Cell assembly

Abstract

A technical idea of the present invention provides a cell assembly including: a cell block including a plurality of battery cells; a frame facing the cell block; and a plurality of compressible pads provided between the cell block and the frame and in contact with the cell block, respectively.

Description

cell assembly

[0001] The present invention relates to a cell assembly. The present application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0014029 dated February 4, 2025, and all contents disclosed in the document of said Korean patent application are incorporated herein as part of the specification.

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as energy sources for various wireless devices such as handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, as the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has decreased dramatically due to improved energy density and economies of scale, and as the driving range of BEVs (battery electric vehicles) has increased to a level equivalent to that of fuel vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0003] As rechargeable batteries are increasingly used in mobility, demands for their safety are rising. Given that accidents such as fires involving rechargeable batteries in mobility applications can endanger the lives of drivers, research into technologies to enhance battery safety is indispensable.

[0004] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a cell assembly.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the technical concept of the present invention provides a cell assembly comprising: a cell block including a plurality of battery cells; a frame facing the cell block; and a plurality of compressible pads provided between the cell block and the frame, each in contact with the cell block.

[0006] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of battery cells are each characterized by being in contact with two or more corresponding compressible pads among the plurality of compressible pads.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of battery cells are arranged in a first direction, the plurality of compressible pads are arranged in the first direction, and each of the plurality of battery cells is in contact with two or more corresponding compressible pads among the plurality of compressible pads.

[0008] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of battery cells are arranged in a first direction, the plurality of compressible pads are arranged in the first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and each of the plurality of battery cells is in contact with two or more corresponding compressible pads among the plurality of compressible pads.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of battery cells each include a cell case that accommodates an electrode assembly, the rim of the cell case includes a folded portion, and the folded portion of the cell case is in contact with at least one corresponding of the plurality of compressible pads.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the cell block further comprises a plurality of inter-cell barrier pads, wherein each of the plurality of inter-cell barrier pads is disposed between two corresponding battery cells among the plurality of battery cells, and each of the plurality of inter-cell barrier pads is in contact with one or more corresponding compressible pads among the plurality of compressible pads.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of battery cells are arranged in a first direction, the plurality of compressible pads are arranged in the first direction, each of the plurality of battery cells is in contact with two or more corresponding compressible pads among the plurality of compressible pads, and each of the plurality of inter-cell barrier pads is in contact with at least one corresponding compressible pad among the plurality of compressible pads.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of battery cells are arranged in a first direction, the plurality of compressible pads are arranged in the first direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, each of the plurality of battery cells is in contact with two or more corresponding compressible pads among the plurality of compressible pads, and each of the plurality of inter-cell barrier pads is in contact with one or more corresponding compressible pads among the plurality of compressible pads.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of compressible pads comprises: first compressible pads in contact with the plurality of battery cells; and second compressible pads in contact with the plurality of inter-cell barrier pads; wherein the material of the first compressible pads is different from the material of the second compressible pads.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of battery cells are arranged in a first direction, the first compressible pads are arranged in the first direction and the second direction, the width of each of the second compressible pads along the second direction is greater than the width of each of the first compressible pads along the second direction, and the second compressible pads are each continuously extended along a corresponding one of the plurality of inter-cell barrier pads.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of compressible pads are arranged along the surface of the frame facing the cell block and are attached to the surface of the frame.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the thermal barrier sheet is further included between the plurality of compressible pads and the frame, wherein the frame includes a plurality of venting holes provided in an area facing the cell block, and the thermal barrier sheet includes portions that overlap the plurality of venting holes of the frame.

[0017] In exemplary embodiments, the width of each of the plurality of venting holes of the frame is greater than the width of each of the plurality of compressible pads.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of compressible pads are attached to the thermal barrier sheet, and the thermal barrier sheet is attached to the frame.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of compressible pads each comprise silicone or polyurethane, and the plurality of compressible pads each are compressed between the frame and the cell block and are in contact with the cell block by their own restoring force.

[0020] According to the cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments, a pad assembly is placed between the cell block and the frame to reduce the gap or space between the cell block and the frame. Since the flow of venting gas through the space between the cell block and the frame can be suppressed, heat transfer between the ignited battery cell and other battery cells can be suppressed and delayed.

