Protection circuit for detecting deformation of fuse box

Abstract

A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: one or more battery modules equipped with a plurality of battery cells; a busbar connected to a module terminal of the battery module to electrically connect one or more battery modules and to a battery pack external BMS; a fuse box housing a fuse connected to the module terminal of the battery module and to the busbar; and a vibration detection element attached to one side of the fuse box or one side of the busbar connected to the battery pack external BMS, for detecting vibrations flowing into the fuses connected to each battery module, wherein the vibration detection element is directly connected to a BMIC through terminals at both ends, and the battery pack is composed of a BMS that includes the BMIC and is connected to the vibration detection element to perform a protection operation according to the detected vibration of the battery module.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack for detecting vibrations entering a fuse box and a busbar of an automobile battery pack, and more specifically, to a battery pack comprising a vibration detection element that detects vibrations entering from the outside into the fuse box and the busbar. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, as regulations regarding automobile exhaust emissions have been tightened due to environmental pollution issues, the demand for eco-friendly vehicles is increasing. For this reason, research and development on electric vehicles are actively underway, which generate power by receiving electrical energy from an external source to charge a battery, and then driving a motor using the energy supplied by the battery.

[0003] The battery of such an electric vehicle can be configured in various ways by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel according to the required output voltage and charge / discharge capacity, and a battery pack structure is formed by adding components such as a protection circuit to a battery module containing at least one battery cell.

[0004] Fuses used in electric vehicles serve to protect against ignition and damage to battery cells by melting and interrupting the circuit when an overcurrent flows through the battery module or pack circuit. Multiple fuses formed to be connected to the battery modules and packs installed in the vehicle are assembled so that they can be connected and disconnected in a fuse box.

[0005] In addition, as recent electric vehicles have become larger modules with multiple battery cells connected in series or parallel, the number of battery cells increases. Consequently, external vibrations and shocks generated during vehicle operation enter the interior, increasing the probability of damage such as fuses, fuse boxes, or disconnections between busbars. Damage to the battery pack's fuse box or busbar causes a loss of power to the battery pack, which in turn compromises user safety.

[0006] The technology forming the background of the present invention is disclosed in the following patent documents. Prior art literature

[0007] (Patent Document 0001) KR 2020-0011810 A(Patent Document 0002) JP 2019-087723 A(Patent Document 0003) KR 2020-0090101 A(Patent Document 0004) KR 2014-0117154 A The problem to be solved

[0008] The present invention provides a means for detecting vibration in a fuse box, which is vulnerable to vibration within the battery pack and where vibrations applied to the pack are well transmitted, in order to effectively detect vibrations applied to the battery pack.

[0009] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a battery pack that can enhance user safety by detecting vibrations applied to the fuse box of an electric vehicle through a vibration detection element, thereby preventing damage to the fuse box, which is vulnerable to vibrations, and breakage caused by disconnection with the busbar. means of solving the problem

[0010] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: one or more battery modules equipped with a plurality of battery cells; a bus bar connected to a module terminal of the battery module to electrically connect one or more battery modules and connected to an external BMS of the battery pack; a fuse box housing a fuse connecting each battery module and the bus bar; a vibration detection element attached to one side of the fuse box or one side of the bus bar connected to the external BMS of the battery pack to detect vibrations flowing into the fuse connected to each battery module; and a BMS including the BMIC and connected to the vibration detection element to perform a protection operation according to the detected vibration of the battery module, wherein the vibration detection element is directly connected to a BMIC through terminals at both ends.

[0011] The above vibration detection element is attached to the busbar and fuse box in the form of a tape or an FPCB transferred onto a flexible substrate, sensitively detecting the inflow of vibration and characterized by not being damaged by temporary shocks.

[0012] The above fuse box and busbar are characterized by the occurrence of cumulative damage due to vibrations introduced from the outside.

[0013] The above vibration detection element measures a change in voltage value resulting from vibration detection of the busbar and fuse box and transmits it to the BMS, and the BMS compares the voltage value with a predetermined reference level and, if the voltage value exceeds the maximum allowable level at the predetermined reference level, performs a protection operation and transmits an alarm to the user. Effects of the invention

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack comprises a battery module, a busbar electrically connecting the battery module, and a fuse box in which a fuse is housed, and is configured to include a vibration detection element attached to one side of the fuse box or one side of the busbar. The fuse box or the busbar is a location where significant cumulative damage occurs due to vibrations entering from outside the battery pack, and a vibration detection element is attached thereto to sensitively detect such damage. The vibration detection element detects vibrations entering through the fuse box and the busbar, transmits changes in voltage values ​​corresponding to the detected vibrations to a BMS connected to both ends of the vibration detection element, and the BMS performs a protection operation by comparing the received voltage values ​​with a predetermined reference level, thereby preventing in advance the loss of overcurrent cutoff function, such as the insensitivity of the fuse box caused by vibrations entering from outside the battery pack. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0015] FIG. 1 is a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention and a battery pack including the same. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a fuse according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a fuse box according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram excluding the fuse cover of a fuse case according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms. The embodiments of the present invention are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention. To explain the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings may be exaggerated, parts unrelated to the description may be omitted from the drawings, and like reference numerals in the drawings refer to like elements.

