Resistor units, resistor assemblies, and battery packs

Abstract

The present invention relates to a resistor unit, a resistor assembly, and a battery pack, and more particularly to a resistor unit that can be connected and disconnected, a resistor assembly in which a plurality of such resistor units are connected, and a battery pack in which such a resistor assembly is installed. A resistor unit according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first resistor portion formed extending in a first direction, a second resistor portion formed extending in a second direction, a case housing the first resistor portion and the second resistor portion, and terminal portions connected to one or more of the ends of the first resistor portion and the second resistor portion, with a portion of which protrudes outside the case. Openings are formed in the portions of the case facing the other end of the first resistor portion and the other end of the second resistor portion. As a result, multiple resistor units can be connected and separated in the first and second directions, and therefore, resistors with a variety of specifications can be provided without restricting the space in which the resistors are installed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0115496 filed on August 31, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0015026 filed on January 31, 2024, and all the contents disclosed in the documents of the Korean patent applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a resistance unit, a resistance assembly, and a battery pack, and more particularly, to a resistance unit that can be connected and disconnected, a resistance assembly in which a plurality of the resistance units are connected, and a battery pack in which the resistance assembly is installed.

Background Art

[0003] A rechargeable battery is a battery that can be charged and discharged, unlike a non-rechargeable primary battery. Low-capacity rechargeable batteries are used in small portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, notebook computers, and camcorders, and high-capacity batteries are widely used as power sources for motor drives such as hybrid vehicles.

[0004] A rechargeable battery can be used in the form of battery cells. A battery cell has a form in which a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode are sequentially stacked in an exterior material, and the internal space of the exterior material is filled with an electrolyte. A plurality of battery cells can be electrically connected to form a battery module or a battery pack. A main circuit for charging and discharging the battery cells is installed in the battery pack, and the main circuit can include a main relay for progressing the charging and discharging process.

[0005] When the main relay of the main circuit installed in the battery pack is activated (key-on), an inrush current may occur due to the instantaneous potential difference between the input and output terminals. In this case, welding of the main relay may occur, potentially degrading the performance of the secondary battery. To prevent this, a pre-charge circuit can be connected to the main circuit. Since the pre-charge circuit includes a pre-charge resistor, even if a high voltage difference occurs instantaneously between the input and output terminals, the high resistance component in the circuit reduces the magnitude of the inrush current, and the voltage difference between the input and output terminals gradually decreases.

[0006] Conventional pre-charge resistors are single-resistance units, and conventional resistor units are shown in Figures 1 and 2. Specifically, Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the overall shape of a conventional resistor unit, and Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of a conventional resistor unit. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a conventional resistor unit 1 may include a metal rod portion 2 that extends long in one direction, metal terminal portions 3 connected to one end and the other end of the metal rod portion 2, and an outer covering material 4 that surrounds part of the metal rod portion 2 and the metal terminal portion 3. The resistor unit 1 can function as a pre-charge resistor by the metal terminal portion 3 which is directly connected to the pre-charge circuit.

[0007] On the other hand, only one metal rod portion 2 is provided inside the outer casing material 4, and since the metal rod portion 2 does not have a connecting portion to which other low-level antibodies can be connected, conventional resistor units 1 cannot be connected to each other. Therefore, conventionally, after preparing the resistor unit 1 according to the specifications of the resistor required by the pre-charge circuit, each resistor unit 1 had to be directly connected to the circuit, which presented the problem that it was not possible to provide resistors that met the required specifications when the installation space was limited. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a resistor unit that can be connected and separated in various directions, a resistor assembly in which a plurality of the resistor units are connected, and a battery pack in which the resistor assembly is installed, in order to overcome the constraints of installation space and provide resistors with various specifications. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A resistor unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a first resistor formed extending in a first direction, a second resistor formed extending in a second direction, a case housing the first resistor and the second resistor, and terminals connected to one or more of the ends of the first resistor and the second resistor, with a portion of each terminal protruding outside the case, wherein openings are formed in the portions of the case facing the other end of the first resistor and the other end of the second resistor.

