Battery Assembly

Abstract

A battery assembly is disclosed. A battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a case defining an internal space, a plurality of battery cells housed in the case and stacked in the left-right direction, rails provided on the case and extending in the left-right direction, and busbars configured to slide along the rails and electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0141264 filed on October 20, 2023, and all of the content disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application is incorporated into this application.

Background Art

[0003] As the demand for portable electronic products such as notebook computers, video cameras, and mobile phones has rapidly increased, and as the commercialization of robots, electric vehicles, etc. has been in full swing, research on high-performance secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged has been actively conducted.

[0004] Currently, commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among these, lithium secondary batteries have attracted attention because they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, so they can be freely charged and discharged, have a very low self-discharge rate, and have a high energy density.

[0005] Such a lithium secondary battery mainly uses a lithium-based oxide and a carbon material as a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, respectively. A lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate coated with such a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode plate coated with a negative electrode active material are arranged with a separator interposed therebetween, and an exterior material, for example, a battery case, that hermetically houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolytic solution.

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

[0007] In recent years, secondary batteries have been widely used not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices, but also in medium and large-scale devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS), for propulsion and energy storage. These secondary batteries are electrically connected and housed together inside a module case to form a single battery module. Furthermore, multiple such battery modules are connected to form a single battery pack.

[0008] However, when multiple secondary batteries (battery cells) or multiple battery modules are densely packed into a small space, they can be vulnerable to thermal events. In particular, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in one battery cell, high-temperature gases, flames, and heat may be generated. If such gases, flames, and heat are transferred to other battery cells contained within the same battery module, an explosive chain reaction such as thermal propagation can occur. Furthermore, such a chain reaction can not only cause accidents such as fires and explosions in the battery module in question, but can also cause fires and explosions in other battery modules.

[0009] Furthermore, in the case of medium to large battery packs, such as those found in electric vehicles, the risk of chain reaction thermal reactions is even higher because they contain a large number of battery cells and battery modules in an attempt to increase output and / or capacity. In addition, in the case of battery packs installed in electric vehicles, there may be users such as drivers in the vicinity.

[0010] In particular, battery cells are susceptible to physical damage due to the swelling phenomenon, and this damage can increase the risk of thermal events. Therefore, even if swelling occurs in the battery cells, it is necessary to suppress damage to the battery cells and reduce the risk of thermal events. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] The present invention aims to solve the problems described above and other problems.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery assembly with improved electrical safety.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery assembly that can prevent damage to battery cells even when swelling occurs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] To achieve the above objective, a battery assembly according to one aspect of the present invention includes a case defining an internal space, a plurality of battery cells housed in the case and stacked in the left-right direction, a rail provided on the case and extending in the left-right direction, and a busbar configured to slide along the rail and electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells.

[0015] Furthermore, at least a portion of the busbar can be inserted into the rail.

[0016] Furthermore, the rails may be provided in pairs and arranged in the vertical direction.

[0017] Furthermore, the rail may be configured to have electrical insulating properties.

[0018] The battery assembly may further include a stopper provided on the rail to limit the range of movement of the busbar.

[0019] Furthermore, multiple busbars may be provided, and the stoppers may be positioned between the multiple busbars.

[0020] Furthermore, the stopper can be fixed to the rail.

[0021] Further, the battery assembly may further include a fixing member that fixes the stopper to the rail.

[0022] Further, the stopper may be configured to have electrical insulation.

[0023] Further, the pair of rails are provided and arranged in the vertical direction, and the stopper may extend in the vertical direction and have both ends provided on the pair of rails.

[0024] Further, the battery assembly may be provided in the case and further include a frame to which the rail is attached.

[0025] Further, each of the plurality of battery cells includes a storage portion that houses an electrode assembly, a sealing portion that extends forward from the storage portion, and an electrode lead that protrudes forward from the sealing portion, and the battery assembly may further include a terrace support portion that extends rearward from the frame and supports the sealing portion.

[0026] Further, the battery assembly may further include a guide that extends rearward from the frame and is located above the plurality of battery cells.

[0027] A battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention includes a battery assembly according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0028] An automobile according to still another aspect of the present invention includes a battery assembly according to one aspect of the present invention.

Advantages of the Invention

[0029] According to one aspect of the present invention, the electrical safety of the battery assembly can be improved.

[0030] According to one aspect of the present invention, damage to the battery cell can be prevented.

