Thermal propagation interrupter and battery assembly including same

Abstract

A thermal propagation interrupter and a battery assembly including the same are provided. The heat propagation interrupter includes: a frame including a bending portion and defining an internal space, the bending portion being bendable in response to an external pressure, a volume of the internal space being configured to decrease in response to bending of the bending portion; and a melting material filling the interior space, the melting material having a melting point at or above the first threshold temperature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a heat propagation interrupter and a battery assembly including the heat propagation interrupter. Background Art

[0002] Unlike primary batteries that are not designed to be (re)charged, secondary (or rechargeable) batteries are designed to discharge and recharge. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in portable small electronic devices such as smart phones, feature phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, and video cameras, while high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for driving motors in hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles and for storing electricity (e.g., home and / or utility-scale electricity storage). Secondary batteries generally include an electrode assembly composed of a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a housing that houses the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0003] The above information disclosed in this background art section is used to enhance the understanding of the background of the present disclosure. Therefore, it may include information that does not constitute related (or prior) art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A battery assembly according to one or more embodiments may include a plurality of battery cells and a heat propagation interrupter. The heat propagation interrupter is between some of the plurality of battery cells or on at least one outer battery cell among the plurality of battery cells. The heat propagation interrupter includes: a frame including a bent portion and defining an internal space, the bent portion being bendable in response to an external pressure, and the volume of the internal space being configured to decrease in response to the bending of the bent portion; and a melting material filling the internal space, the melting material having a melting point at or above a first threshold temperature.

[0005] The frame may further include a first plate and a second plate facing the first plate. The bent portion includes a first bent portion connecting the corresponding first ends of the first plate and the second plate, and a second bent portion connecting the corresponding second ends of the first plate and the second plate. Each of the first bent portion and the second bent portion has a bent shape.

[0006] The bent portion may further include one or more third bent portions connecting the first plate and the second plate, the one or more third bent portions having a bent shape and being between the first bent portion and the second bent portion.

[0007] At or above the first threshold temperature, in response to an external pressure applied to the heat propagation interrupter in a direction perpendicular to the first plate and the second plate, the bent portion may be configured to bend, and the distance between the first plate and the second plate may be configured to decrease.

[0008] The frame may include at least one open side.

[0009] The frame may have a melting point at or above a second threshold temperature, which is higher than the first threshold temperature.

[0010] At or above the second threshold temperature, the melting time of the melting material may be shorter than the melting time of the frame.

[0011] The first threshold temperature may be between 60 °C and 90 °C.

[0012] The melting material may include paraffin wax or polycaprolactone.

[0013] The frame may include metal or plastic.

[0014] A heat propagation interrupter according to one or more embodiments may include: a frame configured to include a bent portion and define an internal space; and a melting material configured to fill the internal space defined by the frame and melt at or above a first threshold temperature, wherein at or above the first threshold temperature, in response to an external pressure being applied to the heat propagation interrupter, the bent portion may bend and the volume of the internal space may decrease.

[0015] However, aspects and features of the present disclosure are not limited to the above aspects and features, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other aspects and features not mentioned from the detailed description described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and further describe aspects and features of the present disclosure as well as the detailed description of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the drawings:

[0017] Figure 1 A perspective view showing an example of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0018] Figure 2 A perspective view showing an example of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0019] Figure 3A and Figure 3B An example of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0020] Figure 4 A plan view showing an example of a part including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0021] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 An enlarged detailed view of part P of

[0022] Figure 6 shows an enlarged detailed view of part Q of Figure 4 .

[0023] Figure 7 and Figure 8 shows a perspective view and a plan view showing an example of a heat propagation interrupter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 9 shows a plan view showing an example of the melting state of the melting material of the heat propagation interrupter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 10 and Figure 11 shows a perspective view and a plan view showing an example of a heat propagation interrupter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 12 shows a plan view showing an example of the melting state of the melting material of the heat propagation interrupter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 13 shows a perspective view showing an example of a method of manufacturing a heat propagation interrupter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 14 shows a plan view showing an example of a method of manufacturing a heat propagation interrupter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to the ordinary meaning or dictionary meaning, but should be construed as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor can be his / her own lexicographer to appropriately define the terms so as to best illustrate his / her invention.

[0030] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only some of the embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all the technical ideas, aspects, and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications of the embodiments described herein may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0031] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on", "connected to", or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or there can also be one or more intervening elements or layers. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on", "directly connected to", or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. For example, when a first element is described as being "coupled" or "connected" to a second element, the first element can be directly coupled or connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly coupled or connected to the second element via one or more intervening elements.

[0032] In the drawings, for clarity of illustration, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated. The same reference numerals denote the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Further, when describing embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of "may" pertains to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure". When following a list of elements, phrases such as "at least one of" and "any of" modify the entire list of elements, and not individual elements of the list. When phrases such as "at least one of A, B, and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "at least one selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C", or "at least one selected from A, B, and C" are used to specify a list of elements A, B, and C, the phrase can refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the terms "use", "using", and "being used" can be considered to be synonymous with the terms "utilize", "utilizing", and "being utilized", respectively. As used herein, the terms "substantially", "about", and similar terms are used as approximate terms and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0033] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or part from another element, component, region, layer, or part. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or part discussed below can be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or part without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0034] For ease of description, spatial relationship terms such as "under", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figures. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures, spatial relationship terms are also intended to encompass different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as "under" or "below" other elements or features will be oriented "above" or "over" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "under" can encompass both the upper and lower orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatial relationship descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0035] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular form "a" is also intended to include the plural form, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will also be understood that when used in this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes" and / or "including" specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0036] Furthermore, any numerical range disclosed and / or recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges of the same numerical precision falling within the recited range. For example, the range "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all sub-ranges between the recited minimum value 1.0 and the recited maximum value 10.0 (and including the recited minimum value 1.0 and the recited maximum value 10.0), i.e., all sub-ranges having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limitation recited herein is intended to include all lower numerical limitations subsumed therein, and any minimum numerical limitation recited in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limitations subsumed therein. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to modify this specification (including the claims) to expressly recite any sub-ranges falling within the ranges expressly recited herein. All such ranges are intended to be inherently described in this specification.

