Resistor unit, resistor assembly and battery pack

Abstract

The present invention relates to a resistance unit, a resistance assembly, and a battery pack, and more particularly, to a connectable and separable resistance unit, a resistance assembly connected with a plurality of resistance units, and a battery pack mounted with the resistance assembly. A resistance unit according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first resistance portion formed to extend in a first direction; a second resistance portion formed to extend in a second direction; a housing for accommodating the first resistive portion and the second resistive portion therein; and a terminal portion coupled with one or more of one end of the first resistance portion and one end of the second resistance portion and having a portion protruding out of the housing, in which an opening is formed through a portion of the housing facing the other end of the first resistance portion and a portion of the housing facing the other end of the second resistance portion, and the plurality of resistor units can be connected and separated in the first direction and the second direction, so that resistors of various specifications can be provided without being limited by the installation space of the resistors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0115496, filed in Korea on August 31, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0015026, filed in Korea on January 31, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to resistor units, resistor assemblies, and battery packs, and more specifically, to resistor units that can be connected and disconnected, resistor assemblies in which multiple resistor units are connected, and battery packs in which resistor assemblies are mounted. Background Technology

[0004] A rechargeable battery is a type of battery that can be charged and discharged, unlike a primary battery that cannot be recharged. Low-capacity rechargeable batteries are used in small portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and cameras, while high-capacity batteries are widely used as power sources for drive motors in hybrid vehicles.

[0005] Rechargeable batteries can be used in the form of battery cells, which have a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode sequentially stacked within an outer material, with the internal space of the outer material filled with an electrolyte solution. Multiple battery cells can be electrically connected to form a battery module or battery pack. A main circuit for charging and discharging the battery cells is installed in the battery pack, and the main circuit may include a main relay that performs the charging and discharging process.

[0006] When the main relay in the main circuit of the battery pack is turned on, an inrush current may be generated due to the instantaneous potential difference between the input and output terminals. In this situation, welding of the main relay may occur, which could degrade the performance of the rechargeable battery. To prevent this, a pre-charge circuit can be connected to the main circuit. The pre-charge circuit includes a pre-charge resistor, so even when a high voltage difference momentarily occurs between the input and output terminals, the high-resistivity component in the circuit reduces the magnitude of the inrush current, and the voltage difference between the input and output terminals gradually decreases.

[0007] Traditional precharge resistors are single resistor units, and traditional resistor units, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown. Specifically, Figure 1 It is a schematic three-dimensional view showing the overall appearance of a conventional resistor unit, and Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the internal structure of a traditional resistor unit. (Example) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a conventional resistor unit 1 may include a metal rod portion 2 extending in one direction, a metal terminal portion 3 connected to one end and the other end of the metal rod portion 2, and an outer material 4 surrounding a portion of the metal terminal portion 3 and the metal rod portion 2. The resistor unit 1 can be used as a pre-charge resistor by directly connecting the metal terminal portion 3 to the pre-charge circuit.

[0008] Furthermore, only one metal rod portion 2 is provided inside the outer material 4, and no connection portion for connecting another resistor is formed in the metal rod portion 2, making it impossible for the conventional resistor units 1 to be connected to each other. Therefore, in the prior art, after the resistor unit 1 is fabricated according to the resistor specifications required in the pre-charge circuit, each of the resistor units 1 must be directly connected to the circuit, thus creating a problem where resistors meeting the required specifications cannot be provided when installation space is limited. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] This disclosure aims to address the problems of the prior art, and therefore aims to provide a resistor unit that can be connected and disconnected in various directions to overcome installation space limitations and provide resistors of various specifications, a resistor assembly in which multiple resistor units are connected, and a battery pack in which the resistor assembly is installed.

[0011] Technical solution

[0012] The resistor unit according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure includes: a first resistor portion formed to extend along a first direction; a second resistor portion formed to extend along a second direction; a housing that accommodates the first resistor portion and the second resistor portion; and a terminal portion that is connected to at least one of an end of the first resistor portion and an end of the second resistor portion, and partially protrudes outside the housing, wherein an opening is formed in each of the portion of the housing facing the other end of the first resistor portion and the portion of the housing facing the other end of the second resistor portion.

[0013] The terminal portion may include: a terminal body connected to at least one of a first resistor portion and a second resistor portion; and a terminal tip extending from the terminal body and partially protruding outside the housing.

