Electronic component assembly and battery module comprising same

Abstract

An electronic component assembly and a battery module including the same are disclosed in example embodiments. The electronic component assembly includes a circuit board, an electronic component mounted on the circuit board, a plurality of first connection terminals coupled to the circuit board to be electrically connected to the electronic component and electrically connected to a plurality of first wires, and a plurality of second connection terminals coupled to the circuit board to be electrically connected to the electronic component and electrically connected to a plurality of second wires. According to the present invention, when a sensor included in a battery module is connected to a connector using a plurality of electric wires, for example, an electronic component such as a fuse can be easily and quickly connected to the electric wires.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic component assembly and a battery module including the same. Background Art

[0002] In general, with the rapid growth in demand for portable electronic devices such as laptops, camcorders, and mobile phones and the commercialization of robots and electric vehicles, research is actively being conducted to develop high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charge / discharge.

[0003] Secondary batteries are widely used in small devices such as portable electronic devices and medium and large devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS) for power generation and energy storage. In particular, in medium or large devices, a plurality of battery cells are electrically connected to each other to form a battery module in order to increase the output and / or capacity of the battery.

[0004] Sensors can be mounted on the battery module to detect whether charging and discharging are in progress and whether they are working properly, and generally the sensors are electrically connected through a flexible printed circuit (FPC). However, for example, when the number of battery cells increases, using leads is more conducive to reducing costs than FPC. However, as the number of battery cells increases, it is difficult to arrange leads, the size of the battery module may increase, and it is difficult to connect electronic components such as fuses.

[0005] The above information disclosed in this Background section is provided for enhancement of understanding of the background of the present disclosure and therefore it may contain information that does not constitute related (or prior) art. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention is directed to providing an electronic component assembly and a battery module including the same, in which an electronic component and an electric wire can be easily connected and a plurality of electric wires can be neatly arranged.

[0007] These and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be described in, or will be apparent from, the following description of some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the technical problem, an electronic component assembly is provided, which includes: a circuit board; an electronic component mounted on the circuit board; a plurality of first connecting terminals coupled to the circuit board to be electrically connected to the electronic component and to a plurality of first wires; and a plurality of second connecting terminals coupled to the circuit board to be electrically connected to the electronic component and to a plurality of second wires spaced apart from the plurality of first wires.

[0009] The electronic component assembly may further include a shell, which accommodates the circuit board, the electronic component, the plurality of first connecting terminals and the plurality of second connecting terminals, and has a plurality of wire entry holes, the plurality of wire entry holes are formed in the shell and the ends of the plurality of first wires and the ends of the plurality of second wires are inserted into the plurality of wire entry holes.

[0010] The case may include: a base having the plurality of wire entry holes formed therein; and a cover detachably coupled to the base and covering the circuit board, the electronic element, the plurality of first connection terminals, and the plurality of second connection terminals.

[0011] The cover may include a circuit board pusher configured to press the circuit board so that the plurality of first connection terminals are connected to the plurality of first electric wires and the plurality of second connection terminals are connected to the plurality of second electric wires.

[0012] The cover may include a circuit board support protrusion configured to support the circuit board so that the circuit board is not separated from the cover.

[0013] One of the base and the cover may include a hook receiver, and the other of the base and the cover may include a hook detachably coupled to the hook receiver.

[0014] Each of the first and second electric wires may include a core formed of a conductor through which current flows and a sheath formed of an insulator and surrounding the core, and each of the first and second connection terminals may include a fork that cuts the sheath and makes electrical contact with the core.

[0015] The electronic component may be mounted on one side surface of the circuit board, and the fork may protrude from the other side surface of the circuit board.

[0016] The electronic component may be a fuse, and the fuse may be provided in plurality to be connected to the plurality of first connection terminals and the plurality of second connection terminals.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the technical problem, a battery module is provided, which includes: a plurality of battery cells; a plurality of sensors configured to detect the status of the plurality of battery cells; a plurality of first wires electrically connected to the plurality of sensors; a plurality of second wires spaced apart from the plurality of first wires and electrically connected to a connector; and an electronic component assembly configured to electrically connect the plurality of first wires and the plurality of second wires, and including a circuit board, electronic components mounted on the circuit board, a plurality of first connecting terminals coupled to the circuit board to be electrically connected to the electronic components and to the plurality of first wires, and a plurality of second connecting terminals coupled to the circuit board to be electrically connected to the electronic components and to the plurality of second wires.

[0018] The electronic component assembly may further include a shell, which accommodates the circuit board, the electronic component, the plurality of first connecting terminals and the plurality of second connecting terminals, and has a plurality of wire entry holes, the plurality of wire entry holes are formed in the shell and the ends of the plurality of first wires and the ends of the plurality of second wires are inserted into the plurality of wire entry holes.

[0019] The case may include: a base having the plurality of wire entry holes formed therein; and a cover detachably coupled to the base and covering the circuit board, the electronic element, the plurality of first connection terminals, and the plurality of second connection terminals.

[0020] The cover may include a circuit board pusher configured to press the circuit board so that the plurality of first connection terminals are connected to the plurality of first electric wires and the plurality of second connection terminals are connected to the plurality of second electric wires.

[0021] Each of the first and second electric wires may include a core formed of a conductor through which current flows and a sheath formed of an insulator and surrounding the core, and each of the first and second connection terminals may include a fork that cuts the sheath and makes electrical contact with the core.

[0022] The electronic component may be mounted on one side surface of the circuit board, and the fork may protrude from the other side surface of the circuit board.

[0023] The electronic component may be a fuse, and the fuse may be provided in plurality to be connected to the plurality of first connection terminals and the plurality of second connection terminals.