[0037] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc. as "the same" may mean that they are "substantially the same". Thus, the phrase "substantially the same" may include cases having a deviation considered low in the art, e.g., a deviation of 5% or less. Additionally, when a certain parameter is said to be uniform in a given region, this may mean that it is uniform in terms of the average value.

[0038] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified, each element may be singular or plural.

[0039] Arranging any element "above (or below)" or "on (under)" another element may mean that the any element may be disposed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the element, and another element may also be interposed between the element and the any element disposed on (or under) the element.

[0040] Furthermore, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as being "linked", "coupled" or "connected" to another component, the elements may be "coupled", "linked" or "connected" directly to each other, or another component may be "interposed" between the components.

[0041] Throughout the specification, when stating "A and / or B", it means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise specified. That is, "and / or" includes any or all combinations of the recited items. When stating "C to D", it means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise specified.

[0042] Throughout the specification, the battery assembly is used as a structure including a plurality of battery cells, and is intended to cover a battery pack or a battery module.

[0043] Figure 1 A perspective view of a battery cell 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Referring Figure 1 , the battery cell 100 may include an electrode assembly including electrodes (for example, at least one wound or laminated electrode assembly having a separator (i.e., an insulator) provided between a positive electrode and a negative electrode), a housing 110 in which the electrode assembly is accommodated, and a cover plate 120 coupled to an opening in the housing 110. Figure 1 The shown battery cell 100 may be a secondary battery.

[0044] Each of the positive electrode and the negative electrode in the electrode assembly may include a current collector made of a thin metal foil, the thin metal foil having a coated portion on which an active material is coated and an uncoated portion on which the active material is not coated. After interposing a separator as an insulator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, the positive electrode and the negative electrode are wound. However, the electrode assembly may have a structure in which the positive electrode and the negative electrode, both made of a plurality of sheets, are alternately stacked, and the separator is interposed therebetween. Furthermore, the electrode assembly may have any structure including electrodes.

[0045] The housing 110 may form an overall contour of the battery cell 100 and may be formed of a conductive metal (for example, aluminum (Al), an Al alloy, or nickel (Ni)-plated steel). Furthermore, the housing 110 may provide a space in which the electrode assembly is received. In Figure 1In the figure, the housing 110 is shown as a prismatic housing and the battery cell 100 is shown as a prismatic battery cell, but the battery cell 100 can be a battery cell having any suitable shape (e.g., a prismatic shape, a cylindrical shape, or a pouch shape).

[0046] The cover plate 120 can be coupled to the opening of the housing 110 to seal the housing 110. The housing 110 and the cover plate 120 can be formed of a conductive material. In an embodiment, the top end of the housing 110 can be open, and the cover plate 120 can seal the open top end of the housing 110.

[0047] The positive terminal portion 11 electrically connected to the positive electrode and the negative terminal portion 12 electrically connected to the negative electrode can be coupled to the cover plate 120. For example, the positive terminal portion 11 and the negative terminal portion 12 can be positioned to protrude outward through the cover plate 120. The positions of the positive terminal portion 11 and the negative terminal portion 12 can be changed.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the vent 140 can be formed on at least one side of the battery cell 100 (e.g., the top side of the battery cell 100 in the illustrated example (i.e., in the cover plate 120)). The vent 140 can be configured to open when an internal pressure higher than a predetermined threshold pressure is detected in the battery cell 100.

[0049] In this case, the threshold pressure can be set differently depending on the application, material, use, etc. of the battery. In an example, a relatively high threshold pressure can be set for a battery having a short charge-discharge cycle during use, in which the internal pressure of the housing 110 remains at a relatively higher pressure on average compared to other applications. In another example, a relatively high threshold pressure can be set for a battery formed of a material having a relatively high heat resistance and / or pressure resistance and / or manufactured in a design having a relatively high heat resistance and / or pressure resistance. In different examples, a relatively low threshold pressure can be set for a battery formed of a material having a relatively low heat resistance and / or pressure resistance and / or manufactured in a design having a relatively low heat resistance and / or pressure resistance. Additionally or in another example, the vent 140 can be configured to open when the internal temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature. With this configuration, the vent 140 can prevent the explosion of the battery cell 100 or prevent a chain exothermic reaction of other battery cells arranged around the battery cell 100.

[0050] In an embodiment, the cover plate 120 can include an electrolyte inlet 150. For example, the electrolyte inlet 150 can be a through hole provided in the cover plate 120, and can be formed such that after the cover plate 120 is coupled and sealed to the opening in the housing 110, the electrolyte is injected into the housing 110 through the electrolyte inlet 150. After injecting the electrolyte, the electrolyte inlet 150 can be sealed with a sealing member.

[0051] The battery cell 100 can be a lithium (Li) battery cell, a sodium (Na) battery cell, etc. However, the battery cell 100 can include any battery capable of repeatedly supplying electricity through charging and discharging. In an embodiment where the battery cell 100 is a Li battery cell, due to superior life characteristics and superior high-rate characteristics, the battery cell 100 can be used in an electric vehicle (EV). For example, the battery cell 100 can be used in a hybrid vehicle (such as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)). In addition, the Li battery cell can be used in fields where a large amount of electric power is stored. For example, the Li battery cell can be used in an electric bicycle, power tools, etc.

[0052] Figure 2 A perspective view showing an example of a battery module 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0053] The battery pack and the battery module will be described below as different concepts, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The thermal propagation interrupter according to the present disclosure can be used in a battery pack or a battery module. In addition, the battery assembly including the thermal propagation interrupter according to the present disclosure is a concept that encompasses both a battery module and a battery pack including a plurality of battery cells, and includes, for example, a group structure in which a battery pack is directly formed by battery cells.

[0054] Refer to Figure 2 , the battery module 1000 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure can include terminal portions 11 and 12, a plurality of battery cells 100 arranged in one direction, a connection tab 20 connecting the battery cell 100a to an adjacent battery cell 100b, and a protection circuit module 30 having one end connected to the connection tab 20. The protection circuit module 30 can include a battery management system (BMS). In addition, the connection tab 20 can include a main body portion that contacts the terminal portions 11 and 12 between the adjacent battery cells 100a and 100b, and an extension portion that extends from the main body portion and is connected to the protection circuit module 30. The connection tab 20 can be, for example, a bus bar.