[0014] The shape of the opening can correspond to the shape of the terminal tip.

[0015] A terminal connection groove corresponding to the end shape of the terminal tip can be formed at each of the other ends of the first resistor portion and the second resistor portion.

[0016] The length of the first resistor section in the first direction can be longer than the length of the second resistor section in the second direction.

[0017] The shell can have a hollow hexahedral shape.

[0018] The first and second directions can be perpendicular to each other.

[0019] Furthermore, the resistor unit according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure may include: a first resistor portion formed to extend along a first direction; a second resistor portion formed to extend along a second direction; a housing that houses the first resistor portion and the second resistor portion; and a terminal portion that is connected to one end of the first resistor portion and partially protrudes outside the housing, wherein an opening may be formed in the portion of the housing facing the second resistor portion.

[0020] The terminal portion may include: a terminal body connected to one end of the first resistor portion; and a terminal tip extending from the terminal body and partially protruding outside the housing.

[0021] The shape of the opening can correspond to the shape of the terminal tip.

[0022] A terminal connection groove corresponding to the end shape of the terminal tip can be formed at one end of the second resistor portion.

[0023] Furthermore, the resistor unit according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure may include: a first resistor portion formed to extend along a first direction; a second resistor portion formed to extend along a second direction; a housing that houses the first resistor portion and the second resistor portion; and a terminal portion that is connected to both ends of the first resistor portion and partially protrudes outside the housing, wherein an opening may be formed in at least one of the portions of the housing facing both ends of the second resistor portion.

[0024] The terminal portion may include: a terminal body that is connected to each of the two ends of the first resistor portion; and a terminal tip that extends from the terminal body and partially protrudes outside the housing.

[0025] The shape of the opening can correspond to the shape of the terminal tip.

[0026] Terminal connection grooves corresponding to the end shape of the terminal tip can be formed at one or more of the ends of the second resistor portion.

[0027] Furthermore, the resistor assembly according to this disclosure may include multiple resistor units.

[0028] The resistor assembly may include an insulating cover that surrounds the terminal portion and protrudes to the outside of the housing.

[0029] Furthermore, the battery pack according to this disclosure includes: a plurality of battery modules; a main circuit that configures the charging and discharging paths of the plurality of battery modules; a pre-charging circuit that is connected to the main circuit; and a resistor assembly that is mounted in the pre-charging circuit.

[0030] Beneficial effects

[0031] A resistor unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a first resistor portion formed to extend along a first direction; a second resistor portion formed to extend along a second direction; a housing that accommodates the first resistor portion and the second resistor portion; and a terminal portion connected to at least one of one end of the first resistor portion and one end of the second resistor portion, and partially protruding outside the housing, wherein an opening is formed in each of the portion of the housing facing the other end of the first resistor portion and the portion of the housing facing the other end of the second resistor portion, such that a plurality of resistor units can be connected and separated in the first direction and the second direction, thereby having the beneficial effect of providing resistors of various specifications without being limited by resistor mounting space. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional view schematically showing the overall appearance of a conventional resistor unit.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the internal structure of a traditional resistor unit.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the state in which terminal portions are formed in both the first and second directions in the resistor unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 4 It shows the basis Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the resistor unit.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a terminal portion is formed only in the first direction in a resistor unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a terminal portion is formed only in the second direction in a resistor unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the resistor unit according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a groove is formed only at one end of the second resistor portion in the resistor unit according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which grooves are formed at both ends of the second resistor portion in the resistor unit according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure.

[0041] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the resistor units in the resistor assembly according to the present disclosure are connected along a first direction.

[0042] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the resistor units in the resistor assembly according to the present disclosure are connected along a second direction.

[0043] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the circuitry of a battery pack according to the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0044] In the following, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in full detail with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to readily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to or construed as described below.

[0045] In order to clearly describe this disclosure, detailed descriptions of relevant known techniques that are irrelevant or may unnecessarily obscure the essential points of this disclosure have been omitted, and throughout the specification, the same or similar reference numerals are attached to the same or similar elements when reference numerals are attached to elements in each figure.

[0046] Furthermore, it should be understood that the terms or words used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to their general and dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted according to their meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of this disclosure, based on the principle that the inventors are allowed to define the terms appropriately for the best interpretation.

