Battery assembly, battery pack including same, and automobile

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery assembly including: a plurality of battery cells each having a vent portion configured to discharge venting gas; a frame configured to mount the plurality of battery cells and having a plurality of venting holes formed at positions corresponding to the vent portions; and a cover member configured to cover the venting holes and to be opened by the venting gas.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0178828 filed December 11, 2023 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0179119 filed December 5, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery assembly, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0003] Secondary batteries, which are easy to apply to various products and have electrical properties such as high energy density, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that are powered by electrical sources. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source that is environmentally friendly and improves energy efficiency because they do not produce any by-products from energy use, in addition to their primary advantage of dramatically reducing the use of fossil fuels.

[0004] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of such unit secondary battery cells, i.e., unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, a battery pack may be configured by connecting multiple battery cells in series. Alternatively, a battery pack may be configured by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel depending on the required charge / discharge capacity of the battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack may be variously set depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] Meanwhile, when configuring a battery pack by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series / parallel, it is common to first configure a battery assembly including at least one battery cell, and then use this at least one battery assembly to add other components to configure a battery pack or battery rack.Alternatively, recently, cell-to-pack type battery packs have also been manufactured in which a plurality of battery cells are directly housed in a pack housing without being modularized.

[0006] In the case of battery packs or battery assemblies that use conventional battery cells, abnormalities or misuse of the battery cells can cause the internal temperature to rise, which can lead to an increase in the internal pressure of the battery cells. Such internal pressure can cause the battery cells to vent or explode, and if the high-temperature gases and flames emitted at this time spread to adjacent battery cells, they can cause a chain reaction of battery cell explosions, which is extremely dangerous.

[0007] For example, conventionally, battery cells are manufactured to include a vent on one side, and the portion of the frame of the battery assembly that houses such battery cells that faces the vent of the battery cell is made thin. Therefore, when a specific battery cell is vented, the portion breaks and venting gas is discharged to the outside, thereby delaying or preventing the transfer of high-temperature gas and flame to other battery cells.

[0008] However, in such conventional battery assemblies, there are process limitations in that the frame is injection molded and the part where the battery cells are attached must be made thinner than a certain thickness. As a result, when a specific battery cell is vented, the part facing the vent of that battery cell does not break. This causes a delay in the release of high-temperature gas and flames to the outside when the battery cell is vented, which can lead to the gas entering the battery assembly and causing further chain fires in adjacent battery cells. This calls for improvement. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery assembly, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle that can more efficiently exhaust high-temperature gas and flames to the outside when an abnormal condition occurs in a battery cell.

[0010] However, the problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a battery assembly including: a plurality of battery cells each having a vent portion configured to discharge vent gas; a frame configured to secure the plurality of battery cells and having a plurality of vent holes formed at positions corresponding to the vent portions; and a cover member configured to cover the vent holes and to be opened by the vent gas.

[0012] The battery may further include a cooling medium configured to be filled between the battery cells.

[0013] The cover member may be located inside the frame.

[0014] The cover member may be configured to cover at least some of the plurality of vent holes.

[0015] The cover member may include a bent portion configured such that an end portion thereof is bent and extends in a direction away from the vent hole.

[0016] The frame may include an insertion groove that is at least partially recessed and configured to receive the distal end of the cover member.

[0017] The cover member may be located outside the frame.

[0018] The battery pack may further include a holder located inside the cover member and configured to at least partially accommodate the battery cell.

[0019] The holder may include a plurality of receiving portions configured to at least partially receive the respective battery cells, and spacers provided between adjacent receiving portions of the plurality of receiving portions and configured to maintain spacing between the battery cells.

[0020] The battery battery may further include an adhesive filled between the battery cells and configured to fix the battery cells to each other.

[0021] The adhesive may be interposed between the battery cell and the spacer.

[0022] The spacer may include a portion whose thickness narrows in one direction.

[0023] The adhesive may be interposed between the battery cell and the frame, and the frame may include a filling groove configured to be filled with the adhesive.

[0024] The frame may include a coupling protrusion configured to protrude at least partially inward, and the holder may include a coupling groove configured to receive the coupling protrusion.

[0025] The cover member may include a receiving portion that at least partially receives the battery cell.

[0026] The cover member may include a bottom part facing the vent portion.

[0027] The cover member may include a spacer disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of receiving portions and configured to maintain a distance between the battery cells.

[0028] A venting passage may be provided below the venting hole, and the venting gas discharged from the vent portion of the battery cell may pass through the venting hole and move to the venting passage.

[0029] The battery assembly may further include an outer case provided on the outside of the frame, and a venting passage configured to communicate with the venting hole may be formed between the frame and the outer case.

[0030] The outer case may further include a rib configured to divide the venting passage into a plurality of passages.

[0031] The outer case may include an exhaust portion communicating with the venting passage and configured to exhaust the venting gas to the outside, and the rib may be configured to guide the venting gas to the exhaust portion.

[0032] The present invention also provides a battery pack including the battery assembly according to the present invention.

[0033] The present invention also provides a motor vehicle comprising a battery assembly according to the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] According to one aspect of the present invention, venting gas and flames that may occur in an abnormal state of a battery cell can be quickly discharged to the outside of the battery assembly, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery assembly.

[0035] According to another aspect of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell and high-temperature gas or flame is generated, the venting gas and flame can be guided in a specific direction and quickly discharged to the outside of the battery assembly.

[0036] According to another aspect of the present invention, in the process of discharging vent gases, etc., vented from the battery cells to the outside of the battery assembly, other battery cells can be prevented from being thermally damaged as much as possible, thereby preventing further chain fires.

[0037] In addition, the present invention may have various other effects, and the description of these effects will be omitted for those that are described in each embodiment or that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] The drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical concept of the present invention, and therefore the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters depicted in such drawings. [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view of the main components of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3]1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery cell included in a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 4 may be a view showing a cross section II' of FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram illustrating that a cover member is opened when a thermal event occurs in a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is an internal perspective view of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a battery assembly to which a cover member according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied; [Figure 8] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly to which a cover member according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 9] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly to which a cover member according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 11 is a diagram illustrating that a cover member is opened when a thermal event occurs in the battery assembly of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] 12 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, for example, may be a view showing a cross section taken along II' in FIG. [Figure 13] 1 is a perspective view of a holder applied to a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a view showing a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above. For example, FIG. 14 may be a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' of FIG. [Figure 15] 1 is an enlarged view of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly to which an outer case according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied; [Figure 19] 10 is a cross-sectional view of another portion of a battery assembly to which an outer case according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] 21 is a diagram illustrating that the cover member is opened when a thermal event occurs in the battery assembly of FIG. 20. [Figure 22] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the inside of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in the specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as having meanings and concepts that are consistent with the technical concept of the present invention, based on the principle that an inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe his or her invention.