[0021] According to the cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments, the pad assembly comprises a plurality of compressible pads configured to compress and deform independently of each other, so that even when the cell block has an uneven surface, the plurality of compressible pads of the pad assembly can adhere to the surface of the cell block and more effectively eliminate the gap or space between the cell block and the frame. Accordingly, heat transfer between battery cells within the cell assembly can be more effectively suppressed and delayed.

[0022] The effects obtainable from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0024] Figure 2 is a drawing showing the cell block and pad assembly separated from the cell assembly.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a pad assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a pad assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a pad assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0029] Figure 7 is a drawing showing the cell block and pad assembly separated from the cell assembly.

[0030] Figure 8 is a plan view showing a cell assembly.

[0031] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the venting of the cell assembly when ignition occurs from the trigger battery cell.

[0032] Hereinafter, preferred 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. Instead, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best describe his invention, they should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0033] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0034] In addition, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions may obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0035] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the size or proportion of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size or proportion.

[0036]

[0037] (1st embodiment)

[0038] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a cell assembly (100) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the cell block (110) and the pad assembly (150) separated from the cell assembly (100).

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the cell assembly (100) may include a cell block (110), a frame (140), and a pad assembly (150). The cell assembly (100) may correspond to a battery module or a cell-to-pack structure.

[0040] The cell block (110) may include a plurality of battery cells (120) and a plurality of inter-cell barrier pads (130).

[0041] A battery cell (120) is a basic unit of a lithium-ion battery, i.e., a secondary battery. Each battery cell (120) may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a cell case (122). The electrode assembly embedded in the cell case (122) may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes. Depending on the assembly form, the electrode assembly may be either a jelly-roll type or a stack type. A jelly-roll type electrode assembly may include a wound structure of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between them. A stack type electrode assembly may include a plurality of positive electrodes, a plurality of negative electrodes, and a plurality of separators interposed between them, which are stacked sequentially. The positive electrode may include a positive current collector and a positive active material. The negative electrode may include a negative current collector and a negative active material.

[0042] The individual battery cells (120) may correspond to pouch-type battery cells, cylindrical battery cells, or prismatic battery cells. The electrode assembly of a pouch-type battery cell is embedded in a pouch case containing an aluminum laminate sheet. The electrode assembly of a cylindrical battery cell is embedded in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of a prismatic battery cell is embedded in a prismatic metal can.

[0043] A plurality of battery cells (120) provided in a cell block (110) may be connected in series and / or in parallel. For example, a plurality of battery cells (120) may be connected in series with each other. For example, a plurality of battery cells (120) may be connected in parallel with each other. For example, when a set of two or more battery cells (120) connected in parallel is defined as a bank, one bank consisting of two or more battery cells (120) connected in parallel with each other and another bank consisting of two or more battery cells (120) connected in parallel with each other may be connected in series.

[0044] In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of battery cells (120) provided in a cell block (110) may be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction), and individual battery cells (120) may be extended in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). An electrode lead may be provided at least one of the two ends of an individual battery cell (120) along the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). Among the plurality of battery cells (120), the electrode leads of adjacent battery cells (120) in the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) may be electrically and physically connected to each other.

[0045] In exemplary embodiments, individual battery cells (120) may include a cell case (122) that provides a sealed receiving space for accommodating an electrode assembly. For example, the cell case (122) may be manufactured from a laminate sheet. The laminate sheet may have a multilayer structure including a resin layer. The rim of the cell case (122) may include a seal to seal the receiving space in which the electrode assembly is accommodated. The seal of the cell case (122) may be formed by heat-fusing two parts of the laminate sheet.

[0046] In exemplary embodiments, the rim portion of the cell case (122) may include a folding portion (123) that is folded by a sealing process. The folding portion (123) of the cell case (122) may be located within the sealed rim portion of the cell case (122). The folding portion (123) of the cell case (122) may be provided on the upper rim portion of the cell case (122). For example, to form the folding portion (123) of the cell case (122), the rim portion of the cell case (122) may be sealed so that the rim portion of the cell case (122) has a sealing portion, and then the rim portion of the cell case (122) may be folded one or more times in the folding direction. The folding portion (123) of the cell case (122) may be secured by a fixing member such as a fixing tape.

