Battery arrangement

Abstract

Battery assembly comprising: a plurality of battery cells arranged in a stacking direction; a housing that accommodates the plurality of battery cells; a plate-shaped blocking member disposed between the plurality of battery cells along the stacking direction within the housing case; and a first member into which at least one end of both ends of the blocking member is inserted along a projecting direction perpendicular to the stacking direction within the housing case.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to a battery assembly that improves the thermal stability of the battery assembly. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0002] Recently, social concerns about the safety of battery use have been increasing due to fire or explosion accidents that have occurred during the use of lithium secondary batteries. Based on these social concerns, one of the main development tasks of lithium secondary batteries in recent years has been to eliminate the uncertainties caused by thermal runaway of battery cells, such as fire and explosion.

[0003] In particular, battery modules / packs have different empty spaces than battery cells, which are energy sources. If a fire occurs due to an external impact or a problem with a battery cell, the flame can spread through an empty space to a neighboring cell, and the damage caused by the fire can increase. The risk of such fires may be the biggest obstacle to the electric vehicle market, so the design of ways to reduce the spread of fires continues to be explored.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a problem to be solved is to improve the production efficiency of the battery assembly by reducing the difficulty of assembling the battery assembly.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the problem is to increase the stability of the battery assembly by increasing heat resistance or fire resistance.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the problem is to fill the empty space of the battery assembly during thermal runaway.

[0007] The present disclosure can be broadly applied to electric vehicles, battery charging stations, and other green technology fields, such as solar power generation and wind power generation using batteries. Furthermore, the present disclosure can be used in environmentally friendly electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and the like to prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] A battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a plurality of battery cells arranged in a stacking direction; a housing case accommodating the plurality of battery cells; a plate-shaped blocking member arranged between the plurality of battery cells along the stacking direction within the housing case; and a first member into which at least one of both ends of the blocking member is inserted along a projecting direction perpendicular to the stacking direction within the housing case.

[0009] The first element may comprise an inflatable flame-retardant resin whose volume changes based on temperature.

[0010] The first member may comprise an inflatable flame-retardant resin in which the volume of the first member increases at a second temperature that is higher than a first temperature.

[0011] Each of the plurality of battery cells may include a body receiving an electrode assembly; and a terminal connected to the electrode assembly and projecting outwardly from the body; and the first member may be positioned between the terminal of one of the plurality of battery cells and the terminal of another of the plurality of battery cells, with the blocking member disposed therebetween.

[0012] The blocking member may include a contact portion contacting the body and a fitting portion extending from the contact portion to the housing case.

[0013] The first member may include an insertion hole formed by penetrating the first member along the protruding direction and into which at least a portion of the fitting portion is inserted.

[0014] The length of the insertion hole along the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and the protruding direction may be smaller than the length of the first member.

[0015] The first member may further include an insertion groove formed by recessing in a direction away from the plurality of battery cells along the protruding direction, into which at least a portion of the fitting portion is inserted.

[0016] The insertion groove may extend from one end of the first member to the other end along the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and the projecting direction.

[0017] The depth of the insertion groove along the protruding direction may be greater than or equal to the length of the fitting portion inserted into the insertion groove at a first temperature.

[0018] The length of the fitting portion may be smaller than the length of the contact portion along the height direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and the protruding direction.

[0019] A battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an insertion space formed between the plurality of battery cells and the housing case where the first member is positioned; and a second member arranged in the insertion space together with the first member along the stacking direction.

[0020] The blocking member and the first member may each be provided in a plurality, and the second member may be positioned between the plurality of first members or between the plurality of first members and the housing case along the stacking direction in the insertion space.

[0021] The second member may be formed of an inflatable flame-retardant resin in which the volume of the second member increases at a second temperature higher than the first temperature.

[0022] Each of the plurality of battery cells may comprise a body receiving an electrode assembly; and a terminal connected to the electrode assembly and projecting outwardly from the body; and the second member may be positioned between the terminal of one of the battery cells and the terminal of another battery cell adjacent to the one of the battery cells.

[0023] A battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a plurality of battery cells arranged in a stacking direction; a housing case that houses the plurality of battery cells; a bus bar that is positioned between the housing case and the plurality of battery cells and electrically connects the plurality of battery cells; a plate-shaped blocking member that is arranged between the plurality of battery cells along the stacking direction within the housing case; and a first member into which at least one end of both ends of the blocking member is inserted along a projecting direction perpendicular to the stacking direction within the housing case.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the production efficiency of the battery assembly by reducing the difficulty of assembling the battery assembly.

[0025] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the stability of the battery assembly can be increased by increasing the heat resistance or the fire resistance.

[0026] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the empty space of the battery assembly may be filled during thermal runaway. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 illustrates an example of a battery assembly according to the present disclosure. Fig. 2 illustrates an example of disassembly of a battery assembly according to the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is a plan view of a battery assembly according to the present disclosure. Fig. 4 schematically illustrates an example of a battery assembly according to the present disclosure in a normal operating state. Fig. 5 schematically illustrates an example of a battery assembly according to the present disclosure when thermal runaway occurs. Fig. 6 schematically illustrates another example of a battery assembly according to the present disclosure in a normal operating state. Fig. 7 illustrates an example of a first element according to the present disclosure. Fig. 8 is a side view of an example of the first element according to the present disclosure. Fig. 9 illustrates another example of the first element according to the present disclosure. Fig. 10 is a side view of another example of the first element according to the present disclosure. Fig. 11 illustrates another example of the first element according to the present disclosure. Fig. 12 is a side view of another example of the first element according to the present disclosure. Fig. 13 illustrates an example in which a first element and a blocking element are used. Fig. 14 illustrates another example in which the first element and the blocking element are inserted. Fig. 15 illustrates another example of a battery assembly according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure refers can easily practice them. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in a number of different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, in order to clearly explain the present disclosure in the drawings, parts unrelated to the explanation are omitted, and similar parts are given similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0028] Whenever the description refers to a part being “connected” to another part, this includes not only the case where they are “directly connected” but also the case where they are “electrically connected” with another element in between.