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, the present invention comprises a battery module (100), a fuse (210), a fuse box (200) including a fuse case (220) and a vibration detection element (230), a battery pack (10) including a bus bar (300), and a BMS (Battery Management System) (400) that controls the battery pack (10).

[0019] 1. Composition of the battery pack of the present invention

[0020] A. Battery module (100)

[0021] A battery module (100) is configured such that a plurality of battery cells are connected in series or in parallel, and at least one such battery module (100) is connected to form a battery pack (10). The plurality of battery cells may be composed of cylindrical, pouch-type, and prismatic battery cells. In addition, the types of battery cells may include, but are not limited to, lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, and nickel-hydrogen batteries.

[0022] B. Fuse box (200)

[0023] FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the fuse box (200) of the present invention. The fuse box (200) is composed of a fuse (210), a fuse case in which the fuse (210) is stored, and a vibration detection element (230) attached to one side of the fuse case, and facilitates the connection and separation of the fuse during operations such as fuse replacement. The fuse box (200) can be positioned between the busbar (300) connected to each battery module (100) terminal inside the battery pack (10), and can also be positioned at one end of the busbar (300) connected to the outside of the battery pack (10) by storing a plurality of fuses (210).

[0024] The fuse box (200) may be formed at the connection point between the electrode terminals of the battery pack and the bus bar as shown in FIG. 1, or at the connection point between each module (100) and the bus bar as shown in FIG. 6.

[0025] When formed as in Fig. 1, one end of the bus bar (300) is connected to the BMS (400) of Fig. 2. In this case, the fuse case-battery terminal (222) of the fuse box (200) is connected to one end of the bus bar (300), and the BMS (400) can be connected to the fuse case terminal (224).

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, although fuse boxes (200) are shown as being connected between each battery module (100) and bus bar (300), additional fuse boxes (200) may be arranged to connect one end of the bus bar (300) and the electrode terminal (not shown) of the battery pack (10).

[0027] (1) Fuse (210)

[0028] The fuse (210) is configured to be connected to a circuit through which the charging / discharging current of the battery module (100) flows, and is connected between the battery module (100) and the bus bar (300) to connect at least one battery module (100) to the bus bar (300) through the fuse (210). When connected to the fuse box (200), the bus bar (300) and the electrode terminal (not shown) of the battery pack (10) or the bus bar (300) and the external BMS (400) are connected through the fuse (210).

[0029] A fuse (210) may be housed in a fuse box (200) and positioned at each connection point connected between the battery module (100) and the bus bar (300), and a plurality of fuses (210) of one fuse box (200) may be housed and positioned at one end of the bus bar (300) connected to the external terminal (electrode terminal or terminal connected to the BMS) of the battery pack (10).

[0030] Figure 3 shows the detailed configuration of the fuse (210).

[0031] The fuse (210) is configured to include a fuse terminal (212) and is inserted into a fuse case, thereby connecting to the fuse case-battery terminal (222) to connect the battery module (100) to an external device and battery management system.

[0032] The fuse (210) is made of a metal such as copper or tin, and when an overcurrent flows through the circuit of the battery module (100) or pack, the fuse break portion (211) melts to cut off the battery module (100) from the overcurrent.

[0033] If continuous vibrations from the outside occur in the fuse (210), the fuse break portion (211) may be physically broken, causing a desensitization phenomenon in relation to the battery pack (10), thereby losing the overcurrent cutoff function and causing a problem with the user's safety. The vibration detection element (230) of the present invention detects vibrations from the outside in order to prevent or detect such loss of the overcurrent cutoff function in advance.

[0034] (2) Fuse case (220)

[0035] Figure 5 shows the structure of a fuse case (220). The fuse case of Figure 5 may have a structure covered by a fuse cover (221) as shown in Figure 4. The fuse case has a fuse cover (221) formed therein that includes a fuse storage section capable of storing a fuse (210) inside, and a fuse case terminal (224) is formed on the inside of the fuse storage section.

[0036] In the case of an arrangement like Fig. 6, a bus bar (300) is connected to one end of the fuse case terminal (224), and the terminals of the battery modules (100) are connected to the fuse case-battery terminal (222), so that the bus bar (300) and the battery modules (100) are connected through the fuse (210).

