Battery pack and protection method thereof

Abstract

The battery pack includes battery cells between first and second group terminals, balancing resistors respectively connected to the battery cells, balancing switches respectively connected to the battery cells and the balancing resistors, and is configured to form a closed circuit by connecting a corresponding one of the battery cells to a corresponding one of the balancing resistors, a battery pack includes a battery cell, a first set of terminals, a second set of terminals, a rack fuse between the battery cell and the first set of terminals or between the battery cell and the second set of terminals, a current sensor between the battery cell and the first set of terminals or the second set of terminals, and a controller configured to detect a set current between the first set of terminals and the second set of terminals through the current sensor, control a balance switch, and control the balance switch. And detects a short circuit between the first set of terminals and the second set of terminals based on the set current, and turns on all the balancing switches.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0138866 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on October 17, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] One or more embodiments relate to a battery pack and a protection method thereof. Background Art

[0004] Unlike non-rechargeable primary batteries, secondary batteries are batteries that can be repeatedly charged and recharged. Small batteries are used in portable small electronic devices such as smart phones, feature phones, laptops, digital cameras and video cameras, while large batteries are widely used in hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Electric vehicle batteries are used as a power source for driving motors. Generally, large batteries include battery cells, battery modules and battery packs.

[0005] A battery cell is a basic unit of a secondary battery that can be used by charging and discharging electric energy, and includes an electrode assembly including a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a housing in which the electrode assembly is housed, and the electrode assembly connected to the electrode terminal. A battery module is a battery assembly in which a certain number of battery cells are grouped together and placed in a frame to protect the battery cells from external impact, heat, vibration, etc. A battery pack is a final battery system completed by installing various control and protection systems such as a battery management system (BSM) and a cooling system on the battery module. A battery module may be referred to as a battery block or block, and a battery pack may be referred to as a battery rack or rack.

[0006] The battery cell may include a cell fuse to protect the interior of the battery cell from overcurrent. In addition, the battery pack may also include a main fuse to protect the battery pack from overcurrent, and the main fuse may be referred to as a rack fuse. If an overcurrent occurs due to a short circuit at the load end or the output end, the rack fuse usually blows first. However, if the cell fuse blows before the rack fuse, a reverse voltage exceeding the withstand voltage may be applied to the battery cell. An arc may occur in the battery cell, and there is a risk that the battery cell may ignite.

[0007] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the present disclosure and therefore it may contain information that does not constitute relevant technology. Summary of the invention

[0008] One or more embodiments include a battery pack capable of protecting a battery cell even if a relatively large reverse voltage is applied to the battery cell due to the blowing of a cell fuse.

[0009] One or more embodiments include a method of protecting a battery pack, which can protect a battery cell even if a relatively large reverse voltage is applied to the battery cell due to the blowing of a cell fuse.

[0010] However, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand other aspects from the following description of the present disclosure.

[0011] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments of the disclosure.

[0012] According to one or more embodiments, a battery pack includes battery cells between a first group of terminals and a second group of terminals, balancing resistors respectively connected to the battery cells, balancing switches respectively connected to the battery cells and the balancing resistors, and the balancing switches are configured to form a closed circuit by connecting a corresponding one of the battery cells to a corresponding one of the balancing resistors, a rack fuse between the battery cells and the first group of terminals or between the battery cells and the second group of terminals, a current sensor between the battery cells and the first group of terminals or between the battery cells and the second group of terminals, and a controller configured to detect a group current between the first group of terminals and the second group of terminals through the current sensor to control the balancing switches, and detect a short circuit between the first group of terminals and the second group of terminals based on the group current, and turn on all the balancing switches.

[0013] The battery cell may include a first cell terminal and a second cell terminal, an electrode assembly including a positive electrode connected to the first cell terminal, a negative electrode connected to the second cell terminal, and a separator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and a cell fuse between the electrode assembly and the first cell terminal or between the electrode assembly and the second cell terminal.

[0014] The controller may also be configured to detect a short circuit based on the pack current exceeding a reference value.

[0015] The controller may also be configured to determine whether the rack fuse is blown based on detecting that the short circuit is cleared in a state where all balancing switches are turned on.

[0016] The controller may be further configured to detect that the short circuit is cleared based on the pack current decreasing to a level equal to or less than a reference value.

[0017] The controller may also be configured to turn off all balancing switches based on the rack fuses not being blown.

[0018] The battery pack may also include a battery block connected between the first group of terminals and the second group of terminals and including corresponding battery cells in the battery cells, a balancing circuit including a balancing resistor and a balancing switch, respectively, a block control circuit configured to control the balancing switches, respectively, and a main controller configured to detect a group current, detect a state of a rack fuse, and control the block control circuit.

[0019] The controller may include a block control circuit and a main controller.

[0020] The main controller may also be configured to send a command to the block control circuit to turn on all balancing switches based on the short circuit.

[0021] The block control circuit may be configured to detect cell voltages of battery cells of a corresponding one of the battery blocks and control balancing switches of a corresponding one of the balancing circuits to equalize the cell voltages of the battery cells.

[0022] A method for protecting a battery pack according to one or more embodiments, wherein the battery pack includes battery cells between a first group of terminals and a second group of terminals, balancing resistors respectively connected to the battery cells, balancing switches respectively connected to the battery cells and the balancing resistors, and the balancing switch is configured to form a closed circuit by connecting a corresponding one of the battery cells to a corresponding one of the balancing resistors, a rack fuse between the battery cell and the first group of terminals or the second group of terminals, a current sensor between the battery cell and the first group of terminals or the second group of terminals, and a controller configured to control the balancing switch, the method including detecting a group current between the first group of terminals and the second group of terminals through the current sensor, detecting a short circuit between the first group of terminals and the second group of terminals based on the group current, and turning on all balancing switches based on the detection of the short circuit.

[0023] Detection of a short circuit may include comparing the pack current to a reference value and determining that the pack current exceeds the reference value.

[0024] The method may also include detecting that the short circuit is cleared and all balancing switches are turned on, and determining whether a rack fuse is blown.

[0025] Detecting that the short circuit is cleared may include comparing the pack current with a reference value, and determining that the pack current is reduced to a level equal to or less than the reference value.

[0026] The method may also include determining that the rack fuse is not blown and turning off all balancing switches.

