Battery assembly and battery pack including the battery assembly

Abstract

A battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a battery cell stack, wherein a plurality of battery cells including electrode leads are stacked in the battery cell stack; a frame that houses the battery cell stack and has an open top surface; and a top cover assembly that covers the open top surface of the frame. The top cover assembly includes a top cover having partition walls.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0038300, filed on March 20, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0033136, filed on March 14, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] This disclosure relates to battery modules and battery packs including the battery modules, and more specifically, to battery modules and battery packs including the battery modules that have improved safety and fire resistance during the ignition of battery cells in the battery modules. Background Technology

[0004] In modern society, with the widespread use of portable devices such as mobile phones, laptops, camcorders, and digital cameras, technological development in fields related to these mobile devices has been active. Furthermore, rechargeable / dischargeable secondary batteries are used as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs) in an attempt to address issues such as air pollution caused by existing gasoline vehicles using fossil fuels. Therefore, the need to develop secondary batteries is growing.

[0005] Currently available rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium rechargeable batteries. Among them, lithium rechargeable batteries have attracted much attention due to the following advantages: for example, compared with nickel-based rechargeable batteries, lithium rechargeable batteries exhibit almost no memory effect and are therefore freely charged and discharged, and have a very low self-discharge rate and high energy density.

[0006] This type of lithium secondary battery typically uses lithium-based oxide and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. A lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly and an external material or battery casing. In the electrode assembly, positive and negative electrode plates, respectively coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials, are arranged, and a separator is inserted between the positive and negative electrode plates. The external material or battery casing hermetically seals and houses the electrode assembly and electrolyte together.

[0007] Generally, lithium secondary batteries can be classified according to the shape of their external materials into can-type secondary batteries with electrode components built into a metal can and bag-type batteries with electrode components built into a bag of aluminum laminated paper.

[0008] In the case of secondary batteries used in small devices, two to three battery cells are used. However, in the case of secondary batteries used in medium and large devices such as automobiles, battery modules with multiple battery cells electrically connected are used. In such battery modules, multiple battery cells are connected in series or parallel to form cell assemblies, thereby increasing capacity and output. Furthermore, one or more battery modules can be installed together with various control and protection systems such as battery disconnect units (BDUs), battery management systems (BMSs), and cooling systems to form battery packs.

[0009] In battery packs configured to aggregate multiple battery modules, heat generated from the individual battery cells can accumulate in the confined space, causing temperatures to rise more rapidly and excessively. In other words, while battery modules and packs containing these modules can achieve high output, the heat generated from the battery cells is difficult to dissipate during charging and discharging. When heat dissipation of the battery cells is not properly implemented or thermal runaway occurs within the cells, the likelihood of explosion or fire increases.

[0010] If the venting of gases, flames, etc., is not properly controlled, there is a risk that these gases or flames may be emitted towards other battery modules, potentially leading to a thermal chain reaction within those modules. Specifically, module terminals (e.g., busbars) used for electrical connection to other battery modules or battery packs may be located on the front side of the battery module; however, if gases or flames are emitted towards the front of the battery module, they may damage the battery module terminals in the battery pack, causing an electrical short circuit. Furthermore, other battery modules may be located on the front side of the battery module; however, if gases or flames are emitted towards the front of the battery module, the emitted gases or flames may be directed towards other battery modules, potentially leading to a chain explosion or fire between the battery modules.

[0011] If heat transfer between battery modules or battery cells is uncontrolled, a rapid voltage drop may occur within the battery module or battery pack. This could lead to a sudden interruption of the device housing the battery module or battery pack and potentially cause accidental damage. For example, if a voltage drop occurs in the battery pack while an electric vehicle is being driven, the electric vehicle user may suffer accidental injury or death due to the interruption of device operation.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a 3D view showing a conventional battery module. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a conventional battery module.

[0013] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2A conventional battery module 10 is configured such that multiple battery cells 11 are stacked to form a battery cell stack 20, and the battery cell stack 20 is housed in a frame 30. The battery module may include the frame 30 housing the battery cell stack 20 and end plates 60 covering the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 20. As an example, the conventional frame 30 may include a lower frame 40 covering the two side surfaces and the lower surface of the battery cell stack 20, and an upper cover 50 covering the upper surface of the battery cell stack 20. Additionally, the conventional battery assembly 10 may also include a busbar frame 70 located between the end plates 60 and the battery cell stack 20.