[0037] In the case of an arrangement like that of FIG. 1, the bus bar (300) is connected to the fuse case-battery terminal (222) and the fuse case terminal (224) is connected to the BMS (400), so that the fuse (210) is arranged to form a path between the bus bar (300) and the BMS (400). Alternatively, one end of the bus bar (300) may be connected to the fuse case terminal (224) and the fuse case-battery terminal (222) may be connected to the BMS (400).

[0038] In the past, damage to the fuse case could cause abnormalities such as a disconnection of the circuit connecting the fuse (210) or the battery module (100) and the bus bar (300), and if a problem with the fuse (210) occurs, the battery module (100) or the pack may not be able to be cut off from overcurrent, or the power of the battery pack (10) may be desensitized, causing a problem with the safety of the user of the battery pack (10).

[0039] (3) Vibration detection element (230)

[0040] A vibration detection element (230) is attached to detect vibrations by being mounted at a location where vibrations from outside the battery pack (10) are transmitted more sensitively to the fuse (210) during the process of being transmitted inside.

[0041] The vibration detection element (230) is isolated from each wire / fuse within the fuse box.

[0042] The vibration detection element (230) can be configured to be placed in physical contact with the fuse (210) while maintaining electrical insulation from the fuse (210) to directly detect vibrations applied to the fuse (210), and can be configured to be placed on the fuse case terminal (224) as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, or placed on one side of the fuse case (220) to detect vibrations of the fuse box. Additionally, the vibration detection element (230) can be placed on one side of the fuse cover (221) to directly detect vibrations applied to the fuse.

[0043] When a fuse box (200) houses a plurality of fuses (210) and is located on one side of a bus bar (300) connected to the outside of a battery pack (10), vibrations transmitted from the outside through the bus bar (300) may be introduced into the fuses (210) and the fuse box (200) during the process of being transmitted into the inside of the pack. Therefore, a vibration detection element (230) may be attached so as to be located on at least one side of the fuse box (200) so as to detect vibrations introduced into the bus bar (300).

[0044] When a fuse box (200) is positioned to house a single fuse (210) and connect between a battery module (100) terminal and a bus bar (300), each battery module (100) is connected to the bus bar (300) through a plurality of fuses (210). Therefore, when vibrations generated outside the battery pack (10) are introduced through the bus bar (300), they are also transmitted to the fuse (210) and the fuse box (200) before being transmitted to the battery module (100). Accordingly, a vibration detection element (230) can be attached to each of the plurality of fuse boxes (200) to detect vibrations transmitted to the fuse box (200) connected to the battery module (100) terminal.

[0045] The above-described vibration detection element (230) is intended to detect vibrations transmitted to the fuse box (200) during operation when mounted on a vehicle battery pack (10). Accordingly, the vibration detection element (230) is transferred in the form of a tape or a flexible protection circuit board (FPCB) transferred onto a flexible substrate, so that vibrations generated during vehicle driving can be sensitively detected even at a moment when they enter the fuse box (200) and bus bar (300), and vibrations can be continuously detected without being damaged by temporary impacts.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, the vibration detection element (230) is directly connected to the CMC (410) of the BMS (400) via a ring terminal or wire harness connection structure through terminals formed at both ends, and is connected to the master BMS (400) via the BMIC (411) of the CMC (410) to transmit the change in resistance value caused by the detected vibration to the BMS (400).

[0047] C. Busbar (300)

[0048] Figures 1 and 6 show the configuration of a bus bar (300). Although only one bus bar (300) is shown in the drawings, a negative / positive bus bar may be formed to which the module terminals (negative / positive terminals) of the battery modules (100) are respectively connected, and one end thereof is connected to an external electrode terminal (not shown) of the battery pack (100).

[0049] The busbar (300) electrically connects at least one battery module (100) to each other through a module terminal (not shown), and can be electrically connected to each battery module (100) through the fuse (210).

[0050] The busbar (300) is connected to the fuse case-busbar terminal (223) through the fuse case terminal (224) of the fuse box (200). One end of the busbar (300) is partially exposed outside the battery pack (10) to be connected to the BMS (400) so as to be connected to external electrical equipment of the battery pack (10), thereby transmitting vibrations from outside the battery pack (10) into the pack. Additionally, if vibrations accumulate, cumulative damage may occur. The part of the busbar (300) connected to the fuse box (200) or the external BMS (400) may be damaged due to vibrations occurring outside the battery pack (10), such as vehicle driving, and the resulting cumulative damage, which may cause communication errors with the battery module (100).

[0051] As described above, a vibration detection element (230) is mounted on one side of a fuse box (200) containing a plurality of fuses (210), but in the case where it is not located on one side of a bus bar (300), a vibration detection element (230) may also be attached to one end of a bus bar (300) connected to an external BMS (400) to prevent damage caused by accumulated damage flowing into the bus bar (300).

[0052] D. BMS (Battery Management System) (400)

[0053] Figure 2 shows the connection relationship between the battery pack (10) and the BMS (400).