[0031] According to one aspect of the present invention, the service life of a battery assembly can be extended.

[0032] The following drawings accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and are intended to facilitate a better understanding of the technical concept of the invention, along with the detailed description of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be construed as being limited solely to what is shown in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] This figure shows a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This diagram shows a disassembled view of some components of the battery assembly in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This figure shows the rails of a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' in Figure 3. [Figure 5] This figure shows the busbars of a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows a stopper for a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows the vertical portion of a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows the rail assembly of a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' in Figure 8. [Figure 10] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line C-C' in Figure 8. [Figure 11] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line D-D' in Figure 8. [Figure 12] This figure shows a rail assembly of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This figure shows the rail assembly and frame of a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This diagram shows a partial configuration of a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] Figure 14 shows a partial configuration of the battery assembly viewed from another direction. [Figure 16] This diagram shows a partial configuration of a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] This figure shows a partial configuration of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line F-F' in Figure 17. [Figure 19] This figure shows a partial configuration of a battery assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line G-G' in Figure 19. [Figure 21] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line E-E' in Figure 16. [Figure 22] This is an enlarged view of section H in Figure 21. [Figure 23] This is an enlarged view of section H in Figure 21, showing what happens when swelling occurs. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and in the claims shall not be interpreted in a manner limited to their general and dictionary meanings, but in accordance with the principle that inventors themselves may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their invention, and shall be interpreted in a manner and concept corresponding to the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0035] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings represent only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the invention. It should be understood that there are various equivalents and modifications that can substitute for them at the time of this application.

[0036] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery assembly in Figure 1 in an exploded view. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a case 100, a plurality of battery cells 300, a rail 610, and a bus bar 640.

[0037] Case 100 may have an internal space. Case 100 may have an open shape at the front and rear. Alternatively, Case 100 may have an open shape in the X-axis direction. Case 100 may be a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0038] The battery cell 300 may refer to a rechargeable battery. In particular, the battery cell 300 may be a pouch-type rechargeable battery. Multiple battery cells 300 may be provided. Multiple battery cells 300 may be housed in the internal space of the case 100. Furthermore, multiple battery cells 300 may be stacked along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0039] The rail 610 may be provided on the case 100. The rail 610 may be installed, coupled, fastened or fixed to the case 100. The rail 610 may extend along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. Alternatively, the rail 610 may extend along the stacking direction of the multiple battery cells 300.

[0040] The busbar 640 may be configured to slide along the rail 610. The busbar 640 may be configured to move along the rail 610 in the left-right direction or in the Y-axis direction. The busbar 640 may be electrically connected to multiple battery cells 300. The busbar 640 may also be physically connected to multiple battery cells 300. Multiple busbars 640 may be provided. The busbar 640 may include openings.

[0041] According to this configuration of the present invention, damage to the battery cell 300 can be prevented. During operation of the battery assembly, a swelling phenomenon may occur in the battery cell 300. When this occurs, the battery cell 300 swells, causing the sealing portion 320 or electrode lead 330 of the battery cell 300 to move in the left-right direction. At this time, the bus bar 640 slides along the rail 610, which can reduce the tension applied to the sealing portion 320 or electrode lead 330. This prevents or minimizes damage to the battery cell 300. By preventing or minimizing damage to the battery cell 300, the electrical safety of the battery assembly can be improved.

[0042] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the battery assembly may include a cover 200. The cover 200 may consist of a pair. The pair of covers 200 may be coupled to an opening in the case 100. The covers 200 may be coupled to the front and rear of the case 100, respectively.

[0043] Figure 3 shows the rail 610 of a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' in Figure 3, Figure 5 shows the bus bar 640 of a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 shows the stopper 650 of a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 shows the second vertical part 630 of a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8 shows the rail assembly 600 of a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 9 shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' in Figure 8, Figure 10 shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line C-C' in Figure 8, and Figure 11 shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line D-D' in Figure 8.

[0044] Referring to Figures 3 to 11, the rails 610 of the battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided in pairs. The pair of rails 610 may also be arranged vertically. The bus bar 640 may slide along the pair of rails 610. The bus bar 640 may also be located between the pair of rails 610. The pair of rails 610 may guide the upper and lower sides of the bus bar 640.

