Electrode Assembly, Secondary Battery Comprising the Same, and Battery Pack

A secondary battery comprising:

• an electrode assembly;
• and
• a case accommodating the electrode assembly therein,
• wherein the electrode assembly comprises:
• a radical unit provided with first and second electrodes stacked with a separator therebetween, wherein the first electrode defines an outermost surface of the radical unit;
• and a safety unit disposed on the outermost surface of the radical unit,
• wherein the safety unit comprises:
• a first safety plate disposed above the outermost surface of the radical unit;
• and a first semiconductor material provided between the radical unit and the first safety plate,
• wherein the first semiconductor material serves as an insulator at a first set temperature or less that electrically insulates the radical unit from the first safety plate, and the first semiconductor material is configured to change from the insulator to a conductor above the first set temperature that electrically connects the radical unit to the first safety plate, thereby dissipating heat of the radical unit while conducting the heat of the radical unit to the first safety plate.

A battery pack comprising a secondary battery provided with an electrode assembly and a case accommodating the electrode assembly therein,

• wherein the electrode assembly comprises:
• a radical unit provided with first and second electrodes stacked with a separator therebetween, wherein the first electrode defines an outermost surface of the radical unit;
• and a safety unit disposed on the outermost surface of the radical unit,
• wherein the safety unit comprises:
• a first safety plate disposed above the outermost surface of the radical unit;
• and a first semiconductor material provided between the radical unit and the first safety plate,
• wherein the first semiconductor material serves as an insulator at a first set temperature or less that electrically insulates the radical unit from the first safety plate, and the first semiconductor material is configured to change from the insulator to a conductor above the first set temperature or that electrically connects the radical unit to the first safety plate, thereby dissipating heat of the radical unit while conducting the heat of the radical unit to the first safety plate.