Refractory assembly

Abstract

The utility model relates to a fire-resistant assembly, which comprises a fire-resistant part, a fire-resistant component and a fire-resistant component, and a columnar exterior material that accommodates the refractory member therein.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a fire-resistant component inserted into a battery component, in particular to a fire-resistant component inserted into a battery component in order to improve the thermal stability of the battery component. Background Art

[0002] Recently, due to fire and explosion incidents when using lithium secondary batteries, social concerns about the safety of battery use have been increasing. Due to such social concerns, one of the main development tasks of lithium secondary batteries recently is to eliminate the instability caused by thermal runaway of battery cells, such as fire and explosion.

[0003] In particular, there is space in the battery module / battery pack in addition to the battery cells that serve as energy sources. When a fire occurs due to external impact or a problem with the battery cells, the flames will spread through the space to the adjacent battery cells, which may increase the damage caused by the fire. The danger of such fires may become the biggest obstacle to the electric vehicle market, so research is continuing to study methods to reduce the spread of fires. Utility Model Content

[0004] First, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the purpose of the present invention is to prevent or delay (Mitigation) the high-temperature gas generated from a battery cell experiencing thermal runaway from escaping toward the pole ear direction of the battery cell in a battery assembly, for example, in one or more battery cells arranged inside the battery assembly.

[0005] Second, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, an object of the present invention is to vent (vent) high-temperature gas generated from a battery cell that has thermal runaway through a predetermined path.

[0006] Thirdly, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the purpose of the present invention is to improve the stability of a battery assembly by increasing heat resistance or fire resistance.

[0007] Fourthly, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the purpose of the present invention is to add a step of inserting a refractory assembly (or refractory assembly material, filling portion) into a space formed between a bus bar assembly and a battery cell tab in an existing battery assembly assembly process.

[0008] Fifth, according to another embodiment of the present invention, an object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing method that can easily configure a fire-resistant component when assembling a battery component.

[0009] On the other hand, the battery assembly of the utility model can be widely used in electric vehicles, battery charging stations, energy storage systems (ESS), and other green technologies such as solar power generation (Photovoltaics) and wind power generation (Wind Power) using batteries. In addition, the battery assembly of the utility model can be used for eco-friendly mobility including electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles to prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, the refractory assembly of the utility model may include: a refractory component, which includes a refractory material; and a columnar external material, which accommodates the refractory component inside.

[0011] The external material may begin to melt when a preset temperature is reached.

[0012] The above temperature may be lower than the melting point of the above refractory component.

[0013] The refractory component may contain silicon dioxide (SiO2).

[0014] On the other hand, at least one of the two ends of the external material is tapered.

[0015] On the other hand, the above-mentioned external material may include: a main body portion, which is columnar; a first end portion, which is combined on the upper side of the above-mentioned main body portion and closes one of the two ends of the opening of the above-mentioned main body portion; and a second end portion, which is combined on the lower side of the above-mentioned main body portion and closes the other end of the opening, and the above-mentioned first end portion is tapered in a direction away from the above-mentioned main body portion.

[0016] The second end portion may include a plane perpendicular to the main body portion.

[0017] On the other hand, the external material may include: a main body in a cylinder shape, at least one of the two ends of the main body being in an open state; and an end portion coupled to the main body to close the at least one open end.

[0018] The height of the external material may be greater than the maximum length of an end surface of the external material along a direction perpendicular to the height of the external material.

[0019] The refractory component may include a plurality of refractory particles.

[0020] The refractory component may be a refractory sheet in a roll form.

[0021] On the other hand, the external material may be in the shape of a cylinder.

[0022] Furthermore, the external material may be in a polyhedral shape.

[0023] On the other hand, the refractory component may be a solid filler.

[0024] Furthermore, the solid filler is in the form of a plurality of granular materials.

[0025] On the other hand, the utility model provides a method for manufacturing a refractory assembly, which may include: an external material, including a columnar main body and an end, at least one of the two ends of the main body is in an open state, and the end is combined with the one end of the opening; and a refractory component accommodated in a refractory space formed by the external material, wherein the method for manufacturing the refractory assembly includes: a step of inserting the refractory component into the refractory space; and a step of combining the end with the open end of the main body.

[0026] The manufacturing method of the refractory component of the utility model may further include a thermoforming step, wherein heat is applied to the refractory component after the end portions are combined.

[0027] Furthermore, in the method for manufacturing a refractory component of the present invention, in the hot forming step, the end portion may be welded to the main body portion.

[0028] On the other hand, the utility model provides a method for manufacturing a refractory component, which may include: an external material, including a columnar main body and a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end are respectively combined at two ends of an opening of the main body; and a refractory component accommodated in a refractory space formed by the external material. The method for manufacturing the refractory component includes: a step of combining the main body and the first end to form the refractory space; a step of inserting the refractory component into the refractory space; and a step of combining the second end at one end of the opening of the main body.

[0029] Furthermore, the manufacturing method of the refractory component of the utility model may further include a thermoforming step, wherein heat is applied to the refractory component after the second end is joined, and in the thermoforming step, the first end and the second end are welded to the main body.

[0030] First, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in one or more battery cells disposed inside a battery assembly, it is possible to prevent or delay (Mitigation) the high-temperature gas generated from a battery cell experiencing thermal runaway from escaping toward the tabs of the battery cell.

[0031] Second, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, high-temperature gas generated from a battery cell that has thermal runaway can be vented along a predetermined path.

[0032] Thirdly, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a step of inserting a fire-resistant assembly (or an insert member, a filling portion) into a space formed between a bus bar assembly and a battery cell tab can be added to the existing battery assembly assembly process.

[0033] Fourthly, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the fire-resistant component can be easily configured when assembling the battery component.

[0034] Fifth, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the stability of the battery assembly can be improved by increasing heat resistance or fire resistance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 This is an example of the battery assembly of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 This is an example of disassembling the battery assembly of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a diagram of the battery assembly of the present invention viewed from above.

[0038] Figure 4 To enlarge Figure 3 Figure 1 of Section S1.

[0039] Figure 5 An example of a refractory assembly housed in the insertion space is schematically shown as viewed from above.

[0040] Figure 6a An example of a refractory assembly housed in the insertion space is shown. Figure 6b Show Figure 6a A cross section of a refractory assembly is shown. Figure 6c Another example of the refractory assembly accommodated in the insertion space is shown.

[0041] Figure 7a Another example of the refractory assembly accommodated in the insertion space is shown. Figure 7b Show Figure 7a A cross section of a refractory assembly is shown.

[0042] Figure 8 This is a cross-section of an example of a battery module of the present invention as viewed from above.

[0043] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing an example of a battery module of the present invention as viewed from one side.

[0044] Fig.10a Another example of the refractory assembly accommodated in the insertion space is shown. Fig.10b Show Fig.10a A cross section of a refractory assembly is shown. Fig.10c This figure shows an example of decomposing external materials. Fig.10d This is another example of decomposing external materials.

[0045] Fig.11 This is another example of the battery assembly of the present invention viewed from one side.

[0046] Fig.12 A part of the battery assembly of the present invention is shown in an enlarged manner.

[0047] Fig.13 The schematic diagram shows a state in which the external material is melted and refractory particles, which are an example of a refractory member, are deposited in the insertion space in the form of particles.

[0048] Fig.14 An example is shown in which refractory particles, which are an example of a refractory member, are moved by flame or high-temperature gas.

[0049] Fig.15 This is a flow chart showing an example of a manufacturing process of the battery module of the present invention.

[0050] Figures 16a to 16c An example of each external material is shown.

[0051] Figures 17a to 17c An example of a method for manufacturing a refractory assembly is briefly shown.

[0052] Fig.18 This is a flowchart showing an example of a method for manufacturing a refractory component.

[0053] Fig.19 Another example of the battery pack of the present invention is shown.

[0054] Fig.20a A part of another example of the battery pack of the present invention is shown. Fig.20b A part of another example of the battery pack of the present invention is shown.

[0055] Description of Reference Numerals

[0056] 100: Battery cell stack 110: Battery cell

[0057] 119: Heat insulation component 150: Bus bar assembly

[0058] 200, 300: battery assembly 210: storage case

[0059] 211: Storage cover 219: Storage body

[0060] 270: Refractory components 271: Refractory parts

[0061] 273: External material 288: Insert space DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The structure or control method of the device described below is only used to illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, and is not used to limit the protection scope of the present invention. In the entire specification, the same figure marks represent the same structural elements.

[0063] Specific terms used in this specification are used for convenience of description only and are not intended to be limiting of the illustrated embodiments.

[0064] For example, expressions such as “same” and “identical” indicate not only completely identical states but also states having tolerances or differences in the degree to which the same functions are obtained.

[0065] For example, expressions such as "a direction", "along a direction", "side by side", "vertical", "centered on", "concentric" or "coaxial" indicating a relative or absolute configuration not only indicate such a configuration, but also indicate a state of relative displacement at an angle or distance with a tolerance or to obtain the same degree of functionality.

[0066] In the process of describing the present invention, the following description is based on a spatial orthogonal coordinate system based on mutually orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis. Unless otherwise mentioned, the Z direction represents the height direction, the X direction (or the first direction) represents one of the directions perpendicular to the height direction, and the Y direction (or the second direction) represents the direction perpendicular to the Z direction and the X direction.

[0067] However, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction mentioned below can clearly understand the description of the present invention, and each direction may be defined differently according to a reference.

[0068] The terms "first", "second", "third", etc., added before the structural elements mentioned below are only used to avoid confusion with the structural elements mentioned, and have nothing to do with the order, importance, or master-slave relationship between the structural elements. For example, a utility model without the first structural element but only the second structural element can also be embodied.

[0069] Unless clearly indicated in the context, the singular expressions used in this specification include the plural expressions.

[0070] Furthermore, the battery assembly 200, 300 of the present invention is a general term for a battery module or a battery pack. Therefore, the battery assembly 200, 300 of the present invention may mean a battery module and a battery pack such as a cell to pack (CTP) that accommodates battery cells without a battery assembly.

[0071] Figure 1 This is an example of the battery assembly 200 of the present invention.

[0072] Reference Figure 1 The battery assembly 200 may include a plurality of battery cells 110 and a receiving case 210 for receiving the plurality of battery cells 110 .

[0073] On the other hand, the plurality of battery cells 110 may respectively include a body portion 115 for generating or storing electric energy, and lead tab portions 111 and 112 protruding from the body portion 115 to the outside of the body portion 115. The body portion 115 may include an electrode assembly (not shown) having a positive electrode and a negative electrode in order to generate and store electric energy therein.

