Battery assembly

Abstract

According to an exemplary embodiment, a battery assembly is provided. The battery assembly includes a cell stack including a first pouch-type battery cell, a second pouch-type battery cell, and a third pouch-type battery cell, and a first busbar assembly. The first busbar assembly includes a first integrated circuit including a first busbar, a second busbar, and a first sensing bar configured to measure an electric potential of a second negative lead of the second pouch-type battery cell and a third positive lead of the third pouch-type battery cell. A thickness of the first sensing bar is less than a thickness of the first busbar.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery assembly. This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2022-0166622, filed on December 2, 2022, and Korean Application No. 10-2023-0029853, filed on March 7, 2023, 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 wireless 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 decreased dramatically, 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 to improve energy density and safety. Here, the energy density of a secondary battery is the value obtained by dividing the maximum electrical energy that the secondary battery can store by the mass of the secondary battery. Since a high energy density of a secondary battery directly relates to the driving efficiency and driving range of mobility, various studies have been conducted to improve the energy density of secondary batteries.

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 assembly with improved energy density.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems, a battery assembly is provided. The battery assembly is a cell stack comprising a first pouch-type battery cell, a second pouch-type battery cell, and a third pouch-type battery cell, and comprises a first busbar assembly.

[0006] The first pouch-type battery cell includes a first positive lead and a first negative lead, the second pouch-type battery cell includes a second positive lead and a second negative lead, the third pouch-type battery cell includes a third positive lead and a third negative lead, and includes a first busbar assembly coupled to the cell stack.

[0007] The first busbar assembly includes a first busbar frame and a first integrated circuit comprising a first busbar and a second busbar coupled to the first busbar frame, wherein the first busbar and the second busbar are configured to output the voltage of the cell stack and are coupled to the first busbar frame, and the first integrated circuit includes a first sensing bar configured to measure the potential of the second negative lead and the third positive lead.

[0008] The thickness of the first sensing bar is thinner than the thickness of the first bus bar.

[0009] The thickness of the first busbar and the second busbar described above is in the range of 5 to 20 times the thickness of the first sensing bar described above.

[0010] The thickness of the first sensing bar described above is in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm.

[0011] The first sensing bar described above contains the same material as the first bus bar and the second bus bar described above.

[0012] The first sensing bar described above contains a different material from the first bus bar and the second bus bar described above.

[0013] The first sensing bar is separated from the third positive lead with the second negative lead in between.

[0014] The first busbar assembly described above further includes a first lead cover coupled to the busbar frame and covering the first positive lead, the second negative lead, and the third positive lead.

[0015] The above-mentioned first lead cover contains an insulating material.

[0016] The first busbar frame described above includes an integrated circuit housing that forms a groove.

[0017] The above-mentioned first integrated circuit is inserted into the groove.

[0018] The integrated circuit housing portion of the first busbar frame protrudes further than the first lead cover.

[0019] The first busbar frame described above includes multiple fixture insertion slots.

[0020] The above-mentioned multiple jig insertion slots expose the second negative lead and the third positive lead.

[0021] The above-mentioned multiple jig insertion slots are separated from the integrated circuit housing section with the first lead cover in between.

[0022] One of the above-mentioned jig insertion slots exposes the first sensing bar.

[0023] Each of the above-mentioned fixture insertion slots is spaced apart from the first busbar and the second busbar. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] In addition to not including a module frame, a battery assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention replaces a bus bar for measuring the potentials of a plurality of nodes inside the battery assembly with a sensing bar having a relatively small thickness. As a result, the energy density of the battery assembly can be improved.

[0025] The effects obtainable from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. That is, even unintended effects associated with implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be derived by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a battery assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] It is an exploded perspective view of a battery assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart for explaining a method of providing a battery assembly according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a drawing for explaining the connection of a first bus bar frame, a first bus bar, a second bus bar, and a first integrated circuit. [Figure 5] It is a drawing for explaining the connection of a first bus bar frame, a first bus bar, a second bus bar, and a first integrated circuit. [Figure 6] It is a drawing for explaining the connection of a first bus bar frame, a first bus bar, a second bus bar, and a first integrated circuit. [Figure 7] It is a drawing for explaining the connection of a first bus bar frame, a first bus bar, a second bus bar, and a first integrated circuit. [Figure 8]This is a diagram illustrating the coupling of the first busbar frame, the first busbar, the second busbar, and the first integrated circuit. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view illustrating the welding process. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line 9I-9I' in Figure 9. [Figure 11] This is a diagram illustrating the connection between the first busbar frame and the first lead cover. [Figure 12] This is a diagram illustrating the connection between the first busbar frame and the first lead cover. [Figure 13] This is a diagram illustrating the connection between the first busbar frame and the first lead cover. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before that, however, the terms and words used herein and in the claims should not be interpreted to be limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but rather to be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, based on the principle that an inventor may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe his own invention.

