Battery assembly

Abstract

A battery assembly is disclosed. The battery assembly includes: a case providing an internal space; a plurality of battery cells accommodated in the case and stacked in the left-right direction; a guide rail provided in the housing and extending in a left-right direction; and a bus bar configured to be slidable along the guide rail and electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery assembly.

[0002] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0141264 filed on October 20, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Background Art

[0003] With the rapid growth in demand for portable electronic products such as notebook computers, video cameras, and portable phones, and the commercialization of robots, electric vehicles, and the like, research into high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charge and discharge is being actively conducted.

[0004] Currently, secondary batteries available on the market include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among them, lithium secondary batteries have almost no memory effect or no memory effect, so they have received more attention than nickel-based secondary batteries because they have the advantages of being able to be recharged when convenient, having a very low self-discharge rate and a high energy density.

[0005] Lithium secondary batteries primarily include lithium-based oxides and carbon materials for the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. They include an electrode assembly, comprising positive and negative plates coated with the positive and negative active materials, respectively, with a separator interposed between the plates; and a sealed package or battery case, which encloses the electrode assembly and the electrolyte solution.

[0006] Generally, lithium secondary batteries may be classified into can-type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is included in a metal can and pouch-type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is included in a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet, according to the shape of a battery case.

[0007] Recently, secondary batteries have become widely used in medium- and large-sized devices, such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS), to drive and store electrical energy, as well as in small devices such as portable electronic devices. Multiple secondary batteries can be electrically connected and stored within a module housing to form a battery module. Furthermore, multiple battery modules can be connected to form a battery pack.

[0008] However, if multiple secondary batteries (battery cells) or multiple battery modules are densely packed in a small space, they may be susceptible to thermal events. In particular, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in one battery cell, high-temperature gas, flame or heat may be generated. If the gas, flame, heat, etc. are transferred to other battery cells included in the same battery module, an explosion chain reaction such as heat propagation may occur. In addition, such a chain reaction not only leads to accidents such as fire or explosion in the corresponding battery module, but may also lead to fire or explosion in other battery modules.

[0009] Furthermore, in the case of medium to large-sized battery packs, such as those used in electric vehicles, a large number of battery cells and battery modules are included to increase output and / or capacity, thereby further increasing the risk of a thermal chain reaction. Furthermore, in the case of battery packs installed in electric vehicles and the like, users such as drivers may be present nearby.

[0010] In particular, due to the swelling phenomenon of battery cells, the battery cells are easily physically damaged, and the risk of thermal events due to damage to the battery cells may increase. Therefore, even if the swelling phenomenon occurs in the battery cells, it is necessary to suppress the damage to the battery cells and reduce the risk of thermal events. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] The present disclosure is designed to address these and other problems.

[0013] The present disclosure is directed to providing a battery assembly with improved electrical safety.

[0014] The present disclosure also relates to providing a battery assembly that can prevent damage to battery cells even when swelling occurs.

[0015] Technical Solution

[0016] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery assembly is provided, comprising: a shell providing an internal space; a plurality of battery cells accommodated in the shell and stacked in a left-right direction; a guide rail disposed in the shell and extending in the left-right direction; and a bus bar configured to be able to slide along the guide rail and electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells.

[0017] Additionally, at least a portion of the bus bar may be inserted into the rail.

[0018] In addition, the guide rail may be provided as a pair, and the pair of guide rails may be arranged in the up-down direction.

[0019] Additionally, the guide rails may be configured to have electrical insulation.

[0020] The battery assembly may further include a stopper mounted on the guide rail and limiting a moving range of the bus bar.

[0021] In addition, the bus bar may be provided in plural, and the stopper may be provided between the plural bus bars.

[0022] Additionally, the stopper may be fixed to the guide rail.

[0023] Additionally, the battery assembly may further include a fixing member configured to fix the stopper to the guide rail.

[0024] In addition, the stopper may be configured to have electrical insulation.