[0014] During the ignition of a specific battery cell 11, the flames or gases generated may be transmitted to other adjacent battery cells 11 in the battery module 10. In this case, when the flames spread to other adjacent battery cells 11, those adjacent battery cells 11 may be damaged, and they may also ignite. This could lead to an explosion of the battery module 10, and the flames or gases may spread to the outside of the battery module 10, causing even greater damage. Therefore, it is important to prevent the flames or gases generated during the ignition of a battery cell 11 from spreading to other adjacent battery cells 11 in the battery module 10. Summary of the Invention

[0015] Technical issues

[0016] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a battery assembly that offers improved safety and fire resistance during the ignition of battery cells within the assembly. Specifically, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a battery assembly and a battery pack including the battery assembly, which can protect other adjacent battery cells in the battery assembly from the effects of flames or gases when a battery cell catches fire, and can quickly ignite the flames or gases.

[0017] However, the technical objectives to be addressed by the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to the above-described objectives, and various extensions can be made within the scope of the technical concepts included in this disclosure.

[0018] Technical solution

[0019] According to certain aspects of this disclosure, a battery assembly is provided, the battery assembly comprising: a battery cell stack having a plurality of battery cells including electrode leads stacked in the battery cell stack; a frame having the battery cell stack housed in the frame and the upper surface of the frame being open; and a top cover assembly covering the open upper surface of the frame, wherein the top cover assembly includes a top cover having a partition wall.

[0020] The top cover may include one or more flexible laminates and silicone layers.

[0021] The laminate can have a thickness of 0.1 mm or greater and 0.2 mm or less.

[0022] The laminate can have a thickness of 0.5 mm or greater and 1.0 mm or less.

[0023] The laminate can be attached to the top or bottom of the silicone layer.

[0024] The top cover may also include a membrane layer containing flame-retardant material.

[0025] The laminate may have a cut-out portion, which is cut into a shape that has an upward or downward opening.

[0026] The top cover assembly may include a top plate located at the lower end of the top cover.

[0027] The top plate may include one or more vent holes for discharging gas from the frame.

[0028] The top cover may include a rupture portion positioned to correspond to an exhaust port and configured to rupture at a predetermined pressure or higher.

[0029] An opening may be formed in the area of ​​the circumferential edge of the fractured portion, excluding the connecting portion, and the fractured portion may have a shape that is connected to the top cover through the connecting portion.

[0030] According to certain other aspects of this disclosure, a battery pack is provided, comprising: the aforementioned battery assembly; a battery pack frame in which the battery assembly is housed and the upper part of the battery pack frame is open; and a battery pack cover covering the open upper part of the battery pack frame, wherein the space between the battery pack cover and the top cover, separated by a partition wall, forms an exhaust flow path.

[0031] The partition wall can be separated from the battery pack cover by a gap.

[0032] The partition wall can be placed against the lower end of the battery pack cover.

[0033] A partition wall is provided at at least one location between battery cells. In a battery cell stack, one or more battery cells are separated by the partition wall to form a battery cell unit, and the battery cell unit and the exhaust flow path can correspond on a one-to-one basis.

[0034] Beneficial effects

[0035] According to certain embodiments of this disclosure, the top cover of the battery assembly is provided with a partition wall, thereby preventing flames or gases generated in the battery cells from spreading to other adjacent battery cells in the battery assembly. Thus, when a battery cell catches fire, other adjacent battery cells in the battery assembly can be protected from the effects of flames or gases.

[0036] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the description of the appended claims other additional effects not mentioned above. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a 3D view showing a conventional battery assembly.

[0038] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing a conventional battery assembly.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing a battery assembly according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a plan view showing a battery assembly according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view showing a battery assembly according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view showing a top cover assembly according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing a top cover according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 8 It shows along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the top cover section cut by the cutting line A-A'.

[0045] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing a top plate according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing a top cover and a top plate according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of a battery pack according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 13 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 14 This is a plan view of a battery pack according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 15 This is a partial perspective view showing a battery assembly housed in a battery pack according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 16 It shows along Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of the section cut by the cutting line B-B'.

