Battery cell assembly

Abstract

According to an exemplary embodiment, a battery cell assembly is provided. The battery cell assembly comprises: a cell stack comprising a plurality of pouch-type battery cells; and a top plate assembly disposed on the cell stack, the top plate assembly including a top plate covering the cell stack, bus bar frames coupled to the top plate, and a plurality of bus bars mounted on the bus bar frames, in which each of the bus bar frames contains a material different from a material of the top plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell assembly. This application claims the priority benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0072952 filed on June 7, 2023, and the entire contents of the Korean Patent Application are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries have been widely used as energy sources for various types of wireless devices (such as mobile phones, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners). Recently, as the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has dropped sharply due to improved energy density and economies of scale and the cruising range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to the same level as fuel vehicles, the main use of secondary batteries is moving from mobile devices to mobile travel.

[0003] Battery cell manufacturers are making huge capital expenditures to meet the sharp increase in demand for secondary batteries for mobility. Companies are increasing the productivity of each line to maximize the return on invested capital, and to this end, various studies are continuously being conducted to improve yield and productivity. Summary of the invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] The present invention is directed to providing a battery cell assembly having improved productivity.

[0006] Technical Solution

[0007] An example embodiment of the present invention provides a battery cell assembly. The battery cell assembly includes: a cell stack including a plurality of pouch-type battery cells; and a top plate assembly configured on the cell stack, wherein the top plate assembly includes a top plate covering the cell stack, a bus bar frame coupled to the top plate, and a plurality of bus bars mounted on the bus bar frame, and each of the bus bar frames includes a material different from that of the top plate.

[0008] The top plate may include a conductive material.

[0009] The busbar frame may include an insulating material.

[0010] The busbar frame may be heat fused to the top plate.

[0011] The top plate may include a plurality of fastening holes horizontally surrounding the plurality of bus bars.

[0012] The bus bar frame may include a plurality of flanges overlapping the plurality of fastening holes.

[0013] The bus bar frame may include a plurality of bars passing through the plurality of fastening holes and connected to the plurality of flanges.

[0014] A width of each of the plurality of flanges may be greater than a width of each of the plurality of fastening holes.

[0015] The battery cell assembly may also include a lower frame welded to the top plate.

[0016] The lower frame includes a bottom portion and a side wall spaced apart from the top plate, wherein the battery cell stack is interposed between the bottom portion and the top plate, and the side wall is welded to the top plate.

[0017] The battery cell assembly may further include an end plate welded to the top plate and having a flat plate shape.

[0018] The plurality of bus bars may include portions between top plates of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells and the positive and negative electrode leads.

[0019] An example embodiment provides a battery cell assembly. The battery cell assembly includes: a lower frame having a U-shape; a cell stack placed on the lower frame and including a plurality of first pouch-type battery cells and a plurality of second pouch-type battery cells, wherein each of the plurality of first pouch-type battery cells includes a first lower side facing the lower frame and a first upper side opposite to the first lower side, wherein a first positive lead and a first negative lead of each of the plurality of first pouch-type battery cells are spaced apart from each other on the first upper side and in a first direction, and each of the plurality of second pouch-type battery cells includes a second lower side facing the lower frame and a second upper side opposite to the second lower side, wherein a second positive lead and a second negative lead of each of the plurality of second pouch-type battery cells are spaced apart from each other on the second upper side and in the first direction; and a top plate assembly disposed on the cell stack. The top plate assembly includes: a top plate covering the battery cell stack; a first bus bar frame coupled to the top plate by thermal fusion and including a plurality of first slits; and a second bus bar frame coupled to the top plate by thermal fusion, spaced apart from the first bus bar frame in the first direction, and including a plurality of second slits. The first positive lead of each of the plurality of first pouch-type battery cells and the second negative lead of each of the plurality of second pouch-type battery cells pass through a corresponding one of the plurality of first slits. The first negative lead of each of the plurality of first pouch-type battery cells and the second positive lead of each of the plurality of second pouch-type battery cells pass through a corresponding one of the plurality of second slits.

[0020] The top plate may be welded to the lower frame.

[0021] The first side and the second side of the top plate parallel to the first direction may be welded to the lower frame.

[0022] The top plate may include metal, and the first bus bar frame and the second bus bar frame may include plastic.

[0023] Beneficial effects

[0024] The top plate assembly of the battery cell assembly according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a top plate and a bus bar frame, and the top plate and the bus bar frame are connected to each other by methods such as thermal fusion or bolt connection. Therefore, the process of assembling the bus bar frame can be omitted, thereby improving the productivity of the battery cell assembly.