[0025] In addition, the guide rails may be provided as a pair, the pair of guide rails may be arranged in the up-down direction, and the stopper may extend in the up-down direction and have both ends mounted on the pair of guide rails.

[0026] In addition, the battery assembly may further include a frame provided at the housing and having the guide rail mounted thereon.

[0027] In addition, each of the plurality of battery cells may include: a receiving portion having an electrode assembly; a sealing portion extending forward from the receiving portion; and an electrode lead protruding forward from the sealing portion, and the battery assembly may further include a platform support portion extending rearward from the frame and supporting the sealing portion.

[0028] In addition, the battery assembly may further include a guide portion extending rearward from the frame and positioned above the plurality of battery cells.

[0029] A battery pack according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the battery assembly of the present disclosure.

[0030] A vehicle according to another aspect of the present disclosure may include the battery assembly of the present disclosure.

[0031] Beneficial effects

[0032] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electrical safety of a battery assembly can be improved.

[0033] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, damage to battery cells can be prevented.

[0034] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the service life of a battery assembly can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, are used to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not to be construed as being limited to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 2 Shows some parts exploded Figure 1 Diagram of the battery components.

[0038] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a guide rail of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line AA'.

[0040] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a bus bar of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a stopper of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a vertical portion of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a rail assembly of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 9 It is shown along Figure 8 FIG. 5 is a diagram of a cross-sectional structure taken along the cutting line BB'.

[0045] Figure 10 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line CC'.

[0046] Figure 11 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line D-D'.

[0047] Figure 12 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a rail assembly of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating a rail assembly and a frame of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating a portion of components of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 15 It shows the observed Figure 14 A diagram of the components of a portion of a battery assembly.

[0051] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating a portion of components of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating a portion of components of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 18 It is along Figure 17 A cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line FF'.

[0054] Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating a portion of components of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 20 It is along Figure 19 A cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line G-G'.

[0056] Figure 21 It is along Figure 16 A cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line EE'.

[0057] Figure 22 It shows Figure 21 An enlarged view of part H.

[0058] Figure 23 It shows that when expansion occurs Figure 21 An enlarged view of part H. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terms used in the specification and the appended claims should not be interpreted as limited to the general meaning and dictionary meaning, but should be interpreted based on the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure based on the principle of allowing the inventor to appropriately define the terms for the best interpretation.

[0060] Therefore, the descriptions provided herein are merely preferred examples for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that other equivalent substitutions and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0061] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 Shows some parts exploded Figure 1 Figure 1. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a case 100 , a plurality of battery cells 300 , a guide rail 610 , and a bus bar 640 .

[0062] The housing 100 may provide a space therein. The housing 100 may have a shape with its front and rear sides open. Alternatively, the housing 100 may have a shape open in the X-axis direction. The housing 100 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0063] The battery cell 300 may be a secondary battery. In particular, the battery cell 300 may be a secondary battery in a soft pack shape. The battery cell 300 may be provided in plurality. The plurality of battery cells 300 may be housed in the interior space of the housing 100. Furthermore, the plurality of battery cells 300 may be stacked in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0064] The guide rail 610 may be provided in the housing 100. The guide rail 610 may be mounted, coupled, fastened, or fixed to the housing 100. The guide rail 610 may extend in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. Alternatively, the guide rail 610 may extend in the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells 300.

[0065] The bus bar 640 may be configured to slide along the guide rail 610. The bus bar 640 may be configured to move in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction along the guide rail 610. The bus bar 640 may be electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells 300. In addition, the bus bar 640 may be physically connected to the plurality of battery cells 300. The bus bar 640 may be provided in plurality. The bus bar 640 may have an opening.