[0028] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings represent only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention; there are various equivalents and modifications that can substitute for them at the time of filing.

[0029] Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known configuration or function would likely obscure the gist of the invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0030] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the invention to an ordinary person, the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or illustrated schematically for the sake of clarity. Accordingly, the sizes and proportions of each component do not fully reflect their actual sizes and proportions.

[0031] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the battery assembly 100 may further include a cell stack 110, a first busbar assembly 120, a second busbar assembly 130, and an FFC (Flat Flexible Cable) assembly 140.

[0034] The cell stack 110 may include the first to sixteenth battery banks BKN1, BKN2, BKN3, BKN4, BKN5, BKN6, BKN7, BKN8, BKN9, BKN10, BKN11, BKN12, BKN13, BKN14, BKN15, BKN16 (hereinafter referred to as BKN1 to BKN16). Each of the first to sixteenth battery banks BKN1 to BKN16 may contain multiple (for example, three) pouch-type battery cells 111. Each of the pouch-type battery cells 111 may be a bidirectional cell. That is, the positive lead of each pouch-type battery cell 111 may be located at one end of the pouch-type battery cell 111, and the negative lead of each pouch-type battery cell 111 may be located at the other end of the pouch-type battery cell 111. The following describes an embodiment of a battery assembly 100 including 16 battery banks (i.e., 48 pouch-type battery cells 111), the number of battery banks may be changed according to the design of the battery assembly.

[0035] Each pouch-type battery cell 111 in the first battery bank BKN1 may be referred to as a first pouch-type battery cell. Each pouch-type battery cell 111 in the second battery bank BKN2 may be referred to as a second pouch-type battery cell. Each pouch-type battery cell 111 in the third battery bank BKN3 may be referred to as a third pouch-type battery cell. Each pouch-type battery cell 111 in the fourth battery bank BKN4 may be referred to as a fourth pouch-type battery cell. Each pouch-type battery cell 111 in the fifth battery bank BKN5 may be referred to as a fifth pouch-type battery cell. Each pouch-type battery cell 111 in the sixth battery bank BKN6 may be referred to as a sixth pouch-type battery cell. Each pouch-type battery cell 111 in the seventh battery bank BKN7 may be referred to as a seventh pouch-type battery cell. Each of the pouch-type battery cells 111 in the 8th battery bank BKN8 may be referred to as the 8th pouch-type battery cell. Each of the pouch-type battery cells 111 in the 9th battery bank BKN9 may be referred to as the 9th pouch-type battery cell. Each of the pouch-type battery cells 111 in the 10th battery bank BKN10 may be referred to as the 10th pouch-type battery cell. Each of the pouch-type battery cells 111 in the 11th battery bank BKN11 may be referred to as the 11th pouch-type battery cell. Each of the pouch-type battery cells 111 in the 12th battery bank BKN12 may be referred to as the 12th pouch-type battery cell. Each of the pouch-type battery cells 111 in the 13th battery bank BKN13 may be referred to as the 13th pouch-type battery cell. Each of the pouch-type battery cells 111 in the 14th battery bank BKN14 may be referred to as the 14th pouch-type battery cell. Each of the pouch-type battery cells 111 in the 15th battery bank BKN15 may be referred to as the 15th pouch-type battery cell. Each of the pouch-type battery cells 111 in the 16th battery bank BKN16 may be referred to as the 16th pouch-type battery cell.