[0025] The effects that can be achieved by the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above effects, and those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present invention belong will clearly derive and understand other effects not described herein from the following description. That is, those skilled in the art can derive from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention the unexpected effects that are achieved when the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are implemented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell assembly according to an example embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view of the battery cell assembly.

[0028] Figure 3 is a perspective view for describing a top plate assembly according to an example embodiment.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a plan view of the battery cell stack.

[0030] Figure 5 It is a side view of a pouch-type battery cell.

[0031] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A partial plan view of a battery cell assembly.

[0032] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A partial plan view of a battery cell assembly.

[0033] Figure 8 The bus bars are shown.

[0034] Fig. 9 An interbus bar is shown.

[0035] Fig.10 The internal bus bars are shown.

[0036] Fig.11 is a perspective view of a battery cell assembly according to an example embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before describing the embodiments of the present invention, the terms or expressions used in the specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to those commonly understood or as defined in commonly used dictionaries, and should be understood according to the meanings and concepts corresponding to the present invention on the basis that the inventor of the present application can appropriately define the terms or expressions to best explain the principles of the present invention.

[0038] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely examples of the present invention and do not reflect all technical concepts of the present invention, and therefore it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications of alternative configurations will be made on the filing date of the present application.

[0039] When it is determined that a well-known configuration or function related to describing the present invention would obscure the subject matter of the present invention due to unnecessary detail, the well-known configuration or function is not described in detail.

[0040] Because the embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those of ordinary skill in the art, the shapes, sizes, etc. of the components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically shown for the sake of clarity. Therefore, it should be understood that the sizes or ratios of the components do not fully reflect their actual sizes or ratios.

[0041] (First Embodiment)

[0042] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell assembly 120 according to an example embodiment.

[0043] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery cell assembly 120 .

[0044] Figure 3 is a perspective view for describing a top plate assembly TPA according to an example embodiment.

[0045] Figure 4 It is a plan view of the battery cell stack CS.

[0046] Figure 5 It is a side view of the pouch-type battery cell 121 .

[0047] Reference Figures 1 to 5The battery cell assembly 120 may include a cell stack CS, a first internal bus bar 123P and a second internal bus bar 123N, a plurality of bus bars 123_1, 123_2, 123_3, 123_4, 123_5, 123_6, 123_7, 123_8, 123_9, 123_10 and 123_11 (hereinafter referred to as 123_1 to 123_11), a lower frame 124, end plates 125F and 125R, and a top plate assembly TPA.

[0048] According to example embodiments, the cell stack CS may include a plurality of groups BNK1, BNK2, BNK3, BNK4, BNK5, BNK6, BNK7, BNK8, BNK9, BNK10, BNK11, and BNK12 (hereinafter referred to as BNK1 to BNK12). Each of the plurality of groups BNK1 to BNK12 may include a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 121. The plurality of pouch-type battery cells 121 of each of the plurality of groups BNK1 to BNK12 may be connected in parallel to each other. The plurality of groups BNK1 to BNK12 may be connected in series to each other.

[0049] Figure 4 The battery cell assembly 120 having twelve groups BNK1 to BNK12, each group including two pouch-type battery cells 121, is shown, for example, and the technical concept of the present invention is not limited thereto in any sense. The number of pouch-type battery cells 121 of the groups BNK1 to BNK12 and the number of groups BNK1 to BNK12 connected in series to each other may be changed according to the voltage and current to be output through the battery cell assembly 120.

[0050] Each of the pouch-type battery cells 121 may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a pouch case 121C. The electrode assembly included in the pouch case 121C may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator located between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. Depending on the form of the assembly, the electrode assembly may be a roll-type electrode assembly or a stacked electrode assembly. The roll-type electrode assembly may include a structure in which a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween are wound together. The stacked electrode assembly may include a plurality of positive electrodes, a plurality of negative electrodes, and a plurality of separators interposed therebetween stacked in sequence.

[0051] The positive electrode of the electrode assembly may be connected to the positive electrode lead 121P. The negative electrode of the electrode assembly may be connected to the negative electrode lead 121N. The positive electrode lead 121P and the negative electrode lead 121N may protrude to the outside from the bag case 121C. The positive electrode lead 121P and the negative electrode lead 121N may be spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction.

[0052] The bag housing 121C may include a receiving portion 121B and a platform 121T. The receiving portion 121B may provide a receiving space for receiving the electrode assembly. The receiving space may be provided by a forming process. The receiving portion 121B may have a convex shape relative to the platform 121T. The platform 121T may include a sealing portion. The platform 121T may surround the receiving portion 121B.