[0047] A plurality of inter-cell barrier pads (130) may be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) and may be spaced apart from one or more battery cells (120) in between. Each inter-cell barrier pad (130) may have a flat shape extending approximately in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) and a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction). Each inter-cell barrier pad (130) may be placed between two corresponding battery cells (120) among the plurality of battery cells (120). Each inter-cell barrier pad (130) may be attached to two corresponding battery cells (120) among the plurality of battery cells (120) by an adhesive member such as tape.

[0048] The individual inter-cell barrier pad (130) may include a compressible material and may be configured to elastically deform under external force. The individual inter-cell barrier pad (130) may absorb or mitigate the external force acting due to swelling of the battery cells (120). The thickness of the individual inter-cell barrier pad (130) may be configured to change due to the external force acting due to swelling of the battery cells (120). For example, the thickness of the individual inter-cell barrier pad (130) along a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) may decrease from its initial thickness due to the external force acting in the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) due to swelling of the battery cells (120).

[0049] Each individual inter-cell barrier pad (130) may be a thermal barrier. In exemplary embodiments, each individual inter-cell barrier pad (130) may have a high melting temperature and low thermal conductivity. In exemplary embodiments, each individual inter-cell barrier pad (130) may include a flame-retardant material such as ceramic and coated glass material. In exemplary embodiments, each individual inter-cell barrier pad (130) may be configured to release a fire retarding material and a fire extinguishing agent in the event of a thermal runaway event.

[0050] In exemplary embodiments, individual inter-cell barrier pads (130) may comprise polyurethane, silicone, or a combination thereof. In exemplary embodiments, individual inter-cell barrier pads (130) may comprise a heat-resistant material, a fire-resistant material and / or an insulating material. In exemplary embodiments, individual inter-cell barrier pads (130) may comprise at least one of a high-heat-resistant resin, glass fiber, fiber-reinforced plastic, compressed fiber, or fiber-refractory insulating material.

[0051] The cell block (110) may include an upper surface and a lower surface opposite in a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction), a first side and a second side opposite in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction), and a front and rear surface opposite in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). The upper surface of the cell block (110) may include upper surfaces of a plurality of battery cells (120) and upper surfaces of a plurality of inter-cell barrier pads (130). The lower surface of the cell block (110) may include lower surfaces of a plurality of battery cells (120) and lower surfaces of a plurality of inter-cell barrier pads (130).

[0052] The upper surface of the cell block (110) may have a non-flat or uneven profile. For example, the upper surface of the cell block (110) may have a non-flat or uneven profile due to the height difference between the folding portion (123) of the cell case (122) of each individual battery cell (120) and the barrier pad (130) between the battery cell (120) and the cell.

[0053] The frame (140) can cover at least a portion of the cell block (110) and support the cell block (110). In exemplary embodiments, the frame (140) can surround the cell block (110) and provide a space for accommodating the cell block (110).

[0054] The frame (140) may include an upper frame (141), a bottom frame (142), and side frames (143). The upper frame (141) may face the upper surface of the cell block (110) and may cover the upper surface of the cell block (110). The upper frame (141) may be spaced apart from the upper surface of the cell block (110), and a gap may be formed between the upper frame (141) and the cell block (110). The bottom frame (142) may be spaced apart from the upper frame (141) with the cell block (110) in between. The bottom frame (142) may face the bottom surface of the cell block (110) and may support the cell block (110). The side frames (143) may be spaced apart from each other in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) with the cell block (110) in between. One of the side frames (143) may face the first side of the cell block (110), and the other of the side frames (143) may face the second side of the cell block (110).

[0055] A pad assembly (150) may be provided between a cell block (110) and a frame (140). The pad assembly (150) may be positioned between the upper surface of the cell block (110) and the upper frame (141) to reduce the gap between the cell block (110) and the upper frame (141). The pad assembly (150) may contain a compressible material and may be configured to elastically deform under external force. In FIG. 2, the pad assembly (150) is spaced apart from the cell block (110), and the pad assembly (150) may have an initial thickness. The initial thickness of the pad assembly (150) in the vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) may be set to be smaller than the vertical distance (e.g., Z-axis direction) between the upper surface of the cell block (110) and the upper frame (141). As illustrated in FIG. 1, when the upper frame (141) is combined with other parts of the frame (140) and the pad assembly (150) is placed between the cell block (110) and the upper frame (141), the thickness of the pad assembly (150) along the vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) can be reduced from the initial thickness, and the elastically deformed pad assembly (150) can be adhered to the upper surface of the cell block (110) by its own restoring force.

