Battery assembly

Abstract

A battery assembly is disclosed. The battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a case providing a space therein and having a top cover; a plurality of battery cells positioned inside the case; peripheral walls positioned between the plurality of battery cells and the top cover and providing a space inside; temperature sensors positioned in the inner space formed by the peripheral walls; and a heat transfer member positioned between the plurality of battery cells and the top cover.

Description

Battery assembly

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

[0002] This application is a priority application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0156338 filed on November 6, 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 unit 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 unit can be referred to as a battery cell. Furthermore, multiple such battery units can be connected to form a single battery assembly.

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

[0009] In particular, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in a single battery unit, 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 units, potentially causing a thermal chain reaction in those units. Specifically, module terminals may be located on the front side of the battery unit to provide electrical connections with other battery units or battery assemblies, such as module busbars. Therefore, if flames are released toward the front of such a battery unit, they can damage the module terminals within the battery assembly and cause an electrical short circuit. Furthermore, since other battery units may be located in front of the battery unit, if flames are released toward the front of a specific battery unit, the released flames may spread toward other battery units, making it easy for fire to spread between battery units.

[0010] If thermal propagation between battery units or between battery cells is not properly controlled, a rapid voltage drop may occur in the battery unit or battery assembly. This can lead to a sudden shutdown of the device equipped with the battery unit or battery assembly, causing unexpected damage. For example, if a sudden voltage drop occurs in the battery assembly 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 units 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] To ensure thermal safety, it is important to precisely monitor the temperature of the battery unit or battery assembly. By precisely measuring the temperature of the battery unit or battery assembly, the battery assembly can be stably controlled. Therefore, a structure is required to prevent damage to the temperature sensor.

[0013] Accordingly, the present invention is devised to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a battery assembly with an improved structure that prevents damage to a temperature sensor during the production process of a battery unit or battery assembly, and an automobile including the same.

[0014] In addition, the objective of the present invention may be to provide a structure that can increase the cooling efficiency of the battery assembly while preventing damage to the temperature sensor.

[0015] In addition, the objective of the present invention may be to provide a structure capable of preventing damage to the temperature sensor when a thermal event occurs.

[0016] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0017] A battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose may include: a case having a space inside and a top cover; a plurality of battery cells located inside the case; a perimeter wall located between the plurality of battery cells and the top cover and providing a space inside; a temperature sensor located inside the perimeter wall; and a heat transfer member located between the plurality of battery cells and the top cover.

[0018] In addition, the heat transfer member may be located on the outer side of the perimeter wall.

[0019] In addition, the heat transfer member may be configured to surround the perimeter wall.

[0020] In addition, the temperature sensor may be in contact with at least some of the plurality of battery cells.

[0021] In addition, the top cover may be provided with an internal Euro.

[0022] In addition, the perimeter wall may be in contact with the lower surface of the top cover.

[0023] In addition, the perimeter wall may be formed integrally with the top cover.

[0024] In addition, the perimeter wall may be in contact with at least some of the plurality of battery cells.

[0025] In addition, the perimeter walls may be provided in multiple numbers, and the temperature sensors may be provided in multiple numbers to correspond one-to-one with the multiple perimeter walls.

[0026] An automobile according to one aspect of the present invention includes a battery assembly of the present invention.

[0027] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, damage to the temperature sensor during the production process of a battery unit or battery assembly can be prevented.

[0028] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the cooling efficiency of the battery assembly can be increased while preventing damage to the temperature sensor.

[0029] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, damage to the temperature sensor can be prevented when a thermal event occurs.

[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 battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

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

[0033] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the battery unit of Figure 2.

[0034] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery unit of Figure 3 separated.

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

[0036] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the top cover of Figure 2.

[0037] Figure 7 is a drawing showing a part of the configuration of the battery assembly of Figure 1.

[0038] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery assembly of Figure 1 separated.

[0039] Figure 9 is a drawing showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Figure 1.

[0040] Figure 10 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Figure 6.

[0041] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of FIG. 9.

[0042] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery assembly (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a partial configuration of the battery assembly (1000) of FIG. 1 separated.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery assembly (1000) may include a case (100). The case (100) may include a base plate assembly (110). The base plate assembly (110) may have a rectangular shape. The base plate assembly (110) may have a flat shape. The base plate assembly (110) may form the exterior of the battery assembly (1000). The base plate assembly (110) may provide an internal space for the battery assembly (1000).