[0074] Furthermore, the main body 115 may further include an electrolyte (not shown) in contact with the electrode assembly. The electrolyte may be liquid or solid. Furthermore, when the electrolyte is liquid, the electrode assembly may further include a separation membrane for separating the positive electrode from the negative electrode. Figure 1 The main body 115 may be in the form of a soft package sealed by an external material in the form of a thin film.

[0075] Figure 1 Although an example of a battery cell 110 in a pouch form is shown, the present invention is not limited thereto and can also be applied to battery cells in a rectangular or cylindrical shape.

[0076] Specifically, the lead lugs 111 and 112 may include a first lead lug 111 and a second lead lug 112 protruding from both sides of the body 115 in a direction away from the body 115. As an example, the lead lugs 111 and 112 may each be provided with two lugs on one side.

[0077] On the other hand, the storage case 210 is used to protect the battery cells 110 from external impacts such as vibration. The storage case 210 may include a storage body 219 that forms a portion of a storage space 280 for storing the battery cells 110 .

[0078] Furthermore, the battery assembly 200 may further include a bus bar assembly 150 (or a bus bar assembly) for electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells 110 to the outside. The bus bar assembly 150 may include a bus bar 170 (see Figure 2 ), and electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells 110 in a manner of outputting a preset voltage. The state in which the bus bar assembly 150 or the bus bar 170 described later is assembled with the plurality of battery cells 110 is referred to as a battery cell stack 100.

[0079] Figure 2 This is an example of disassembling the battery assembly 200 of the present invention.

[0080] Reference Figure 2 The storage housing 210 may include: a storage body 219 forming a portion of a storage space 280 for storing the plurality of battery cells 110; and a storage cover 215 combined with the storage body 219 and forming the storage space 280 together.

[0081] Inside the storage body 219 , the plurality of battery cells 110 are overlapped and arranged along a predetermined stacking direction (eg, X direction).

[0082] More specifically, the storage case 210 includes a storage body 219 including an open upper surface 2195 through which the plurality of battery cells 110 are stored; and a storage cover 215 coupled to the storage body 219 to close the open upper surface 2195 .

[0083] Therefore, the storage cover 215 can be combined with the storage body 219 to form the upper surface of the storage space 280 or the upper surface of the storage housing 210. That is, the storage cover 211 can be combined with the storage body 219 to close the upper surface 2195 of the opening, and form the storage space 280 together with the storage body 219.

[0084] The storage space 280 may include a space formed inside the storage body 219 and accommodating the battery cell stack 100. In addition, the storage space 280 may further include an insertion space 288 to be described later.

[0085] On the other hand, the storage body 219 may be formed in a channel shape or a U shape with an upper opening. Figure 2 The two side surfaces 2197 and 2198 facing each other along the X direction in the side surfaces of the storage body 219 may also be opened.

[0086] That is, the storage body 219 may include: a body bottom surface 2194, forming the bottom surface of the storage space 280; and body side surfaces 2191 and 2192, extending from edges (not shown) arranged side by side along the stacking direction among the edges of the body bottom surface 2194 toward the storage cover 211. The free ends of the body side surfaces 2191 and 2192 may be bent to form flanges (not shown). This is to facilitate combination with the storage cover 211.

[0087] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the height of the storage body 219 may be less than the height of the plurality of battery cells 110 . However, this is only an example, and the height of the storage body 219 may be greater than the height of the plurality of battery cells 110 .

[0088] On the other hand, the battery cell stack 100 may further include a buffer member 117 or a heat insulating member 119 (see Figure 3 The buffer member 117 may be located between each of the battery cells 110, or may be located in a battery pack (BG1 to BG5, see Fig.13 The above-mentioned heat insulating component 119 is also the same.

[0089] The heat insulating member 119 may function as a thermal barrier to prevent flame or heat from spreading to adjacent battery cells 110 when thermal runaway occurs in one battery cell 110 .

[0090] The battery cell stack 100 may include at least one buffer member 117. Also, the battery cell stack 100 may include at least one heat insulating member 119. The buffer member 117 and the heat insulating member 119 may be formed as one member, thereby simultaneously performing a heat insulating function and a buffering function.

[0091] To this end, the heat insulating member 119 may be formed into a multi-layer structure along the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells 110. That is, one layer in the multi-layer structure may be formed of a flame retardant material (or a fire-resistant material). In addition, another layer in the multi-layer structure may also play a role in reducing the impact of the battery cell 110 on other battery cells 110 when the battery cell 110 expands.

[0092] The plurality of battery cells 110 and the plurality of buffer components 117 may be stacked and arranged at a predetermined position. Figure 2 , Figure 2An example is shown in which the long edges of the plurality of battery cells 110 are arranged side by side in the Y direction. Therefore, the plurality of battery cells 110 and the plurality of buffer members 117 may be overlapped in the X direction. The heat insulating member 119 is also the same.

[0093] The heat insulating member 119 may be formed of a fire-resistant (heat-resistant or flame-retardant) material. For example, the heat insulating member 119 may include a fire-resistant polymer or mica.

[0094] On the other hand, refer to Figure 2 In the battery assembly 200, end plates 212 and 213 may be further included at both ends of the battery cell stack 100 along the stacking direction. The end plates 212 and 213 may be disposed at both ends of the battery cell stack 100, or may be connected to the two side surfaces 2197 and 2198 of the storage body 219.

[0095] The end plates 212 and 213 are used to prevent both sides of the battery cell stack 100 from being exposed to the outside.

[0096] On the other hand, the battery assembly 200 may include a bus bar 170 electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells 110. In addition, the battery assembly 200 may further include bus bar frames 151, 152, 155 supporting the bus bar 170 and the plurality of battery cells 110. The bus bar 170 and the bus bar frames 151, 152, 155 may be collectively referred to as a bus bar assembly 150. That is, the bus bar assembly 150 may include a bus bar 170 electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells 110.

[0097] The bus bar frames 151 , 152 , and 155 may be electrically connected to the outside to store (or charge) electric energy in the battery cells 110 , or may supply (or discharge) electric energy stored in the battery cells 110 to the outside.

[0098] The bus bar assembly 150 may include a first bus bar frame 151 and a second bus bar frame 152 extending along a stacking direction of the battery cells 110 across the battery cells 110 .

[0099] In addition, the bus bar assembly 150 may further include a support frame 155 . The support frame 155 is located at one side of the bus bar assembly 150 and is used to connect the first bus bar frame 151 and the second bus bar frame 152 .

[0100] The busbar assembly 150 is described using the case where the lead lugs 111 and 112 are located in opposite directions of the body 115. Differently, when the lead lugs 111 and 112 are located on one side of the body 115 and are arranged in the same direction, the busbar frames 151 and 152 may be located on one side of the body 115, for example, on the upper part of the body 115 to be electrically connected to the lead lugs 111 and 112.

[0101] The support frame 155 may prevent the first bus bar frame 151 and the second bus bar frame 152 from being deformed and support the first bus bar frame 151 and the second bus bar frame 152 . In addition, a portion of an electrical device for detecting and controlling the plurality of battery cells 110 may be disposed on the support frame 155 .

[0102] Reference Figure 2 The busbar assembly 150 may be in a channel shape. In addition, along the stacking direction, the lengths of the first busbar frame 151 and the second busbar frame 152 may be greater than the length of the support frame 155 .

[0103] That is, the support frame 155 may be connected to the first bus bar frame 151 and the second bus bar frame 152 and cover the upper portions of the battery cells 110. That is, the support frame 155 may cover the entire upper portions of the battery cells 110 instead of only covering a portion thereof.

[0104] Reference Figure 2 The bus bar 170 may include: a first bus bar 171 supported by the first bus bar frame 151 and electrically connected to the first lead pole ear portion 111; and a second bus bar 172 supported by the second bus bar frame 152 and electrically connected to the second lead pole ear portion 112.

[0105] The first bus bar 171 and the second bus bar 172 may be located in a direction away from the plurality of battery cells 110 compared to the first bus bar frame 151 and the second bus bar frame 152, respectively. That is, they may be closer to the main body side surfaces 2191 and 2192 than the first bus bar frame 151 and the second bus bar frame 152. Therefore, the first lead pole ear portion 111 and the second lead pole ear portion 112 may be respectively inserted into the gaps (not shown) formed in the first bus bar frame 151 and the second bus bar frame 152 and electrically connected to the first bus bar 171 and the second bus bar 172. However, this is only an example, and the first lead pole ear portion 111 and the second lead pole ear portion 112 may also be electrically connected in a manner different from the first bus bar 171 and the second bus bar 172, respectively.

[0106] On the other hand, the battery assembly 200 may further include a heat dissipation portion 295, which is located between the bottom surface 2194 of the main body and the plurality of battery cells 110, and is used to transfer heat generated from the plurality of battery cells 110 to the outside of the battery assembly 200. The heat dissipation portion 295 may be formed of an adhesive material having thermal conductivity, for example, a heat dissipation adhesive. Therefore, the plurality of battery cells 110 may also be bonded to the bottom surface 2194 of the main body through the heat dissipation portion 295. To this end, the heat dissipation portion 295 may be sprayed or coated on the bottom surface 2194 of the main body.

[0107] Figure 3 This is a diagram of the battery assembly 200 of the present invention as viewed from above.

[0108] The bus bar assembly 150 may include a first bus bar 171 electrically connected to the first lead lug portion 111 and a first bus bar frame 151 supporting the first bus bar 171. The first bus bar 171 and the first bus bar frame 151 are collectively referred to as a first bus bar assembly 1501. That is, the first bus bar assembly 1501 may be electrically connected to the first lead lug portion 111 and may support the battery cell stack 100.

[0109] The bus bar assembly 150 may include a second bus bar 172 electrically connected to the second lead lug portion 112 and a second bus bar frame 152 supporting the second bus bar 172. The second bus bar 172 and the second bus bar frame 152 may be collectively referred to as a second bus bar assembly 1502. That is, the second bus bar assembly 1502 may be electrically connected to the second lead lug portion 112, and play a role in supporting the battery cell stack 100 together with the first bus bar assembly 1501.

[0110] Reference Figure 3 Since the lead tabs 111 and 112 are electrically connected to the bus bar assembly 150 , a space (hereinafter referred to as an insertion space 288 ) may be formed between the plurality of battery cells 110 and the bus bar assembly 150 .

[0111] That is, a portion of the storage space 280 formed inside the storage case 210 may be a space for storing the plurality of battery cells 110 , and another portion of the storage space 280 may be a space for forming the insertion space 288 .