[0027] The battery cell may include a first cell terminal and a second cell terminal, an electrode assembly including a positive electrode connected to the first cell terminal, a negative electrode connected to the second cell terminal, and a separator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and a cell fuse between the electrode assembly and the first cell terminal or the second cell terminal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, serve to provide a further understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure, and therefore, the present disclosure is not to be construed as being limited to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0029] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2 is a flowchart for describing a method for protecting a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a battery pack according to other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 A block of battery pack;

[0033] Figure 5A and Figure 5B are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, showing a cylindrical battery cell mounted on a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 6 is a partial perspective view showing the structure of a pouch-type battery cell mounted on a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Fig. 7A is a perspective view showing a prismatic battery cell mounted on a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 7B is along Fig. 7A A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] By referring to the detailed description and drawings of the embodiments, it is easier to understand the aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure and their implementation methods. The described embodiments are provided as examples so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the various aspects of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Therefore, redundant, irrelevant or unrelated to the description of the embodiments, or processes, elements and techniques that are not necessary for a complete understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure for those of ordinary skill in the art can be omitted. Unless otherwise stated, throughout the drawings and written descriptions, the same reference numerals, characters or combinations thereof represent the same elements, and therefore, their repeated descriptions can be omitted.

[0037] The described embodiments may have various modifications and may be embodied in different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments shown herein. The use of "can", "may", or "may not" when describing an embodiment corresponds to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The present disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions within the conceptual and technical scope of the present disclosure. In addition, each feature of the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined with each other in part or in whole, and various interlocks and drives are technically possible. Each embodiment may be implemented independently of one another, or may be implemented together in association.

[0038] In the drawings, the relative sizes of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity and / or descriptive purposes. In addition, cross-hatching and / or shading are generally provided in the drawings to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the presence or absence of cross-hatching or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for specific materials, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalities between the elements shown, and / or any other characteristics, attributes, properties, etc. of the elements.

[0039] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views as schematic diagrams of embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Therefore, variations in the illustrated shapes due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are contemplated. In addition, for the purpose of describing embodiments according to the concepts of the present disclosure, the specific structures or functional descriptions disclosed herein are merely illustrative. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be interpreted as being limited to the illustrated shapes of elements, layers, or regions, but rather include shape deviations caused by, for example, manufacturing.

[0040] For ease of explanation, spatial relative terms such as "beneath", "below", "lower", "lower side", "under", "above", "upper", "upper side", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figure. It should be understood that in addition to the orientation shown in the figure, the spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is turned over, the elements described as "below", "below" or "below" other elements or features will be oriented as "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the example terms "below" and "below" can include orientations above and below. The device can be oriented in other ways (for example, rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, when a first part is described as being arranged "on" a second part, this means that the first part is arranged on the upper or lower side of the second part based on the direction of gravity, without being limited to its upper side.

[0041] In addition, the phrase "in a plan view" means when the object portion is viewed from above, and the phrase "in a schematic cross-sectional view" means when a schematic cross-sectional view taken by vertically cutting the object portion is viewed from the side. The term "overlap" or "overlapped" means that the first object can be above or below or on one side of the second object, and vice versa. In addition, the term "overlap" may include stacking, facing or facing, extending thereon, covering or partially covering, or any other suitable term that will be understood and understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The expression "non-overlapping" may include meanings such as "apart from" or "set aside from" or "offset from" and any other suitable equivalents that will be understood and understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The terms "face" and "facing" may indicate that the first object may be directly or indirectly opposite to the second object. In the case where a third object is between the first object and the second object, the first object and the second object may be understood to be indirectly opposite to each other, although still facing each other.

[0042] It should be understood that when an element, layer, region, or component is referred to as being "formed on," "on," "connected to," or "(operably or communicatively) coupled to," it may be directly formed on, on, connected to, or coupled to, or indirectly formed on, on, connected to, or coupled to, such that one or more intervening elements, layers, regions, or components may be present. Additionally, this may collectively mean direct or indirect coupling or connection, as well as integral or non-integral coupling or connection. For example, when a layer, region, or component is referred to as being “electrically connected” or “electrically coupled” to another layer, region, or component, it may be directly electrically connected or coupled to the other layer, region, and / or component, or one or more intermediate layers, regions, or components may be present. The one or more intermediate components may include switches, resistors, capacitors, etc. When describing embodiments, unless explicitly described as being directly connected, the expression of connection indicates electrical connection, and “directly connected / directly coupled” or “directly on” means that one component is directly connected or coupled to another component, or is on another component, without any intermediate components.

[0043] In addition, in this specification, when a part of a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is formed on another part, the formation direction is not limited to the upper direction, but includes forming the part on the side or in the lower direction. On the other hand, when a part of a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is formed "under" other parts, it includes not only the case where the part is "directly below" other parts, but also the case where there are other parts between the part and other parts. At the same time, other expressions describing the relationship between components, such as "between...", "directly between..." or "adjacent to" and "directly adjacent to", can be similarly interpreted. It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, it can be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or one or more intermediate elements or layers may also be present.

[0044] For the purposes of this disclosure, expressions such as "at least one of" or "any one of" or "one or more of" when preceding a list of elements modify the entire list of elements, rather than the individual elements in the list. For example, "at least one of X, Y, and Z," "at least one of X, Y, or Z," "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z," and "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, or Z" may be interpreted as any combination of only X, only Y, only Z, two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as, for example, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ, or any variation thereof. Similarly, the expressions "at least one of A and B" and "at least one of A or B" may include A, B, or A and B. As used herein, "or" generally means "and / or," and the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items. For example, the expression "A and / or B" may include A, B, or A and B. Similarly, expressions such as “at least one of,” “a plurality of,” “one of,” and other prepositional phrases, when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.

[0045] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. can be used herein 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 do not correspond to a specific order, position or superiority, and are only used to distinguish an element, member, component, region, area, layer, section or part from another element, member, component, region, area, layer, section or part. Therefore, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, the first element, component, region, layer or part described below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or part. Describing an element as a "first" element may not require or imply the presence of a second element or other elements. The terms "first", "second", etc. can also be used in this article to distinguish elements of different categories or sets. For the sake of simplicity, the terms "first", "second", etc. can respectively represent "first category (or first set)", "second category (or second set)", etc.

[0046] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "an" are intended to also include the plural forms, and the plural forms are also intended to include the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "have", "having", "includes" and "including" specify the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0047] When one or more embodiments can be implemented differently, a specific process order can be performed differently from the described order. For example, two processes described in succession can be performed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order of the described order.

[0048] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," "approximately," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than terms of degree, and are intended to take into account the inherent deviations in measured or calculated values ​​that one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize. For example, "substantially" may include a range of + / - 5% of the corresponding value. As used herein, "about" or "approximately" include the stated value and mean within the acceptable range of deviation of the particular value determined by one of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" may mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, 20%, 10%, 5% of the stated value. In addition, when describing embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of "may" refers to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure."