[0053] The pouch case 121C of each of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 121 may include a first side 121S1, a second side 121S2, a third side 121S3, and a fourth side 121S4. The first side 121S1 of the pouch case 121C may face the bottom portion 124B of the lower frame 124. The second side 121S2 of the pouch case 121C may be opposite to the first side 121S1 of each of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 121. The third side 121S3 and the fourth side 121S4 of the pouch case 121C may be connected to the first side 121S1 and the second side 121S2 of the pouch case 121C, respectively.

[0054] According to example embodiments, each of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 121 may be a unidirectional cell. According to example embodiments, the positive lead 121P and the negative lead 121N of each of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 121 may be disposed in the same direction. According to example embodiments, the positive lead 121P and the negative lead 121N of each of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 121 may be on the second side 121S2 of the pouch housing 121C of each of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 121. The positive lead 121P and the negative lead 121N may protrude from the second side 121S2 of the pouch housing 121C. The positive lead 121P and the negative lead 121N of each of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 121 may be adjacent to opposite ends of each of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 121 in the X-axis direction. The positive lead 121P may be adjacent to the third side 121S3 , and the negative lead 121N may be adjacent to the fourth side 121S4 .

[0055] According to an example embodiment, a plurality of pouch-type battery cells 121 may be arranged in the Y-axis direction. The Y-axis direction may be substantially perpendicular to the X-axis direction. The positive lead 121P and the negative lead 121N of each of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 121 may be aligned in the Y-axis direction. The positive lead 121P and the negative lead 121N of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 121 may form a first lead array LAR1 and a second lead array LAR2.

[0056] According to example embodiments, a positive lead 121P of each of the odd-numbered groups BNK1, BNK3, BNK5, BNK7, BNK9, and BNK11 may be included in the first lead array LAR1. According to example embodiments, a negative lead 121N of each of the odd-numbered groups BNK1, BNK3, BNK5, BNK7, BNK9, and BNK11 may be included in the second lead array LAR2.

[0057] According to example embodiments, the positive lead 121P of each of the even groups BNK2, BNK4, BNK6, BNK8, BNK10, and BNK12 may be included in the second lead array LAR2. According to example embodiments, the negative lead 121N of each of the even groups BNK2, BNK4, BNK6, BNK8, BNK10, and BNK12 may be included in the first lead array LAR1.

[0058] In other words, the first lead array LAR1 may include the positive lead 121P of each of the pouch-type battery cells 121 of each of the odd groups BNK1, BNK3, BNK5, BNK7, BNK9 and BNK11, and the negative lead 121N of each of the pouch-type battery cells 121 of each of the even groups BNK2, BNK4, BNK6, BNK8, BNK10 and BNK12.

[0059] The second lead array LAR2 may include a negative lead 121N for each of the pouch-type battery cells 121 of each of the odd-numbered groups BNK1, BNK3, BNK5, BNK7, BNK9, and BNK11, and a positive lead 121P for each of the pouch-type battery cells 121 of each of the even-numbered groups BNK2, BNK4, BNK6, BNK8, BNK10, and BNK12.

[0060] Each of the pouch-type battery cells 121 of the odd-numbered groups BNK1, BNK3, BNK5, BNK7, BNK9, and BNK11 may be referred to as a first pouch-type battery cell. The pouch case 121C, the positive lead 121P, and the negative lead 121N of each of the pouch-type battery cells 121 of the odd-numbered groups BNK1, BNK3, BNK5, BNK7, BNK9, and BNK11 may be referred to as a first pouch case, a first positive lead, and a first negative lead, respectively.

[0061] Each of the pouch-type battery cells 121 of the even-numbered groups BNK2, BNK4, BNK6, BNK8, BNK10, and BNK12 may be referred to as a second pouch-type battery cell. The pouch case 121C, the positive lead 121P, and the negative lead 121N of each of the pouch-type battery cells 121 of the even-numbered groups BNK2, BNK4, BNK6, BNK8, BNK10, and BNK12 may be referred to as a second pouch case, a second positive lead, and a second negative lead, respectively.

[0062] The positive electrode leads 121P of each of the plurality of groups BNK1 to BNK12 may be short-circuited to each other. The negative electrode leads 121N of each of the plurality of groups BNK1 to BNK12 may be short-circuited to each other.

[0063] The negative electrode lead 121N of each of the plurality of groups BNK1 to BNK12 may be short-circuited with the positive electrode lead 121P of the next group among the plurality of groups BNK1 to BNK12 .