[0024] The battery module may further include: a cell connection bus bar configured to electrically connect a pair of adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells; and a bus bar holder configured to support the cell connection bus bar, and the electronic component assembly is mounted on the bus bar holder.

[0025] Each battery cell may include a cell exhaust port, through which gas is discharged from the interior of the battery cell to the outside of the battery cell, the bus bar bracket may have a plurality of exhaust port through holes corresponding to the plurality of cell exhaust ports formed therein, and the electronic component assembly may be located between a pair of adjacent exhaust port through holes among the plurality of exhaust port through holes.

[0026] The sensor may be a voltage sensor that is electrically connected to the cell connection bus bar and measures a voltage.

[0027] The battery module may further include a lead support in which a plurality of lead fitting grooves are formed, in which the plurality of first electric wires are fitted and supported one by one, and the lead support is mounted on the bus bar support.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a sensor included in a battery module is connected to a connector using a plurality of electric wires, for example, an electronic component such as a fuse may be easily and quickly connected to the electric wires.

[0029] According to the embodiments of the present invention, since electronic components and wires in a battery module are neatly arranged without bunching or tangling, it is easy to minimize the size of the battery module, the production cost of the battery module can be reduced, and the productivity of the battery module can be improved.

[0030] However, the effects obtainable by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other technical effects not mentioned from the following description of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The accompanying drawings attached to this specification illustrate some embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description of the present disclosure, further describe aspects and features of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to the accompanying drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of a busbar support and components mounted on the busbar support;

[0034] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An enlarged perspective view of part III in FIG.

[0035] Figure 4 Observed from above Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of an electronic component assembly in FIG.

[0036] Figure 5 Observed from below Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of an electronic component assembly in FIG.

[0037] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 An enlarged view of part VI in FIG.

[0038] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 An enlarged view of part VII in FIG.

[0039] Figure 8 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG.

[0040] Fig. 9 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG.

[0041] Fig.10 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG.

[0042] Fig.11 It is shown Figure 3 A perspective view of a lead frame and wires supported on the lead frame in FIG.

[0043] Fig.12 is shown separated from the wire Fig.11 View of the lead support in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to the usual meaning or dictionary meaning, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can be his / her own lexicon compiler to appropriately define the concept of the term so as to interpret his / her invention in the best way.

[0045] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only some embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all technical ideas, aspects and features of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that when submitting this application, there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace or modify the embodiments described herein.

[0046] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "bound to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly bound to the other element or layer, or there may be one or more intervening elements or layers. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly bound to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers. For example, when a first element is described as being "bound to" or "connected to" a second element, the first element may be directly bound or connected to the second element, or the first element may be indirectly bound or connected to the second element via one or more intervening elements.

[0047] In the accompanying drawings, for the clarity of the illustration, the sizes of various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated. The same reference numerals represent the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related enumerated items. In addition, when describing the embodiments of the present invention, the use of "may" relates to "one or more embodiments of the present invention". Expressions such as "at least one of ..." and "any one of ...", when following a column of elements, modify the entire column of elements without modifying the individual elements of the column. When phrases such as "at least one of A, B and C", "at least one of A, B or C", "at least one selected from the group of A, B and C" or "at least one selected from the middle of A, B and C" are used to specify a column of elements A, B and C, the phrase may refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the terms "use", "use ..." and "being used" may be considered to be synonymous with the terms "utilize", "utilize ..." and "being utilized", respectively. As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation, rather than terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measurements or calculations that one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize.

[0048] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used here to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or part from another element, component, region, layer or part. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below can be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer or part without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0049] For ease of description, spatial relational terms such as "under", "below", "below", "above", "on", etc. may be used here to describe the relationship of an element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figure. It will be understood that in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures, the spatial relational terms are also intended to cover other different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is turned over, the elements described as being "below" or "below" other elements or features will be oriented to be "above" or "above" the other elements or features. Therefore, the term "below" can cover both above and below orientations. The device can be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relational descriptors used here should be interpreted accordingly.

[0050] The terms used herein are to describe embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, the singular form "a" is also intended to include the plural form, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "include", "includes ...", "includes" and / or "comprising ...", when used in this specification, indicate the existence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their groups.

[0051] In addition, any numerical range disclosed and / or described herein is intended to include all sub-ranges of the same numerical precision included in the described range. For example, the range of "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all sub-ranges between the described minimum value 1.0 and the described maximum value 10.0 (and including the described minimum value 1.0 and the described maximum value 10.0), that is, all sub-ranges with a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit described here is intended to include all lower numerical limits included therein, and any minimum numerical limit described in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits included therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to modify this specification (including claims) to clearly describe any sub-range included in the scope clearly described here.

[0052] When two compared elements, features, etc. are referred to as "the same" it may mean that they are "substantially the same". Thus, the phrase "substantially the same" may include situations with deviations that are considered low in the art (e.g., 5% or less). In addition, when a parameter is referred to as being uniform in a given area, this may mean that it is uniform with respect to an average value.

[0053] Throughout the specification, unless stated otherwise, each element may be in the singular or in the plural.

[0054] When any element is referred to as being disposed (or placed or positioned) "on (or below)" or "on (or below)" a component, it may mean that the arbitrary element is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, or it may mean that another component may be inserted between the component and any element disposed (or placed or positioned) on (or below) the component.

[0055] Furthermore, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "coupled," "linked," or "connected" to another element, the elements may be directly "coupled," "linked," or "connected" to each other, or there may be an intervening element therebetween through which the element may be "coupled," "linked," or "connected" to another element. Furthermore, when a portion is referred to as being "electrically coupled" to another portion, the portion may be directly connected to the other portion, or there may be an intervening portion therebetween such that the portion and the other portion are indirectly connected to each other.