[0056] The gap or space between the cell block (110) and the upper frame (141) may be a space through which venting gas generated by the ignition of the battery cell (120) flows. The venting gas may include sparks, particles, and / or flames, which are ignition byproducts generated when the battery cell (120) ignites. As the pad assembly (150) is in close contact with the upper surfaces of the battery cells (120), the gap between the cell block (110) and the upper frame (141) is reduced by the pad assembly (150) interposed between the cell block (110) and the upper frame (141), thereby reducing the space through which venting gas can flow between the cell block (110) and the upper frame (141), which can suppress and delay heat transfer between the ignited battery cell (120) and other battery cells (120).

[0057] The pad assembly (150) may include a plurality of compressible pads (151). The plurality of compressible pads (151) may be arranged along the surface of the upper frame (141) facing the cell block (110). In some exemplary embodiments, the plurality of compressible pads (151) may be attached to the upper frame (141) by an adhesive or tape. In some exemplary embodiments, the pad assembly (150) may include a base film to which the plurality of compressible pads (151) are attached, and the pad assembly (150) may be attached to the upper frame (141) by the base film being attached to the upper frame (141) by an adhesive or tape. Each individual compressible pad (151) may include a compressible material and may be configured to elastically deform under an external force. In exemplary embodiments, each individual compressible pad (151) may include polyurethane, silicone, or a combination thereof. For example, individual compressible pads (151) may include silicone foam, polyurethane foam and / or fire-resistant polyurethane foam.

[0058] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the initial thickness of each individual compressible pad (151) in the vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) can be set to be smaller than the distance in the vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) between the upper frame (141) and the corresponding area on the upper surface of the cell block (110). As illustrated in FIG. 1, when the upper frame (141) is combined with another part of the frame (140) and the pad assembly (150) is placed between the cell block (110) and the upper frame (141), the thickness of each individual compressible pad (151) in the vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) can be reduced from its initial thickness, and the elastically deformed individual compressible pad (151) can be adhered to the corresponding area on the upper surface of the cell block (110) by its own restoring force.

[0059] Multiple compressible pads (151) can be separated from one another. Since the multiple compressible pads (151) are separated, the multiple compressible pads (151) can be independently compressed or elastically deformed. Since the upper surface of the cell block (110) has an uneven profile, the distances between the regions of the upper surface of the cell block (110) and the upper frame (141) may differ. At this time, the multiple compressible pads (151) are in close contact with different regions of the cell block (110). Each individual compressible pad (151) can be deformed along the contour of the corresponding region of the upper surface of the cell block (110). Since the multiple compressible pads (151) are separated from one another, the multiple compressible pads (151) can be independently compressed. Since the multiple compressible pads (151) are independently compressed, the space where venting gas can flow between the cell block (110) and the upper frame (141) can be more effectively reduced.

[0060] In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of battery cells (120) may each contact at least one corresponding of a plurality of compressible pads (151). In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of battery cells (120) may each contact two or more corresponding compressible pads (151) among a plurality of compressible pads (151). The width of the compressible pad (151) along a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) may be smaller than the width of the battery cell (120) along a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction). In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of inter-cell barrier pads (130) may each contact at least one corresponding of a plurality of compressible pads (151).

[0061] A plurality of compressible pads (151) may include first compressible pads (152) superimposed on a plurality of battery cells (120) and second compressible pads (153) superimposed on a plurality of inter-cell barrier pads (130). The first compressible pads (152) may contact the plurality of battery cells (120). Each individual first compressible pad (152) may be compressed and deformed between a corresponding battery cell (120) among the plurality of battery cells (120) and an upper frame (141). Each individual first compressible pad (152) may contact the upper surface of the corresponding battery cell (120) or the folding portion (123) of the cell case (122) of the corresponding battery cell (120). The second compressible pads (153) may contact the plurality of inter-cell barrier pads (130). Each individual second compressible pad (153) can be compressed and deformed between a corresponding inter-cell barrier pad (130) and an upper frame (141) among a plurality of inter-cell barrier pads (130). Each individual second compressible pad (153) can be extended in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) along the upper surface of the corresponding inter-cell barrier pad (130) and can be in continuous contact with the upper surface of the inter-cell barrier pad (130). Each individual second compressible pad (153) can form a thermal barrier that eliminates the gap between the corresponding inter-cell barrier pad (130) and the upper frame (141) and blocks heat transfer between battery cells (120) together with the corresponding inter-cell barrier pad (130).