[0029] Whenever the description refers to an element being “on” another element, this includes not only the case where the element is in contact with the other element, but also the case where another element is between the two elements.

[0030] For example, an expression indicating a relative or absolute arrangement such as "in one direction", "along one direction", "parallel", "vertical", "central", "concentric", or "coaxial" not only strictly indicates such an arrangement, but also indicates a state of relative displacement with tolerance or an angle or distance to the extent that the same function is obtained.

[0031] To explain the present disclosure, a spatial orthogonal coordinate system based on the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis being orthogonal to each other will be described below. Unless otherwise stated, the Z-direction refers to the height direction, and the X-direction (or the first direction) refers to any of the directions perpendicular to the height direction. The Y-direction (or the second direction) means a direction perpendicular to the Z direction and the X direction.

[0032] However, the X direction, Y direction and Z direction mentioned below are intended to explain the present disclosure so that it can be clearly understood, and it goes without saying that each direction may be defined differently depending on where the standard is placed.

[0033] Whenever it is mentioned throughout the specification that a part "includes" or "comprises" a component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components unless expressly stated otherwise. The terms such as "about" and "substantially," which indicate degrees, as used throughout the specification, are used in a meaning that is at or close to a numerical value when specifying manufacturing and material tolerances inherent in the stated meanings and are used to prevent unscrupulous infringers from taking unfair advantage of the disclosure, which specifies precise or absolute numbers to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure. The terms "step of carrying out..." or "step of..." as used throughout the specification do not mean "step by...".

[0034] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and the description below. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but may be embodied in other forms. Throughout the description, the same reference numerals represent the same components.

[0035] Furthermore, the battery assemblies 200, 300 according to the present disclosure are collectively referred to as battery modules or battery packs. Accordingly, battery assemblies 200, 300 according to the present disclosure may refer to battery modules as well as battery packs that accommodate battery cells without battery modules, such as cell-to-pack (CTP).

[0036] Fig. 1 is an example of a battery assembly according to the present disclosure.

[0037] With reference to Fig. 1, the battery assembly 200 may include a plurality of battery cells 110 and a housing case 210 that accommodates the battery cells 110.

[0038] Each of the plurality of battery cells 110 may include a body 115 containing an electrode assembly 114 therein, and terminals 111, 112 connected to the electrode assembly 114 and projecting to the outside of the body 115.

[0039] Here, the electrode assembly 114 may include a positive electrode coated with a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode coated with a negative electrode active material, and a separation membrane separating the positive electrode and the negative electrode from each other.

[0040] In addition, the plurality of battery cells 110 also includes an electrolyte (not shown) in contact with the electrode assembly 114 within the body 115. The electrolyte may be liquid or solid.

[0041] This illustrates Fig. 1 shows an example of a battery cell 110 in the shape of a pouch, but is not limited thereto. Therefore, it is also applicable to rectangular and cylindrical battery cells.

[0042] With reference to Fig. 1, the terminals 111, 112 may include a first terminal 111 and a second terminal 112 projecting from both sides of the body 115 in a direction away from the body 115. For example, both terminals 111, 112 may be provided on one side.

[0043] Furthermore, the first terminal 111 and the second terminal 112 may have different electrical polarities.

[0044] The housing case 210 can protect the plurality of battery cells 110 from external shocks such as vibrations. The housing case 210 can include a housing body 219 that forms part of a receiving space 280 for receiving the plurality of battery cells 110, which will be described later.

[0045] Fig. 2 is an example of a disassembly of a battery assembly according to the present disclosure.

[0046] With reference to Fig. 2, the housing case 210 may include a housing body 219 forming part of a receiving space 280 that receives the plurality of battery cells 110, and a cover 215 coupled to the housing body 219 to together form the receiving space 280.

[0047] The plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked in a predetermined stacking direction (e.g., X-direction) within the housing body 219.

[0048] More specifically, the housing case 210 includes an open top surface 2195 and may further include a housing body 219 that receives the plurality of battery cells 110 through the open top surface 2195, and a cover 215 coupled to the housing body 219 and closing the open top surface 2195.

[0049] Accordingly, the cover 215 may be coupled to the housing body 219 to form an upper surface of the receiving space 280 or an upper surface of a housing casing 210. That is, the cover 211 may be coupled to the housing body 219 to close the open upper surface 2195 and, together with the housing body 229, form the receiving space 280.

[0050] The receiving space 280 may be formed within the housing body 219 to receive the cell stack 100.

[0051] In addition, the receiving space 280 may also have an insertion space 288 (see Fig. 3), which will be described later.

[0052] Meanwhile, the housing body 219 may have a channel shape or a U-shape with an open top. Referring to Fig. 2, both side surfaces 2197, 2198 facing each other in the X direction of the side surfaces of the housing body 219 may also be open.

[0053] That is, the housing body 219 may include a body bottom surface 2194 forming a bottom surface of the receiving space 280, and body side surfaces 2191, 2192 extending to the cover 211 at corners (not shown) of the body bottom surface 2194 provided side by side along the stacking direction. The free ends of the body sides 2191, 2192 may be bent to form flanges (not shown). This serves to facilitate coupling to the cover 211.

[0054] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the height of the housing body 219 may be smaller than the heights of the plurality of battery cells 110. However, this is only an example, and the height of the housing body 219 may be greater than or equal to the height of the plurality of battery cells 110.

