Battery cell assembly and battery pack containing it

Abstract

According to an exemplary embodiment, a battery cell assembly is provided. The battery cell assembly includes a plurality of battery cells, each having positive and negative leads; and an integrated circuit assembly coupled to the plurality of battery cells and configured to measure the voltage of the plurality of battery cells, wherein the integrated circuit assembly includes an insulating frame; the integrated circuit mounted on the insulating frame; a plurality of sensing plates coupled to the integrated circuit; and a temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of one of the plurality of sensing plates.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell assembly and a battery pack including the same. This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2023-0183995 filed on December 18, 2023 and Korean Application No. 10-2024-0151916 filed on October 31, 2024, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Background Art

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as an energy source for various wireless devices such as handsets, notebook computers, and cordless vacuum cleaners. In recent years, due to improvements in energy density and economies of scale, the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has been significantly reduced, and as the driving range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to a level comparable to that of fuel vehicles, the main application of secondary batteries has shifted from mobile devices to mobility.

[0003] The trend in the technological development of secondary batteries for mobility is the improvement of energy density and safety. The safety of secondary batteries for mobility is extremely important as it directly relates to the lives of passengers. The safety of secondary batteries can be achieved by mechanical robustness, reliability of electrical insulation, and heat transfer delay during the occurrence of thermal runaway events.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the technical idea of the present invention is to provide a battery cell assembly that monitors the temperature distribution inside the cell and a battery pack including the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems, a battery cell assembly is provided. The battery cell assembly includes a plurality of battery cells, each having positive and negative leads; and an integrated circuit assembly coupled to the plurality of battery cells and configured to measure the voltage of the plurality of battery cells, wherein the integrated circuit assembly includes an insulating frame; the integrated circuit mounted on the insulating frame; a plurality of sensing plates coupled to the integrated circuit; and a temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of one of the plurality of sensing plates.

[0006] The multiple sensing plates described above are short-circuited to the corresponding positive and negative leads of each of the multiple battery cells described above.

[0007] The multiple sensing plates described above are covered by the corresponding positive and negative leads of each of the multiple battery cells described above.

[0008] The multiple sensing plates described above are in contact with the corresponding positive lead and negative lead of each of the multiple battery cells described above.

[0009] The multiple sensing plates described above are welded to the corresponding positive and negative leads of each of the multiple battery cells.

[0010] The multiple sensing plates described above are interposed between the corresponding positive and negative leads of each of the multiple battery cells and the insulating frame.

[0011] The above integrated circuit assembly includes a first welding pattern on either the positive lead or the negative lead of each of the plurality of battery cells and on the plurality of sensing plates, and a second welding pattern spaced apart from the plurality of sensing plates.

[0012] The distance between the centers of the first welding pattern described above is different from the distance between the centers of the second welding pattern described above.

[0013] The distance between the centers of the first welding pattern is smaller than the distance between the centers of the second welding pattern.

[0014] The above integrated circuit assembly further includes wiring that connects the above integrated circuit and the above temperature sensor.

[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack includes a pack housing including a base plate and a plurality of battery cell assemblies disposed on the pack housing, each of the battery cell assemblies including a plurality of battery cells including positive and negative leads, an insulating frame, an integrated circuit mounted on the insulating frame, a plurality of sensing plates interposed between corresponding positive and negative leads of the plurality of battery cells and the insulating frame and connected to the integrated circuit, and a temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of any one of the plurality of sensing plates.

[0016] The above integrated circuit assembly includes a first welding pattern on either the positive lead or the negative lead of each of the plurality of battery cells and on the plurality of sensing plates, and a second welding pattern spaced apart from the plurality of sensing plates.

[0017] The above integrated circuit assembly further includes wiring that connects the above integrated circuit and the above temperature sensor.

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment, a battery cell assembly is provided. The battery cell assembly includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction, each having a positive lead and a negative lead, and a first integrated circuit assembly and a second integrated circuit assembly spaced apart from each other with the plurality of battery cells in between, wherein the first integrated circuit assembly includes a first insulating frame, a first integrated circuit mounted on the first insulating frame, and a first temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of the positive lead or the negative lead of one of the plurality of battery cells.

[0019] The first temperature sensor is attached to the positive lead or the negative lead using an insulating adhesive.

[0020] The first integrated circuit assembly further includes wiring connecting the first integrated circuit and the first temperature sensor.