[0049] In some embodiments, known structures and devices may be described in the accompanying drawings with respect to one or more functional blocks (e.g., block diagrams), units and / or modules to avoid unnecessary obscurity of various embodiments. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that such blocks, units and / or modules are physically implemented by logic circuits, separate components, microprocessors, hard-wired circuits, memory elements, line connections, and other electronic circuits. This can be formed using semiconductor-based manufacturing techniques or other manufacturing techniques. Blocks, units and / or modules implemented by microprocessors or other similar hardware can be programmed and controlled using software to perform the various functions discussed herein, and can optionally be driven by firmware and / or software. In addition, each block, unit and / or module can be implemented by a combination of dedicated hardware or dedicated hardware that performs some functions and a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and related circuits) that performs functions different from those of the dedicated hardware. In addition, in some embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, blocks, units and / or modules can be physically divided into two or more interacting separate blocks, units and / or modules. Additionally, in some embodiments, blocks, units and / or modules may be physically combined into more complex blocks, units and / or modules without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0050] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that, unless explicitly defined as such herein, terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and / or this specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0051] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] refer to Figure 1 , the battery pack 100 includes a battery 110, a balancing circuit 120, and a controller 130 between a first terminal group PT1 and a second terminal group PT2. The battery pack 100 may be connected to a load 10 through the first terminal group PT1 and the second terminal group PT2, and energy stored in the battery 110 may be supplied to the load 10. Instead of the load 10, a charging device may be connected to the first terminal group PT1 and the second terminal group PT2, and the charging device may supply energy for charging the battery 110.

[0053] The battery pack 100 also includes a frame fuse F R . Frame fuse F R can be connected between the battery 110 and the first set of terminals PT1. According to one or more other embodiments, the frame fuse F RIt can be connected between the battery 110 and the second set of terminals PT2.

[0054] If a current equal to or greater than a corresponding amount (eg, a preset amount) flows to block a high current path through the battery 110, the rack fuse F R If the rack fuse F R blown, a relatively large reverse voltage can be applied to the frame fuse F R Both ends of the frame fuse F R Has a withstand voltage sufficient to withstand a relatively large reverse voltage. If the frame fuse F R The reverse voltage of the withstand voltage is applied, then the frame fuse F R A melting arc may occur between the two terminals of the device, which may cause a fire and damage internal components.

[0055] The controller 130 can detect the rack fuse F R For example, the controller 130 may determine the state of the rack fuse F R For example, the controller 130 may determine whether the fuse has been blown based on the rack fuse F R The potential difference between the two ends of the rack fuse F is determined R status.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, the battery pack 100 may include a switch between the battery 110 and the first terminal PT1 or the second terminal PT2, and the controller 130 may control the opening and closing of the switch. The switch may include a charge control switch and a discharge control switch. If the charge control switch is disconnected, the battery 110 may be discharged, but the charging of the battery 110 is blocked. If the discharge control switch is disconnected, the battery 110 may be charged, but the discharge of the battery 110 is blocked. The switch may be, for example, a relay switch.

[0057] The battery pack 100 includes a current sensor for detecting a discharge current discharged from the battery 110 and for detecting a charge current for charging the battery 110. The charge current and discharge current of the battery 110 are referred to as a pack current. According to an embodiment, the current sensor may be a shunt resistor R between the battery 110 and the second pack terminal PT2. S In one or more embodiments, the shunt resistor R S It can be connected between the battery 110 and the first set of terminals PT1.

[0058] The controller 130 can be based on the shunt resistor R S The controller 130 can detect the magnitude of the group current by using a shunt resistor R SThe controller 130 can detect the group current and can detect the short circuit between the first group terminal PT1 and the second group terminal PT2 based on the group current. For example, if the controller 130 detects that the group current exceeds the corresponding reference value (e.g., a preset reference value), the controller 130 can determine that a short circuit has occurred between the first group terminal PT1 and the second group terminal PT2.

[0059] The battery 110 may include a plurality of battery cells C1, C2, C3, . . . , and C n . Battery cells C1, C2, C3, ..., and C n The battery is a portion that stores electricity and may be a rechargeable secondary battery. For example, the battery cells C1, C2, C3, . . . , and C n At least one selected from the group consisting of a lithium ion battery, a lithium polymer battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a nickel metal hydride battery (Ni-MH), a nickel-zinc battery (Ni-Zn), or a lead storage battery may be included.

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, battery cells C1, C2, C3, ..., and C n The battery cells C1, C2, C3, . . . , and C2 may be connected in series between the first terminal group PT1 and the second terminal group PT2. However, this is merely an example, and the battery cells C1, C2, C3, . . . , and C2 may be determined according to the output voltage and power storage capacity suitable for the battery pack 100. n The number and connection configuration of battery cells C1, C2, C3, ..., and C n Each of them can be referred to as a battery cell C.

[0061] The battery cell C may include an electrode assembly and a cell fuse F connected in series between a first cell terminal and a second cell terminal. C The electrode assembly may include a positive electrode E connected to a first cell terminal. P , connected to the negative electrode E of the second cell terminal N and at the positive electrode E P and negative electrode E N so that the positive electrode E P and negative electrode E N The first cell terminal may be a positive electrode terminal of the battery cell C, and the second cell terminal may be a negative electrode terminal of the battery cell C.

[0062] If a current equal to or greater than a corresponding amount (eg, a preset amount) flows to block a current path through the battery cell C, the cell fuse F C The fuse is blown, thereby reducing or preventing the risk of ignition or explosion of the electrode assembly in the battery cell C, for example.

[0063] If in Figure 1 If a short circuit occurs between the first terminal PT1 and the second terminal PT2 of the battery pack 100, for example, a load 10 with a short circuit is connected between the first terminal PT1 and the second terminal PT2, a relatively large pack current is generated. If a relatively large pack current is generated due to the short circuit, the rack fuse FR, which generally has a higher withstand voltage, is blown first. However, if the battery cells C1, C2, C3, . . . , and C n Any single fuse F C In the frame fuse F R If it has blown before, then the single fuse F C A relatively large reverse voltage is generated at both ends of the circuit.