[0053] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly and battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly and battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0055] In the following description, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be detailed to the extent that those skilled in the art can readily practice it. The present disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0056] For clarity in describing this disclosure, descriptions of parts unrelated to this disclosure will be omitted, and identical or similar parts will be indicated by the same reference numerals throughout the description.

[0057] For ease of description, the dimensions and thicknesses of each component are arbitrarily illustrated in the accompanying drawings; therefore, this disclosure is not necessarily limited to the illustrated dimensions and thicknesses. The drawings depict thicknesses at an enlarged scale to clearly show the different layers and regions. Furthermore, the drawings enlarge the thickness of a particular layer or region for ease of description.

[0058] When layers, films, regions, plates, etc., are disposed "on" a specific part, the description includes not only cases where the layers, films, regions, plates, etc., are disposed "directly" on the specific part, but also cases where the layers, films, regions, plates, etc., are disposed on the specific part via another part. When a part is disposed "directly" on another part, this indicates that there is no new component between the two parts. Furthermore, when a component is disposed "on" a reference part, this indicates that the component exists at the top or bottom of the reference part, and does not necessarily indicate that the component is disposed only at the top of the reference part opposite to the direction of gravity.

[0059] Throughout this description, when a part “includes” a component, it does not indicate that the part excludes other components, but rather that the part may include other components, unless otherwise defined.

[0060] Throughout this description, the term "in a plan view" refers to an object viewed from above, and the term "in a cross-sectional view" refers to a vertical cross-section of an object viewed from the side.

[0061] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing a battery assembly 100 according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a plan view showing a battery assembly 100 according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view showing a battery assembly 100 according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view showing a top cover assembly 140 according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] Reference Figures 3 to 6 According to one specific embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery assembly 100 includes: a battery cell stack 120, in which a plurality of battery cells 110, including electrode leads 111, are stacked; a frame 130, in which the battery cell stack 120 is housed, and the upper surface of the frame 130 is open; and a top cover assembly 140, which covers the open upper surface of the frame 130. The top cover assembly 140 includes a top cover 141, which includes a partition wall 141a. The direction in which the electrode leads 111 protrude from the battery cells 110 may be parallel to the Y-axis.

[0063] When battery cell 110 catches fire, the flame or gas generated will not be transmitted to other adjacent battery cells 110 in the battery assembly 100 through the partition wall 141a. That is, the partition wall 141a can prevent the flame or gas from moving to other adjacent battery cells 110 in the battery assembly 100. More specifically, the flame or gas generated during the ignition of battery cell 110 moves to the exhaust flow path, which is a space separated by the partition wall 141a described below. Flame or gas flowing into one of the exhaust flow paths is blocked by the partition wall 141a from moving to other exhaust flow paths. Therefore, it is possible to prevent flame or gas generated in one battery cell 110 from causing the ignition of other battery cells 110 while moving to other battery cells 110, ultimately minimizing heat transfer between battery cells. This allows other adjacent battery cells 110 in the battery assembly 100 to be protected from the effects of flame or gas during the ignition of battery cell 110.

[0064] The top cover 141 may include one or more flexible laminated layers 141b and silicone layers 141c.

[0065] Because one or more laminated layers 141b and silicone layers 141c constituting the top cover 141 are flexible, workers can easily manufacture the partition walls 141a of the top cover 141 by bending or folding the top cover 141. Furthermore, the top cover 141 according to a specific embodiment of this disclosure is composed of laminated layers and silicone, which are relatively inexpensive compared to steel and aluminum, thus achieving cost reduction.

[0066] The silicone layer 141c is included in the top cover 141, which allows for protection against heat from the burning battery cell 110 to the upper end of the battery assembly 100. Figure 3 Heat transfer in the +Z axis direction.

[0067] The laminate 141b can be a double-sided laminate (double-sided HPI).

[0068] The laminate 141b is configured by laminating HPI, which is a flame retardant material, on both sides, which allows the combustion phenomenon to be delayed from spreading to other adjacent battery cells 110 during the ignition of battery cell 110.

[0069] A bonding material (not shown) for bonding the laminate 141b and the silicone layer 141c may be included between the laminate 141b and the silicone layer 141c. By bonding the laminate 141b and the silicone layer 141c via the bonding material, the mechanical strength of the top cover 141 can be ensured.

[0070] In one specific embodiment of this disclosure, the thickness of the laminate 141b may be 0.1 mm or greater and 0.2 mm or less.