[0056] Throughout the specification, when "A and / or B" is stated, it means A, B, or A and B, unless stated otherwise. That is, "and / or" includes any or all combinations of the listed multiple items. When "C to D" is stated, it means C or more and D or less, unless stated otherwise.

[0057] A battery pack according to one or more embodiments includes at least one battery module and a pack case having an accommodation space in which the at least one battery module is accommodated.

[0058] The battery module may include a plurality of battery cells and a module housing. The battery cells may be housed in a module housing in a stacked form (or a stacked arrangement or configuration). Each battery cell may have a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal, and may be round, prismatic, or pouch-shaped depending on the shape of the battery. In this specification, a battery cell may also be referred to as a secondary battery, a battery, or a cell.

[0059] In a battery pack, one cell stack may constitute one module instead of a battery module stack. The cell stack may be accommodated in an accommodation space of a pack case, or may be accommodated in an accommodation space partitioned by a frame, a partition wall, or the like.

[0060] The battery cell may generate a large amount of heat during charging / discharging. The generated heat may accumulate in the battery cell, thereby accelerating the degradation of the battery cell. Therefore, the battery pack may further include a cooling member to remove the generated heat, thereby suppressing the degradation of the battery cell. The cooling member may be provided at the bottom of the accommodation space where the battery cell is provided, but is not limited thereto, and may be provided at the top or side depending on the battery pack.

[0061] The battery cell can be configured so that the exhaust gas generated inside the battery cell under abnormal operating conditions (also known as thermal runaway or thermal events) is discharged to the outside of the battery cell. The battery pack or battery module can include an exhaust port for exhausting the exhaust gas to prevent or reduce damage to the battery pack or module by the exhaust gas.

[0062] The battery pack may include a battery and a battery management system (BMS) for managing the battery. The battery management system may include a detection device, a balancing device, and a control device. The battery module may include a plurality of cells connected in series and / or in parallel to each other. The battery modules may be connected in series and / or in parallel to each other.

[0063] The detection device can detect the state of the battery (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, etc.) to output state information indicating the state of the battery. The detection device can detect the voltage of each single cell constituting the battery or the voltage of each battery module. The detection device can detect the current flowing through each battery cell constituting the battery module or battery pack. The detection device can also detect the temperature of the single cell and / or module at at least one point of the battery and / or the ambient temperature.

[0064] The balancing device can perform balancing operations of the battery module and / or balancing operations of the monomers constituting the battery module. The control device can receive status information (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, etc.) of the battery module from the detection device. The control device can monitor and calculate the status of the battery module (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, state of charge (SOC), life (state of health (SOH)), etc.) based on the status information received from the detection device. In addition, based on the monitored status information, the control device can perform control functions (e.g., temperature control, balancing control, charge / discharge control, etc.) and protection functions (e.g., over-discharge, over-charging, over-current protection, short circuit, fire extinguishing function, etc.). In addition, the control device can perform wired or wireless communication functions with external devices of the battery pack (e.g., higher-level controllers or vehicles, chargers, power conversion systems, etc.).

[0065] The control device can control the charging / discharging operation and the protection operation of the battery. To this end, the control device can include a charging / discharging control unit, a balancing control unit and / or a protection unit.

[0066] A battery management system is a system that monitors the battery status and performs diagnostic and control, communication, and protection functions, and can calculate the charge / discharge status, calculate the battery life or state of health (SOH), cut off the battery power when necessary (e.g., relay control), control thermal management (e.g., cooling, heating, etc.), perform high-voltage interlock functions, and / or can detect and / or calculate insulation and short circuit conditions.

[0067] The relay may be a mechanical contactor that is switched on and off by the magnetic force of a coil or a semiconductor switch such as a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET).

[0068] The relay control has the function of cutting off the power supply to the battery in the event of a problem in the vehicle and battery system (or when a problem occurs in the vehicle and battery system), and may include one or more relays and a pre-charge relay at the positive terminal and the negative terminal, respectively.

[0069] In pre-charge control, when the battery load is connected, there is a risk of inrush current in the high-voltage capacitor on the inverter input side. Therefore, in order to prevent inrush current when starting the vehicle, the pre-charge relay can be operated before connecting the main relay, and the pre-charge resistor can be connected.

[0070] The high-voltage interlock is a circuit that uses a small signal to detect whether all high-voltage parts of the entire vehicle system are connected, and can have the function of forcibly disconnecting the relay if even one position on the entire circuit is disconnected (or when even one position on the entire circuit is disconnected).

[0071] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of a busbar support and components mounted on the busbar support, Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An enlarged perspective view of part III of Figure 4 Observed from above Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the electronic component assembly in Figure 5 Observed from below Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the electronic component assembly in Figure 6 yes Figure 4 An enlarged view of part VI in Figure 7 yes Figure 4 An enlarged view of part VII of Figure 8 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. Fig. 9 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. Fig.10 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG.

[0072] Reference Figures 1 to 10 The battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells 11, a plurality of sensors 60, a plurality of first wires 63, a plurality of second wires 73, and an electronic component assembly 100. The battery cells 11 serve as a unit structure for storing and supplying power in the battery module 10.

[0073] Although not shown in the drawings, the battery cell 11 can be illustrated as a prismatic secondary battery capable of charging and discharging a predetermined amount of electricity by providing an electrode assembly (not shown) therein, in which a positive electrode plate (not shown) and a negative electrode plate (not shown) are arranged on both sides of a separator (not shown) interposed therebetween.