[0047] The case (100) may include side walls (120). The side walls (120) may be installed, fastened, joined, fixed, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate assembly (110). The side walls (120) may consist of four. The side walls (120) may be arranged along the perimeter of the base plate assembly (110). The side walls (120) may form the exterior of the battery assembly (1000). The side walls (120) may provide an internal space.

[0048] The battery assembly (1000) may include a battery unit (200). The battery unit (200) may have a rectangular shape. The battery unit (200) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple battery units (200) may be located inside the case (100). The multiple battery units (200) may be installed, coupled, fastened, fixed, or attached to the base plate assembly (110).

[0049] The case (100) may include a top cover (150). The top cover (150) may have a square plate shape. The top cover (150) may have a flat plate shape. The top cover (150) may form the exterior of the battery assembly (1000). The top cover (150) may cover the internal space of the battery assembly (1000). The top cover (150) may be positioned on top of the battery unit (200).

[0050] A heat transfer member (260) may be positioned between the battery unit (200) and the top cover (150). A heat transfer member (260) may be positioned between a plurality of battery cells (220) and the top cover (150). The heat transfer member (260) may include a material with high thermal conductivity. For example, the heat transfer member (260) may be a resin. The heat transfer member (260) may combine, fix, or attach the battery unit (200) and the top cover (150). The heat transfer member (260) may combine, fix, or attach the plurality of battery cells (220) and the top cover (150). The heat transfer member (260) may transfer heat from the battery unit (200) to the top cover (150). The heat transfer member (260) may transfer heat from the plurality of battery cells (220) to the top cover (150).

[0051] The battery assembly (1000) may include a venting device (500). The venting device (500) may be installed on the 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 case (100) increases. Additionally, the venting device (500) may block external air from entering the case (100). Multiple venting devices (500) may be provided.

[0052] The battery assembly (1000) may include a partition wall (300). The partition wall (300) may include a first partition wall (310). The first partition wall (310) may be provided in multiple numbers. The first partition wall (310) may be installed, fastened, fixed, coupled, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate assembly (110). The first partition wall (310) may partition the internal space of the battery assembly (1000). The first partition wall (310) may be provided on each side of the battery unit (200).

[0053] The partition wall (300) may include a second partition wall (320). The second partition wall (320) may be installed, fastened, fixed, joined, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate assembly (110). The second partition wall (320) may partition the internal space of the battery assembly (1000). The second partition wall (320) may extend along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The first partition wall (310) may be positioned on both sides centered on the second partition wall (320).

[0054] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the battery unit (200) of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a partial configuration of the battery unit (200) of FIG. 3 separated.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the battery unit (200) may include a frame (210). The frame (210) may provide space inside. The frame (210) may include a bottom plate and a pair of side plates. The frame (210) may be formed integrally. The frame (210) may have a shape with the front and rear open. The frame (210) may have a shape with the top surface open. The frame (210) may include a first venting hole (211). The first venting hole (211) may be formed in the bottom plate. The first venting hole (211) may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0056] The battery unit (200) may include battery cells (220). The battery cells (220) may be provided in multiple numbers. In this case, the battery cells (220) may refer to secondary batteries. In particular, the battery cells (220) may be secondary batteries having a pouch shape. However, the shape of the battery cells (220) is not limited to a pouch shape and may have various shapes such as a cylindrical shape or a rectangular shape. Multiple battery cells (220) may be positioned, installed, combined, fastened, fixed, or attached to the upper surface of a bottom plate.

[0057] Each battery cell (220) may be extended along the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. Multiple battery cells (220) may be stacked along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. Multiple battery cells (220) may be stacked to form a battery stack. Multiple battery cells (220) may be accommodated inside the frame (210). Multiple battery cells (220) may be placed between a pair of side plates of the frame (210).

[0058] A battery cell (220) may include a storage portion (221) having an electrode assembly, a first sealing portion (222) protruding forward and backward from the storage portion (221), and a second sealing portion (223) protruding upward from the storage portion (221). Additionally, the battery cell (220) may include electrode leads (224) protruding forward and backward from the first sealing portion (222), respectively. Each battery cell (220) may be extended along the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. The electrode leads (224) may protrude forward and backward from each battery cell (220).