[0040] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and that there are various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0041] The present invention includes a variety of embodiments, and the following description will focus on differences between the embodiments, omitting redundant descriptions of substantially identical or similar configurations.

[0042] Meanwhile, in the present invention, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used, but these terms are used for convenience of explanation, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms may differ depending on the position of the object in question, the position of the observer, etc.

[0043] For example, in the embodiments of the present invention, the X-axis direction shown in the drawings may refer to the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction may refer to the front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on a horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may refer to the up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0044] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a battery cell included in the battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, Fig. 4 may be a view showing a cross-section taken along line I-I' of Fig. 1. And Fig. 5 is a view illustrating that a cover member is opened when a thermal event occurs in the battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] 1 to 5, a battery assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell 100, a frame 200, and a cover member 300.

[0046] A plurality of battery cells 100 may be arranged in a number of rows and columns to form a single battery assembly 10. The plurality of battery cells 100 may be electrically connected to each other. The battery cell 100 may be applied to a secondary battery having a shape such as a prismatic, cylindrical, or pouch-type battery cell, and in this embodiment, the battery cell 100 is illustrated as being a cylindrical battery cell, as in the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0047] Specifically, referring to FIG. 3 , the battery cell 100 may include an electrode assembly, a battery housing, a housing cover, etc. The battery cell 100 may also include a vent portion 110. The vent portion 110 may be configured to discharge venting gas. The vent portion 110 may be configured to rupture when the internal pressure of the battery housing increases above a certain level. For example, the vent portion 110 may be formed in a portion of the housing cover and may be a region structurally weaker than the surrounding region so that it can be easily ruptured when internal pressure is applied. The vent portion 110 may be, for example, a region having a thinner thickness than the surrounding region. Referring to FIG. 3 , the vent portion 110 may form a substantially circular closed loop.

[0048] 2, the battery assembly 10 of the present invention may have the vent portion 110 of the battery cell 100 disposed toward the bottom end thereof. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the vent portion 110 may be disposed at other positions.

[0049] The frame 200 may be provided to accommodate all of the battery cells 100. The frame 200 may be configured to collect the battery cells 100 into a single unit and maintain the unit as a single unit. The frame 200 may be made of a plastic or metal material to maintain its rigidity.

[0050] 1 and 2, the frame 200 may be provided in the form of a box having an open top and four walls. The frame 200 may be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells 100. The plurality of battery cells 100 may be accommodated in the frame 200 while standing upright in the Z-axis direction.

[0051] An assembly cover 11 may be coupled to the open upper surface of the frame 200. The assembly cover 11 may form the upper surface of the battery assembly 10. The assembly cover 11 may be configured to cover the battery cells 100 from above. The assembly cover 11 and the frame 200 may be coupled to form a rectangular parallelepiped box shape.

[0052] A plurality of venting holes (H) may be formed in the frame 200. The plurality of venting holes (H) may be formed at positions corresponding to the vent portions 110 of the battery cells 100. The plurality of venting holes (H) may be formed at positions corresponding to the vent portions 110 of each battery cell 100. Forming the venting holes (H) at positions corresponding to the vent portions 110 means that the venting holes (H) and the vent portions 110 have overlapping portions when viewed along the height direction of the battery cell 100. Here, the height direction of the battery cell 100 may be a direction between the upper and lower surfaces of the battery cell 100, parallel to the z-axis. That is, viewing along the height direction of the battery cell 100 means viewing along the +z-axis direction or the −z-axis direction on the xy plane.

[0053] The venting hole (H) may be configured to communicate the inside and outside of the battery assembly 10. Thus, the venting gas discharged through the vent portion 110 of the battery cell 100 may be discharged to the outside of the battery assembly 10 through the venting hole (H).

[0054] 4, the cover member 300 may be configured to cover the vent hole (H). That is, the cover member 300 may be configured to close the vent hole (H). The cover member 300 may be located outside the battery cell 100. The cover member 300 may be configured to face the vent portion 110 of the battery cell 100. Although FIG. 4 shows that the cover member 300 is provided on the lower part of the battery cell 100 and configured to secure the battery cell 100, the position of the cover member 300 may be provided in other places depending on the position of the vent portion 110 of the battery cell 100.

[0055] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the cover member 300 can normally prevent venting gases and the like from being discharged to the outside of the frame 200. Therefore, the cover member 300 can stably cover the venting holes (H) when the battery cell 100 is in a normal state. Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the cover member 300 can normally close the venting holes (H) to prevent foreign matter from entering the frame 200 from the outside.

[0056] 5, the cover member 300 may be configured to be released by venting gas. That is, the cover member 300 may be configured to normally remain attached to the frame 200 to cover the venting hole (H) and to be released in a specific situation. Specifically, the cover member 300 may be configured to be released by the pressure or heat of the venting gas when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100. For example, the cover member 300 may be released from its attachment to the frame 200 and become detached, may be partially ruptured by the pressure of the venting gas, or may be melted and released by the heat of the venting gas.

[0057] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when an abnormality occurs in the battery cell 100, the cover member 300 is opened, and the venting gas can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the frame 200 through the exposed portion of the venting hole (H), as shown by the thick arrow in Fig. 5. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the battery cell 100, the pressure inside the battery assembly 10 is prevented from increasing, and further chain fires of other battery cells 100 can be prevented. Therefore, according to the above-described aspect of the present invention, the safety and reliability of the battery assembly 10 can be ensured.

[0058] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the venting holes (H) provided on one side of the battery cells 100 other than the specific battery cell 100 where the event occurred are kept closed by the cover member 300, thereby suppressing or preventing the venting gas discharged to the outside of the battery assembly 10 from affecting the other adjacent battery cells 100. Therefore, further chain fires of the other battery cells 100 can be more effectively prevented.