[0045] Furthermore, the first vertical section 620 can connect, fasten, join, or fix the pair of rails 610. The first vertical section 620 may extend along the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. The first vertical section 620 can be joined, fasten, connect, or fixed to the right end of the upper rail 610 and the right end of the lower rail 610. Alternatively, the pair of rails 610 and the first vertical section 620 may be formed integrally.

[0046] According to this configuration of the present invention, the busbar 640 can slide stably.

[0047] Referring to Figures 3 to 11, the rail 610 of the battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to be electrically insulating. For example, the rail 610 may include a plastic material.

[0048] According to this configuration of the present invention, the electrical safety of the battery assembly can be improved.

[0049] Referring to Figures 3 to 11, at least a portion of the busbar 640 of a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention can be inserted into a rail 610. Each pair of rails 610 may have a groove 611. The groove 611 may extend along the longitudinal direction or the Y-axis direction of the rail 610. The groove 611 may be formed on the lower surface of the upper rail 610. The groove 611 may also be formed on the upper surface of the lower rail 610. The groove 611 may become wider towards the inside of the rail 610. The busbar 640 may include a projection 641 projecting from the upper surface. The busbar 640 may also include a projection 641 projecting from the lower surface. The projection 641 formed on the upper surface of the busbar 640 can be inserted into the groove 611 of the upper rail 610. The projection 641 of the busbar 640 can slide along the groove 611. The shape of the groove 611 and projection 641 allows the busbar 640 inserted into the rail 610 to slide in the Y-axis direction or the left-right direction. On the other hand, the shape of the groove 611 and projection 641 can also restrain the busbar 640 in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

[0050] According to this configuration of the present invention, the busbar 640 can slide stably along the rail 610. Furthermore, the busbar 640 is constrained in the X-axis and Z-axis directions, preventing it from detaching from the rail 610. This improves the electrical safety of the battery assembly.

[0051] Referring to Figures 3 to 11, a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a stopper 650. The stopper 650 may be mounted on the rail 610. The stopper 650 can limit the range of movement or sliding of the busbar 640.

[0052] According to this configuration of the present invention, the electrical safety of the battery assembly can be improved. Multiple busbars 640 may be provided. If the sliding or moving range of the busbars 640 is not limited, there is a risk of short circuits occurring due to contact between the busbars 640. By providing stoppers 650, contact between the busbars 640 can be blocked or prevented.

[0053] Referring to Figures 3 to 11, the stopper 650 of the battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to be electrically insulating. For example, the stopper 650 may include a plastic material.

[0054] According to this configuration of the present invention, the electrical safety of the battery assembly can be improved.

[0055] Referring to Figures 3 to 11, a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of busbars 640. The battery assembly may also include a plurality of stoppers 650. The stoppers 650 may be positioned between the plurality of busbars 640, or between adjacent busbars 640.

[0056] According to this configuration of the present invention, the electrical safety of the battery assembly can be improved. The stopper 650 can interrupt or prevent short circuits of the multiple busbars 640.

[0057] Referring to Figures 3 to 11, a stopper 650 of a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention may be mounted on a pair of rails 610. The stopper 650 may extend in the vertical direction or in the Z-axis direction. The stopper 650 may be in the shape of an extended bar. The stopper 650 may have a projection 651 protruding from its upper surface. The stopper 650 may also have a projection 651 protruding from its lower surface. Alternatively, the stopper 650 may have projections 651 at its upper and lower ends, respectively. Both ends of the stopper 650 may be attached to a pair of rails 610. The projection 651 formed on the upper surface of the stopper 650 may be inserted into a groove 611 of the upper rail 610. The projection 651 formed on the lower surface of the stopper 650 may be inserted into a groove 611 of the lower rail 610. The projection 651 of the stopper 650 may slide along the groove 611. The shape of the groove 611 and projection 651 allows the stopper 650 inserted into the rail 610 to slide in the Y-axis direction or left-right direction. On the other hand, the shape of the groove 611 and projection 651 allows the stopper 650 to be constrained in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

[0058] According to this configuration of the present invention, the stopper 650 can be stably mounted on the rail 610. Furthermore, the stopper 650 can slide stably along the rail 610. Multiple stoppers 650 and multiple busbars 640 can be assembled sequentially on the rail 610.

[0059] Alternatively, multiple stoppers 650 and multiple busbars 640 may be arranged alternately. In this case, the stoppers 650 and busbars 640 may be inserted into or assembled alternately on the rail 610. This improves the ease of assembly of the battery array.