[0071] The thickness of laminate 141b is designed to ensure both heat resistance and flame retardancy. This thickness range is suitable for effectively blocking heat or flame that may occur inside the battery assembly 100. In addition, laminate 141b can maintain stable physical strength during manufacturing while preventing weight increases and unnecessary manufacturing cost increases due to a thickness exceeding the required thickness.

[0072] Specifically, when the thickness of the laminate is 0.1 mm or greater and 0.2 mm or less, it can delay flame propagation when thermal runaway occurs inside the battery assembly 100, while ensuring additional mechanical stability, thereby further mitigating external forces or thermal shocks applied inside the battery assembly 100. In other words, within this thickness range, the laminate 141b can exhibit uniform bonding and heat resistance properties.

[0073] As a result, when the thickness of the laminate 141b is 0.1 mm or greater and 0.2 mm or less, the interior of the battery assembly 100 can be effectively protected while maintaining a lighter weight. Even if heat or fire occurs inside the battery assembly 100, the laminate 141b exhibits flame-retardant properties and minimizes heat transfer to adjacent areas. Furthermore, production costs can be reduced by using a reasonable amount of material during manufacturing, and the required heat resistance, flame retardancy, mechanical strength, etc., can be consistently ensured. This increases the reliability and safety of the battery assembly 100.

[0074] In one specific embodiment of this disclosure, the thickness of the silicone layer 141c may be 0.5 mm or greater and 1.0 mm or less.

[0075] This thickness range is suitable for consistently ensuring flame retardancy and heat resistance. Even in the event of heat generation or thermal runaway, the silicone layer 141c is protected from excessive physical deformation. Furthermore, manufacturing costs are reduced by preventing unnecessary thickness increases.

[0076] Specifically, when the thickness of the silicone layer 141c is 0.5 mm or greater and 1.0 mm or less, the silicone layer 141c can maintain stable physical strength even under external impact or explosion, while reducing the risk of damage to the silicone layer 141c due to heat from the heating area. This silicone layer 141c can further delay the heat diffusion process, thereby reducing the heat load applied to adjacent areas.

[0077] As a result, the silicone layer 141c has a thickness of 0.5 mm or greater and 1.0 mm or less, which makes it easier to control heat and flames that may occur inside the battery assembly 100. Therefore, damage to internal components can be delayed or prevented in the event of thermal runaway. Furthermore, a thickness of 0.5 mm or greater is sufficient to maintain heat resistance and mechanical strength, while a thickness of 1.0 mm or less can suppress unnecessary material usage, thereby improving economic efficiency. This allows for a balanced approach to achieving internal stability and weight reduction.

[0078] In one specific embodiment of this disclosure, the laminate may be attached to the upper or lower portion of the silicone layer.

[0079] This attachment structure offers advantages in that it stably maintains the interface between the laminate 141b and the silicone layer 141c under heat propagation conditions. Furthermore, the location of the laminate 141b at the top or bottom allows the heat resistance and flame retardancy of the silicone layer 141c to complement each other.

[0080] When the laminate 141b is attached to the upper part of the silicone layer 141c, physical impacts or heat generated from the upper side can be primarily mitigated by the laminate 141b. For example, even in the case of rapid heat conduction, the silicone layer 141c can be protected from direct exposure. Furthermore, when the laminate 141b is attached to the lower part of the silicone layer 141c, the area of ​​contact with the lower structure can be ensured, thereby improving mechanical stability. In addition, heat or impacts emitted in the lower direction can be mitigated first by the laminate 141b, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the silicone layer 141c.

[0081] By connecting the laminate 141b and the silicone layer 141c in this manner, the battery assembly 100 can be expected to provide stable protection even in the event of thermal runaway. The laminate 141b is made of a highly flame-retardant material and can be used to block heat diffusion. The silicone layer 141c provides excellent heat resistance and a degree of mechanical cushioning. Therefore, by flexibly selecting the bonding positions of the laminate 141b and the silicone layer 141c, the thermal stability and impact resistance of the battery assembly 100 can be ensured together.

[0082] In one specific embodiment of this disclosure, the top cover 141 may further include a membrane layer comprising a flame-retardant material.