[0064] The magnitude of the reverse voltage may be large enough to correspond to the voltages of the battery cells C1, C2, C3, . . . , and C n The magnitude of the total voltage (e.g., the group voltage between the first group terminal PT1 and the second group terminal PT2) is applied to the blown single fuse F. C This relatively large reverse voltage may exceed the single fuse F C The withstand voltage exceeds the fuse F C The reverse voltage of the withstand voltage may be the fuse F C An arc is generated in the battery. Due to the arc, the separator of the corresponding battery cell C may be damaged, and the positive electrode E of the electrode assembly may be damaged. P and negative electrode E N The battery cells C may even ignite or explode.

[0065] Even if a short circuit occurs between the first terminal PT1 and the second terminal PT2, and if the single fuse F C Any one of the fuses F R If the battery pack 100 of the present disclosure is blown before the single fuse F is blown, the battery pack 100 of the present disclosure can reduce or prevent the single fuse F from blowing. C There is a possibility that a reverse voltage exceeding the withstand voltage will be generated at both ends of the device.

[0066] The balancing circuit 120 includes a plurality of battery cells C1, C2, C3, . . . , and C n Multiple balancing resistors R B1 , R B2 , R B3 , ..., and R Bn And multiple balancing switches SB1 , S B2 , S B3 , ..., and S Bn . Balance switch S B1 , S B2 , S B3 , ..., and S Bn Each of the cells is connected to a corresponding cell among the cells C1, C2, C3, . . . , and Cn, and is connected to a balancing resistor R B1 , R B2 , R B3 , ..., and R Bn The corresponding balancing resistor. If the balancing switch S B1 , S B2 , S B3 , ..., and S Bn When each of the balancing resistors is turned on, the corresponding battery cell and the corresponding balancing resistor may be connected to form a closed circuit.

[0067] like Figure 1 As shown, the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal of the first battery cell C1 are connected in series through a first balancing resistor R B1 and the first balancing switch S B1 If the first balancing switch S B1 When the first battery cell C1 and the first balancing resistor R B1 A closed circuit is formed, and the two terminals of the first battery cell C1 are directly connected to the first balancing resistor R B1 corresponding end.

[0068] For example, if the cell voltage of the first battery cell C1 is higher than the cell voltages of the other battery cells C2, C3, . . . , and Cn, the first balancing switch S B1 The controller 130 may be turned on, and the energy stored in the first battery cell C1 may be transferred through the first balancing resistor R B1 is consumed, and the cell voltage of the first battery cell C1 may be lowered to be consistent with the other battery cells C2, C3, . . . , and C n The cell voltage is similar.

[0069] The controller 130 may be configured to detect the group current of the battery 110 flowing between the first group terminal PT1 and the second group terminal PT2 through a current sensor, and control the balancing switch S B1 , S B2 , S B3 , ..., and S Bn The controller 130 can detect the rack fuse FR According to the present disclosure, if the controller 130 can be configured to turn on all balancing switches S B1 , S B2 , S B3 , ..., and S Bn , a short circuit between the first group terminal PT1 and the second group terminal PT2 can be detected based on the group current.

[0070] If the rack fuse F R The frame fuse F is the first to blow due to the short circuit. R The single fuse F is designed to have a withstand voltage higher than the reverse voltage corresponding to the pack voltage, so the battery pack 100 can be safely protected. C Any one of the following (for example, the single fuse F of the first battery cell C1) C ) In the frame fuse F R Before the fuse was blown, because all the balancing switches S B1 , S B2 , S B3 , ..., and S Bn Under the control of the controller 130, the reverse voltage applied to the first battery cell C1 is applied to the first balancing resistor R B1 The two ends of the battery cell C1 can reduce or prevent the single fuse F C The possibility of arcing.

[0071] Figure 2 is a flowchart for describing a method for protecting a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] Combination Figure 1 refer to Figure 2 , the controller 130 can detect the current through the shunt resistor R S The magnitude of the group current of the voltage at both ends of the group terminal PT1 and the group terminal PT2 can be detected by the group current exceeding the corresponding reference value (eg, a preset reference value) ( ​​S10 ).

[0073] If the controller 130 determines that a short circuit has occurred, the controller 130 may control the balancing switch S B1 , S B2 , S B3 , ..., and S Bn , so that all balancing switches S B1 , S B2 , S B3 , ..., and S Bn It is immediately connected (S20).

[0074] Due to short circuit, the frame fuse F R If the rack fuse F R If the fuse is blown, the electrical connection between the battery 110 and the first group terminal PT1 is disconnected. In this regard, the group current may be reduced to about 0. The controller 130 may detect whether the short circuit has been cleared by the group current being equal to or less than a corresponding reference value (eg, a preset reference value) (S30).

[0075] In addition, the controller 130 can detect that a short circuit has occurred due to a temporary surge current. In one or more embodiments, the rack fuse F R The fuse is not blown, but the pack current may be reduced to a normal level. The controller 130 may detect that the short circuit has been cleared by the pack current being reduced to a normal level (S30).

[0076] The controller 130 can detect the rack fuse F R To determine the status of the rack fuse F R Is it blown (S40). If the rack fuse F R Since the short circuit is not blown, the controller 130 may determine that the short circuit does not actually occur and may control the balancing switch S B1 , S B2 , S B3 , ... and S Bn , so that all balancing switches S B1 , S B2 , S B3 , ... and S Bn However, if the rack fuse F R If it is blown due to a short circuit, replace the rack fuse F. R The battery pack 100 may not be used before, and the controller 130 may end the protection operation.

[0077] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a battery pack according to other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0078] refer to Figure 3 The battery pack 200 includes a plurality of blocks (eg, first to third blocks 201, 202, and 203) and a main controller 240 between first and second terminal groups PT1 and PT2. The battery pack 200 may be connected to the load 20 through the first and second terminal groups PT1 and PT2.

[0079] A plurality of blocks (eg, first to third blocks 201, 202, and 203) may include first to third battery blocks 210a, 210b, and 210c, first to third balancing circuits 220a, 220b, and 220c, and first to third control circuits 230a, 230b, and 230c, respectively.

[0080] The first to third battery blocks 210a, 210b, and 210c are portions in which power is stored, and may each include a plurality of battery cells. The first to third balancing circuits 220a, 220b, and 220c are circuits for balancing the cell voltages of the battery cells respectively included in the first to third battery blocks 210a, 210b, and 210c. The first to third control circuits 230a, 230b, and 230c may respectively manage the battery cells of the first to third battery blocks 210a, 210b, and 210c, and may respectively control the first to third balancing circuits 220a, 220b, and 220c.