[0021] Each of the above wires includes an insulating sheath. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a battery cell assembly may include a temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of some of a plurality of sensing plates. This allows for sensing the temperature distribution according to the orientation of the plurality of battery cells, thereby providing improved temperature distribution monitoring.

[0023] The effects that can be obtained from exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects associated with carrying out exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can also be derived by a person of ordinary skill in the art from exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a plan view showing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing the battery cell assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view showing the battery cell assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a front view of the battery cell assembly of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a partial front view with an enlarged portion of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a partial front view for explaining a battery cell assembly according to another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view for explaining a battery cell assembly according to another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8] It is an exploded perspective view showing the battery cell assembly of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] It is a rear view of the battery cell assembly of FIG. 8.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. On the premise that the terms and words used in this specification and the claims should not be construed as being limited to the ordinary or dictionary meanings, they can be construed as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms in order to explain the inventor's own invention in the best way.

[0026] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, there can be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0027] Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0028] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to give a more complete explanation to an ordinary person, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or shown schematically for the sake of clarity. Accordingly, the sizes and proportions of each component do not fully reflect the actual sizes and proportions.

[0029] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a plan view showing a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] Referring to Figure 1, the battery pack 100 may include a pack housing 110 and a plurality of battery cell assemblies 120. The battery pack 100 may be a final product that is implemented in applications such as vehicles.

[0031] The pack housing 110 can provide space for the battery cell assembly 120 to be mounted. The pack housing 110 may include a base plate 111 and side walls 112, 113, 114, and 115.

[0032] Here, we define the two directions substantially parallel to the mounting surface 111M of the base plate 111 (i.e., the surface facing the battery cell assembly 120) as the X and Y directions, and the direction substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface 111M of the base plate 111 as the Z direction. The X, Y, and Z directions may be substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0033] The base plate 111 and the side walls 112, 113 can each be provided by an extrusion process. The extrusion direction of the base plate 111 and the side walls 112, 113 can each be the X direction. The side walls 114, 115 can also be provided by an extrusion process. The side walls 112, 113, 114, 115 can be substantially perpendicular to the base plate 111.

[0034] According to exemplary embodiments, the base plate 111 and the side walls 112, 113 can be joined by friction stir welding. The base plate 111 may include a plurality of unit plates joined by friction stir welding.

[0035] The pack housing 110 may include a center beam 116. The center beam 116 may extend in the X direction. The center beam 116 may be interposed between the side walls 112, 113. The center beam 116 may be included in a center plate which is one of a plurality of unit plates friction stir welded to each other. Thus, the center beam 116 may be formed together with the center plate and the center beam 116 may be a continuous element as an integral part with the center plate.

[0036] The base plate 111 may include multiple cooling channels. These multiple cooling channels can provide passages for the movement of a coolant, such as water. The multiple cooling channels can be formed by an extrusion process. The multiple cooling channels can be extended in the X direction. The multiple cooling channels can be spaced apart in the Y direction.

[0037] Multiple battery cell assemblies 120 can be placed on a base plate 111 of a pack housing 110. The base plate 111 can support the multiple battery cell assemblies 120. Side walls 112, 113, 114, and 115 can horizontally enclose the multiple battery cell assemblies 120. The side walls 112, 113, 114, and 115 can protect the multiple battery cell assemblies 120.

[0038] The technical idea of ​​the present invention will be described below primarily in embodiments in which the battery pack 100 is of a modular type and each of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120 does not include a module frame, but this is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention in any way. Based on what is described herein, ordinary articulators of the art will readily arrive at embodiments in which the battery pack is of a modular type and each of the multiple battery cell assemblies includes a module frame.

[0039] A TIM (Thermal Interface Material) layer can be provided between the base plate 111 of the pack housing 110 and the multiple battery cell assemblies 120. The TIM layer may include a resin composition. The TIM layer can be provided by a thermal resin coating process.

[0040] The resin composition may be a room-temperature curing composition; that is, the curing reaction of the resin composition can begin and proceed at room temperature. The curing reaction of the resin composition can be accelerated at temperatures higher than room temperature. The curing reaction rate of the resin composition at temperatures higher than room temperature may be faster than the curing reaction rate of the resin composition at room temperature. As a non-limiting example, the main component of the resin composition may be any one of silicone resin, polyol resin, epoxy resin, and acrylic resin.