[0010] The terminal portion may include a terminal body connected to one or more of the ends of the first resistor and the second resistor, and a terminal tip extending from the terminal body with a portion protruding outside the case.

[0011] The shape of the opening can correspond to the shape of the terminal tip.

[0012] Terminal coupling grooves corresponding to the shape of the end of the terminal tip can be formed at the other end of the first resistor and the other end of the second resistor.

[0013] The length of the first resistor in the first direction can be longer than the length of the second resistor in the second direction.

[0014] The aforementioned case may have a hollow (empty) hexahedron shape.

[0015] The first and second directions can be perpendicular to each other.

[0016] On the other hand, a resistor unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes a first resistor formed extending in a first direction, a second resistor formed extending in a second direction, a case housing the first resistor and the second resistor, and a terminal portion coupled to one end of the first resistor with a portion protruding outside the case, wherein an opening can be formed in the portion of the case facing one end of the second resistor.

[0017] The terminal portion may include a terminal body coupled to one end of the first resistor, and a terminal tip extending from the terminal body with a portion protruding outside the case.

[0018] The shape of the opening can correspond to the shape of the terminal tip.

[0019] A terminal coupling groove corresponding to the shape of the end of the terminal tip can be formed at one end of the second resistor.

[0020] On the other hand, a resistor unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention includes a first resistor formed extending in a first direction, a second resistor formed extending in a second direction, a case housing the first resistor and the second resistor, and terminals connected to both ends of the first resistor, with a portion of each protruding outside the case, wherein one or more of the portions of the case facing both ends of the second resistor can have openings formed.

[0021] The terminal portion may include terminal bodies connected to both ends of the first resistor, and terminal tips extending from the terminal bodies, with a portion of them protruding outside the case.

[0022] The shape of the opening can correspond to the shape of the terminal tip.

[0023] Terminal coupling grooves corresponding to the shape of the end of the terminal tip can be formed at one or more of the two ends of the second resistor.

[0024] On the one hand, in the resistance assembly according to the present invention, a plurality of the resistance units can be combined.

[0025] The resistance assembly can include an insulating cover that surrounds a portion of the terminal portion protruding outside the case.

[0026] On the one hand, the battery pack according to the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules, a main circuit portion that constitutes a charge / discharge path of the plurality of battery modules, a pre-charge circuit portion connected to the main circuit portion, and a resistance assembly installed in the pre-charge circuit portion.

Effect of the Invention

[0027] The resistance unit according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first resistance portion formed to extend in a first direction, a second resistance portion formed to extend in a second direction, a case that houses the first resistance portion and the second resistance portion, and a terminal portion that is coupled to one or more of one end of the first resistance portion and one end of the second resistance portion and partially protrudes outside the case. Openings are formed in respective portions of the case facing the other ends of the first resistance portion and the second resistance portion, so that a plurality of the resistance units can be connected and separated in the first direction and the second direction. Thereby, there is an advantageous effect that resistors of various specifications can be provided without restricting the space where the resistors are installed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view schematically showing the overall shape of a conventional resistance unit. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing the internal structure of a conventional resistance unit. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view showing a shape in which a terminal portion is formed in both a first direction and a second direction in the resistance unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the resistance unit according to FIG. 3. [Figure 5]This is a cross-sectional view showing a resistor unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the terminal portion is formed only in a first direction. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view showing a resistor unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the terminal portion is formed only in the second direction. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a resistor unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view showing a resistor unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in which a groove is formed only at one end of the second resistor. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view showing a resistor unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in which grooves are formed at both ends of the second resistor. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing a resistor assembly according to the present invention, in which the resistor units are connected in a first direction. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view showing a resistor assembly according to the present invention, in which the resistor units are connected in a second direction. [Figure 12] This figure shows the circuit section of the battery pack according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] The present invention will be described in detail below, based on the attached drawings, so that it can be easily implemented by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. However, the present invention can be realized in various different forms and is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0030] To clearly illustrate the present invention, detailed descriptions of relevant prior art that are not relevant to the description or that may obscure the gist of the invention have been omitted. In this specification, when assigning reference numerals to components in each drawing, the same or similar reference numerals are used throughout the specification for components that are the same or similar.