[0066] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, damage to the battery cell 300 can be prevented. During the operation of the battery assembly, an expansion phenomenon may occur in the battery cell 300. At this time, as the battery cell 300 expands, the sealing portion 320 or the electrode lead 330 of the battery cell 300 may move in the left and right directions. At this time, as the bus bar 640 slides along the guide rail 610, the tension applied to the sealing portion 320 or the electrode lead 330 can be reduced. As a result, damage to the battery cell 300 can be prevented or minimized. By preventing or minimizing damage to the battery cell 300, the electrical safety of the battery assembly can be improved.

[0067] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery assembly may include a cover 200. The cover 200 may be configured as a pair. The pair of covers 200 may be coupled to the opening of the housing 100. The covers 200 may be coupled to the front and rear sides of the housing 100, respectively.

[0068] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a guide rail 610 of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line AA'. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a bus bar 640 of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a stopper 650 of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a second vertical portion 630 of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a rail assembly 600 of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 It is shown along Figure 8 FIG. 5 is a diagram of a cross-sectional structure taken along the cutting line BB'. Figure 10 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line CC'. Figure 11 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line D-D'.

[0069] Reference Figures 3 to 11 In the battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the guide rails 610 may be provided as a pair. Furthermore, the pair of guide rails 610 may be arranged in the vertical direction. The bus bar 640 may slide along the pair of guide rails 610. Furthermore, the bus bar 640 may be located between the pair of guide rails 610. The pair of guide rails 610 may guide the upper and lower sides of the bus bar 640.

[0070] Furthermore, the first vertical portion 620 may connect, fasten, combine, or fix the pair of guide rails 610. The first vertical portion 620 may extend in the up-down direction or the Z-axis direction. The first vertical portion 620 may be combined, fastened, connected, or fixed to the right end of the upper guide rail 610 and the right end of the lower guide rail 610. Alternatively, the pair of guide rails 610 and the first vertical portion 620 may be integrally formed.

[0071] According to such a structure of the present disclosure, the bus bar 640 can slide stably.

[0072] Reference Figures 3 to 11 The guide rail 610 of the battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to have electrical insulation. For example, the guide rail 610 may include a plastic material.

[0073] According to the structure of the present disclosure, the electrical safety of the battery assembly can be improved.

[0074] Reference Figures 3 to 11At least a portion of the busbar 640 of the battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be inserted into the guide rail 610. Each of the pair of guide rails 610 can have a groove 611. The groove 611 can extend along the length direction or Y-axis direction of the guide rail 610. The groove 611 can be formed on the lower surface of the upper guide rail 610. In addition, the groove 611 can be formed on the upper surface of the lower guide rail 610. The groove 611 can have a width that gradually increases toward the interior of the guide rail 610. The busbar 640 can include a protrusion 641 protruding from the upper surface. In addition, the busbar 640 can include a protrusion 641 protruding from the lower surface. The protrusion 641 formed on the upper surface of the busbar 640 can be inserted into the groove 611 of the upper guide rail 610. The protrusion 641 formed on the lower surface of the busbar 640 can be inserted into the groove 611 of the lower guide rail 610. The protrusion 641 of the bus bar 640 can slide along the groove 611. Depending on the shape of the groove 611 and the protrusion 641, the bus bar 640 inserted into the guide rail 610 can slide in the Y-axis direction or the left-right direction. At the same time, depending on the shape of the groove 611 and the protrusion 641, the bus bar 640 can be restricted in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

[0075] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the bus bar 640 can stably slide along the guide rail 610. In addition, since the bus bar 640 is restricted in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction, the bus bar 640 can be prevented from separating from the guide rail 610. Therefore, the electrical safety of the battery assembly can be improved.

[0076] Reference Figures 3 to 11 The battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a stopper 650. The stopper 650 may be installed on the guide rail 610. The stopper 650 may limit the movement range or sliding range of the bus bar 640.

[0077] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the electrical safety of the battery assembly can be improved. Multiple busbars 640 can be provided. If the sliding range or movement range of busbars 640 is not restricted, an electrical short circuit may occur when busbars 640 contact each other. By providing stoppers 650, contact between busbars 640 can be stopped or prevented.