[0062] In exemplary embodiments, the material of the first compressible pad (152) may be different from the material of the second compressible pad (153). In exemplary embodiments, the second compressible pad (153) may have higher heat resistance and / or fire resistance than the first compressible pad (152). For example, the refractoriness of the second compressible pad (153) may be greater than the refractoriness of the first compressible pad (152). For example, the heat resistance temperature of the second compressible pad (153) may be greater than the heat resistance temperature of the first compressible pad (152). The second compressible pad (153) may include a heat-resistant material, a fire-resistant material and / or an insulating material. In exemplary embodiments, the second compressible pad (153) may include at least one of a high-heat-resistant resin, glass fiber, fiber-reinforced plastic, compression fiber, and fiber-refractory insulating material.

[0063] In some exemplary embodiments, the pad assembly (150) may be a single structure and may have a plurality of compressible pad portions defined by a plurality of grooves. In this case, in the pad assembly (150), the plurality of grooves may each extend from the lower surface of the pad assembly (150) facing the cell block (110), and the length of each of the plurality of grooves along the vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) may be 30% to 80% of the thickness along the vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) of the pad assembly (150).

[0064] According to the cell assembly (100) according to exemplary embodiments, a pad assembly (150) is placed between the cell block (110) and the frame (140) to reduce the gap or space between the cell block (110) and the frame (140). Since the flow of venting gas through the space between the cell block (110) and the frame (140) can be suppressed, heat transfer between the ignited battery cell (120) and other battery cells (120) can be suppressed and delayed.

[0065] According to the cell assembly (100) according to exemplary embodiments, the pad assembly (150) includes a plurality of compressible pads (151) configured to compress and deform independently of each other, so that even when the cell block (110) has an uneven surface, the plurality of compressible pads (151) of the pad assembly (150) can be in close contact with the surface of the cell block (110), and the gap or space between the cell block (110) and the frame (140) can be more effectively eliminated. Accordingly, heat transfer between battery cells (120) within the cell assembly (100) can be more effectively suppressed and delayed.

[0066] In some exemplary embodiments, a plurality of battery cells (120) of the cell block (110) may each be prismatic battery cells. In this case, the upper surface of the cell block (110) in contact with the pad assembly (150) may have an uneven shape due to terminals of the prismatic battery cells, busbars configured to connect the prismatic battery cells by being placed over the prismatic battery cells, protruding structures of the prismatic battery cell cans, etc. According to the cell assembly (100) according to the exemplary embodiments, the pad assembly (150) includes a plurality of compressible pads (151) configured to compress and deform independently of each other, so that even when the cell block (110) includes prismatic battery cells, the space where venting gas flows between the cell block (110) and the frame (140) can be effectively eliminated.

[0067]

[0068] (2nd Example)

[0069] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a pad assembly (150A) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 3 together with FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in a pad assembly (150A), a plurality of compressible pads (151) may be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction). When viewed in a plane, each individual first compressible pad (152) may be in the form of a bar extending in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction), and each individual second compressible pad (153) may be in the form of a bar extending in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). The width of the first compressible pad (152) along the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) may be the same as or different from the width of the second compressible pad (153) along the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction).

[0071]

[0072] (3rd Example)

[0073] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a pad assembly (150B) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 4 together with FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in a pad assembly (150B), a plurality of compressible pads (151) may have an arrangement in the form of a two-dimensional array. That is, the plurality of compressible pads (151) may be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). The first compressible pads (152) arranged in a row in the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) may be in contact with the same battery cell (120). The second compressible pads (153) arranged in a row in the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) may be in contact with the same inter-cell barrier pad (130). The width of the first compressible pad (152) along the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) may be the same as or different from the width of the second compressible pad (153) along the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction). The width of the first compressible pad (152) along the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) may be the same as or different from the width of the second compressible pad (153) along the 21 horizontal direction.

[0075]

[0076] (Fourth Example)

[0077] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a pad assembly (150C) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 5 together with FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in the pad assembly (150C), the first compressible pads (152) may be arranged in a two-dimensional array. The first compressible pads (152) arranged in a row in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) may be in contact with the same battery cell (120). In some embodiments, the first compressible pads (152) may be configured to be released to the outside through the venting hole of the frame (140) upon ignition of the battery cell (120). When the first compressible pads (152) are configured in a two-dimensional array, the first compressible pads (152) may be easily released through the venting hole of the frame (140) upon ignition of the battery cell (120).