[0059] The cover member 300 may be configured to have a flat surface. For example, the cover member 300 may be provided in the form of a thin film or sheet. Although the thickness of the cover member 300 is shown as being maximized in the drawings, the thickness of the cover member 300 may be provided to be 200 μm to 500 μm. Such a cover member 300 may be attached to the frame 200 by applying an adhesive or by ultrasonic welding.

[0060] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the frame 200 is provided with the venting hole (H), and the cover member 300 covering the venting hole (H) is provided with a very thin thickness, so that it is possible to quickly break the cover member 300. Therefore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, when an abnormal situation occurs in the battery cell 100, the venting gas can be quickly discharged to the outside.

[0061] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 2, the frame 200 may include a bottom frame 210 , a side frame 220 and a top frame 230 .

[0062] The bottom frame 210 may be provided below the plurality of battery cells 100. Also, venting holes (H) may be formed in the bottom frame 210. A battery cell 100 may be provided in each venting hole (H).

[0063] The side frames 220 may extend upward from each corner of the bottom frame 210. The side frames 220 may include a plurality of unit walls and may be configured to surround the plurality of battery cells 100. More specifically, the plurality of side frames 220 may each include a right wall located at the +X direction end of the bottom frame 210, a rear wall located at the +Y direction end, a left wall located at the −X direction end, and a front wall located at the −Y direction end, thereby forming the side surfaces of the battery assembly 10.

[0064] The top frame 230 may be configured to at least partially accommodate the plurality of battery cells 100. The top frame 230 may be located spaced apart upward from the bottom frame 210. The top frame 230 may be configured to maintain spacing between the battery cells 100 at the tops of the plurality of battery cells 100. The top frame 230 may be provided to maintain spacing between the battery cells 100. The top frame 230 may have holes or the like formed therein into which the tops of the plurality of battery cells 100 are inserted.

[0065] FIG. 6 is an internal perspective view of a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] 6, the battery assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a cooling medium 400. The cooling medium 400 may be insulating oil or cooling water. The cooling medium 400 may be configured to be filled between the battery cells 100. Specifically, the cooling medium 400 may be filled between the top frame 230 and the cover member 300. That is, the cooling medium 400 that serves to prevent the temperature of the battery cells 100 from increasing due to high-temperature gas, flame, etc. may be filled between the top frame 230, the cover member 300, and the battery cells 100.

[0067] As a result, the battery cells 100 can be partially immersed in the cooling medium 400 within the battery assembly 10. Alternatively, the entire battery cells 100 can be immersed in the cooling medium 400 within the battery assembly 10. The cooling medium 400 can cool the battery cells 100 by directly contacting the battery cells 100. According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the cooling performance of the battery cells 100 can be improved by a direct immersion cooling method.

[0068] The cooling medium 400 increases the thermal mass, and can delay the temperature rise of the battery cell 100 even in a situation where the battery cell 100 is rapidly charged or discharged, thereby preventing a sudden temperature rise of the battery cell 100.

[0069] Meanwhile, in other drawings other than FIG. 6, even if the cooling medium 400 is not shown, the cooling medium 400 may be interposed between the battery cells 100 as in the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0070] Meanwhile, since the battery assembly 10 of the present invention employs a direct water cooling method in which the cooling medium 400 is filled between the battery cells 100, the cooling medium 400 may leak to the outside through the vent holes (H) of the frame 200. Therefore, a structure for preventing the cooling medium 400 from leaking to the outside is required.

[0071] The cover member 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to prevent moisture penetration. The cover member 300 may be made of any structure or material that can prevent moisture penetration. For example, the cover member 300 may be made of a waterproof material such as a water-resistant film.

[0072] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the cover member 300 can be prevented from being damaged by the cooling medium 400, and the closed state of the vent holes (H) of the cover member 300 can be more stably maintained. Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the cooling medium 400 can be prevented from leaking out of the battery assembly 10 through the vent holes (H), thereby further ensuring the cooling performance of the battery assembly 10.

[0073] In addition, the cover member 300 may be made of a heat-resistant material. The battery cells 100 may generate heat as they are repeatedly charged and discharged during normal operation. According to the above embodiment of the present invention, even if high-temperature venting gas is generated from some of the battery cells 100 included in the battery assembly 10, the cover member 300 may not be opened if the gas is below a specific temperature, particularly if no thermal event occurs in the battery assembly 10 or if normal use is possible.

[0074] Meanwhile, the cover member 300 may be configured to break due to the pressure of the venting gas. Alternatively, the cover member 300 may be configured to melt at least partially due to the heat of the flame. That is, the cover member 300 may be configured to open only a portion facing the vent portion 110 through which the venting gas is vented when an abnormality occurs in the battery cell 100. As a result, even when the cover member 300 is opened, the venting hole (H) is not fully opened but only partially opened, thereby preventing the coolant 400 from leaking to the outside through the venting hole (H).

[0075] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the sealing performance of the cover member 300 covering the venting holes H can be improved. In particular, in the case of direct water cooling in which the cooling medium 400 is interposed between the battery cells 100, the opening of the cover member 300 can reliably prevent the cooling medium 400 from leaking to the outside through the open venting holes H.

[0076] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a partial configuration of a battery assembly to which a cover member according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0077] The cover member 300 may be positioned inside the frame 200. That is, the cover member 300 may be configured to cover the venting holes (H) from the inside. In particular, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , the cover member 300 may be configured to be fixed to the frame 200, for example, the bottom frame 210. The cover member 300 may be configured to cover the venting holes (H) located inside the bottom frame 210. The cover member 300 may be positioned between the battery cells 100 and the frame 200, more specifically, the cover member 300 may be positioned between the battery cells 100 and the bottom frame 210.

[0078] The cover member 300 may be configured to cover at least some of the plurality of venting holes H. That is, the cover member 300 may be configured to cover at least some of the venting holes H at once, rather than covering each of the plurality of venting holes H individually.

[0079] Furthermore, the cover member 300 may be configured to cover all of the vent holes (H), as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 . In this case, the cross-sectional area of ​​the cover member 300 may be configured to correspond to the area of ​​the bottom frame 210. According to this embodiment of the present invention, the vent holes (H) may be more effectively sealed by the cover member 300. Therefore, in the case of direct water cooling in which the cooling medium 400 is interposed between the battery cells 100, opening the cover member 300 can reliably prevent the cooling medium 400 from leaking to the outside through the open vent holes (H). In addition, according to this embodiment of the present invention, the process of manufacturing the battery assembly 10 is simplified, thereby reducing costs and time and improving productivity.

