or prevent the occurrence of thermal runaway events and heat propagation. The material of the first flame-retardant pad (12) may be one or more of ceramic, silicon, and mica.

[0072] The first flame-retardant pad (12) can be attached to the first side (11S1) of the insulating plate (11) by means such as a press-fit. The first side (11S1) may face the first flame-retardant pad (12). The first flame-retardant pad (12) may include a plurality of first pins (12P). The plurality of first pins (12P) may protrude in the Y direction. Each of the plurality of first pins (12P) may be inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of holes (11H).

[0073] The dimension in the X direction of each of the plurality of first pins (12P) may be slightly larger than the dimension in the X direction of each of the plurality of holes (11H). The dimension in the Z direction of each of the plurality of first pins (12P) may be slightly larger than the dimension in the Z direction of each of the plurality of holes (11H). The dimension in the Y direction of each of the plurality of first pins (12P) may be smaller than the dimension in the Y direction of each of the plurality of holes (11H). Each of the plurality of first pins (12P) may be fully inserted into a corresponding of the plurality of holes (11H).

[0074] In FIG. 3, the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the Y direction of each of the plurality of first pins (12P) is shown as being approximately circular, but this is merely illustrative. The cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the Y direction of each of the plurality of first pins (12P) may be approximately elliptical, square, rounded square, rectangular, rounded rectangular, etc.

[0075] Figure 3 shows a plurality of first pins (12P) arranged in a square grid pattern, but this is merely illustrative. The plurality of first pins (12P) may be arranged in a rectangular grid pattern, a honeycomb pattern, a zigzag pattern, or a radial pattern.

[0076] The material of the second flame-retardant pad (13) may be a flame-retardant material. The second flame-retardant pad (13) may delay or prevent the occurrence of thermal runaway events and heat propagation. The material of the second flame-retardant pad (13) may be one or more of ceramic, silicon, and mica.

[0077] The second flame-retardant pad (13) can be attached to the second side (11S2) of the insulating plate (11) by means such as a press-fit. The second side (11S2) may face the second flame-retardant pad (13). The second flame-retardant pad (13) may include a plurality of second pins (13P). The plurality of second pins (13P) may protrude in the Y direction. Each of the plurality of second pins (13P) may be inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of holes (11H).

[0078] The dimension in the X direction of each of the plurality of second pins (13P) may be slightly larger than the dimension in the X direction of each of the plurality of holes (11H). The dimension in the Z direction of each of the plurality of second pins (13P) may be slightly larger than the dimension in the Z direction of each of the plurality of holes (11H). The dimension in the Y direction of each of the plurality of second pins (13P) may be smaller than the dimension in the Y direction of each of the plurality of holes (11H). Each of the plurality of second pins (13P) may be fully inserted into a corresponding of the plurality of holes (11H).

[0079] In FIG. 3, the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the Y direction of each of the plurality of second pins (13P) is shown as being approximately circular, but this is merely illustrative. The cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the Y direction of each of the plurality of second pins (13P) may be approximately elliptical, square, rounded square, rectangular, rounded rectangular, etc.

[0080] Figure 3 shows a plurality of second pins (13P) arranged in a square grid pattern, but this is merely illustrative. The plurality of second pins (13P) may be arranged in a rectangular grid pattern, a honeycomb pattern, a zigzag pattern, or a radial pattern.

[0081] The cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the Y direction of each of the plurality of first pins (12P), the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the Y direction of each of the plurality of second pins (13P), and the planar shape perpendicular to the Y direction of the plurality of holes (11H) may be substantially identical to each other. The arrangement pattern of the plurality of first pins (12P), the arrangement pattern of the plurality of second pins (13P), and the arrangement pattern of the plurality of holes (11H) may be substantially identical to each other.

[0082] The sum of the Y-direction dimensions of each of the plurality of first pins (12P) and the Y-direction dimensions of each of the plurality of second pins (13P) may be smaller than the Y-direction dimensions of each of the plurality of holes (11H). A corresponding one of the plurality of first pins (12P) and a corresponding one of the plurality of second pins (13P) can be fully inserted into each of the plurality of holes (11H).