[0047] In the following description, the resistor unit, resistor assembly and battery pack according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] Resistor unit (Implementation method 1)

[0049] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the state in which terminal portions are formed in both the first and second directions in the resistor unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, and Figure 4 It shows the basis Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the resistor unit. Figure 5This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which terminal portions are formed only in the first direction in the resistor unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, and Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a terminal portion is formed only in the second direction in a resistor unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure.

[0050] Reference Figures 3 to 6 The resistor unit 1 according to this disclosure includes: a first resistor portion 10 extending along a first direction S1; a second resistor portion 20 extending along a second direction S2; a housing 30 accommodating the first resistor portion 10 and the second resistor portion 20; and terminal portions 40 and 50 connected to at least one end of the first resistor portion 10 and the second resistor portion 20, and partially protruding outside the housing 30. Here, openings 32 and 34 are formed in each of the portions of the housing 30 facing the other end of the first resistor portion 10 and the other end of the housing 30 facing the second resistor portion 20. In this configuration, the resistor units 1 can be connected and separated from each other in the first direction S1 and the second direction S2, thereby allowing the resistor units 1 to be assembled to fit the shape of the space in which resistors are mounted in a circuit, and allowing the resistor units 1 to be connected in series and / or in parallel to accommodate the desired resistance size. In other words, it has the advantageous effect of providing resistors of various specifications without being limited by the resistor mounting space.

[0051] Resistor unit 1 can be a pre-charge resistor installed in the pre-charge circuit of the battery pack. When the battery pack is charged and discharged, surge current may be generated due to the instantaneous potential difference between the input terminal and the output terminal. The pre-charge circuit with resistor unit 1 increases the resistance of the entire circuit of the battery pack, thereby preventing the generation of surge current and gradually reducing the potential difference between the input terminals.

[0052] Furthermore, the resistor unit 1 may include a first resistor portion 10 extending along a first direction S1 and a second resistor portion 20 extending along a second direction S2 different from the first direction S1. In this case, both the first resistor portion 10 and the second resistor portion 20 are resistors connected to the pre-charge circuit and may have various structures. For example, each of the first resistor portion 10 and the second resistor portion 20 may include a rod-shaped resistor body 11, 21 extending in a straight line. Here, the first resistor body 11 and the second resistor body 21 may be integrally connected. In addition, each of the first resistor portion 10 and the second resistor portion 20 may have a structure in which a coil is wound around a conductor rod.

[0053] The housing 30 is the outer material surrounding the first resistive portion 10 and the second resistive portion 20, and can have various structures. For example, the housing 30 can have a hollow hexahedral structure in which spaces for accommodating the first resistive portion 10 and the second resistive portion 20 are formed. The housing 30 can be made of an insulating material, and synthetic resins such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) can be used as insulating materials.

[0054] Furthermore, openings 31, 32, 33, and 34 may be formed in the housing 30. Specifically, the housing 30 may include at least some of the following openings: a first opening 31 formed in the portion facing one end of the first resistor portion 10, a second opening 32 formed in the portion facing the other end of the first resistor portion 10, a third opening 33 formed in the portion facing one end of the second resistor portion 20, and a fourth opening 34 formed in the portion facing the other end of the second resistor portion 20. In this case, the first to fourth openings 31, 32, 33, and 34 may be formed large enough that a portion of the terminal portions 40 and 50, described later, can pass through these openings.

[0055] Terminal portions 40 and 50 are conductor terminals connected to at least one of one end of the first resistor portion 10 and one end of the second resistor portion 20, and the resistor unit 1 may include terminal portions 40 and 50 having various numbers and connection structures. Specifically, the resistor unit 1 may include at least one of a first terminal portion 40 connected to the first resistor portion 10 and a second terminal portion 50 connected to the second resistor portion 20. In this case, the first terminal portion 40 and the second terminal portion 50 may have substantially the same shape, structure, and size.

[0056] Resistor unit 1 may include both a first terminal portion 40 connected to one end of the first resistor portion 10 and a second terminal portion 50 connected to one end of the second resistor portion 20, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown. The first terminal portion 40 protrudes to the outside of the housing 30 through the first opening 31, and the second terminal portion 50 protrudes to the outside of the housing 30 through the third opening 32. Here, the second opening 32 and the fourth opening 34 can be formed in each of the portions of the housing 30 facing the other end of the first resistor portion 10 and the other end of the housing 30 facing the second resistor portion 20. That is, the first to the fourth openings 31, 32, 33, and 34 can all be formed in the housing 30.