[0074] For example, each battery cell 11 may include a cell body having a substantially cubic shape, and a pair of terminals 12 protruding upward from the cell body. Of the pair of terminals 12, one may be a positive electrode terminal, and the other may be a negative electrode terminal.

[0075] The cell body may include a can having an internal space accommodating the electrode assembly therein and a cover plate closing the open upper side of the can. The pair of terminals 12 may be mounted on the cover plate. The battery cell 11 may include a cell exhaust port 14 through which flammable materials and gases generated inside due to abnormalities during the process of charging and discharging are discharged from the inside of the battery cell 11 to the outside of the battery cell 11. The cell exhaust port 14 may be formed between the pair of terminals 12 on the cover plate.

[0076] Hereinafter, a direction parallel to the thickness direction of the battery cell 11 (i.e., the can) is referred to as a first direction, a direction parallel to the width direction of the battery cell 11 is referred to as a second direction, and a direction parallel to the height direction of the battery cell 11 is referred to as a third direction. The first direction may also be referred to as a front-rear direction, the second direction may also be referred to as a left-right direction, and the third direction may also be referred to as an up-down direction.

[0077] In each battery cell 11 , a side surface having a pair of terminals 12 protruding to one side along the third direction is referred to as a terminal side surface 15 , and a side surface opposite to the terminal side surface 15 along the third direction is referred to as a bottom surface.

[0078] The plurality of battery cells 11 are arranged in a first direction. The plurality of battery cells 11 may be arranged in a row so that the rear and front surfaces of any adjacent pair of battery cells 11 face each other. The plurality of battery cells 11 arranged in a row along the first direction may be referred to as a battery cell stack 20A or 20B.

[0079] Figure 1 The battery module 10 of the illustrated embodiment includes a first battery cell stack 20A and a second battery cell stack 20B, each battery cell stack having 11 battery cells 11 arranged in a row in a so-called first direction, which can be referred to as a "long module". Therefore, the battery module 10 includes a total of 22 battery cells 11. However, Figure 1 The structure and number of the battery cells 11 shown are exemplary and the present invention is not limited to Figure 1 .

[0080] The battery module 10 may further include a pair of end plates 24, a middle plate 27, and a plurality of side beams 30. One of the pair of end plates 24 is disposed in front of the plurality of battery cells 11 to cover the front surface of the frontmost battery cell 11 in the first direction among the plurality of battery cells 11 and may be referred to as a front plate.

[0081] The other of the pair of end plates 24 is disposed behind the plurality of battery cells 11 to cover the rear surface of the rearmost battery cell 11 in the first direction among the plurality of battery cells 11 and may be referred to as a rear plate. The middle plate 27 may be interposed between the first battery cell stack 20A and the second battery cell stack 20B.

[0082] The plurality of side beams 30 may extend along the first direction. Some of the plurality of side beams 30 may extend along the first direction to face the left side surface of the pair of side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 11 belonging to the first battery cell stack 20A. One end of the some of the side beams 30 in the longitudinal direction may be fixed to the front plate 24, and the other end thereof may be fixed to the middle plate 27.

[0083] Other side beams 30 of the plurality of side beams 30 may extend along the first direction to face the right side surface of the pair of side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 11 belonging to the first battery cell stack 20A. One end of the other side beams 30 in the longitudinal direction may be fixed to the front plate 24, and the other end thereof may be fixed to the middle plate 27.

[0084] Another portion of the side beams 30 may extend in the first direction to face the left side surface of the pair of side surfaces of the battery cells 11 belonging to the second battery cell stack 20B. One end of the side beam 30 in the longitudinal direction may be fixed to the middle plate 27, and the other end may be fixed to the rear plate 24.

[0085] The remaining side beams 30 of the plurality of side beams 30 may extend in the first direction to face the right side surface of the pair of side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 11 belonging to the second battery cell stack 20B. One end of the remaining side beams 30 in the longitudinal direction may be fixed to the middle plate 27, and the other end thereof may be fixed to the rear plate 24.

[0086] At the same time, Figure 1 Different from the illustration, the battery module 10 may further include a plurality of side panels instead of the plurality of side beams 30 .

[0087] Although not in Figure 1 , but the battery module 10 may further include a bottom plate (not shown) that covers the bottom surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 11 and supports the plurality of battery cells 11. The bottom plate may be fixedly coupled to the pair of end plates 24 and the middle plate 27.

[0088] The battery module 10 may further include a plurality of cell connection bus bars 50 and a bus bar bracket 40. Each cell connection bus bar 50 may electrically connect a pair of adjacent battery cells 11 among the plurality of battery cells 11. Specifically, a positive electrode terminal 12 in one battery cell 11 and a negative electrode terminal 12 in another battery cell 11 in a pair of adjacent battery cells 11 along the first direction may be connected by the cell connection bus bar 50. The cell connection bus bar 50 may be joined to the positive electrode terminal 12 or the negative electrode terminal 12 by welding.

[0089] The battery module 10 may further include a pair of module connection bus bars 56 and an intermediate connection bus bar 53. The pair of module connection bus bars 56 are provided for electrically connecting the battery module 10 to other adjacent battery modules.

[0090] One end of each of the pair of module connection bus bars 56 may be connected to the terminals 12 located at both ends of the battery module 10 in the first direction along the first direction. The other end of each of the pair of module connection bus bars 56 may be connected to a connection terminal (not shown) provided on the end plate 24.

[0091] The middle connection bus bar 53 may connect the terminal 12 of one battery cell 11 of a pair of battery cells disposed in front of and behind the middle plate 27 with the middle plate 27 interposed therebetween in the first direction to the terminal 12 of the other battery cell 11 .