[0112] Specifically, the insertion space 288 is a space formed by the main body 115, the lead lugs 111 and 112, and the bus bar 170. Generally, when thermal runaway and off-gas occurs in any one of the plurality of battery cells 110, high temperature heat may spread to other adjacent battery cells through the insertion space 288. In order to prevent such heat spreading, the insertion space 288 needs to be filled or filled.

[0113] To this end, the battery assembly 200 of the present invention may include a fire-resistant assembly 270 (see Figure 5 ).

[0114] That is, the battery assembly 200 of the present invention may include: a plurality of battery cells 110, which are stacked and arranged along a preset stacking direction; a storage shell 210, which accommodates the above-mentioned plurality of battery cells 110; an insertion space 288, which is formed between the above-mentioned plurality of battery cells 110 and the above-mentioned storage shell 210 along the above-mentioned stacking direction; and a fire-resistant assembly 270, which is located in the above-mentioned insertion space 288.

[0115] On the other hand, refer to Figure 3 , the buffer component 117 may be located between the plurality of battery cells 110. The buffer component 117 may also be disposed between each of the plurality of battery cells 110. Differently, the buffer component 117 may be located between the battery groups BG1 to BG5 (refer to FIG. 1 ) that combine adjacent battery cells 110 into a predetermined number of groups. Fig.13 )between.

[0116] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 3 The length of the buffer member 117 along the direction from the first bus bar frame 151 toward the second bus bar frame 152 is shown as Figure 1 ) in length, but is not limited thereto.

[0117] On the other hand, refer to Figure 3 , the heat insulating member 119 may be located between the plurality of battery cells 110. The heat insulating member 119 may also be disposed between each of the plurality of battery cells 110. Differently, the heat insulating member 119 may be located between the battery groups BG1 to BG5 that are combined into a preset number of groups.

[0118] The battery groups BG1 to BG5 are battery groups that are formed by combining adjacent battery cells 110 from the plurality of battery cells 110 into a preset number of groups. After the plurality of battery cells 110 are combined into the aforementioned number of groups for a preset target voltage or target current, the bus bar 170 may be used to connect the battery groups BG1 to BG5 in series or in parallel.

[0119] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 3 The length of the buffer member 117 along the direction from the first bus bar frame 151 toward the second bus bar frame 152 is shown as Figure 1 ) in length, but is not limited thereto.

[0120] On the other hand, refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 The heat insulating member 119 and the buffer member 117 are shown as separate members, but they may be formed as one member as described above. This may be referred to as a refractory assembly (not shown).

[0121] That is, the fire-resistant assembly may be located between the plurality of battery cells 110 to provide insulation when thermal runaway occurs and to buffer the surface pressure of the battery cells when they expand.

[0122] On the other hand, along the direction from the first bus bar frame 151 toward the second bus bar frame 152, the length of the heat insulating member 119 may be greater than the length of the body portion 115. More specifically, the heat insulating member 119 may contact the first bus bar assembly 1501 and the second bus bar assembly 1502. Thus, the heat insulating member 119 may prevent or delay the spread of heat or flame to other locations when thermal runaway occurs in any battery cell 110.

[0123] Figure 4 To enlarge Figure 3 Figure 1 of Section S1.

[0124] Specifically, the S1 portion may be a portion of the insertion space 288 . The battery assembly 200 may further include an insertion space 288 formed between the battery cell stack 100 and the bus bar assembly 150 or between the plurality of battery cells 110 and the bus bar 170 .

[0125] Specifically, the battery assembly 200 may include a first insertion space 2881 and a second insertion space 2882 between one side of each body portion 115 of the plurality of battery cells 110 and the first bus bar 171, and between another side of each body portion 115 of the plurality of battery cells 110 and the second bus bar 172 (see Figure 3 ).

[0126] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The refractory component 270 may be located in at least one of the first insertion space 2881 or the second insertion space 2882 . Figure 4 In order to emphasize that the refractory component 270 is located in the insertion space 288, only the corresponding position is shown, and the shape of the refractory component 270 is not specifically shown.

[0127] That is, the refractory assembly 270 may be located in at least one of the first insertion space 2881 , the second insertion space 2882 , or the second insertion space 2882 .

[0128] More specifically, Figure 4 The S1 portion shows a portion of the first insertion space 2881. One side of the body portion 115 may be a side where the first lead lug portion 111 is located, and the other side of the body portion 115 may be a side where the second lead lug portion 112 is located.

[0129] On the other hand, the first insertion space 2881 may be separated by the first lead lug portion 111. Also, the second insertion space 2882 may be separated by the second lead lug portion 112. However, when the battery cell stack 100 is stored in the storage body 219, the lengths of the first lead lug portion 111 and the second lead lug portion 112 extending in the height direction of the storage case 210 or the storage body 219 are smaller than the height of the battery cell 110, and therefore, the first insertion space 2881 and the second insertion space 2882 may be connected to each other.

[0130] Furthermore, the first insertion space 2881 and the second insertion space 2882 may be connected to each other through the space between the plurality of battery cells 110 and the storage cover 215. Therefore, the first insertion space 2881 and the second insertion space 2882 are not separate and independent spaces, but spaces that may be connected to each other.

[0131] Figure 5 An example of the refractory assembly 270 housed in the insertion space 288 as viewed from above is schematically shown.

[0132] The battery assembly 200 may form an insertion space 288 between the plurality of battery cells 110 and the bus bar assembly 150 (or the bus bar 170). The insertion space 288 may be formed by the lead tabs 111 and 112 being connected to the bus bar assembly 150 (or the bus bar 170).

[0133] On the other hand, the insertion space 288 may include a plurality of separation spaces 2889 separated by each lead pole ear portion 111, 112. Each lead pole ear portion 111, 112 does not separate the plurality of separation spaces 2889 in a separate and independent manner. That is, along the height direction of the storage housing 210, the length of each lead pole ear portion 111, 112 is less than the height of the storage space 280, and therefore, only a portion of the storage space 280 can be separated along the height.

[0134] That is, along the height direction of the storage shell 210 , the length of each lead ear portion 111 , 112 is smaller than the length of each main body portion 115 . Therefore, the plurality of insertion spaces 288 may be separated by each lead ear portion 111 , 112 or may be connected to each other.

[0135] More specifically, a plurality of first insertion spaces 2881 may be formed by the first lead lug portion 111, and the plurality of first insertion spaces 2881 may be connected to each other. Similarly, a plurality of second insertion spaces 2882 may be formed by the second lead lug portion 112, and the plurality of second insertion spaces 2882 may be connected to each other.

[0136] Therefore, as described above, the plurality of separation spaces 2889 may be connected to each other. In addition, the refractory assembly 270 may be provided in plurality and inserted into the plurality of separation spaces 2889 respectively.

[0137] On the other hand, refer to Figure 5 The battery assembly 200 may further include a heat insulating member 119 located between the plurality of battery cells 110. Alternatively, the battery assembly 200 may further include a heat insulating member 119 located between battery groups BG that combine the plurality of battery cells 110.

[0138] Reference Figure 5 , the heat insulating member 119 may be arranged side by side with the plurality of battery cells 110 and extend to the bus bar assembly 150. More specifically, the heat insulating member 119 may extend to the bus bar frames 151 and 152 and be inserted into the bus bar frames 151 and 152. In this case, the fire resistant assembly 270 may not be inserted into the space into which the heat insulating member 119 is inserted. This is to prevent interference between the fire resistant assembly 270 and the heat insulating member 119.

[0139] Figure 6a An example of the refractory assembly 270 accommodated in the insertion space 288 is shown. Figure 6b Show Figure 6a A cross-section of refractory assembly 270 is shown. Figure 6c Another example of the refractory assembly 270 housed in the insertion space 288 is shown.

[0140] like Figure 6a As shown, the refractory assembly 270 may be cylindrical. Therefore, when observing the refractory assembly 270 from above, it may be Figure 6a The cylindrical shape is shown on a circular diagram and other shapes.

[0141] Reference Figure 6a The open shape of the refractory component 270 may be a cylindrical shape. Also, the height of the cylindrical refractory component 270 may be smaller than the diameter of the refractory component.

[0142] Furthermore, considering the size of the insertion space 288 , the diameter of the refractory component 270 may be smaller than the thickness of any one of the plurality of battery cells, so that the refractory component 270 can be easily inserted into the insertion space 288 .

[0143] On the other hand, both ends of the cylindrical refractory component 270 may be tapered. This is to facilitate the insertion of the refractory component 270 into the insertion space 288. That is, when the refractory component 270 is inserted into the insertion space 288, along the direction of the refractory component 270 toward the insertion space 288, the regions C1 and C2 including both ends may be tapered.

[0144] Furthermore, the shapes of the regions C1 and C2 including both ends of the refractory assembly 270 may be symmetrical. This is to improve the convenience of assembling the battery assembly 200 by inserting the refractory assembly 270 into the insertion space 288 without distinguishing between the upper and lower sides.

[0145] In other words, the open shapes of the regions C1 and C2 including both ends of the refractory assembly 270 may be the same shape.

[0146] Figure 6a The open shape of the refractory assembly 270 is as follows: Figure 6b As shown, the refractory assembly 270 may include: a refractory component 271 including a refractory substance; and an external material 273 accommodating the refractory component 271 therein.

[0147] That is, the external material 273 may further include a refractory space 274 formed by the external material 273 and accommodating the refractory component 271 .

[0148] The external material 273 may be in a columnar shape extending in one direction. For reference, the one direction may be a height direction of the storage housing 210 .

[0149] Figure 6a An example in which the shape of the external material 273 is a cylindrical shape is shown. Figure 6c Another example in which the shape of the external material 273 is a polyhedron is shown. The shape of the external material 273 is not limited thereto, and may be any shape as long as it can be inserted into the insertion space 288.

[0150] exist Figures 6a to 6c In the figure, for the convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the refractory particles 271a are spherical, but the shape of the refractory particles 271a is not limited to spherical. Therefore, the plurality of refractory particles 271a may also be amorphous. Furthermore, the size of the refractory particles 271a is not determined to be one size, but may be a mixture of refractory particles 271a of multiple sizes.

[0151] Reference Figure 6c The refractory component 270 may include: refractory particles 271a; and an external material 273, which is in a preset three-dimensional shape and accommodates the refractory component 271 inside.

[0152] Although the above-mentioned three-dimensional shape is an example of a regular hexahedron, Figure 6a As shown, it can also be a cylinder shape. As long as the external material 273 can accommodate the refractory component 271 inside, it can be formed into any three-dimensional shape.