[0041] The center beam 116 can be extended in the X direction. The center beam 116 can isolate multiple battery cell assemblies 120 in the Y direction. The center beam 116 can be interposed between multiple battery cell assemblies 120.

[0042] In Figure 1, the arrangement of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120 can be described as a 3x2 configuration. The arrangement of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120 disclosed in Figure 1 is a non-limiting example and does not limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention in any sense. A person of ordinary skill in the art can easily arrive at an arrangement of multiple battery cell assemblies 120 arranged in MxN (where M and N are integers greater than or equal to 2) based on what is described herein.

[0043] The battery pack 100 may further include a lid that is coupled to the side walls 112, 113, 114, and 115 of the pack housing 110. The lid can cover elements that are mounted inside the battery pack 100, such as multiple battery cell assemblies 120 and electrical components. The lid can be secured to the pack housing 110 by mechanical coupling means, such as bolting.

[0044] The battery pack may further include exhaust devices coupled to the side walls 114, 115. One of the side walls 114, 115 may include an exhaust hole connected to the exhaust device. The exhaust device may be configured to slow thermal propagation by releasing hot gases from inside the battery pack 100 to the outside in the event of a thermal runway event in a plurality of battery cell assemblies 120.

[0045] Here, thermal runaway of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120 is a state in which the temperature change of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120 is further accelerated, resulting in an uncontrollable positive feedback loop. In a thermal runaway state, the multiple battery cell assemblies 120 exhibit a rapid temperature increase and emit large amounts of high-pressure gas and combustion residue.

[0046] The battery pack 100 may further include a Battery Management System (BMS). The BMS can be configured to perform monitoring, balancing, and control of the battery pack 100. Monitoring of the battery pack 100 may include monitoring the voltage and current of specific nodes within a plurality of battery cell assemblies 120, and monitoring the temperature distribution at a set location within the battery pack 100.

[0047] Balancing the battery pack 100 is an operation that reduces deviations between multiple battery cell assemblies 120. Control of the battery pack 100 includes preventing overcharging, over-discharging, and overcurrent. Through monitoring, balancing, and control, the battery pack 100 can operate under optimal conditions, thereby preventing shortening of the lifespan of each of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120.

[0048] The battery pack 100 may further include additional electrical components such as a cooling device, a Power Relay Assembly (PRA), and a safety plug. The cooling device may include a cooling fan. The cooling fan can prevent each of the multiple battery cell assemblies 120 from overheating by circulating air inside the battery pack 100. The PRA may be configured to supply or cut off power from the high-voltage battery to an external load (e.g., a vehicle motor). The PRA can protect the multiple battery cell assemblies 120 and the external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) by cutting off the power supply to the external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) in situations where abnormal voltages occur, such as voltage surges. Additional electrical components may be interposed between the multiple battery cell assemblies 120 and the side wall 115. The space between the battery cell assemblies 120 and the side wall 115 may also be called the electrical component mounting area.

[0049] The battery pack 100 may further include a plurality of busbars configured to electrically connect a plurality of battery cell assemblies 120. The plurality of battery cell assemblies 120 may be connected in series by the plurality of busbars. This allows the battery pack 100 to be configured to output a high voltage to an external load (e.g., a vehicle motor).

[0050] (Second Embodiment) Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the battery cell assembly 120 of Figure 1.

[0051] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the battery cell assembly 120 of Figure 1.

[0052] Figure 4 is a front view of the battery cell assembly 120 shown in Figure 3.

[0053] Figure 5 is a magnified partial front view of the partial POR shown in Figure 4.

[0054] In Figures 2 to 5, the definition of direction is based on the case where the battery cell assembly 120 is placed on the pack housing 110 (see Figure 1). In Figures 2 to 5, the X direction is the direction in which the multiple battery cells 121 are arranged, the Y direction is the direction of separation between the first integrated circuit assembly 123 and the second integrated circuit assembly 124, and the Z direction may be substantially perpendicular to the X and Y directions, respectively.

[0055] Referring to Figures 2 to 5, the battery cell assembly 120 may include multiple battery cells 121, a first integrated circuit assembly 123, a second integrated circuit assembly 124, a crossbeam 125, and an FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) assembly 127.

