Battery assembly

Abstract

A battery assembly is disclosed. The battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a housing providing a space therein; a plurality of battery cells positioned inside the housing and stacked along one direction; a first pad comprising a first case positioned between the plurality of battery cells and a first material positioned inside the first case; and a second pad accommodating a second case positioned between the plurality of battery cells and in contact with the first case, and a second material positioned inside the second case.

Description

Battery assembly

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

[0002] This application is a priority application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0154649 filed on November 4, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of said application are incorporated into this application by reference.

[0003] As the demand for portable electronic products such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and smartwatches increases significantly and electric vehicles become increasingly widespread, research on batteries installed in them, particularly secondary batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging, is actively underway.

[0004] Currently commercialized rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium, nickel-hydrogen, nickel-zinc, and lithium-ion batteries. Among these, lithium-ion batteries are gaining attention for their advantages, such as the ability to charge and discharge freely with almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based batteries, a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0005] These lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative active materials, respectively. The lithium secondary battery comprises an electrode assembly in which a positive plate and a negative plate, each coated with the positive and negative active materials, are arranged with a separator in between, and an outer casing, namely a battery case, that seals and houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

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

[0007] Recently, secondary batteries are widely used for driving or energy storage not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices but also in medium-to-large devices such as electric vehicles and Energy Storage Systems (ESS). A single battery module can be formed by housing multiple such secondary batteries together inside a module case while electrically connected. In this case, each secondary battery included in a single battery module can be referred to as a battery cell. Furthermore, multiple such battery modules can be connected to form a single battery pack.

[0008] However, when a battery pack contains multiple battery modules, and each module contains multiple battery cells, it may be vulnerable to thermal chain reactions between modules or cells. For example, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs within a single battery module, it is necessary to suppress the propagation of this runaway to other battery modules or cells. If the propagation of thermal runaway between modules or cells is not properly suppressed, an event originating in a specific module or cell may trigger a chain reaction of thermal reactions in other modules or cells, potentially causing explosions or fires, or significantly amplifying their scale.

[0009] In particular, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in a single battery module, gases or flames may be randomly released to the outside. If the release of such gases or flames is not properly controlled, they may be released toward other battery modules, potentially causing a thermal chain reaction in those modules. Specifically, module terminals may be located on the front side of a battery module to provide electrical connections to other battery modules or battery packs, such as module busbars. Therefore, if flames are released toward the front of such a battery module, they can damage the module terminals within the battery pack and cause an electrical short circuit. Furthermore, since other battery modules may be located in front of a specific battery module, if flames are released toward the front of that module, the emitted flames may spread toward other modules, making it easy for fire to spread between battery modules.

[0010] If thermal propagation between battery modules or between battery cells is not properly controlled, a rapid voltage drop in the battery module or battery pack may occur. This can lead to a sudden shutdown of the device equipped with the battery module or battery pack, causing unexpected damage. For example, if a sudden voltage drop in the battery pack occurs while an electric vehicle is in operation, there may not be enough time to move the electric vehicle to a safe location.

[0011] Furthermore, if thermal propagation between battery modules or battery cells is not properly controlled and a fire or explosion occurs suddenly, there is a high possibility of causing casualties to users. For example, if thermal runaway occurs in an electric vehicle and a certain amount of time is not secured before it progresses into a full-scale fire, the occupants may not be able to escape safely.

[0012] The present invention was devised to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a battery assembly with an improved structure capable of appropriately controlling the discharge of flames, etc., generated inside the battery assembly, and an automobile including the same.

[0013] Another objective of the present invention may be to provide a battery assembly capable of discharging a very large volume of material into the interior of a housing when a thermal event occurs.

[0014] Another objective of the present invention may be to provide a battery assembly capable of blocking the propagation of a thermal event by filling the interior of the housing with a foam material when a thermal event occurs.

[0015] A battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose may include: a housing providing an internal space; a plurality of battery cells located inside the housing and stacked along one direction; a first pad comprising a first case located between the plurality of battery cells and a first material located inside the first case; and a second pad accommodating a second case located between the plurality of battery cells and in contact with the first case and a second material located inside the second case.

[0016] In addition, the first material and the second material may be configured to react and expand.

[0017] Additionally, the first case may include: a first contact portion that contacts the second case; and a first outer portion extending from the first contact portion.