[0153] And, refer to Figure 6c Although the two ends T1 and T2 of the regular hexahedron-shaped refractory assembly 270 are shown as planar shapes, they may be curved shapes instead.

[0154] The maximum length of the refractory assembly 270 along the direction parallel to the height direction of the storage housing 210 may be greater than the maximum length of the refractory assembly 270 along the direction parallel to the stacking direction. The reason is the same as in Figure 6a The reason why the height of the cylindrical refractory component 270 described in is greater than the diameter of the cylindrical refractory component 270 is the same.

[0155] Likewise, considering that the refractory assembly 270 is inserted into the plurality of separation spaces 2889 (see Figure 5 ), the maximum length of the refractory assembly 270 in the stacking direction may be less than the thickness of any one of the plurality of battery cells 110 in the stacking direction.

[0156] Reference Figures 6a to 6c The refractory component 271 may include a plurality of refractory particles 271a.

[0157] The refractory particles 271a may be solid fillers in the form of solid particles, powder, granules, pellets or beads to prevent or delay the spread of flames or heat through the insertion space 288 when thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell 110 .

[0158] Preferably, the size of the refractory particles 271 a may be greater than 2 μm (micrometers) and less than the length or thickness of one battery cell 110 extending along the stacking direction.

[0159] Preferably, the size of the refractory particles 271a may be micron-sized, and the micron-sized refractory particles 271a may be referred to as micron beads or micron granules.

[0160] The size of the refractory particle 271a may be the size of the diameter when the refractory particle 271a is in a spherical shape with the distance from the center (or center of gravity) of the refractory particle 271a to the farthest periphery as the radius. Therefore, the size of the refractory particle 271a may be the maximum outer diameter of the refractory particle 271a. Different from this, the size of the refractory particle 271a may also be the average value calculated after measuring the refractory particle 271a in multiple directions. This may also be applicable to the case where the refractory particle 271a is in particle form.

[0161] The reason why the size of the refractory particles 271a must be 2 μm or more is to prevent the refractory particles 271a from escaping into other spaces other than the insertion space 288, for example, the storage housing 210 (see Figure 1 ) and the bus bar assembly 150 (refer to Figure 2 ) between the two.

[0162] The lead ear portions 111 and 112 (see Figure 1 ) in order to be able to communicate with the above-mentioned bus bar 170 (refer to Figure 2) are electrically connected and can penetrate to form the bus bar 170. For this purpose, the bus bar 170 may include a slit (not shown) formed through the bus bar 170. The lead ear portions 111 and 112 may be inserted into the slit and then welded. The slit may be closed by welding, in which case a welding bead (not shown) may be formed in the welding area analyzed above due to welding. The welding bead is an inherent shape that may occur when welding. The welding bead may also have fine voids, and the size of the voids formed in the welding bead is about 2 μm. Therefore, preferably, the size or outer diameter of the refractory particles 271a may be greater than 2 μm. This is because the refractory particles 271a can be prevented from being discharged through the voids. That is, preferably, the size of the refractory particles 271a may be greater than the size of the voids formed in the welding bead.

[0163] Furthermore, the size or outer diameter of the refractory particles 271a may be smaller than the length or thickness of the battery cell extending in the stacking direction. This is because when the size or outer diameter is smaller than the distance between one lead lug portion 111, 112 and another lead lug portion 111, 112 adjacent to the one lead lug portion 111, 112, the refractory particles 271a may be accommodated in the insertion space 288 (see FIG. 28 ) formed between the one lead lug portion 111, 112 and the other lead lug portion 111, 112. Figure 3 ).

[0164] For example, when the thickness of the battery cell 110 is 15 mm, the size or outer diameter of the refractory particles 271 a may be less than 15 mm.

[0165] In other words, the size of the refractory particles 271a should be larger than the distance between one of the multiple battery cells 110 extending along the stacking direction and another battery cell 110 adjacent to the battery cell 110, and smaller than the distance between one of the lead pole lugs 111, 112 extending along the stacking direction and another of the lead pole lugs 111, 112.

[0166] Furthermore, the refractory particles 271 a are not formed of a fixed size or a fixed material, but may be a mixture of refractory particles 271 a having a plurality of sizes or formed of a plurality of materials.

[0167] Preferably, the melting point of the refractory particles 271a may be higher than the preset temperature (or allowable temperature) described later. Preferably, the temperature may be above 50°C (Celsius) and below 300°C (Celsius). The external material 273 may begin to melt when the temperature is reached. Therefore, the melting point of the refractory particles 271a should be higher than the temperature.

[0168] Furthermore, the melting point of the refractory particles 271a is higher than the ignition point of the plurality of battery cells 110. The ignition point of the plurality of battery cells 110 may be the temperature when the battery cells 110 are discharged. Alternatively, the fuel may be the temperature of the electrolyte contained in the battery cells 110, that is, in the body 115, when the external material (or storage case) of the battery cells 110 is torn or opened in the case of thermal runaway.

[0169] Therefore, when a thermal runaway occurs in one of the battery cells 110 , the external material 273 begins to melt, but the refractory particles 271 a remain in a solid state to prevent the refractory particles 271 a from burning or melting.

[0170] For example, even if the battery cell 110 has thermal runaway, the refractory particles 271 a will not burn or melt, and the outer shape of the refractory particles 271 a can maintain its original shape without significant change.

[0171] The refractory component 271 or the refractory particles 271a may include a porous material. A porous material refers to a material having pores inside the structure. The pores may be irregular and amorphous. Specifically, when the refractory component 271 or the refractory particles 271a include silica gel in a particle form or a powder form, the porosity of the refractory particles 271a may be greater than 20% and less than 30%.

[0172] The refractory member 271 or the refractory particles 271a may be inserted into the refractory space 274 formed by the external material 273 and move freely. That is, they may not be fixed or combined with other structures or structural elements of the battery assembly 200. The refractory member 271 or the refractory particles 271a may be located in the refractory space 274 and contact each other without additional restrictions.

[0173] That is, the refractory member 271 or the refractory particles 271a may be a solid filler. The solid filler may be in the form of a plurality of granular materials.

[0174] Therefore, the refractory assembly 270 may include a plurality of gaps (not shown) formed between the positions where the refractory components 271 or the refractory particles 271a are in contact. When the refractory components 271 or the refractory particles 271a located in the refractory space 274 are exposed to the storage space 280 due to the melting of the external material 273, the plurality of gaps may delay the spread of heat and disperse the flame to a plurality of paths rather than a straight line.

[0175] Furthermore, when thermal runaway occurs, in a high temperature and high humidity environment, the plurality of gaps (not shown) may also function as electrical insulating components or heat insulating components.

[0176] In addition, the refractory material may be an inorganic compound. That is, the refractory particles 271a may include refractory materials formed of inorganic compounds. The inorganic compound may be selected from alum (Alum, K2SO4·Al2(SO4)3·24H2O), borax (Borax, Na2B4O7·10H2O), lime water (Lime Water, Ca(OH)2 aqueous solution), quicklime (Quicklime, CaO), white emulsion (Emulsion) formed by mixing lime porridge (Milk of Lime, Ca(OH)2) and water, slaked lime (Slaked Lime, Ca(OH)2), washing soda (Washing Soda, Na2CO3·10H2O), apatite (Apatite, Ca5(PO4)·3OH), baking powder (Baking Powder, a mixture of salts of NaHCO3 and tartaric acid), baking soda (Baking Soda, NaHCO3), sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate (Sodium Thiosulfate Pentahydrate ... Pentahydrate, Na2S2O3·5H2O), silicon dioxide (Silica, SiO2), aluminum oxide (Alumina, Al2O3), calcium oxide (CaO), calcium sulfate (CaSO4), calcium chloride (CaCl2), sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), potassium chloride (KCl), magnesium oxide (MgO), zirconium oxide (ZrO2), chromium oxide (Cr2O3), aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3), antimony trioxide (Sb2O3), antimony pentoxide (Sb2O5), magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) and a compound selected from the group consisting of zinc borate compounds, phosphorus compounds, nitrogen guanidine compounds or molybdenum compounds, or a mixture of these.

[0177] For example, if the refractory particles 271a are formed of silicon dioxide, the refractory particles 271a can minimize the spread of heat or exhaust gas generated when thermal runaway occurs to other locations by considering the melting point of silicon dioxide (1713°C (Celsius)). In addition, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell, the refractory particles 271a can maintain their shape.

[0178] As another example, the refractory particles 271a can be formed of silica gel. The silica gel is a porous material in powder form made by treating an aqueous sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) solution with an acid. Specifically, it can be obtained by mixing sodium silicate with an aqueous inorganic acid solution (e.g., sulfuric acid) to form a silica hydrosol and solidifying the hydrosol into a hydrogel. When considering the usual process of the silica gel, the main component (accounting for more than 50%) of the silica gel is silicon dioxide, and other components may also include aluminum oxide, iron (III) oxide (Fe2O3, Iron (III) Oxide or Ferric Oxide) or sodium. Therefore, the melting point of the silica gel can be about 1600°C (Celsius) or above.

[0179] Preferably, the silica gel may contain more than 90% of silicon dioxide. In addition, the silica gel is a porous material, and therefore, the porosity of the refractory particles 271a may be greater than 20% and less than 30%.

[0180] Furthermore, the refractory particles 271a may be formed of aerogel. Aerogel has low thermal conductivity and has the property of retaining moisture and expanding in a high humidity environment.

[0181] When considering that the refractory particles 271 a are formed of a refractory material such as silica gel, alumina gel, or aerogel, the refractory particles 271 a may include silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ).

[0182] On the other hand, the refractory particles 271a may be made of any material other than silica gel as long as the material is porous and flame-retardant (heat-resistant or fire-resistant).

[0183] As another example, on the other hand, the fire-resistant particles 271 a may be a polymer material that is rated as V-0 in the 94V vertical burning test of the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL), which is a flame retardant standard for polymer materials.

[0184] Specifically, the refractory particles 271a may include flame retardant polymers. The flame retardant materials include phosphorus flame retardants, halogen flame retardants and inorganic flame retardants. Preferably, in the case of phosphorus flame retardants, phosphate compounds, phosphonate compounds, phosphinate compounds, phosphine oxide compounds, phosphazene compounds and metal salts thereof may be included. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0185] As other specific embodiments, the above-mentioned phosphorus flame retardant includes diphenyl phosphate, diaryl phosphate, triphenyl phosphate, tricresyl phosphate, tricresyl phosphate, tris(2,6-dimethylphenyl) phosphate, tris(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl) phosphate, tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphate, tris(2,6-dimethylphenyl) phosphate, bisphenol-A bis(diphenyl phosphate), resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate), resorcinol bis[bis(2,6-dimethylphenyl) phosphate], resorcinol bis[bis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphate], hydroquinone bis[bis(2,6-dimethylphenyl) phosphate], hydroquinone bis[bis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphate], oligomeric phosphate compounds, etc., but are not limited thereto. These can be applied alone or in the form of a mixture of two or more.