[0056] Each of the multiple battery cells 121 may be a lithium-ion battery. Each of the multiple battery cells 121 includes an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a case. Each of the multiple battery cells 121 may be one of a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, or a pouch-type battery cell. The electrode assembly of a cylindrical battery cell is housed in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of a prismatic battery cell is housed in a prismatic metal can. The electrode assembly of a pouch-type battery cell is housed in a pouch case containing an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0057] An electrode assembly may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separation membrane interposed between the positive and negative electrodes. The electrode assembly may be either a jelly roll type or a stack type. A jelly roll type electrode assembly may include a winding structure of the positive electrode, negative electrode, and separation membrane interposed between them. A stack type electrode assembly may include multiple sequentially stacked positive electrodes, multiple negative electrodes, and multiple separation membranes interposed between them.

[0058] Each of the multiple battery cells 121 may include a positive lead 121P and a negative lead 121N. The electrode assembly of each of the multiple battery cells 121 can be connected to the positive lead 121P and the negative lead 121N.

[0059] Multiple battery cells 121 can form multiple banks. Each of these banks can contain one or more battery cells 121. The one or more battery cells 121 in each of these banks can be connected in parallel. The banks can be connected in series.

[0060] The negative leads 121N of one or more battery cells 121 in each of multiple banks can be short-circuited to the positive leads 121P of one or more battery cells 121 in subsequent banks. The negative leads 121N of one or more battery cells 121 in each of multiple banks can be welded to the positive leads 121P of one or more battery cells 121 in subsequent banks.

[0061] The positive lead 121P of one or more battery cells 121 in each of the multiple banks can be short-circuited to the negative lead 121N of one or more battery cells 121 in the preceding bank. The positive lead 121P of one or more battery cells 121 in each of the multiple banks can be welded to the negative lead 121N of one or more battery cells 121 in the preceding bank.

[0062] The number of series-connected banks and the number of battery cells 121 included in multiple banks can be determined according to the magnitude of the voltage and current that each battery cell assembly 120 is intended to output.

[0063] Multiple battery cells 121 can be arranged in the X direction. Multiple pads can be provided between the multiple battery cells 121. Multiple pads can horizontally pressurize the multiple battery cells 121 and prevent or mitigate swelling of the multiple battery cells 121. Multiple pads can isolate the multiple battery cells 121 from each other. According to exemplary embodiments, each of the multiple pads may be made of PU (Polyurethane). According to exemplary embodiments, each of the multiple pads may be made of a fire-resistant material such as silicone.

[0064] According to an exemplary embodiment, multiple pads can be arranged alternately with multiple banks. According to an exemplary embodiment, one of the multiple banks can be interposed between adjacent pads, and one of the multiple pads can be interposed between adjacent banks. According to another exemplary embodiment, two or more banks may be interposed between adjacent pads.

[0065] The first integrated circuit assembly 123 and the second integrated circuit assembly 124 can be separated in the Y direction with multiple battery cells 121 in between. The first integrated circuit assembly 123 and the second integrated circuit assembly 124 can be electrically connected by an FFC assembly 127. This allows sensing values ​​(e.g., voltage, current, and / or temperature) from the second integrated circuit assembly 124 to be transmitted to the first integrated circuit assembly 123 via the FFC assembly 127.

[0066] The first integrated circuit assembly 123 may include an insulating frame 123F, an integrated circuit 123I, a busbar 123B, a sensing plate 123S, a sensing bar 123SB, a temperature sensor 123T, wiring 123Y, and an insulating cover 123IC.

[0067] The insulating frame 123F may contain an insulating material such as plastic. The insulating frame 123F can cover the front of multiple battery cells 121. The insulating frame 123F can support the integrated circuit 123I, bus bar 123B, sensing plate 123S, sensing bar 123SB, temperature sensor 123T, and wiring 123Y.

[0068] The busbar 123B can be short-circuited to the positive lead 121P of one or more battery cells 121 in the first bank and the negative lead 121N of one or more battery cells 121 in the last bank. The busbar 123B can be welded to the positive lead 121P of one or more battery cells 121 in the first bank and the negative lead 121N of one or more battery cells 121 in the last bank. The resulting voltages of multiple battery cells 121 can be output through the busbar 123B. The busbar 123B can be fixed to an insulating frame 123F.

[0069] The integrated circuit 123I can be mounted on an insulating frame 123F. The positive lead 121P and negative lead 121N, welded to each other, can constitute a node inside the battery cell assembly 120. The integrated circuit 123I can be configured to measure the voltage at the node.

