Power relay assembly and battery system including the same

Abstract

The present disclosure aims to provide a power relay assembly and a battery system including the same, wherein a high-voltage circuit and a low-voltage circuit are physically separated. To this end, the present disclosure provides a power relay assembly comprising: a first housing; the first accommodating unit is arranged in the first shell; a relay module installed in the first accommodating unit and configured to control a flow of a current; a second housing stacked on the first housing; the second accommodating unit is arranged in the second shell and is separated from the first accommodating unit; and a lead module installed in the second accommodating unit and connected to the relay module. According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, since a relay module and a lead module are each mounted in separate spaces, component management can be facilitated and signal loss due to interference between a high-voltage current component and a low-voltage current component can be prevented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power relay assembly and a battery system including the power relay assembly. Background Art

[0002] Unlike primary batteries that cannot be recharged, secondary batteries are batteries that can be charged and discharged. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in small portable electronic devices (such as smartphones, feature phones, notebook computers, digital cameras, and video cameras), and high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as storage batteries in hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles and power sources for driving motors. Such secondary batteries include an electrode assembly having a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a housing for accommodating the electrode assembly, an electrode terminal connected to the electrode assembly, and the like.

[0003] Secondary batteries can be used as battery packs formed by connecting multiple unit battery cells in series and / or in parallel to provide high energy density. A battery pack can be formed by interconnecting electrode terminals of multiple unit batteries to meet the required amount of electricity, for example, to achieve a high-power secondary battery for electric vehicles.

[0004] The power relay assembly (PRA) is a power blocking device for connecting and blocking power between a battery and a load in an electric vehicle and a hybrid vehicle including a battery pack, and is a core component serving as a main gate for supplying power.

[0005] The above information disclosed in the art forming the background of the present disclosure is only intended to enhance understanding of the background of the present disclosure and therefore may contain information that does not constitute the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present disclosure is directed to providing a power relay assembly and a battery system including the power relay assembly, in which a high voltage circuit and a low voltage circuit are physically separated.

[0007] These and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be set forth in or will be readily understood from the following description of some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments, a power relay assembly includes: a first housing; a first accommodating unit disposed in the first housing; a relay module installed in the first accommodating unit and configured to control the flow of current; a second housing stacked on the first housing; a second accommodating unit disposed in the second housing and separated from the first accommodating unit; and a lead module installed in the second accommodating unit and connected to the relay module.

[0009] The second accommodating unit may include: an accommodating rail configured to be recessed into the second housing and into which the lead module is inserted; and a fixing member protruding inwardly from the accommodating rail and configured to prevent the lead module from being separated from the accommodating rail.

[0010] The fixing member may be provided in plurality, and the plurality of fixing members may be arranged along an extending direction of the receiving rail.

[0011] The fixing member may be disposed to be spaced apart from a bottom surface of the receiving rail.

[0012] The fixing member may be formed to have a cross-sectional area that decreases toward an end thereof.

[0013] The fixing member may include a first surface facing a bottom surface of the receiving rail, and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the second surface may have a curved shape.

[0014] The first surface may have a planar shape, and may be disposed perpendicular to an insertion direction of the lead module into the receiving rail.

[0015] The second receiving unit may further include a guide member configured to guide discharge of moisture introduced into the receiving rail.

[0016] The guide member may include: an inclined surface formed on a bottom surface of the accommodating rail and including a first end and a second end disposed at a relatively lower position than the first end; and a transmission hole passing through the second end and connected to the first accommodating unit.

[0017] The inclined surface may be provided in plural, and the plurality of inclined surfaces may be arranged in a first direction parallel to an extending direction of the receiving rail.

[0018] The heights of the plurality of inclined surfaces may gradually decrease in the first direction.

[0019] The second end portion of one inclined surface of any pair of inclined surfaces adjacent in the first direction may be disposed at the same height as the first end portion of the other inclined surface of the pair of inclined surfaces.

[0020] The transmission hole may be disposed to face a bottom surface of the first housing.

[0021] The power relay assembly may further include a discharge hole passing through the bottom surface of the first housing and configured to discharge moisture introduced into the first accommodation unit to the outside of the first housing.

[0022] The power relay assembly may further include: a first fastening member connected to any one of the first housing and the second housing; and a second fastening member connected to the other of the first housing and the second housing and coupled to the first fastening member as the second housing is placed on the first housing.

[0023] The power relay assembly may further include: a first alignment groove configured to be recessed in any one of the first housing and the second housing, and the first fastening member is disposed in the first alignment groove; and a second alignment groove configured to be recessed in the other of the first housing and the second housing, and the second fastening member is disposed in the second alignment groove, wherein the first alignment groove and the second alignment groove may be connected to each other as the first fastening member and the second fastening member are disposed to face each other.