[0084] (3rd Example)

[0085] FIG. 5 is a simplified drawing of a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 5, the battery cell assembly (100) may include a plurality of battery cells (20), a plurality of thermal barriers (10I, 10S1, 10S2), a first side plate (31), a second side plate (32), a first integrated circuit assembly, a second integrated circuit assembly, and a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). The battery cell assembly (100) may not include a configuration that covers the plurality of battery cells (20) in the +Z direction or the -Z direction. The battery cell assembly (100) may be said to have a concept different from a so-called battery module. The battery pack in which the battery cell assembly (100) is mounted may be said to be composed of a so-called cell-to-pack. The battery pack may be the final form of a battery system mounted on a mobility device.

[0087] Each of the plurality of battery cells (20) may be a lithium secondary battery. Each of the plurality of battery cells (20) may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a cell case. The electrode assembly may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. The positive electrode may include a positive active material layer, a positive current collector, and a positive tab. The negative electrode may include a negative active material layer, a negative current collector, and a negative tab. The electrode assembly may be a jelly roll type or a stack type. The jelly roll type may have a structure in which the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator are wound. The stack type may have a structure in which a first electrode unit comprising a first positive electrode, a first negative electrode, and a first separator, and a second electrode unit comprising a second positive electrode, a second negative electrode, and a second separator are stacked with a third separator in between. The electrolyte may be a liquid type or a gel type. The cell case may be a pouch type. Each of the plurality of battery cells (20) may include a positive lead and a negative lead. The positive lead can be electrically connected to one or more positive tabs, and the negative lead can be electrically connected to one or more negative tabs. The positive lead and the negative lead can protrude from one side of the pouch-type cell case. The positive lead and the negative lead may protrude in the same direction or in opposite directions.

[0088] A plurality of battery cells (20) may be arranged in the Y direction. A plurality of battery cells (20) may form banks. Each of the banks may include battery cells (20) connected in parallel with each other. The positive leads of the battery cells (20) constituting each of the banks may be connected to each other by means such as welding. The negative leads of the battery cells (20) constituting each of the banks may be connected to each other by means such as welding. The banks may be connected in series with each other. The positive leads of the battery cells (20) constituting each of the banks may be connected to the negative leads of the battery cells (20) constituting the preceding bank by means such as welding. The negative leads of the battery cells (20) constituting each of the banks may be connected to the positive leads of the battery cells (20) constituting the succeeding bank by means such as welding. The banks may include a first bank, intermediate banks, and a last bank.

[0089] When each bank contains m battery cells (20) and the number of banks included in the battery cell assembly (100) is n, the connection type of the battery cells (20) can be described as m parallel - n series (mP-nS). The number of battery cells (20) included in the battery cell assembly (100) and the connection type of the battery cells (20) can be determined according to the current and voltage required for the battery cell assembly (100).

[0090] Each of the plurality of thermal barriers (10I, 10S1, 10S2) is substantially the same as the thermal barrier (10) described in the first embodiment or the thermal barrier (10') described in the second embodiment. Each of the plurality of thermal barriers (10I) may be located between adjacent battery cells (20) among the plurality of battery cells (20). The plurality of thermal barriers (10I) and the plurality of battery cells (20) may be arranged alternately. The thermal barrier (10S1) may be located between the first side plate (31) and the plurality of battery cells (20). The thermal barrier (10S1) may be located between the first side plate (31) and the battery cell (20) closest to the first side plate (31). The thermal barrier (10S2) may be located between the second side plate (32) and the plurality of battery cells (20). The thermal barrier (10S2) may be located between the second side plate (32) and the one closest to the second side plate (32) among the plurality of battery cells (20).

[0091] A thermal runaway event in the battery cells (20) can be delayed or prevented by a plurality of thermal barriers (10I). Thermal propagation between the battery cells (20) can be delayed or prevented by a plurality of thermal barriers (10I). A thermal runaway event in the battery cells (20) can be delayed or prevented by a plurality of thermal barriers (10S1, 10S2). Thermal propagation between the inside and outside of the battery cell assembly (100) can be delayed or prevented by a plurality of thermal barriers (10S1, 10S2).

[0092] The first side plate (31) and the second side plate (32) may be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction with a plurality of battery cells (20) and a plurality of thermal barriers (10I, 10S1, 10S2) in between. The first side plate (31) and the second side plate (32) may be fixed to the first integrated circuit assembly and the second integrated circuit assembly.