[0078] Reference Figures 3 to 11 The stopper 650 of the battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to have electrical insulation. For example, the stopper 650 may include a plastic material.

[0079] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the electrical safety of the battery assembly can be improved.

[0080] Reference Figures 3 to 11, the battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of bus bars 640. In addition, the battery assembly may include a plurality of stoppers 650. The stoppers 650 may be arranged between the plurality of bus bars 640. Alternatively, the stoppers 650 may be arranged between adjacent bus bars 640.

[0081] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the electrical safety of the battery assembly can be improved. The stopper 650 can block or prevent the electrical short circuit of the plurality of bus bars 640.

[0082] Reference Figures 3 to 11 , the stopper 650 of the battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be mounted on a pair of guide rails 610. The stopper 650 can extend in the up-down direction or the Z-axis direction. The stopper 650 can have an elongated strip shape. The stopper 650 can have a protrusion 651 protruding on the upper surface. In addition, the stopper 650 can have a protrusion 651 protruding on the lower surface. Alternatively, the stopper 650 can have protrusions 651 on the upper side and the lower side respectively. Both ends of the stopper 650 can be mounted on the pair of guide rails 610 respectively. The protrusion 651 formed on the upper surface of the stopper 650 can be inserted into the groove 611 of the upper guide rail 610. The protrusion 651 formed on the lower surface of the stopper 650 can be inserted into the groove 611 of the lower guide rail 610. The protrusion 651 of the stopper 650 can slide along the groove 611. The stopper 650 inserted into the guide rail 610 can slide in the Y-axis direction or the left-right direction according to the shapes of the groove 611 and the protrusion 651. On the other hand, the stopper 650 can be restricted in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction according to the shapes of the groove 611 and the protrusion 651.

[0083] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the stopper 650 can be stably mounted on the guide rail 610. In addition, the stopper 650 can stably slide along the guide rail 610. A plurality of stoppers 650 and a plurality of bus bars 640 can be sequentially assembled on the guide rail 610.

[0084] Alternatively, a plurality of stoppers 650 and a plurality of bus bars 640 may be alternately arranged. In this case, the stoppers 650 and the bus bars 640 may be alternately inserted or assembled into the guide rails 610. As a result, the assemblability of the battery assembly may be improved.

[0085] Reference Figures 3 to 11, the battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second vertical portion 630. The second vertical portion 630 may connect, fasten, combine or fix the pair of guide rails 610. The second vertical portion 630 may extend along the up and down direction or the Z-axis direction. The second vertical portion 630 may be combined, fastened, connected or fixed to the left end of the upper guide rail 610 and the left end of the lower guide rail 610. The second vertical portion 630 may have a hook 631. The hook 631 may be respectively provided on the upper and lower sides of the second vertical portion 630. The hook 631 may protrude in the right direction or the +Y-axis direction. The hook 631 may be fastened, combined or assembled with the pair of guide rails 610. Alternatively, the second vertical portion 630 and the pair of guide rails 610 may be combined by snap-fitting.

[0086] According to such a configuration of the present disclosure, the assemblability of the battery assembly can be improved.

[0087] Reference Figures 3 to 11 The stoppers 650 of the battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can separate the guide rail 610 into a plurality of sections. The bus bar 640 can slide between the pair of stoppers 650. In addition, the bus bar 640 can slide between the first vertical portion 620 and the stoppers 650. In addition, the bus bar 640 can slide between the second vertical portion 630 and the stoppers 650. The pair of guide rails 610, the first vertical portion 620, the second vertical portion 630, the plurality of bus bars 640, and the plurality of stoppers 650 can form a guide rail assembly 600. The pair of guide rails, the first vertical portion 620, and the second vertical portion 630 can be electrically insulated.