[0024] In a state in which the first alignment groove and the second alignment groove are connected to each other, as the second housing is seated on the first housing, an end portion of the second fastening member may be inserted into the first alignment groove.

[0025] The power relay assembly may further include a cover coupled to the second housing and disposed to cover the second accommodation unit.

[0026] According to one or more embodiments, a battery system includes: a battery pack; an inverter connected to the battery pack; and a power relay assembly installed between the battery pack and the inverter, wherein the power relay assembly may include: a first shell; a first accommodating unit disposed in the first shell; a relay module installed in the first accommodating unit and configured to control the flow of current; a second shell stacked on the first shell; a second accommodating unit disposed in the second shell and separated from the first accommodating unit; and a lead module installed in the second accommodating unit and connected to the relay module.

[0027] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, since the relay module and the lead module are each installed in a separate space, it is possible to facilitate component management and prevent signal loss due to interference between high-voltage current components and low-voltage current components.

[0028] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, moisture generated due to a change in temperature or humidity may be smoothly discharged to the outside, and thus damage of electrical components due to a short circuit or the like can be prevented.

[0029] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the assemblability can be further improved by providing first and second fastening members for integrally combining the first shell with the second shell when the second shell is placed on the first shell, and first and second alignment grooves for guiding the fastening operation of the first and second fastening members.

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

[0031] The accompanying drawings attached to this specification illustrate some embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the specific embodiments of the present disclosure, further describe aspects and features of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a battery system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of a power relay assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the structure of a power relay assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 4 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a first housing, a first accommodating unit, and a relay module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 5 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of a first housing, a first accommodating unit, and a relay module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 6 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a second housing, a second accommodating unit, and a lead module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 7 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of a second housing, a second accommodation unit, and a lead module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 8 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a second accommodation unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 9 is a plan view schematically showing a configuration of a second accommodation unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a second accommodation unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig.11 and Fig.12is a perspective view schematically showing a fastening structure of a first housing and a second housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig.13 is a front view schematically showing a fastening structure of a first housing and a second housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig.14 is a plan view schematically showing a fastening structure of a first housing and a second housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Here, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to the ordinary meaning or dictionary meaning, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical concept of the present disclosure based on the concept that the inventor can be his / her own lexicon compiler to appropriately define the terms.

[0033] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are provided as some example embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all technical concepts, aspects and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it will be understood that there may be various equivalents and variations that can replace or modify the embodiments described herein when filing this application.

[0034] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, directly connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may also be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. For example, when a first element is described as being "coupled to" or "coupled to" a second element, the first element may be directly coupled to or coupled to the second element, or the first element may be indirectly coupled to or coupled to the second element via one or more intervening elements.

[0035] In the accompanying drawings, for clarity, the sizes of various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated. The same reference numerals represent the same or similar elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any or all combinations of one or more associated listed items. In addition, the use of "may" when describing the embodiments of the present disclosure relates to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure". Expressions such as "at least one of ... " and "any one of ... " modify the entire element list when following the element list, rather than modifying the single element in the list. When phrases such as "at least one of A, B and C", "at least one of A, B or C", "at least one of the group selected from A, B and C" or "at least one of A, B and C" are used to specify the list of elements A, B and C, the phrase may refer to any or all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B and C, such as, A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C or A and B and C. As used herein, the term "use" may be considered to be synonymous with the term "utilize". As used herein, the terms "substantially," "approximately," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than terms of degree, and are intended to take into account the inherent variations in measurements or calculations that one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize.

[0036] It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may 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 are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or part from another element, component, region, layer or part. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments, the first element, first component, first region, first layer or first part discussed below may be referred to as a second element, second component, second region, second layer or second part.

[0037] For ease of description, spatially relative terms (such as, "below," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," etc.) may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another or more elements or features as shown in the drawings. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientation shown in the drawings, spatially relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as being "below" or "below" other elements or features will be oriented as being "above" or "above" other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" may cover both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0038] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly states otherwise, the singular form is intended to also include the plural form. It will be further understood that when the terms "include" and / or "comprise" are used in this specification, the terms "include" and / or "comprises" specify the existence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups.

[0039] In addition, any numerical range disclosed and / or detailed herein is intended to include all sub-ranges of the same numerical precision contained in the detailed range. For example, the range of "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all sub-ranges between (and including) the detailed minimum value 1.0 and the detailed maximum value 10.0, that is, with a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit detailed herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit detailed in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification (including claims) to explicitly detail any sub-ranges contained in the range explicitly detailed herein.

[0040] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc. as "the same" may mean that they are "substantially the same." Thus, the phrase "substantially the same" may include situations with deviations that are considered low in the art (e.g., 5% or less). In addition, when a particular parameter is referred to as being uniform in a given area, it may mean that it is uniform in terms of average value.