[0055] Meanwhile, the cell stack 100 may further include a blocking element 119 positioned between the plurality of battery cells 110. The blocking element 119 may be positioned between the battery cells 110 or may be positioned between battery groups BG (see Fig. 6) in which the plurality of battery cells 110 are grouped.

[0056] The blocking element 119 can serve as a thermal barrier to prevent flames or heat from spreading to other adjacent battery cells 110 when thermal runaway occurs in a battery cell 110. For this purpose, the blocking element 119 can be made of a flame-retardant material.

[0057] The blocking element 119 may be provided in a cushion shape. Meanwhile, the blocking element 119 may serve as a buffer element for minimizing swelling during charging and discharging of the battery cells 110 and for uniformly applying surface pressures to the plurality of battery cells 110.

[0058] For this purpose, the blocking member 119 may also be formed in a multi-layer structure along the stacking directions of the plurality of battery cells 110. That is, at least one layer of the multi-layer structure may be formed of a flame-retardant material (or a fire-resistant material). Furthermore, the other layer of the above multi-layer structure may perform a buffer function to reduce the pressure on the other battery cell 110 when the battery cell 110 is swollen.

[0059] The cell stack 100 may include at least one blocking element 119. That is, the cell stack 100 may be positioned in at least one of the plurality of battery cells 110.

[0060] Since the blocking element 119 has a pillow shape, the blocking element 119 can be in contact with adjacent battery cells 110. More specifically, the blocking element 119 can be in contact with the respective body 115 of the battery cells 110 adjacent to each other, with the blocking element 119 disposed therebetween.

[0061] The plurality of battery cells 110 and the plurality of blocking elements 119 may be provided and stacked at a predetermined position. For example, with reference to Fig. 2 shows an example in which long edges of the plurality of battery cells 110 are positioned side by side in the Y direction. Therefore, the plurality of battery cells 110 and the plurality of blocking elements 119 are positioned to overlap in the X direction. The same applies to the blocking element 119.

[0062] The blocking element 119 may be formed from a fire-resistant (heat-resistant or flame-retardant) material. For example, the blocking element 119 may be made from a heat-resistant polymer or a material such as mica.

[0063] In this case, reference can be made to Fig. 2, the battery assembly 200 may further include end plates 212, 213 at both ends of the cell stack 100 along the stacking direction. The end plates 212, 213 may be provided at both ends of the cell stack 100 or may be formed to be connected to both side surfaces 2197, 2198 of the housing body 219.

[0064] The end plates 212, 213 are configured to prevent both sides of the cell stack 100 from being exposed to the outside.

[0065] Here, the battery assembly 200 may include a bus bar 170 electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells 110. The bus bar 170 may be electrically connected to the outside to store (or charge) electrical energy in the plurality of battery cells 110 or to supply (or discharge) electrical energy stored in the plurality of battery cells 110 to the outside.

[0066] Here, the battery assembly 200 may further include busbar frames 151, 152, 155 that support the busbar 170 and the plurality of battery cells 110. The busbar 170 and the busbar frames 151, 152, 155 may collectively be referred to as a busbar assembly 150.

[0067] With reference to Fig. 2, the bus bar 170 may include a first bus bar 171 and a second bus bar 172 arranged along the stacking direction, with the plurality of battery cells 110 disposed therebetween and electrically connected to the terminals 111, 112 of the plurality of battery cells.

[0068] The bus bar frame may include a first bus bar frame 151 extending along the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells 110 and supporting the first bus bar 171, and a second bus bar frame 152 supporting the second bus bar 172.

[0069] The busbar frame may further include a support frame 155 positioned on one side of the busbar assembly 150 and connecting the first busbar frame 151 and the second busbar frame 152.

[0070] In the present disclosure, the busbar assembly 150 is described using a housing in which the terminals 111, 112 are positioned in opposite directions of the body 115, respectively. However, if the terminals 111, 112 are positioned on one side of the body 115 and arranged in the same direction, the first busbar frame 151 may be positioned on one side, e.g., on the upper portion of the body 115, and electrically connected to the terminals 111, 112.

[0071] The support frame 155 may serve to prevent and support deformation of the first busbar frame 151 and the second busbar frame 152. Furthermore, a part of the electrical device for detecting and controlling the plurality of battery cells 110 may be arranged on the support frame 155.

[0072] With reference to Fig. 2, the busbar assembly 150 may have a tunnel shape. The length of the first busbar frame 151 and the length of the second busbar frame 152 along the stacking direction may be longer than the length of the support frame 155.

[0073] That is, the support frame 155 may be connected to the first busbar frame 151 and the second busbar frame 152 to cover upper portions of the plurality of battery cells 110. That is, the support frame 155 may cover not only a part of the upper portions of the plurality of battery cells 110, but also all of them.

[0074] With reference to Fig. 2, the busbar 170 may include a first busbar 171 supported by the first busbar frame 151 and electrically connected to the first terminal 111, and a second busbar 172 supported by the second busbar frame 152 and electrically connected to a second terminal 112.

[0075] The first busbar 171 and the second busbar 172 may be positioned farther away from the plurality of battery cells 110 than the first busbar frame 151 and the second busbar frame 152, respectively. That is, they may be positioned closer to the body side surfaces 2191, 2192 than the first busbar frame 151 and the second busbar frame 152.

[0076] Therefore, the first terminal 111 and the second terminal 112 may be inserted into slotted holes (not shown) formed in the first busbar frame 151 and the second busbar frame 152, respectively, to be electrically connected to the first busbar 171 and the second busbar 172. However, this is only an example, and the first terminal 111 and the second terminal 112 may be electrically connected to the first busbar 171 and the second busbar 172, respectively, in a different manner.

[0077] Here, the battery assembly 200 may further include a heat dissipation portion 295 positioned between the body bottom surface 2194 and the plurality of battery cells 110 to transfer heat generated in the plurality of battery cells 110 to the outside of the battery assembly 200.

