Resistor unit, resistor assembly, and battery pack

Abstract

The present invention relates to a resistor unit, a resistor assembly, and a battery pack and, more specifically, to a connectable and separable resistor unit, a resistor assembly in which a plurality of resistor units are connected, and a battery pack in which the resistor assembly is installed. A resistor unit according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a first resistor part formed to extend in a first direction; a second resistor part formed to extend in a second direction; a case for receiving the first resistor part and the second resistor part therein; and a terminal part coupled to one or more of one end of the first resistor part and one end of the second resistor part and having a part protruding out of the case, wherein openings are formed through a part of the case which faces the other end of the first resistor part, and a part of the case which faces the other end of the second resistor part, respectively, and a plurality of resistor units can be connected and separated in the first direction and in the second direction, so that resistors of various specifications can be provided without limitation in a space in which the resistors are installed.

Description

Resistor units, resistor assemblies and battery packs

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0115496, filed August 31, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0015026, filed January 31, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] 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.

[0005] Secondary batteries (rechargeable batteries) are rechargeable and dischargeable, unlike primary batteries, which are non-rechargeable. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in small, portable electronic devices such as cell phones, laptops, and camcorders, while high-capacity batteries are widely used as power sources for motors in hybrid vehicles and other vehicles.

[0006] Secondary batteries can be utilized in the form of battery cells. A battery cell may have a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode sequentially stacked within an outer shell, with the internal space of the outer shell filled with an electrolyte. Multiple battery cells may be electrically connected to form a battery module or battery pack. A battery pack may include a main circuit that charges and discharges the battery cells, and the main circuit may include a main relay that initiates the charging and discharging process.

[0007] When the main relay of the main circuit installed in the battery pack is operated (key-on), an inrush current may occur due to a momentary potential difference between the input terminal and the output terminal. In this case, welding of the main relay may occur, which may deteriorate the performance of the secondary battery. To prevent this, a pre-charge circuit may be connected to the main circuit. Since the pre-charge circuit includes a pre-charge resistor, even if a high voltage difference occurs momentarily between the input terminal and the output terminal, the size of the inrush current is reduced by the high resistance component in the circuit, and the voltage difference between the input terminal and the output terminal also gradually decreases.

[0008] A conventional precharge resistor is a single resistor unit, and the conventional resistor unit is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Specifically, FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the entire appearance of the conventional resistor unit, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the conventional resistor unit. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the conventional resistor unit (1) may include a metal rod portion (2) extending long in one direction, a metal terminal portion (3) connected to one end and the other end of the metal rod portion (2), and an outer material (4) covering the metal rod portion (2) and a part of the metal terminal portion (3). The resistor unit (1) may function as a precharge resistor by the metal terminal portion (3) directly connected to the precharge circuit.

[0009] Meanwhile, only one metal load section (2) is provided inside the outer casing (4), and a connection section to which another resistor can be connected is not formed on the metal load section (2), so the conventional resistance units (1) could not be connected to each other. Therefore, in the past, after preparing the resistance units (1) according to the specifications of the resistance required in the precharge circuit, each of the resistance units (1) had to be directly connected to the circuit, and when the installation space was limited, there was a problem in that it was impossible to provide resistance that met the required specifications.

[0010] The present invention has been conceived in recognition of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a resistance unit that can be connected and separated in various directions to overcome limitations of installation space and provide resistance of various specifications, a resistance assembly in which a plurality of the resistance units are connected, and a battery pack in which the resistance assembly is installed.

[0011] A resistance unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first resistance portion formed to extend in a first direction; a second resistance portion formed to extend in a second direction; a case accommodating the first resistance portion and the second resistance portion; and a terminal portion coupled to at least one end of the first resistance portion and one end of the second resistance portion, a portion of which protrudes outward from the case, and an opening is formed in each of a portion of the case facing the other end of the first resistance portion and the other end of the second resistance portion.

[0012] The terminal portion may include a terminal body coupled to at least one end of the first resistor portion and one end of the second resistor portion; and a terminal tip extending from the terminal body and having a portion protruding outside the case.

[0013] The shape of the above opening may correspond to the shape of the terminal tip.

[0014] A terminal coupling groove corresponding to the end shape of the terminal tip may be formed at each of the other end of the first resistance portion and the other end of the second resistance portion.

[0015] The first direction length of the first resistance portion may be longer than the second direction length of the second resistance portion.

[0016] The above case may have an empty hexahedral shape.

[0017] The first direction and the second direction may be perpendicular to each other.

[0018] Meanwhile, a resistance unit according to a second 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 accommodating the first resistance portion and the second resistance portion; and a terminal portion coupled to one end of the first resistance portion and having a portion protruding outward from the case, wherein an opening may be formed in a portion of the case facing one end of the second resistance portion.