[0041] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified, each element may be in the singular or in the plural.

[0042] When any element is referred to as being arranged (or located or positioned) “on (or below)” or “over (or under)” a component, it may mean that the arbitrary element is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, and may also mean that another component may be interposed between the component and the arbitrary element arranged (or located or positioned) over (or under) the component.

[0043] Furthermore, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “coupled,” “linked,” or “connected” to another element, the elements may be directly “coupled,” “linked,” or “connected” to each other, or one or more intermediate elements may be present therebetween, through which the element may be “coupled,” “linked,” or “connected” to another element. Furthermore, when a component is referred to as being “electrically coupled” to another component, the component may be directly electrically connected to the other component, or one or more intermediate components may be present therebetween, such that the component and the other component are indirectly electrically connected to each other.

[0044] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified, when "A and / or B" is stated, it means A, B, or A and B. That is, "and / or" includes any combination or all combinations of the listed multiple items. When "C to D" is stated, unless otherwise specified, it means C or greater and D or less.

[0045] The terms used in the present disclosure are for the purpose of describing the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a battery system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Reference Figure 1 According to this embodiment, the battery system includes a battery pack 1, an inverter 2 and a power relay assembly 3.

[0048] The battery pack 1 may include one or more battery modules (not shown) connected in series or in parallel and a battery pack case (not shown) accommodating the battery modules. A plurality of battery modules may be accommodated in the battery pack case in a row or in a grid.

[0049] The battery module may include a plurality of battery cells (not shown) connected in series or in parallel and a module case (not shown). The plurality of battery cells may be accommodated in the module case in a row or in a grid.

[0050] A battery cell may have a negative electrode terminal and a positive electrode terminal, and may be an independent unit structure that performs charging and discharging operations. For example, a battery cell is a secondary battery that is chargeable and dischargeable, and may be a lithium ion battery or a lithium polymer battery. Depending on the shape of the battery cell, a cylindrical type, a prismatic type, or a pouch type may be used.

[0051] Instead of a battery module, the battery pack 1 may include a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked in a row to form one battery module.

[0052] The battery pack 1 may further include a battery management system (BMS). The BMS may include a detection device, a balancing device, and a control device.

[0053] The detection device may detect state information (voltage, current, temperature, etc.) indicating the state of the battery pack 1. The detection device may detect the voltage of a battery cell or a battery module constituting the battery pack 1. The detection device may detect the current flowing through each battery cell constituting the battery module or the battery pack. The detection device may detect the ambient temperature at one or more points of the battery cell or the battery module and / or the battery.

[0054] The balancing device may perform a balancing operation on the battery cells and / or battery modules constituting the battery pack 1 .

[0055] The control device may receive status information (voltage, current, temperature, etc.) of the battery pack 1 from the detection device. The control device may monitor and calculate the status (voltage, current, temperature, state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), etc.) of the battery pack 1 based on the status information received from the detection device. In addition, based on the status monitoring result, the control device may perform control functions (e.g., temperature control, balancing control, and charge / discharge control), protection functions (e.g., over-discharge, over-charge, and over-current protection, short-circuit protection, fire extinguishing function, etc.), etc. In addition, the control device may perform wired or wireless communication functions with external devices of the battery pack 1 (e.g., a host controller, a vehicle, a charger, or a personal communication service (PCS)).

[0056] The detection means, the equalization means and the control means may comprise a processor and a memory.

[0057] The processor may be implemented as a central processing unit (CPU) or a system on chip (SoC), and may control a plurality of hardware or software components connected to the processor by running an operating system or an application, and perform various data processing and calculations. The processor may be configured to execute at least one instruction stored in the memory, and store the execution result data in the memory.

[0058] At least one instruction executed by the processor may be stored in the memory. The memory may be implemented as a volatile storage medium and / or a nonvolatile storage medium, and may be implemented as, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) and / or a random access memory (RAM).

[0059] The inverter 2 may be connected to the battery pack 1, and may convert power discharged from the battery pack 1 or power charged into the battery pack 1. For example, the inverter 2 may be various types of power conversion devices that may convert direct current supplied from the battery pack 1 into alternating current and transmit the alternating current to a load such as a motor, or may convert alternating current generated from a load into direct current and transmit the direct current to the battery pack 1.

[0060] A capacitor (not shown) may be connected in parallel to the battery pack 1 and the inverter 2 at the front end of the inverter 2 .

[0061] The power relay assembly 3 may be installed between the battery pack 1 and the inverter 2, and may control power transmission between the battery pack 1 and the inverter 2. The power relay assembly 3 may operate based on a control signal input from the BMS.