[0078] The heat dissipation portion 295 may be made of an adhesive material having thermal conductivity, for example, a heat-dissipating adhesive. Therefore, the plurality of battery cells 110 may be connected to the body bottom surface 2194 through the heat dissipation portion 295. For this purpose, the heat dissipation portion 295 may be sprayed or applied to the body bottom surface 2194.

[0079] Fig. 3 is a plan view of a battery assembly according to the present disclosure.

[0080] The busbar assembly 150 may include the first busbar assembly 1501 and the second busbar assembly 1502. In the present disclosure, the first busbar 171 and the first busbar frame 151 are collectively referred to as a first busbar assembly 1501 (see Fig. 3), and the second busbar 172 and the second busbar frame 152 are collectively referred to as a second busbar assembly 1502 (see Fig. 3).

[0081] With reference to Fig. 3, due to the electrical connection between the terminals 111, 112 and the busbar assemblies 150, an empty space (hereinafter referred to as an insertion space 288) may be formed between the plurality of battery cells 110 and the busbar assembly 150. The insertion space 288 may refer to a space remaining after the cell stack 100 is received as part of the receiving space 280.

[0082] That is, the insertion space 288 may be formed between the plurality of battery cells 110 and the housing case 210.

[0083] Alternatively, the insertion space 288 may be formed between the plurality of battery cells 110 and the bus bar 170.

[0084] In particular, the insertion space 288 may be formed between the body 115, the terminals 111, 112 and the bus bar 170 of the plurality of battery cells 110.

[0085] In general, when thermal runaway occurs in any one of the plurality of battery cells 110 and gas is generated, high-temperature heat may be transferred through the insertion space 288 to other adjacent battery cells 110. To prevent such thermal spread, it is necessary to fill the insertion space 288.

[0086] For this purpose, the battery assembly 200 according to the present disclosure may include a first element 270 (see Fig. 4) and a second element 260 (see Fig. 6) which are inserted into the insertion space 288.

[0087] That is, the battery assembly 200 according to the present disclosure may include a plurality of battery cells 110 arranged in a stacking direction, a housing case 210 that accommodates the battery cells 110, an insertion space 288 formed between the battery cells 110 and the housing case 210 along the stacking direction, and a first member 270 positioned in the insertion space 288.

[0088] Here, the length of the blocking member 119 along the direction from the first bus bar 171 to the second bus bar 172 or the projecting direction of the terminals 111, 112 may be longer than the length of the body 115.

[0089] More specifically, the blocking element 119 may be in contact with the first busbar assembly 1501 and / or the second busbar assembly 1502. As a result, the blocking element 119 may block or delay the spread of heat or flame to other locations during a thermal runaway of any battery cell 110.

[0090] With reference to Fig. 3, one side surface of the body 115 may be a side surface on which the first terminal 111 is positioned, and the other side surface of the body 115 may be the side surface on which the second terminal 112 is positioned.

[0091] For example, the insertion space 288 may include a first insertion space 2881 and a second insertion space 2882. The space of the first insertion space 2881 may be separated by the first terminal 111. Furthermore, the second insertion space 2882 may be separated by the second terminal 112.

[0092] However, when the cell stack 100 is housed in the housing body 219, the lengths of the first terminal 111 and the second terminal 112 along the height direction of the housing case 210 or the housing body 219 are smaller than the height of the battery cell 110, so that the first insertion space 2881 and the second insertion space 2882 can communicate with each other.

[0093] Furthermore, the first insertion space 2881 and the second insertion space 2882 may communicate with each other through a space formed between the plurality of battery cells 110 and the cover 215. Therefore, the first insertion space 2881 and the second insertion space 2882 may not be separated and isolated from each other, but may be spaces that can communicate with each other.

[0094] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates an example of a battery assembly according to the present disclosure in a normal operating state.

[0095] Fig. 4 shows a part of the first insertion space 2881. Here, the description of the blocking element 119, the first element 270 and the second element 260 (see Fig. 6) in the first insertion space 2881 should be the same as the description of the blocking element 119, the first element 270, and the first element 260 in the second insertion space 2882. Therefore, the description of the blocking element 119, the first element 270, and the second element 260 in the second insertion space 2882 is omitted.

[0096] The battery assembly 200 according to the present disclosure may include a plurality of battery cells 110 arranged in a stacking direction, a housing case 210 that accommodates the battery cells 110, and a plate-shaped blocking member 119 arranged between the battery cells 110 in the housing case 210 along the stacking direction.

[0097] The battery assembly 200 according to the present disclosure may further include a first member 270 into which one end of at least one of the two ends of the blocking member 119 is inserted along a protruding direction perpendicular to the stacking direction in the housing case 210.

[0098] Here, the battery assembly 200 according to the present disclosure may include: a plurality of battery cells 110 arranged in a stacking direction, a housing case 210 that accommodates the battery cells 110, a bus bar 170 positioned between the housing case 210 and the battery cells 110 to electrically connect the battery cells 110 to each other, a plate-shaped blocking member 119 positioned between the battery cells 110 in the housing case 210 along the stacking direction, and a first member 270 positioned between the bus bar 170 and the battery cells 100 in the housing case 220 to insert one end of at least one of the two ends of the blocking member 119 along a protruding direction perpendicular to the stacking direction.

[0099] Alternatively, the battery assembly 200 according to the present disclosure may include: a first member 270 containing a plurality of battery cells 110 arranged in a stacking direction, a housing case 210 accommodating the battery cells 110, a bus bar 170 positioned between the housing case 210 and the battery cells 110 to electrically connect the battery cells 110 to each other, a plate-shaped blocking member 119 positioned between the battery cells 110 in the housing case 210 along the stacking direction, and a groove- or hole-shaped insertion portion (not shown) positioned between the bus bar 170 and the battery cells 110 in the housing case 210 to insert one end of at least one of the two ends of the blocking member 119 along a protruding direction perpendicular to the stacking direction.