[0055] Each battery cell 100 may include a battery case, an electrode assembly received (or accommodated) in the battery case, and an electrolyte. The electrode assembly and the electrolyte undergo an electrochemical reaction to store and release (e.g., generate) energy. Terminal portions 11 and 12 may be electrically connected to a connection tab 20, and an exhaust port 140 serving as a discharge path for gas generated inside the battery case may be provided on one side (e.g., the upper side) of the battery cell 100. The terminal portions 11 and 12 of the battery cell 100 may be a positive terminal portion 11 and a negative terminal portion 12 having different polarities from each other, and the positive terminal portions 11 and the negative terminal portions 12 of adjacent battery cells 100a and 100b may be electrically connected in series or in parallel to each other through the connection tab 20 which will be described in more detail below. Although series connection has been described as an example, various connection structures may be employed according to desire or need. In addition, the number and arrangement of the battery cells 100 are not limited to Figure 2 the structure shown, and may be changed according to desire or need. According to an embodiment, the battery module 1000 may include one or more thermal propagation interruptors according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0056] A plurality of battery cells 100 may be arranged in one direction (e.g., may be stacked in one direction) such that the wide surfaces of the battery cells 100 face each other, and the plurality of battery cells 100 may be fixed by outer cases 61, 62, 63, and 64. The outer cases 61, 62, 63, and 64 may include a pair of end plates 61 and 62 facing the wide surfaces of the battery cells 100 and side plates 63 and a bottom plate 64 connecting the pair of end plates 61 and 62 to each other. The side plates 63 may support the side surfaces of the battery cells 100, and the bottom plate 64 may support the bottom surfaces of the battery cells 100. In addition, the pair of end plates 61 and 62, the side plates 63, and the bottom plate 64 may be connected by bolts 65 and / or any other suitable fastening members and methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0057] The protection circuit module 30 can have electronic components and a protection circuit mounted thereon and can be electrically connected to the connection tab 20, which will be described in more detail later. The protection circuit module 30 includes a first protection circuit module 30a and a second protection circuit module 30b that extend in one direction, and a plurality of battery cells 100 are arranged at different positions in this direction. The first protection circuit module 30a and the second protection circuit module 30b can be spaced apart from each other at a suitable interval (e.g., a predetermined interval) and arranged parallel to each other to be electrically connected to adjacent connection tabs 20, respectively. For example, the first protection circuit module 30a extends along the direction in which the plurality of battery cells 100 are arranged on one side of the upper part of the plurality of battery cells 100, and the second protection circuit module 30b extends along the direction in which the plurality of battery cells 100 are arranged on the other side of the upper part of the plurality of battery cells 100. The second protection circuit module 30b can be spaced apart from the first protection circuit module 30a at a suitable interval (e.g., a predetermined interval), an exhaust port 140 is inserted therebetween, and the second protection circuit module 30b can be arranged parallel to the first protection circuit module 30a. In this way, the two protection circuit modules are spaced apart side by side, thereby reducing or minimizing the area of the printed circuit board (PCB) that constitutes the protection circuit module. By separately configuring the protection circuit module into two protection circuit modules, the area of the unnecessary protection circuit module (PCM) can be reduced or minimized. In addition, the first protection circuit module 30a and the second protection circuit module 30b can be connected to each other through a conductive connection member 50. One side of the conductive connection member 50 is connected to the first protection circuit module 30a, and the other side of the conductive connection member 50 is connected to the second protection circuit module 30b, so that the two protection circuit modules 30a and 30b can be electrically connected to each other.

[0058] The connection can be performed by soldering, resistance welding, laser welding, projection welding, and / or any other suitable connection method known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0059] In addition, the connection member 50 can be, for example, a wire. In addition, the connection member 50 can be made of a material having elasticity or flexibility. Through the connection member 50, it is possible to check and manage whether the voltage, temperature, and / or current of the plurality of battery cells 100 are normal. For example, information (such as voltage, current, and / or temperature) received by the first protection circuit module 30a from the connection tab adjacent to the first protection circuit module 30a and information (such as voltage, current, and / or temperature) received from the connection tab adjacent to the second protection circuit module 30b can be integrated and managed by the protection circuit module through the connection member 50.

[0060] In addition, when the battery cell 100 expands, the vibration can be absorbed by the elasticity or flexibility of the connection member 50, thereby preventing the first protection circuit module 30a and the second protection circuit module 30b from being damaged.

[0061] As described above, since the protection circuit module 30 is provided as the first protection circuit module 30a and the second protection circuit module 30b, the area of the PCB constituting the protection circuit module can be reduced or minimized, and the space inside the battery module can be ensured, which improves the work efficiency by facilitating the fastening work for connecting the connection tab 20 and the protection circuit module 30 and the repair work if an abnormality is detected in the battery module (or when an abnormality is detected in the battery module).

[0062] Figure 3A and Figure 3B An example of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0063] Referring to Figure 3A and Figure 3B , the battery pack may include a plurality of battery modules 1000 and a housing 2000 for accommodating the plurality of battery modules 1000. For example, the housing 2000 may include a first housing 2100 and a second housing 2200 coupled in opposite directions by the plurality of battery modules 1000.

[0064] According to an embodiment, in the battery pack, a single cell stack may form a single module 1000 instead of a battery module. The single cell stack may include a plurality of battery cells. In the cell stack, the plurality of battery cells may be arranged in a single direction with their wide sides facing each other. In an embodiment, each battery cell may have an exhaust port on the top side. For example, each battery cell may be Figure 1 the battery cell 100 shown. The number and arrangement of the cell stack and the battery cells are not limited to Figure 3A and Figure 3B the structure shown, and may be modified according to the desire. According to an embodiment, the battery pack may include one or more thermal propagation interruptors according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0065] The plurality of battery modules 1000 or cell stacks may be electrically connected to each other using a bus bar 3000, and the plurality of battery modules 1000 may be electrically connected to each other in series / parallel or a hybrid series / parallel manner to achieve a desired electrical output.