[0064] For example, the negative electrode lead 121N of the pouch-type battery cell 121 of group BNK1 can be short-circuited with the positive electrode lead 121P of the pouch-type battery cell 121 of group BNK2 through the bus bar 123_1, the negative electrode lead 121N of the pouch-type battery cell 121 of group BNK2 can be short-circuited with the positive electrode lead 121P of the pouch-type battery cell 121 of group BNK3 through the bus bar 123_2, and the negative electrode lead 121N of the pouch-type battery cell 121 of group BNK3 can be short-circuited with the positive electrode lead 121P of the pouch-type battery cell 121 of group BNK4 through the bus bar 123_3. The positive electrode lead 121P of the pouch-type battery cell 121 of group BNK4 can be short-circuited with the positive electrode lead 121P of the pouch-type battery cell 121 of group BNK5 through the bus bar 123_4, the negative electrode lead 121N of the pouch-type battery cell 121 of group BNK5 can be short-circuited with the positive electrode lead 121P of the pouch-type battery cell 121 of group BNK6 through the bus bar 123_5, and the negative electrode lead 121N of the pouch-type battery cell 121 of group BNK6 can be short-circuited with the positive electrode lead 121P of the pouch-type battery cell 121 of group BNK6 through the bus bar 123_ 6 can be short-circuited with the positive lead 121P of the pouch-type battery cell 121 of group BNK7, the negative lead 121N of the pouch-type battery cell 121 of group BNK7 can be short-circuited with the positive lead 121P of the pouch-type battery cell 121 of group BNK8 through the bus bar 123_7, the negative lead 121N of the pouch-type battery cell 121 of group BNK8 can be short-circuited with the positive lead 121P of the pouch-type battery cell 121 of group BNK9 through the bus bar 123_8, and the negative lead 121N of the pouch-type battery cell 121 of group BNK9 can be short-circuited with the positive lead 121P of the pouch-type battery cell 121 of group BNK9 through the bus bar 123_8. 1N can be short-circuited with the positive lead 121P of the pouch-type battery cell 121 of the group BNK10 through the bus bar 123_9, the negative lead 121N of the pouch-type battery cell 121 of the group BNK10 can be short-circuited with the positive lead 121P of the pouch-type battery cell 121 of the group BNK11 through the bus bar 123_10, and the negative lead 121N of the pouch-type battery cell 121 of the group BNK11 can be short-circuited with the positive lead 121P of the pouch-type battery cell 121 of the group BNK12 through the bus bar 123_11. Therefore, a plurality of groups BNK1 to BNK12 can be connected in series in sequence. A plurality of groups BNK1 to BNK12 can be connected in series through a plurality of bus bars 123_1 to 123_11, as described below.

[0065] According to example embodiments, the cell stack CS may further include a plurality of diaphragms 122 between the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 121. The plurality of diaphragms 122 may horizontally support the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 121 to prevent expansion of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 121. According to example embodiments, the plurality of diaphragms 122 may be thermal barriers. According to example embodiments, each of the plurality of diaphragms 122 may have a high melting temperature and low thermal conductivity. According to example embodiments, each of the plurality of diaphragms 122 may include flame retardant materials such as ceramics and coated glass fibers. According to example embodiments, each of the plurality of diaphragms 122 may be configured to emit flame retardant materials and fire extinguishing agents when a thermal runaway event occurs.

[0066] The lower frame 124, the end plates 125F and 125R, and the top plate assembly TPA may be coupled to each other. Each of the lower frame 124, the end plates 125F and 125R, and the top plate 126 of the top plate assembly TPA may include, for example, a metal material such as aluminum. The lower frame 124, the end plates 125F and 125R, and the top plate 126 may be welded to each other. Therefore, the lower frame 124, the end plates 125F and 125R, and the top plate 126 may be fixed to each other and form an outer shell of the battery cell assembly 120. According to an example embodiment, the lower frame 124, the end plates 125F and 125R, and the top plate 126 may protect the cell stack CS.

[0067] The lower frame 124 may have a generally U-shaped shape. The lower frame 124 may include a bottom portion 124B and a side wall 124S connected to the bottom portion 124B. The side wall 124S may be located at opposite ends of the bottom portion 124B (e.g., opposite ends in the Y-axis direction). The side wall 124S may be substantially perpendicular to the bottom portion 124B.

[0068] The top plate assembly TPA may include a top plate 126 and bus bar frames 127 and 128. The bus bar frames 127 and 128 may be coupled to the top plate 126.

[0069] The first side 126S1 and the second side 126S2 of the top plate 126 may contact the sidewall of the lower frame 124. The first side 126S1 and the second side 126S2 of the top plate 126 may be welded to the sidewall of the lower frame 124. The first side 126S1 and the second side 126S2 of the top plate 126 may be substantially parallel to the X-axis direction.

[0070] Each of the end plates 125F and 125R may have a substantially flat plate shape. The end plate 125F may cover the front surface of the battery cell stack CS, and the end plate 125R may cover the rear surface of the battery cell stack CS. The front surface and the rear surface of the battery cell stack CS are opposite to each other. The front surface of the battery cell stack CS may be adjacent to the first lead array LAR1, and the rear surface of the battery cell stack CS may be adjacent to the second lead array LAR2.