[0100] The protruding direction may be a direction from the plurality of battery cells 110 to the bus bar 170. Alternatively, the protruding direction may be a direction from the first bus bar 171 to the second bus bar 172. More specifically, the protruding direction may be a direction in which the terminals 111, 112 protrude from the body 115.

[0101] With reference to Fig. 4, the first element 270 can receive an end of at least one of the two ends of the blocking element 119. The first element 270 can be positioned in at least one of the first insertion space 2881 and the second insertion space 2882.

[0102] With reference to Fig. 4, the first member 270 may extend along a height direction (or a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and the protruding direction) of the housing case 210. Therefore, the first member 270 may have a columnar shape.

[0103] Moreover, although the cross section of the first element 270 is shown in the present disclosure as a square with rounded corners, this is only an example, and the cross section of the first element 270 may be a figure of a different shape.

[0104] With reference to Fig. 4, a plurality of blocking elements 119 may be provided, and the plurality of blocking elements 119 may be positioned between each of the plurality of battery cells 110.

[0105] Similarly, a plurality of first elements 270 may be provided, and one end of each of the plurality of blocking elements 119 may be inserted.

[0106] The first element 270 may be disposed in the insertion space 288 at a first temperature. The first temperature may be room temperature or a temperature at which the battery assembly 200 operates normally.

[0107] With reference to Fig. 4, the size of a cross-section of the first element 270 at the first temperature may be smaller than the size of a portion of the space in which the first element 270 is positioned. That is, the volume of the first element 270 at the first temperature may be smaller than the volume of the space in which the first element 270 is positioned. This serves to increase the convenience of assembly.

[0108] However, if the space in which the first element 270 is positioned is empty, gas generated during thermal runaway of any of the battery cells 110 may be discharged through the empty space. To minimize this, the volume of the first element 270 must be increased when thermal runaway occurs in at least one battery cell 110 among the plurality of battery cells 110.

[0109] This includes, with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 each of the plurality of battery cells 110 has a body 115 receiving an electrode assembly 114 and terminals 111, 112 connected to the electrode assembly 114 and projecting to the outside of the body 115, and the first member 270 may be positioned between the terminals 111, 112 of one battery cell 110 and the terminals 111, 112 of the other battery cell 110, with the blocking member 119 interposed between the plurality of battery cells 110.

[0110] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates an example of a battery assembly according to the present disclosure when thermal runaway occurs.

[0111] When thermal runaway occurs in any one of the battery cells 110 and heat is transferred to another adjacent battery cell 110, the internal temperature of the battery assembly 200 or the temperature of the receiving space 280 may be higher than the first temperature. When the volume of the first member 270 changes at a temperature higher than the first temperature (or a critical temperature), not only is assembly of the battery assembly 200 easy, but it may also be effective in delaying thermal propagation within the battery assembly 200 during thermal runaway.

[0112] For this purpose, the first element 270 may contain an expandable flame-retardant resin whose volume changes based on temperature.

[0113] In particular, the volume of the first member 270 may include an inflatable flame-retardant resin that increases at a second temperature higher than the first temperature.

[0114] For example, the second temperature (or critical temperature) may be 60°C. That is, when the second temperature is 60°C or higher, the volume of the first element 270 gradually increases so that the space in which the first element 270 is positioned can be filled.

[0115] On the other hand, Fig. 5 that a cross section of the first element 270 increases in the direction of the arrow, but this is only an example.

[0116] Although Fig. 5 illustrates an example in which the volume of each of the plurality of first elements 270 increases, some first elements 270 positioned immediately after the occurrence of thermal runaway or in a region where thermal propagation occurs may increase in volume first. This is because the temperature of the first element 270 may vary depending on the position.

[0117] For example, if thermal runaway occurs in any of the battery cells 110, it is because the temperature of the first elements 270 positioned on either side of the battery cell 110 rises first.

[0118] Fig. 6 schematically illustrates another example of a battery assembly according to the present disclosure in a normal operating state.

[0119] With reference to Fig. 6, the blocking element 119 may be positioned between battery groups BG in which adjacent battery cells 110 are grouped into a number of groups.

[0120] The battery group BG refers to a set of battery cells in which adjacent battery cells 110 among the plurality of battery cells 110 are grouped into a number of groups. The plurality of battery cells 110 can be grouped into the group number for a target voltage or current, and then the battery group BG can be connected in series or parallel using the bus bar 170.

[0121] With reference to Fig. 6, a battery assembly 200 according to the present disclosure may include a plurality of blocking elements 119. The plurality of blocking elements 119 may be arranged between the battery groups BG.

[0122] Therefore, in the battery assembly 200 according to the present disclosure, an empty space may be formed between the plurality of blocking elements 119 or between the plurality of second elements 260. More specifically, the battery assembly 200 according to the present disclosure may further include a second element 260 arranged between the terminals 111, 112 of the grouped battery cells 110 belonging to any one of the battery groups BG along the stacking direction.

[0123] In other words, the second element 260 may be positioned between the terminal 111, 112 of any one of the plurality of battery cells 110 and the terminal 111, 112 of the other battery cell 110 adjacent to the one battery cell 110.

[0124] Alternatively, the battery assembly 200 according to the present disclosure may further include an insertion space 288 formed between the plurality of battery cells 110 and the housing case 210, where the first member 270 is positioned; and a second member 260 arranged in the insertion space 288 together with the first member 270 along the stacking direction.

[0125] Furthermore, the blocking member 119 and the first member 270 may each be provided in a plurality, and the second member 260 may be arranged in the insertion space 288 between the plurality of first members 270 or between the plurality of first members 270 and the housing case 210 along the stacking direction.