[0088] Figure 12 FIG is a diagram showing a guide rail assembly 600 of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 The bus bar 640 may have a bar shape. The bus bar 640 may slide between the pair of stoppers 650. In addition, the bus bar 640 may slide between the first vertical portion 620 and the stopper 650. In addition, the bus bar 640 may slide between the second vertical portion 630 and the stopper 650.

[0089] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating a rail assembly 600 and a frame 400 of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating a portion of components of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 15 It shows the observed Figure 14 A diagram of the components of a portion of a battery assembly.

[0090] Reference Figures 13 to 15, the battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a frame 400. The frame 400 may be located behind the guide rail 610. The frame 400 may include a guide rail mounting portion 410. The guide rail 610 may be mounted, coupled, fixed, or attached to the guide rail mounting portion 410. The guide rail assembly 600 may be mounted, coupled, fixed, or attached to the guide rail mounting portion 410. The frame 400 may be disposed in the housing 100. The frame 400 may be mounted, coupled, fixed, or attached to the housing 100. In addition, the frame 400 may be mounted, coupled, fixed, or attached to the cover 200. The frame 400 may be electrically insulated.

[0091] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the guide rail 610 can be stably installed and fixed. In addition, the guide rail 610 can be stably supported by the frame 400. As a result, the electrical safety of the battery assembly can be improved.

[0092] Reference Figures 13 to 15 , the frame 400 of the battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a guide portion 440. The guide portion 440 may be located behind the guide rail mounting portion 410. In addition, the guide portion 440 may extend rearward from the frame 400 and may be located above the plurality of battery cells 300. The guide portion 440 may have a bar shape. In addition, the guide portion 440 may be provided as a pair. The pair of guide portions 440 may be arranged along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The guide portion 440 and the guide rail mounting portion 410 may be integrally formed. When assembling the frame 400, the guide portion 440 may be used as a reference for alignment.

[0093] According to such a configuration of the present disclosure, the assemblability of the battery assembly can be improved.

[0094] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating a portion of components of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating a portion of components of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 18 It is along Figure 17 A cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line FF'. Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating a portion of components of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 20 It is along Figure 19 A cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line G-G'.

[0095] Reference Figures 16 to 20 , the stopper 650 of the battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be fixed to the guide rail 610. For example, the top and bottom of the stopper 650 may be fixed separately.

[0096] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the stopper 650 can reliably limit the sliding range and the moving range of the bus bar 640. As a result, the sliding range of each bus bar 640 can be ensured, and the electrical safety of the battery assembly can be improved.

[0097] Reference Figures 16 to 20 , the battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a fixing member 660 that fixes the stopper 650 to the guide rail 610. In addition, the electrode lead 320 may be coupled, connected, or fixed to the bus bar 640 by welding. A plurality of welding portions 331 may couple, connect, or fix the electrode lead 320 to the bus bar 640.

[0098] Reference Figure 17 and Figure 18 , the fixing member 660 may extend in the front-to-back direction or the X-axis direction. In addition, the fixing member 660 may pass through the guide rail 610 and the protrusion 651. Alternatively, the fixing member 660 may pass through the guide rail 610, the protrusion 651 and the guide rail mounting portion 410. The fixing member 660 may pass through the guide rail 610, the protrusion 651 and the guide rail mounting portion 410 in the front-to-back direction or the X-axis direction. At this time, the fixing member 660 may have a thread formed along the longitudinal direction. In addition, the fixing member 660 may be fastened with a nut 661. The fixing member 660 may be provided in plurality. The fixing member 660 may pass through the upper protrusion 651 and the lower protrusion 651 of the stopper 650 respectively. For one stopper 650, two fixing members 660 may be provided accordingly.