[0080] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly to which a cover member according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly to which a cover member according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0081] 8 and 9, the battery assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a structure that can further improve the sealing between the cover member 300 and the frame 200.

[0082] 8, the cover member 300 may include a bent portion 310. The bent portion 310 may be configured so that an end portion of the cover member 300 is bent and extends in a direction away from the venting hole (H). The bent portion 310 may be configured to be in close contact with the side surface of the frame 200, i.e., the side frame 220.

[0083] In another embodiment, the frame 200 may include an insertion groove 221. The insertion groove 221 may be configured such that at least a portion of the frame 200 is recessed and an end portion of the cover member 300 is inserted therein. The insertion groove 221 is preferably formed in the side frame 220.

[0084] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the sealing between the cover member 300 and the frame 200 can be further ensured, thereby preventing the coolant 400 from passing through the space between the end of the cover member 300 and the frame 200 and heading toward the vent hole (H). Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the fixing force of the cover member 300 to the frame 200 can be improved. Therefore, even if an impact is applied to the battery assembly 10, the cover member 300 can be prevented from moving or bursting.

[0085] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 11 is a view illustrating that a cover member is opened when a thermal event occurs in the battery assembly of Fig. 10.

[0086] 1, 3, 10 and 11, a battery assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes, as described above, a plurality of battery cells 100, a frame 200 and a cover member 300. The cover member 300 covers the venting holes (H) of the frame 200. The cover member 300 is configured to close the venting holes (H) and can be partially opened by venting gas discharged from the battery cells 100.

[0087] At this time, the cover member 300 according to this embodiment may be positioned outside the frame 200. That is, the cover member 300 may be configured to cover the venting holes (H) from the outside. The cover member 300 may be configured to cover the venting holes (H) from the outside of the bottom frame 210. A portion of the frame 200 may be positioned between the cover member 300 and the battery cells 100, and more specifically, the bottom frame 210 may be positioned between the cover member 300 and the battery cells 100. The cover member 300 may be positioned below the bottom frame 210.

[0088] The vent portion 110 (see FIG. 3) of the battery cell 100 may face the vent hole (H) formed in the frame 200. In this case, the width of the vent hole (H) may be narrower than the width of the battery cell 100 so that the battery cell 100 is not pinched by the vent hole (H).

[0089] There are no particular limitations on the method for attaching the cover member 300 to the frame 200. For example, the cover member 300 can be attached to the frame 200 by applying an adhesive or by ultrasonic welding.

[0090] The cover member 300 can prevent normal venting gases and the like from being discharged to the outside of the frame 200. Therefore, the cover member 300 can stably cover the venting holes (H) when the battery cell 100 is in a normal state. Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the cover member 300 can be configured to close the normal venting holes (H) from the outside and prevent foreign matter from entering the frame 200.

[0091] 11 , the cover member 300 may be configured to be released by venting gas. That is, the cover member 300 may be configured to normally remain attached to the frame 200 to cover the venting hole (H) and to be released in a specific situation. Specifically, the cover member 300 may be configured to be released by the pressure or heat of the venting gas when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100. For example, the cover member 300 may be released from its attachment to the frame 200 and become detached, may be partially ruptured by the pressure of the venting gas, or may be melted and released by the heat of the venting gas.

[0092] When an abnormality occurs in a battery cell 100, the cover member 300 is opened, and as shown by the thick arrow in Fig. 11, venting gas can pass through the vent hole (H) and a ruptured or melted part of the cover member 300 and be smoothly discharged to the outside of the frame 200. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in a battery cell 100, an increase in pressure inside the battery assembly 10 can be prevented, and further chain fires of other battery cells 100 can be prevented. Therefore, according to the above aspect of the present invention, the safety and reliability of the battery assembly 10 can be ensured.

[0093] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the venting holes (H) provided on one side of the battery cells 100 other than the specific battery cell 100 where the event occurred are kept closed by the cover member 300, thereby suppressing or preventing the venting gas discharged to the outside of the battery assembly 10 from affecting the other adjacent battery cells 100. Therefore, further chain fires of the other battery cells 100 can be more effectively prevented.

[0094] Meanwhile, the cover member 300 may be configured to break due to the pressure of the venting gas. Alternatively, the cover member 300 may be configured to melt at least partially due to the heat of the flame. That is, the cover member 300 may be configured to open only the portion facing the vent portion 110 through which the venting gas is vented when an abnormal condition occurs in the battery cell 100. As a result, even when the cover member 300 is opened, the venting hole (H) is only partially opened, rather than fully opened, thereby preventing the coolant 400 from leaking to the outside through the venting hole (H).

[0095] Except for the fact that the cover member 300 is positioned outside the frame 2000, the material and shape of the cover member 300 may be the same as or similar to the cover member 300 previously described in Figures 4 and 5. Detailed descriptions of the cover member 300 and the frame 200 will be omitted as they overlap with those previously described.

[0096] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, Fig. 12 may be a view showing a cross section taken along II' in Fig. 1. Also, Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a holder applied to a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] 12 and 13 , the battery assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a holder 500. The holder 500 may be configured to at least partially accommodate the battery cells 100. For example, the top frame 230 may be configured to accommodate the upper portions of the battery cells 100, and the holder 500 may be configured to accommodate the lower portions of the battery cells 100.

[0098] The holder 500 may be located inside the cover member 300. Alternatively, the holder 500 may be located inside the frame 200. For example, as in the embodiment shown in Fig. 12, when the venting hole (H) is provided at the bottom, the holder 500 may be located at the top of the cover member 300. In this case, the holder 500 may be configured to be fixed to the cover member 300. That is, the holder 500 may be fixed to the flat top surface of the cover member 300.

[0099] Specifically, the holder 500 may include a receiving portion 510 and a spacer 520. The receiving portion 510 may be configured to at least partially receive the battery cell 100. A plurality of receiving portions 510 may be provided, and each of the plurality of receiving portions 510 may receive a plurality of battery cells 100. The battery cell 100 may be inserted into the receiving portion 510 in an upright state, and vertical and horizontal movement may be prevented. Meanwhile, in one embodiment, when the battery cell 100 is a cylindrical cell, the plurality of receiving portions 510 may be cylindrical.