[0081] The battery pack 200 also includes a frame fuse F R . Frame fuse F R The rack fuse F may be connected between the first to third battery blocks 210a, 210b, and 210c and the first group of terminals PT1 or the second group of terminals PT2. If a current equal to or greater than a corresponding amount (eg, a preset amount) flows, the rack fuse F R The rack fuse F is blown to block the high current path through the first battery block to the third battery block 210a, 210b and 210c. R blown, a relatively large reverse voltage is applied to the frame fuse F R Both ends of the frame fuse F R The main controller 240 can detect the frame fuse F R The status of the rack fuse F R Is the fuse blown?

[0082] The battery pack 200 includes a current sensor for detecting a pack current flowing through the first to third battery blocks 210a, 210b, and 210c. The current sensor may be a shunt resistor R between the first to third battery blocks 210a, 210b, and 210c and the second pack terminal PT2 or the first pack terminal PT1. S .

[0083] The main controller 240 can be based on the shunt resistor R S The voltage across the two ends is used to detect the magnitude of the group current. If the main controller 240 detects the magnitude of the group current by using a shunt resistor RS Upon detecting that the group current exceeds a corresponding reference value (eg, a preset reference value), the main controller 240 may determine that a short circuit has occurred between the first group terminal PT1 and the second group terminal PT2 .

[0084] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 A block of battery pack.

[0085] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 3 , showing Figure 3 The first block 201 of the battery pack 200 . The second block 202 and the third block 203 may be substantially the same as the first block 201 .

[0086] The first battery block 210a may include battery cells C1, C2, C3, . . . , and C n .like Figure 4 As shown, battery cells C1, C2, C3, ..., and C n The battery cells C1, C2, C3, . . . , and C n Each of them can be referred to as a battery cell C.

[0087] The battery cell C may include an electrode assembly and a cell fuse F connected in series between a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal. C The electrode assembly may include a positive electrode E connected to a positive electrode terminal. P , a negative electrode E connected to the negative electrode terminal N and at the positive electrode E P and negative electrode E N so that the positive electrode E P and negative electrode E N The diaphragms that separate them from each other.

[0088] If the current flowing is equal to or greater than a corresponding amount (eg, a preset amount), the single fuse F C The fuse may be blown to block the current path through the battery cell C, thereby reducing or preventing, for example, the risk of ignition or explosion of the electrode assembly in the battery cell C.

[0089] If in Figure 3 If a short circuit occurs between the first group terminal PT1 and the second group terminal PT2 of the battery pack 200, a relatively large group current flows between the first group terminal PT1 and the second group terminal PT2. If a relatively large group current flows due to a short circuit, the rack fuse F RHowever, if the battery cells C1, C2, C3, . . . , and C n Any single fuse F C In the frame fuse F R If it has blown before, then the single fuse F C The two ends of the fuse generate more than the single fuse F C The reverse voltage of the withstand voltage. This reverse voltage may be C The arc is generated in the battery and the separator of the battery cell C may be damaged, resulting in the positive electrode E of the electrode assembly P and negative electrode E N Contact each other.

[0090] The first balancing circuit 220a includes a circuit connected to the battery cells C1, C2, C3, . . . , and C n Multiple balancing resistors R B1 , R B2 , R B3 , ..., and R Bn And multiple balancing switches S B1 , S B2 , S B3 , ..., and S Bn .like Figure 4 As shown, the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal of the first battery cell C1 are connected in series through a first balancing resistor R B1 and the first balancing switch S B1 If the first balancing switch S B1 is turned on, the first battery cell C1 and the first balancing resistor R B1 A closed circuit is formed, and the two terminals of the first battery cell C1 are directly connected to the first balancing resistor R B1 both ends of .

[0091] The first control circuit 230a can monitor the battery cells C1, C2, C3, . . . , and C in the first battery block 210a. n The first block control circuit 230a can perform a function for balancing the battery cells C1, C2, C3, . . . , and C2 in the first battery block 210a by using the first balancing circuit 220a. n The first control circuit 230a can be called an analog front end AFE.

[0092] The first control circuit 230a may include battery terminals T0, T1, T2, T3, . . . , T n-1 and Tn The battery cells C1, C2, C3, . . . and C2 in the first battery block 210a are n Can be connected to battery terminals T0, T1, T2, T3, ..., T n-1 and T n For example, the first battery cell C1 may be connected between the battery terminals T0 and T1.

[0093] The first control circuit 230a may include a multiplexer (MUX) 231. The MUX 231 may receive power from the battery terminals T0, T1, T2, T3, . . . , T n-1 and T n The MUX 231 can select two adjacent battery terminals connected to the battery cells C1, C2, C3, . . . , and C n of either battery terminals.

[0094] The first control circuit 230a may include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 232. The ADC 232 may convert the voltage between the two battery terminals selected by the MUX 231 into a digital value. The ADC 232 may convert the voltage between the two battery terminals selected by the MUX 231 from the battery cells C1, C2, C3, . . . , and C n The cell voltage of the selected battery cell is converted into a digital value.

[0095] The first block control circuit 230a may include a block controller 233. The block controller 233 may receive the digital value output from the ADC 232. The block controller 233 may control the MUX 231 to sequentially select the battery cells C1, C2, C3, . . . , and C2 in the first battery block 210a one by one. n , and synchronously therewith, the digital values ​​output from the ADC 232 may be received to collect the battery cells C1, C2, C3, . . . , and C n All cell voltages.

[0096] The first block control circuit 230a may include a balance control circuit 234. The balance control circuit 234 may control the balance switch S under the control of the block controller 233. B1 , S B2 , S B3 , ..., and S Bn The block controller 233 may select the battery cells C1, C2, C3, . . . and C nThe battery cell that is a candidate for cell balancing is determined. For example, it can be assumed that the first battery cell C1 is a battery cell that is a candidate for cell balancing. The block controller 233 can control the balancing control circuit 234 to perform cell balancing on the first battery cell C1, and the balancing control circuit 234 can turn on the first balancing switch S corresponding to the first battery cell C1. B1 The power stored in the first battery cell C1 can be connected to the first balancing switch S B1 The first balancing resistor R B1 The power is consumed to reduce the cell voltage of the first battery cell C1.

[0097] The main controller 240 may be configured to detect the group current of the battery 210 flowing between the first group terminal PT1 and the second group terminal PT2 through a current sensor, and control the balancing switches S of the first to third blocks 201, 202, and 203. B1 , S B2 , S B3 , ..., and S Bn The main controller 240 can detect the rack fuse F R According to the present disclosure, if the main controller 240 detects a short circuit between the first group terminal PT1 and the second group terminal PT2 based on the group current, in order to turn on all the balancing switches S of the first to third blocks 201, 202 and 203 B1 , S B2 , S B3 , ..., and S Bn , the main controller 240 can send a command to the block controller 233 of the first block 201 to turn on all balancing switches.