[0079] Each of the second compressible pads (153) may have a bar shape extending in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) from one end of the pad assembly (150C) to the other end. The width of each of the second compressible pads (153) in the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) may be greater than the width of each of the first compressible pads (152) in the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). Each of the second compressible pads (153) may be in contact with a corresponding inter-cell barrier pad (130) among a plurality of inter-cell barrier pads (130) and may make continuous contact with the corresponding inter-cell barrier pad (130) in the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). Each of the second compressible pads (153) may form a thermal barrier that blocks heat transfer within the cell assembly (100) together with the corresponding inter-cell barrier pad (130). Since each individual second compressible pad (153) makes continuous contact with the corresponding inter-cell barrier pad (130) in the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction), heat transfer within the cell assembly (100) can be more effectively suppressed and delayed.

[0080]

[0081] (5th Example)

[0082] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a cell assembly (100A) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the cell block (110) and the pad assembly (150D) separated from the cell assembly (100A). FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the cell assembly (100A). FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the venting of the cell assembly (100A) when ignition occurs from the trigger battery cell (120T). Hereinafter, the cell assembly (100A) illustrated in FIG. 6 to FIG. 9 will be described with a focus on the differences from the cell assembly (100A) described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 6 through 9, in a cell assembly (100A), the upper frame (141) may include a plurality of venting holes (149) for discharging venting gas generated from battery cells (120) to the outside of the cell assembly (100A). The cell assembly (100A) may have an upward venting structure configured to discharge venting gas generated from battery cells (120) upward through the plurality of venting holes (149) of the upper frame (141).

[0084] The pad assembly (150D) may further include a thermal barrier sheet (159). The thermal barrier sheet (159) may be interposed between each of the plurality of compressible pads (151) and the upper frame (141). The thermal barrier sheet (159) may extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) and may have a generally uniform thickness. The plurality of compressible pads (151) may be attached to the thermal barrier sheet (159) by an adhesive member such as an adhesive or tape and may be arranged along the surface of the thermal barrier sheet (159) in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) and / or a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). The thermal barrier sheet (159) may be attached to the upper frame (141) by an adhesive member such as an adhesive or tape. By attaching the thermal barrier sheet (159) to the upper frame (141), the pad assembly (150D) can be fixed to the upper frame (141).

[0085] A thermal barrier sheet (159) may be attached to the upper frame (141) to cover a plurality of venting holes (149) of the upper frame (141). The thermal barrier sheet (159) may cover a plurality of venting holes (149) of the upper frame (141) so as to block gas movement through the plurality of venting holes (149) of the upper frame (141).

[0086] As illustrated in FIG. 9, when ignition occurs from the trigger battery cell (120T), the area of ​​the thermal barrier sheet (159) adjacent to the trigger cell can be configured to rupture due to the venting gas generated from the trigger battery cell (120T). The venting gas generated from the trigger battery cell (120T) can be discharged to the outside of the cell assembly (100A) through the ruptured portion of the thermal barrier sheet (159) and at least one of the corresponding venting holes (149) of the upper frame (141). Since no rupture occurs in the area of ​​the thermal barrier sheet (159) superimposed on the normal battery cells (120), the venting gas outside the cell assembly (100A) can be blocked from entering the interior of the cell assembly (100A) by the thermal barrier sheet (159).

[0087] While venting gas generated from the trigger battery cell (120T) is being discharged to the outside of the cell assembly (100A), some of the second compressible pads (153) of the pad assembly (150D) located in an area adjacent to the trigger battery cell (120T) may be discharged to the outside of the cell assembly (100A) through a ruptured portion of the thermal barrier sheet (159) and at least one of the corresponding venting holes (149) of the upper frame (141). In exemplary embodiments, the second compressible pads (153) may be arranged in a two-dimensional array form, and each of the second compressible pads (153) may have dimensions smaller than the venting holes (149). The width of the venting holes (149) along the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) may be greater than the width of the second compressible pads (153) along the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction). The width of the venting hole (149) along the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) may be greater than the width of the second compressible pad (153) along the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). In this case, while the venting gas generated from the trigger battery cell (120T) is being discharged to the outside of the cell assembly (100A), the compressible pads (151) located in the area overlapping the second venting hole (149) may be rapidly discharged to the outside of the cell assembly (100A), so that upward venting of the cell assembly (100A) can proceed rapidly.