[0093] The first integrated circuit assembly and the second integrated circuit assembly may be spaced apart from each other in the X direction with a plurality of battery cells (20) and a plurality of thermal barriers (10I, 10S1, 10S2) in between. The first integrated circuit assembly may include an insulating frame, an integrated circuit, a positive bus bar, a negative bus bar, sensing bars, sensing pads, wires, and an insulating cover. The second integrated circuit assembly may include an insulating frame, an integrated circuit, sensing pads, wires, and an insulating cover. The second integrated circuit assembly may be substantially identical to the first integrated circuit assembly except that it does not include a positive bus bar, a negative bus bar, and sensing bars.

[0094] The insulating frame may include a material with high electrical insulation properties, such as plastic. The integrated circuit, positive bus bar, and negative bus bar may be fixed to the insulating frame.

[0095] The integrated circuit may be configured to measure the voltage of the nodes. Each of the nodes may consist of corresponding positive leads and / or negative leads welded to one another.

[0096] The positive leads of the battery cells (20) constituting the first bank can be connected to the positive bus bar by means such as welding. The negative leads of the battery cells (20) constituting the last bank can be connected to the negative bus bar by means such as welding. Electrical connection between the battery cell assembly (100) and an external system can be made through the positive bus bar and the negative bus bar.

[0097] Each of the sensing bars can be coupled to a corresponding positive bus bar and a negative bus bar. Each of the sensing pads can be coupled to a corresponding positive lead and a negative lead welded to each other. Each of the wires can connect a corresponding of the sensing bars and sensing pads to an integrated circuit.

[0098] The insulating cover may include a material with high electrical insulation properties, such as plastic. The insulating cover may be snap-fitted to an insulating frame. The insulating cover can cover and protect integrated circuits, positive bus bars, negative bus bars, sensing bars, sensing pads, and wires.

[0099] The FFC can electrically connect the first integrated circuit assembly and the second integrated circuit assembly to each other. The FFC can transmit a sensing value, such as a voltage measured by the integrated circuit of the second integrated circuit assembly, to the integrated circuit of the first integrated circuit assembly.

[0101] (Fourth Example)

[0102] FIG. 6 is a simplified drawing of a battery cell assembly according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 6, the battery cell assembly (200) may include a plurality of battery cells (20), a plurality of thermal barriers (10I, 10S1, 10S2, 10T), a first side plate (31), a second side plate (32), a top plate (40), a bottom plate (50), a first integrated circuit assembly, a second integrated circuit assembly, and a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). The battery cell assembly (200) may be referred to as a so-called battery module. A battery pack in which the battery cell assembly (200) is mounted may be described as being composed of a so-called cell-to-module-to-pack configuration. The battery pack may be the final form of a battery system mounted on a mobility device.

[0104] The plurality of battery cells (20), the plurality of thermal barriers (10I, 10S), the first integrated circuit assembly, the second integrated circuit assembly, and the FFC are substantially the same as those described in the third embodiment.

[0105] The thermal barrier (10T) is substantially the same as the thermal barrier (10) described in the first embodiment or the thermal barrier (10') described in the second embodiment. The thermal barrier (10T) may be located between a plurality of battery cells (20) and a top plate (40). The occurrence of a thermal runaway event in the battery cells (20) may be delayed or prevented by the thermal barrier (10T). The propagation of heat between the inside and outside of the battery cell assembly (200) may be delayed or prevented by the thermal barrier (10T).

[0106] The first side plate (31), the second side plate (32), the top plate (40), and the bottom plate (50) can accommodate a plurality of battery cells (20) and a plurality of thermal barriers (10I, 10S1, 10S2, 10T). The first side plate (31), the second side plate (32), the top plate (40), and the bottom plate (50) can form a monoframe (or an integral frame). The planar shape perpendicular to the X direction of the monoframe may be approximately O-shaped. The first side plate (31), the second side plate (32), and the bottom plate (50) may form a U-frame, and the top plate (40) may be joined to the U-frame by means such as welding. The top plate (40) may be substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. The top plate (40) may include vent holes. When a thermal runaway event occurs in the battery cell assembly (200), high-temperature gases, etc., can be vented to the outside of the battery cell assembly (200). The bottom plate (50) can be substantially perpendicular to the Z direction.