[0092] The bus bar holder 40 supports a plurality of cell connection bus bars 50, a pair of module connection bus bars 56, and an intermediate connection bus bar 53. The bus bar holder 40 may be disposed to cover the terminal side surfaces 15 of the plurality of battery cells 11.

[0093] The bus bar holder 40 may include a holder plate 41 having a substantially flat plate shape. The bus bar holder 40 may further include a plurality of bus bar fixing brackets 48. The bus bars 50, 53, and 56 may be detachably fixed to the holder plate 41 by the plurality of bus bar fixing brackets 48.

[0094] A plurality of terminal connection through holes 43 may be formed in the holder plate 41 so that the bus bars 50, 53 and 56 are connected to the terminals 12 of the plurality of battery cells 11. A plurality of vent through holes 45 corresponding to the plurality of cell vents 14 may be formed in the bus bar holder 40.

[0095] Specifically, the plurality of exhaust port through holes 45 may be formed at positions aligned with the plurality of cell exhaust ports 14 in the third direction and formed to pass through the bracket plate 41 in the third direction. Therefore, the flammable material and gas ejected from any one of the plurality of cell exhaust ports 14 to the outside of the battery cell 11 may be discharged to the outside of the plurality of battery cells 11 without being blocked by the bus bar bracket 40 and returning to the plurality of battery cells 11.

[0096] The battery module 10 may further include a module cover 36 that covers the bus bar bracket 40 so that the bus bars 50, 53, and 56 installed in the bus bar bracket 40 are not exposed. The bus bar bracket 40 and the module cover 36 may be fixedly coupled to the pair of end plates 24 and the middle plate 27. Alternatively, the bus bar bracket 40 may be fixedly coupled to the pair of end plates 24 and the middle plate 27, and the module cover 36 may be fixedly coupled to the bus bar bracket 40.

[0097] The plurality of sensors 60 detects the states of the plurality of battery cells 11 during charging and discharging of the battery module 10. The plurality of sensors 60 may be, for example, voltage sensors electrically connected to the plurality of cell connection bus bars 50 to measure voltage. The battery module 10 may further include, for example, a plurality of temperature sensors (not shown) that measure the temperatures of various portions of the battery module 10.

[0098] The plurality of first electric wires 63 are electrically connected to the plurality of sensors 60. One end 64 of the first electric wire 63 may be connected to the sensor 60, and the other end 65 of the first electric wire 63 may be connected to the electronic component assembly 100.

[0099] The plurality of second wires 73 are spaced apart from the plurality of first wires 63 and electrically connected to the connector 70. One end 74 of the second wires 73 may be connected to the connector 70, and the other end 75 of the second wires 73 may be connected to the electronic component assembly 100.

[0100] The connector 70 may be detachably coupled to a controller connector (not shown) that is electrically connected to a battery pack controller (not shown) that controls a battery pack (not shown) including the battery module 10. When the connector 70 and the controller connector are coupled, the plurality of sensors 60 and the battery pack controller are connected to achieve communication of electrical signals. Thus, the battery pack controller can identify the state of the battery module 10.

[0101] The electronic component assembly 100 electrically connects the plurality of first electric wires 63 and the plurality of second electric wires 73. The plurality of first electric wires 63 and the plurality of second electric wires 73 may be connected one to one through the electronic component assembly 100.

[0102] Meanwhile, some of the plurality of sensors 60 included in the battery module 10 may be connected to the connector 71 through another wire instead of the first wire 63 and the second wire 73, and the connector 71 is different from the connector 70 connected to the second wire 73. In other words, some of the plurality of sensors 60 may be connected to the connector 71 without being connected to the electronic component assembly 100.

[0103] The electronic component assembly 100 includes a circuit board 130, an electronic component 140, a plurality of first connection terminals 150, and a plurality of second connection terminals 160. The electronic component assembly 100 may be mounted on the bus bar support 40. The electronic component assembly 100 may be located between a pair of adjacent exhaust port through holes 45 among the plurality of exhaust port through holes 45 so as not to interfere with the exhaust of gas through the single exhaust port 14.

[0104] To minimize the total length of the plurality of first wires 63 and the plurality of second wires 73 disposed in the bus bar holder 40 , the electronic component assembly 100 may be located at one of both ends of the bus bar holder 40 in the first direction that is closer to the connector 70 .

[0105] The electronic component 140 is mounted on the circuit board 130. The electronic component 140 may be, for example, a fuse that melts and blows when an overcurrent flows along the first wire 63 and the second wire 64. However, the fuse is exemplary, and the electronic component assembly 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention may include, for example, different types of electronic components such as a capacitor.

[0106] The number of the first electric wires 63 connected to the electronic component assembly 100 may be the same as the number of the second electric wires 73 connected to the electronic component assembly 100. The electronic component 140 may be provided in plural. In the electronic component assembly 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the number of the electronic components 140 may be provided in the same number as the number of the first electric wires 63 and the number of the second electric wires 73.

[0107] The electronic component 140 may be mounted on one side surface of the circuit board 130. The circuit board 130 included in the battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a side surface facing the plurality of battery cells 11 and an opposite side surface along a third direction, and the electronic component 140 may be mounted on the side surface opposite to the side surface facing the plurality of battery cells 11. Hereinafter, the side surface facing the battery cells 11 may be referred to as the bottom surface of the circuit board 130, and the side surface opposite to the bottom surface of the circuit board 130 may be referred to as the top surface of the circuit board 130.