[0186] Furthermore, the refractory particles 271a may be one of phosphorus compounds such as monoammonium phosphate ((NH4)H2PO4) or diammonium phosphate ((NH4)2HPO4) or a combination thereof.

[0187] Figure 7a The insertion space 288 (see Figure 3 ) is another example of a refractory assembly 270. Figure 7b Show Figure 7a A cross-section of refractory assembly 270 is shown.

[0188] Reference Figure 7a and Figure 7b The refractory assembly 270 may include: a refractory component 271 formed by a refractory sheet 271b in a rolled form; and an external material 273, which internally accommodates the refractory component 271 formed by the refractory sheet 271b in a rolled form.

[0189] More specifically, the external material 273 may include a refractory space 274 therein, and the refractory sheet 271 b in a rolled form may be located in the refractory space 274 .

[0190] The external material 273 may melt under conditions above a preset temperature (or allowable temperature). That is, when thermal runaway occurs in at least one of the multiple battery cells 110 and the temperature rises, the peripheral temperature of the battery cell 110 where thermal runaway occurs will rise. In this case, when the temperature of the external material 273 reaches the above temperature, the external material 273 may begin to melt. When considering the temperature of the battery cell 110 when thermal runaway occurs, preferably, the temperature may be above 50°C (Celsius) and below 300°C (Celsius).

[0191] The refractory component 271 is composed of refractory particles 271a (refer to Figure 6b ) is different from the example formed by, even if the above-mentioned external material 273 melts under conditions above the above-mentioned temperature, the above-mentioned refractory sheet 271b in the roll form can maintain the roll form even if the size of the roll form can be changed.

[0192] The refractory sheet 271b in the form of a roll can be formed by rolling a flat sheet into a roll. That is, when the external material 273 begins to melt, the external material 273 that restricts the refractory sheet 271b in the form of a roll will be removed or disappear, so that, similar to a spring, the diameter of the refractory sheet 271b in the form of a roll may increase. Therefore, compared with being restricted by the external material 273, the space occupied by the refractory sheet 271b in the form of a roll in the insertion space 288 will increase. This is more effective in delaying or preventing the spread of heat through the insertion space 288.

[0193] Regardless of whether the refractory member 271 is formed of the refractory particles 271 a or the refractory sheet 271 b in a rolled form, the movement and deformation of the refractory member 271 are limited to the internal space of the external material 273 .

[0194] However, when the external material 273 starts to melt under the condition of being higher than the temperature, the refractory particles 271 a can move freely in the insertion space 288 , whereas the rolled refractory sheet 271 b can maintain its original position in the insertion space 288 .

[0195] To this end, the material of the roll-shaped refractory sheet 271 b may include one of the materials described above for the refractory particles 271 a or a combination of these materials.

[0196] Likewise, preferably, the melting temperature of the refractory sheet 271 b in the form of a roll may be higher than the allowable temperature, because it is necessary to prevent the refractory sheet 271 b in the form of a roll from burning and melting under conditions above the allowable temperature.

[0197] On the other hand, the external material 273 may be formed of a material that accommodates the fire-resistant component 271 and melts under conditions above the above-mentioned allowable temperature. More specifically, the external material 273 may be formed of a heat-resistant (fire-resistant or flame-retardant) material that does not melt until the above-mentioned allowable temperature. For example, the external material 273 may be formed of a polymer such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), rubber (Rubber), cellulose (Cellulose) or resin (Resin). Alternatively, the external material 273 may also be formed of a polymer in a foamed form.

[0198] Regardless of the form of the refractory component 271, the external material 273 can maintain the refractory assembly 270 in a predetermined shape. In addition, when the refractory component 271 is in a liquid state, the refractory assembly 270 can maintain a preset three-dimensional shape through the external material 273.

[0199] Furthermore, the outer side surface of the refractory component 270 obtains the effect of being coated with the external material 273 , thereby improving the moisture resistance or moisture proof effect of the refractory component 270 .

[0200] Figure 8 This is a cross-section of an example of a battery module of the present invention as viewed from above.

[0201] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 8 , Figure 8 A portion of the storage body 219 (specifically, a region where the storage body 219 contacts one of the two end plates 212 and 213 ) viewed from above after the storage cover 215 is removed is shown.

[0202] As described above, the refractory particles 271a (see Figure 6b ) is inhibited from moving by the external material 273, and then, at least a portion of the refractory particles 271a is freed from the restriction by the external material 273 as the external material 273 melts. On the contrary, compared with being restricted by the external material 273, the refractory sheet 271b in the roll form expands as the external material 273 melts, thereby being able to fill the insertion space 288 better.

[0203] Reference Figure 8 The insertion space 288 can be divided into a plurality of separation spaces 2889 (refer to Figure 5 ), a plurality of refractory components 270 may be inserted into at least a portion of the separation spaces 2889 among the plurality of separation spaces 2889.

[0204] The battery assembly 200 may further include a heat insulating member 119 located between the battery cells 110 along the stacking direction (e.g., X direction) of the plurality of battery cells 110. In a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, the heat insulating member 119 extends along a direction in which the lead lugs 111 and 112 protrude (e.g., Y direction) and is connected to the bus bar assembly 150, so the refractory assembly 270 may not fill up the plurality of separation spaces 2889.

[0205] However, in the absence of the heat insulating component 119 , the refractory assembly 270 may be respectively inserted into all of the separation spaces 2889 .

[0206] Figure 8 The refractory member 271 (see Figure 6c ) is refractory particle 271a (refer to Figure 6b ) example, in contrast, the refractory member 271 is a refractory sheet 271b in a roll form (see Figure 7b ) can also be applied in the same way.

[0207] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing an example of a battery module 200 of the present invention as viewed from one side.

[0208] Specifically, refer to Figure 2 and Fig. 9 , Fig. 9 The area adjacent to one of the two end plates 212 , 213 when observing the battery assembly 200 after removing the body side surfaces 2191 , 2192 and the bus bar assembly 150 .

[0209] Reference Fig. 9 The insertion space 288 may include a plurality of separation spaces 2889, and the refractory assembly 270 may be located in at least a portion of the plurality of separation spaces 2889. As long as the refractory assembly 270 delays thermal runaway of the battery cell 110, the refractory assembly 270 need not necessarily be disposed in each of the plurality of separation spaces 2889.

[0210] Reference Fig. 9 , Fig. 9 The refractory component 271 is shown as refractory particles 271a (see Figure 6b However, as described above, the refractory member 271 may also be a refractory sheet 271b in a roll form (see Figure 7b ).

[0211] Fig.10a Another example of the refractory assembly 270 housed in the insertion space 288 is shown. Fig.10b Show Fig.10aA cross-section of refractory assembly 270 is shown. Fig.10c This is a diagram showing an example of decomposing the external material 273. Fig.10d This is a diagram showing another example of decomposing the external material 273.

[0212] As described above, the battery assembly 200 of the present invention may include: a plurality of battery cells 110, which are stacked and arranged along a preset stacking direction; a storage shell 210, which is used to store the above-mentioned multiple battery cells 110; an insertion space 288, which is formed between the above-mentioned multiple battery cells 110 and the above-mentioned storage shell 210 along the above-mentioned stacking direction; and a fire-resistant assembly 270, which is located in the above-mentioned insertion space 288.

[0213] Reference Fig.10a and Fig.10b The refractory assembly 270 may include a columnar external material 273, which receives a refractory component 271 in the form of beads containing a refractory substance, and extends along the height direction of the receiving shell 210. Considering the functions and forms of the refractory component 271 and the external material 273, the refractory assembly 270 may be referred to as a fire-retardant capsule or a fire-mitigation capsule.

[0214] Reference Fig.10b The refractory component 271 may be refractory particles 271a.

[0215] The ratio of the refractory component 271 filled into the external material 273 can be changed according to the use environment. That is, the filling rate of the refractory component 271 can be changed according to the position of the refractory assembly 270 in the storage shell 210. The filling rate can refer to the percentage of the internal volume of the external material 273 to the volume occupied by the refractory component 271.

[0216] Reference Fig.10a and Fig.10b , the figure shows that the fire-resistant component 271 fills the entire fire-resistant space 274 along the height direction of the external material 273. When the fire-resistant component 271 fills more than 30% of the insertion space 288, the fire-resistant component 271 can delay the heat spread of the battery cell 110. This is because when the external material 273 melts under the condition above the allowable temperature, the fire-resistant component 271 may move from the insertion space 288 to other positions along with the flow of flame or gas.

[0217] In terms of the refractory assembly 270 , the refractory assembly 270 may fill more than 50% of the insertion space 288 . The refractory assembly 270 should take into account the volume occupied by the refractory component 271 and the external material 273 .

[0218] On the other hand, the height of the refractory assembly 270 in the height direction of the storage housing 210 may be greater than the length (or diameter) of the refractory assembly 270 in the stacking direction. That is, the refractory assembly 270 may be in a cylindrical shape extending in the height direction of the storage housing 210 .

[0219] Furthermore, considering the size of the insertion space 288 , the length (or diameter) of the refractory assembly 270 in the stacking direction may be less than the thickness of one of the plurality of battery cells, so that the refractory assembly 270 can be easily inserted into the insertion space 288 .

[0220] Preferably, the refractory component 270 may be in a cylindrical shape. Therefore, the length of the refractory component 270 in the stacking direction may be the diameter when the cross section of the refractory component 270 is circular.

[0221] On the other hand, at least one of the two end portions 276 and 277 of the refractory component 270 or the external material 273 may be tapered.

[0222] This is to facilitate the insertion of the refractory component 270 into the insertion space 288. That is, at least one end of the refractory component 270 is tapered so that the refractory component 270 can be guided toward the insertion space 288 when the refractory component 270 is inserted into the insertion space 288.

[0223] Reference Fig.10b The external material 273 may further include a refractory space 274 which is formed by the external material 273 and accommodates the refractory component 271 or the refractory particles 271 a.

[0224] Fig.10a The external material 273 is exemplified as a cylindrical shape, but the shape of the external material 273 is not limited thereto, and may be in any form as long as it can be inserted into the insertion space 288 .