[0031] Furthermore, terms and words used in this specification and in the claims should not be interpreted in a manner limited to their ordinary and dictionary meanings, but rather should be interpreted in a manner and concept consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that inventors may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their invention.

[0032] The resistor unit, resistor assembly, and battery pack according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0033] Resistor unit (first embodiment) Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a resistor unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the terminal portion is formed in both the first and second directions. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the resistor unit according to Figure 3. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a resistor unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the terminal portion is formed only in the first direction. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a resistor unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the terminal portion is formed only in the second direction.

[0034] Referring to Figures 3 to 6, the resistor unit 1 according to the present invention includes a first resistor portion 10 formed extending in a first direction S1, a second resistor portion 20 formed extending in a second direction S2, a case 30 housing the first resistor portion 10 and the second resistor portion 20, and terminal portions 40, 50 connected to one or more of the ends of the first resistor portion 10 and the second resistor portion 20, with a portion of each protruding outside the case 30. Here, openings 32, 34 are formed in the portions of the case 30 facing the other end of the first resistor portion 10 and the other end of the second resistor portion 20. In this case, the resistor unit 1 can be connected to and separated from each other in the first direction S1 and the second direction S2. Therefore, the resistor unit 1 can be assembled according to the shape of the space in which the resistor is installed in the circuit, and can be connected in series and / or parallel according to the required resistance magnitude. That is, there is an advantageous effect that resistors of various specifications can be provided without being constrained by the space in which the resistor is installed.

[0035] The resistor unit 1 can be a pre-charge resistor installed in the pre-charge circuit of the battery pack. During charging and discharging of the battery pack, an inrush current may occur due to the instantaneous potential difference between the input and output terminals. However, a pre-charge circuit equipped with the resistor unit 1 increases the resistance of the entire battery pack circuit, thereby preventing the occurrence of inrush current and gradually reducing the potential difference between the input and output terminals.

[0036] On the other hand, the resistor unit 1 may include a first resistor 10 extending in a first direction S1, and a second resistor 20 formed extending in a second direction S2 different from the first direction S1. In this case, both the first resistor 10 and the second resistor 20 are resistors connected to a precharge circuit and can have a variety of structures. For example, each of the first resistor 10 and the second resistor 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 can be connected together. Also, each of the first resistor 10 and the second resistor 20 may have a structure in which a coil is wound around a conductive rod.

[0037] The case 30 is an outer covering material that surrounds the first resistive section 10 and the second resistive section 20, and can have a variety of structures. For example, the case 30 can have a hollow hexahedral structure with a space formed inside to accommodate the first resistive section 10 and the second resistive section 20. The case 30 is made of an insulating material, and synthetic resins such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) can be used as the insulating material.

[0038] On the other hand, openings 31, 32, 33, and 34 can be formed in the case 30. Specifically, the case 30 may include at least a portion of the first opening 31 formed in the portion facing one end of the first resistive portion 10, the second opening 32 formed in the portion facing the other end of the first resistive portion 10, the third opening 33 formed in the portion facing one end of the second resistive portion 20, and the fourth opening 34 formed in the portion facing the other end of the second resistive portion 20. In this case, the first to fourth openings 31, 32, 33, and 34 can be made sufficiently large so that a portion of the terminal portions 40 and 50 described later can pass through.