[0060] Referring to Figures 3 to 11, a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a second vertical section 630. The second vertical section 630 can connect, fasten, join, or fix a pair of rails 610. The second vertical section 630 may extend vertically or along the Z-axis. The second vertical section 630 may be joined, fasten, connect, or fix to the left end of the upper rail 610 and the left end of the lower rail 610. The second vertical section 630 may be provided with hooks 631. Hooks 631 may be provided on the upper and lower sides of the second vertical section 630, respectively. Hooks 631 may protrude to the right or in the +Y-axis direction. Hooks 631 may be fastened, assembled, or joined to the pair of rails 610. Alternatively, the second vertical section 630 and the pair of rails 610 may be snap-fit ​​connected.

[0061] According to this configuration of the present invention, the ease of assembly of the battery assembly can be improved.

[0062] Referring to Figures 3 to 11, a stopper 650 of a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention can divide the rail 610 into multiple sections. A busbar 640 can slide between a pair of stoppers 650. A busbar 640 can also slide between a first vertical section 620 and a stopper 650. A busbar 640 can also slide between a second vertical section 630 and a stopper 650. A pair of rails 610, a first vertical section 620, a second vertical section 630, multiple busbars 640, and multiple stoppers 650 can constitute a rail assembly 600. The pair of rails, the first vertical section 620, and the second vertical section 630 may have electrical insulation properties.

[0063] Figure 12 shows a rail assembly 600 of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 12, the bus bar 640 may be bar-shaped. The bus bar 640 may slide between a pair of stoppers 650. The bus bar 640 may also slide between the first vertical section 620 and the stopper 650. The bus bar 640 may also slide between the second vertical section 630 and the stopper 650.

[0064] Figure 13 shows the rail assembly 600 and frame 400 of a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 14 shows a partial configuration of the battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 15 shows a partial configuration of the battery assembly of Figure 14 viewed from another direction.

[0065] Referring to Figures 13 to 15, a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a frame 400. The frame 400 may be located behind the rail 610. The frame 400 may include a rail mounting section 410. The rail 610 may be installed, coupled, fixed, or attached to the rail mounting section 410. The rail assembly 600 may be installed, coupled, fixed, or attached to the rail mounting section 410. The frame 400 may be provided on the case 100. The frame 400 may be installed, coupled, fixed, or attached to the case 100. The frame 400 may also be installed, coupled, fixed, or attached to the cover 200. The frame 400 may have electrical insulating properties.

[0066] According to this configuration of the present invention, the rail 610 can be stably installed and fixed. Furthermore, the rail 610 can be stably supported by the frame 400. This improves the electrical safety of the battery assembly.

[0067] Referring to Figures 13 to 15, the frame 400 of a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention may include guides 440. The guides 440 may be located behind the rail mounting section 410. The guides 440 may also extend rearward from the frame 400 and be located above a plurality of battery cells 300. The guides 440 may be bar-shaped. The guides 440 may also be provided in pairs. A pair of guides 440 may be arranged along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The guides 440 and the rail mounting section 410 may be formed integrally. When assembling the frame 400, the guides 440 serve as a reference for alignment.

[0068] According to this configuration of the present invention, the ease of assembly of the battery assembly can be improved.

[0069] Figure 16 shows a partial configuration of a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 17 shows a partial configuration of a battery assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 18 shows a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line F-F' of Figure 17, Figure 19 shows a partial configuration of a battery assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 20 shows a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line G-G' of Figure 19.

[0070] Referring to Figures 16 to 20, the stopper 650 of the battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention can be fixed to the rail 610. For example, the upper and lower ends of the stopper 650 can be fixed, respectively.

[0071] According to this configuration of the present invention, the stopper 650 can stably limit the sliding range and movement range of the busbar 640. This ensures the sliding range of each busbar 640 and improves the electrical safety of the battery assembly.

[0072] Referring to Figures 16 to 20, a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a fixing member 660 for fixing the stopper 650 to the rail 610. The electrode leads 330 may also be joined, connected, or fixed to the busbar 640 by welding. Multiple welds 331 may join, connect, or fix the electrode leads 330 to the busbar 640.