[0057] In addition, such as Figure 5As shown, the resistor unit 1 may include only a first terminal portion 40 connected to one end of the first resistor portion 10. In this case, the first terminal portion 40 may protrude outside the housing 30 through the first opening 31. At this time, the second opening 32 and the fourth opening 34 may be formed in the portion of the housing 30 facing the other end of the first resistor portion 10 and the portion of the housing 30 facing the other end of the second resistor portion 20, respectively. That is, the first opening 31, the second opening 32, and the fourth opening 34 may be formed within the housing 30.

[0058] On the other hand, such as Figure 6 As shown, the resistor unit 1 may include only a second terminal portion 50 connected to one end of the second resistor portion 20. The second terminal portion 50 may protrude outside the housing 30 through the third opening 33. The second opening 32 and the fourth opening 34 may be formed in the portion of the housing 30 facing the other end of the first resistor portion 10 and the portion of the housing 30 facing the other end of the second resistor portion 20, respectively. That is, the second opening 32, the third opening 33, and the fourth opening 34 may be formed within the housing 30.

[0059] In other words, under any circumstances, the resistor unit 1 includes a first resistor portion 10, a second resistor portion 20, and a housing 30, and at least one of the first resistor portion 10 and the second resistor portion 20 is connected to terminal portions 40, 50 protruding to the outside of the housing 30, and at least a second opening 32 and a fourth opening 34 are formed in the housing 30, such that the resistor unit 1 can be connected and separated from each other in the first direction S1 and the second direction S2. Therefore, the resistor unit 1 can be assembled to fit the shape of the space in the circuit where resistors are mounted, and can be connected in series and / or in parallel to fit the required resistance size, so that users can provide resistors of various specifications by using the resistor unit 1 without being limited by the space for mounting resistors.

[0060] Furthermore, terminal portions 40 and 50 may include terminal bodies 41 and 51 and terminal tips 42 and 52. Terminal bodies 41 and 51 are connected to at least one end of the first resistor portion 10 and one end of the second resistor portion 20. Terminal tips 42 and 52 extend from terminal bodies 41 and 51 and partially protrude outside the housing 30. Specifically, the first terminal portion 40 may include a first terminal body 41 and a first terminal tip 42. The first terminal body 41 is connected to one end of the first resistor portion 10, and the first terminal tip 42 extends from the first terminal body 41 along a first direction S1 and protrudes outside the housing 30. Similarly, the second terminal portion 50 may include a second terminal body 51 and a second terminal tip 52. The second terminal body 51 is connected to one end of the second resistor portion 20, and the second terminal tip 52 extends from the second terminal body 51 along a second direction S2 and protrudes outside the housing 30.

[0061] Here, the first terminal body 41 and the second terminal body 51 may have substantially the same shape, structure and size. In addition, the first terminal tip 42 and the second terminal tip 52 may have substantially the same shape, structure and size.

[0062] Furthermore, the terminal bodies 41 and 51 are connected inside the housing 30 to one end of the first resistor portion 10 and the second resistor portion 20, and the terminal tips 42 and 52 can extend from the terminal bodies 41 and 51. In this case, a portion of the terminal tips 42 and 52 can be located inside the housing 30, and the remaining portion of the terminal tips 42 and 52 can protrude outside the housing 30.

[0063] At this time, the shapes of the second opening 32 and the fourth opening 34 formed in the housing 30 can correspond to the shapes of the terminal tips 42 and 52. In this case, the terminal tips 42 and 52 provided in the resistor unit 1 are fitted into the second opening 32 or the fourth opening 34 of the adjacent resistor unit 1, thus having the beneficial effect of increasing the connection force between the resistor units 1.

[0064] Furthermore, the shapes of openings 31, 32, 33, and 34 can correspond to the shapes of terminal tips 42 and 52. For example, the shape of the first opening 31 can correspond to the shape of the first terminal tip 42, so that the tip of the first terminal portion 40 connected to the first resistor portion 10 can be fitted into the first opening 31. Additionally, the shape of the third opening 33 can correspond to the shape of the second terminal tip 42, so that the tip of the second terminal portion 50 connected to the second resistor portion 20 can be fitted into the third opening 33.