[0036] Each pouch-type battery cell 111 of the first battery bank BKN1 may include a first positive lead P1 and a first negative lead (not shown), each pouch-type battery cell 111 of the second pouch-type battery cell BKN2 may include a second positive lead (not shown) and a second negative lead N2, each pouch-type battery cell 111 of the third battery bank BKN3 may include a third positive lead P3 and a third negative lead (not shown), and each pouch-type battery cell 111 of the fourth pouch-type battery bank BKN4 may include a fourth positive lead Each pouch-type battery cell 111 of the fifth battery bank BKN5 may include a positive electrode lead (not shown) and a fourth negative electrode lead N4, each pouch-type battery cell 111 of the sixth pouch-type battery bank BKN6 may include a sixth positive electrode lead (not shown) and a sixth negative electrode lead N6, each pouch-type battery cell 111 of the seventh battery bank BKN7 may include a seventh positive electrode lead P7 and a seventh negative electrode lead (not shown), and the eighth pouch-type battery bank B Each pouch-type battery cell 111 of KN8 may include an eighth positive lead (not shown) and an eighth negative lead N8; each pouch-type battery cell 111 of the ninth battery bank BKN9 may include a ninth positive lead P9 and a ninth negative lead (not shown); each pouch-type battery cell 111 of the tenth pouch-type battery bank BKN10 may include a tenth positive lead (not shown) and a tenth negative lead N10; and each pouch-type battery cell 111 of the eleventh battery bank BKN11 may include an eleventh positive lead P1 Each pouch-type battery cell 111 of the 12th pouch-type battery bank BKN12 may include a 12th positive lead (not shown) and a 12th negative lead N12, each pouch-type battery cell 111 of the 13th battery bank BKN13 may include a 13th positive lead P13 and a 13th negative lead (not shown), and each pouch-type battery cell 111 of the 14th pouch-type battery bank BKN14 may include a 14th positive lead (not shown) and a 14th negative lead N14.Each pouch-type battery cell 111 of the 15th battery bank BKN15 may include a 15th positive lead P15 and a 15th negative lead (not shown), and each pouch-type battery cell 111 of the 16th pouch-type battery bank BKN16 may include a 16th positive lead (not shown) and a 16th negative lead N16.

[0037] Each of the multiple pouch-type battery cells 111 is a basic unit of a lithium-ion battery, i.e., a secondary battery. Each of the multiple pouch-type battery cells 111 may include a pouch case made of aluminum laminate sheet and an electrode assembly housed within the pouch case. The electrode assembly housed within the pouch case includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator membrane interposed between the positive and negative electrodes. The electrode assemblies are classified into jelly roll type and stack type depending on the form of assembly. The jelly roll type consists of a rolled positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator membrane interposed between them. The stack type includes multiple positive electrodes, multiple negative electrodes, and multiple separator membranes interposed between them, stacked sequentially.

[0038] Each of the pouch-type battery cells 111 in the first battery bank BKN1 can be connected in parallel with one another. The same applies to the second to sixteenth battery banks BKN2 to BKN16. The first to sixteenth battery banks BKN1 to BKN16 can be connected in series with one another. This allows the first to sixteenth battery cells to also be connected in series.

[0039] More specifically, the first negative lead (not shown) may be connected to the second positive lead (not shown), the second negative lead N2 may be connected to the third positive lead P3, the third negative lead (not shown) may be connected to the fourth positive lead (not shown), the fourth negative lead N4 may be connected to the fifth positive lead P5, the fifth negative lead (not shown) may be connected to the sixth positive lead (not shown), the sixth negative lead N6 may be connected to the seventh positive lead P7, the seventh negative lead (not shown) may be connected to the eighth positive lead (not shown), and the eighth negative lead N8 may be connected to the ninth positive lead P9. The ninth negative lead (not shown) may be connected to the tenth positive lead (not shown), the tenth negative lead N10 may be connected to the eleventh positive lead P11, the eleventh negative lead (not shown) may be connected to the twelfth positive lead (not shown), the twelfth negative lead (not shown) may be connected to the thirteenth positive lead P13, the thirteenth negative lead (not shown) may be connected to the fourteenth positive lead (not shown), the fourteenth negative lead N14 may be connected to the fifteenth positive lead P15, and the fifteenth negative lead (not shown) may be connected to the sixteenth positive lead (not shown). The above-mentioned connections mean physical connections, including those that can be configured to be electrically connected, and also include indirect connections that include additional elements in between.