[0083] Flame-retardant materials can be, for example, MICA or glass fiber. This membrane layer is suitable for delaying thermal runaway or flame propagation while supplementing the heat and chemical resistance of the top cover 141. That is, in the event of a rapid increase in heat or ignition, the membrane layer can delay damage to a portion of the top cover 141. Specifically, MICA included in the membrane layer does not significantly deform even when exposed to high temperatures and can exhibit excellent flame retardancy. On the other hand, membrane layers including glass fiber can help suppress heat diffusion while providing high mechanical tensile strength. These flame-retardant materials can be uniformly attached to the top cover 141 even when they are of thin thickness, so that the overall volume of the battery assembly 100 does not increase significantly.

[0084] The film layer, including flame-retardant materials, improves the heat resistance and impact resistance of the top cover 141, and also delays the rapid spread of flames or harmful gases generated inside the battery assembly 100 to adjacent areas. Furthermore, since the film layer can use relatively lightweight materials, weight gain can be minimized and cost efficiency maintained. Thus, both the safety and reliability of the battery assembly 100 can be ensured simultaneously. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing a top cover according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 It shows along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the top cover cut along cutting line A-A'. Specifically, Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view showing the top cover before the partition walls are formed, and Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the top cover after the partition wall has been formed.

[0085] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The laminate 141b may have a cut-out portion 141b', which is cut to have an upward or downward orientation. Figure 7 The shape of the opening in the +Z axis or -Z axis direction.

[0086] like Figure 7 As shown, the top cover 141 can initially be manufactured in a flat state. The partition wall 141a can be manufactured later in a bent or folded manner.

[0087] Workers manufacturing the partition wall 141a can more easily bend or fold the laminate 141b through the cut portion 141b'. Therefore, the manufacturing time of the top cover 141 can be shortened, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the top cover 141.

[0088] The dimensions of the position and shape of the cutout 141b' can be determined in various ways based on the material properties of the top cover 141.

[0089] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing a top plate 142 according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 9 The top cover assembly 140 may include a top plate 142 located at the lower end of the top cover 141.

[0091] The top plate 142 is a component used to provide rigidity for the battery assembly 100 and may be made of a metallic material, but the material of the top plate 142 is not necessarily limited to this.

[0092] The top plate 142 may include a PC film (not shown) having pores that allow for the discharge of flames or gases generated in the burning battery cell 110.

[0093] The PC film is disposed at the lower end of the top plate 142, so that the PC film can be used to prevent the battery cell and the top plate 142 from directly contacting each other and causing a short circuit.

[0094] The PC film may include one or more separators. Due to the separators of the PC film, flames or gases generated in a burning battery cell 110 can be prevented from spreading to adjacent battery cells 110.

[0095] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing a top cover 141 and a top plate 142 according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11This is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 The top plate 142 may include at least one vent 142a for discharging gas from the frame 130.

[0097] Through the vent 142a, the flame or gas generated in the burning battery cell 110 can be smoothly discharged to the outside.

[0098] The number of vent holes 142a can be one or more, and can be determined in various ways according to the capacity of the battery cell 110, the value of the battery assembly 100, etc. The shape of the vent hole 142a is not limited to the elliptical shape shown in the figure.

[0099] The top cover 141 may include a rupture portion 141d, which is positioned to correspond to the vent 142a and configured to rupture under a predetermined pressure or higher. As an example, when the top cover assembly 140 is viewed from above along the height direction, the vent 142a and the rupture portion 141d may correspond to each other on a one-to-one basis. Here, observation along the height direction may correspond to observation along the -Z axis direction in the XY plane.

[0100] An opening 141f can be formed in the circumferential edge of the rupture portion 141d, in a region other than the connecting portion 141e. The rupture portion 141d can be connected to the top cover 141 via the connecting portion 141e. In other words, by forming an opening 141f corresponding to the perforated region in the top cover 141 other than the connecting portion 141e, a rupture portion 141d with a structure that ruptures under a predetermined pressure can be provided in the top cover 141. However, the shape of the rupture portion 141d is an exemplary example in this disclosure, and the shape is not particularly limited, as long as the rupture portion 141d in this disclosure closes at normal time and then ruptures under a predetermined pressure or higher to cause the release of internal gas. The rupture portion 141d described below is an exemplary structure exhibiting this function.