[0071] The end plate 125F may be in contact with the third side 126S3 of the top plate 126. The end plate 125F may be welded to the third side 126S3 of the top plate 126. The end plate 125R may be in contact with the fourth side 126S4 of the top plate 126. The end plate 125R may be welded to the fourth side 126S4 of the top plate 126.

[0072] The top plate 126 may include openings 126O1 and 126O2 and a vent hole 126H. The vent hole 126H may provide a path for exhausting high temperature gas when a thermal runaway event occurs in the plurality of pouch-type battery cells 121. The vent hole 126H may be between the openings 126O1 and 126O2.

[0073] The openings 126O1 and 126O2 may be spaced apart from each other, and the exhaust hole 126H is interposed between the openings 126O1 and 126O2. The openings 126O1 and 126O2 may be spaces for coupling the bus bar frames 127 and 128. The bus bar frame 127 may be inserted into the top plate 126 through the opening 126O1, and the bus bar frame 128 may be inserted into the top plate 126 through the opening 126O2.

[0074] The busbar frame 127 may include a coupling portion 127C and a raised portion 127E. The coupling portions 127C may be spaced apart from each other, and the raised portion 127E is interposed between the coupling portions 127C. The busbar frame 127 may be inserted upward into the top plate 126. That is, the busbar frame 127 may be inserted into the opening 126O1 of the top plate 126 in a direction from the lower surface 126L of the top plate 126 toward the upper surface 126U of the top plate 126.

[0075] Therefore, the coupling portion 127C of the bus bar frame 127 may be in contact with the lower surface 126L of the top plate 126 , and the rising portion 127E of the bus bar frame 127 may pass through the opening 126O1 .

[0076] The opening 126O1 and the raised portion 127E of the busbar frame 127 may have complementary shapes. The raised portion 127E of the busbar frame 127 may have a substantially quadrilateral plane shape and include a protrusion 127P protruding from the corner of the quadrilateral plane. The protrusion 127P may support the inner busbars 123P and 123N. The opening 126O1 may include a substantially quadrilateral portion and a portion protruding from the corner of the quadrilateral portion.

[0077] The raised portion 127E of the busbar frame 127 may be at a higher level than the upper surface 126U of the top plate 126. That is, the distance between the raised portion 127E of the busbar frame 127 and the lower surface 126L of the top plate 126 may be greater than the distance between the upper surface 126U of the top plate 126 and the lower surface 126L of the top plate 126. Therefore, a short circuit between the busbars 123_2, 123_4, 123_6, 123_8, and 123_10 and the internal busbars 123P and 123N provided on the busbar frame 127 and the top plate 126 may be prevented. According to an example embodiment, the thickness of the busbar frame 127 (i.e., the length in the Z-axis direction) may be different from the thickness of the top plate 126 (i.e., the length in the Z-axis direction). According to an example embodiment, the thickness of the busbar frame 127 (i.e., the length in the Z-axis direction) may be greater than the thickness of the top plate 126 (i.e., the length in the Z-axis direction).

[0078] The busbar frame 127 may include a plurality of flanges 127F on the coupling portion 127C. There may be a plurality of rods 127R between the plurality of flanges 127F and the coupling portion 127C. The width (or diameter) of each of the plurality of flanges 127F may be different from the width (or diameter) of each of the plurality of rods 127R. The width (or diameter) of each of the plurality of flanges 127F may be greater than the width (or diameter) of each of the plurality of rods 127R.

[0079] The top plate 126 may include a plurality of coupling holes 126C1 around the opening 126O1. The plurality of coupling holes 126C1 may be arranged along the periphery of the opening 126O1 of the top plate 126. The plurality of coupling holes 126C1 may overlap with the plurality of flanges 127F, for example, in the Z-axis direction. The plurality of coupling holes 126C1 may be penetrated by the plurality of rods 127R. The width (or diameter) of the plurality of coupling holes 126C1 may be different from the width (or diameter) of each of the plurality of flanges 127F. The width (or diameter) of the plurality of coupling holes 126C1 may be less than the width (or diameter) of each of the plurality of flanges 127F. The plurality of flanges 127F may be spaced apart from the coupling portion 127C, and the top plate 126 may be interposed therebetween. Therefore, the busbar frame 127 may be fixed to the top plate 126. The plurality of flanges 127F may be formed by, for example, melting and deforming.

[0080] The bus bar frame 127 may be heat-fused to the top plate 126. According to example embodiments, the reliability of the battery cell assembly 120 may be improved by improving mechanical robustness of the bus bar frame 127 and the top plate 126 by heat-fusing the bus bar frame 127 and the top plate 126 and forming a plurality of flanges 127F.