[0062] Figure 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a power relay assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a power relay assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The power relay assembly 3 may include a first housing 100 , a first accommodating unit 200 , a relay module 300 , a second housing 400 , a second accommodating unit 500 , and a lead module 600 .

[0064] The first housing 100 may form an appearance of one side of the power relay assembly 3 .

[0065] Figure 4 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a first housing, a first accommodating unit, and a relay module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 5 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of a first housing, a first accommodating unit, and a relay module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] Reference Figures 2 to 5 , the first housing 100 may be formed in a box shape having a hollow portion, and the upper surface of the first housing 100 may be formed to be open. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In addition to the quadrilateral shape shown, various shapes such as circular, elliptical and polygonal shapes can be designed.

[0067] The first accommodating unit 200 may provide a space inside the first housing 100, in which the relay module 300 described below is installed. Since the inside of the first housing 100 is formed empty, the first accommodating unit 200 may be exemplified as an empty space formed inside the first housing 100. The upper surface of the first accommodating unit 200 may be connected to the external space of the first housing 100 through the open top of the first housing 100.

[0068] The relay module 300 may be mounted in the first accommodation unit 200. The relay module 300 may serve as a component for providing a transmission path of a high voltage current transmitted from the battery pack 1 to the inverter 2 or from the inverter 2 to the battery pack 1 and controlling the flow of the high voltage current.

[0069] The relay module 300 may include a first main relay 310 , a second main relay 320 , a pre-charge relay 330 , a fuse 340 , and a bus bar 350 .

[0070] Both ends of the first main relay 310 may be connected to the negative electrode terminal of the battery pack 1 and the negative electrode terminal of the inverter 2, respectively. The first main relay 310 may block or allow current to flow between the negative electrode terminal of the battery pack 1 and the negative electrode terminal of the inverter 2 through a switching operation. The first main relay 310 may be exemplified as various types of relay devices that may allow or prevent current transmission through contact and separation of a movable contact and a fixed contact according to an on / off operation of a solenoid.

[0071] Both ends of the second main relay 320 may be connected to the positive electrode terminal of the battery pack 1 and the positive electrode terminal of the inverter 2, respectively. The second main relay 320 may block or allow current flow between the positive electrode terminal of the battery pack 1 and the positive electrode terminal of the inverter 2 through opening and closing operations. The second main relay 320 may be exemplified as various types of relay devices that may allow or prevent current transmission through contact and separation of a movable contact and a fixed contact according to an on / off operation of a solenoid.

[0072] The pre-charge relay 330 may be connected in parallel with the second main relay 320. As an example, one end of the pre-charge relay 330 may be connected to a contact point between the battery pack 1 and the second main relay 320. The other end of the pre-charge relay 330 may be connected to a contact point between the second main relay 320 and the capacitor. The pre-charge relay 330 may prevent damage to the first main relay 310 and the second main relay 320 caused by an overcurrent or surge current generated by the disconnection and closing operation of the first main relay 310 and the second main relay 320 during the operation of the first main relay 310 and the second main relay 320. The pre-charge relay 330 may be closed before the closing operation of the second main relay 320, and the capacitor may be charged. The pre-charge relay 330 may be disconnected after the charging of the capacitor is completed. The pre-charge relay 330 may be exemplified as various types of relay devices, which may allow or prevent current transmission by contact and separation of a movable contact and a fixed contact according to the on / off operation of the solenoid.

[0073] When an overcurrent flows into the relay module 300, the fuse 340 may prevent the current from flowing through the relay module 300, that is, prevent the power transmission between the battery pack 1 and the inverter 2. The fuse 340 may be exemplified as various devices that can block the flow of current by disconnecting when an overcurrent is introduced. The fuse 340 may be connected in series to the first main relay 310 and the second main relay 320.

[0074] The bus bar 350 may be used as a component that provides an electrical connection path between the relay module 300 and the battery pack 1, between the relay module 300 and the inverter 2, and between internal components (i.e., the first main relay 310, the second main relay 320, the pre-charge relay 330, and the fuse 340 of the relay module 300). The bus bar 350 may be configured to be conductive and may include materials such as copper, nickel, or aluminum. A plurality of bus bars 350 may be provided. A plurality of bus bars 350 may be connected in various numbers and forms according to the series or parallel structure of the relay module 300 and the battery pack 1, the relay module 300 and the inverter 2, and the internal components of the relay module 300.

[0075] The first main relay 310, the second main relay 320, the pre-charge relay 330, the fuse 340, and the bus bar 350 may be disposed in the first accommodation unit 200, and may have various arrangement forms in the first accommodation unit 200. The first main relay 310, the second main relay 320, the pre-charge relay 330, the fuse 340, and the bus bar 350 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the bottom surface of the first housing 100. The first main relay 310, the second main relay 320, the pre-charge relay 330, the fuse 340, and the bus bar 350 may be supported in a state of being spaced apart from the bottom surface of the first housing 100 by a separate support member (not shown) extending from the inner wall surface of the first housing 100, etc.