[0088]

[0089] The present invention has been described in more detail above through drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all technical concepts of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0090] 100: Cell assembly

[0091] 110: Cell Block

[0092] 120: Battery cell

[0093] 130: Inter-cell barrier pad

[0094] 140: Frame

[0095] 150: Pad assembly

[0096] 151: Compressible pad

Claims

1. A cell block comprising a plurality of battery cells; A frame facing the cell block above; and A plurality of compressible pads provided between the cell block and the frame, each in contact with the cell block; A cell assembly including 2. In Paragraph 1, A cell assembly characterized in that each of the plurality of battery cells is in contact with two or more corresponding compressible pads among the plurality of compressible pads.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above plurality of battery cells are arranged in a first direction, and The plurality of compressible pads are arranged in the first direction, and A cell assembly characterized in that each of the plurality of battery cells is in contact with two or more corresponding compressible pads among the plurality of compressible pads.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above plurality of battery cells are arranged in a first direction, and The plurality of compressible pads are arranged in the first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and A cell assembly characterized in that each of the plurality of battery cells is in contact with two or more corresponding compressible pads among the plurality of compressible pads.

5. In Paragraph 1, Each of the above plurality of battery cells includes a cell case that accommodates an electrode assembly, and A cell assembly characterized in that the rim portion of the cell case includes a folded portion, and the folded portion of the cell case is in contact with at least one corresponding to one of the plurality of compressible pads.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above cell block further includes a plurality of inter-cell barrier pads, and Each of the above plurality of inter-cell barrier pads is disposed between two corresponding battery cells among the plurality of battery cells, and A cell assembly characterized in that each of the plurality of inter-cell barrier pads is in contact with one or more corresponding compressible pads among the plurality of compressible pads.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above plurality of battery cells are arranged in a first direction, and The plurality of compressible pads are arranged in the first direction, and Each of the above plurality of battery cells is in contact with two or more corresponding compressible pads among the above plurality of compressible pads, and A cell assembly characterized in that each of the plurality of inter-cell barrier pads is in contact with at least one corresponding pad among the plurality of compressible pads.

8. In Paragraph 6, The above plurality of battery cells are arranged in a first direction, and The plurality of compressible pads are arranged in the first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and Each of the above plurality of battery cells is in contact with two or more corresponding compressible pads among the above plurality of compressible pads, and A cell assembly characterized in that each of the plurality of inter-cell barrier pads is in contact with one or more corresponding compressible pads among the plurality of compressible pads.

9. In Paragraph 6, The above plurality of compressible pads are, First compressible pads in contact with the plurality of battery cells above; and Second compressible pads in contact with the plurality of inter-cell barrier pads above; Includes, A cell assembly characterized in that the material of the first compressible pads is different from the material of the second compressible pads.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above plurality of battery cells are arranged in a first direction, and The first compressible pads are arranged in the first direction and the second direction, and The width of each of the second compressible pads along the second direction is greater than the width of each of the first compressible pads along the second direction, and A cell assembly characterized in that the second compressible pads are each continuously extended along a corresponding one of the plurality of inter-cell barrier pads.

11. In Paragraph 1, A cell assembly characterized in that the plurality of compressible pads are arranged along the surface of the frame facing the cell block and are attached to the surface of the frame.

12. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a thermal barrier sheet disposed between the plurality of compressible pads and the frame, and The above frame includes a plurality of venting holes provided in an area facing the cell block, and A cell assembly characterized in that the above thermal barrier sheet includes portions that overlap the plurality of venting holes of the frame.

13. In Paragraph 12, A cell assembly characterized in that the width of each of the plurality of venting holes of the frame is greater than the width of each of the plurality of compressible pads.

14. In Paragraph 12, The above plurality of compressible pads are attached to the thermal barrier sheet, and A cell assembly characterized by the thermal barrier sheet being attached to the frame.

15. In Paragraph 11, Each of the above plurality of compressible pads comprises silicone or polyurethane, and A cell assembly characterized in that each of the above plurality of compressible pads is compressed between the frame and the cell block and comes into contact with the cell block by its own restoring force.

Images