[0099] Reference Figure 19 and Figure 20 , the fixing member 660 may extend in the up-down direction or the Z-axis direction. In addition, the fixing member 660 may penetrate the guide rail 610 and the protrusion 651. The fixing member 660 may penetrate the guide rail 610 and the protrusion 651 in the up-down direction or the Z-axis direction. In this case, the fixing member 660 may have a thread formed along the longitudinal direction. A plurality of fixing members 660 may be provided. The fixing members 660 may respectively penetrate the upper protrusion 651 and the lower protrusion 651 of the stopper 650. Two fixing members 660 may be provided correspondingly to one stopper 650.

[0100] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the assembly and stability of the stopper 650 can be improved. The stopper 650 can be assembled to the guide rail 610 by sliding like the bus bar 640. In addition, the stopper 650 or the bus bar 640 can be slidably connected to the guide rail 610 in turn. In addition, the stopper 650 can be aligned and fixed in place by the fixing member 660.

[0101] Figure 21 It is along Figure 16A cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line EE'. Figure 22 It shows Figure 21 An enlarged view of part H. Figure 23 It shows that when expansion occurs Figure 21 An enlarged view of part H.

[0102] Reference Figure 21 and Figure 22 , each of the multiple battery cells 300 of the battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a receiving portion 310, a sealing portion 320 and an electrode lead 330. The receiving portion 310 can receive the electrode assembly. The sealing portion 320 can extend along the periphery of the receiving portion 310. For example, a battery cell 300 having three sealed sides can have sealing portions 320 formed on the three sides along the periphery of the receiving portion 310. The sealing portion 320 can also be referred to as a platform 320. The sealing portions 320 of the battery cell 300 can be formed on the front side, top side and rear side of the receiving portion 310, respectively. The electrode lead 330 can protrude forward from the sealing portion 320. The electrode lead 330 can be electrically and physically connected to the bus bar 640. The electrode lead 330 and the bus bar 640 can be combined by welding.

[0103] The battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a platform support portion 420. The platform support portion 420 may extend rearward from the frame 400 and support the sealing portion 320. For example, the platform support portion 420 may be located between a pair of adjacent sealing portions 320. In addition, the platform support portion 420 may support the front surfaces of the pair of adjacent battery cells 300a, 300b. Alternatively, the platform support portion 420 may contact the front surfaces of the pair of adjacent battery cells 300a, 300b.

[0104] The width ( D1 ) of the platform support portion 420 may be smaller than the distance ( D2 ) between the pair of adjacent sealing portions 320 .

[0105] In addition, the platform support portion 420 may have an elastic member 430 on the rear side. The elastic member 430 may have a pad shape. In addition, the elastic member 430 may include a polyurethane material. Alternatively, the elastic member 430 may include a silicone material. The elastic member 430 may support the receiving portion 310 of the battery cell 300.

[0106] The battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an elastic pad 500. The elastic pad 500 may be configured to correspond to the area of ​​the accommodating portion 310. The elastic pad 500 may be located or fixed between the accommodating portions 310 of adjacent battery cells 300. The elastic pad 500 may include a polyurethane material. Alternatively, the elastic pad 500 may include a silicone material. When the battery cell 300 expands due to expansion, the elastic pad 500 may be compressed and deformed along the left and right directions or the Y-axis direction, thereby minimizing the deformation of the battery assembly. In addition, the elastic pad 500 may have high heat resistance and high fire resistance. Therefore, the elastic pad 500 can be used as a barrier to prevent the transmission of exhaust gas or combustible particles.

[0107] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, damage to the battery cell 300 can be prevented. Figure 23 , an expansion phenomenon may occur in the first battery cell 300a of the two adjacent battery cells 300a and 300b. At this time, the sealing portion 320 of the first battery cell 300a may move in the +Y axis direction or to the right. As a result, the sealing portion 320 of the second battery cell 300b may be pulled in the +Y axis direction or to the right. At this time, the width (D1) of the platform support portion 420 is smaller than the distance (D2) between the pair of adjacent sealing portions 320, thereby providing additional space in which the sealing portion 320 of the second battery cell 300b can be pulled. In addition, when the sealing portion 320 of the second battery cell 300b is pulled, the sealing portion 320 can become close to the platform support portion 420. The platform support portion 420 can stably support the sealing portion 320 to minimize damage to the sealing portion 320.