[0070] The sensing bar 123SB may contain a conductive material. The sensing bar 123SB may have a rod shape. The sensing bar 123SB may be short-circuited to the bus bar 123B. The sensing bar 123SB may be coupled to the bus bar 123B. The voltage of the bus bar 123B may be measured via the sensing bar 123SB.

[0071] Each of the multiple sensing plates 123S can be coupled to the insulating frame 123F. Each of the multiple sensing plates 123S can be in contact with the insulating frame 123F. Each of the multiple sensing plates 123S can be fixed to the insulating frame 123F by means of mating or other methods. Each of the multiple sensing plates 123S can be connected to the integrated circuit 123I. Each of the multiple sensing plates 123S can be configured to be electrically connected to the integrated circuit 123I.

[0072] Each of the multiple sensing plates 123S may have a patch shape or a pad shape. Each of the multiple sensing plates 123S may contain a conductive material. Each of the multiple sensing plates 123S may be short-circuited to the respective positive lead 121P or negative lead 121N of the corresponding battery cell 121. For example, the multiple sensing plates 123S may be short-circuited to the respective positive lead 121P of the battery cell 121 in the corresponding odd-numbered bank and the respective negative lead 121N of the battery cell 121 in the corresponding even-numbered bank.

[0073] Each of the multiple sensing plates 123S can be covered by the positive lead 121P or negative lead 121N of the corresponding battery cell 121. For example, each of the multiple sensing plates 123S can be covered by the respective positive lead 121P of the battery cell 121 in the corresponding odd-numbered bank and the respective negative lead 121N of the battery cell 121 in the corresponding even-numbered bank.

[0074] Each of the multiple sensing plates 123S can contact the positive lead 121P or negative lead 121N of the corresponding battery cell 121. For example, the multiple sensing plates 123S can contact the respective positive lead 121P of the battery cell 121 in the corresponding odd-numbered bank and the respective negative lead 121N of the battery cell 121 in the corresponding even-numbered bank.

[0075] Multiple sensing plates 123S can be attached to the positive lead 121P or negative lead 121N of corresponding battery cells 121. For example, multiple sensing plates 123S can be attached to the respective positive lead 121P of the battery cells 121 in the corresponding odd-numbered banks and the respective negative lead 121N of the battery cells 121 in the corresponding even-numbered banks.

[0076] Each of the multiple sensing plates 123S can be welded to the positive lead 121P or negative lead 121N of the corresponding battery cell 121. For example, each of the multiple sensing plates 123S can be welded to the respective positive lead 121P of the battery cell 121 in the corresponding odd-numbered bank and the respective negative lead 121N of the battery cell 121 in the corresponding even-numbered bank.

[0077] As a result, the first integrated circuit assembly 123 may include a first welding pattern WP1 and a second welding pattern WP2. The first welding pattern WP1 may be on the positive lead 121P, the negative lead 121N, and the sensing plate 123S. The first welding pattern WP1 can bond the positive lead 121P, the negative lead 121N, and the sensing plate 123S. The second welding pattern WP2 may be separated from the sensing plate 123S. The second welding pattern WP2 may be on the positive lead 121P and the negative lead 121N. The second welding pattern WP2 can bond the positive lead 121P and the negative lead 121N.

[0078] The first welding pattern WP1 and the second welding pattern WP2 may have the same shape. The first welding pattern WP1 and the second welding pattern WP2 may have a helical shape. The diameters DI of the first welding pattern WP1 and the second welding pattern WP2 may be substantially the same.

[0079] The first welding pattern WP1 and the second welding pattern WP2 can be arranged in the Z direction. The distance D1 between the centers of the first welding pattern WP1 may be different from the distance D3 between the centers of the second welding pattern WP2. The distance D1 between the centers of the first welding pattern WP1 may be smaller than the distance D3 between the centers of the second welding pattern WP2.

[0080] The distance D2 between the centers of the first welding pattern WP1 and the second welding pattern WP2 may be different from the distance D1 between the centers of the first welding pattern WP1. The distance D2 between the centers of the first welding pattern WP1 and the second welding pattern WP2 may be greater than the distance D1 between the centers of the first welding pattern WP1.

[0081] The distance D2 between the center of the first welding pattern WP1 and the center of the second welding pattern WP2 may be different from the distance D3 between the centers of the second welding pattern WP2. The distance D2 between the center of the first welding pattern WP1 and the center of the second welding pattern WP2 may be smaller than the distance D3 between the centers of the second welding pattern WP2.