[0108] The plurality of first connection terminals 150 are formed of a conductor and are coupled to the circuit board 130 to be electrically connected to the electronic component 140. When the circuit board 130 is close to the plurality of first wires 63, the plurality of first connection terminals 150 are electrically connected to the plurality of first wires 63. The number of the first connection terminals 150 may be equal to the number of the first wires 63 connected to the electronic component assembly 100.

[0109] The plurality of second connection terminals 160 are formed of a conductor and are coupled to the circuit board 130 to be electrically connected to the electronic component 140. When the circuit board 130 is close to the plurality of second electric wires 73, the plurality of second connection terminals 160 are electrically connected to the plurality of second electric wires 73. The number of the second connection terminals 160 may be equal to the number of the second electric wires 73 connected to the electronic component assembly 100.

[0110] Each first electric wire 63 may include a core 67 formed of a conductor to allow current to flow, and a sheath 68 formed of an insulator and surrounding the core 67. Each first connection terminal 150 may include a pin 151 and a fork 153. The fork 153 may cut the sheath 68 of the first electric wire 63 and make electrical contact with the core 67.

[0111] The fork 153 may protrude from a side surface opposite to the side surface of the circuit board 130 on which the electronic component 140 is mounted, that is, from the bottom surface of the circuit board 130. The fork 153 includes a pair of branch portions 155 protruding downward and spaced apart from each other. A blade 156 capable of cutting the sheath 68 may be formed on the facing surfaces of the pair of branch portions 155.

[0112] The pair of blades 156 may be tapered so that the gap therebetween increases in the downward direction. The narrow groove 158 may be formed at the upper ends of the pair of blades 156. The width C1 of the narrow groove 158 is smaller than the diameter of the first electric wire 63 and may be equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the core 67.

[0113] When the circuit board 130 approaches the first wire 63 along the third direction with the first connection terminal 150 aligned along the third direction, that is, proceeds downward, the first wire 63 may enter between the lower ends of the pair of tapered branch portions 155 .

[0114] As the circuit board 130 further goes down in the third direction, the first wire 63 may enter the narrow groove 158, and the sheath 68 may be cut by the pair of blades 156 to form the slit 69. The outer peripheral surface of the core 67 and the pair of branch portions 155 may be electrically connected through the slit 69.

[0115] The pin 151 may extend along the third direction to pass through the circuit board 130 along the third direction. The lower end of the pin 151 may be connected to the fork 153, and the upper end of the pin 151 may protrude from the top surface of the circuit board 130. A plurality of first through holes 131 may be formed in the circuit board 130, and the pins 151 of the plurality of first connection terminals 150 pass through the plurality of first through holes 131.

[0116] A plurality of first conductive layers 132 electrically connecting the electronic components 140 and the plurality of first through holes 131 may be formed on the top surface of the circuit board 130. In the battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the number of the electronic components 140 may be the same as the number of the first connection terminals 150, and one side of each first conductive layer 132 may be connected to one pin 151, and the other side may be connected to one electronic component 140.

[0117] like Fig. 9 As shown, one end of the first conductive layer 132 has a welding terminal 133 around the first through hole 131, and solder 175 may be bonded to cover the upper end of the pin 151 and the welding terminal 133 so that the pin 151 and the first conductive layer 132 may be electrically connected.

[0118] Each second electric wire 73 may include a core 77 formed of a conductor to allow current to flow, and a sheath 78 formed of an insulator and surrounding the core 77. Each second connection terminal 160 may include a pin 161 and a fork 163. The fork 163 may cut the sheath 78 of the second electric wire 73 and make electrical contact with the core 77.

[0119] The fork 163 may protrude from a side surface opposite to the side surface of the circuit board 130 on which the electronic component 140 is mounted, that is, from the bottom surface of the circuit board 130. The fork 163 includes a pair of branch portions 165 protruding downward and spaced apart from each other. A blade 166 capable of cutting the sheath 78 may be formed on the facing surfaces of the pair of branch portions 165.

[0120] The pair of blades 166 may be tapered so that the gap therebetween increases in the downward direction. A narrow groove 168 may be formed at the upper ends of the pair of blades 166. The width C2 of the narrow groove 168 is smaller than the diameter of the second electric wire 73 and may be equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the core 77.

[0121] When the circuit board 130 approaches the second wire 73 along the third direction with the second wire 73 and the second connection terminal 160 aligned along the third direction, that is, proceeds downward, the second wire 73 may enter between the lower ends of the pair of tapered branch portions 165 .

[0122] As the circuit board 130 goes further downward in the third direction, the second wire 73 may enter the narrow groove 168, and the sheath 78 may be cut by the pair of blades 166 to form the slit 79. The outer peripheral surface of the core 77 and the pair of branch portions 165 may be electrically connected through the slit 79.

[0123] The pin 161 may extend along the third direction to pass through the circuit board 130 along the third direction. The lower end of the pin 161 may be connected to the fork 163, and the upper end of the pin 161 may protrude from the top surface of the circuit board 130. A plurality of second through holes 135 may be formed in the circuit board 130, and the pins 161 of the plurality of second connection terminals 160 pass through the plurality of second through holes 135.

[0124] A plurality of second conductive layers 136 electrically connecting the electronic components 140 and the plurality of second through holes 135 may be formed on the top surface of the circuit board 130. In the battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the number of the electronic components 140 may be the same as the number of the second connection terminals 160, and one side of each second conductive layer 136 may be connected to one pin 161, and the other side may be connected to one electronic component 140.

[0125] like Fig.10 As shown, one end of the second conductive layer 136 has a soldering terminal 137 around the second through hole 135, and solder 175 may be bonded to cover the upper end of the pin 161 and the soldering terminal 137 so that the pin 161 and the second conductive layer 136 may be electrically connected.