[0073] Referring to Figures 17 and 18, the fixing member 660 may extend in the front-rear direction or in the X-axis direction. The fixing member 660 may also penetrate the rail 610 and the projection 651. Alternatively, the fixing member 660 may penetrate the rail 610, the projection 651, and the rail mounting portion 410. The fixing member 660 may penetrate the rail 610, the projection 651, and the rail mounting portion 410 in the front-rear direction or in the X-axis direction. In this case, the fixing member 660 may have threads formed along its longitudinal direction. The fixing member 660 may also be fastened with a nut 661. Multiple fixing members 660 may be provided. The fixing member 660 may penetrate the upper projection 651 and the lower projection 651 of the stopper 650, respectively. Two fixing members 660 may be provided corresponding to one stopper 650.

[0074] Referring to Figures 19 and 20, the fixing member 660 may extend in the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. The fixing member 660 may also penetrate the rail 610 and the projection 651. In this case, the fixing member 660 may have threads formed along its longitudinal direction. Multiple fixing members 660 may be provided. The fixing member 660 may penetrate the upper projection 651 and the lower projection 651 of the stopper 650, respectively. Two fixing members 660 may be provided corresponding to a single stopper 650.

[0075] According to this configuration of the present invention, the ease of assembly and stability of the stopper 650 can be improved. The stopper 650 can be assembled to the rail 610 by sliding in the same manner as the busbar 640. Alternatively, the stopper 650 or the busbar 640 can be sequentially slid and coupled to the rail 610. Furthermore, the stopper 650 can be aligned and fixed in position by the fixing member 660.

[0076] Figure 21 shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line E-E' in Figure 16, Figure 22 is an enlarged view of section H in Figure 21, and Figure 23 is an enlarged view of section H in Figure 21 when swelling occurs.

[0077] Referring to Figures 21 and 22, a plurality of battery cells 300 in a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention may each include a housing 310, a sealing portion 320, and an electrode lead 330. The housing 310 may house an electrode assembly. The sealing portion 320 may extend along the periphery of the housing 310. For example, in a battery cell 300 with three sides sealed, the sealing portion 320 may be formed on three sides along the periphery of the housing 310. The sealing portion 320 may also be referred to as a terrace 320. The sealing portion 320 of the battery cell 300 may be formed in front of, above, and behind the housing 310, respectively. The electrode lead 330 may protrude forward from the sealing portion 320. The electrode lead 330 may be electrically and physically connected to a busbar 640. The electrode lead 330 and the busbar 640 may be joined by welding.

[0078] A battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a terrace support 420. The terrace support 420 may extend rearward from the frame 400 and support the sealing portion 320. For example, the terrace support 420 may be located between an adjacent pair of sealing portions 320. Alternatively, the terrace support 420 may support the front surfaces of an adjacent pair of battery cells 300a, 300b. Or, the terrace support 420 may be in contact with the front surfaces of an adjacent pair of battery cells 300a, 300b.

[0079] The width D1 of the terrace support section 420 may be set to be narrower than the distance D2 between an adjacent pair of sealing sections 320.

[0080] Furthermore, the terrace support portion 420 may be provided with an elastic member 430 on its rear surface. The elastic member 430 may be pad-shaped. The elastic member 430 may also contain polyurethane material. Alternatively, the elastic member 430 may contain silicone material. The elastic member 430 can support the battery cell housing portion 310.

[0081] A battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an elastic pad 500. The elastic pad 500 may be configured to correspond to the area of ​​the housing 310. The elastic pad 500 may be positioned or fixed between the housings 310 of adjacent battery cells 300. The elastic pad 500 may include a polyurethane material. Alternatively, the elastic pad 500 may include a silicone material. When the battery cells 300 swell due to swelling, the elastic pad 500 is compressed and deformed along the left-right or Y-axis direction, thereby minimizing deformation of the battery assembly. The elastic pad 500 may also have high heat resistance and high fire resistance. As a result, the elastic pad 500 can act as a barrier to prevent the propagation of vent gases and flammable particles.

[0082] According to this configuration of the present invention, damage to the battery cell 300 can be prevented. Referring to Figure 23, a swelling phenomenon may occur in the first battery cell 300a of two adjacent battery cells. At this time, the sealing portion 320 of the first battery cell 300a may move in the +Y axis direction or to the right. As a result, the sealing portion 320 of the second battery cell 300b is pulled in the +Y axis direction or to the right. At this time, the width D1 of the terrace support portion 420 is configured to be narrower than the distance D2 between the pair of adjacent sealing portions 320, thereby providing sufficient space for the sealing portion 320 of the second battery cell 300b to be pulled. Furthermore, when the sealing portion 320 of the second battery cell 300b is pulled, the sealing portion 320 moves closer to the terrace support portion 420. The terrace support portion 420 can stably support the sealing portion 320 and minimize damage to the sealing portion 320.