[0100] The battery cell 100 may be configured so that when at least a portion of the battery cell 100 is inserted into the receiving portion 510, the side surface provided with the vent portion 110 contacts the cover member 300. That is, the holder 500 and the battery cell 100 may be configured to contact the cover member 300 at the same time.

[0101] The spacers 520 may be provided between adjacent receiving portions 510 among the plurality of receiving portions 510. The spacers 520 may be provided in a form that protrudes upward from the main body of the holder 500. The spacers 520 may be configured to maintain a distance between the battery cells 100. In addition, the spacers 520 may be configured to guide the battery cells 100 when they are inserted into the receiving portions 510 during assembly of the battery cells 100.

[0102] 14 is a top view of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, for example, may be a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' of FIG.

[0103] 12 and 14, the battery assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include an adhesive 600.

[0104] The battery assembly 10 may be formed into a single unit by filling the gaps between the battery cells 100 with adhesive 600. That is, the adhesive 600 may be filled in spaces formed between the battery cells 100. The adhesive 600 may be configured to be filled between the battery cells 100 and to fix the battery cells 100 to each other.

[0105] The adhesive 600 may be configured to at least partially cover the plurality of battery cells 100. Referring to Fig. 12, the adhesive 600 may cover the upper and lower sides of the battery cells 100 in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the battery assembly 10, and form the structure of the battery assembly 10 together with the frame 200. In particular, the adhesive 600 may be configured to maintain the spacing between the battery cells 100 when the holder 500 is not provided. Therefore, the structural rigidity of the battery assembly 10 may be increased.

[0106] The adhesive 600 may be provided on at least one side of the frame 200. Referring to Fig. 12, the adhesive 600 may be provided on the inside of the bottom frame 210 to cover one side of the battery cells 100. Alternatively, the adhesive 600 may be provided on the outside of the top frame 230 to cover the other side of the battery cells 100. When the holders 500 are provided as in the embodiments shown in Figs. 12 and 14, the adhesive 600 may be interposed between the holders 500, i.e., between the spacers 520.

[0107] The adhesive 600 may be configured to prevent penetration of moisture, foreign matter, etc. In particular, the adhesive 600 may be provided on both sides of the cooling flow path in which the coolant 400 is disposed, thereby preventing the coolant 400 from leaking out of the battery assembly 10. The adhesive 600 may prevent the coolant 400 from leaking through the receiving holes of the top frame 230 or the venting holes (H) of the bottom frame 210.

[0108] In addition, the adhesive 600 can increase the heat dissipation efficiency of the plurality of battery cells 100 and further enhance the cooling performance of the battery cells 100. The adhesive 600 can be made of any material that can improve the fixing and heat dissipation efficiency of the battery cells 100. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a chain reaction of fires when a thermal event occurs due to an abnormality in the battery cells 100.

[0109] In addition, the adhesive 600 may serve as an insulator to prevent current from flowing to an adjacent battery cell 100 when at least one specific battery cell 100 among the plurality of battery cells 100 is damaged due to an abnormal situation.

[0110] 15 is an enlarged view of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 15 may be an enlarged view of a portion of FIG.

[0111] A predetermined gap is formed between the battery cells 100 and the spacers 520, and an adhesive 600 can be applied between the battery cells 100 in a state where the battery cells 100 are coupled to the holder 500. Thus, the adhesive 600 can be interposed between the battery cells 100 and the spacers 520.

[0112] When venting gas is discharged from the battery cell 100 and the cover member 300 and the venting hole (H) are opened, the cooling medium 400 may leak to the outside through the opened venting hole (H). Furthermore, the cooling medium 400 may move in the space between the spacer 520 and the battery cell 100 and leak to the outside through the receiving portion 510. However, according to this embodiment, the adhesive 600 is interposed between the battery cell 100 and the spacer 520, so that the cooling medium 400 can move in the space between the spacer 520 and the battery cell 100 and prevent leakage to the outside of the space in which the battery cell 100 is received through the receiving portion 510.

[0113] Meanwhile, the spacer 520 may include a portion whose thickness decreases in one direction. That is, the spacer 520 may include a portion whose distance between the battery cell 100 and the spacer 520 increases in one direction. For example, as in the embodiment shown in Fig. 15, the spacer 520 may include a portion whose thickness decreases upward. In this case, the lower portion of the spacer 520 may be in substantial contact with the battery cell 100, and the distance between the spacer 520 and the battery cell 100 may increase as the spacer 520 approaches the upper portion.

[0114] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive 600 can be guided to be contained in the space between the spacer 520 and the battery cell 100. This makes it possible to more reliably seal the space between the spacer 520 and the battery cell 100 and more effectively prevent the cooling medium 400 from leaking to the outside.

[0115] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] The adhesive 600 may be interposed between the battery cell 100 and the frame 200. In particular, when the holder 500 is provided, the adhesive 600 may be interposed between the holder 500 and the frame 200. Such adhesive 600 is more likely to leak between the battery cell 100 and the frame 200. Therefore, to prevent the adhesive 600 from leaking to the outside, the frame 200 may include a filling groove 222. The filling groove 222 may be configured to be filled with the adhesive 600.

[0117] 16 , the filling groove 222 may be provided particularly in the side frame 220. For example, the filling groove 222 may be provided in a position where the side frame 220 faces the battery cell 100. The filling groove 222 may be configured such that at least a portion of the inner surface of the side frame 220 is recessed inward.

[0118] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when the adhesive 600 is filled between the battery cell 100 and the side frame 220, it can be guided into the filling groove 222 and guided to be filled between the battery cell 100 and the side frame 220. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent the cooling medium 400 from leaking to the outside through the vent hole (H).

[0119] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] The battery assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a structure that can improve the fixing strength between the holder 500 and the frame 200. For example, as shown in Fig. 17, the holder 500 and the frame 200 may include a male-female coupling structure. Specifically, the frame 200 may include a coupling protrusion 223 configured to protrude at least partially inward, and the holder 500 may include a coupling groove 530 configured to receive the coupling protrusion 223. The coupling protrusion 223 and the coupling groove 530 may be configured to correspond to each other.

[0121] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the fixing force between the holder 500 and the frame 200 is improved, thereby improving the sealing force or adhesion between the holder 500 and the frame 200. Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the space between the holder 500 and the frame 200 can be minimized, thereby preventing the coolant 400 from leaking into the space between the holder 500 and the frame 200.