[0126] Multiple electronic components 140 can be arranged in the central part of the circuit board 130 along the first direction, multiple first conductive layers 132 can be arranged on the side of the electronic component 140 that is closer to the first wire 63 than to the second wire 73, and multiple second conductive layers 136 can be arranged on the other side of the electronic component 140 that is closer to the second wire 73 than to the first wire 63.

[0127] The electronic component assembly 100 may further include a case. The case accommodates therein the circuit board 130, the plurality of electronic components 140, the plurality of first connection terminals 150, and the plurality of second connection terminals 160. A plurality of wire entry holes 108 are formed in the case, and the other ends 65 of the plurality of first wires 63 and the other ends 75 of the plurality of second wires 73 are inserted into the plurality of wire entry holes 108.

[0128] The case may include a base 102 and a cover 120 detachably coupled to the base 102. The base 102 may be fixedly supported between a pair of adjacent exhaust port through holes 45 among a plurality of exhaust port through holes 45 formed in the bracket plate 41. A plurality of wire entry holes 108 may be formed in the base 102.

[0129] The base 102 may include a plurality of partition walls 105 spaced apart in the second direction, and a partition wall connection plate 103 connecting the plurality of partition walls 105 and supported on the support plate 41. The plurality of partition walls 105 may be arranged in two rows.

[0130] Between the plurality of partition walls 105 arranged along one of the two rows, the ends 65 of the first electric wires 63 can be fitted one by one, and the forks 153 of the plurality of first connection terminals 150 can be inserted one by one. Between the plurality of partition walls 105 arranged along the other of the two rows, the ends 75 of the second electric wires 73 can be fitted one by one, and the forks 163 of the plurality of second connection terminals 160 can be inserted one by one.

[0131] A wire entry hole 108 into which the end 65 of the first wire 63 and the fork 153 of the first connection terminal 150 are inserted, or the end 75 of the second wire 73 and the fork 163 of the second connection terminal 160 are inserted, may be formed between an adjacent pair of the plurality of partition walls 105. The base 102 may further include a pair of side walls 110 at both ends thereof along the second direction.

[0132] The cover 120 may include a top plate 121, a skirt 123, a circuit board pusher 128, and a circuit board support protrusion 124. The top plate 121 may cover the circuit board 130, the plurality of electronic components 140, the plurality of first connection terminals 150, and the plurality of second connection terminals 160 and prevent them from being exposed.

[0133] The skirt 123 is bent and extended from the edge of the top plate 121 toward the base 102. A plurality of electronic components 140, a plurality of pins 151 of the first connection terminals 150, a plurality of pins 161 of the second connection terminals 160, and solder 175 may be accommodated in an inner space of the cover 120 defined by the top plate 121 and the skirt 123.

[0134] In order to detachably couple the cover 120 to the base 102, the base 102 may include a pair of hook receivers 113 formed in the pair of side walls 110, and the cover 120 may include a pair of hooks 125 detachably coupled to the pair of hook receivers 113. The pair of hooks 125 may protrude downward from the skirt 123. Meanwhile, in an electronic component assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 and Figure 5 Instead, the hook receiver may be provided on the cover and the hook may be provided on the base.

[0135] The circuit board pusher 128 may be formed to protrude downward from the top plate 121. The circuit board pusher 128 may be provided in plural. The circuit board pusher 128 presses the circuit board 130 toward the base 102 so that the plurality of first connection terminals 150 are connected to the ends 65 of the plurality of first electric wires 63 and the plurality of second connection terminals 160 are connected to the ends 75 of the plurality of second electric wires 73.

[0136] Therefore, when the cover 120 is coupled to the base 102, the forks 153 of the multiple first connecting terminals 150 and the forks 163 of the multiple second connecting terminals 160 can be inserted into the multiple wire entry holes 108 one by one at the same time, so that the multiple first connecting terminals 150 and the multiple first wires 63 are connected and the multiple second connecting terminals 160 and the multiple second wires 73 are connected.

[0137] The circuit board support protrusions 124 may support the circuit board 130 to prevent the circuit board 130 from being separated from the cover 120. The circuit board support protrusions 124 may be provided in pairs. A pair of circuit board support protrusions 124 may protrude from a pair of hooks 125. Therefore, when the cover 120 is separated and spaced apart from the base 102, the circuit board 130 and the plurality of first connection terminals 150 and the plurality of second connection terminals 160 coupled thereto may be separated and spaced apart from the base 102 together with the cover 120.

[0138] Fig.11 It is shown Figure 3 A perspective view of a lead frame and wires supported on the lead frame, Fig.12 is shown separated from the wire Fig.11 View of the lead support in . Fig.11 and Fig.12 The battery module 10 may further include a lead support 80 mounted on the bus bar support 40 .

[0139] The lead support 80 may be supported on the support plate 41. A plurality of lead assembly grooves 85 may be formed, and a plurality of first electric wires 63 may be assembled and supported in the plurality of lead assembly grooves 85 one by one on a top surface 82 which is a side surface opposite to a side surface of the lead support 80 supported on the support plate 41. Each of the plurality of lead assembly grooves 85 is opened upward to allow the first electric wires 63 to be assembled therein.

[0140] The size of the width G2 of the opening of the lead fitting groove 85 opened upward may be slightly smaller than the size of the diameter of the first electric wire 63. Inside the lead fitting groove 85, the size of the maximum width G1 of the lead fitting groove 85 may be slightly larger than the size of the diameter of the first electric wire 63. Therefore, the first electric wires 63 can be fitted into the lead fitting groove 85 one by one to be in place, and will not accidentally fall out through the opening on the upper side of the lead fitting groove 85. A spacer 83 that separates an adjacent pair of first electric wires 63 by an appropriate distance may be provided between an adjacent pair of lead fitting grooves 85.