[0082] The distance I1 between the uppermost first weld pattern WP1 and the upper end of the positive lead 121P in the Z direction may be substantially the same as, but is not limited to, the distance I2 between the lowermost second weld pattern WP2 and the lower end of the positive lead 121P in the Z direction.

[0083] Figure 5 shows that the first welding pattern WP1 and the second welding pattern WP2 are formed in two rows, but this is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention in any way. A person of ordinary skill in the art can easily arrive at examples in which the first welding pattern WP1 and the second welding pattern WP2 are formed in one row or three or more rows based on what is described herein.

[0084] Each temperature sensor 123T can be placed on one of the sensing plates 123S. Each temperature sensor 123T can be in contact with one of the sensing plates 123S. Each temperature sensor 123T may be attached to one of the sensing plates 123S by an insulating adhesive. Each temperature sensor 123T can be configured to sense the temperature of one of the sensing plates 123S. The temperature sensors 123T can be connected to the integrated circuit 123I via wiring 123Y.

[0085] According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the wires 123Y may include an insulating coating to prevent undesirable short circuits with surrounding elements (e.g., the sensing plate 123S, the positive lead 121P, and the negative lead 121N).

[0086] An exemplary embodiment of the battery cell assembly 120 may include temperature sensors 123T positioned at different locations in the X direction and / or in the Z direction. This allows for the collection of temperature distribution data based on location within the battery cell assembly 120, in addition to monitoring the highest temperature of the battery cell assembly 120, thereby improving the reliability of monitoring, operation, and control of the battery cell assembly 120.

[0087] The insulating cover 123IC may contain an insulating material such as plastic. The insulating cover 123IC can be mated and coupled to the insulating frame 123F. The insulating cover 123IC can cover the integrated circuit 123I, the bus bar 123B, the sensing plate 123S, the sensing bar 123SB, the temperature sensor 123T, and the wiring 123Y, thereby protecting the electrical elements of the first integrated circuit assembly 123.

[0088] The second integrated circuit assembly 124 may include an insulating frame, an integrated circuit, a sensing plate, a temperature sensor, wiring, and an insulating cover. The second integrated circuit assembly 124 is substantially similar to the first integrated circuit assembly 123, except that it does not include busbars and sensing bars.

[0089] As a result, the sensing plate of the second integrated circuit assembly 124 can be coupled to an insulating frame, covered by the corresponding positive lead 121P and negative lead 121N, and welded to the corresponding positive lead 121P and negative lead 121N. The temperature sensor of the second integrated circuit assembly 124 may be configured to sense the temperature of the sensing plate of the second integrated circuit assembly 124.

[0090] The crossbeams 125 can be spaced apart from each other with multiple battery cells 121 in between. The crossbeams 125 can have the same shape as each other. The crossbeams 125 can be arranged symmetrically around the multiple battery cells 121. The crossbeams 125 can be provided, for example, by an extrusion process, but are not limited thereto.

[0091] The crossbeam 125 may include a stepped structure. It can be used to connect to a supporting beam on the stepped portion of the crossbeam 125 (see Figure 1). The crossbeam 125 can be connected to the supporting beam by methods such as bolting.

[0092] (Third embodiment) Figure 6 is a partial front view illustrating a battery cell assembly according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0093] Referring to Figure 6, the battery cell assembly is substantially the same as that described with reference to Figures 2 to 5, except for the location of the temperature sensor 123T.

[0094] Each of the temperature sensors 123T may be located on one of the positive leads 121P. Each of the temperature sensors 123T may be in contact with one of the positive leads 121P. Each of the temperature sensors 123T may be attached to one of the positive leads 121P by an insulating adhesive. Each of the temperature sensors 123T may be configured to sense the temperature of one of the positive leads 121P. Unlike in Figure 6, each of the temperature sensors 123T may be located on a negative lead 121N and may be configured to sense the temperature of one of the negative leads 121N. Each of the temperature sensors 123T may be connected to an integrated circuit 123I via wiring 123Y.

[0095] (Fourth Embodiment) Figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating a battery cell assembly 120' according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0096] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the battery cell assembly 120' of Figure 7.

[0097] Figure 9 is a rear view of the battery cell assembly 120' shown in Figure 7.

[0098] Referring to Figures 7 to 9, the battery cell assembly 120' may include multiple battery cells 121, a first integrated circuit assembly 123, a second integrated circuit assembly 124', a crossbeam 125, and an FFC assembly 127.