[0018] In addition, the melting point of the first contact portion may be configured to be lower than the melting point of the first outer portion.

[0019] Additionally, the first case may further include: a first hole provided in the first contact portion; and a first melting member coupled to the first contact portion and covering the first hole.

[0020] Additionally, the second case may include: a second contact portion in contact with the first contact portion; and a second outer portion extending from the second contact portion.

[0021] In addition, the battery assembly may further include an adhesive member disposed between the first contact portion and the second contact portion.

[0022] In addition, the melting point of the second contact portion may be configured to be lower than the melting point of the second outer portion.

[0023] In addition, the melting point of the second contact portion may be configured to be lower than the melting point of the first outer portion.

[0024] Additionally, the second case may further include a second hole provided in the second contact portion and facing the first hole; and a second melting member coupled to the second contact portion and covering the second hole.

[0025] In addition, the first hole and the second hole may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0026] In addition, the first pad may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0027] An automobile according to one aspect of the present invention includes a battery assembly of the present invention.

[0028] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, flames or particles can be blocked from being discharged to the outside of the housing.

[0029] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, the interior of the housing is filled with a foam material so that the propagation of the thermal event can be blocked.

[0030] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a first battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the first battery assembly of Figure 1 separated.

[0033] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the first pad of Figure 2 separated.

[0034] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the second pad of Figure 2 separated.

[0035] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the pad assembly of Figure 2 separated.

[0036] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the pad assembly of Figure 2.

[0037] Figure 7 is a drawing showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' of Figure 6.

[0038] Figure 8 is a drawing showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Figure 1.

[0039] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the change in Figure 8 when a thermal event occurs.

[0040] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of FIG. 5.

[0041] Figure 11 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Figure 3.

[0042] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of FIG. 4.

[0043] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of FIG. 7.

[0044] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of FIG. 9.

[0045] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of a second battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a second battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0049] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely examples of the present invention and do not represent all aspects of the technical concept of the present invention, and that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0050] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a first battery assembly (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a partial configuration of the first battery assembly (200) of FIG. 1 separated.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first battery assembly (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first housing (201). The first housing (201) may include a first top cover (210a) and a lower frame (210b). The first housing (201) may provide space inside. The lower frame (210b) may have a first base plate (210b1) and a pair of side plates (210b2). The first top cover (210a) may be installed, fastened, coupled, fixed, or attached to the pair of side plates (210b2). For example, the first top cover (210a) may be joined to the lower frame (210b) by welding. The first top cover (210a) and the lower frame (210b) may form a frame (210). The frame (210) may have a shape with the front and rear open.

[0052] The first battery assembly (200) may include a battery cell (220). The battery cell (220) may refer to a secondary battery. In particular, the battery cell (220) may be a pouch-type secondary battery. However, the shape of the battery cell (220) is not limited to a pouch shape and may have various shapes, such as a cylindrical shape or a rectangular shape. The battery cell (220) may be provided in multiple numbers. The battery cell (220) may be accommodated inside the first housing (201).

[0053] A battery cell (220) may be extended along the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. A plurality of battery cells (220) may be stacked along one direction. For example, a plurality of battery cells (220) may be stacked along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. A battery cell (220) may include a storage portion (221) having an electrode assembly, a first sealing portion (222) protruding toward the front and rear sides of the storage portion (221), and a second sealing portion (223) protruding toward the upper side of the storage portion (221). Additionally, a battery cell (220) may include electrode leads (224) protruding toward the front and rear sides of the first sealing portion (222), respectively. The electrode leads (224) may protrude toward the front and rear sides of each storage portion (221).

[0054] A pad assembly (270) may be placed between a plurality of battery cells (220). The pad assembly (270) may be placed between at least some of the battery cells (220) and / or outside the stack. For example, the pad assembly (270) may be configured to be placed between every four battery cells (220) stacked in the left-right direction.

[0055] The pad assembly (270) may include a first pad (250). The first pad (250) may include a first case (251). The first case (251) may be located between a plurality of battery cells (220). The first case (251) may provide space inside. The first pad (250) may include a first material (410). The first material (410) may be located inside the first case (251).