[0141] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a sensor included in a battery module is connected to a connector using a plurality of electric wires, for example, an electronic component such as a fuse may be easily and quickly connected to the electric wires.

[0142] According to the embodiments of the present invention, since electronic components and wires in a battery module are neatly arranged without bunching or tangling, it is easy to minimize the size of the battery module, the production cost of the battery module can be reduced, and the productivity of the battery module can be improved.

[0143] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments and the accompanying drawings showing aspects of the present invention, the present invention is not limited thereto. Various modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electronic component assembly, comprising: Circuit boards; electronic components mounted on the circuit board; a plurality of first connection terminals coupled to the circuit board to be electrically connected to the electronic component and electrically connected to a plurality of first electric wires; and A plurality of second connection terminals are coupled to the circuit board to be electrically connected to the electronic component and are electrically connected to a plurality of second electric wires spaced apart from the plurality of first electric wires.

2. The electronic component assembly according to claim 1 further includes a shell, which accommodates the circuit board, the electronic component, the plurality of first connecting terminals and the plurality of second connecting terminals, and has a plurality of wire entry holes, the plurality of wire entry holes are formed in the shell and the ends of the plurality of first wires and the ends of the plurality of second wires are inserted into the plurality of wire entry holes.

3. The electronic component assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The shell comprises: a base having the plurality of wire entry holes formed therein; and A cover is detachably coupled to the base and covers the circuit board, the electronic component, the plurality of first connection terminals, and the plurality of second connection terminals.

4. The electronic component assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The cover includes a circuit board pusher configured to press the circuit board so that the plurality of first connection terminals are connected to the plurality of first electric wires and the plurality of second connection terminals are connected to the plurality of second electric wires.

5. The electronic component assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The cover includes a circuit board support protrusion configured to support the circuit board so that the circuit board is not separated from the cover.

6. The electronic component assembly according to claim 3, wherein: One of the base and the cover includes a hook receiver, and the other of the base and the cover includes a hook detachably coupled to the hook receiver.

7. The electronic component assembly according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first electric wire and the second electric wire includes a core formed of a conductor and a sheath formed of an insulator and surrounding the core, wherein current flows through the core, and Each of the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal includes a fork that cuts the sheath and makes electrical contact with the core.

8. The electronic component assembly according to claim 7, wherein: The electronic component is mounted on one side surface of the circuit board, and the fork protrudes from the other side surface of the circuit board.

9. The electronic component assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The electronic component is a fuse, and the fuse is provided in plurality to be connected to the plurality of first connection terminals and the plurality of second connection terminals.

10. A battery module, comprising: Multiple battery cells; a plurality of sensors configured to detect states of the plurality of battery cells; a plurality of first electrical wires electrically connected to the plurality of sensors; a plurality of second electrical wires spaced apart from the plurality of first electrical wires and electrically connected to the connector; and An electronic component assembly is configured to electrically connect the plurality of first wires and the plurality of second wires, and includes a circuit board, an electronic component mounted on the circuit board, a plurality of first connection terminals coupled to the circuit board to be electrically connected to the electronic component and to the plurality of first wires, and a plurality of second connection terminals coupled to the circuit board to be electrically connected to the electronic component and to the plurality of second wires.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein: The electronic component assembly further includes a shell, which accommodates the circuit board, the electronic component, the plurality of first connection terminals and the plurality of second connection terminals, and has a plurality of wire entry holes, the plurality of wire entry holes are formed in the shell and the ends of the plurality of first wires and the ends of the plurality of second wires are inserted into the plurality of wire entry holes.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein the housing comprises: a base having the plurality of wire entry holes formed therein; and A cover is detachably coupled to the base and covers the circuit board, the electronic component, the plurality of first connection terminals, and the plurality of second connection terminals.

13. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein: The cover includes a circuit board pusher configured to press the circuit board so that the plurality of first connection terminals are connected to the plurality of first electric wires and the plurality of second connection terminals are connected to the plurality of second electric wires.

14. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein: Each of the first electric wire and the second electric wire includes a core formed of a conductor and a sheath formed of an insulator and surrounding the core, wherein current flows through the core, and Each of the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal includes a fork that cuts the sheath and makes electrical contact with the core.

15. The battery module according to claim 14, wherein: The electronic component is mounted on one side surface of the circuit board, and the fork protrudes from the other side surface of the circuit board.

16. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein: The electronic component is a fuse, and the fuse is provided in plurality to be connected to the plurality of first connection terminals and the plurality of second connection terminals.

17. The battery module according to claim 10, further comprising: a cell connection bus bar configured to electrically connect a pair of adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells; and The bus bar support is configured to support the single-unit connection bus bar, and the electronic component assembly is mounted on the bus bar support.

18. The battery module according to claim 17, wherein: Each of the battery cells includes a cell exhaust port, through which gas is exhausted from the interior of the battery cell to the exterior of the battery cell. The bus bar support has a plurality of exhaust port through holes formed therein and corresponding to the plurality of individual exhaust ports, and The electronic component assembly is located between a pair of adjacent exhaust port through holes among the plurality of exhaust port through holes.

19. The battery module according to claim 17, wherein: The sensor is a voltage sensor that is electrically connected to the cell connection bus bar and measures voltage.

20. The battery module according to claim 17, further comprising a lead support in which a plurality of lead assembly grooves are formed, in which the plurality of first electric wires are assembled and supported one by one, the lead support being mounted on the bus bar support.

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