[0076] The second housing 400 may form an appearance of the other side of the power relay assembly 3 , and may be stacked on the first housing 100 .

[0077] Figure 6 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a second housing, a second accommodating unit, and a lead module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 7 is a plan view schematically illustrating the configuration of a second housing, a second accommodation unit, and a lead module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The second housing 400 may be formed to have a substantially plate shape. The cross-sectional shape of the second housing 400 may be formed to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the first housing 100. The lower end portion of the second housing 400 may be seated on the upper end portion of the first housing 100.

[0079] The second accommodation unit 500 may be disposed inside the second housing 400, and may provide a space for accommodating a lead module 600 to be described below inside the second housing 400. The second accommodation unit 500 may be separated from the first accommodation unit 200 by a lower side surface of the second housing 400. A detailed configuration of the second accommodation unit 500 will be described below.

[0080] The lead module 600 may be used as a component for connecting to the relay module 300 and providing a transmission path of a low voltage current to the relay module 300. More specifically, the lead module 600 may transmit a control signal input to the relay module 300 or a current or voltage detection signal detected from the relay module 300. The lead module 600 may be connected to the BMS of the battery pack 1, and may receive a control signal for controlling the opening and closing operation of the relay module 300 from the BMS. In addition, the lead module 600 may send the current or voltage detection signal detected from the relay module 300 to the BMS. The lead module 600 may include at least one cable capable of transmitting an electrical signal.

[0081] The lead module 600 may be installed in the second accommodation unit 500 spatially isolated from the first accommodation unit 200. Therefore, the lead module 600 can prevent loss of a control signal or a detection signal due to interference with the relay module 300 through which a high voltage current is electrically conducted.

[0082] The lead module 600 may be electrically connected to each component of the relay module 300 and the BMS through a plurality of branch leads 610. The branch leads 610 may extend in the form of branches from the lead module 600. The plurality of branch leads 610 may be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the lead module 600. The plurality of branch leads 610 may be connected to the first main relay 310, the second main relay 320, the pre-charge relay 330, the fuse 340, the bus bar 350, and the BMS, respectively, via bolt coupling, a connector, and the like.

[0083] A plurality of connection holes 410 may be formed on the second housing 400 , and the plurality of connection holes 410 vertically penetrate the second housing 400 to provide a connection path between the branch lead 610 and the relay module 300 .

[0084] Figure 8 is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of a second accommodation unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 9 is a plan view schematically showing a configuration of a second accommodation unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of a second accommodation unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] Reference Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , the second receiving unit 500 may include a receiving rail 510 and a fixing member 520 .

[0086] The receiving rail 510 may be formed in a shape having a groove recessed in the second housing 400. The receiving rail 510 may be formed recessed from the upper surface of the second housing 400 toward the lower surface. Therefore, the upper surface of the receiving rail 510 may be formed to be open. The receiving rail 510 may extend to span across both sides of the second housing 400. For example, the receiving rail 510 may have a groove on the second housing 400. Fig. 9 The two ends of the receiving rail 510 are spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction of the receiving rail 510, and may extend in the X-axis direction to cross the second housing 400. In this case, some parts of the receiving rail 510 may be formed to be bent in a direction intersecting the X-axis direction, for example, in a direction parallel to the Y-axis direction. Among the directions parallel to the extension direction of the receiving rail 510, the first direction described below may be exemplified as a direction extending from one end of the receiving rail 510 (based on Fig. 9 left end) to the other end (based on Fig. 9 Since some portions of the accommodating rail 510 are formed to be bent in a direction parallel to the Y-axis direction, some portions of the accommodating rail 510 in the first direction may also be formed to be bent in a direction parallel to the Y-axis direction.

[0087] The lead module 600 may be inserted into the receiving rail 510 through the open top surface of the receiving rail 510. The lead module 600 may be supported by being placed on the bottom surface of the receiving rail 510. The width and height of the receiving rail 510 may be formed to be larger than the diameter of the lead module 600. Therefore, the lead module 600 may be easily inserted into the receiving rail 510 to prevent interference with external components of the receiving rail 510.

[0088] The fixing member 520 may protrude inward from the receiving rail 510 to prevent the lead module 600 from being separated from the receiving rail 510. As an example, the fixing member 520 may be formed in a shape having a protrusion protruding from the inner surface of the receiving rail 510 in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the receiving rail 510.

[0089] The fixing member 520 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the bottom surface of the receiving rail 510 inside the receiving rail 510. The distance between the fixing member 520 and the bottom surface of the receiving rail 510 may be greater than the diameter of the lead module 600. Therefore, the fixing member 520 can prevent an excessively large compressive force from being applied to the lead module 600 received in the receiving rail 510, and can prevent the lead module 600 from being separated from the receiving rail 510.