[0101] The opening 141f can be formed in the area of ​​the circumferential edge of the rupture 141d, excluding the connecting portion 141e, and the rupture 141d can be connected to the top cover 141 via the connecting portion 141e. At the upper end of the top cover 141, when viewed along a direction perpendicular to the upper end of the top cover 141, the opening 141f can be formed outside the vent 142a. Here, viewing along the direction perpendicular to the upper end of the top cover 141 is the same as viewing along the aforementioned height direction.

[0102] When a standard battery assembly 100 is used, the connection portion 141e will not rupture. Since the opening 141f is formed outside the vent 142a, the vent 142a is closed by the rupture portion 141d under normal operating conditions of the battery assembly 100. When thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell 110 and gas is generated inside the battery assembly 100, the connection portion 141e ruptures, and the vent 142a is exposed to the outside. That is, due to the rupture of the vent 142a and the connection portion 141e, gas inside the battery assembly 100 is released through a hole formed on the top cover 141 along the shape of the opening 141f.

[0103] Therefore, the vent 142a can only function as a gas vent when gas is generated inside the battery assembly 100 due to thermal runaway of the battery cell 110 and the internal pressure rises above a predetermined reference value. This allows for improved stability of the battery assembly 100 while preventing situations such as reduced stability due to exposure of the internal configuration of the battery assembly 100 to the outside, and ensuring optimal performance of the battery assembly 100.

[0104] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of a battery pack according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14 This is a plan view of a battery pack according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 15 This is a partial perspective view showing a battery assembly housed in a battery pack according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 16 It shows along Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of the section intercepted by the cutting line B-B'. Specifically, Figure 12 This is a partial perspective view showing the battery assembly 100 housed in the battery pack 1000 with the battery pack cover 1200 removed.

[0105] Reference Figures 12 to 16 According to one specific embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery pack 1000 includes: a battery assembly 100; a battery pack frame 1100, in which the battery assembly 100 is housed and the upper part of the battery pack frame 1100 is open; and a battery pack cover 1200, which covers the open upper part of the battery pack frame 1100. The space between the battery pack cover 1200 and the top cover 141, separated by a partition wall 141a, forms an exhaust flow path 1300.

[0106] Because the exhaust flow path 1300 is separated by the partition wall 141a, flames or gases generated in a burning battery cell 110 can be prevented from moving to adjacent exhaust flow paths 1300. Therefore, the transmission of flames or gases to other adjacent battery cells 110 in the battery assembly 100 can be minimized. In this embodiment, the partition wall 141a can be spaced apart from the battery pack cover 1200 by a gap. Even if the partition wall 141a and the battery pack cover 1200 are spaced apart by a predetermined gap, the presence of the partition wall 141a makes it difficult for flames or gases in one exhaust flow path 1300 to easily propagate to another exhaust flow path 1300. Conversely, the configuration in which the exhaust flow paths 1300 are connected to each other at predetermined intervals in this way can help reduce the temperature of the flames or gases. With the above configuration, when a battery cell 110 catches fire, other adjacent battery cells 110 in the battery assembly 100 can be protected from the effects of flames or gases.

[0107] Figure 17 and Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly and battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] Reference Figure 17 The partition wall 141a can abut against the lower end of the battery pack cover 1200. The multiple exhaust flow paths 1300 separated by the partition wall 141a may not be interconnected. Therefore, flames or gases may not propagate to other adjacent battery cells 110 in the battery pack 100. This protects other adjacent battery cells 110 in the battery pack 100 from the effects of flames or gases in the event of a fire.

[0109] Reference Figure 18 The partition wall 150 can be disposed at at least one location of the battery cell 110. In the battery cell stack 120, at least one battery cell 110 can be separated based on the partition wall 150 to form a battery cell 110 unit. The battery cell 110 unit and the exhaust flow path 1300 can correspond on a one-to-one basis.

[0110] By providing partitions 150 between battery cells 110, a battery cell 110 unit can be formed between partitions 150 and adjacent partitions 150. Due to the partitions 150, flames or gases generated in a burning battery cell 110 can be prevented from moving to adjacent battery cell 110 units. Therefore, flames or gases cannot be transmitted to other adjacent battery cells 110 in the battery assembly 100. This protects other adjacent battery cells 110 in the battery assembly 100 from the effects of flames or gases when a battery cell 110 catches fire.