[0122] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly to which an outer case according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, and FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of another portion of a battery assembly to which an outer case according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0123] 18 and 19, a battery assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include an outer case 700. The outer case 700 may be provided outside the frame 200. A venting channel (S) configured to allow venting gas to flow between the outer case 700 and the frame 200 may be formed. The venting channel (S) may be configured to communicate with the venting hole (H). The venting channel (S) may have a partition channel structure to prevent venting gas from moving in an empty space outside the frame 200. A detailed structure of the venting channel (S) will be described later.

[0124] Therefore, the plurality of battery cells 100 can be accommodated inside the outer case 700 while being supported by the frame 200. When the vent portion 110 of the battery cell 100 included in the battery assembly 10 is formed on the lower side of the battery cell 100 as in the embodiment shown in Figures 18 and 19, high-temperature gas discharged downward through the vent portion 110 can be quickly discharged to the outside of the battery assembly 10 through the venting passage (S) between the bottom frame 210 and the outer case 700.

[0125] According to this embodiment, the venting passage (S) may be provided below the venting hole (H). Venting gas discharged from the vent unit 110 of the battery cell 100 may pass through the venting hole (H) and move to the venting passage (S). The venting gas that has moved to the venting passage (S) may be discharged to the outside.

[0126] As such, in the battery assembly 10 according to the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell 100 and high-temperature gas or flames are generated, the venting gas can be guided in a specific direction, not in all directions, through the venting passage (S) and discharged to the outside, and in the process of discharging the venting gas to the outside, other battery cells 100 can be prevented from being thermally damaged as much as possible.

[0127] The outer case 700 may further include ribs 710 configured to divide the venting passage (S) into a plurality of sections. The ribs 710 are fixed to the outer case 700 and can prevent the venting gas from moving in a direction across the ribs 710.

[0128] A plurality of ribs 710 may be provided and arranged spaced apart from one another in one direction. As a result, at least one venting passage (S) through which venting gas flows may be defined by the plurality of spaced apart ribs 710. FIG. 3 shows an example in which the ribs 710 are spaced apart from one another in the left-right direction.

[0129] 19, the outer case 700 may include an exhaust unit 720. The exhaust unit 720 may be configured to exhaust venting gas to the outside. The exhaust unit 720 may be configured to be connected to a venting passage (S). Thus, the venting gas exhausted to the venting passage (S) through the venting hole (H) may flow toward the exhaust unit 720 through the venting passage (S), and the venting gas may be exhausted to the outside of the outer case 700 through the exhaust unit 720.

[0130] In addition, the exhaust units 720 may be provided symmetrically on both sides of the outer case 700. By providing the exhaust units 720 on both sides of the outer case 700, high-temperature gas and flames can be exhausted in both directions of the outer case 700 in the event of an abnormality in the battery cell 100, making it easy to exhaust venting gas and the like to the outside of the outer case 700. In FIG. 19, the exhaust unit 720 is provided at the rear of the outer case 700, but it may be provided in another location.

[0131] The ribs 710 may be configured to guide the venting gas to the exhaust portion 720. That is, the ribs 710 may be configured to extend toward the exhaust portion 720. Such a structure of the ribs 710 allows the venting gas, etc. to move only toward the exhaust portion 720, thereby guiding the high-temperature venting gas and flames toward the exhaust portion 720. Even if a thermal event occurs in a battery cell 100, this can prevent the gas, etc. from moving to other adjacent battery cells 100 and causing a chain reaction explosion. In addition, the ribs 710 act as a kind of barrier, preventing the gas exhausted from the battery cells 100 included in the battery assembly 10 from diffusing in all directions. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the venting gas is quickly guided from the outside of the battery assembly 10 toward the exhaust portion 720, reducing the possibility of the gas diffusing in all directions from the outside of the battery assembly 10, thereby preventing further chain reaction fires.

[0132] In addition, when gas is generally emitted from the battery cell 100, electrode plates and active material pieces inside the battery cell 100 may be heated to a high temperature and discharged to the outside, and these high-temperature particles may appear in the form of sparks. The battery assembly 10 according to the present invention prevents high-temperature particles from easily escaping to the outside of the outer case 700 even if they are discharged from the battery cell 100, and allows them to be sufficiently cooled before being discharged toward the discharge part 720 through the venting passage (S), which is the space between the bottom frame 210 and the outer case 700, thereby preventing them from acting as an ignition source outside the battery assembly 10.

[0133] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a venting gas movement path using the bottom frame 230 and the exhaust portion 720 is formed at the bottom of the battery assembly 10, and the venting gas can be exhausted in one targeted direction, for example, in the direction in which the exhaust portion 720 is formed.

[0134] According to the above embodiment, when high-temperature gas or flame is emitted from the battery cell 100 in a situation such as thermal runaway, the emitted gas or flame may not be directed upward. In particular, when a passenger is positioned above the battery assembly 10, such as in an electric vehicle, the above embodiment can prevent or delay the gas or flame from being directed toward the passenger. In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, directional venting is provided below and to the sides of the battery assembly 10, thereby improving the safety of users positioned above, such as passengers.

[0135] Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 21 is a view illustrating that a cover member is opened when a thermal event occurs in the battery assembly of Fig. 20.

[0136] 1, 3, 20 and 21, a battery assembly 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes, as described above, a plurality of battery cells 100, a frame 200, and a cover member 800. The cover member 800 covers the venting holes (H) of the frame 200. The cover member 800 may be configured to close the venting holes (H), and may also be partially opened by venting gas discharged from the battery cells 100.

[0137] At this time, the cover member 800 according to this embodiment may include a receiving portion 810 that at least partially receives the battery cell 100. That is, the cover member 800 according to this embodiment may include the receiving portion 810 that receives the battery cell 100 while covering the vent hole (H) of the frame 200. The cover member 800 according to this embodiment may be in a form in which the cover member 300 and the holder 500 of Fig. 15 described above are integrated into one component.

[0138] A plurality of receiving portions 810 may be provided, and each of the plurality of receiving portions 810 may be configured to receive a plurality of battery cells 100. The battery cell 100 is inserted into the receiving portion 810 in an upright state, and vertical and horizontal movement may be prevented. Meanwhile, as an example, when the battery cell 100 is provided as a cylindrical cell, the plurality of receiving portions 810 may be provided in a cylindrical shape.