[0019] The terminal portion may include a terminal body coupled to one end of the first resistor portion; and a terminal tip extending from the terminal body and having a portion protruding outside the case.

[0020] The shape of the above opening may correspond to the shape of the terminal tip.

[0021] A terminal coupling groove corresponding to the end shape of the terminal tip may be formed at one end of the second resistance section.

[0022] Meanwhile, a resistance unit according to a third 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 accommodating the first resistance portion and the second resistance portion; and a terminal portion coupled to both ends of the first resistance portion, a portion of which protrudes outside the case, and an opening may be formed in at least one of the portions of the case facing both ends of the second resistance portion.

[0023] The terminal portion may include a terminal body coupled to each end of the first resistor portion; and a terminal tip extending from the terminal body and having a portion protruding outside the case.

[0024] The shape of the above opening may correspond to the shape of the terminal tip.

[0025] A terminal coupling groove corresponding to the end shape of the terminal tip may be formed at at least one of the first and second ends of the second resistor.

[0026] Meanwhile, a plurality of the resistance units may be combined in the resistance assembly according to the present invention.

[0027] The above resistance assembly may include an insulating cover that surrounds a portion of the terminal portion that protrudes outward from the case.

[0028] Meanwhile, a battery pack according to the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules; a main circuit unit constituting a charge / discharge path of the plurality of battery modules; a precharge circuit unit connected to the main circuit unit; and a resistor assembly installed in the precharge circuit unit.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a resistance unit 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 accommodating the first resistance portion and the second resistance portion, and a terminal portion coupled to at least one end of the first resistance portion and one end of the second resistance portion, a portion of which protrudes outward from the case, and an opening is formed in each of a portion of the case facing the other end of the first resistance portion and the other end of 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 providing a resistance of various specifications without being limited by the space in which the resistance is installed.

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the entire appearance of a conventional resistance unit.

[0031] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of a conventional resistance unit.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a resistance unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention in which terminal portions are formed in both the first direction and the second direction.

[0033] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the resistance unit according to Fig. 3.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a terminal portion formed only in the first direction in a resistance unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a terminal portion formed only in the second direction in a resistance unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a resistance unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a resistance unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention in which a groove is formed only at one end of a second resistance unit.

[0038] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a resistance unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention in which a groove is formed at both ends of a second resistance unit.

[0039] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the resistance units connected in the first direction in the resistance assembly according to the present invention.

[0040] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the resistance units connected in a second direction in a resistance assembly according to the present invention.

[0041] Figure 12 is a drawing showing a circuit section of a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0042] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following examples.

[0043] In order to clearly explain the present invention, a detailed description of a part that is irrelevant to the description or a related known technology that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention has been omitted, and when adding reference signs to components of each drawing in this specification, the same or similar reference signs are attached to the same or similar components throughout the specification.

[0044] In addition, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that conform to the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to explain his or her own invention in the best way.

[0045] Hereinafter, a resistance unit, a resistance assembly, and a battery pack according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0046]

[0047] Resistance unit (first embodiment)

[0048] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which terminal portions are formed in both the first direction and the second direction in a resistance unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the resistance unit according to Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which terminal portions are formed only in the first direction in a resistance unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which terminal portions are formed only in the second direction in a resistance unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, a resistance unit (1) according to the present invention includes a first resistance portion (10) formed to extend in a first direction (S1), a second resistance portion (20) formed to extend in a second direction (S2), a case (30) accommodating the first resistance portion (10) and the second resistance portion (20), and a terminal portion (40, 50) coupled to at least one end of the first resistance portion (10) and one end of the second resistance portion (20), a portion of which protrudes outside the case (30). Here, openings (32, 34) are formed in each of the portions of the case (30) facing the other end of the first resistance portion (10) and the other end of the second resistance portion (20). In this case, the resistance units (1) can be connected and separated from each other in the first direction (S1) and the second direction (S2), and the resistance units (1) can be assembled to fit the shape of the space in which the resistance is installed within the circuit, and can be connected in series and / or in parallel to fit the size of the required resistance. That is, there is an advantageous effect of being able to provide resistances of various specifications without being restricted by the space in which the resistance is installed.

[0050] The resistance unit (1) may be a pre-charge resistor installed in the pre-charge circuit of the battery pack. When charging and discharging the battery pack, an inrush current may be generated due to an instantaneous potential difference between the input terminal and the output terminal. The pre-charge circuit equipped with the resistance unit (1) increases the resistance of the entire circuit of the battery pack, thereby preventing the generation of the inrush current and gradually reducing the potential difference between the input terminal and the output terminal.