[0225] On the other hand, in the drawings of this specification, the refractory component 271 is assumed to be spherical for the convenience of explanation, but the shape of the refractory component 271 is not limited to a spherical shape. Therefore, the refractory component 271 may also be an amorphous shape. In addition, the size of the refractory component 271 is not a fixed size, but may be a mixed shape of the refractory component 271 of multiple sizes. In addition, for the purpose of explanation, the refractory component 271 is shown in an enlarged form than the actual size.

[0226] Reference Fig.10c The above-mentioned external material 273 may include: a main body 275, which is in the shape of a tube (or column) and extends along the height direction of the above-mentioned storage shell 210; a first end 276, which is combined on the upper side of the above-mentioned main body 275 and is used to close one of the two ends of the opening of the above-mentioned main body 275; and a second end 277, which is combined on the lower side of the above-mentioned main body 275 and is used to close the other end of the opening.

[0227] on the other hand, Fig.10c 2 shows that the first end portion 276 and the main body 275 are separated, but the first end portion 276 and the main body 275 may be formed as one body. After that, the refractory member 271 is filled inside, and the second end portion 277 may be combined with the main body 275 to close one end of the opening of the main body 275. That is, the second end portion 277 may function as a lid.

[0228] In other words, the external material 273 may include: a main body 275 in a cylinder shape, at least one of the two ends being in an open state; and end portions 276 and 277 combined with the main body 275 for closing the at least one open end.

[0229] Reference Fig.10a , Fig.10b and Fig.10c , the length B of the main body 275 may be greater than the length D1 of the first end 276 and the length D2 of the second end 277 .

[0230] Furthermore, the main body 275 may be in a cylindrical shape. The refractory assembly 270 may further include grooves G1 and G2 that are recessed inward along the circumferential surface of the cylindrical main body 275. The grooves G1 and G2 may be formed between the first end 276 and the main body 275 and between the second end 277 and the main body 275. This is to prevent damage to the battery cell 110 adjacent to the refractory assembly 270 when the refractory assembly 270 is inserted. Furthermore, the grooves G1 and G2 are used to ensure the fastening force between the first end 276 and the main body 275 and the fastening force between the second end 277 and the main body 275.

[0231] In addition, the first end portion 276 may be tapered in a direction away from the main body portion 275 .

[0232] That is, at least one of the two ends of the external material may be tapered, so that the refractory assembly 270 can be easily inserted into the insertion space 288 by utilizing the tapered end.

[0233] In contrast, the second end portion 277 may include a flat end face. That is, the second end portion 277 may include an end face 277a (see FIG. 27A ) that is aligned with the main body bottom face 2194 that is the bottom face of the storage case 210. Fig.11 ).

[0234] Reference Fig.10a and Fig.10b The above-mentioned refractory components 271 can be formed in multiple numbers, and can be mixed with each other and accommodated in the above-mentioned external material 273.

[0235] like Figure 6a to Figure 6b As shown, the refractory component 271 may be a solid filler (or refractory particle 271a, see Figure 6b ). This is to prevent or delay the spread of flame or heat through the insertion space 288 when any battery cell 110 undergoes thermal runaway.

[0236] On the other hand, refer to Fig.10d ,and Fig.10c Differently, one end of the external material 273 may be closed. That is, the second end 277 may be formed integrally with the main body 275. Therefore, the first end 276 may be combined with the main body 275 and close one end of the opening of the main body 275.

[0237] Different from this, the first end portion 276 may be formed as a whole with the main body portion 275 , and the second end portion 277 is coupled to the main body portion 275 and closes the other end of the opening of the main body portion 275 .

[0238] As a result, the external material 273 may include a main body 275 in a cylinder shape, at least one of the two ends being in an open state, and an end portion 276 and / or 277 coupled to the main body to close at least one of the open ends.

[0239] On the other hand, the size (or shape) and material of the refractory component 271 are similar to Figures 6a to 6c The description of the refractory component 271 shown in FIG. 2 is the same, so its description will be omitted.

[0240] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing another example of a battery module 200 of the present invention as viewed from one side.

[0241] Specifically, refer to Figure 2 and Fig.11 , Fig.11 The area adjacent to one of the two end plates 212 , 213 when observing the battery assembly 200 after removing the body side surfaces 2191 , 2192 and the bus bar assembly 150 .

[0242] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Fig.11 The above-mentioned insertion space can be located outside the above-mentioned multiple battery cells 110, and is separated into multiple separation spaces 2889 by connecting the above-mentioned bus bar 170 and the lead pole ears 111 and 112 of the above-mentioned multiple battery cells 110. The above-mentioned refractory component 270 is provided with multiple and can be inserted into at least a part of the above-mentioned multiple separation spaces 2889.

[0243] Fig.11 An example is shown in which the plurality of refractory assemblies 270 are inserted into the plurality of separation spaces 2889 one by one, but the refractory assemblies 270 may be disposed in at least a portion of the plurality of separation spaces 2889. As long as the refractory assemblies 270 can delay the thermal runaway of the battery cell 110, the refractory assemblies 270 do not necessarily have to be located in the plurality of separation spaces 2889.

[0244] Reference Fig.11 , the battery cell 110 in the height direction of the storage case 210 (refer to Figure 1 ) may be longer than the length of the fire-resistant component 270. Preferably, the length of the fire-resistant component 270 may be greater than 50% and less than 100% of the length of the battery cell 110.

[0245] On the other hand, refer to Fig.11 , among the plurality of refractory assemblies 270, the filling rate of the refractory component 271 filled into each external material 273 may be different. This is because the position where the frequency of thermal runaway occurs in the battery assembly 200 is considered high. That is, among the plurality of refractory assemblies 270, the filling rate of the refractory component 271 filled into the interior of a refractory assembly 270 located in the middle part of the storage case 210 may be different from the filling rate of the refractory component 271 filled into the interior of a refractory assembly 270 located in the side part of the storage case 210.

[0246] Reference Figure 2 and Fig.11 The storage shell 210 may further include: a storage body 219 including an open upper surface 2195 through which the plurality of battery cells 110 are stored; and a storage cover 215 combined with the storage body 219 to cover the open upper surface 2195.

[0247] Furthermore, among both ends of the refractory assembly 270 or the external material 273 , one end closer to the storage cover 215 than the storage body 219 may be tapered.

[0248] Fig.12 A portion of the battery assembly 200 of the present invention is shown in an enlarged manner.

[0249] As described above, the insertion space 288 may be formed between the plurality of battery cells 110 and the bus bar assembly 150 (or the bus bar 170 ). The insertion space 288 may be formed by connecting each lead tab portion 111 , 112 to the bus bar 170 .

[0250] On the other hand, the insertion space 288 may include a plurality of separation spaces 2889 separated by each of the lead lugs 111 and 112. However, each of the lead lugs 111 and 112 does not separate the plurality of separation spaces 2889 in an independent manner. That is, along the height direction of the storage housing 210, the length L3 of each of the lead lugs 111 and 112 is less than the height of the storage space 280, and therefore, only a portion of the storage space 280 can be separated along the height.

[0251] That is, along the height direction of the storage shell 210 , the length L3 of each lead ear portion 111 , 112 is smaller than the length of each main body portion 115 . Therefore, the plurality of insertion spaces 288 may be separated by each lead ear portion 111 , 112 or may be connected to each other.

[0252] More specifically, a plurality of first insertion spaces 2881 may be formed by the first lead tab portion 111 , and the plurality of first insertion spaces 2881 may be connected to each other.

[0253] Similarly, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , a plurality of second insertion spaces 2882 may be formed at positions different from the first insertion space 2881 through the second lead ear portion 112 , and the plurality of second insertion spaces 2882 may be connected to each other.

[0254] Furthermore, a length L1 of the refractory assembly 270 in a height direction of the housing case 210 may be greater than a length L3 of each of the lead lug portions 111 and 112 .

[0255] Furthermore, preferably, the maximum diameter L2 of the refractory assembly 270 in the stacking direction may be less than or equal to a distance L4 between two adjacent lead lug portions 111 and 112 .

[0256] And, preferably, the length L1 of the fire-resistant assembly 270 can be the length L2 of the battery cell 100 (refer to Figure 1 ) is less than the length L5 and can be more than half of the length L5 of the above-mentioned battery cell 110.

[0257] In addition, a length L4 of the fire-resistant assembly 270 in the stacking direction may be greater than or equal to half of the thickness of the battery cell 110 and less than or equal to the thickness of the battery cell 110 .

[0258] And, refer to Fig.12 The length L1 or height of the refractory component 270 may be greater than the length L4 of one end surface of the refractory component 270 or the main body 275 in the stacking direction.

[0259] Fig.13 The external material 273 is melted to make the refractory particles 271a (see Figure 6b ) is a simple form in which particles are accumulated in the insertion space 288.

[0260] Specifically, Fig.13 It shows an example in which, under conditions above the above-mentioned allowable temperature, the above-mentioned external material 273 melts, so that the above-mentioned refractory particles 271a are separated into particles, thereby filling the above-mentioned insertion space 288 along the height direction of the above-mentioned storage shell 210 or the above-mentioned storage body 219 to a preset filling height H1.

[0261] The insertion space 288 may be divided into a plurality of separation spaces 2889, and a plurality of refractory components 270 may be inserted into at least a portion of the plurality of separation spaces 2889. The volume of each of the insertion spaces 288 may be greater than the sum of the volumes of each of the refractory components 270 inserted into the plurality of separation spaces 2889.

[0262] As a result, assuming that the plurality of battery cells 110 have thermal runaway, the external materials 273 are all melted, and the refractory particles 271 a are unable to fill the insertion space 288 to the uppermost end in the height direction of the battery cells 110 .

[0263] That is, when it is assumed that the battery assembly 200 reaches the allowable temperature and the external material 273 is melted, the refractory particles 271 a can fill the insertion space 288 to the filling height H1 in the form of particles.

[0264] Reference Fig.13 The filling height may be a height indicated by H1 from the main body bottom surface 2194 which is the bottom surface of the storage main body 219 .

[0265] For example, Fig.13 The filling height H1 is an example of a corresponding height when 50% of the volume of the insertion space 288 is filled with the refractory particles 271 a after the external material 273 is melted.

[0266] On the other hand, the battery assembly 200 may further include a heat dissipation portion 295 between the plurality of battery cells 110 and the main body bottom surface 2194. The heat dissipation portion 295 may be a material that is first applied to the main body bottom surface 2194 in a liquid form before accommodating the plurality of battery cells 110, and then solidifies after a preset time after accommodating the plurality of battery cells 110.