[0059] The battery unit (200) may include a pad (250). The pad (250) may be placed between a plurality of battery cells (220). The pad (250) may be placed between at least some of the battery cells (220) and / or on the outer edge of the stack. For example, the pad (250) may be configured to be placed between every two battery cells (220) stacked in the left-right direction.

[0060] These pads (250) may be provided with an elastic material to absorb swelling of the battery cell (220). For example, the pads (250) may be made of a foam material such as polyurethane. Alternatively, the pads (250) may be provided with a material capable of blocking heat or flames. For example, the pads (250) may be provided with an insulating or fireproof material such as silicone or mica.

[0061] The battery unit (200) may include a front busbar frame assembly (231). The front busbar frame assembly (231) may be electrically connected to the front side electrode leads (224) of a plurality of battery cells (220). The front busbar frame assembly (231) may cover the front side of the storage unit (221). The front busbar frame assembly (231) may include a power terminal (231a). The power terminal (231a) may be electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells (220). The power terminal (231a) may be provided as a pair. The power terminal (231a) may be exposed to the outside of the battery unit (200). The power terminal (231a) may be electrically connected to another battery unit (200) or a Battery Management System (BMS).

[0062] The battery unit (200) may include a rear busbar frame assembly (232). The rear busbar frame assembly (232) may be electrically connected to the rear side electrode leads (224) of a plurality of battery cells (220). The rear busbar frame assembly (232) may cover the rear side of the storage portion (221).

[0063] The front insulation cover (241) can cover the front busbar frame assembly (231). The front insulation cover (241) can be coupled, fastened, fixed, installed, or attached to the front busbar frame assembly (231). The front insulation cover (241) may include a material having electrical insulation properties. The front insulation cover (241) may expose the power terminal (231a). The front insulation cover (241) can be coupled, fastened, fixed, installed, or attached to the side plate of the frame (210).

[0064] The rear insulation cover (242) can cover the rear busbar frame assembly (232). The rear insulation cover (242) can be coupled, fastened, fixed, installed, or attached to the rear busbar frame assembly (232). The rear insulation cover (242) may include a material having electrical insulation properties. The rear insulation cover (242) can be coupled, fastened, fixed, installed, or attached to the side plate of the frame (210).

[0065] The battery unit (200) may include a temperature sensor (270). The temperature sensor (270) may be positioned above a plurality of battery cells (220). The temperature sensor (270) may be in contact with some of the battery cells (220) among the plurality of battery cells (220). The temperature sensor (270) may be installed, in contact with, placed, coupled, or attached to the upper surface of some of the battery cells (220) among the plurality of battery cells (220). The temperature sensor (270) may be electrically connected to the control unit of the battery unit (200). The temperature sensor (270) may detect the temperature of the battery cells (220). The battery unit (200) may include a plurality of temperature sensors (270).

[0066] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the top cover (150) of FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 5, the top cover (150) may have a flow path (153) inside. The top cover (150) may function as a heat sink. A cooling fluid may be received in the flow path (153) of the top cover (150).

[0067] The top cover (150) may include an upper plate (151) and a lower plate (152). The lower plate (152) may be fastened, joined, installed, fixed, or attached to the lower surface of the upper plate (151). A channel (153) may be formed between the upper plate (151) and the lower plate (152).

[0068] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the top cover (150) of FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 6, the top cover (150) may include a perimeter wall (152a). The perimeter wall (152a) may protrude below the lower plate (152). The perimeter wall (152a) may be formed on the lower surface of the lower plate (152). The perimeter wall (152a) may be formed integrally with the lower plate (152). The perimeter wall (152a) may provide a receiving space (152a1) inside.

[0069] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a partial configuration of the battery assembly (1000) of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a partial configuration of the battery assembly (1000) of FIG. 1 separated. FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of FIG. 1.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 6 through 9, a side wall (120) and a partition wall (300) may be installed, fastened, joined, or fixed to a top cover (150). A heat transfer member (260) may be provided on the lower surface of a lower plate (152). The heat transfer member (260) may be applied to the lower surface of a lower plate (152). The heat transfer member (260) may be formed to correspond to a battery unit (200).

[0071] The heat transfer member (260) may not be formed in the receiving space (152a1) of the perimeter wall (152a). The heat transfer member (260) may be placed on the outside of the perimeter wall (152a). The heat transfer member (260) may be placed to surround the perimeter wall (152a). The heat transfer member (260) may not be placed in the receiving space (152a1) of the perimeter wall (152a).