[0040] The first positive lead P1, the second negative lead N2, the third positive lead P3, the fourth negative lead N4, the fifth positive lead P5, the sixth negative lead N6, the seventh positive lead P7, the eighth negative lead N8, the ninth positive lead P9, the tenth negative lead N10, the eleventh positive lead P11, the twelfth negative lead N12, the thirteenth positive lead P13, the fourteenth negative lead N14, the fifteenth positive lead P15, and the sixteenth negative lead N16 may be covered by the first busbar assembly 120.

[0041] The first negative lead, second positive lead, third negative lead, fourth positive lead, fifth negative lead, sixth positive lead, seventh negative lead, eighth positive lead, ninth negative lead, tenth positive lead, eleventh negative lead, twelfth positive lead, thirteenth negative lead, fourteenth positive lead, fifteenth negative lead, and sixteenth positive lead may be covered by the second busbar assembly 130.

[0042] The first busbar assembly 120 and the second busbar assembly 130 can be coupled to the cell stack 110. The first busbar assembly 120 and the second busbar assembly 130 can be separated from each other with the cell stack 110 in between.

[0043] The first busbar assembly 120 may include a first busbar frame 121, a first busbar 123, a second busbar 124, a first integrated circuit 125, and a first lead cover 127. The first busbar frame 121 may include an insulating material such as plastic. The first busbar frame 121 may support and secure the first busbar 123, the second busbar 124, the first integrated circuit 125, and the first lead cover 127.

[0044] The first busbar 123 and the second busbar 124 may be coupled to the first busbar frame 121. The first busbar 123 and the second busbar 124 may be output terminals for outputting the voltage of the cell stack 110. The first busbar 123 may be a positive terminal, and the second busbar 124 may be a negative terminal. The first busbar 123 may be coupled to the first positive lead P1. The second busbar 124 may be coupled to the 16th negative lead N16. As a result, the potential difference between the first busbar 123 and the second busbar 124 may be substantially equal to the sum of the output voltages of the first to 16th battery banks BKN1 to BKN16.

[0045] The first integrated circuit 125 may be coupled to the first busbar frame 121. The first integrated circuit 125 may be configured to measure the voltage at a predetermined node of the cell stack 110. The first integrated circuit 125 may be configured to transmit the measured voltage of each predetermined node of the cell stack 110 to the BMS (Battery Management System).

[0046] The predetermined nodes mentioned above include the node for the first positive lead P1, the node for the second negative lead N2 and the node for the third positive lead P3, the node for the fourth negative lead N4 and the node for the fifth positive lead P5, the node for the sixth negative lead N6 and the node for the seventh positive lead P7, the node for the eighth negative lead N8 and the node for the ninth positive lead P9, the node for the tenth negative lead N10 and the node for the eleventh positive lead P11, the node for the twelfth negative lead N12 and the node for the thirteenth positive lead P13, the node for the fourteenth negative lead N14 and the fifteenth positive lead P15, and the node for the sixteenth negative lead N16.

[0047] The first lead cover 127 may be coupled to the first busbar frame 121. The first lead cover 127 can prevent unintended short circuits between the first positive lead P1, the second negative lead N2, the third positive lead P3, the fourth negative lead N4, the fifth positive lead P5, the sixth negative lead N6, the seventh positive lead P7, the eighth negative lead N8, the ninth positive lead P9, the tenth negative lead N10, the eleventh positive lead P11, the twelfth negative lead N12, the thirteenth positive lead P13, the fourteenth negative lead N14, the fifteenth positive lead P15, and the sixteenth negative lead N16 and external elements. The first lead cover 127 may contain an insulating material.

[0048] The second busbar assembly 130 may include a second busbar frame 131, a second integrated circuit 135, and a second lead cover 137. The second busbar frame 131 may include an insulating material such as plastic. The second busbar frame 131 may support and secure the second integrated circuit 135 and the second lead cover 137.

[0049] The second integrated circuit 135 may be coupled to the second busbar frame 131. The second integrated circuit 135 may be configured to measure the voltage at a given node of the cell stack 110. The voltage measurements of each given node of the cell stack 110 by the second integrated circuit 135 may be transmitted to the first integrated circuit 125 by the FFC assembly 140.