[0039] The terminals 40 and 50 are conductive terminals connected to one or more of the ends of the first resistive section 10 and the second resistive section 20, and the resistance unit 1 can include terminals 40 and 50 having various numbers and connection structures. Specifically, the resistance unit 1 can include one or more of the first terminals 40 connected to the first resistive section 10 and the second terminals 50 connected to the second resistive section 20. In this case, the first terminals 40 and the second terminals 50 can have substantially the same shape, structure, and size.

[0040] The resistor unit 1, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, may include both a first terminal portion 40 coupled to one end of the first resistor portion 10 and a second terminal portion 50 coupled to one end of the second resistor portion 20. The first terminal portion 40 may protrude to the outside of the case 30 through the first opening 31, and the second terminal portion 50 may protrude to the outside of the case 30 through the third opening 33. Here, a second opening 32 and a fourth opening 34 may be formed in the portions of the case 30 facing the other end of the first resistor portion 10 and the other end of the second resistor portion 20. In other words, the case 30 may have any of the first to fourth openings 31, 32, 33, and 34.

[0041] Furthermore, the resistor unit 1 may include only one first terminal portion 40 connected to one end of the first resistor portion 10, as shown in Figure 5. In this case, the first terminal portion 40 can protrude outside the case 30 through the first opening 31. At this time, a second opening 32 and a fourth opening 34 can be formed in the portion of the case 30 facing the other end of the first resistor portion 10, and in the portion of the case 30 facing the other end of the second resistor portion 20, respectively. That is, the case 30 can have first, second, and fourth openings 31, 32, and 34.

[0042] On the other hand, the resistor unit 1 may include only a second terminal portion 50 coupled to one end of the second resistor portion 20, as shown in Figure 6. The second terminal portion 50 can protrude outside the case 30 through the third opening 33. A second opening 32 and a fourth opening 34 can be formed in the portion of the case 30 facing the other end of the first resistor portion 10, and in the portion of the case 30 facing the other end of the second resistor portion 20. That is, the case 30 can have second, third, and fourth openings 32, 33, and 34.

[0043] In other words, in either case, the resistor unit 1 includes a first resistor section 10, a second resistor section 20, and a case 30, and at least one of the first and second resistor sections 10 and 20 is coupled to terminal sections 40 and 50 protruding from the outside of the case 30, and at least a second opening 32 and a fourth opening 34 are formed in the case 30. As a result, the resistor unit 1 can be connected to and separated from each other in the first direction S1 and the second direction S2. Therefore, the resistor unit 1 can be assembled according to the shape of the space in which the resistor is installed in the circuit, and can be connected in series and / or parallel according to the required resistance magnitude, so that the user can use the resistor unit 1 to provide resistors of various specifications without being constrained by the space in which the resistor is installed.

[0044] On the other hand, the terminal sections 40 and 50 may include terminal bodies 41 and 51 coupled to one or more of the ends of the first resistor section 10 and the second resistor section 20, and terminal tips 42 and 52 extending from such terminal bodies 41 and 51, with a portion protruding outside the case 30. Specifically, the first terminal section 40 may include a first terminal body 41 coupled to one end of the first resistor section 10, and a first terminal tip 42 extending from the first terminal body 41 along a first direction S1 and protruding outside the case 30. Similarly, the second terminal section 50 may include a second terminal body 51 coupled to one end of the second resistor section 20, and a second terminal tip 52 extending from the second terminal body 51 along a second direction S2 and protruding outside the case 30.

[0045] Here, the first terminal body 41 and the second terminal body 51 may have substantially the same shape, structure, and size. Also, the first terminal chip 42 and the second terminal chip 52 may have substantially the same shape, structure, and size.

[0046] On the other hand, the terminal bodies 41 and 51 are connected to one end of the first and second resistors 10 and 20 inside the case 30, 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 are located inside the case 30, and the rest of the terminal tips 42 and 52 can protrude outside the case 30.