[0267] On the other hand, the thickness of the heat dissipation portion 295 may be negligible compared to the height of the storage body 219 or the filling height H1.

[0268] On the other hand, the battery assembly 200 may be provided with end plates 212 and 213 at both ends of the plurality of battery cells 110 along the stacking direction. In addition, among the plurality of battery cells 110, a portion of the adjacent battery cells 110 may be combined to form battery groups BG1 to BG5. The plurality of battery cells 110 in one battery group may be arranged in parallel with the same polarity. Therefore, the polarity of each battery group (BG1 to BG5) may be different from the polarity of the adjacent battery group (BG1 to BG5).

[0269] In addition, the battery assembly 200 may further include a heat insulating member 119 (see Figure 3 ) or buffer component 117.

[0270] On the other hand, Fig.13 On the contrary, if the refractory component 271 is formed of a refractory sheet 271 b in a rolled shape, when the external material 273 melts, the rolled shape of the refractory sheet 271 b expands only in the radial direction, and the outer shape of the rolled shape can be maintained.

[0271] Fig.14 The fire-resistant member 271 (see Figure 6b ) is an example of a refractory particle (271a, see Figure 6b ) is an example of movement.

[0272] Reference Fig.14 When the external material 273 that restricts the refractory particles begins to melt under conditions above the allowable temperature, the refractory particles cannot maintain the shape of the refractory assembly 270, but can be stacked in sequence from the bottom surface 2194 of the main body due to gravity.

[0273] That is, the refractory particles 271 a are in a state of being accommodated in the external material 273 , and therefore, when the external material 273 is removed, the refractory particles 271 a are not combined with each other but can be accumulated in the insertion space 288 .

[0274] Fig.14 An example of the external material 273 of all the refractory components 270 inserted into the insertion space 288 being melted is briefly shown. For the convenience of explanation, the shape of the refractory particles 271a is enlarged and shown as a sphere. And, for convenience, it is assumed that all the external materials 273 are melted.

[0275] In contrast, the external material 273 may be melted preferentially in an insertion space 288 where a corresponding battery cell 110 is located in a battery cell 110. Therefore, a portion of the plurality of refractory components 270 may be melted, while the other portions may maintain the three-dimensional shape of the refractory components 270.

[0276] Furthermore, even if a portion of a refractory component 270 is melted, the other portions may still maintain the shape of the refractory component 270 .

[0277] When the temperature of the refractory component 270 reaches above the allowable temperature, the external material 273 begins to melt. Fig.13 and Fig.14As shown, the refractory particles as an example of the refractory member 271 can be separated one by one and can be freely accumulated.

[0278] On the other hand, the refractory particles may be formed in plurality.

[0279] The external material 273 that restricts the refractory particles is removed, so the refractory particles as an example of the refractory member 271 can move freely. Therefore, due to the flow of flame or exhaust gas generated when thermal runaway occurs, the refractory particles as an example of the refractory member 271 are forced and move to other positions.

[0280] As described above, the above-mentioned multiple insertion spaces 288 are connected to each other. Therefore, when the flame spreads from an insertion space 288 where the battery cell 110 experiencing thermal runaway is located toward other battery cells 110 or the exhaust gas moves (in the direction of the arrow), the refractory particles as an example of the above-mentioned refractory component 271 can move from the insertion space 288 corresponding to the battery cell 110 experiencing the above-mentioned thermal runaway to other insertion spaces 288.

[0281] For example, refer to Fig.14 When thermal runaway occurs in a battery cell (e.g., a battery cell belonging to BG3), the temperature of a region adjacent to the battery cell rises preferentially. Therefore, the external material 273 of the refractory assembly 270 adjacent to the battery cell 110 where the thermal runaway occurs may melt. Therefore, the refractory particles, which are an example of the refractory component 271 restricted by the melted external material 273, may move freely.

[0282] Therefore, when flames or high-temperature gas spread to an adjacent battery pack, the refractory particles, which are an example of the refractory member 271 in the above-mentioned particle form, move to one side along with the flames or high-temperature gas. Fig.14 Thus, the remaining space in the insertion space 288 where the flame or high-temperature gas has not spread out is filled with the refractory particles in the granular form, thereby delaying the spread of the flame or high-temperature gas.

[0283] In other words, the refractory particles as an example of the refractory component 271, which are melted and transformed into freely movable particles by the external material 273, can move to the insertion space 288 corresponding to the position of a battery cell 110 that can operate normally without thermal runaway due to the pressure generated when thermal runaway occurs in one of the multiple battery cells 110.

[0284] Therefore, refer to Fig.14, the refractory particles as an example of the refractory member 271 can move to other areas except the insertion space 288 corresponding to the area of ​​the third battery group BG3. Therefore, the filling height H3 of the refractory particles can be higher than that in Fig.13 The filling height H1 of the above-mentioned refractory particles.

[0285] This is just an example, and the filling height H3 of the refractory particles as an example of the refractory member 271 can be changed according to the flame spreading speed and the waste discharge speed.

[0286] Fig.15 This is a flow chart showing an example of a manufacturing process of the battery module 200 of the present invention.

[0287] Reference Fig.15 The manufacturing method of the battery assembly 200 of the utility model may include: step S110, stacking a plurality of battery cells 110 along a preset stacking direction; step S200, combining the stacked plurality of battery cells 110 on a storage cover 215; step S400, inserting the refractory assembly 270 into the insertion space 288, the refractory assembly 270 including a refractory component 271 in the form of beads containing refractory material and an external material 273 that internally receives the refractory component 271 and extends along the height direction of the storage shell 210; and step S500, combining the storage body 219 that is combined with the storage cover 215 to form the storage shell 210 on the storage cover 215.

[0288] In the method for manufacturing the battery assembly 200 of the present invention, after the step S110 of stacking the plurality of battery cells 110 , the step S150 of combining the bus bar assembly 150 electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells 110 may be included.

[0289] The step S110 of stacking the plurality of battery cells 110 and the step S150 of combining the bus bar assembly 150 may be collectively referred to as a step S100 of assembling the battery cell stack 100 .

[0290] Specifically, in the step S100 of assembling the battery cell stack 100, after the step S110 of stacking the plurality of battery cells 110, a stacking step (not shown) of stacking the plurality of battery cells 110 and the buffer components 117 and / or thermal insulation components 119 located between the plurality of battery cells 110 may also be included.

[0291] Furthermore, the step S100 of assembling the battery cell stack 100 may further include the following step (not shown): stacking the end plates 212 and 213 disposed at both ends of the battery cells 110 along the stacking direction of the battery cells 110 .

[0292] On the other hand, in the step S100 of assembling the battery cell stack 100, after the stacking step S110 is completed, a step S150 of connecting the stacked battery cells 110 to the bus bar assembly 150 may be further included. By the step S150 of connecting the bus bar assembly 150, the plurality of battery cells 110 and the bus bar assembly 150 may be welded and electrically connected.

[0293] Afterwards, the manufacturing method of the present invention may include step S200 of combining the storage cover 215 with the battery cell stack 100. The reason why the storage cover 215 is assembled first over the storage body 219 is as follows: during assembly, the bus bar assembly 150 facing the storage cover 215 is protected.

[0294] Afterwards, the manufacturing method of the present invention may be subjected to a first flipping step S300 of changing the upper and lower sides of the battery assembly 200 being assembled. That is, in the manufacturing method of the present invention, before the step S400 of inserting the fireproof assembly 270 into the insertion space 288, the first flipping step S300 of flipping the stacked battery cells 110 after being combined with the storage cover 215 may be further included. That is, through the first flipping step S300, the storage cover 215 may be located at the lower part of the battery cells 110 along the direction of gravity.

[0295] The reason for turning over the battery assembly 200 being assembled is to place the fire-resistant assembly 270 in the insertion space 288. Since it is difficult to insert the fire-resistant assembly 270 from above due to the pre-attached storage cover 215, the battery assembly 200 being assembled is turned over to place the fire-resistant assembly 270.

[0296] In the manufacturing method of the present invention, after the first turning step S300 , a step S400 of inserting the refractory component 270 may be performed.

[0297] When the refractory component 270 is Fig.10a In the illustrated embodiment, in the step S400 of inserting the refractory assembly 270 , the manufacturing method of the present invention may first insert the second end portion 277 into the insertion space 288 so that the first end portion 276 is disposed toward the storage cover 215 .

[0298] Afterwards, the manufacturing method of the present invention may further include a step S500 of combining the storage body 219 with the storage cover 215 .

[0299] After the first flipping step S300 , the step S500 of combining the storage body with the storage cover may include a step S550 of combining the storage cover 215 and the battery cell stack 100 in the flipped state with the storage body 219 .

[0300] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of the present invention, in step S500 of combining the storage body 219 with the storage cover 215, before step S550 of combining the storage cover 215 and the battery cell stack 100 in a flipped state with the storage body 219, step S510 of forming a heat dissipation portion 295 on the main body bottom surface 2194 that forms the bottom surface of the storage body 219 may be included.

[0301] The heat dissipation portion 295 is formed on the main body bottom surface 2194 so as to be in contact with the battery cell stack 100 when the battery cell stack 100 is coupled to the storage body 219 .

[0302] After the storage body 219 is combined with the storage cover 215 , the manufacturing method of the present invention may include a second turning step S600 of turning over the battery assembly 200 again so that the storage cover 215 is located at the top.

[0303] When the refractory component 270 is Fig.10a When the form shown is Fig.11 As shown in an example, through the second flipping step S600, the first end portion 276 can be arranged at the upper portion, and the second end portion 277 can be arranged at the lower portion.

[0304] On the other hand, the manufacturing method of the battery assembly 200 of the utility model is explained using an example in which the storage cover 215 is located on the upper side, but is not limited to this. That is, the first flipping step S300 and the second flipping step S600 do not only mean flipping up and down, but can also be flipping left and right. Or the "flipping step" refers to the step in which the storage cover 215 is preferably oriented in one direction, and then the flipping step is used to make it oriented in another direction opposite to the one direction.

[0305] Afterwards, the manufacturing method of the present invention may perform step S700 of inspecting the battery assembly 200 .

[0306] Figures 16a to 16c An example of each external material is shown.