[0081] The busbar frame 128 may include a coupling portion 128C and a raised portion 128E. The coupling portions 128C may be spaced apart from each other, and the raised portion 128E is interposed between the coupling portions 128C. The busbar frame 128 may be inserted upward into the top plate 126. That is, the busbar frame 128 may be inserted into the opening 126O2 of the top plate 126 in a direction from the lower surface 126L of the top plate 126 toward the upper surface 126U of the top plate 126. The busbar frame 128 may be spaced apart from the busbar frame 127 in the X-axis direction. The busbar frame 128 may be spaced apart from the busbar frame 127, and a plurality of exhaust holes 126H are interposed between the busbar frame 128 and the busbar frame 127.

[0082] Therefore, the coupling portion 128C of the bus bar frame 128 may be in contact with the lower surface 126L of the top plate 126 , and the rising portion 128E of the bus bar frame 128 may pass through the opening 126O 2 .

[0083] The raised portion 128E of the bus bar frame 128 and the opening 12602 may have complementary shapes. The raised portion 128E of the bus bar frame 128 may include a substantially quadrilateral planar shape. The opening 12602 may have a substantially quadrilateral shape.

[0084] The raised portion 128E of the busbar frame 128 may be at a higher level than the upper surface 126U of the top plate 126. That is, the distance between the raised portion 128E of the busbar frame 128 and the lower surface 126L of the top plate 126 may be greater than the distance between the upper surface 126U of the top plate 126 and the lower surface 126L of the top plate 126. Therefore, a short circuit between the busbars 123_1, 123_3, 123_5, 123_7, 123_9, and 123_11 and the internal busbars 123P and 123N provided on the busbar frame 128 and the top plate 126 may be prevented. According to an example embodiment, the thickness of the busbar frame 128 (i.e., the length in the Z-axis direction) may be different from the thickness of the top plate 126 (i.e., the length in the Z-axis direction). According to example embodiments, the thickness of the bus bar frame 128 (ie, the length in the Z-axis direction) may be greater than the thickness of the top plate 126 (ie, the length in the Z-axis direction).

[0085] The busbar frame 128 may include a plurality of flanges 128F on the coupling portion 128C. There may be a plurality of rods 128R between the plurality of flanges 128F and the coupling portion 128C. The width (or diameter) of each of the plurality of flanges 128F may be different from the width (or diameter) of each of the plurality of rods 128R. The width (or diameter) of each of the plurality of flanges 128F may be greater than the width (or diameter) of each of the plurality of rods 128R.

[0086] The top plate 126 may include a plurality of coupling holes 126C2 surrounding the opening 126O2. The plurality of coupling holes 126C2 may be arranged along the periphery of the opening 126O2 of the top plate 126. The plurality of coupling holes 126C2 may be passed through by a plurality of rods 128R. The width (or diameter) of the plurality of coupling holes 126C2 may be different from the width (or diameter) of each of the plurality of flanges 128F. The width (or diameter) of the plurality of coupling holes 126C2 may be less than the width (or diameter) of each of the plurality of flanges 128F. The plurality of flanges 128F may be spaced apart from the coupling portion 128C, and the top plate 126 may be interposed therebetween. Therefore, the busbar frame 128 may be fixed to the top plate 126. The plurality of flanges 128F may be formed by, for example, melting and deforming.

[0087] The bus bar frame 128 may be heat fused to the top plate 126. According to example embodiments, the reliability of the battery cell assembly 120 may be improved by improving mechanical robustness of the bus bar frame 128 and the top plate 126 by heat fusing the bus bar frame 128 and the top plate 126 and forming a plurality of flanges 128F.

[0088] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A partial plan view of a battery cell assembly 120 is shown.

[0089] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A partial plan view of a battery cell assembly 120 is shown.

[0090] Figure 8 Bus bars 123_1 to 123_11 are shown.

[0091] Fig. 9 An internal bus bar 123P is shown.

[0092] Fig.10 An inner bus bar 123N is shown.

[0093] Reference Figure 4 and Figures 6 to 10, the internal bus bars 123P and 123N and the bus bars 123_2, 123_4, 123_6, 123_8, and 123_10 may be mounted on the bus bar frame 127, and the bus bars 123_1, 123_3, 123_5, 123_7, 123_9, and 123_11 may be mounted on the bus bar frame 128. The bus bar frame 127 may include a slit 127S, and the bus bar frame 128 may include a slit 128S. The positive lead 121P and the negative lead 121N may be coupled to the bus bars 123_1 to 123_11 and the internal bus bars 123P and 123N through one of the slits 127S and 128S.