[0139] The cover member 800 may also include a bottom part 830 that faces the vent portion 110 of the battery cell 100 .

[0140] When at least a portion of the battery cell 100 is inserted into the receiving portion 810, the portion of the battery cell 100 provided with the vent portion 110 may contact the bottom part 830. That is, when the battery cell 100 is inserted into the receiving portion 810, the vent portion 110 may face the bottom part 830.

[0141] The bottom part 830 may cover the venting holes (H) from the inside of the frame 200. The bottom part 830 may be located between the battery cells 100 and the frame 200. Specifically, the bottom part 830 may be located between the battery cells 100 and the bottom frame 210. The bottom part 830 may be located on top of the bottom frame 210.

[0142] The cover member 800 can prevent normal venting gases and the like from being discharged to the outside of the frame 200. Therefore, the cover member 800 can stably cover the venting holes (H) when the battery cell 100 is in a normal state. In addition, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, the cover member 800 can be configured to close the normal venting holes (H) from the inside, thereby preventing foreign matter from entering the inside of the frame 200 from the outside.

[0143] 21 , the cover member 800 may be configured to be opened by venting gas. In the case of a battery cell 100 accommodated in the accommodation portion 810 of the cover member 800, the venting hole (H) is normally maintained in a state where it is covered by the bottom part 830 and may be opened in a specific situation. Specifically, the cover member 800, particularly the bottom part 830, may be configured to be opened by the pressure or heat of the venting gas when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100. For example, the bottom part 830 may be partially ruptured by the pressure of the venting gas or melted by the heat of the venting gas and opened.

[0144] When an abnormal situation occurs in the battery cell 100, the cover member 800, particularly the bottom part 830, is opened, and as shown by the thick arrow in Fig. 21, venting gas can pass through the venting hole (H) and the ruptured or melted part of the cover member 800 and be smoothly discharged to the outside of the frame 200. Therefore, when an abnormal situation occurs in the battery cell 100, an increase in pressure inside the battery assembly 10 can be prevented, and further chain fires of other battery cells 100 can be prevented. Therefore, according to the above aspect of the present invention, the safety and reliability of the battery assembly 10 can be ensured.

[0145] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the vent holes (H) provided on one side of the battery cells 100 other than the specific battery cell 100 in which the event occurred are kept closed by the cover member 800, thereby suppressing or preventing the vent gas discharged to the outside of the battery assembly 10 from affecting the other adjacent battery cells 100. Therefore, further chain fires of the other battery cells 100 can be more effectively prevented.

[0146] Meanwhile, the bottom part 830 of the cover member 800 may be configured to break due to the pressure of the venting gas. Alternatively, the bottom part 830 of the cover member 800 may be configured to melt at least partially due to the heat of a flame. That is, the cover member 800 may be configured to open only a portion facing the vent portion 110 through which the venting gas is vented when an abnormality occurs in the battery cell 100. As a result, even when the cover member 800 is opened, the venting hole (H) is only partially opened, rather than fully opened, thereby preventing the coolant 400 from leaking to the outside through the venting hole (H).

[0147] As long as the bottom part 830 can be broken or melted by the venting gas, there are no particular limitations on the shape or material of the cover member 800, including the bottom part 830. For example, the bottom part 830 of the cover member 800 may be thin enough to induce breaking or melting by the venting gas.

[0148] As another example, a notch may be formed in the bottom part 830 to induce fracture. The notch refers to a portion that is removed from the bottom part 830 by a predetermined thickness. Two regions of the bottom part 830 may be separated by the notch. Because the notch is a portion with weak strength, when the notch is fractured, a portion of the bottom part 830 facing the vent portion 110 is opened, thereby allowing venting gas to be discharged.

[0149] As another example, a boundary portion having a difference in thickness may be formed in the bottom part 830 to induce fracture. A relatively thin portion of the bottom part 830 faces the vent part 110, and the portion may be fractured or melted by the venting gas discharged from the vent part 110.

[0150] As another example, a plurality of holes may be formed in the bottom part 830 to induce rupture. The plurality of holes may be arranged along a specific line, and two regions of the bottom part 830 may be separated by the line formed by the plurality of holes. Because the line formed by the plurality of holes is a weak portion, the portion of the bottom part 830 corresponding to the line is ruptured, and a portion of the bottom part 830 facing the vent 110 is opened, thereby allowing venting gas to be discharged.

[0151] As described above, the cover member 800 according to this embodiment may have an integrated form in which the cover member 300 and the holder 500 of Fig. 15 are integrated into one component. That is, the cover member 800 can accommodate and fix the battery cell 100 while closing the vent hole (H) of the battery cell 100.

[0152] Meanwhile, the cover member 800 may include spacers 820 that are provided between adjacent receiving portions 810 among the plurality of receiving portions 810 and configured to maintain a distance between the battery cells 100. The spacers 820 may be configured to guide the battery cells 100 when they are inserted into the receiving portions 810 during assembly of the battery cells 100.

[0153] In addition, an adhesive 600 may be interposed between the spacers 820. The adhesive 600 may be configured to prevent the penetration of moisture or foreign matter. In particular, the adhesive 600 may be provided on both sides of the cooling flow path through which the coolant is interposed, thereby preventing the coolant from leaking out of the battery assembly 10. The adhesive 600 may prevent the coolant from leaking through the vent holes (H) of the bottom frame 210, etc.

[0154] A predetermined gap is formed between the battery cells 100 and the spacers 820, and the adhesive 600 may be applied between the battery cells 100 in a state where the battery cells 100 are accommodated in the accommodation parts 810. Thus, the adhesive 600 may be interposed between the battery cells 100 and the spacers 820.

[0155] When venting gas is discharged from the battery cell 100 and the bottom part 830 and venting hole (H) of the cover member 800 are opened, the coolant may leak to the outside through the opened venting hole (H). Furthermore, the coolant may move into the space between the spacer 820 and the battery cell 100 and leak to the outside through the receiving part 810. However, according to this embodiment, since the adhesive 600 is interposed between the battery cell 100 and the spacer 820, the coolant may move into the space between the spacer 820 and the battery cell 100 and leak to the outside through the receiving part 810.