[0066] The battery cells may generate a large amount of heat during charging / discharging. The generated heat may accumulate in the battery cells, thereby accelerating the degradation of the battery cells. Therefore, the battery pack may further include a cooling member to remove the generated heat, thereby suppressing the degradation of the battery cells. The cooling member may be provided at the bottom of the accommodation space where the battery cells are provided, but is not limited thereto, and may be provided at the top or side depending on the battery pack.

[0067] The battery cell can be configured such that, under abnormal operating conditions, the exhaust gas (also known as thermal runaway or thermal event) generated inside the battery cell is discharged to the outside of the battery cell. The battery pack or battery module can include an exhaust port for discharging the exhaust gas to prevent or reduce damage to the battery pack or battery module caused by the exhaust gas.

[0068] The battery pack can include a battery and a battery management system (BMS) for managing the battery. The battery management system can include a detection device, a balancing device, and a control device. The battery module can include a plurality of cells connected in series and / or in parallel with each other. The battery modules can be connected in series and / or in parallel with each other.

[0069] The detection device can detect the state of the battery (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, etc.) to output state information indicating the state of the battery. The detection device can detect the voltage of each cell constituting the battery or the voltage of each battery module. The detection device can detect the current flowing through each battery module constituting the battery module or the battery pack. The detection device can also detect the temperature of the cell and / or module at at least one point of the battery and / or the ambient temperature.

[0070] The balancing device can perform a balancing operation on the battery module and / or the cells constituting the battery module. The control device can receive the state information of the battery module (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, etc.) from the detection device. The control device can monitor and calculate the state of the battery module (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, state of charge (SOC), life (state of health (SOH)), etc.) based on the state information received from the detection device. In addition, based on the monitored state information, the control device can perform control functions (e.g., temperature control, balancing control, charge / discharge control, etc.) and protection functions (e.g., over-discharge, over-charge, over-current protection, short circuit, fire extinguishing function, etc.). In addition, the control device can perform wired or wireless communication functions with external devices of the battery pack (e.g., a higher-level controller or vehicle, charger, power conversion system, etc.).

[0071] The control device can control the charge / discharge operation and protection operation of the battery. To this end, the control device can include a charge / discharge control unit, a balancing control unit, and / or a protection unit.

[0072] The battery management system is a system that monitors the state of the battery and performs diagnostic and control functions, communication functions, and protection functions, and can calculate the charge / discharge state, calculate the battery life or state of health (SOH), cut off the battery power supply as needed (e.g., relay control), control thermal management (e.g., cooling, heating, etc.), perform a high-voltage interlock function, and / or can detect and / or calculate insulation and short-circuit conditions.

[0073] The relay may be a mechanical contactor that opens and closes by the magnetic force of a coil or a semiconductor switch such as a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET).

[0074] The relay control has a function of cutting off the power supply from the battery if there is a problem in the vehicle and the battery system (cutting off the power supply from the battery when there is a problem in the vehicle and the battery system), and may include one or more relays and a pre-charge relay at the positive terminal and the negative terminal, respectively.

[0075] In pre-charge control, when connecting a battery load, there is a risk of inrush current occurring in the high-voltage capacitor on the input side of the inverter. Therefore, in order to prevent inrush current when starting the vehicle, the pre-charge relay may be operated before connecting the main relay, and a pre-charge resistor may be connected.

[0076] High-voltage interlock is a circuit that uses a small signal to detect whether all high-voltage parts of the entire vehicle system are connected, and may have a function of forcibly disconnecting the relay if even one position on the entire loop is disconnected (or when even one position on the entire loop is disconnected).

[0077] Figure 4 A plan view showing an example of a part including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 An enlarged view of part P of Figure 6 Shows Figure 4 An enlarged view of part Q of . According to an embodiment, the battery pack may include an insulating sheet 400 and / or a thermal propagation interrupter 500.

[0078] Referring to Figure 4 And Figure 5 The battery pack may include an insulating sheet 400. The insulating sheet 400 may be located between adjacent battery cells 100_1 and 100_2. For example, the insulating sheet 400 may be provided between the wide faces of two adjacent battery cells 100_1 and 100_2.

[0079] The insulating sheet 400 may include at least one of a flame retardant material or a non-combustible material to prevent fire propagation, or include an insulating material to prevent heat propagation. For example, the insulating sheet 400 may include mica, aerogel, etc. to block heat propagation between two adjacent battery cells 100_1 and 100_2. The insulating sheet 400 may have a structure in which multiple layers of mica, aerogel, etc. are stacked on each other. In addition, the insulating sheet 400 may prevent adjacent battery cells from contacting each other, thereby maintaining the electrical independence of the battery cells.

[0080] Referring to Figure 4 And Figure 6, the battery pack may include a thermal propagation interrupter 500. The thermal propagation interrupter 500 may be located between adjacent battery cells 100_3 and 100_4. For example, the thermal propagation interrupter 500 may continuously extend along the entire length of each of the adjacent battery cells 100_3 and 100_4 in the X-axis direction. For example, the thermal propagation interrupter 500 may be provided between the wide sides of two adjacent battery cells 100_3 and 100_4, for example, between the facing wide faces of two adjacent battery cells 100_3 and 100_4. When the thermal propagation interrupter 500 is located between adjacent battery cells 100_3 and 100_4, the insulating sheet 400 may not be located between those battery cells 100_3 and 100_4.

[0081] For example, the thermal propagation interrupter 500 may be located outside the cell stack (i.e., outside the plurality of battery cells). For example, the thermal propagation interrupter 500 may be located between the outermost battery cell of the cell stack and the pack housing.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the thermal propagation interrupter 500 may include a frame and a melting material. The frame includes bent portions and defines an internal space, and the melting material fills the internal space defined by the frame. The thermal propagation interrupter 500 may be configured to reduce the volume of the internal space during an abnormal operating condition (also referred to as thermal runaway or a thermal event). As the volume of the internal space of the thermal propagation interrupter 500 decreases, the distance between the battery cells may increase, thereby delaying the time of thermal propagation. The thermal propagation interrupter 500 will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 7 to 14 and

[0083] Figure 7 and Figure 8 FIGS. show a perspective view and a plan view illustrating an example of the thermal propagation interrupter 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 9 and a plan view illustrating an example of the melting state of the melting material 520 of the thermal propagation interrupter 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] Referring to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the thermal propagation interrupter 500 may include a frame 510 and a melting material 520. The frame 510 includes bent portions 513, 514, and 515 and defines an internal space, and the melting material 520 fills the internal space defined by the frame 510.