[0065] Furthermore, terminal connection grooves 12 and 22 corresponding to the end shapes of terminal tips 42 and 52 can be formed at the other end of the first resistor portion 10 and the other end of the second resistor portion 20.

[0066] Specifically, a first terminal connection groove 12 corresponding to the end shape of the terminal tips 42, 52 can be formed at the other end of the first resistor portion 10. In this case, the terminal tips 42, 52 of another resistor unit 1 inserted through the second opening 32 are fitted into the first terminal connection groove 12, thus having the beneficial effect of increasing the connection force between the resistor units 1.

[0067] Furthermore, a second terminal connection groove 22 corresponding to the end shape of the terminal tips 42, 52 can be formed at the other end of the second resistor portion 20. In this case, the terminal tips 42, 52 of another resistor unit 1 inserted through the fourth opening 34 are fitted into the second terminal connection groove 22, thus having the beneficial effect of increasing the connection force between the resistor units 1.

[0068] Furthermore, the lengths of the first resistive portion 10 in the first direction S1 and the second resistive portion 20 in the second direction S2 can be formed to be different from each other. For example, the length of the first resistive portion 10 in the first direction S1 can be formed to be longer than the length of the second resistive portion 20 in the second direction S2. The resistance value formed in the resistive unit 1 in the first direction S1 is larger than the resistance value in the second direction S2, thus having the beneficial effect of easily forming components with various shapes and resistance values ​​when the resistive units 1 are combined.

[0069] Furthermore, the housing 30 can have an open hexahedral shape. In this case, adjacent resistor units 1 are close to each other, while the housings 30 are in contact with each other, so the resistor units 1 can be connected to each other without forming empty spaces between them. That is to say, it has the beneficial effect of improving space efficiency.

[0070] Furthermore, the first direction S1 and the second direction S2 are different directions, and the angle between the first direction S1 and the second direction S2 can be formed in various ways. For example, the first direction S1 and the second direction S2 can be perpendicular to each other.

[0071] When the first direction S1 and the second direction S2 are perpendicular to each other and the housing 30 has a hexahedral shape, multiple resistor units 1 can be stacked and connected on the first direction S1 or the second direction S2, thus having the beneficial effect of minimizing wasted space when the resistor units 1 are combined.

[0072] Resistor unit (Implementation method 2)

[0073] The resistor unit of Embodiment 2 according to this disclosure differs from that of Embodiment 1 in that an opening is formed only in the portion of the housing facing the second resistor portion. Common elements with Embodiment 1 will be omitted as much as possible, and the description of Embodiment 2 will focus on the differences. That is, it is obvious that, if necessary, anything not described in Embodiment 2 can be considered as part of Embodiment 1.

[0074] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the resistor unit according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure.

[0075] Reference Figure 7According to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure, the resistor unit 1 includes: a first resistor portion 10 extending along a first direction S1; a second resistor portion 20 extending along a second direction S2; a housing 30 accommodating the first resistor portion 10 and the second resistor portion 20; and a terminal portion 40 connected to one end of the first resistor portion 10 and partially protruding outside the housing 30, wherein an opening 34 is formed in the portion of the housing 30 facing the second resistor portion 20. In this configuration, the resistor units 1 can be connected and separated from each other in the vertical direction, thereby allowing the resistor units 1 to be assembled to fit the shape of the space in which resistors are mounted in a circuit.

[0076] Furthermore, the terminal portion 40 may include: a terminal body 41, which is connected to one end of the first resistive portion 10; and a terminal tip 42, which extends from the terminal body 41 and partially protrudes outside the housing 30. The terminal body 41 may be connected to one end of the first resistive portion 10 inside the housing 30, and the terminal tip 42 may extend from the terminal body 41. In this case, a portion of the terminal tip 42 may be located inside the housing 30, and the remainder of the terminal tip 42 may protrude outside the housing 30.

[0077] At this time, the shape of the opening 34 formed in the housing 30 can correspond to the shape of the terminal tip 42. In this case, the terminal tip 42 provided in the resistor unit 1 is fitted into the opening 34 of the adjacent resistor unit 1, thus having the beneficial effect of increasing the connection force between the resistor units 1.

[0078] Furthermore, a terminal connection groove 22 corresponding to the end shape of the terminal tip 42 can be formed at one end of the second resistor portion 20. In this case, the terminal tip 42 of another resistor unit 1 inserted through the opening 34 is fitted into the terminal connection groove 22, thus having the beneficial effect of increasing the connection force between the resistor units 1.