[0050] The above-mentioned predetermined nodes include the nodes of the first negative lead and the second positive lead, the nodes of the third negative lead and the fourth positive lead, the nodes of the fifth negative lead and the sixth positive lead, the nodes of the seventh negative lead and the eighth positive lead, the nodes of the ninth negative lead and the tenth positive lead, the nodes of the eleventh negative lead and the twelfth positive lead, the nodes of the thirteenth negative lead and the fourteenth positive lead, and the nodes of the fifteenth negative lead and the sixteenth positive lead.

[0051] The battery assembly 100 may be mounted in a battery pack, which may include a BMS. The BMS may be configured to monitor and balance the battery assembly 100 based on measured voltages of each of the given nodes of the cell stack 110, measured by the first integrated circuit 125 and the second integrated circuit 135. Balancing the battery assembly 100 is the operation of reducing the deviation between the first battery bank BKN1 to the sixteenth battery bank BKN16.

[0052] The second lead cover 137 may be coupled to the second busbar frame 131. The second lead cover 137 can prevent unintended short circuits between the first negative lead, second positive lead, third negative lead, fourth positive lead, fifth negative lead, sixth positive lead, seventh negative lead, eighth positive lead, ninth negative lead, tenth positive lead, eleventh negative lead, twelfth positive lead, thirteenth negative lead, fourteenth positive lead, fifteenth negative lead, and sixteenth positive lead, and external elements. The second lead cover 137 may contain insulating material.

[0053] The first busbar assembly 120 and the second busbar assembly 130 may be connected by an FFC assembly 140. The FFC assembly 140 may be located on the cell stack 110. The FFC assembly 140 may be a passage for transmitting the measured voltages of each of the given nodes of the cell stack 110, which have been sensed by the second busbar assembly 130.

[0054] (Second Embodiment) Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a battery assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0055] Figures 4 to 8 are diagrams illustrating the coupling of the first busbar frame 121, the first busbar 123, the second busbar 124, and the first integrated circuit 125. More specifically, Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the above-mentioned elements, Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views of the above-mentioned elements, Figure 7 is a rear view of the above-mentioned elements, and Figure 8 is a front view of the above-mentioned elements.

[0056] Referring to Figures 3 to 8, in P110, the first busbar frame 121 can be coupled with the first busbar 123, the second busbar 124, and the first integrated circuit 125.

[0057] The first busbar frame 121 may include a first groove 121G1 and a second groove 121G2. The first busbar 123 and the second busbar 124 may be inserted into the first groove 121G1. The first integrated circuit 125 may be inserted into the second groove 121G2. The second groove 121G2 may be interposed between the first groove 121G1. The second groove 121G2 may be formed by an integrated circuit housing 121I.

[0058] The first busbar frame 121 may include a first slit 121S1 connected to a first groove 121G1. The first slit 121S1 may expose the external connection portion 123EC of the first busbar 123 or the external connection portion 124EC of the second busbar 124.

[0059] The integrated circuit housing portion 121I of the first busbar frame 121 may include a second slit 121S2. The second slit 121S2 may expose the first integrated circuit 125. The first integrated circuit 125 may be connected to the FFC assembly 140 via the second slit 121S2.

[0060] The first busbar frame 121 may further include a plurality of fixture insertion slots 121S used for welding the first to seventh sensing bars 125S1, 125S2, 125S3, 125S4, 125S5, 125S6, and 125S7 (hereinafter referred to as 125S1 to 125S7) of the first integrated circuit 125.

[0061] Multiple fixture insertion slots 121S can expose the first to seventh sensing bars 125S1 to 125S7. Each of the multiple fixture insertion slots 121S is located away from the first bus bar 123 and the second bus bar 124, respectively. Each of the multiple fixture insertion slots 121S may be interposed between the first groove G1. Each of the multiple fixture insertion slots 121S may be interposed between the first bus bar 123 and the second bus bar 124. The multiple fixture insertion slots 121S will be described later with reference to Figures 12 and 13.

[0062] The thickness of each of the first to seventh sensing bars 125S1 to 125S7 may differ from the thickness of each of the first bus bar 123 and the second bus bar 124. The thickness of each of the first to seventh sensing bars 125S1 to 125S7 may be even smaller than the thickness of each of the first bus bar 123 and the second bus bar 124. The thickness of each of the first bus bar 123 and the second bus bar 124 may be in the range of 5 to 20 times the thickness of each of the first to seventh sensing bars 125S1 to 125S7. The thickness of each of the first to seventh sensing bars 125S1 to 125S7 may be in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm.