[0098] The block controller 233 of the first block 201 may turn on all balancing switches S of the first block 201 according to a command from the main controller 240. B1 , S B2 , S B3 , ..., and S Bn , and can send a command to the block controller 233 of the second block 202. The block controller 233 of the second block 202 can also turn on all balancing switches S of the second block 202 according to the command. B1 , S B2 , S B3 , ..., and S Bn , and can send a command to the block controller 233 of the third block 203. The block controller 233 of the third block 203 can also turn on all balancing switches S of the third block 203 according to the command. B1 , S B2 , S B3 , ..., and SBn .

[0099] If the rack fuse F R The frame fuse F is the first to blow due to the short circuit. R The single fuse F is designed to have a withstand voltage higher than the reverse voltage corresponding to the pack voltage, so the battery pack 200 can be safely protected. C Any one of the following (for example, the single fuse F of the first battery cell C1 of the first block 201) C ) In the frame fuse F R Before the fuse was blown, because all the balancing switches S B1 , S B2 , S B3 , ..., and S Bn Under the control of the main controller 240, both are turned on, so the reverse voltage applied to the first battery cell C1 is applied to the first balancing resistor R B1 The two ends of the battery cell C1 can reduce or prevent the single fuse F C Even if a short circuit occurs at the load end of the battery pack 200, the battery pack 200 and the user using the battery pack 200 can be safely protected.

[0100] Figure 5A and Figure 5B 1 and 2 are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, showing a cylindrical battery cell mounted on a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0101] refer to Figure 5A and Figure 5B , the cylindrical battery cell 1100 includes a cylindrical can 1110, an electrode assembly 1120, and a cap assembly 1140. The cylindrical battery cell 1100 may further include a center pin 1130. The cap assembly 1140 performs a current interruption operation in the cylindrical battery cell 1100 and may be referred to as a current interruption device.

[0102] The cylindrical can 1110 may include a bottom portion 1111 having a substantially circular shape and a cylindrical sidewall 1112 extending upward from the circumference of the bottom portion 1111. During the process of manufacturing the cylindrical battery cell 1100, the upper portion of the cylindrical can 1110 may be opened, and the electrode assembly 1120 and the center pin 1130 may be inserted into the cylindrical can 1110 together with the electrolyte. The cylindrical can 1110 may be formed of, for example, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or the equivalent.

[0103] In order to reduce or prevent the possibility of the cap assembly 1140 escaping to the outside, the cylindrical can 1110 may include a curling portion 1113 recessed inward at the bottom of the side surface of the cap assembly 1140, and may include a curling portion 1114 bent inward at the top of the side surface of the cap assembly 1140.

[0104] The electrode assembly 1120 may be housed in the cylindrical can 1110. The electrode assembly 1120 may include a negative electrode plate 1121 (wherein a negative electrode active material (e.g., graphite or carbon) is coated on a negative electrode current collector plate), a positive electrode plate 1122 (wherein a positive electrode active material (e.g., a transition metal oxide such as LiCoO2, LiNiO2, or LiMn2O4) is coated on a positive electrode current collector plate), and a separator 1123 located between the negative electrode plate 1121 and the positive electrode plate 1122 to reduce or prevent the possibility of a short circuit therebetween while allowing lithium ions to move therethrough. In addition, the negative electrode plate 1121, the positive electrode plate 1122, and the separator 1123 may be wound in a substantially cylindrical shape. For example, the negative electrode current collector plate may be formed of copper (Cu) foil, the positive electrode current collector plate may be formed of aluminum (Al) foil, and the separator may be formed of polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0105] The negative electrode tab 1124 protruding downward and extending a certain length may be welded to the negative electrode plate 1121, and the positive electrode tab 1125 protruding upward and extending a certain length may be welded to the positive electrode plate 1122, or vice versa. The negative electrode tab 1124 may be formed of copper (Cu) or nickel (NI), and the positive electrode tab 1125 may be formed of aluminum (Al), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0106] The cell fuse 1125f may be formed on the positive electrode tab 1125. The cell fuse 1125f is a portion of the positive electrode tab 1125, and may be a portion having a width or thickness smaller than that of other portions of the positive electrode tab 1125. According to one or more other embodiments, the cell fuse may be formed on the negative electrode tab 1124.

[0107] The negative electrode tab 1124 of the electrode assembly 1120 may be welded to the bottom portion 1111 of the cylindrical can 1110. In this regard, the cylindrical can 1110 may operate as a negative electrode. In one or more other embodiments, the positive electrode tab 1125 may be welded to the bottom portion 1111 of the cylindrical can 1110, and the cylindrical can 1110 may operate as a positive electrode.

[0108] The first insulating plate 1126 may be located between the electrode assembly 1120 and the bottom portion 1111. The first insulating plate 1126 reduces or prevents the possibility of the electrode assembly 1120 (e.g., the positive electrode plate 1122) from electrically contacting the bottom portion 1111. The first insulating plate 1126 may have or define a first hole 1126a located in the center and a second hole 1126b spaced apart from the first hole 1126a. If a large amount of gas is generated due to an abnormality of the cylindrical battery cell 1100, the first hole 1126a allows the gas to quickly move upward through the center pin 1130, and the second hole 1126b allows the negative electrode tab 1124 to pass therethrough to be welded to the bottom portion 1111.

[0109] The second insulating plate 1127 may be located between the electrode assembly 1120 and the cap assembly 1140. The second insulating plate 1127 reduces or prevents the possibility of the electrode assembly 1120 (e.g., the negative electrode plate 1121) from electrically contacting the cap assembly 1140. The second insulating plate 1127 may have a first hole 1127a located at the center and a plurality of second holes 1127b located outside the first hole 1127a. If a large amount of gas is generated due to an abnormality of the cylindrical battery cell 1100, the first hole 1127a allows the gas to move quickly toward the cap assembly 1140, and one of the plurality of second holes 1127b allows the positive electrode tab 1125 to pass therethrough to be welded to the cap assembly 1140. In addition, the remaining second holes 1127b allow the electrolyte to flow quickly into the electrode assembly 1120 during the electrolyte injection process.

[0110] Because the diameters of the first hole 1126a of the first insulating plate 1126 and the first hole 1127a of the second insulating plate 1127 are smaller than the diameter of the center pin 1130, the possibility of the center pin 1130 electrically contacting the bottom portion 1111 of the cylindrical can 1110 or the cover assembly 1140 due to external impact is reduced or prevented.