[0085] According to an embodiment, the shape of the frame 510 may be substantially similar to the shape of the housing of the battery cell, but at least one side of the frame 510 may be open. In addition, the frame 510 may include bent portions 513, 514, and 515, each having a bent shape. The bent portions 513, 514, and 515 may have a curved shape, a bent shape, or a combination thereof. In other words, the bent portions 513, 514, and 515 may have a curved shape with a smooth curved surface, a bent shape with a predetermined angle, or a combination thereof. According to an embodiment, the frame 510 may include at least one of a flame retardant material or a non-combustible material (e.g., may be formed of at least one of a flame retardant material or a non-combustible material) to prevent the spread of fire, or may include an insulating material to prevent the spread of heat. In an embodiment, the frame 510 may include a metal or plastic material (e.g., may be formed of a metal or plastic material). In the case where the frame 510 includes a metal material, an insulating material may be further used on at least one side of the frame 510.

[0086] For example, the frame 510 may include two plates 511 and 512 facing each other, and may include bent portions 513, 514, and 515 that connect the two plates and have a bent shape. For example, referring to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the bent portions 513, 514, and 515 may continuously extend along the entire height of the frame 510 in the Z-axis direction.

[0087] For example, referring to Figure 8 , the frame 510 may include a first plate 511, a second plate 512 facing the first plate 511, a first bent portion 513 connecting the first end of the first plate 511 and the first end of the second plate 512, and a second bent portion 514 connecting the second end of the first plate 511 and the second end of the second plate 512. The first plate 511 and the second plate 512 of the frame 510 may have dimensions (e.g., length and height in the corresponding X-axis and Z-axis directions) and shapes substantially similar to the wide sides of the battery cell. In the illustrated example, the first bent portion 513 and the second bent portion 514 may be at the respective opposite outer ends of the frame 510, and may be bent inward (e.g., toward the center of the interior of the frame 510) from the two outer ends of the frame 510 (e.g., toward each other). For example, referring to Figure 8 , each of the first bent portion 513 and the second bent portion 514 may have a V-shape in a top view, and the vertices of the V-shapes may be oriented toward each other. For example, the top and bottom of the frame 510 may be open (e.g., the first plate 511 and the second plate 512 having the first bent portion 513 and the second bent portion 514 may define a four-surface frame with an open top and bottom).

[0088] According to an embodiment, the frame 510 may further include one or more third bending portions 515. For example, as Figures 7 to 8 shown, the frame 510 may further include a first third bending portion 515_1 and a second third bending portion 515_2 that connect the first plate 511 and the second plate 512. For example, the first third bending portion 515_1 and the second third bending portion 515_2 may be formed between the first bending portion 513 and the second bending portion 514, may be spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction, and may continuously extend along the entire height of the frame 510 in the Z-axis direction.

[0089] For example, the third bending portion 515 may have the shape of a bending column that connects the central portions of the first plate 511 and the second plate 512. Here, the central portion may refer to any portion between the opposite outer ends. For example, the third bending portion 515 may be formed at a point between 10% and 90% of the length of the first plate 511 and the second plate 512 in the Figure 7 and Figure 8 X-axis direction. For example, the first third bending portion 515_1 may be a bending column that connects a point between 20% and 40% of the length of the first plate 511 and a point between 20% and 40% of the length of the second plate 512, and the second third bending portion 515_2 may be a bending column that connects a point between 60% and 80% of the length of the first plate 511 and a point between 60% and 80% of the length of the second plate 512. In another example, the first third bending portion 515_1 may be a bending column that connects a point between 25% and 35% of the length of the first plate 511 and a point between 25% and 35% of the length of the second plate 512, and the second third bending portion 515_2 may be a bending column that connects a point between 65% and 75% of the length of the first plate 511 and a point between 65% and 75% of the length of the second plate 512. In the illustrated example, the two third bending portions 515_1 and 515_2 are shown in an outwardly bent configuration (e.g., away from the center of the interior of the frame 510), but the third bending portion 515 may be implemented in various numbers and configurations.

[0090] The first third bending portion 515_1 and the second third bending portion 515_2 can divide the internal space of the frame 510 (i.e., the space defined by the first plate 511, the second plate 512, the first bending portion 513, and the second bending portion 514) into a plurality of separated internal spaces. The internal space defined in the frame 510 can be filled with a molten material 520. The molten material 520 can include a phase change material that undergoes a phase change from a solid state to a liquid state at a predetermined threshold temperature. For example, the molten material 520 can include a material that melts at a temperature between 60 °C and 90 °C. For example, the molten material 520 can include paraffin or polycaprolactone (PCL). According to an embodiment, the molten material 520 can include at least one of a flame retardant material, a non-flammable material, or an insulating material.

[0091] The molten material 520 exists in a solid state when the battery is in a normal state and can fill the internal space defined by the frame 510. Thus, during the normal state of the battery, the heat propagation interrupter 500 can support the battery cell to increase the strength of the battery assembly. Additionally or in another example, when the molten material 520 includes at least one of a flame retardant material, a non-flammable material, or an insulating material, the molten material can perform functions such as thermal insulation, flame retardancy, and electrical isolation. In the case of a thermal event occurring in the battery, the molten material 520 can melt, and the melted material can flow out through the open top side and / or bottom side of the frame 510. This will be described in more detail in the following description with reference to Figure 9 what follows.

[0092] According to an embodiment, the frame 510 and the molten material 520 can melt at different temperatures. For example, the molten material 520 can melt at a first threshold temperature or above, and the frame 510 can melt at a second threshold temperature or above. In an embodiment, the frame 510 can melt at a higher temperature than the molten material 520. For example, the second critical temperature at which the frame 510 starts to melt can be higher than the first critical temperature at which the molten material 520 starts to melt. For example, the first threshold temperature can be between 60 °C and 90 °C, and the second threshold temperature can be higher than 90 °C. In an embodiment, the frame 510 can take more time to melt than the molten material 520. For example, at a temperature equal to or higher than the second threshold temperature, the melting time of the molten material 520 can be less than the melting time of the frame 510. According to an embodiment, in an abnormal operating condition (also referred to as thermal runaway or a thermal event), when the temperature of the molten material 520 is higher than a predetermined threshold temperature, the molten material 520 can melt. The melted material can flow out to the outside through the open side of the frame 510.