[0063] According to exemplary embodiments, the first to seventh sensing bars 125S1 to 125S7 may contain the same material as the first bus bar 123 and the second bus bar 124. For example, the first to seventh sensing bars 125S1 to 125S7 and the first bus bar 123 and the second bus bar 124 may contain any one of copper, aluminum, or an alloy thereof.

[0064] According to exemplary embodiments, the first to seventh sensing bars 125S1 to 125S7 may contain different materials from the first bus bar 123 and the second bus bar 124. For example, the first to seventh sensing bars 125S1 to 125S7 may contain one of copper, aluminum, and their alloys, while the first bus bar 123 and the second bus bar 124 may contain one other of copper, aluminum, and their alloys.

[0065] According to an exemplary embodiment, the busbars for measuring the potential of nodes inside the cell stack 110 (see Figure 1) are replaced with first to seventh sensing bars 125S1 to 125S7 having a relatively small thickness. This may reduce the mass of the battery assembly 100 (see Figure 1) and improve the mass-energy density.

[0066] The second busbar assembly 130 (see Figure 2) is substantially the same as the first busbar assembly 120, except that it does not include the first busbar 123 and the second busbar 124. Thus, the description of the first busbar assembly 120, as explained with reference to Figures 4 to 8, can also be applied to the second busbar assembly 130 (see Figure 2), except that it relates to the first busbar 123 and the second busbar 124.

[0067] Figure 9 is a perspective view illustrating the welding process. More specifically, the workpiece WP shown in Figure 12 consists of a cell stack 110 coupled to a first busbar frame 121, which is coupled with a first busbar 123, a second busbar 124, and a first integrated circuit 125.

[0068] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view along the cutting line 9I-9I' in Figure 9.

[0069] Referring to Figures 4, 9, and 10, the welding process can be performed at P120.

[0070] The welding process involves welding the first busbar 123 to the first positive lead P1, welding the first sensing bar 125S1, the second negative lead N2 and the third positive lead P3, welding the second sensing bar 125S2, the fourth negative lead N4 and the fifth positive lead P5, welding the third sensing bar 125S3, the sixth negative lead N6 and the seventh positive lead P7, welding the fourth sensing bar 125S4, the eighth negative lead N8 and the This may include welding of the 9th positive lead P9, the 5th sensing bar 125S5, the 10th negative lead N10 and the 11th positive lead P11, the 6th sensing bar 125S6, the 12th negative lead N12 and the 13th positive lead P13, the 7th sensing bar 125S7, the 14th negative lead N14 and the 15th positive lead P15, and the 2nd bus bar 124 and the 16th negative lead N16. As a non-limiting example, the welding process may use ultrasound.

[0071] During the welding process, multiple welding jigs WZ can be inserted through multiple jig insertion slots 121S of the first busbar frame 121. Multiple welding fixtures WZ can support a first sensing bar 125S1, a second negative lead N2 and a third positive lead P3, a second sensing bar 125S2, a fourth negative lead N4 and a fifth positive lead P5, a third sensing bar 125S3, a sixth negative lead N6 and a seventh positive lead P7, a fourth sensing bar 125S4, an eighth negative lead N8 and a ninth positive lead P9, a fifth sensing bar 125S5, a tenth negative lead N10 and an eleventh positive lead P11, a sixth sensing bar 125S6, a twelfth negative lead N12 and a thirteenth positive lead P13, and a seventh sensing bar 125S7, a fourteenth negative lead N14 and a fifteenth positive lead P15 during the welding process.

[0072] Since the first busbar 123 and the second busbar 124 have sufficient rigidity, the welding of the first positive lead P1 and the first busbar 123, and the welding of the 16th negative lead N16 and the second busbar 124 do not require support by a welding jig WZ.

[0073] According to an exemplary embodiment, the number of process steps required to provide the battery assembly 100 (see Figure 1) can be reduced by joining the sensing bar, negative lead, and positive lead through a single welding process, thereby improving the productivity of the battery assembly 100 (see Figure 1).

[0074] The welding of the first negative lead, second positive lead, third negative lead, fourth positive lead, fifth negative lead, sixth positive lead, seventh negative lead, eighth positive lead, ninth negative lead, tenth positive lead, eleventh negative lead, twelfth positive lead, thirteenth negative lead, fourteenth positive lead, fifteenth negative lead, and sixteenth positive lead to the sensing bar of the second integrated circuit 135 (see Figure 2) is substantially the same as that of P130, so a redundant explanation of it will be omitted.