[0090] The fixing member 520 may be formed to have a cross-sectional area that decreases toward an end thereof.

[0091] As an example, the fixing member 520 may include a first surface 521 facing the bottom surface of the receiving rail 510 and a second surface 522 opposite to the first surface 521. Figure 8 , the first surface 521 and the second surface 522 may be a lower surface and an upper surface of the fixing member 520 , respectively.

[0092] The first surface 521 may be formed to have a planar shape. The first surface 521 may be disposed perpendicular to the insertion direction of the lead module 600 into the receiving rail 510, that is, based on Figure 6 Therefore, the first surface 521 can more effectively prevent the lead module 600 accommodated in the accommodation rail 510 from being separated from the accommodation rail 510.

[0093] The second surface 522 may be formed to have a curved shape. The second surface 522 may be formed to be rounded to reduce the distance from the first surface 521 toward the end of the fixing member 520. Therefore, the second surface 522 can prevent the lead module 600 from interfering with the fixing member 520 and not being inserted into the receiving rail 510.

[0094] A plurality of fixing members 520 may be provided. The plurality of fixing members 520 may be arranged at set intervals in the extending direction of the receiving rail 510. The interval distance and number of the fixing members 520 may be variously changed in design according to the length of the receiving rail 510 and the like.

[0095] The second receiving unit 500 may further include a flow guiding member 530 .

[0096] The guide member 530 may serve as a component for guiding the discharge of moisture introduced into the accommodating rail 510 .

[0097] The flow guide member 530 may include an inclined surface 531 and a transmission hole 532 .

[0098] The inclined surface 531 may be formed on the bottom surface of the receiving rail 510. The inclined surface 531 may be formed separately from and disposed on the bottom surface of the receiving rail 510, or may be integrally formed with the bottom surface of the receiving rail 510.

[0099] The inclined surface 531 may include a first end 531a and a second end 531b disposed at different heights. The second end 531b may be disposed at a position lower than the position of the corresponding first end 531a. Therefore, the inclined surface 531 may have a shape that is inclined downward from the first end 531a toward the second end 531b. Therefore, the inclined surface 531 may guide the moisture introduced into the receiving rail 510 to flow in the direction from the first end 531a to the second end 531b.

[0100] The second end portion 531b of the inclined surface 531 may be spaced apart from the first end portion 531a in the first direction within the receiving rail 510. In other words, the inclined surface 531 may be disposed to be inclined downward in the first direction within the receiving rail 510.

[0101] A plurality of inclined surfaces 531 may be provided. The plurality of inclined surfaces 531 may be sequentially arranged along a first direction parallel to an extending direction of the receiving rail 510.

[0102] The heights of the plurality of inclined surfaces 531 may be gradually reduced in the first direction. Fig.10 As shown, the second end 531b of one inclined surface 531 disposed at a relatively high position in any pair of inclined surfaces 531 adjacent in the first direction may be disposed at the same height as the first end 531a of the other inclined surface 531 disposed at a relatively low position. As an example, the plurality of inclined surfaces 531 may be connected in a manner that downwardly inclined portions and horizontal portions are alternately repeated in the first direction. Therefore, the plurality of inclined surfaces 531 may guide moisture to flow continuously in the first direction without stagnating between adjacent inclined surfaces 531.

[0103] The transmission hole 532 may be formed in the shape of a hole having a hole vertically passing through the second end portion 531b of the inclined surface 531. The transmission hole 532 may have an upper end portion connected to the inner space of the receiving rail 510 and a lower end portion connected to the first receiving unit 200. Therefore, the transmission hole 532 may discharge moisture flowing to the second end portion 531b along the inclined surface 531 to the outside of the receiving rail 510.

[0104] The transmission hole 532 may be disposed to directly face the bottom surface of the first housing 100. In other words, the transmission hole 532 may not be aligned with the components (i.e., the first main relay 310, the second main relay 320, the pre-charge relay 330, the fuse 340, and the bus bar 350) of the relay module 300 accommodated in the first accommodation unit 200. Therefore, the transmission hole 532 can prevent moisture discharged from the accommodation rail 510 from flowing into the various components of the relay module 300, thereby avoiding damage to the relay module 300.

[0105] A plurality of transmission holes 532 may be provided. The plurality of transmission holes 532 may be formed to pass through the second end portions 531 b of the different inclined surfaces 531 , respectively.