[0111] Since the battery cell 110 units separated by the partition wall 150 can correspond one-to-one with the exhaust flow path 1300, the flame or gas generated in a burning battery cell 110 can be doubly restricted from moving to other locations by the partition wall 150 and the partition wall 141a. That is, it can prevent the flame or gas generated in one battery cell 110 from spreading to other adjacent battery cells 110 in the battery assembly 100. Furthermore, it can block the spread of flame or gas generated in a battery cell 110 unit to other battery cell 110 units. This allows for more reliable protection of other adjacent battery cells 110 in the battery assembly 100 from the effects of flame or gas when a battery cell 110 catches fire.

[0112] The partition wall 150 can be formed from a composite material (e.g., sheet + silicone laminate). Specifically, the sheet can be a flame-retardant sheet and can be used to prevent the inflow of external flames, and the silicone laminate can be used to stably maintain the shape of the panel and enhance its rigidity. Additionally, the partition wall 150 can be formed as a ribbed structure. The thickness of the partition wall 150 can be set to a range of about 0.5 mm or more to 1.5 mm or less, and by having such a thickness range, heat resistance and mechanical stability can be ensured. If desired, an additional flame-retardant coating can be applied to the partition wall 150.

[0113] As a result, with this configuration, when the battery cell 110 catches fire, the partition wall 150 can effectively prevent the flame or gas from spreading to the adjacent battery cell 110.

[0114] The battery pack 1000 can be applied to a variety of devices. Specifically, it can be applied to transportation vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles, or energy storage systems (ESS), and can be applied to various devices that can use secondary batteries, but is not limited to these.

[0115] Although terms such as front, back, left, right, top, and bottom have been used in this embodiment to indicate directions, these terms are provided merely for ease of description and may vary depending on the position of the object, the position of the observer, etc.

[0116] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements using the basic concepts of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims, which also fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0117] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0118] 100: Battery Components

[0119] 130: Framework

[0120] 140: Top cover assembly

[0121] 141: Top Cover

[0122] 141a: partition wall

[0123] 142: Top plate

[0124] 1200: Battery pack cover

[0125] 1300: Exhaust flow path

Claims

1. A battery assembly, the battery assembly comprising: A battery cell stack, comprising multiple battery cells, including electrode leads, stacked in the battery cell stack; A frame in which the battery cell stack is housed and the upper surface of the frame is open; as well as A top cover assembly that covers the open upper surface of the frame. The top cover assembly includes a top cover, and the top cover includes a partition wall.

2. The battery assembly according to claim 1, in, The top cover includes one or more flexible laminates and a silicone layer.

3. The battery assembly according to claim 2, in, The laminate has a thickness of 0.1 mm or greater and 0.2 mm or less.

4. The battery assembly according to claim 2, in, The silicone layer has a thickness of 0.5 mm or greater and 1.0 mm or less.

5. The battery assembly according to claim 2, in, The laminate is attached to the upper or lower part of the silicone layer.

6. The battery assembly according to claim 2, in, The top cover also includes a membrane layer containing flame-retardant material.

7. The battery assembly according to claim 2, in, The laminate has a cutout portion, which is cut into a shape that has an upward or downward opening.

8. The battery assembly according to claim 1, in, The top cover assembly includes a top plate located at the lower end of the top cover.

9. The battery assembly according to claim 8, in, The top plate includes one or more vent holes for discharging gas from the frame.

10. The battery assembly according to claim 9, in, The top cover includes a rupture portion positioned to correspond to the vent and configured to rupture at a predetermined pressure or higher.

11. The battery assembly according to claim 10, in, An opening is formed in the region of the circumferential edge of the fractured portion, excluding the connecting portion, and the fractured portion has a shape that connects to the top cover through the connecting portion.

12. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: The battery assembly according to claim 1; A battery pack frame, in which the battery assembly is housed and the upper part of the battery pack frame is open; as well as A battery pack cover that covers the open upper portion of the battery pack frame. The space between the battery pack cover and the top cover, separated by the partition wall, becomes the exhaust flow path.

13. The battery pack according to claim 12, in, The partition wall is separated from the battery pack cover by a gap.

14. The battery pack according to claim 12, in, The partition wall abuts against the lower end of the battery pack cover.

15. The battery pack according to claim 12, in, A partition wall is provided at at least one location between the battery cells. In the battery cell stack, one or more battery cells are separated based on the partition wall to form a battery cell unit, and The battery cell unit and the exhaust flow path correspond on a one-to-one basis.

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