[0079] Furthermore, the lengths of the first resistive portion 10 in the first direction S1 and the second resistive portion 20 in the second direction S2 can be different from each other. For example, the length of the first resistive portion 10 in the first direction S1 can be longer than the length of the second resistive portion 20 in the second direction S2, or the length of the first resistive portion 10 in the first direction S1 can be shorter than the length of the second resistive portion 20 in the second direction S2.

[0080] Furthermore, the housing 30 can have a hollow hexahedral shape. In this case, adjacent resistor units 1 are close to each other, while the housings 30 are in contact with each other, so the resistor units 1 can be connected to each other without forming blank spaces between them. That is to say, it has the beneficial effect of improving space efficiency.

[0081] Furthermore, the first direction S1 and the second direction S2 are different directions, and the angle between the first direction S1 and the second direction S2 can be formed in various ways. For example, the first direction S1 and the second direction S2 can be perpendicular to each other.

[0082] When the first direction S1 and the second direction S2 are perpendicular to each other and the housing 30 has a hexahedral shape, multiple resistor units 1 can be stacked and connected on the first direction S1 or the second direction S2, thus having the beneficial effect of minimizing wasted space when the resistor units 1 are combined.

[0083] Resistor unit (Implementation method 3)

[0084] The resistor unit of Embodiment 3 according to this disclosure differs from that of Embodiments 1 and 2 in that terminal tips are formed at both ends of the first resistor portion. Common elements with Embodiments 1 and 2 will be omitted as much as possible, and the description of Embodiment 3 will focus on the differences. That is, it is obvious that, if necessary, anything not described in Embodiment 3 can be considered as part of Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0085] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a groove is formed only at one end of the second resistor portion in the resistor unit according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure.

[0086] Reference Figure 8 According to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure, the resistor unit 1 includes: a first resistor portion 10, which is formed to extend along a first direction S1; a second resistor portion 20, which is formed to extend along a second direction S2; a housing 30, which houses the first resistor portion 10 and the second resistor portion 20; and a terminal portion 40, which is connected to both ends of the first resistor portion 10 and partially protrudes outside the housing 30.

[0087] Here, an opening 34 can be formed in the portion of the housing 30 facing the second resistor portion 20. These resistor units 1 can be connected and separated from each other in the horizontal or vertical direction, so that the resistor units 1 can be assembled to fit the shape of the space in the circuit where resistors are mounted.

[0088] The terminal portion 40 may include: a terminal body 41, which is connected to both ends of the first resistive portion 10; and a terminal tip 42, which extends from the terminal body 41 and partially protrudes outside the housing 30. The terminal body 41 may be connected to one end of the first resistive portion 10 inside the housing 30, and the terminal tip 42 may extend from the terminal body 41. In this case, a portion of the terminal tip 42 may be located inside the housing 30, and the remainder of the terminal tip 42 may protrude outside the housing 30.

[0089] Furthermore, the shape of the opening 34 formed in the housing 30 can correspond to the shape of the terminal tip 42. In this case, the terminal tip 42 provided in the resistor unit 1 is fitted into the opening 34 of the adjacent resistor unit 1, thus having the beneficial effect of increasing the connection force between the resistor units 1.

[0090] Furthermore, a terminal connection groove 22 corresponding to the end shape of the terminal tip 42 can be formed at one end of the second resistor portion 20. In this case, the terminal tip 42 of another resistor unit 1 inserted through the opening 34 is fitted into the terminal connection groove 22, thus having the beneficial effect of increasing the connection force between the resistor units 1.

[0091] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which grooves are formed at both ends of the second resistor portion in the resistor unit according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure.

[0092] Reference Figure 9 An opening 45 can be formed in each of the portions of the housing 30 facing both ends of the second resistor portion 20. Additionally, terminal connection grooves 22 corresponding to the end shapes can be formed at both ends of the second resistor portion 20. Furthermore, the first direction S1 and the second direction S2 are different directions, and the angle between the first direction S1 and the second direction S2 can be formed in various ways. For example, the first direction S1 and the second direction S2 can be perpendicular to each other.

[0093] When the first direction S1 and the second direction S2 are perpendicular to each other and the housing 30 has a hexahedral shape, multiple resistor units 1 can be stacked and connected on the first direction S1 or the second direction S2, thus having the beneficial effect of minimizing wasted space when the resistor units 1 are combined.