[0108] Reference Figure 23 , an expansion phenomenon may occur in the first battery cell 300a. At this time, the sealing portion 320 of the first battery cell 300a may move in the +Y axis direction or to the right. In addition, the bus bar 640 connected to the electrode lead 330 of the first battery cell 300a may slide or move along the guide rail 610. The bus bar 640 may slide or move in the +Y axis direction or to the right. Since the bus bar 640 moves along the sealing portion 320 of the first battery cell 300a, the tension or stress applied to the sealing portion 320 or the electrode lead 330 of the first battery cell 300a can be reduced. Therefore, damage to the first battery cell 300a can be prevented. In addition, disconnection of the electrode lead 330 can be prevented. In addition, fracture near the boundary between the electrode lead 330 and the sealing portion 320 can be prevented.

[0109] Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a thermal event from the first battery cell 300a and to extend the life of the battery assembly.

[0110] The battery assembly of the present disclosure may refer to a battery module or a battery pack. When the battery assembly refers to a battery module, the battery assembly may further include various components, such as components of a battery module known at the time of filing this application, such as a battery module housing, a cooling unit, etc.

[0111] In addition, when the battery assembly refers to a battery pack, the battery assembly according to the present disclosure may further include various components, for example, components of a battery pack known at the time of filing this application, such as a BMS, bus bars, relays, current sensors, etc.

[0112] The vehicle according to the present disclosure may include the battery assembly according to the present disclosure. The battery assembly according to the present disclosure may be applied to vehicles such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles. In addition, the vehicle according to the present disclosure may further include various other components included in the vehicle, such as a vehicle body, a motor, and a control device similar to an ECU (electronic control unit), in addition to the battery assembly.

[0113] Terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and rear are used for convenience of description, but it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms may vary depending on the position of the elements or observers.

[0114] The present disclosure has been described in detail. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

Claims

1. A battery assembly comprising: a housing providing an interior space; a plurality of battery cells housed in the housing and stacked in a left-right direction; a guide rail disposed in the housing and extending in a left-right direction; as well as A bus bar is configured to be slidable along the guide rail and electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells.

2. The battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein: At least a portion of the bus bar is inserted into the guide rail.

3. The battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The guide rails are provided as a pair of guide rails, and the pair of guide rails are arranged in an up-down direction.

4. The battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The guide rail is configured to have electrical insulation. 5 . The battery assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising a stopper mounted on the guide rail and limiting a moving range of the bus bar.

6. The battery assembly according to claim 5, in, The bus bar is provided as a plurality of bus bars, and Wherein, the stopper is arranged between the plurality of bus bars.

7. The battery assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The stopper is fixed to the guide rail. 8 . The battery assembly according to claim 5 , further comprising a fixing member configured to fix the stopper to the guide rail.

9. The battery assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The stopper is configured to have electrical insulation.

10. The battery assembly according to claim 5, in, The guide rails are provided as a pair of guide rails, the pair of guide rails being arranged in an up-down direction, and The stopper extends in an up-down direction and has two ends mounted on the pair of guide rails. 11 . The battery assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising a frame, the frame being provided at the housing and the guide rail being mounted on the frame.

12. The battery assembly according to claim 11, in, Each of the plurality of battery cells comprises: a housing portion, the housing portion comprising an electrode assembly; a sealing portion extending forward from the accommodating portion; and an electrode lead, the electrode lead protruding forward from the sealing portion, The battery assembly further includes a platform support portion extending rearward from the frame and supporting the sealing portion. 13 . The battery assembly according to claim 11 , further comprising a guide portion extending rearward from the frame and positioned above the plurality of battery cells.

14. A battery pack comprising the battery assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A vehicle comprising the battery assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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