[0108] The foregoing description is merely for illustrative purposes only. The scope of the rights of the present disclosure shall be interpreted by the claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent or equivalent thereto shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of the rights of the present disclosure. Explanation of the symbols

[0110] 10, 10', 10I, 10S1, 10S2, 10T: Thermal barrier 11: Insulation plate 11H: Hole 11S1: 1st Side 11S2: Second Side 12: First flame-retardant pad 12P: 1st pin 13: Second flame-retardant pad 13P: 2nd pin 100, 200: Battery cell assembly 20: Battery cell 31: First side plate 32: Second side plate 40: Top Plate 50: Bottom Plate

Claims

Claim 1 A thermal barrier comprising an insulating plate having a plurality of holes and filled with insulating oil inside, and a first flame-retardant pad coupled to a first side of the insulating plate and having a plurality of first pins, wherein a corresponding of the plurality of first pins is inserted into each of the plurality of holes. Claim 2 A thermal barrier according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first pins protrude in a first direction, and the dimension of each of the plurality of first pins in the first direction is smaller than the dimension of each of the plurality of holes in the first direction. Claim 3 In claim 1, the plurality of holes and the plurality of first pins are arranged in a thermal barrier in a square grid pattern, a rectangular grid pattern, a honeycomb pattern, a zigzag pattern, or a radial pattern. Claim 4 In claim 1, the material of the first flame-retardant pad is a thermal barrier that is one or more of ceramic, silicon, and mica. Claim 5 In claim 1, the material of the insulating plate is one or more of iron, carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, forming a thermal barrier. Claim 6 A thermal barrier comprising an insulating plate having a plurality of holes and filled with insulating oil inside, a first flame-retardant pad coupled to a first side of the insulating plate and having a plurality of first pins, and a second flame-retardant pad coupled to a second side opposite to the first side of the insulating plate and having a plurality of second pins, wherein a corresponding one of the plurality of first pins and a corresponding one of the plurality of second pins are inserted into each of the plurality of holes. Claim 7 In claim 6, the plurality of first pins and the plurality of second pins protrude in a first direction, and the sum of the first direction dimension of each of the plurality of first pins and the first direction dimension of each of the plurality of second pins is smaller than the first direction dimension of each of the plurality of holes. Claim 8 In claim 6, the plurality of holes, the plurality of first pins and the plurality of second pins are arranged in a thermal barrier in a square grid pattern, a rectangular grid pattern, a honeycomb pattern, a zigzag pattern, or a radial pattern. Claim 9 In paragraph 6, the material of the first flame-retardant pad and the material of the second flame-retardant pad are a thermal barrier that is one or more of ceramic, silicon, and mica. Claim 10 In paragraph 6, the material of the insulating plate is a thermal barrier that is one or more of iron, carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Claim 11 A battery cell assembly comprising: a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction; a plurality of thermal barriers; and first and second side plates spaced apart from each other in the first direction with the plurality of battery cells in between, wherein each of the plurality of thermal barriers comprises: an insulating plate having a plurality of holes and filled with insulating oil inside, and a first flame-retardant pad coupled to a first side of the insulating plate and having a plurality of first pins, wherein a corresponding of the plurality of first pins is inserted into each of the plurality of holes. Claim 12 In claim 11, each of the plurality of thermal barriers further comprises a second flame-retardant pad that is coupled to a second side opposite to the first side of the insulating plate and includes a plurality of second pins, and a battery cell assembly in which a corresponding one of the plurality of first pins and a corresponding one of the plurality of second pins are inserted into each of the plurality of holes. Claim 13 In claim 11, at least one of the plurality of thermal barriers is a battery cell assembly located between two adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells. Claim 14 In claim 11, at least one of the plurality of thermal barriers is a battery cell assembly located between the first side plate and the plurality of battery cells or between the second side plate and the plurality of battery cells. Claim 15 In claim 11, the battery cell assembly further comprises a top plate covering the upper portion of the plurality of battery cells, and at least one of the plurality of thermal barriers is located between the top plate and the plurality of battery cells.

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