[0126] Here, like the first element 270, the volume of the second element 260 may contain an expandable flame-retardant resin that increases at a second temperature that is higher than the first temperature.

[0127] The expandable flame-retardant resin may comprise at least one or a combination of flame-retardant curable monomers and oligomers and a thermally expandable particulate material.

[0128] As an example, the thermally expandable particulate material may be at least one or a combination of expandable stimulators, zinc borate, stannate or molybdate, ammonium octamolybdate, aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3) and nanoclays.

[0129] The curable monomer or oligomer can include nanofillers, clays and flame-retardant materials.

[0130] For example, the flame-retardant material can be a metal oxide, a metal hydrate, or a metal hydroxide.

[0131] In particular, the flame-retardant material may be any compound selected from the group consisting of aluminum (K2SO4·Al2(SO4)3·24H2O), borax (Na2B4O7·10H2O), an aqueous solution of lime water (Ca(OH)2), quicklime (CaO), a white emulsion prepared by mixing lime paste (milk of lime Ca(OH)2) with water), slaked lime (Ca(OH)2), washing soda (Na2CO3·10H2O), apatite (Cas(PO4)·3OH), baking powder (a salt mixture of NaHCO3 and tartaric acid), baking soda (NaHCO3), sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate (sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate, Na2S2O3·5H2O), silica or silicon dioxide (SiO2), alumina or aluminum oxide (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 zinc borate compound,a phosphorus-based compound, a nitrogen-based guanidine compound or a molybdenum compound, or a mixture thereof.

[0132] With reference to Fig. 6, the cross-sectional view of the second element 260 may have various shapes similar to those of the first element 270. For example, a cross-section of the second element 260 may have a rectangular shape with rounded corners.

[0133] Here, a cross section of the first element 270 and a cross section of a second element 260 may differ from each other. Furthermore, the length of the first element 270 along a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and the protruding direction may differ from the length of the second element 260.

[0134] Here, according to the present disclosure, the first member 270 and the second member 260 may have the same shape, but are expressed differently to distinguish the first member 270 from the second member 260. Since it is not necessary to distinguish the first member 270 from the second member 260 during assembly, the assembly efficiency of the battery assembly 200 can be improved.

[0135] Fig. 7 illustrates an example of a first element according to the present disclosure. Fig. 8 is a side view of an example of the first element according to the present disclosure.

[0136] With reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the first member 270 may further include an insertion groove 275 formed in a deepening manner in a direction away from the plurality of battery cells 110 along the protruding direction, into which at least a part of the fitting portion 119b (see Fig. 13) is inserted.

[0137] The first member 270 may further include a first member body 271 forming an outer shape of the first member 270, and an insertion groove 275 formed by depressing the first member body 271 along the protruding direction or a direction from the plurality of battery cells 110 to the first bus bar 171.

[0138] The first element body 271 may be formed from an expandable flame-retardant resin. The first element body 271 is formed in a columnar shape, and the columnar shape may be deformed in various ways. For example, the first element body 271 may have a shape that tapers toward both ends.

[0139] With reference to Fig. 8, the insertion groove 275 may extend from one end 271a to the other end 271b of the first member 270 along a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and the protruding direction. That is, the insertion groove 275 may have a channel shape or U-shape penetrating along the height direction from one end 271a to the other end 271b of the first member 270.

[0140] The insertion groove 275 is open toward the plurality of battery cells 110 so that a part of the blocking element 119 can be inserted into the insertion groove 275.

[0141] Fig. 9 illustrates another example of the first element according to the present disclosure. Fig. 10 is a side view of another example of the first element according to the present disclosure.

[0142] With reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, the first member 270 may further include an insertion hole 276 penetrating the first member 270 in a direction away from the plurality of battery cells 110 along the above direction.

[0143] That is, the first member 270 may include an insertion portion (not shown) into which one end of at least one of the two ends of the blocking member 119 is inserted along a protruding direction perpendicular to the stacking direction in the housing case 210. The insertion portion may be a hole-shaped insertion hole 276 or a groove-shaped insertion groove 275.

[0144] Accordingly, the battery assembly 200 according to the present disclosure may include: a plurality of battery cells 110 arranged in a stacking direction, a housing case 210 that accommodates the plurality of battery cells 110, a plate-shaped blocking member 119 disposed between the plurality of battery cells 110 along the stacking direction within the housing case 210, and a first member 270 including a groove- or hole-shaped insertion portion into which one end of at least one of the two ends of the blocking member 119 is inserted along a protruding direction perpendicular to the stacking direction in the housing case 210.

[0145] The first member 270 may further include a first member body 271 forming an outer shape of the first member 270, and an insertion hole 276 penetrating the first member body 271 along the protruding direction or a direction from the plurality of battery cells 110 to the first bus bar 171.

[0146] The first element body 271 may be formed from an expandable flame-retardant resin. The first element body 271 is formed in a columnar shape, and the columnar shape may be deformed in various ways. For example, the first element body 271 may have a shape that tapers toward both ends.

[0147] With reference to Fig. 10, a length of the insertion hole 276 along the height direction may be smaller than the length of the first member 270 or the length of the first body 271. In other words, the length L1 of the insertion hole 276 along a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and the protruding direction may be smaller than the length L2 of the first member 270. This is for convenience in assembly and to prevent the assembly time from being increased because the first member 270 is separated into two parts due to the insertion hole 276.

[0148] Fig. 11 illustrates another example of the first element according to the present disclosure. Fig. 12 is a side view of another example of the first element according to the present disclosure.

[0149] The Fig. 11 and Fig. The first element 270 shown in Figure 12 may have the same shape as that shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 illustrated first element 270.