[0072] The battery unit (200) may be installed, fastened, coupled, or attached to the lower plate (152). The upper surface of the battery unit (200) may be installed, fastened, coupled, or attached to the lower surface of the lower plate (152). At this time, the temperature sensor (270) may be located in the receiving space (152a1) of the perimeter wall (152a). The temperature sensor (270) may be received in the receiving space (152a1) of the perimeter wall (152a).

[0073] The perimeter walls (152a) may be provided in multiple numbers. The temperature sensors (270) may be provided in multiple numbers to correspond one-to-one with the perimeter walls (152a). Each temperature sensor (270) may be accommodated in the receiving space (152a1) of each perimeter wall (152a).

[0074] The temperature sensor (270) may not come into contact with the heat transfer member (260). The temperature sensor (270) may be positioned separately from the heat transfer member (260). The temperature sensor (270) may be prevented from being pressed by weight or pressure during the assembly process of the battery assembly (1000). The perimeter wall (152a) may prevent the temperature sensor (270) from being pressed. By preventing the temperature sensor (270) from being pressed, failure or damage to the temperature sensor (270) may be prevented. As a result, the productivity of the battery assembly (1000) may be improved.

[0075] The perimeter wall (152a) may be in contact with, coupled to, or fixed to some of the battery cells (220) among the plurality of battery cells (220). The perimeter wall (152a) may be in contact with, coupled to, or fixed to the upper surface of some of the battery cells (220) among the plurality of battery cells (220).

[0076] The base plate assembly (110) may include a venting space (112) inside. The base plate assembly (110) may include a second venting hole (111). The second venting hole (111) may be formed on the upper surface of the base plate assembly (110). The second venting hole (111) may be in communication with the first venting hole (211). The second venting hole (111) may be provided in multiple numbers. The second venting hole (111) may be provided to correspond one-to-one with the first venting hole (211). The second venting hole (111) may be in communication with the first venting hole (211) and the venting space (112). The venting space (112) may be in communication with the venting device (500). When venting gas is discharged from the battery unit (200), the venting gas can be discharged to the venting device (500) through the venting space (112).

[0077] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of FIG. 6. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of FIG. 9.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the battery assembly (1000) may include a perimeter wall (152a). The perimeter wall (152a) may be provided as a separate configuration from the top cover (150). The perimeter wall (152a) may be installed, coupled, contacted, or attached to the lower surface of the top cover (150). The perimeter wall (152a) may be installed, coupled, contacted, or attached to the lower surface of the lower plate (152).

[0079] The perimeter wall (152a) may be installed, joined, contacted, or attached between the lower plate (152) and the battery cell (220). The perimeter wall (152a) may be installed, joined, contacted, or attached between the lower surface of the lower plate (152) and the upper surface of the battery cell (220).

[0080] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a vehicle (V) according to one aspect of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 12, a vehicle (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery assembly (1000) of the present invention. The battery assembly (1000) according to the present invention may be applied to a vehicle (V), such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. That is, a vehicle (V) according to the present invention may include a battery assembly (1000) according to the present invention. In addition, a vehicle (V) according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the vehicle in addition to the battery assembly (1000). For example, a 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.

[0081] 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. A case that provides internal space and is equipped with a top cover; A plurality of battery cells located inside the above case; A perimeter wall located between the plurality of battery cells and the top cover, providing an internal space; A temperature sensor located inside the above-mentioned perimeter wall; and, A battery assembly comprising a heat transfer member located between the plurality of battery cells and the top cover.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above heat transfer member is, A battery assembly located on the outer side of the above-mentioned perimeter wall.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above heat transfer member is, A battery assembly configured to surround the above-mentioned perimeter wall.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above temperature sensor is, A battery assembly in contact with at least some of the plurality of battery cells.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above top cover is, Battery assembly having an internal Euro.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above perimeter wall is, A battery assembly in contact with the lower surface of the top cover.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above perimeter wall is, A battery assembly formed integrally with the top cover.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above perimeter wall is, A battery assembly in contact with at least some of the plurality of battery cells.

9. In Paragraph 1, The above perimeter walls are provided in multiple numbers, and The above temperature sensor is, A plurality of battery assemblies provided to correspond one-to-one with the plurality of perimeter walls.

10. An automobile comprising a battery assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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