[0099] The multiple battery cells 121, the first integrated circuit assembly 123, the crossbeam 125, and the FFC assembly 127 are substantially the same as those described with reference to Figures 2 to 5, so redundant descriptions of them are omitted. The second integrated circuit assembly 124' may include an insulating frame 124F, an integrated circuit 124I, a sensing plate 124S, a temperature sensor 124T, wiring 124Y, and an insulating cover 124IC. Unlike the integrated circuit assembly 124 in Figures 2 to 5, the second integrated circuit assembly 124' may include a temperature sensor 124T and wiring 124Y.

[0100] The insulating frame 124F may include an insulating material such as plastic. The insulating frame 124F can cover the rear of multiple battery cells 121. The insulating frame 124F can support the integrated circuit 124I, the sensing plate 124S, the temperature sensor 124T, and the wiring 124Y.

[0101] The integrated circuit 124I can be mounted on an insulating frame 124F. The positive lead 121P and negative lead 121N, welded to each other, can constitute a node inside the battery cell assembly 120. The integrated circuit 124I can be configured to measure the voltage at the node.

[0102] Each of the multiple sensing plates 124S can be coupled to the insulating frame 124F. Each of the multiple sensing plates 124S can be in contact with the insulating frame 124F. Each of the multiple sensing plates 124S can be fixed to the insulating frame 124F by means of a mating or other method.

[0103] Each of the multiple sensing plates 124S can be connected to the integrated circuit 124I. Each of the multiple sensing plates 124S can be configured to be electrically connected to the integrated circuit 124I.

[0104] Each of the multiple sensing plates 124S may have a patch shape or a pad shape. The multiple sensing plates 124S may contain a conductive material. Each of the multiple sensing plates 124S may be short-circuited to the respective positive lead 121P or negative lead 121N of the corresponding battery cell 121. For example, each of the multiple sensing plates 124S may be short-circuited to the respective positive lead 121P of the battery cell 121 in the corresponding odd-numbered bank and the respective negative lead 121N of the battery cell 121 in the corresponding even-numbered bank.

[0105] Each of the multiple sensing plates 124S can be covered by the corresponding positive lead 121P or negative lead 121N of one of the multiple battery cells 121. For example, each of the multiple sensing plates 124S can be covered by the corresponding positive lead 121P of the battery cell 121 in the odd-numbered bank and the corresponding negative lead 121N of the battery cell 121 in the even-numbered bank.

[0106] Each of the multiple sensing plates 124S can be in contact with the corresponding positive lead 121P or negative lead 121N of one of the multiple battery cells 121. For example, each of the multiple sensing plates 124S can be in contact with the corresponding positive lead 121P of the battery cell 121 in the odd-numbered bank and the corresponding negative lead 121N of the battery cell 121 in the even-numbered bank.

[0107] Each of the multiple sensing plates 124S can be attached to the corresponding positive lead 121P or negative lead 121N of one of the multiple battery cells 121. For example, each of the multiple sensing plates 124S can be attached to the corresponding positive lead 121P of the battery cell 121 in the odd-numbered bank and the corresponding negative lead 121N of the battery cell 121 in the even-numbered bank.

[0108] Each of the multiple sensing plates 124S can be welded to the corresponding positive lead 121P or negative lead 121N of one of the multiple battery cells 121. For example, each of the multiple sensing plates 124S can be welded to the corresponding positive lead 121P of the battery cell 121 in the odd-numbered bank and to the corresponding negative lead 121N of the battery cell 121 in the even-numbered bank.

[0109] Each temperature sensor 124T can be placed on one of the sensing plates 124S. Each temperature sensor 124T can be in contact with one of the sensing plates 124S. Each temperature sensor 124T may be attached to one of the sensing plates 124S by an insulating adhesive. Each temperature sensor 124T can be configured to sense the temperature of one of the sensing plates 124S. The temperature sensors 124T can be connected to the integrated circuit 124I via wiring 124Y.

[0110] According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the wires 124Y may include an insulating coating to prevent undesirable short circuits with surrounding elements (e.g., the sensing plate 124S, the positive lead 121P, and the negative lead 121N).

[0111] The insulating cover 124IC may contain an insulating material such as plastic. The insulating cover 124IC can be mated and coupled to the insulating frame 124F. The insulating cover 124IC can cover the integrated circuit 124I, the temperature sensor 124T, and the wiring 124Y, thereby protecting the electrical elements of the second integrated circuit assembly 124'.