[0047] In this case, the shapes of the second opening 32 and the fourth opening 34 formed in the case 30 can correspond to the shapes of the terminal tips 42 and 52. In this case, the terminal tips 42 and 52 provided on the resistor unit 1 are fitted into the second opening 32 or the fourth opening 34 of the adjacent resistor unit 1, which has the advantageous effect of increasing the coupling force between the resistor units 1.

[0048] On the other hand, the shapes of the openings 31, 32, 33, and 34 can correspond to the shapes of the 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 portion of the first terminal portion 40 connected to the first resistor portion 10 fits into the first opening 31. Also, the shape of the third opening 33 can correspond to the shape of the second terminal tip 52 so that the tip portion of the second terminal portion 50 connected to the second resistor portion 20 fits into the third opening 33.

[0049] On the other hand, terminal coupling grooves 12 and 22 corresponding to the shape of the ends of the terminal tips 42 and 52 can be formed at the other ends of the first resistor 10 and the second resistor 20.

[0050] Specifically, a first terminal coupling groove 12 corresponding to the shape of the ends of the terminal tips 42 and 52 can be formed at the other end of the first resistor 10. In this case, the terminal tips 42 and 52 of other resistor units 1 inserted through the second opening 32 are fitted into the first terminal coupling groove 12, which has the advantageous effect of increasing the coupling force between the resistor units 1.

[0051] Furthermore, a second terminal coupling groove 22 corresponding to the shape of the ends of the terminal tips 42 and 52 can be formed at the other end of the second resistor section 20. In this case, the terminal tips 42 and 52 of other resistor units 1 inserted through the fourth opening 34 are fitted into the second terminal coupling groove 22, which has the advantageous effect of increasing the coupling force between the resistor units 1.

[0052] On the other hand, the length of the first resistive section 10 in the first direction S1 and the length of the second resistive section 20 in the second direction S2 can be formed differently from each other. For example, the length of the first resistive section 10 in the first direction S1 can be formed to be longer than the length of the second resistive section 20 in the second direction. Having a larger resistance in the first direction S1 than the resistance in the second direction S2 within the resistive unit 1 has the advantageous effect of easily forming assemblies with diverse shapes and resistance values ​​when combining the resistive units 1.

[0053] On the other hand, case 30 can have a hollow hexahedron shape. In this case, adjacent resistor units 1 will be adjacent to each other with their cases 30 touching, so the resistor units 1 can be coupled to each other without any empty space being formed between them. In other words, there is the advantageous effect of improving space efficiency.

[0054] Furthermore, the first direction S1 and the second direction S2 are in 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.

[0055] When the first direction S1 and the second direction S2 are perpendicular to each other, and the case 30 has a hexahedral shape, multiple resistor units 1 can be stacked and joined in the first direction S1 or the second direction S2, which has the advantage of minimizing wasted space when combining the resistor units 1.

[0056] Resistor unit (second embodiment) The resistor unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in that an opening is formed only in the portion of the case facing one end of the second resistor. The second embodiment will be described focusing on the differences, with common elements with the first embodiment omitted as much as possible. In other words, it is clear that any information not described in the second embodiment can be considered as part of the first embodiment.

[0057] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a resistor unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Referring to Figure 7, the resistor unit 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a first resistor portion 10 extending in a first direction S1, a second resistor portion 20 extending in a second direction S2, a case 30 housing 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, with a portion of it protruding outside the case 30. An opening 34 can be formed in the portion of the case 30 facing one end of the second resistor portion 20. In this case, the resistor units 1 can be connected to and separated from each other in the vertical direction. This allows the resistor units 1 to be assembled according to the shape of the space in which the resistor is installed in the circuit.

[0059] On the other hand, the terminal section 40 may include a terminal body 41 coupled to one end of the first resistor section 10, and a terminal tip 42 extending from the terminal body 41, with a portion of it protruding outside the case 30. The terminal body 41 may be coupled to one end of the first resistor section 10 inside the case 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 case 30, and the rest of the terminal tip 42 may protrude outside the case 30.