[0054] The BMS (400) may be formed separately from the battery pack or formed inside the battery pack. If the BMS (400) is formed separately from the battery pack (10), the battery pack (10) is limited to a configuration including battery modules (100) and a busbar (300) connecting the modules (100).

[0055] The BMS (400) can be configured to include module BMS in each module, in which case at least one module BMS functions as a master BMS (420).

[0056] The BMS (400) is a general term for a battery management system and includes a cell monitoring circuit (CMC) (410), a battery monitoring IC (BMIC) (411), and a Master BMS (420) that manages the entire system.

[0057] (1) CMC (Cell Monitoring Circuit)(410)

[0058] The CMC (410) is a circuit inserted into the battery module (100) and is connected to the vibration detection element (230) via an internal BMIC (411) to check the state of the battery cell.

[0059] (2) BMIC (Battery Monitoring Circuit)(411)

[0060] The BMIC (411) is directly connected to both ends of the vibration detection element (230) to monitor changes in voltage values ​​due to vibration or mechanical deformation of the fuse box (200) and busbar (300), and transmits the detected information to the Master BMS (420).

[0061] (3) Master BMS(420)

[0062] The Master BMS (420) is a BMS that manages the entire battery system and communicates with the vehicle through the MCU. It receives information regarding changes in voltage values ​​due to vibration or mechanical deformation of the battery cell and module caused by the vibration detection element (230) from the BMIC (411) of the CMC (410). Based on the maximum allowable deformation specification of the vibration detection element (230), it can classify voltage values ​​into predetermined reference levels, perform protection operations on the battery pack (10) according to the range of detected vibration, and transmit an alarm to the user.

[0063] For example, a first level based on the initial state level, which is the level of the vibration detection element before deformation; a second level, which is the maximum allowable deformation level; and third and fourth levels exceeding the maximum allowable deformation level can be designated as reference levels. If the vibration detected by the vibration detection element exceeds the second level, an alarm is sent to the user; if it exceeds the third level, the battery is charged / discharged and the vehicle is operated below the rated level along with the alarm; and if it exceeds the fourth level, it is determined that the user vibration detection element (230) is damaged and an alarm indicating that measurement is impossible is sent. The detection level reference and detection time based on the change in the resistance value of the vibration detection element (230) can be changed according to the user's requirements. Explanation of the symbols

[0064] 10: Battery pack 100: Battery module 200: Fuse box 210: Fuse 211: Fracture 212: Fuse terminal 220: Fuse case 221: Fuse cover 222: Fuse case-battery terminal 223: Fuse case-busbar terminal 224: Fuse case terminal 230: Vibration detection element 300: Busbar 400: BMS 410: CMC 411: BMIC 420: Master BMS

Claims

Claim 1 A battery pack comprising: one or more battery modules equipped with a plurality of battery cells; a busbar connected to a module terminal of the battery module to electrically connect the one or more battery modules; a fuse box in which a fuse is housed; and a vibration detection element attached insulated from one side of the fuse box or one side of the busbar to detect vibrations entering the battery pack. Claim 2 A battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that the vibration detection element is attached to a busbar or fuse box in the form of a tape or in the form of an FPCB transferred onto a flexible substrate to detect the inflow of vibration. Claim 3 A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the fuse box is positioned at the connection point between the busbar and the module terminal of the battery module to form a path between the busbar and the battery module. Claim 4 A battery pack according to paragraph 3, wherein the fuse box comprises: a fuse case-battery terminal connected to a module terminal of a battery module; a fuse case terminal connected to a busbar; and a fuse connecting the fuse case-battery terminal and the fuse case terminal, thereby connecting the battery module and the busbar through the fuse. Claim 5 A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the fuse box is positioned at one end of the busbar to form a path between the busbar and the BMS. Claim 6 A battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the fuse box comprises: a fuse case-battery terminal connected to a BMS; a fuse case terminal connected to one end of a busbar; and a fuse connecting the fuse case-battery terminal and the fuse case terminal, thereby connecting the busbar and the BMS through the fuse. Claim 7 A battery pack characterized in that, in claim 4 or 6, the vibration detection element is insulatedly disposed on a fuse case busbar terminal extending from the fuse case terminal. Claim 8 A battery pack characterized in that, in claim 4 or 6, the vibration detection element is insulated and arranged to physically contact the fuse. Claim 9 A battery pack characterized in that, in claim 4 or 6, the fuse box comprises a fuse cover covering the fuse, and the vibration detection element is disposed on one surface of the fuse cover. Claim 10 A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the vibration detection element measures a change in voltage value resulting from vibration detection of the busbar and fuse box and transmits it to the BMS, and the BMS compares the voltage value with a predetermined reference level and, if the voltage value exceeds the maximum allowable level from the predetermined reference level, performs a protection operation and transmits an alarm to the user.

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