[0093] Since the heat propagation interrupter 500 with the molten melting material 520 acts as an air gap, the volume of the internal space of the frame 510 without the molten melting material 520 (e.g., due to the outflow of the melting material caused by a thermal event, the amount of the molten melting material 520 decreases) can be adjusted. For example, in the case of a thermal event, the bent portions 513, 514, and 515 of the frame 510 can be folded or compressed due to the expansion of the battery cell, etc. As the volume of the internal space of the frame 510 decreases (e.g., shrinks or contracts due to the folding of the bent portions and the resulting decrease in the amount of the melting material), a space can be obtained that can accommodate the increased volume of the battery cell due to expansion. In the case of a thermal event, the internal space of the frame 510 can also be used to delay the heat propagation time.

[0094] For example, as Figure 9 shown, the melting material 520 can melt as a thermal event occurs. In addition, due to the expansion of the battery cell, etc., an external pressure can be applied inward in a direction perpendicular to the first plate 511 and the second plate 512 of the frame 510 (e.g., in the Figures 7 to 9 Y-axis direction of

[0095] Figure 10 and Figure 11 shown) to the heat propagation interrupter 500. Based on this, the first to third bent portions 513, 514, and 515 can be folded or compressed, and the molten material can flow out through the open top side and / or bottom side of the frame 510. Therefore, the distance between the first plate 511 and the second plate 512 can be reduced. For example, as shown, the distance between the first plate 511 and the second plate 512 can be reduced from t1 (the thickness in the Y-axis direction before the thermal event) to t2 (the thickness in the Y-axis direction after the heat occurs and the bent portions 513, 514, and 515 are folded), where t1 > t2. Here, t1 and t2 respectively refer to the shortest distances between the first plate 511 and the second plate 512 before and after the compression of the frame 510. As the distance between the first plate 511 and the second plate 512 decreases, the gap between the battery cells can increase (e.g., as the thickness of the frame 510 decreases and the space for accommodating the increased volume of the battery cell due to expansion between the battery cells increases, an air gap can be generated and / or increased), thereby delaying the heat propagation time. Finally, the heat and / or fire generated inside the battery pack can not escape to the outside of the battery pack. Figure 12 shows a perspective view and a plan view showing an example of the heat propagation interrupter 600 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figures 7 to 9 and Figures 10 to 12 shows a plan view showing the melting state of the melting material 620 of the heat propagation interrupter 600 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Most of the descriptions of the heat propagation interrupter 500 described above can be equivalently / similarly applied toFigures 10 to 12 In the following description, the above references will be omitted or only briefly described Figures 7 to 9 and the following description will focus on the changed configuration.

[0096] Referring to Figure 10 and Figure 11 , the heat propagation interrupter 600 may include a frame 610, the frame 610 including bent portions 613, 614, and 615 and defining an internal space, and the heat propagation interrupter 600 may include a molten material 620 filling the internal space defined by the frame 610. For example, the frame 610 may include two plates 611 and 612 facing each other, and may include bent portions 613, 614, and 615 connecting the two plates and having a bent shape. For example, as shown, the frame 610 may include a first plate 611, a second plate 612 facing the first plate 611, a first bent portion 613 connecting a first end of the first plate 611 and a first end of the second plate 612 and bent in an outward direction, and a second bent portion 614 connecting a second end of the first plate 611 and a second end of the second plate 612 and bent in an outward direction (e.g., away from the center of the interior of the frame 610).

[0097] According to an embodiment, the frame 610 may further include one or more third bent portions 615. For example, as shown, the frame 610 may further include a first third bent portion 615_1 and a second third bent portion 615_2 connecting the first plate 611 and the second plate 612, formed between the first bent portion 613 and the second bent portion 614, and bent in an outward direction.

[0098] The molten materials injected into the multiple internal spaces defined by the multiple bent portions of the frame may have different melting temperatures. For example, the molten material injected into the first internal space (e.g., the molten material located at the center of the frame 610) may melt at a first threshold temperature of the frame 610 or may melt above the first threshold temperature, and the molten material injected into the second internal space (e.g., the molten material located at the edge of the frame 610) may melt at a second threshold temperature of the frame 610 or may melt above the second threshold temperature. The first threshold temperature and the second threshold temperature of the frame 610 may be different from each other. For example, a first critical temperature at which the molten material injected into the first internal space starts to melt may be higher than a second critical temperature at which the molten material injected into the second internal space starts to melt. In addition, the first threshold temperature and the second threshold temperature of the frame 610 may be lower than the second threshold temperature of the frame 510.

[0099] Examples of the heat propagation interrupters 500 and 600 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are Figures 7 to 12As shown, the thermal propagation interrupter according to the embodiment can be adjusted according to convenience and design. For example, at least one bent portion of the frame can be bent / bowed in the inwards / outwards direction from the end of the frame. In another example, the bent portion can be provided at the top / bottom end of the frame of the thermal propagation interrupter, and both sides of the frame can be open.

[0100] According to an embodiment, the thermal propagation interrupter 600 can be configured to reduce the volume of the internal space of the frame 610 during an abnormal operating condition (also referred to as thermal runaway or thermal event). For example, as Figure 12 shown, as the thermal event occurs, the melting material 620 can melt. In addition, due to the expansion of the battery cell, an external pressure can be applied to the thermal propagation interrupter 600 in a direction perpendicular to the first plate 611 and the second plate 612 of the frame 610 (e.g., in the Figures 10 to 12 Y-axis direction). Based on this, the first to third bent portions 613, 614, and 615 can be folded, and the melted material can flow out through the open top side and / or bottom side of the frame 610. Therefore, the distance between the first plate 611 and the second plate 612 can be reduced. For example, as shown, the distance between the first plate 611 and the second plate 612 can be t3 before the thermal event, and can be reduced to t4 (where t3 > t4) after the thermal event occurs and the bent portions 613, 614, and 615 are folded. Here, t3 and t4 respectively refer to the shortest distances between the first plate 611 and the second plate 612 before and after the frame 610 is compressed. As the distance between the first plate 611 and the second plate 612 decreases, the gap between the battery cells (e.g., as the thickness of the frame 510 decreases and the space for accommodating the increased volume of the battery cells due to expansion between the battery cells increases, an air gap can be generated and / or increased), thereby delaying the time of thermal propagation. Finally, the heat and / or fire generated inside the battery pack can not escape to the outside of the battery pack.