[0056] The pad assembly (270) may include a second pad (260). The second pad (260) may be in contact with the first pad (250). The second pad (260) may be coupled, fastened, attached, or fixed to the first pad (250). The second pad (260) may include a second case (261). The second case (261) may be located between a plurality of battery cells (220). The second case (261) may provide space inside. The second pad (260) may include a second material (420). The second material (420) may be located inside the second case (261).

[0057] When a thermal event occurs, the first case (251) may melt. When the first case (251) melts, the first substance (410, see FIG. 9) may leak out. When a thermal event occurs, the second case (261) may melt. When the second case (261) melts, the second substance (420, see FIG. 9) may leak out. When a thermal event occurs, the first substance (410) and the second substance (420) may mix. The first substance (410) and the second substance (420) may chemically react. The first substance (410) and the second substance (420) may react to produce a third substance (430, see FIG. 9). The third substance (430) may be a substance with a very large volume. The third substance (430) may be a foam material. The third material (430) may be a porous material. The third material (430) may include a material with low thermal conductivity. The third material (430) may include a material with high thermal insulation properties. For example, the third material (430) may include a polyurethane resin-based foam, an epoxy resin-based foam, a phenol resin-based foam, etc.

[0058] Depending on the type of such third material (430), the first material (410) and the second material (420) forming the corresponding third material (430) may be selected separately.

[0059] In the case where the third material (430) is a polyurethane resin-based foam, the first material (410) and the second material (420) may be a polyol compound and an isocyanate-based compound, respectively.

[0060] The above polyol compounds may include polytetramethylene glycol (PTMG), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyoxytrimethylene ether glycol (PO3G), or two or more of these, but are not limited thereto.

[0061] The above isocyanate compounds include toluene diisocyanate (TDI), naphthalene-1,5-diisocyanate, p-phenylene diisocyanate, tolidine diisocyanate, 4,4'-diphenyl methane diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate, and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI). It may include 1-isocyanato-4-[(4-isocyanatohexyl)methyl]cyclohexan (1-isocyanato-4-[(4-isocyanatocyclohexyl)methyl]cyclohexan, H12MDI), isophorone diisocyanate, or two or more of these, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, if the third material (430) is a polyurethane resin-based foam, it may additionally include a blowing agent in addition to the first material (410) and the second material (420), and examples of the blowing agent may include water, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), methylene chloride, n-butane, isobutane, n-pentane isopentane, dimethyl ether, acetone, carbon dioxide, or two or more of these, but is not limited thereto.

[0062] In the case where the third material (430) is an epoxy resin-based foam, the first material (410) and the second material (420) may be an epoxy resin and a curing agent, respectively.

[0063] The above epoxy resin may include, but is not limited to, an epoxy resin having a glycidylamino group derived from metaxylylenediamine, an epoxy resin having a glycidylamino group derived from paraxylylenediamine, an epoxy resin having a glycidylamino group derived from 1,3-bis(aminomethyl)cyclohexane, an epoxy resin having a glycidylamino group derived from 1,4-bis(aminomethyl)cyclohexane, an epoxy resin having a glycidylamino group derived from diaminodiphenylmethane, an epoxy resin having a glycidylamino group and / or a glycidyloxy group derived from para-aminophenol, an epoxy resin having a glycidyloxy group derived from bisphenol A, an epoxy resin having a glycidyloxy group derived from bisphenol F, an epoxy resin having a glycidyloxy group derived from phenolnovolac, an epoxy resin having a glycidyloxy group derived from resorcinol.

[0064] The above curing agent may include an amine-based curing agent, and 1,3-benzenedimethaneamine, ethylenediamine, 1,3-diaminopropane, 1,4-diaminopropane, hexamethylenediamine, 2,5-dimethylhexamethylenediamine, trimethylhexamethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, iminobispropylamine, bis(hexamethylene)triamine, triethylenetetramine, tetraethylenepentamine, pentaethylenehexamine, N-hydroxyethylethylenediamine, tetra(hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine, triethyleneglycoldiamine, tetraethyleneglycoldiamine, diethyleneglycolbis(propylamine), polyoxypropylenediamine, polyoxypropylendiamine, isophoronediamine, metacendiamine, N-aminoethylpiperazine, bis(4-amino-3-methyldicyclohexyl)methane, bis(aminomethyl)cyclohexane, 3,9-Bis(3-aminopropyl)2,4,8,10-Tetraoxaspiro(5,5)undecane, norbornendiamine, tetrachloro-p-xylenediamine, m-xylenediamine, p-xylenediamine, m-phenylenediamine, o-phenylenediamine, p-phenylenediamine, 2,4-diaminoanisole, 2,4-toluenediamine, 2,4-diaminodiphenylmethane, 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane, 4,4'-diamino1,2-diphenylethane, 2,4-diaminodiphenylsulfone, m-aminophenol, m-aminobenzylamine, benzyldimethylamine, 2-dimethylaminomethyl)phenol, triethanolamine, methylbenzylamine, α-(m-aminophenyl)ethylamine, α-(p-aminophenyl)ethylamine, diaminodiethyldimethyldiphenylmethane, It may include α,α'-bis(4-aminophenyl)-p-diisopropylbenzene, or two or more of these, but is not limited thereto.