[0094] Each of the bus bars 123_1 to 123_11 may include coupling portions 123C1 and 123C2 and a bridge 123B. Each of the coupling portions 123C1 and 123C2 may have a rod shape. The bridge 123B may have a rod shape and be connected to the coupling portions 123C1 and 123C2. Therefore, the planar shape of each of the bus bars 123_1 to 123_11 may include a substantially U-shape.

[0095] The coupling portions 123C1 and 123C2 may be in contact with one of the positive electrode lead 121P and the negative electrode lead 121N. The coupling portions 123C1 and 123C2 may be coupled to one of the positive electrode lead 121P and the negative electrode lead 121N by welding or the like.

[0096] For example, Figure 6 As shown, the negative lead 121N of the second group BNK2 passing through the slit 127S of the busbar frame 127 may be coupled to the coupling portion 123C1 of the busbar 123_2. The negative lead 121N of the second group BNK2 may be welded to the coupling portion 123C1 of the busbar 123_2. The negative leads 121N of the second group BNK2 may be spaced apart from each other, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The positive lead 121P of the third group BNK3 passing through the slit 127S may be coupled to the coupling portion 123C2 of the busbar 123_2. The positive lead 121P of the third group BNK3 may be welded to the coupling portion 123C2 of the busbar 123_2. The positive leads 121P of the third group BNK3 may be spaced apart from each other, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. Therefore, the negative electrode lead 121N of the second group BNK2 may be short-circuited with the positive electrode lead 121P of the third group BNK3 .

[0097] As another example, Figure 7As shown, the negative lead 121N of the first group BNK1 passing through the slit 128S may be coupled to the coupling portion 123C1 of the bus bar 123_1. The negative lead 121N of the first group BNK1 may be welded to the coupling portion 123C1 of the bus bar 123_1. The negative leads 121N of the first group BNK1 may be spaced apart from each other, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The positive lead 121P of the second group BNK2 passing through the slit 128S may be coupled to the coupling portion 123C2 of the bus bar 123_1. The positive lead 121P of the second group BNK2 may be welded to the coupling portion 123C2 of the bus bar 123_1. The positive leads 121P of the second group BNK2 may be spaced apart from each other, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. Therefore, the negative lead 121N of the first group BNK1 may be short-circuited with the positive lead 121P of the second group BNK2.

[0098] The coupling between the bus bars 123_3 , 123_4 , 123_5 , 123_6 , 123_7 , 123_8 , 123_9 , 123_10 , and 123_11 , the positive lead 121P, and the negative lead 121N is substantially the same as that described above with respect to the bus bars 123_1 and 123_2 , and thus a redundant description thereof is omitted here.

[0099] The inner bus bar 123P may include a coupling portion 123PC and a contact portion 123PT. The coupling portion 123PC may contact the positive lead 121P of the group BNK1 passing through the slit 127S. The coupling portion 123PC may be coupled to the positive lead 121P of the group BNK1 passing through the slit 127S by welding or the like. The positive lead 121P of the group BNK1 may surround the coupling portion 123PC. Therefore, the bus bar 123P (more specifically, the coupling portion 123PC of the inner bus bar 123P) may include a portion between the positive lead 121P and the bus bar frame 127.

[0100] The internal bus bar 123N may include a coupling portion 123NC and a contact portion 123NT. The coupling portion 123NC may contact the negative lead 121N of the group BNK12 passing through the slit 127S. The coupling portion 123NC may be coupled to the negative lead 121N of the group BNK12 passing through the slit 127S by welding or the like. The negative lead 121N of the group BNK12 may cover the coupling portion 123NC. Therefore, the internal bus bar 123N (more specifically, the coupling portion 123NC of the internal bus bar 123N) may include a portion between the negative lead 121N and the bus bar frame 127.

[0101] The contact portion 123PT may be a contact pad for providing a series connection between the plurality of battery cell assemblies 120 when the plurality of battery cell assemblies 120 are mounted in a case of a battery pack to assemble the battery pack.

[0102] The contact portion 123NT may be a contact pad for providing a series connection between the plurality of battery cell assemblies 120 when the plurality of battery cell assemblies 120 are mounted in a case of a battery pack to assemble the battery pack.

[0103] (Second Embodiment)

[0104] Fig.11 is a perspective view of a battery cell assembly 120 ′ according to an example embodiment.

[0105] Reference Figures 1 to 5 , the battery cell assembly 120' may include a cell stack CS, a first internal bus bar 123P and a second internal bus bar 123N, a plurality of bus bars 123_1, 123_2, 123_3, 123_4, 123_5, 123_6, 123_7, 123_8, 123_9, 123_10 and 123_11 (hereinafter referred to as 123_1 to 123_11), a lower frame 124, end plates 125F and 125R, a top plate assembly TPA' and a fastener 129. The top plate assembly TPA' may include a top plate 126 and bus bar frames 127' and 128'.