[0101] Table 1 below shows an example of the experimental results, where the heater block was heated until the temperature of the first part of the heater block reached 400 °C, and the maximum temperature of the second part of the adjacent block (i.e., the cell block placed adjacent to the heater block) was recorded.

[0102] [Table 1]

[0103] Highest temperature (°C) of adjacent blocks Temperature ratio relative to reference Comparative Example 1 304 100% (reference) Comparative Example 2 242 80％ Example 1 178 59％ Example 2 141 46％

[0104] In Table 1 above, Comparative Example 1 is an example where neither an insulating sheet nor an air gap is provided between two single blocks, Comparative Example 2 is an example where an insulating sheet with a thickness of 0.3 mm is provided between two single blocks, Example 1 is an example where an air gap with a thickness of 0.3 mm is provided between two single blocks, and Example 2 is an example where an air gap with a thickness of 0.6 mm is provided between two single blocks. Referring to Table 1, in Comparative Example 2 with an insulating sheet having a thickness of 0.3 mm provided between two single blocks, the maximum temperature is reduced by 62 °C compared to Comparative Example 1. In addition, in Example 1 and Example 2, the maximum temperature is reduced by 126 °C and 163 °C respectively compared to Comparative Example 1, and the maximum temperature is reduced by 64 °C and 101 °C respectively compared to Comparative Example 2.

[0105] It can be seen from the above experimental results that the heat propagation blocking performance is better in the case of applying an air gap between adjacent blocks than in the case of applying an insulating sheet between adjacent blocks. In other words, it can be seen that the air gap between battery cells is very important for preventing heat dissipation.

[0106] Generally, in a battery pack, insulating sheets are desirably applied between all battery cells for thermal insulation and electrical isolation. Especially for high-capacity batteries, thicker insulating sheets are applied to block heat propagation. In the case of a battery pack including the heat propagation interrupter of the present disclosure, since a heat propagation delay / blocking effect occurs due to the gap (e.g., air gap) between cells in the case of a thermal event, the thickness of each thermal insulating sheet located between battery cells can be reduced. As a result, a safe battery with a high energy density can be achieved.

[0107] Depending on the capacity, usage, etc. of the battery pack, the thermal propagation interrupters can be located in appropriate positions and in appropriate numbers. According to an embodiment, the thermal propagation interrupters can be arranged such that in the case of a thermal event occurring in a specific battery cell, the melting material of the thermal propagation interrupter closest to the specific battery cell melts within a few seconds after the thermal event occurs. For example, Table 2 below shows the case of providing a 7-mm thick thermal propagation interrupter with a 5-mm thick melting material for every 12 battery cells. In Table 2 below, the number of insulating sheets used in calculating the total thickness of the insulating sheets of the present disclosure is equal to the number of battery cells minus one (i.e., the number of insulating sheets of the comparative structure) minus the number of thermal propagation interrupters. For example, in the case where the number of battery cells is 12, 10 (i.e., 12 - 1 - 1 = 10) insulating sheets are used. For example, in the case where the number of battery cells is 24, 21 (i.e., 24 - 1 - 2 = 21) insulating sheets are used. The number of insulating sheets used in calculating the total thickness of the insulating sheets of the comparative structure is equal to the number of battery cells minus one. For example, in the case where the number of battery cells is 12, 11 (i.e., 12 - 1 = 11) insulating sheets are used. For example, in the case where the number of battery cells is 24, 23 (i.e., 24 - 1 = 23) insulating sheets are used.

[0108] [Table 2]

[0109]

[0110] According to the present disclosure, due to the high thermal propagation blocking effect of the thermal propagation interrupters, insulating sheets thinner than those of the comparative structure can be used. As a result, it can be seen that the total thickness (the total thickness of the thermal propagation interrupters and the insulating sheets) of the internal compartment of the battery pack according to the present disclosure excluding the battery cells is reduced compared to the comparative structure (the total thickness of the insulating sheets). In other words, according to the present disclosure, a safe battery with a high battery energy density can be achieved.

[0111] Figure 13 A perspective view showing an example of a method of manufacturing a thermal propagation interrupter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. According to an embodiment, a thermal propagation interrupter manufacturing apparatus can be used in the processes of the first example 1310 and the second example 1320 to manufacture a thermal propagation interrupter.

[0112] The first example 1310 shows an example of manufacturing a frame 610 including a bent portion B. For example, the frame 610 can be manufactured by an injection molding method. For example, after the molten resin is injected into the mold and allowed to cure, the frame 610 can be removed from the mold. The frame 610 can include a plastic material (e.g., can be formed of a plastic material).

[0113] A second example 1320 shows an example of injecting a molten material 620 into a frame 610. For example, after the manufactured frame 610 is fixed in a fixture, a liquefied phase change material can be injected into the internal space E of the frame 610 and allowed to solidify. The solidified phase change material can be formed into the molten material 620. Thereafter, the heat transfer interrupter can be removed from the fixture. In this process, a heat transfer interrupter can be manufactured.

[0114] Figure 14 A plan view showing an example of a method of manufacturing a heat transfer interrupter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. According to an embodiment, a heat transfer interrupter manufacturing apparatus can be used in the processes of the first to third examples 1410, 1420, and 1430 to manufacture a frame of a heat transfer interrupter. In this example, the frame can include a metal material.

[0115] The first example 1410 shows an example of preparing a plurality of parts. For example, a first part 1412, a second part 1414, and one or more third parts 1416 can be prepared. The first part 1412 to the third part 1416 can be prepared by applying a pressing process to a metal plate (e.g., formed of aluminum or steel, etc.) having a flash thickness of 0.1t to 0.3t. The first part 1412 and the second part 1414 can be metal plates, and the parts adjacent to the opposite ends are bent. Each third part 1416 can include a first joint, a second joint, and a connecting member between the two joints. The connecting member can be bent inward (toward the joint) or outward. Here, bending can include curving and / or folding.