[0111] The center pin 1130 has a hollow cylindrical shape and may be coupled to the center of the electrode assembly 1120. The center pin 1130 may be formed of, for example, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, or polybutylene terephthalate. The center pin 1130 suppresses deformation of the electrode assembly 1120 during battery charging and discharging, and serves as a passage through which gas generated inside the cylindrical battery cell 1100 moves. The center pin 1130 may be omitted if appropriate.

[0112] The cap assembly 1140 may include a top plate 1141, an intermediate plate 1142, an insulating plate 1143, and a bottom plate 1144. The intermediate plate 1142 is located below the top plate 1141 and may have a substantially flat shape. If viewed from the bottom, the insulating plate 1143 may be formed in a ring shape having a corresponding width. In addition, the insulating plate 1143 insulates the intermediate plate 1142 and the bottom plate 1144 from each other. The insulating plate 1143 may be located, for example, between the intermediate plate 1142 and the bottom plate 1144, and then ultrasonically welded, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0113] Figure 6 is a partial perspective view illustrating a structure of a pouch-type battery cell mounted on a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] refer to Figure 6 , the pouch type battery cell 1200 includes an electrode assembly 1210 and a pouch 1230 in which the electrode assembly 1210 is accommodated.

[0115] The electrode assembly 1210 includes a negative electrode plate 1212 as a first electrode plate, a positive electrode plate 1214 as a second electrode plate, and a separator 1216 located between the negative electrode plate 1212 and the positive electrode plate 1214. The negative electrode plate 1212 includes a negative electrode terminal 1212a electrically connected to the non-coating portion of the negative electrode, and the positive electrode plate 1214 includes a positive electrode terminal 1214a electrically connected to the non-coating portion of the positive electrode. The negative electrode terminal 1212a and the positive electrode terminal 1214a are respectively welded to the negative electrode lead 1252 and the positive electrode lead 1254 of the external terminal to be electrically connected to the outside. The terminal film 1256 for insulation from the bag 1230 is attached to the negative electrode lead 1252 and the positive electrode lead 1254.

[0116] The cell fuse 1254f may be formed on the positive electrode lead 1254. The cell fuse 1254f is a portion of the positive electrode lead 1254, and may be a portion having a width or thickness smaller than that of other portions of the positive electrode lead 1254. According to one or more other embodiments, the cell fuse may be formed on the positive electrode tab 1214a. According to one or more other embodiments, the cell fuse may be formed on the negative electrode tab 1212a or the negative electrode lead 1252.

[0117] In a state where the electrode assembly 1210 is accommodated in the bag 1230, the sealing portions 1232 of the edges of the bag 1230 contact each other to be sealed. In one or more embodiments, the sealing portions 1232 are sealed in a state where the terminal film 1256 is located between the sealing portions 1232. Figure 6As shown, the form in which the tab film 1256 is attached to each of the negative electrode tab 1212a and the positive electrode tab 1214a is defined as a “separable tab film.” This sealing structure may be defined as a separable sealing structure.

[0118] The sealing portion 1232 of the bag 1230 is formed of a heat-fusible material and is sealed by adhering heat-fusible layers to each other. Since the heat-fusible material generally has weak adhesion to metals, the tab film 1256 as a thin film is attached to the tabs to be fused to the bag 1230. However, in the separable sealing structure, the tab film 1256 may be attached to each tab, welded to the tabs, and then heat-fused with the bag 1230, thereby reducing workability and productivity.

[0119] Fig. 7A is a perspective view illustrating a prismatic battery cell mounted on a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7B is along Fig. 7A A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II.

[0120] refer to Fig. 7A and Figure 7B The prismatic battery cell 1300 includes: at least one electrode assembly 1310, a separator 1313 wound as an insulator between a positive electrode 1311 and a negative electrode 1312, a case 1320 accommodating the electrode assembly 1310, and a cap assembly 1330 connected to an opening of the case 1320.

[0121] The prismatic battery cell 1300 is, for example, a prismatic lithium-ion battery cell. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the prismatic battery cell 1300 may be any one of various types of battery cells, such as a lithium polymer battery cell.

[0122] Each of the positive electrode 1311 and the negative electrode 1312 may include a current collector formed of a thin film metal foil having a coating portion on which an active material is coated and non-coating portions 1311 a , 1312 a on which the active material is not coated.

[0123] The positive electrode 1311 and the negative electrode 1312 are wound after inserting the separator 1313 as an insulator therebetween. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the electrode assembly 1310 may have a structure in which positive electrodes and negative electrodes, each of which may be formed of a plurality of sheets, are alternately stacked with a separator therebetween.

[0124] The case 1320 may form the overall appearance of the prismatic battery cell 1300 and may be formed of a conductive metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. In addition, the case 1320 may provide a space for accommodating the electrode assembly 1310.

[0125] The cap assembly 1330 may include a cap plate 1331 covering the opening of the case 1320, and each of the case 1320 and the cap plate 1331 may be formed of a conductive material. The positive electrode terminal 1321 and the negative electrode terminal 1322 electrically connected to the positive electrode 1311 and the negative electrode 1312, respectively, may penetrate the cap plate 1331 and may protrude outward.

[0126] The outer peripheral surfaces of the upper posts of the positive electrode terminal 1321 and the negative electrode terminal 1322 protruding outward from the cap plate 1331 may be threaded and may be fixed to the cap plate 1331 (e.g., with nuts). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the positive electrode terminal 1321 and the negative electrode terminal 1322 may have a riveted structure and may be riveted or welded to the cap plate 1331.

[0127] The cap plate 1331 may be formed of a thin plate and may be coupled to the opening of the case 1320, and an electrolyte injection port 1332 in which a sealing stopper 1333 may be provided may be formed in the cap plate 1331, and a vent portion 1334 having a notch 1334a may be provided.

[0128] The positive electrode terminal 1321 and the negative electrode terminal 1322 may be electrically connected to current collectors including a first current collector 1340 and a second current collector 1350 (hereinafter, referred to as a positive electrode current collector and a negative electrode current collector) welded to the positive electrode non-coating portion 1311 a and the negative electrode non-coating portion 1312 a , respectively.

[0129] For example, the positive and negative electrode terminals 1321 and 1322 may be welded to the positive and negative electrode collectors 1340 and 1350. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the positive and negative electrode terminals 1321 and 1322 and the positive and negative electrode collectors 1340 and 1350 may be integrally formed.

[0130] The cell fuse 1340f may be formed on the positive electrode collector 1340. The cell fuse 1340f is a portion of the positive electrode collector 1340, and may be a portion having a width or thickness smaller than that of other portions of the positive electrode collector 1340. According to one or more other embodiments, the cell fuse may be formed on the negative electrode collector 1350.