[0065] In the case where the third material (430) is a phenol resin-based foam, the first material (410) and the second material (420) may be a phenol compound and an aldehyde compound, respectively.

[0066] The above phenol compounds may include phenol, cresol, xylenol, paraalkylphenol, paraphenylphenol, resorcinol, or two or more of these, but are not limited thereto.

[0067] Examples of the above aldehyde compounds may include formaldehyde, formalin, paraformaldehyde, furfural, acetaldehyde, or two or more of these, but are not limited thereto.

[0068] When a thermal event occurs, the third material (430) can fill the interior of the first housing (201). The third material (430) can be expanded to surround the battery cell (220). The third material (430) can block the propagation of particles such as venting gas or flammable particles. The third material (430) can prevent the propagation of the thermal event.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a busbar frame assembly (230) may be provided on the front and rear sides of a plurality of battery cells (220), respectively. The busbar frame assembly (230) may be electrically connected to the electrode leads (224) of the plurality of battery cells (220).

[0070] A pair of end covers (240) can be attached to the front and rear sides of the frame (210), respectively. A pair of end covers (240) can cover the front and rear sides of the frame (210). The end covers (240) can have a rectangular shape. A pair of end covers (240) can form the exterior of the first battery assembly (200). The first housing (201) can include a pair of end covers.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a plurality of pad assemblies (270) may be provided. Each pad assembly (270) may include one first pad (250) and one second pad (260). The first pad (250) and the second pad (260) may be provided to correspond one-to-one.

[0072] By providing a plurality of pad assemblies (270), the propagation of thermal events can be effectively blocked.

[0073] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the first pad (250) of FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 1 through 3, the first case (251) may include a first contact portion (253). The first contact portion (253) may be in contact with, coupled with, fixed, or attached to the second pad (260). The first contact portion (253) may be in contact with, coupled with, fixed, or attached to the second case (261).

[0074] The first case (251) may include a first outer portion (252). The first outer portion (252) may extend from a first contact portion (253). The first outer portion (252) may provide a space inside. The first case (251) may include a first coupling portion (252a). The first coupling portion (252a) may be formed along the perimeter of the first outer portion (252). The first contact portion (253) may contact, connect, fix, or attach to the first coupling portion (252a). The first material (410) may be accommodated inside the first case (251).

[0075] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the second pad (260) of FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 1 through FIG. 4, the second case (261) may include a second contact portion (263). The second contact portion (263) may be in contact with, coupled with, fixed, or attached to the first pad (250). The second contact portion (263) may be in contact with, coupled with, fixed, or attached to the first case (251).

[0076] The second case (261) may include a second outer portion (262). The second outer portion (262) may extend from the second contact portion (263). The second outer portion (262) may provide space inside. The second case (261) may include a second coupling portion (262a). The second coupling portion (262a) may be formed along the perimeter of the second outer portion (262). The second contact portion (263) may contact, connect, fix, or attach to the second coupling portion (262a). The second material (420) may be accommodated inside the second case (261).

[0077] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a partial configuration of the pad assembly (270) of FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the pad assembly (270) of FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' of FIG. 6.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 5 through 7, the first pad (250) and the second pad (260) may form a pad assembly (270). The first contact portion (253) and the second contact portion (263) may face each other. The first contact portion (253) may be in contact with, coupled with, fixed, or attached to the second contact portion (263).

[0079] The first pad (250) and the second pad (260) may be configured to have substantially the same shape or the same size.