[0112] The present invention has been described in more detail above with reference to the drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described herein are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, there may be a variety of equivalents and modifications that can be substituted for them at the time of filing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 100 Battery Packs 110 Pack Housing 111 Base Plate 111M mounting surface 112 Side wall 113 Side wall 114 Side wall 115 Side wall 116 Center Beam 120 Battery Cell Assembly 120' Battery Cell Assembly 121 battery cells 121N Negative Lead 121P Positive Lead 123 First Integrated Circuit Assembly 123B Bus Bar 123F Insulating Frame 123I Integrated Circuit 123IC Insulating Cover 123S Sensing Plate 123SB Sensing Bar 123T Temperature Sensor 123Y Wiring 124 Second Integrated Circuit Assembly 124' Second Integrated Circuit Assembly 124F Insulated Frame 124I Integrated Circuit 124IC Insulating Cover 124S Sensing Plate 124T Temperature Sensor 124Y wiring 125 Crossbeam 127 FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) Assembly

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells including positive and negative leads, The integrated circuit assembly includes an integrated circuit coupled to the plurality of battery cells, the integrated circuit being configured to measure the voltage of the plurality of battery cells, The aforementioned integrated circuit assembly is Insulating frame and The integrated circuit mounted on the insulating frame, Multiple sensing plates connected to the aforementioned integrated circuit, A battery cell assembly comprising a temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of one of the plurality of sensing plates.

2. The battery cell assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensing plates are short-circuited with the corresponding positive lead and negative lead of each of the plurality of battery cells.

3. The battery cell assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensing plates are covered by corresponding positive leads and negative leads of each of the plurality of battery cells.

4. The battery cell assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensing plates are in contact with the corresponding positive lead and negative lead of each of the plurality of battery cells.

5. The battery cell assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensing plates are welded to the corresponding positive lead and negative lead of each of the plurality of battery cells.

6. The battery cell assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensing plates are interposed between the corresponding positive lead and negative lead of each of the plurality of battery cells and the insulating frame.

7. The battery cell assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the integrated circuit assembly includes a first welding pattern on either the positive lead or the negative lead of each of the plurality of battery cells and on the plurality of sensing plates, and a second welding pattern spaced apart from the plurality of sensing plates.

8. The battery cell assembly according to claim 7, wherein the distance between the centers of the first welding pattern is different from the distance between the centers of the second welding pattern.

9. The battery cell assembly according to claim 7, wherein the distance between the centers of the first welding pattern is smaller than the distance between the centers of the second welding pattern.

10. The battery cell assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the integrated circuit assembly further includes wiring connecting the integrated circuit and the temperature sensor.

11. Pack housing including base plate, Includes a plurality of battery cell assemblies arranged on the pack housing, Each of the aforementioned battery cell assemblies is Multiple battery cells including positive and negative leads, A battery pack comprising: an insulating frame; an integrated circuit mounted on the insulating frame; a plurality of sensing plates interposed between corresponding positive and negative leads of the plurality of battery cells and the insulating frame and connected to the integrated circuit; and an integrated circuit assembly including a temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of any one of the plurality of sensing plates.

12. The battery pack according to claim 11, wherein the integrated circuit assembly includes a first welding pattern on either the positive lead or the negative lead of each of the plurality of battery cells and on the plurality of sensing plates, and a second welding pattern spaced apart from the plurality of sensing plates.

13. The battery pack according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the integrated circuit assembly further includes wiring connecting the integrated circuit and the temperature sensor.

14. Multiple battery cells are arranged in a first direction, each including a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead, The system includes a first integrated circuit assembly and a second integrated circuit assembly spaced apart from each other with the plurality of battery cells in between, The battery cell assembly includes a first insulating frame, a first integrated circuit mounted on the first insulating frame, and a first temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of the positive lead or the negative lead of one of the plurality of battery cells.

15. The battery cell assembly according to claim 14, wherein the first temperature sensor is attached to the positive lead or the negative lead by an insulating adhesive.

16. The battery cell assembly according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the first integrated circuit assembly further includes wiring connecting the first integrated circuit and the first temperature sensor.

17. The battery cell assembly according to claim 16, wherein each of the aforementioned wires includes an insulating coating.

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