[0094] Resistor assembly

[0095] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the resistor units in the resistor assembly according to the present disclosure are connected along a first direction, and Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the resistor units in the resistor assembly according to the present disclosure are connected along a second direction.

[0096] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 According to this disclosure, a plurality of resistor units 1 can be connected in a resistor assembly. Specifically, the plurality of resistor units 1 are connected along at least one of a first direction S1 and a second direction S2. For example, the resistor units 1 can be connected in a row along the first direction S1, such as... Figure 8 As shown. Here, the horizontal terminal tip 42 formed in the resistor unit 1 can be inserted into the horizontal openings 31, 32 formed in the housing 30 of the adjacent resistor unit 1.

[0097] Additionally, resistor units 1 can be connected in a row along the second direction S2, such as... Figure 9 As shown. Here, the vertical terminal tip 52 formed in the resistor unit 1 can be inserted into the vertical openings 33, 34 formed in the housing 30 of the adjacent resistor unit 1.

[0098] In addition, although Figure 8 and Figure 9 The resistor assembly may be not shown, but may include a plurality of resistor units 1 connected for each of the first direction S1 and the second direction S2.

[0099] In other words, the user can configure the resistor assembly by connecting the resistor unit 1 in various ways for each of the first direction S1 and the second direction S2, and various series / parallel connections of the resistor can be realized when the resistor is installed in the circuit.

[0100] Furthermore, the resistor assembly may include an insulating cover 60 surrounding the portion of the terminal portions 40, 50 that protrudes outside the housing 30. As described above, the terminal portions 40, 50 include terminal bodies 41, 51 and terminal tips 42, 52, and only a portion of the terminal tips 42, 52 may protrude outside the housing 30. That is, the insulating cover 60 may be formed to surround only the portion of the terminal tips 42, 52 that protrudes outside the housing 30.

[0101] Various materials with low electrical conductivity can be used for the insulating cover 60. For example, synthetic resins such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyurethane (PU) can be used for the insulating cover 60.

[0102] Furthermore, depending on the connection configuration of the resistor unit 1, the resistor assembly may include multiple terminal tips 42, 52 protruding outside the housing 30. In this case, the insulating cover 60 may be installed only in some of the multiple protruding terminal tips 42, 52.

[0103] battery pack

[0104] Figure 12This is a diagram showing the circuitry of a battery pack according to the present disclosure.

[0105] The battery pack according to this disclosure includes: a plurality of battery modules; a main circuit 110 configuring the charging and discharging paths of the plurality of battery modules; a pre-charging circuit 120 connected to the main circuit 110; and a resistor assembly mounted in the pre-charging circuit 120. In this configuration, the resistor assembly, in which a plurality of resistor units 1 are connected in at least one of the first direction S1 and the second direction S2, is mounted in the pre-charging circuit 120 of the battery pack, thus providing the advantageous effect of offering pre-charging resistors of various sizes without being limited by the resistor mounting space of the pre-charging circuit 120.

[0106] The battery pack includes a battery pack circuit 100 that performs charging and discharging, voltage balancing, and status monitoring of the battery modules within the pack. The battery pack circuit 100 may include a main circuit 110 that performs charging and discharging of the battery modules. A main relay 111 is installed in the main circuit 110, and charging of the battery modules can be initiated when the main relay 111 is turned on. In this situation, a momentary potential difference may be formed between the input and output terminals; therefore, a pre-charge circuit 120 to prevent this may be connected to the main circuit 110.

[0107] Here, the pre-charge circuit 120 is connected in parallel with the main circuit 110. The pre-charge circuit 120 may include a pre-charge relay 121 and a pre-charge resistor 122. Here, the pre-charge resistor 122 may be a resistor unit 1 or the aforementioned resistor assembly. The pre-charge relay 121 and the main relay 111 can switch alternately to prevent the formation of a momentary potential difference between the input and output terminals. In addition, current flows through the pre-charge circuit 120 in which the pre-charge resistor 122 is formed, thus preventing surge current from being generated in the battery pack circuit 100.

[0108] In addition, current can be supplied to the battery module via the main circuit 110 and the pre-charge circuit 120 through the internal circuit 130 formed in the battery pack, thereby enabling the charging process of the battery pack.