[0060] In this case, the shape of the opening 34 formed in the case 30 can correspond to the shape of the terminal tip 42. In this case, the terminal tip 42 provided on the resistor unit 1 is fitted into the opening 34 of the adjacent resistor unit 1, which has the advantageous effect of increasing the coupling force between the resistor units 1.

[0061] On the other hand, a terminal coupling groove 22 corresponding to the shape of the end of the terminal tip 42 can be formed at one end of the second resistor 20. In this case, the terminal tip 42 of the other resistor unit 1 inserted through the opening 34 is fitted into the terminal coupling groove 22, which has the advantageous effect of increasing the coupling force between the resistor units 1.

[0062] Furthermore, the length of the first resistive section 10 in the first direction S1 and the length of the second resistive section 20 in the second direction S2 can be formed differently from each other. For example, the length of the first resistive section 10 in the first direction S1 can be formed to be longer than the length of the second resistive section 20 in the second direction, or the length of the first resistive section 10 in the first direction S1 can be formed to be shorter than the length of the second resistive section 20 in the second direction.

[0063] On the other hand, case 30 can have a hollow hexahedron shape. In this case, adjacent resistor units 1 will be adjacent to each other with their cases 30 touching, so the resistor units 1 can be coupled to each other without any empty space being formed between them. In other words, there is the advantageous effect of improving space efficiency.

[0064] Furthermore, the first direction S1 and the second direction S2 are in 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.

[0065] When the first direction S1 and the second direction S2 are perpendicular to each other, and the case 30 has a hexahedral shape, multiple resistor units 1 can be stacked and joined in the first direction S1 or the second direction S2, which has the advantage of minimizing wasted space when combining the resistor units 1.

[0066] Resistor unit (third embodiment) The resistor unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention differs from the first and second embodiments in that terminal tips are formed at both ends of the first resistor. The third embodiment will be described focusing on the differences, with common elements with the first and second embodiments omitted as much as possible. In other words, it is clear that any content not described in the third embodiment can be considered as part of the first and second embodiments.

[0067] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a resistor unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in which a groove is formed only at one end of the second resistor.

[0068] Referring to Figure 8, the resistor unit 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention may include a first resistor portion 10 extending in a first direction S1, a second resistor portion 20 extending in a second direction S2, a case 30 housing the first resistor portion 10 and the second resistor portion 20, and terminal portions 40 connected to both ends of the first resistor portion 10, with a portion of them protruding outside the case 30.

[0069] Here, an opening 34 can be formed in the case 30 in the portion facing one end of the second resistor 20. Such resistor units 1 can be connected to and separated from each other in the horizontal or vertical direction. This allows the resistor units 1 to be assembled according to the shape of the space in which the resistor is installed in the circuit.

[0070] The terminal section 40 may include a terminal body 41 connected to both ends of the first resistor section 10, and a terminal tip 42 extending from the terminal body 41, with a portion of it protruding outside the case 30. The terminal body 41 may be connected to both ends of the first resistor section 10 inside the case 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 case 30, and the rest of the terminal tip 42 may protrude outside the case 30.

[0071] Furthermore, the shape of the opening 34 formed in the case 30 can correspond to the shape of the terminal tip 42. In this case, the terminal tip 42 provided on the resistor unit 1 is fitted into the opening 34 of the adjacent resistor unit 1, which has the advantageous effect of increasing the coupling force between the resistor units 1.

[0072] On the other hand, a terminal coupling groove 22 corresponding to the shape of the end of the terminal tip 42 can be formed at one end of the second resistor 20. In this case, the terminal tip 42 of the other resistor unit 1 inserted through the opening 34 is fitted into the terminal coupling groove 22, which has the advantageous effect of increasing the coupling force between the resistor units 1.

[0073] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a resistor unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in which grooves are formed at both ends of the second resistor.