[0150] With reference to Fig. 12, the first member 270 may further include a first member body 271 forming an outer shape of the first member 270, and an insertion hole 276 penetrating the first member body 271 along the protruding direction or the direction from the plurality of battery cells 110 to the first bus bar 171.

[0151] The first element body 271 may be separated into a first sheet body 271c and a second sheet body 271d along the height direction. This facilitates the assembly of the blocking element 119 and the first element 270.

[0152] For example, the first sheet 271c may include the insertion hole 276. The top surface 271e of the insertion hole 276 may be open. The top surface 271e of the insertion hole 276 may be formed when the second sheet 271d is coupled to the first sheet 271c.

[0153] Here, the first element body 271 may be formed of an expandable flame-retardant resin. The first element body 271 is formed in a columnar shape, and the columnar shape may be deformed in various ways. For example, the first element body 271 may have a shape that tapers toward both ends.

[0154] Fig. 13 illustrates an example in which a first element and a blocking element are used.

[0155] When the first member 270 has a shape of an insertion groove 275, the insertion groove 275 may extend from one end to the other end of the first member 270 along the height direction. Therefore, the shape of the blocking member 119 may be a rectangular cushion.

[0156] In contrast, Fig. 13 a housing in which the length L4 of the insertion groove 275 is smaller than the length L5 of the first element 270 along the height direction.

[0157] With reference to Fig. 13, the blocking member 119 may include a contact portion 119a in contact with the body 115 and a fitting portion 119b extending from the contact portion 119a to the housing case 210 or to the first member 270.

[0158] Here, the shape of the fitting portion 119b and the shape of the insertion hole 276 may correspond to each other. For example, the shape of the fitting portion 119b and the shape of the insertion hole 276 may be in a female-male fit.

[0159] With reference to Fig. 13, the depth D2 of the insertion groove 275 along the protruding direction may be greater than or equal to the length D1 of the fitting portion 119b inserted into the insertion groove 295 at the first temperature. This is because the expandability of the first member 270 has been taken into account.

[0160] Here, a length L4 of the fitting portion 119b along a height direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and the protruding direction may be smaller than a length L3 of the contact portion 119a.

[0161] The length L3 of the contact portion 119a along the height direction may be smaller than the length L5 of the first element.

[0162] Fig. 14 illustrates another example in which the first element and the blocking element are inserted.

[0163] Fig. 14 illustrates another example in which the first element 270 includes an insertion hole 276.

[0164] For example, the blocking member 119 may include a contact portion 119a in contact with the body 115 and a fitting portion 119b extending from the contact portion 119a to the housing case 210 or to the first member 270.

[0165] Considering that the blocking member 119 is inserted into the first member 270, the first member 270 may include an insertion hole 276 formed through the first member 270 along the protruding direction and into which at least a part of the fitting portion 119b is inserted.

[0166] The length of the insertion hole 276 along the height direction may be constant with the length of the fitting portion 119b or the contact portion 119a. Alternatively, the shape of the insertion hole 276 may be deformed according to the shape of the fitting portion 119b and the contact portion 119a inserted into the first member 270.

[0167] With reference to Fig. 13, when the fitting portion 119b and a portion of the contact portion 119a are inserted into the insertion hole 276, the shape of the insertion hole 276 may be a corresponding shape. That is, the shape of the insertion hole 276 and the shape of a portion of the fitting portion 119b and the contact portion 119a may be in a female-male fit with each other.

[0168] Fig. 15 illustrates another example of a battery assembly according to the present disclosure.

[0169] Although the battery assembly 200 described above is based on a battery module, Fig. 15 shows another example of the battery assembly 300 provided in the form of a battery pack. That is, the battery assembly 200 may be in the form of a cell-to-pack (CTP) structure in which a plurality of battery cells 110 are accommodated in the form of packs without the battery assembly.

[0170] The battery assembly 300 may include a plurality of battery cells 110 stacked and arranged in a stacking direction, a housing case 310 that accommodates the plurality of battery cells, an insertion space 388 formed between the plurality of battery cells 110 and the housing case 310 along the stacking direction, and a first member (not shown) and / or a second member (not shown) arranged in the insertion space 388.

[0171] The housing case 310 may include a housing body 311 that accommodates the plurality of battery cells 110, and a cover (not shown) coupled to the housing body 311. The housing case 310 may also include a partition wall 330 that divides the insertion space 388.

[0172] The partition wall 330 may further include a first frame 333 and a second frame 335 that divide the plurality of battery cells 110 horizontally and vertically. The first frame 333 and the second frame 335 are used not only to prevent deformation of the housing body 311, but also to support and separate the plurality of battery cells 110.