[0307] As described above, the external material 273 of the present invention can accommodate the refractory component 271 (see Fig.10b). The external material 273 can be melted differently from the fire-resistant component 271, and therefore, the ability to delay or prevent thermal runaway of the battery cell 110 may be lower than that of the fire-resistant component 271. Therefore, in order to minimize the phenomenon that the external material 273 unnecessarily occupies space, the thickness of the external material 273 is as thin as possible. On the contrary, for the assemblability of the external material 273, it should maintain its own shape regardless of the fire-resistant component 271. In consideration of this problem, the external material 273 may be formed of a polymer material. As an example, the external material 273 may be formed of polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE).

[0308] Reference Fig.16a The external material 273 may include: a main body 275 in a tubular shape for accommodating the refractory component; and a first end 276 and a second end 277 combined at both ends of the main body 275 . Fig.10a As described above, the first end 276 may be tapered in a direction away from the main body 275. That is, the length of a vertical section of the main body 275 may gradually decrease in a direction away from the main body 275. In other words, at least one of the two ends of the refractory assembly 270 may be chamfered. On the contrary, the second end 277 may form a plane along the vertical direction of the main body 275.

[0309] Reference Fig.16b The external material 273 may include: a main body 275 in a tube (or column) shape for receiving the refractory component; and a first end 276 and a second end 277 connected to both ends of the main body 275. Figure 6c As shown, the first end portion 276 and the second end portion 277 may also be formed as flat surfaces. Fig.16b , and the above Figure 6c Differently, the main body 275 may be in the shape of a cylinder. Fig.16a Different from the above, since there is no tapered portion, the external material 273 can accommodate more refractory components 271 inside, which is more advantageous from the perspective of delaying the spread of heat. On the contrary, from the perspective of assembly, Fig.16a As shown, it is more advantageous if one end is tapered.

[0310] On the other hand, refer to Fig.16c The first end portion 276 and the second end portion 277 connected to both ends of the main body portion 275 may both be tapered.

[0311] That is, the refractory assembly 270 (see Fig.10a) can be chamfered at both ends. Based on this, when the refractory assembly 270 is inserted into the storage shell 210 (refer to Figure 1 ), the staff does not need to distinguish between the first end 276 and the second end 277.

[0312] Figures 17a to 17c An example of a method for manufacturing a refractory assembly is briefly shown.

[0313] Reference Fig.17a First, the main body 275 and the first end 276 may be combined. For the convenience of explanation, Fig.17a It is shown that the first end portion 276 is located at the lower portion, and the main body portion 275 and the first end portion 276 may be combined with each other in any configuration.

[0314] The main body portion 275 and the first end portion 276 may together form a fire-resistant space 274 therein.

[0315] Fig.17b It is shown that after the first end portion 276 is combined with the main body portion 275, the refractory component 271 is filled or inserted into the refractory space 274 through the open end of the main body portion 275. The filling rate of the refractory component 271 may be changed according to the use environment.

[0316] Reference Fig.17c After the filling or insertion of the refractory component 271 is completed, the second end 277 may be combined with the main body 275 to close the open end of the main body 275. After that, the refractory assembly 270 may be completed by thermoforming. The purpose of the thermoforming is to strengthen the adhesion between the first end 276 and the main body 275 and between the second end 277 and the main body 275.

[0317] Fig.18 This is a flowchart showing an example of a method for manufacturing a refractory component.

[0318] The manufacturing method of the refractory assembly 270 of the utility model may include: step S10, combining the above-mentioned first end portion 276 with the above-mentioned main body portion 275 in order to form a refractory space 274 inside by covering one end of the opening of the columnar (or tubular) main body portion 275; step S30, inserting the above-mentioned refractory component 271 into the above-mentioned refractory space 274; and step S50, combining the above-mentioned second end portion 277 with the above-mentioned main body portion 275 in order to cover one end of the opening of the above-mentioned main body portion 275.

[0319] When the first end portion 276 is formed as one body with the main body 275, the manufacturing method of the refractory assembly 270 of the present invention may include: step S30, inserting the refractory component 271 into the refractory space 274; and step S50, combining the second end portion 277 with the main body 275 to cover the open end of the main body 275. That is, step S10 of combining the first end portion 276 with the main body 275 may be omitted.

[0320] In step S30 of inserting the refractory component 271 into the refractory space 274 , the manufacturing method of the refractory assembly 270 of the present invention may insert or fill the refractory component 271 into the refractory space 274 until the filling rate of the refractory component 271 meets the preset target filling rate.

[0321] Afterwards, the method for manufacturing the refractory assembly 270 of the present invention may combine the second end portion 277 with the main body 275 to cover the open end of the main body 275 (step S50 ).

[0322] Afterwards, the method for manufacturing the refractory component 270 of the present invention may further include a thermoforming step S70 of applying heat to the refractory component 270 .

[0323] Through the thermoforming step S70 , the method for manufacturing the refractory assembly 270 of the present invention can weld the first end portion 276 and the second end portion 277 to the main body portion 275 .

[0324] On the other hand, refer to Fig.10d One of the two ends of the main body 275 is already in a closed state. Therefore, the manufacturing method of the refractory assembly 270 of the present invention can omit the step S10 of combining the first end 276 and the main body 275.

[0325] Furthermore, the step S50 of coupling the second end portion 277 to the main body 275 may be replaced by a step of coupling an end portion to an open end of the main body 275. The end portion may be one of the first end portion 276 and the second end portion 277.

[0326] That is, refer to Fig.10d and Fig.15The present invention can provide a method for manufacturing a refractory component 270, wherein the refractory component 270 includes: a main body 275, which is columnar, and at least one of its two ends is in an open state; an external material 273, including an end 276 or an end 277 combined with the above-mentioned one end of the opening; and a refractory component 271, which is accommodated in a refractory space 274 formed by the above-mentioned external material 273. The method for manufacturing the refractory component 270 of the present invention may include: step S30, inserting the above-mentioned refractory component 271 into the above-mentioned refractory space 274; and step S50, combining the above-mentioned end 276 or the end 277 at the open end of the above-mentioned main body 275.

[0327] In the manufacturing method of the refractory component 270 of the present invention, after the end portion 276 or the end portion 277 is combined (step S50), a thermoforming step S70 of applying heat to the refractory component 270 may be further included. In addition, in the manufacturing method of the refractory component 270 of the present invention, the end portion 276 or the end portion 277 may be welded to the main body 275 in the thermoforming step S70.

[0328] Fig.19 Another example of the battery pack 300 of the present invention is shown.

[0329] The above-mentioned battery assembly 200 is described based on the battery assembly. Fig.19 Another example of a battery assembly 300 provided in the form of a battery pack is shown. That is, the battery assembly 200 may also be in the form of a cell-to-pack structure in which a plurality of battery cells 110 are directly accommodated in the form of a battery pack without omitting the battery assembly.

[0330] The battery assembly 300 may include: a plurality of battery cells 110, stacked and arranged along a preset stacking direction; a storage shell 310 for storing the plurality of battery cells; an insertion space 388, formed between the plurality of battery cells 110 and the storage shell 310 along the stacking direction; and a fire-resistant assembly (not shown), located in the insertion space.

[0331] The refractory assembly 270 (see Figure 6a ) may include a refractory component 271 and an external material 273 (see Figure 6a ). Fig.14 In the figure, the fire-resistant assembly 270 is omitted in order to explain the storage shell 210.

[0332] The storage case 310 may include a storage body 311 for storing the plurality of battery cells 110 and a storage cover (not shown) coupled to the storage body 311. In addition, the storage case 310 may further include a partitioning portion 330 for partitioning the insertion space 388.

[0333] The partitioning portion 330 may further include a first frame 333 and a second frame 335 for horizontally and vertically partitioning the plurality of battery cells 110. The first frame 333 and the second frame 335 are used to prevent the storage body 311 from being deformed, and to support and partition the plurality of battery cells 110.

[0334] Fig.20a A part of another example of the battery module 200 of the present invention is shown. Fig.20b A part of another example of the battery module 200 of the present invention is shown.

[0335] Reference Fig.20a The battery cell included in the battery assembly 200 of the present invention may be a square battery cell. That is, the battery assembly 200 of the present invention may include a plurality of battery cells 110 stacked in a preset direction and a fire-resistant assembly 270 disposed between the plurality of battery cells 110. For the convenience of description, the storage housing for storing the plurality of battery cells 110 and the fire-resistant assembly 270 is omitted.

[0336] On the other hand, the terminals of the rectangular battery cells 110 may be disposed on the upper portion of the rectangular battery cells 110 along the height direction of the storage case. Therefore, the bus bar for electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells 110 may be located on the upper portion of the plurality of battery cells 110.

[0337] The present invention may include a fire-resistant assembly 270 disposed between the plurality of battery cells 110. For the convenience of description, a housing housing for housing the plurality of battery cells 110 and the fire-resistant assembly 270 is omitted.

[0338] Reference Fig.20b The battery cell included in the battery assembly 200 of the present invention may be a cylindrical battery cell. That is, the battery assembly 200 of the present invention may include: a plurality of battery cells 110; a storage shell (not shown) for storing the plurality of battery cells 110; and a fire-resistant assembly 270, which is disposed between the plurality of battery cells 110 or between the plurality of battery cells 110 and the storage shell 210.

[0339] In the case of the cylindrical battery cells 110, unlike the square or pouch-shaped battery cells 110, a space into which the fireproof member 270 can be inserted may be formed between the cylindrical battery cells 110. Therefore, the fireproof member 270 may be inserted into the space.

[0340] The utility model can be implemented in various forms, and the protection scope of the utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Therefore, as long as the modified embodiments include the structural elements of the utility model protection scope of the utility model, they should belong to the protection scope of the utility model.

Claims

1. A refractory component, characterized in that: include: The external material comprises a main body and a first end portion, wherein the main body forms a refractory space inside, and the first end portion is combined with the main body to form the refractory space together with the main body; and The refractory member is accommodated in the refractory space and includes a plurality of refractory particles.

2. The refractory assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The refractory member includes spaces between the plurality of particles.

3. The refractory assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The external material begins to melt when the preset temperature is reached.

4. The refractory assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that The above temperature is lower than the melting point of the above refractory component.

5. The refractory assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The plurality of refractory particles include silicon dioxide.

6. The refractory assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that It also includes a second end portion forming the other end of the main body portion, At least one of the first end portion and the second end portion is tapered in a direction away from the main body portion.

7. The refractory assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that The second end portion is in a planar shape.

8. The refractory assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The fire-resistant assembly is housed inside a battery assembly including a plurality of battery cells.

9. The refractory assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The above-mentioned external material is in a columnar shape.

10. The refractory assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The external material is in the shape of a cylinder.

11. The refractory assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that Each of the plurality of refractory particles is in the form of a granular body.

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