[0074] Referring to Figure 9, the openings 34 can be formed in the case 30 at both ends of the second resistive section 20 and at the portions facing each other. Terminal coupling grooves 22 corresponding to the shape of the ends can also be formed at these ends of the second resistive section 20. On the other hand, the first direction S1 and the second direction S2 are in 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.

[0075] When the first direction S1 and the second direction S2 are perpendicular to each other, and the case 30 has a hexahedral shape, multiple resistor units 1 can be stacked and joined in the first direction S1 or the second direction S2, which has the advantage of minimizing wasted space when combining the resistor units 1.

[0076] Resistor assembly Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the resistor assembly according to the present invention in which the resistor units are connected in a first direction, and Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the resistor assembly according to the present invention in which the resistor units are connected in a second direction.

[0077] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, a plurality of resistor units 1 can be coupled together in the resistor assembly according to the present invention. Specifically, a plurality of resistor units 1 can be coupled along one or more of the first direction S1 and the second direction S2. For example, the resistor units 1 can be coupled in a line along the first direction S1, as shown in Figure 10. Here, the horizontal terminal tips 42 formed on the resistor unit 1 can be inserted into the horizontal openings 32 formed in the case 30 of adjacent resistor units 1.

[0078] Furthermore, the resistor units 1 can be coupled in a line along the second direction S2, as shown in Figure 11. Here, the vertical terminal tips 52 formed on the resistor unit 1 can be inserted into the vertical openings 34 formed in the case 30 of adjacent resistor units 1.

[0079] Although not shown in Figures 10 and 11, the resistor assembly may also include multiple resistor units 1 coupled in each of the first direction S1 and the second direction S2.

[0080] In other words, the user can configure a resistor assembly by combining resistor units 1 in various ways in the first direction S1 and the second direction S2, and by installing it in the circuit, various series / parallel connections of resistors can be realized.

[0081] On the other hand, the resistor assembly may include an insulating cover 60 that surrounds the portions of the terminals 40 and 50 that protrude outside the case 30. As mentioned above, the terminals 40 and 50 include terminal bodies 41 and 51 and terminal tips 42 and 52, and only a portion of the terminal tips 42 and 52 can protrude outside the case 30. That is, the insulating cover 60 can be formed to surround only the portions of the terminal tips 42 and 52 that protrude outside the case 30.

[0082] Various materials with low 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.

[0083] On the other hand, the resistor assembly may include multiple terminal tips 42, 52 protruding from the outside of the case 30, depending on the coupling configuration of the resistor unit 1. In this case, the insulating cover 60 can be installed only on a portion of the multiple protruding terminal tips 42, 52.

[0084] Battery pack Figure 12 shows the circuit section of the battery pack according to the present invention.

[0085] The battery pack according to the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules, a main circuit section 110 that constitutes a charge and discharge path for the plurality of battery modules, a precharge circuit section 120 connected to the main circuit section 110, and a resistor assembly installed in the precharge circuit section 120. In this case, since the precharge circuit section 120 of the battery pack is equipped with a resistor assembly in which a plurality of resistor units 1 are coupled in one or more directions of the first direction S1 and the second direction S2, there is an advantageous effect that the installation space for resistors in the precharge circuit section 120 is not restricted, and precharge resistors of various sizes can be provided.

[0086] A pack circuit section 100 is installed in the battery pack, which enables charging and discharging of the battery modules within the battery pack, voltage balancing, and state monitoring. This pack circuit section 100 may include a main circuit section 110 that carries out the charging and discharging of the battery modules. A main relay 111 is installed in the main circuit section 110, and charging of the battery modules can be started when the main relay 111 is activated (key-on). At this time, a momentary potential difference may be formed between the input terminal and the output terminal, so a pre-charge circuit section 120 may be connected to the main circuit section 110 to prevent this.