[0080] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the change in FIG. 8 when a thermal event occurs.

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the melting point of the first contact portion (253) may be configured to be lower than the melting point of the first outer portion (252). The first contact portion (253) may include a material having a lower melting point than the first outer portion (252). When a thermal event occurs, the temperature inside the first battery assembly (200) may rise. At this time, the first contact portion (253) may melt before the first outer portion (252). As a result, the first material (410) may leak out.

[0082] The melting point of the second contact portion (263) may be configured to be lower than the melting point of the second outer portion (262). The second contact portion (263) may include a material having a lower melting point than the second outer portion (262). When a thermal event occurs, the temperature inside the first battery assembly (200) may increase. At this time, the second contact portion (263) may melt before the second outer portion (262). As a result, the second material (420) may leak out.

[0083] The first contact portion (253) and the second contact portion (263) may include substantially the same material. The first outer portion (252) and the second outer portion (262) may include substantially the same material. The melting point of the first contact portion (253) may be configured to be lower than the melting point of the second outer portion (262). The first contact portion (253) may include a material having a melting point lower than that of the second outer portion (262). The melting point of the second contact portion (263) may be configured to be lower than that of the first outer portion (252). The second contact portion (263) may include a material having a melting point lower than that of the first outer portion (252).

[0084] When a thermal event occurs, the first contact portion (253) and the second contact portion (263) melt, allowing the first material (410) and the second material (420) to react. The first material (410) and the second material (420) can fill the interior of the first battery assembly (200) by generating and expanding the third material (430). The third material (430) can block the movement of particles such as venting gas or flammable particles.

[0085] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of FIG. 5. Referring to FIG. 10, the first battery assembly (200) may further include an adhesive member (256). The adhesive member (256) may be positioned between the first contact portion (253) and the second contact portion (263). By aligning or fixing the positions of the first contact portion (253) and the second contact portion (263), the adhesive member (256) may induce the rapid generation of the third material (430).

[0086] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 11, the first case (251) may include a first hole (254). The first hole (254) may be provided in the first contact portion (253). The first case (251) may further include a first melting member (255). The first melting member (255) may be coupled, fastened, attached, or fixed to the first contact portion (253). The first melting member (255) may cover the first hole (254). The first melting member (255) may include a material with a low melting point. The melting point of the first melting member (255) may be configured to be lower than the melting point of the first outer portion (252). The melting point of the first melting member (255) may be configured to be lower than the melting point of the first contact portion (253). The first melting member (255) can open the first hole (254) by melting. The first hole (254) may be provided in multiple numbers. The first melting member (255) can cover multiple first holes (254).

[0087] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 12, the second case (261) may include a second hole (264). The second hole (264) may be provided in the second contact portion (263). The second case (261) may further include a second melting member (265). The second melting member (265) may be coupled, fastened, attached, or fixed to the second contact portion (263). The second melting member (265) may cover the second hole (264). The second melting member (265) may include a material with a low melting point. The melting point of the second melting member (265) may be configured to be lower than the melting point of the second outer portion (262). The melting point of the second melting member (265) may be configured to be lower than the melting point of the second contact portion (263). The second melting member (265) can open the second hole (264) by melting. The second hole (264) may be provided in multiple numbers. The second melting member (265) can cover multiple second holes (264).

[0088] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of FIG. 7. FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of FIG. 9.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 11 through 14, a plurality of first holes (254) and a plurality of second holes (264) may be provided to correspond one-to-one. Each of the plurality of first holes (254) may face a second hole (264). The first melting member (255) and the second melting member (265) may comprise substantially the same material. By melting the first melting member (255) and the second melting member (265), the plurality of first holes (254) and the plurality of second holes (264) may be connected. Some of the plurality of first holes (254) may discharge a first material (410) into the interior of the second pad (260). Some of the plurality of second holes (264) may discharge a second material (420) into the interior of the first pad (250). As a result, the first substance (410) and the second substance (420) can be rapidly mixed and reacted. By rapidly generating the third substance (430), the blocking of thermal events can be effectively achieved.

[0090] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of a second battery assembly (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a second battery assembly (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, a second battery assembly (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a second housing (100). The second housing (100) may form the exterior of the second battery assembly (1000). The second housing (100) may have a rectangular shape. The second housing (100) may provide an internal space. The second housing (100) may include a second top cover (150). The second top cover (150) may have a rectangular plate shape. The second battery assembly (1000) may be located inside the second housing (100).