[0075] Figures 11 to 13 are diagrams illustrating the connection between the first busbar frame 121 and the first lead cover 127. More specifically, Figure 11 is a perspective view, and Figures 12 and 13 are side views.

[0076] Referring to Figures 4 and 11-13, in P130, the first lead cover 127 can be coupled to the first busbar frame 121.

[0077] The first busbar frame 121 may further include a third groove 121G3 and a projection 121P. The first reed cover 127 may be inserted into the third groove 121G3. The first reed cover 127 may include a fixing portion 127F. The fixing portion 127F may include a hole configured for the insertion of the projection 121P. The first reed cover 127 and the first busbar frame 121 can be fixed to each other by inserting the projection 121P into the hole in the fixing portion 127F.

[0078] According to an exemplary embodiment, the area of ​​the first lead cover 127 may be even smaller than the area of ​​the first busbar frame 121. The integrated circuit housing 121I may protrude further outward (i.e., to the opposite side that is coupled to the cell stack 110) than the first lead cover 127 inserted into the third groove 121G3. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first lead cover 127 may limitably cover only the portion of the first busbar frame 121 that overlaps with the first to seventh sensing bars 125S1 to 125S7, the first positive lead P1, the second negative lead N2, the third positive lead P3, the fourth negative lead N4, the fifth positive lead P5, the sixth negative lead N6, the seventh positive lead P7, the eighth negative lead N8, the ninth positive lead P9, the tenth negative lead N10, the eleventh positive lead P11, the twelfth negative lead N12, the thirteenth positive lead P13, the fourteenth negative lead N14, the fifteenth positive lead P15, and the sixteenth negative lead N16. According to an exemplary embodiment, the insertion of the first lead cover 127 does not result in a substantial increase in the volume of the first busbar assembly 120 (see Figure 1), and the volume-energy density of the battery assembly 100 (see Figure 1) can be improved.

[0079] The third groove 121G3 can be interposed between the multiple fixture insertion slots 121S (see Figure 5) and the second groove 121G2 (see Figure 5). The multiple fixture insertion slots 121S (see Figure 5) can be separated from the second groove 121G2 (see Figure 5) with the third groove 121G3 in between. As a result, the multiple fixture insertion slots 121S (see Figure 5) can be separated from the integrated circuit housing 121I with the first lead cover 127 in between.

[0080] The description of the first busbar assembly 120, as explained with reference to Figures 11 to 13, can also be applied to the second busbar assembly 130 (see Figure 2).

[0081] The present invention has been described in more detail above through 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 various equivalents and modifications that can substitute for them at the time of filing. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 100 Battery Assembly 110 cell stack 111 Pouch-type battery cells 120 First busbar assembly 121 First busbar frame 121G1 1st groove 121G2 2nd groove 121G3 3rd groove 121I Integrated Circuit Housing 121P protrusion 121S Fixture insertion slot 121S1 First Slit 121S2 Second Slit 123 First Bus Bar 123EC External Connection Section 124 Second Bus Bar 124EC External Connection Unit 125 First Integrated Circuit 125S1 First Sensing Bar 125S2 Second Sensing Bar 125S3 Third Sensing Bar 125S4 4th Sensing Bar 125S5 5th Sensing Bar 125S6 6th Sensing Bar 125S7 7th Sensing Bar 127 First reed cover 127F Fixed part 130 Second busbar assembly 131 Second busbar frame 135 Second Integrated Circuit 137 Second reed cover 140 FFC Assembly (Flat Flexible Cable Assembly) BKN1 Battery Bank 1 BKN2 Second Battery Bank (Second Pouch-Type Battery Cell) BKN3 3rd Battery Bank BKN4 4th Battery Bank (4th Pouch-Type Battery Bank) BKN5 5th Battery Bank BKN6 6th Battery Bank (6th Pouch-Type Battery Bank) BKN7 Battery Bank #7 BKN8 8th Battery Bank (8th Pouch-Type Battery Bank) BKN9 Battery Bank No. 9 BKN10 10th Battery Bank (10th Pouch-Type Battery Bank) BKN11 Battery Bank No. 11 BKN12 12th Battery Bank (12th Pouch-Type Battery Bank) BKN13 Battery Bank No. 13 BKN14 14th Battery Bank (14th Pouch-Type Battery Bank) BKN15 Battery Bank No. 15 BKN16 16th Battery Bank (16th Pouch-Type Battery Bank) G1 1st groove N2 Second Negative Lead N4 4th Negative Lead N6 6th Negative Lead N8 8th Negative Lead N10 10th Negative Lead N12 12th Negative Lead N14 14th Negative Lead N16 16th Negative Lead P1 First positive lead P3 Third positive lead P5 Fifth positive lead P7 7th positive lead P9 9th positive lead P11 11th positive lead P13 13th positive lead P15 15th positive lead WP work WZ Welding Jig