[0106] The exhaust hole 101 for exhausting moisture introduced into the first housing unit 200 through the transmission hole 532 to the outside of the first housing 100 may be formed on the bottom surface of the first housing 100. The exhaust hole 101 may be formed in the shape of a hole vertically passing through the bottom surface of the first housing 100. A plurality of exhaust holes 101 may be provided. The number of the plurality of exhaust holes 101 may be the same as the number of the plurality of transmission holes 532. The plurality of exhaust holes 101 may be provided at positions facing different transmission holes 532, respectively.

[0107] Fig.11 and Fig.12 is a perspective view schematically showing a fastening structure of a first shell and a second shell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig.13 is a front view schematically showing a fastening structure of a first housing and a second housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig.14 is a plan view schematically showing a fastening structure of a first housing and a second housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] Reference Figures 11 to 14 The power relay assembly 3 may further include a first fastening member 710 and a second fastening member 720 .

[0109] The first fastening member 710 may be connected to any one of the first housing 100 and the second housing 400. Hereinafter, an example in which the first fastening member 710 is connected to the first housing 100 will be described, but the first fastening member 710 is not limited thereto and may also be connected to the second housing 400.

[0110] As an example, the first fastening member 710 may be formed to have a hook shape protruding from the side surface of the first housing 100. A plurality of first fastening members 710 may be provided. The plurality of first fastening members 710 may be provided to be spaced apart from each other along the peripheral surface of the first housing 100.

[0111] The second fastening member 720 may be connected to the other of the first housing 100 and the second housing 400. Hereinafter, although an example in which the second fastening member 720 is connected to the second housing 400 and the first fastening member 710 is connected to the first housing 100 will be described, the second fastening member 720 is not limited thereto and may also be connected to the first housing 100. When the second housing 400 is seated on the first housing 100, the second fastening member 720 may be coupled to the first fastening member 710, and the second fastening member 720 may fix the second housing 400 to the first housing 100.

[0112] As an example, the second fastening member 720 may be formed to have a plate shape extending from the side surface of the second housing 400. As the second housing 400 is placed on the first housing 100, a through hole into which the first fastening member 710 is inserted may be formed in the second fastening member 720. The lower end of the second fastening member 720 may protrude downward from the second housing 400. As the second housing 400 is placed on the first housing 100, the second fastening member 720 may be disposed to face the side surface of the first housing 100, and the second fastening member 720 may be coupled to the first fastening member 710. A plurality of second fastening members 720 may be provided. The plurality of second fastening members 720 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other along the peripheral surface of the first housing 100. The number of the plurality of second fastening members 720 may be the same as the number of the first fastening members 710. The plurality of second fastening members 720 may be disposed at positions that can be fastened to different first fastening members 710.

[0113] The power relay assembly 3 may further include a first alignment groove 730 and a second alignment groove 740 .

[0114] The first and second alignment grooves 730 and 740 may serve as structures for guiding fastening operations of the first and second fastening members 710 and 720 .

[0115] Hereinafter, an example in which the first alignment groove 730 and the second alignment groove 740 are respectively formed in the first housing 100 and the second housing 400 will be described. However, the first alignment groove 730 and the second alignment groove 740 are not limited thereto, and may also be respectively formed on the second housing 400 and the first housing 100 according to the positions of the first fastening member 710 and the second fastening member 720.

[0116] The first alignment groove 730 may be formed in a shape having a groove recessed in the first housing 100. The first alignment groove 730 may extend longitudinally in a vertical direction. The upper end of the first alignment groove 730 may pass through the upper end of the first housing 100 and be connected to the top space of the first housing 100. The first fastening member 710 may be disposed in the first alignment groove 730. A plurality of first alignment grooves 730 may be provided. The plurality of first fastening members 710 may be respectively inserted into different first alignment grooves 730.

[0117] The second alignment groove 740 may be formed in a shape having a groove recessed in the second housing 400. The second alignment groove 740 may extend longitudinally in a vertical direction. The lower end of the second alignment groove 740 may pass through the lower end of the second housing 400 and be connected to the bottom space of the second housing 400. The second fastening member 720 may be disposed in the second alignment groove 740. A plurality of second alignment grooves 740 may be provided. A plurality of second fastening members 720 may be respectively inserted into different second alignment grooves 740.

[0118] When the first fastening member 710 and the second fastening member 720 are aligned to the correct position, the first alignment groove 730 and the second alignment groove 740 may be connected to each other. Here, when the first fastening member 710 and the second fastening member 720 are aligned to the correct position, it may mean that the first fastening member 710 and the second fastening member 720 are arranged side by side in the Z-axis direction. In addition, when the first alignment groove 730 and the second alignment groove 740 are connected to each other, it may mean that the upper end of the first alignment groove 730 matches the lower end of the second alignment groove 740, and the internal space of the first alignment groove 730 and the internal space of the second alignment groove 740 are connected as one.