[0092] The second housing (100) may include a second base plate (110). The second base plate (110) may have a square shape. The second base plate (110) may have a flat shape. The second base plate (110) may form the exterior of the second battery assembly (1000). The second base plate (110) may provide an internal space of the second battery assembly (1000).

[0093] The second housing (100) may include a side wall (120). The side wall (120) may be installed, fastened, joined, fixed, or attached to the upper surface of the second base plate (110). The side wall (120) may be composed of four. The side wall (120) may be arranged along the perimeter of the second base plate (110). The side wall (120) may form the exterior of the second battery assembly (1000). The side wall (120) may provide an internal space.

[0094] The second top cover (150) can be installed, fastened, joined, fixed, or attached to the side wall (120). The second top cover (150) can cover the internal space of the second battery assembly (1000).

[0095] The second battery assembly (1000) may include a venting device (500). The venting device (500) may be installed on a side wall (120). For example, the venting device (500) may be installed on a front side wall (120). For example, the venting device (500) may be a gas valve. The venting device (500) may open to discharge gas when the pressure inside the second housing (100) increases. Additionally, the venting device (500) may block external air from entering the second housing (100). The venting device (500) may be provided in multiple units.

[0096] The second battery assembly (1000) may include a partition wall (300). The partition wall (300) may include a first partition wall (310) and a second partition wall (320). The partition wall (300) may be provided in multiple numbers. The partition wall (300) may be installed, fastened, fixed, coupled, or attached to the upper surface of the second base plate (110). The partition wall (300) may partition the internal space of the second battery assembly (1000). The first battery assembly (200) may be located in the space partitioned by the partition wall (300).

[0097] For example, the first battery assembly (200) may be referred to as a battery module (200). For example, the second battery assembly (1000) may be referred to as a battery pack (1000).

[0098] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 17, the vehicle (V) according to the present invention may include a second battery assembly (1000) of the present invention.

[0099] In addition, the second battery assembly (1000) according to the present invention may further include various other components in addition to the first battery assembly (200), such as a BMS, a busbar, a relay, a current sensor, etc., which are known at the time of filing the present invention.

[0100] The second battery assembly (1000) according to the present invention may be applied to a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. The vehicle (V) according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the vehicle in addition to the second battery assembly (1000). For example, the vehicle (V) according to the present invention may further include a vehicle body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc.

[0101] As described above, although the present invention has been explained by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

Claims

1. Housing that provides internal space; A plurality of battery cells located inside the above housing and stacked along one direction; A first pad comprising a first case located between the plurality of battery cells and a first material located inside the first case; and, A battery assembly comprising a second case located between the plurality of battery cells and in contact with the first case, and a second pad accommodating a second material located inside the second case.

2. In Paragraph 1, A battery assembly configured such that the first material and the second material react to expand.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above first case is: A first contact portion that contacts the second case above; and, A battery assembly including a first outer portion extending from the first contact portion.

4. In Paragraph 3, The melting point of the first contact portion above is, A battery assembly configured to be lower than the melting point of the first outer part.

5. In Paragraph 3, The above first case is: A first hole provided in the first contact portion; and, A battery assembly further comprising a first melting member coupled to the first contact portion and covering the first hole.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above second case is: A second contact portion that contacts the first contact portion; A battery assembly including a second outer portion extending from the second contact portion.

7. In Paragraph 6, A battery assembly further comprising an adhesive member disposed between the first contact portion and the second contact portion.

8. In Paragraph 6, The melting point of the second contact portion above is, A battery assembly configured to be lower than the melting point of the second outer part.

9. In Paragraph 6, The melting point of the second contact portion above is, A battery assembly configured to be lower than the melting point of the first outer part.

10. In Paragraph 6, The above second case is, A second hole provided in the second contact portion and facing the first hole; and, A battery assembly further comprising a second melting member coupled to the second contact portion and covering the second hole.

11. In Paragraph 10, A battery assembly having a plurality of the above-mentioned first hole and the above-mentioned second hole.

12. In Paragraph 1, The above first pad is a battery assembly provided in multiple quantities.

13. An automobile comprising a battery assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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