Claims

1. A cell stack comprising a first pouch-type battery cell, a second pouch-type battery cell, and a third pouch-type battery cell, wherein the first pouch-type battery cell comprises a first positive lead and a first negative lead, the second pouch-type battery cell comprises a second positive lead and a second negative lead, and the third pouch-type battery cell comprises a third positive lead and a third negative lead, and the cell stack comprises the cell stack, A first busbar assembly coupled to the cell stack, A battery assembly including, The first busbar assembly is First busbar frame and A first busbar and a second busbar coupled to the first busbar frame, the first busbar and the second busbar configured to output the voltage of the cell stack, A first integrated circuit coupled on the first busbar frame, the first integrated circuit including a first sensing bar configured to measure the potentials of the second negative lead and the third positive lead, Includes, The thickness of the first sensing bar is thinner than the thickness of the first bus bar. The first sensing bar is positioned so as not to overlap with the first bus bar. Battery assembly.

2. The thickness of the first busbar and the second busbar are in the range of 5 to 20 times the thickness of the first sensing bar. The battery assembly according to claim 1.

3. The thickness of the first sensing bar is in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm. The battery assembly according to claim 1.

4. The first sensing bar contains the same material as the first bus bar and the second bus bar. The battery assembly according to claim 1.

5. The first sensing bar contains a material different from the first bus bar and the second bus bar. The battery assembly according to claim 1.

6. The first sensing bar is separated from the third positive lead with the second negative lead in between. The battery assembly according to claim 1.

7. The first busbar assembly further includes a first lead cover coupled to the first busbar frame, the first lead cover covering the first positive lead, the second negative lead, and the third positive lead, The first lead cover contains an insulating material. The battery assembly according to claim 1.

8. The first busbar frame includes an integrated circuit housing that forms a groove, The first integrated circuit is inserted into the groove, The battery assembly according to claim 7.

9. The integrated circuit housing portion of the first busbar frame protrudes further than the first lead cover. The battery assembly according to claim 8.

10. A cell stack comprising a first pouch-type battery cell, a second pouch-type battery cell, and a third pouch-type battery cell, wherein the first pouch-type battery cell comprises a first positive lead and a first negative lead, the second pouch-type battery cell comprises a second positive lead and a second negative lead, and the third pouch-type battery cell comprises a third positive lead and a third negative lead, A first busbar assembly coupled to the cell stack, A battery assembly including, The first busbar assembly is First busbar frame and A first busbar and a second busbar coupled to the first busbar frame, the first busbar and the second busbar configured to output the voltage of the cell stack, A first integrated circuit coupled on the first busbar frame, the first integrated circuit including a first sensing bar configured to measure the potentials of the second negative lead and the third positive lead, Includes, The thickness of the first sensing bar is thinner than the thickness of the first bus bar. The first busbar assembly further includes a first lead cover coupled to the first busbar frame, the first lead cover covering the first positive lead, the second negative lead, and the third positive lead, The first lead cover contains an insulating material, The first busbar frame includes an integrated circuit housing that forms a groove, The first integrated circuit is inserted into the groove, The first busbar frame includes a plurality of fixture insertion slots, Multiple jig insertion slots expose the second negative lead and the third positive lead. Battery assembly.

11. Multiple jig insertion slots are separated from the integrated circuit housing with the first lead cover in between. The battery assembly according to claim 10.

12. One of the multiple jig insertion slots exposes the first sensing bar. The battery assembly according to claim 10 or 11.

13. Each of the multiple jig insertion slots is spaced apart from the first busbar and the second busbar, The battery assembly according to claim 10.

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