[0131] In addition, an insulating member may be located between the electrode assembly 1310 and the cap plate 1331. The insulating member may include a first lower insulating member 1360 and a second lower insulating member 1370, and each of the first lower insulating member 1360 and the second lower insulating member 1370 may be located between the electrode assembly 1310 and the cap plate 1331.

[0132] One end of the separation member may face one side surface of the electrode assembly 1310, and may be provided between the insulating member and the positive electrode terminal 1321 or the negative electrode terminal 1322. The separation member may include a first separation member 1380 and a second separation member 1390. In this regard, first ends of the first separation member 1380 and the second separation member 1390 provided to face one side surface of the electrode assembly 1310 may be provided between the first lower insulating member 1360 and the second lower insulating member 1370 and the positive electrode terminal 1321 and the negative electrode terminal 1322, respectively.

[0133] As a result, the positive and negative electrode terminals 1321 and 1322 welded to the positive and negative electrode collectors 1340 and 1350 , respectively, may be coupled to first ends of the first and second lower insulation members 1360 and 1370 and the first and second separation members 1380 and 1390 , respectively.

[0134] The embodiments shown and described herein are illustrative examples of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. For the sake of brevity, other functional aspects of conventional electronic components, control systems, software and systems may not be described in detail. In addition, the lines or members of the connecting elements shown in the drawings are merely illustrations of functional connections and / or physical or circuit connections. In actual devices, the connections between elements can be represented by various functional connections, physical connections or circuit connections that can be replaced or added.

[0135] Unless otherwise indicated herein, recitation of numerical ranges herein is intended merely to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each individual value falling within the range, and each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context, the operations of all methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order. The present disclosure is not limited to the order of operations described.

[0136] Unless otherwise stated, the use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein is intended only to better describe the present disclosure and does not limit the scope of the embodiments. In addition, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications, adaptations and changes will be made according to design conditions and factors without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0137] Embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specific terms are employed, they are used and interpreted only in a general and descriptive sense and not for limiting purposes. In some cases, as will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art when submitting this application, unless otherwise specifically stated, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in conjunction with a particular embodiment may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in conjunction with other embodiments. The spirit of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and all scopes of equivalent claims or equivalent variations therefrom and the claims described below fall within the scope of the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0138] According to the present disclosure, even if a short circuit occurs at the output terminal or the load terminal and the cell fuse is blown before the rack fuse, the possibility of secondary damage caused by the reverse voltage can be reduced or prevented, thereby safely using the battery pack.

[0139] However, the effects obtainable from the present disclosure may not be limited to the above-mentioned effects. Other unmentioned effects may be clearly understood from the following description by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0140] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation. The description of aspects within each embodiment should generally be considered applicable to other similar aspects in other embodiments. Although one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims, including functional equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A battery pack comprising: a battery cell between the first set of terminals and the second set of terminals; Balancing resistors, respectively connected to the battery cells; a balancing switch connected to the battery cells and the balancing resistors, respectively, and configured to form a closed circuit by connecting a corresponding one of the battery cells to a corresponding one of the balancing resistors; a rack fuse between the battery cell and the first set of terminals, or between the battery cell and the second set of terminals; a current sensor between the battery cell and the first set of terminals, or between the battery cell and the second set of terminals; as well as A controller is configured to detect a group current between the first group of terminals and the second group of terminals through the current sensor to control the balancing switches, and detect a short circuit between the first group of terminals and the second group of terminals based on the group current, and turn on all of the balancing switches.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The battery cell comprises: a first monomer terminal and a second monomer terminal; an electrode assembly including a positive electrode connected to the first cell terminal, a negative electrode connected to the second cell terminal, and a separator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; and A single-cell fuse is provided between the electrode assembly and the first single-cell terminal, or between the electrode assembly and the second single-cell terminal.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is further configured to detect the short circuit based on the group current exceeding a reference value.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein: The controller is further configured to determine whether the rack fuse is blown based on detecting that the short circuit is cleared in a state where all of the balancing switches are turned on.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein: The controller is further configured to detect that the short circuit is cleared based on the group current decreasing to a level equal to or less than the reference value.

6. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein: The controller is further configured to turn off all of the balancing switches based on the rack fuses not being blown.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising: a battery block connected between the first set of terminals and the second set of terminals and including corresponding battery cells among the battery cells; a balancing circuit, comprising the balancing resistor and the balancing switch; block control circuits, configured to control the balancing switches respectively; as well as A main controller is configured to detect the group current, detect the state of the rack fuse, and control the block control circuit.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein: The controller includes the block control circuit and the main controller.

9. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein: The main controller is further configured to send a command to the block control circuit to turn on all of the balancing switches based on the short circuit.

10. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein: The block control circuit is configured to detect cell voltages of the battery cells of a corresponding one of the battery blocks and control the balancing switches of a corresponding one of the balancing circuits to equalize the cell voltages of the battery cells.

11. A method for protecting a battery pack, the battery pack comprising battery cells between a first group of terminals and a second group of terminals, balancing resistors respectively connected to the battery cells, balancing switches respectively connected to the battery cells and the balancing resistors, and the balancing switch is configured to form a closed circuit by connecting a corresponding one of the battery cells to a corresponding one of the balancing resistors, a rack fuse between the battery cell and the first group of terminals or the second group of terminals, a current sensor between the battery cell and the first group of terminals or the second group of terminals, and a controller configured to control the balancing switch, the method comprising: Detecting a group current between the first group of terminals and the second group of terminals by the current sensor; detecting a short circuit between the first set of terminals and the second set of terminals based on the set current; as well as All of the balancing switches are turned on based on the detection of the short circuit.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The detecting of the short circuit comprises: comparing the set of currents to a reference value; and It is determined that the group current exceeds the reference value.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: detecting that the short circuit is cleared and all the balancing switches are turned on; as well as Determine whether the rack fuse is blown.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The detecting that the short circuit is cleared comprises: comparing the group current with the reference value; and It is determined that the group current decreases to a level equal to or less than the reference value.

15. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: Determining that the rack fuse is not blown; as well as Turn off all the balancing switches.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The battery cell comprises: a first monomer terminal and a second monomer terminal; an electrode assembly including a positive electrode connected to the first cell terminal, a negative electrode connected to the second cell terminal, and a separator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; and A single-cell fuse is provided between the electrode assembly and the first single-cell terminal or the second single-cell terminal.

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