[0156] Meanwhile, the spacer 820 may include a portion whose thickness decreases in one direction. That is, the spacer 820 may include a portion whose thickness decreases in the upward direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 20 , the spacer 820 may include a portion whose thickness decreases in the upward direction. In this case, the lower portion of the spacer 820 may be configured to be in substantial contact with the battery cell 100, and the distance from the battery cell 100 may increase toward the upper portion of the spacer 820. According to this embodiment, the adhesive 600 may be guided to be contained in the space between the spacer 820 and the battery cell 100. This may more reliably seal the space between the spacer 820 and the battery cell 100 and more effectively prevent the cooling medium from leaking to the outside.

[0157] FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0158] 22, a battery pack 1 according to the present invention may include one or more battery assemblies 10 according to the present invention. In addition, the battery pack 1 according to the present invention may further include various other components in addition to the battery assembly 10 according to the present invention. For example, the battery pack 1 according to the present invention may further include components of a battery pack that were known at the time of filing of the present invention, such as a BMS (Battery Management System), bus bars, relays, and current sensors.

[0159] 22, the battery pack 1 according to the present invention may further include a pack case 2. Such a pack case 2 may provide a space for accommodating the battery assemblies 10 according to the present invention. In particular, when the battery pack 1 includes a plurality of battery assemblies 10, the pack case 2 may partition spaces for dividing and accommodating the plurality of battery assemblies 10 through cross beams 3 or the like.

[0160] Such a pack case 2 may be an outer case 700 shown in Figures 18 and 19. Accordingly, the pack case 2 may be provided with an exhaust part 720. According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the venting gas discharged through the venting holes (H) of the battery assembly 10 can be discharged to the outside of the pack case 2 through the exhaust part 720, thereby preventing the propagation of thermal runaway within the battery pack 1.

[0161] FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view showing the inside of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0162] 23 and 24, a battery pack 1 according to the present invention may be configured such that it does not include a separate pack case 2 including a battery assembly 10 according to the present invention, and the assembly cover 11 of the battery assembly 10 and the outer case 700 function as the pack case 2. In this case, battery pack components such as a BMS, bus bars, and relays may be included inside the outer case 700. This type of battery pack 1 is sometimes referred to as a cell-to-pack (CTP) because the battery cells 100 are directly housed in the pack case 2. Recently, development of such CTP-type battery packs has been active, and the present invention can also be applied to such CTP-type battery packs. In particular, a cover member 300 is provided inside the frame 200, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery pack 1.

[0163] Such a pack case 2 may be the outer case 700 shown in Figures 18 and 19. The pack case 2 is provided with the above-mentioned exhaust part 720, and the venting gas discharged from the plurality of battery cells 100 can be discharged to the outside of the pack case 2 through the exhaust part 720, thereby preventing the propagation of thermal runaway within each battery pack.

[0164] FIG. 25 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0165] Referring to Figure 25, a vehicle (V) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (V) according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle (V) includes a four-wheeled vehicle and a two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle (V) may be operated by receiving power from the battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0166] Although the present invention has been described above using limited examples and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that various modifications and variations can be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains within the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims set forth below. [Explanation of symbols]

[0167] V Automobile 1 battery pack 2-pack case 3 cross beams 4. Venting Devices 10 Battery Assembly 11 Assembly cover 100 battery cells 110 Vent 200 frames 210 bottom frame 220 Side Frame 221 Insertion groove 222 Filling groove 223 Combination protrusion 230 Top Frame H Venting Hall 300, 800 cover material 310 Bend section 400 Cooling medium 500 holder 510 Storage unit 520 spacer 530 Connection groove 600 adhesive 700 external case 710 Rib 720 Discharge section S Venting channel

Claims

1. a plurality of battery cells each provided with a vent configured to allow venting gas to be discharged; a frame configured to mount the plurality of battery cells and having a plurality of vent holes formed at positions corresponding to the vent portions; and A battery assembly comprising: a cover member configured to cover the vent hole and to be opened by the vent gas.

2. The battery assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising a cooling medium configured to be filled between the battery cells.

3. The battery assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the cover member is located inside the frame.

4. The battery assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the cover member is configured to cover at least some of the plurality of vent holes.

5. The battery assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the cover member includes a bent portion configured such that an end portion thereof is bent and extends in a direction away from the vent hole.

6. The frame is The battery assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising an insertion groove that is recessed at least partially and configured to receive an end portion of the cover member.

7. The battery assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the cover member is located outside the frame.

8. The battery assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising a holder located inside the cover member and configured to at least partially accommodate the battery cell.

9. The holder is a plurality of housings configured to at least partially house respective battery cells; The battery assembly according to claim 8 , further comprising: a spacer disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of receiving portions and configured to maintain a distance between the battery cells.

10. The battery assembly according to claim 9 , further comprising an adhesive filled between the battery cells and configured to secure the battery cells to each other.

11. The adhesive is The battery assembly according to claim 10, wherein the spacer is interposed between the battery cell and the spacer.

12. The battery assembly of claim 11, wherein the spacer includes a portion whose thickness decreases in one direction.

13. the adhesive is interposed between the battery cell and the frame; The battery assembly of claim 10 , wherein the frame includes a filling groove configured to be filled with the adhesive.

14. The frame includes a coupling protrusion configured to protrude at least partially inward, The battery assembly according to claim 8 , wherein the holder includes a coupling groove configured to receive the coupling protrusion.

15. The battery assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the cover member includes a housing portion that at least partially houses the battery cell.

16. The battery assembly according to claim 15 , wherein the cover member includes a bottom part facing the vent portion.

17. The battery assembly according to claim 15 , wherein the cover member includes a spacer provided between adjacent ones of the plurality of housing portions and configured to maintain a distance between the battery cells.

18. a venting channel is provided below the venting hole; The battery assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the venting gas discharged from the vent portion of the battery cell passes through the venting hole and moves to the venting passage.

19. The frame further includes an outer case provided on the outside of the frame, The battery assembly according to claim 1 , wherein a venting passage configured to communicate with the venting hole is formed between the frame and the outer case.

20. The outer case is The battery assembly according to claim 19, further comprising a rib configured to divide the venting channel into a plurality of sections.

21. the outer case includes a discharge part communicating with the venting passage and configured to discharge the venting gas to the outside; The battery assembly of claim 20 , wherein the rib is configured to guide the venting gas to the exhaust portion.

22. A battery pack comprising the battery assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. A motor vehicle comprising a battery assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

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