[0109] The present disclosure has been described above with respect to a limited number of embodiments and accompanying drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may be embodied in different forms by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates, within the scope of the technical aspects of the present disclosure and the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0110] [List of reference numerals]

[0111] 1: Resistor unit; 2: Metal rod part

[0112] 3: Metal terminal section 4: External materials

[0113] 10, 20: Resistor section; 11, 21: Resistor body

[0114] 12, 22: Terminal connection grooves; 30: Housing

[0115] 31, 32, 33, 34: Openings; 40, 50: Terminal section

[0116] 41, 51: Terminal body; 42, 52: Terminal tip

[0117] 60: Insulating cover; 100: Battery pack circuit.

[0118] 110: Main circuit 111: Main relay

[0119] 120: Pre-charge circuit 121: Pre-charge relay

[0120] 122: Pre-charge resistor; 130: Internal circuitry

[0121] S1: First direction; S2: Second direction

Claims

1. A resistor unit, the resistor unit comprising: A first resistive portion, wherein the first resistive portion is formed to extend along a first direction; The second resistive portion is formed to extend along a second direction; A housing that accommodates the first resistor portion and the second resistor portion; as well as The terminal portion is connected to at least one end of the first resistor portion and one end of the second resistor portion, and partially protrudes outside the housing. An opening is formed in each of the portion of the housing facing the other end of the first resistor portion and the portion of the housing facing the other end of the second resistor portion.

2. The resistor unit according to claim 1, in, The terminal portion includes: A terminal body, the terminal body being connected to at least one of the first resistor portion and the second resistor portion; and Terminal tip, which extends from the terminal body and partially protrudes outside the housing.

3. The resistor unit according to claim 2, in, The shape of the opening corresponds to the shape of the terminal tip.

4. The resistor unit according to claim 3, in, A terminal connection groove corresponding to the end shape of the terminal tip is formed at each of the other ends of the first resistor portion and the second resistor portion.

5. The resistor unit according to claim 1, in, The length of the first resistor portion in the first direction is longer than the length of the second resistor portion in the second direction.

6. The resistor unit according to claim 1, in, The shell has a hollow hexahedral shape.

7. The resistor unit according to claim 1, in, The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

8. A resistor unit, the resistor unit comprising: A first resistive portion, wherein the first resistive portion is formed to extend along a first direction; The second resistive portion is formed to extend along a second direction; A housing that accommodates the first resistor portion and the second resistor portion; as well as The terminal portion is connected to one end of the first resistor portion and partially protrudes outside the housing. An opening is formed in the portion of the housing facing the second resistor portion.

9. The resistor unit according to claim 8, in, The terminal portion includes: A terminal body, wherein the terminal body is connected to one end of the first resistor portion; and Terminal tip, which extends from the terminal body and partially protrudes outside the housing.

10. The resistor unit according to claim 9, in, The shape of the opening corresponds to the shape of the terminal tip.

11. The resistor unit according to claim 10, in, A terminal connection groove corresponding to the end shape of the terminal tip is formed at one end of the second resistor portion.

12. A resistor unit, the resistor unit comprising: A first resistive portion, wherein the first resistive portion is formed to extend along a first direction; The second resistive portion is formed to extend along a second direction; A housing that accommodates the first resistor portion and the second resistor portion; as well as The terminal portion is connected to both ends of the first resistor portion and partially protrudes outside the housing. An opening is formed in at least one of the portions of the housing facing both ends of the second resistor portion.

13. The resistor unit according to claim 12, in, The terminal portion includes: Terminal body, wherein the terminal body is connected to each of the two ends of the first resistor portion; and Terminal tip, which extends from the terminal body and partially protrudes outside the housing.

14. The resistor unit according to claim 13, in, The shape of the opening corresponds to the shape of the terminal tip.

15. The resistor unit according to claim 14, in, Terminal connection grooves corresponding to the end shape of the terminal tip are formed at one or more of the other ends of the second resistor portion.

16. A resistor assembly having a plurality of resistor units connected in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The resistor assembly of claim 16, wherein the resistor assembly comprises: An insulating cover that surrounds the portion of the terminal portion that protrudes outside the housing.

18. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: Multiple battery modules; The main circuit configures the charging and discharging paths of the plurality of battery modules; A pre-charging circuit is connected to the main circuit. as well as The resistor assembly of claim 16 is installed in the pre-charge circuit.

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