[0119] When the second shell 400 is placed on the first shell 100 in a state where the first alignment groove 730 and the second alignment groove 740 are connected to each other, the end of the second fastening member 720 protruding to the outside of the second shell 400 can be inserted into the first alignment groove 730 and can be aligned with the corresponding position relative to the first fastening member 710.

[0120] Reference Figure 3 The power relay assembly 3 may further include a cover 800 .

[0121] The cover 800 may be formed in a plate shape, and is disposed to cover the second accommodation unit 500 at the top of the second housing 400. Therefore, the cover 800 can prevent external foreign matter from entering the second accommodation unit 500, and can protect the lead module 600 accommodated in the second accommodation unit 500 from external impact. The cover 800 may be coupled to the second housing 400 by various types of coupling methods such as bolting, welding, fitting, and hooking.

[0122] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, these embodiments are merely illustrative, and it should be understood that those skilled in the art can derive various modifications and other equivalent embodiments based on these embodiments. The technical scope of the present disclosure should be defined by the appended claims, and their functional equivalents are included therein.

Claims

1. A power relay assembly, comprising: a first shell; A first accommodating unit, disposed in the first shell; a relay module installed in the first accommodation unit and configured to control the flow of current; a second shell, stacked on the first shell; a second accommodating unit, disposed in the second housing and separated from the first accommodating unit; as well as A lead module is installed in the second accommodation unit and connected to the relay module.

2. The power relay assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The second accommodation unit comprises: an accommodating rail configured to be recessed into the second housing, and the lead module is inserted into the accommodating rail; and A fixing member protrudes inwardly from the receiving rail and is configured to prevent the lead module from being separated from the receiving rail.

3. The power relay assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The fixing member is provided in plurality, and the plurality of fixing members are arranged along an extending direction of the receiving rail.

4. The power relay assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The fixing member is disposed to be spaced apart from a bottom surface of the receiving rail.

5. The power relay assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The fixing member is formed to have a cross-sectional area that decreases toward an end portion thereof.

6. The power relay assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The fixing member comprises: a first surface facing the bottom surface of the receiving rail; and a second surface, opposite to the first surface, and The second surface has a curved shape.

7. The power relay assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The first surface has a planar shape and is disposed perpendicular to an insertion direction of the lead module into the receiving rail.

8. The power relay assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The second accommodating unit further includes a guide member configured to guide discharge of moisture introduced into the accommodating rail.

9. The power relay assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The drainage member comprises: an inclined surface formed on a bottom surface of the receiving rail and including a first end portion and a second end portion disposed at a relatively lower position than the first end portion; and A transmission hole passes through the second end portion and is connected to the first accommodating unit.

10. The power relay assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The inclined surface is provided in plural numbers, and the plurality of inclined surfaces are arranged in a first direction parallel to an extending direction of the accommodating rail.

11. The power relay assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The heights of the plurality of inclined surfaces gradually decrease in the first direction.

12. The power relay assembly according to claim 11, wherein: The second end portion of one inclined surface of any pair of inclined surfaces adjacent in the first direction is disposed at the same height as the first end portion of the other inclined surface of the pair of inclined surfaces.

13. The power relay assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The transmission hole is disposed to face the bottom surface of the first housing. 14 . The power relay assembly of claim 13 , further comprising a drain hole configured to pass through the bottom surface of the first housing and drain moisture introduced into the first accommodation unit to the outside of the first housing.

15. The power relay assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: a first fastening member connected to any one of the first housing and the second housing; as well as A second fastening member is connected to the other of the first housing and the second housing and is coupled to the first fastening member as the second housing is mounted on the first housing.

16. The power relay assembly according to claim 15, further comprising: a first alignment groove configured to be recessed in any one of the first housing and the second housing, and the first fastening member is disposed in the first alignment groove; as well as a second alignment groove configured to be recessed in the other of the first housing and the second housing, and the second fastening member is disposed in the second alignment groove, Wherein, as the first fastening member and the second fastening member are disposed to face each other, the first alignment groove and the second alignment groove are connected to each other.

17. The power relay assembly according to claim 16, wherein: In a state where the first alignment groove and the second alignment groove are connected to each other, as the second housing is seated on the first housing, an end portion of the second fastening member is inserted into the first alignment groove. 18 . The power relay assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a cover coupled to the second housing and disposed to cover the second accommodation unit.

19. A battery system comprising: Battery pack; an inverter connected to the battery bank; as well as A power relay assembly is installed between the battery pack and the inverter. Wherein, the power relay assembly comprises: a first shell; A first accommodating unit, disposed in the first shell; a relay module installed in the first accommodation unit and configured to control the flow of current; a second shell, stacked on the first shell; a second accommodation unit disposed in the second housing and separated from the first accommodation unit; and A lead module is installed in the second accommodation unit and connected to the relay module.

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