[0106] The cell stack CS, the first and second internal bus bars 123P and 123N, the plurality of bus bars 123_1, 123_2, 123_3, 123_4, 123_5, 123_6, 123_7, 123_8, 123_9, 123_10 and 123_11 (hereinafter referred to as 123_1 to 123_11), the lower frame 124, the end plates 125F and 125R, and the top plate 126 are the same as those described above. Figures 1 to 10 Those described are basically the same, so their redundant descriptions are omitted here.

[0107] The busbar frames 127' and 128' are substantially similar to Figure 3 The busbar frames 127 and 128 are identical except that Figure 3 Flanges 127F and 128F and Figure 3 The bars 127R and 128R are omitted. The bus bar frames 127' and 128' may be coupled to the top plate 126, for example, by fasteners 129 such as bolts.

[0108] The present invention has been described in more detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments, etc. However, the configurations illustrated in the drawings or embodiments described in this specification are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not reflect all technical concepts of the present invention, and therefore it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications of alternative configurations will be made on the filing date of this application.

Claims

1. A battery cell assembly, comprising: A battery cell stack, the battery cell stack comprising a plurality of pouch-type battery cells; as well as A top plate assembly, the top plate assembly being arranged on the battery cell stack, Wherein, the top plate assembly comprises: A top plate, the top plate covering the battery cell stack; a bus bar frame coupled to the top plate; and a plurality of bus bars mounted on the bus bar frame, Wherein, each of the busbar frames includes a material different from a material of the top plate.

2. The battery cell assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The top plate includes a conductive material.

3. The battery cell assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The busbar frame includes an insulating material.

4. The battery cell assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The bus bar frame is thermally fused to the top plate.

5. The battery cell assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The top plate includes a plurality of fastening holes horizontally surrounding the plurality of bus bars.

6. The battery cell assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The bus bar frame includes a plurality of flanges overlapping the plurality of fastening holes.

7. The battery cell assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The bus bar frame includes a plurality of rods passing through the plurality of fastening holes and connected with the plurality of flanges.

8. The battery cell assembly according to claim 6, wherein: A width of each of the plurality of flanges is greater than a width of each of the plurality of fastening holes.

9. The battery cell assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a lower frame welded to the top plate, in, The lower frame includes a bottom portion and a side wall, the bottom portion is spaced apart from the top plate and the battery cell stack is interposed between the bottom portion and the top plate, and the side wall is welded to the top plate. 10 . The battery cell assembly according to claim 9 , further comprising an end plate welded to the top plate and having a flat plate shape.

11. The battery cell assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of bus bars include portions between the top plate and positive and negative electrode leads of the plurality of pouch-type battery cells.

12. A battery cell assembly, comprising: a lower frame having a U-shape; a cell stack placed on the lower frame and comprising a plurality of first pouch-type battery cells and a plurality of second pouch-type battery cells, wherein each of the plurality of first pouch-type battery cells comprises a first lower side facing the lower frame and a first upper side opposite to the first lower side, wherein a first positive lead and a first negative lead of each of the plurality of first pouch-type battery cells are on the first upper side and spaced apart from each other in a first direction, and each of the plurality of second pouch-type battery cells comprises a second lower side facing the lower frame and a second upper side opposite to the second lower side, wherein a second positive lead and a second negative lead of each of the plurality of second pouch-type battery cells are on the second upper side and spaced apart from each other in the first direction; and A top plate assembly, the top plate assembly being arranged on the battery cell stack, Wherein, the top plate assembly comprises: A top plate, the top plate covering the battery cell stack; a first bus bar frame coupled to the top plate by thermal fusion and including a plurality of first slits; and a second bus bar frame coupled to the top plate by thermal fusion, spaced apart from the first bus bar frame in the first direction, and including a plurality of second slits, The first positive lead of each of the plurality of first pouch-type battery cells and the second negative lead of each of the plurality of second pouch-type battery cells pass through a corresponding one of the plurality of first slits, and The first negative electrode lead of each of the plurality of first pouch-type battery cells and the second positive electrode lead of each of the plurality of second pouch-type battery cells pass through a corresponding one of the plurality of second slits.

13. The battery cell assembly according to claim 12, wherein: The top plate is welded to the lower frame.

14. The battery cell assembly according to claim 12, wherein: A first side and a second side of the top plate are welded to the lower frame, and the first side and the second side are parallel to the first direction.

15. The battery cell assembly according to claim 12, wherein: The top plate comprises metal, and The first bus bar frame and the second bus bar frame include plastic.

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