[0087] Here, the precharge circuit section 120 is connected in parallel to the main circuit section 110, and the precharge circuit section 120 may include a precharge relay 121 and a precharge resistor 122. Here, the precharge resistor 122 may be the aforementioned resistor unit 1 or resistor assembly. The precharge relay 121 and the main relay 111 are switched alternately, preventing the formation of an instantaneous potential difference between the input terminal and the output terminal. In addition, since the current flows through the precharge circuit section 120 in which the precharge resistor 122 is formed, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an inrush current in the pack circuit section 100.

[0088] On the other hand, current is supplied to the battery module via the main circuit section 110 and the pre-charge circuit section 120, and then via the internal circuit section 130 formed within the battery pack, thereby enabling the charging process of the battery pack to proceed.

[0089] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various implementations are possible by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, within an equivalent scope of the technical concept and the appended claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 1 Resistor Unit 2 Metal rod section 3 Metal terminal part 4. Exterior materials 10, 20 Resistor section 11, 21 Resistor body 12, 22 Terminal coupling groove 30 cases 31, 32, 33, 34 Openings 40, 50 terminal section 41, 51 Terminal body 42, 52 terminal chips 60 Insulating cover 100 Pack Circuits 110 Main Circuit Section 111 Main Relay 120 Pre-charge circuit section 121 Pre-charge relay 122 Precharge resistors 130 Internal circuit section S1 1st direction S2 2nd direction

Claims

1. A first resistive portion formed extending in a first direction, A second resistive portion formed extending in a second direction, A case housing the first resistor and the second resistor, It includes a terminal portion which is connected to one or more of the ends of the first resistor and the second resistor, with a portion of it protruding outside the case, A resistor unit characterized in that an opening is formed in each of the portions of the case facing the other end of the first resistor and the other end of the second resistor.

2. The aforementioned terminal portion is A terminal body connected to one or more of the ends of the first resistor and the second resistor, The resistor unit according to claim 1, characterized by including a terminal tip extending from the terminal body and having a portion protruding from the outside of the case.

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

4. The resistor unit according to claim 3, characterized in that terminal coupling grooves corresponding to the shape of the end of the terminal tip are formed at the other end of the first resistor and the other end of the second resistor.

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

6. The resistor unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the case has a hollow (empty) hexahedron shape.

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

8. A first resistive portion formed extending in a first direction, A second resistive portion formed extending in a second direction, A case housing the first resistor and the second resistor, The first resistor is connected to one end of the first resistor, and a terminal portion is attached to the outside of the case, A resistor unit characterized in that an opening is formed in the portion of the case facing one end of the second resistor.

9. The aforementioned terminal portion is A terminal body coupled to one end of the first resistor, The resistor unit according to claim 8, characterized by including a terminal tip extending from the terminal body and having a portion protruding from the outside of the case.

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

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

12. A first resistive portion formed extending in a first direction, A second resistive portion formed extending in a second direction, A case housing the first resistor and the second resistor, The first resistor is coupled to both ends of the first resistor, and includes terminal portions that protrude a portion of the case, A resistor unit characterized in that an opening is formed in one or more of the parts of the case that face both ends of the second resistor.

13. The aforementioned terminal portion is Terminal bodies are connected to both ends of the first resistor, The resistor unit according to claim 12, characterized by including a terminal tip extending from the terminal body and having a portion protruding from the outside of the case.

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

15. The resistor unit according to claim 14, characterized in that one or more of the two ends of the second resistor portion have terminal coupling grooves that correspond to the shape of the end of the terminal tip.

16. A resistor assembly characterized by having a plurality of resistor units according to any one of claims 1 to 15 coupled together.

17. The resistor assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that it includes an insulating cover that surrounds the portion of the terminal portion that protrudes to the outside of the case.

18. Multiple battery modules, The main circuit section that constitutes the charge and discharge path for the plurality of battery modules, A pre-charge circuit section connected to the main circuit section, A battery pack comprising: a resistor assembly according to claim 16 installed in the pre-charge circuit section.

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