[0083] Referring to Figure 23, a swelling phenomenon may occur in the first battery cell 300a. In this case, the sealing portion 320 of the first battery cell 300a may move in the +Y axis direction or to the right. Also, the bus bar 640 connected to the electrode lead 330 of the first battery cell 300a may slide or move along the rail 610. The bus bar 640 may slide or move in the +Y axis direction or to the right. As the bus bar 640 moves along the sealing portion 320 of the first battery cell 300a, the tension and stress applied to the sealing portion 320 or the electrode lead 330 of the first battery cell 300a may be reduced. This makes it possible to prevent damage to the first battery cell 300a. It also makes it possible to prevent disconnection of the electrode lead 330. Furthermore, it makes it possible to prevent damage near the boundary between the electrode lead 330 and the sealing portion 320.

[0084] This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of thermal events in the first battery cell 300a. Furthermore, it can extend the lifespan of the battery assembly.

[0085] A battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention may mean a battery module or a battery pack. If the battery assembly means a battery module, the battery assembly may further include a variety of components, such as components of a battery module known at the time of filing of the present invention, such as a module case or a cooling unit.

[0086] Furthermore, if "battery assembly" means a battery pack, then a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a variety of components, such as a battery management system (BMS), busbars, relays, current sensors, and other components of a battery pack known at the time of filing of the present invention.

[0087] An automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the battery assembly according to the present embodiment of the present invention described above. The battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention may be applied to automobiles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. Furthermore, an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a variety of other components included in the automobile in addition to such a battery assembly, such as a vehicle body, motors, and control devices such as an electronic control unit (ECU).

[0088] On the other hand, while terms indicating direction such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification, these terms are used for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that they can change depending on the position of the object being examined, the position of the observer, etc.

[0089] As described above, the present invention has been explained with limited embodiments and drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto, and that various modifications and variations are possible within the equivalent scope of the technical idea and claims of the present invention by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 100 cases 200 covers 300 battery cells 300a First Battery Cell 300b Second Battery Cell 310 Storage compartment 320 Ceiling section, terrace 330 Electrode Leads 331 Welded section 400 frames 410 Rail installation section 420 Terrace support section 430 Elastic member 440 Guide 500 Elastic Pads 600 Rail Assembly 610 rail, upper rail, lower rail 611 Groove 620 1st vertical section 630 2nd vertical section 631 Hook 640 Bus Bar 641 Protrusion 650 Stopper 651 Protrusion, upper protrusion, lower protrusion 660 Fixing member 661 Nut

Claims

1. Cases that define the interior space, Multiple battery cells housed in the aforementioned case and stacked in the left-right direction, The case is provided with a rail that extends in the left-right direction, A battery assembly comprising a busbar configured to slide along the rail and electrically connected to a plurality of the battery cells.

2. The battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the busbar is inserted into the rail.

3. The battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein the rails are provided in pairs, and the pair of rails are arranged in the vertical direction.

4. The battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein the rail is configured to have electrical insulating properties.

5. The battery assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a stopper provided on the rail to limit the range of movement of the bus bar.

6. Multiple busbars are provided, The battery assembly according to claim 5, wherein the stopper is positioned between a plurality of bus bars.

7. The battery assembly according to claim 5, wherein the stopper is fixed to the rail.

8. The battery assembly according to claim 5, further comprising a fixing member for fixing the stopper to the rail.

9. The battery assembly according to claim 5, wherein the stopper is configured to have electrical insulating properties.

10. The rails are provided in pairs, and the pair of rails are arranged in the vertical direction. The battery assembly according to claim 5, wherein the stopper extends in the vertical direction and has both ends provided on a pair of rails.

11. The battery assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a frame provided in the case and on which the rails are attached.

12. Each of the aforementioned battery cells is, A storage compartment for housing the electrode assembly, A sealing section extending forward from the aforementioned storage section, Includes an electrode lead protruding forward from the sealing portion, The aforementioned battery assembly is The battery assembly according to claim 11, further comprising a terrace support portion extending rearward from the frame and supporting the sealing portion.

13. The battery assembly according to claim 11, further comprising a guide extending rearward from the frame and located above a plurality of the battery cells.

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

15. An automobile comprising the battery assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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