[0173] Some of the aspects of the present disclosure are as follows: Aspect 1: A battery assembly 200, 300 comprising: a plurality of battery cells 110 arranged in a stacking direction; a housing case 210 that accommodates the plurality of battery cells 110; a plate-shaped blocking member 119 disposed between the plurality of battery cells 110 along the stacking direction within the housing case 210; and a first member 270 into which at least one end of both ends of the blocking member 119 is inserted along a protruding direction perpendicular to the stacking direction within the housing case 210. Aspect 2: The battery assembly 200, 300 of aspect 1, wherein the first member 270 comprises an expandable flame-retardant resin whose volume changes based on temperature. Aspect 3: The battery assembly 200, 300 of aspect 1 or 2, wherein the first member 270 comprises an expandable flame-retardant resin in which the volume of the first member 270 increases at a second temperature that is higher than a first temperature. Aspect 4: The battery assembly 200, 300 of any preceding aspect, wherein each of the plurality of battery cells 110 comprises a body 115 receiving an electrode assembly 114; and a terminal 111, 112 connected to the electrode assembly 114 and projecting outwardly from the body 115; and wherein the first member 270 is positioned between the terminal of one of the battery cells and the terminal of another of the battery cells, with the blocking member 119 disposed therebetween. Aspect 5: The battery assembly 200, 300 according to aspect 4, wherein the blocking member 119 includes a contact portion contacting the body 115 and a fitting portion (119b) extending from the contact portion 119a to the housing case 210. Aspect 6: The battery assembly 200, 300 according to aspect 5, wherein the first member 270 includes an insertion hole 276 formed by penetrating the first member (270) along the protruding direction and into which at least a portion of the fitting portion 119b is inserted. Aspect 7: The battery assembly 200, 300 according to aspect 6, wherein the length of the insertion hole 276 along the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and the protruding direction is smaller than the length of the first member 270. Aspect 8: The battery assembly 200, 300 according to aspect 5, wherein the first member 270 further includes an insertion groove 275 formed by recessing in a direction away from the plurality of battery cells 110 along the protruding direction, into which at least a portion of the fitting portion 119b is inserted. Aspect 9: The battery assembly 200, 300 according to aspect 8, wherein the insertion groove 275 extends from one end of the first member 270 to the other end along the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and the projecting direction. Aspect 10: The battery assembly 200, 300 according to aspect 8 or 9, wherein the depth of the insertion groove 275 along the protruding direction is greater than or equal to the length of the fitting portion 119b inserted into the insertion groove 275 at a first temperature. Aspect 11: The battery assembly 200, 300 according to aspect 5, wherein the length of the fitting portion 119b is smaller than the length of the contact portion 119a along the height direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and the protruding direction. Aspect 12: The battery assembly 200, 300 according to any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising: an insertion space 388 formed between the plurality of battery cells 110 and the housing case 210, where the first member 270 is positioned; and a second member 260 arranged in the insertion space 388 together with the first member 270 along the stacking direction. Aspect 13: The battery assembly 200, 300 according to aspect 12, wherein the blocking member 119 and the first member 270 are each provided in a plurality, and wherein the second member 260 is positioned between the plurality of first members or between the plurality of first members and the housing case 210 along the stacking direction in the insertion space. Aspect 14: The battery assembly 200, 300 according to aspect 12 or 13, wherein the second member 260 is formed of an expandable flame-retardant resin in which the volume of the second member 260 increases at a second temperature higher than the first temperature. Aspect 15: The battery assembly 200, 300 of any one of aspects 12 to 14, wherein each of the plurality of battery cells 110 comprises a body 115 receiving an electrode assembly 114; and a terminal 111, 112 connected to the electrode assembly 114 and projecting outwardly from the body 115; and wherein the second member 260 is positioned between the terminal of one of the battery cells and the terminal 111, 112 of another battery cell adjacent to the one of the battery cells 110.

[0174] The above description of the present disclosure is for illustrative purposes only, and one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure refers will understand that the present disclosure can be easily modified into other specific forms without changing the technical idea or essential features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments described above are exemplary and not restrictive in all respects. For example, each component described as a single entity may be implemented in a distributed manner, and similarly, components described as distributed may be implemented in a combined manner.

[0175] The scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the above detailed description, and all changes or modifications that come within the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be construed as being included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

[1] Battery arrangement comprising: a large number of battery cells arranged in a stacking direction; a housing that accommodates the multitude of battery cells; a plate-shaped blocking element arranged between the multitude of battery cells along the stacking direction within the housing; and a first element into which at least one end of both ends of the blocking element is inserted along a projecting direction perpendicular to the stacking direction within the housing. [2] Battery arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the first element comprises an inflatable flame-retardant resin whose volume changes based on the temperature. [3] Battery arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first element comprises an inflatable flame-retardant resin in which the volume of the first element increases at a second temperature which is higher than a first temperature. [4] Battery arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the plurality of battery cells comprises a body that accommodates an electrode arrangement; and a terminal that is connected to the electrode arrangement and projects outwards from the body; and wherein the first element is positioned between the terminal of one of the battery cells and the terminal of another of the battery cells, with the blocking element being arranged between them. [5] Battery arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the blocking element comprises a contact section that touches the body and a fitting section that extends from the contact section to the housing. [6] Battery arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the first element comprises an insertion hole formed by penetrating the first element along the protruding direction and into which at least one section of the fitting section is inserted. [7] Battery arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the length of the insertion hole along the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and the protruding direction is less than the length of the first element. [8] Battery arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the first element further comprises an insertion groove formed by recessing in a direction away from the plurality of battery cells along the aforementioned direction into which at least one section of the fitting section is inserted. [9] Battery arrangement according to claim 8, wherein the insertion groove extends from one end of the first element to the other end along the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and the protruding direction. [10] Battery arrangement according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the depth of the insertion groove along the foreground direction is greater than or equal to the length of the fitting section which is inserted into the insertion groove at a first temperature. [11] Battery arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the length of the pass section is less than the length of the contact section along the vertical direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and the protruding direction. [12] Battery arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: an insertion space formed between the multitude of battery cells and the housing, where the first element is positioned; and a second element that is arranged in the insertion space together with the first element along the stacking direction. [13] Battery arrangement according to claim 12, wherein the blocking element and the first element are each provided in a plurality, and wherein the second element is positioned between the plurality of first elements or between the plurality of first elements and the housing along the stacking direction in the insertion space. [14] Battery arrangement according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the second element is formed from an inflatable flame-retardant resin in which the volume of the second element increases at a second temperature which is higher than the first temperature. [15] Battery arrangement according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein each of the plurality of battery cells comprises a body that accommodates an electrode arrangement; and a terminal that is connected to the electrode arrangement and projects outwards from the body; and wherein the second element is positioned between the terminal of one of the battery cells and the terminal of another battery cell adjacent to one of the battery cells.

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