[0116] The second example 1420 shows an example in which the parts are joined. Here, joining can include welding or bonding. For example, the marked parts can be joined. For example, the opposite ends of the first part 1412 can be joined to the opposite ends of the second part 1414. In addition, the first joints of one or more third parts 1416 can be joined to the first part 1412, and the second joints of one or more third parts 1416 can be joined to the second part 1414.

[0117] The third example 1430 shows an example of completing the joining. The central part (i.e., the part between the two ends) of the first part 1412 can form the first plate of the frame, and the central part of the second part 1414 can form the second plate of the frame. The bent parts adjacent to the two ends of the first part 1412 and the two ends of the second part 1414 and the connecting members of the third part 1416 can form the bent parts of the frame. In this process, a frame of a heat transfer interrupter can be manufactured.

[0118] A molten material can be formed by injecting a liquefied phase change material into an internal space E of a fabricated frame and solidifying the phase change material. In this process, a heat propagation interrupter can be fabricated.

[0119] As a summary and review, if a thermal runaway or a thermal event occurs in a specific rechargeable battery cell, causing the internal pressure of the rechargeable battery cell to exceed a critical range, a jet, such as a flame or a gas, may be ejected through an exhaust port. In this case, in response to the rapid propagation of the thermal jet over the surrounding area, heat may propagate to adjacent rechargeable battery cells, thereby causing a thermal runaway or a thermal event in the adjacent rechargeable battery cells.

[0120] In contrast, aspects of the present disclosure provide a heat propagation interrupter configured to block heat propagation and a battery assembly including the heat propagation interrupter. That is, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, in the case of a thermal event, the volume of the internal space of the frame of the heat propagation interrupter can be reduced to obtain a space for accommodating the expansion of the battery cell. In other words, during a thermal event, the heat propagation interrupter can act as an air gap, and the heat propagation time can be delayed. As a result, heat and / or fire generated inside the battery pack can be prevented from escaping to the outside of the battery pack.

[0121] Furthermore, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, since a heat propagation delay / blocking effect occurs due to the gap between the cells in the case of a thermal event, the thickness of each thermal insulation sheet located between the battery cells can be reduced. As a result, a safe battery with a high energy density can be achieved.

[0122] These and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be described in the following description of the embodiments of the present disclosure or will be apparent from the following description of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0123] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments and the drawings showing aspects of the present disclosure, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can make various modifications and variations within the technical spirit of the present disclosure and the claims and their equivalents.

[0124] Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specific terms have been employed, these terms have been used and interpreted in a general and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. In some cases, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art at the time of providing this application that features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with a particular embodiment may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with other embodiments, unless otherwise specifically stated. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery assembly, comprising: a plurality of battery cells; and a thermal propagation interrupter, between some of the plurality of battery cells or on at least one outer battery cell among the plurality of battery cells, the thermal propagation interrupter comprising: a frame, including a bent portion and defining an internal space, the bent portion being bendable in response to an external pressure, and the volume of the internal space being configured to decrease in response to the bending of the bent portion; and a melting material filling the internal space, the melting material having a melting point at or above a first threshold temperature.

2. The battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the frame further includes a first plate and a second plate facing the first plate, and the bent portion includes a first bent portion connecting corresponding first ends of the first plate and the second plate, and a second bent portion connecting corresponding second ends of the first plate and the second plate, each of the first bent portion and the second bent portion having a bent shape.

3. The battery assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The bent portion further includes one or more third bent portions connecting the first plate and the second plate, the one or more third bent portions having a bent shape and being between the first bent portion and the second bent portion.

4. The battery assembly according to claim 2, wherein, At or above the first threshold temperature, in response to the external pressure applied to the thermal propagation interrupter in a direction perpendicular to the first plate and the second plate, the bent portion is configured to bend, and the distance between the first plate and the second plate is configured to decrease.

5. The battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The frame includes at least one open side.

6. The battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The frame has a melting point at or above a second threshold temperature, the second threshold temperature being higher than the first threshold temperature.

7. The battery assembly according to claim 6, wherein, At or above the second threshold temperature, the melting time of the melting material is shorter than the melting time of the frame.

8. The battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first threshold temperature is between 60°C and 90°C.

9. The battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The melting material includes paraffin or polycaprolactone.

10. The battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The frame includes metal or plastic.

11. A thermal propagation interrupter, comprising: a frame, including a bent portion and defining an internal space, the bent portion being bendable in response to an external pressure, and the volume of the internal space being configured to decrease in response to the bending of the bent portion; and a melting material filling the internal space, the melting material having a melting point at or above a first threshold temperature.

12. The thermal propagation interrupter according to claim 11, wherein: the frame further includes a first plate and a second plate facing the first plate, and the bent portion includes a first bent portion connecting corresponding first ends of the first plate and the second plate, and a second bent portion connecting corresponding second ends of the first plate and the second plate, each of the first bent portion and the second bent portion having a bent shape.

13. The heat transfer interrupter according to claim 12, wherein, The bent portion further includes one or more third bent portions connecting the first plate and the second plate, and the one or more third bent portions have a bent shape and are between the first bent portion and the second bent portion.

14. The heat propagation interrupter according to claim 12, wherein, At the first threshold temperature or above the first threshold temperature, in response to the external pressure applied to the heat propagation interrupter in a direction perpendicular to the first plate and the second plate, the bent portion is configured to bend, and the distance between the first plate and the second plate is configured to decrease.

15. The heat transfer interrupter according to claim 11, wherein, The frame includes at least one open side.

16. The heat transfer interrupter according to claim 11, wherein, The frame has a melting point at the second threshold temperature or above the second threshold temperature, and the second threshold temperature is higher than the first threshold temperature.

17. The heat transfer interrupter according to claim 16, wherein, At the second threshold temperature or above the second threshold temperature, the melting time of the molten material is shorter than the melting time of the frame.

18. The heat propagation interrupter according to claim 11, wherein, The first threshold temperature is between 60 °C and 90 °C.

19. The heat propagation interrupter according to claim 11, wherein, The molten material includes paraffin or polycaprolactone.

20. The heat propagation interrupter according to claim 11, wherein, The frame includes metal or plastic.

Images