[0051] Meanwhile, the resistance unit (1) may include a first resistance portion (10) extending in a first direction (S1) and a second resistance portion (20) extending in a second direction (S2) different from the first direction (S1). At this time, both the first resistance portion (10) and the second resistance portion (20) are resistors connected to a precharge circuit and may have various structures. For example, each of the first resistance portion (10) and the second resistance portion (20) may include a resistance body (11, 21) in the shape of a rod extending in a straight line. Here, the first resistance body (11) and the second resistance body (21) may be connected as one. In addition, each of the first resistance portion (10) and the second resistance portion (20) may have a structure in which a coil is wound around a conductive rod.

[0052] The case (30) is an outer material that surrounds the first resistance unit (10) and the second resistance unit (20), and may have various structures. For example, the case (30) may have a hollow hexahedral structure in which a space for accommodating the first resistance unit (10) and the second resistance unit (20) is formed inside. The case (30) may be composed of an insulating material, and a synthetic resin such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) may be used as the insulating material.

[0053] Meanwhile, openings (31, 32, 33, 34) may be formed in the case (30). Specifically, the case (30) may include at least a portion of a first opening (31) formed in a portion facing one end of the first resistance unit (10), a second opening (32) formed in a portion facing the other end of the first resistance unit (10), a third opening (33) formed in a portion facing one end of the second resistance unit (20), and a fourth opening (34) formed in a portion facing the other end of the second resistance unit (20). At this time, the first to fourth openings (31, 32, 33, 34) may be formed sufficiently large so that a portion of a terminal unit (40, 50) described later can pass through them.

[0054] The terminal portion (40, 50) is a conductor terminal that is connected to at least one of one end of the first resistor portion (10) and one end of the second resistor portion (20), and the resistor unit (1) may include terminal portions (40, 50) having various numbers and coupling structures. Specifically, the resistor unit (1) may include at least one of the first terminal portion (40) connected to the first resistor portion (10) and the second terminal portion (50) connected to the second resistor portion (20). At this time, the first terminal portion (40) and the second terminal portion (50) may have substantially the same shape, structure, and size.

[0055] The resistance unit (1) may include both a first terminal portion (40) coupled to one end of the first resistance portion (10) and a second terminal portion (50) coupled to one end of the second resistance portion (20), as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. The first terminal portion (40) may protrude to the outside of the case (30) through the first opening portion (31), and the second terminal portion (50) may protrude to the outside of the case (30) through the third opening portion (32). Here, a second opening portion (32) and a fourth opening portion (34) may be formed in each of the portions of the case (30) that face the other end of the first resistance portion (10) and the other end of the second resistance portion (20). That is, the first to fourth opening portions (31, 32, 33, 34) may all be formed in the case (30).

[0056] In addition, the resistance unit (1) may include only one first terminal portion (40) coupled to one end of the first resistance portion (10), as illustrated in FIG. 5. In this case, the first terminal portion (40) may protrude to the outside of the case (30) through the first opening portion (31). At this time, a second opening portion (32) and a fourth opening portion (34) may be formed in each of a portion facing the other end of the first resistance portion (10) of the case (30) and a portion facing the other end of the second resistance portion (20) of the case (30). That is, the case (30) may be formed with first, second, and fourth opening portions (31, 32, 34).

[0057] Meanwhile, the resistance unit (1) may include only a second terminal portion (50) coupled to one end of the second resistance portion (20), as illustrated in FIG. 6. The second terminal portion (50) may protrude to the outside of the case (30) through the third opening portion (33). A second opening portion (32) and a fourth opening portion (34) may be formed in each of a portion facing the other end of the first resistance portion (10) of the case (30) and a portion facing the other end of the second resistance portion (20) of the case (30). That is, the second, third, and fourth opening portions (32, 33, 34) may be formed in the case (30).

[0058] That is, in any case, the resistance unit (1) includes a first resistance portion (10), a second resistance portion (20), and a case (30), and at least one of the first and second resistance portions (10, 20) is coupled to a terminal portion (40, 50) protruding outward from the case (30), and at least a second opening (32) and a fourth opening (34) are formed in the case (30), so that the resistance units (1) can be connected and separated from each other with respect to the first direction (S1) and the second direction (S2). Accordingly, the resistance units (1) can be assembled to fit the shape of the space in which the resistance is installed in the circuit, and can be connected in series and / or in parallel to fit the size of the required resistance, so that the user can provide resistances of various specifications without being restricted by the space in which the resistance is installed by using the resistance units (1).

[0059] Meanwhile, the terminal portion (40, 50) may include a terminal body (41, 51) coupled to at least one end of the first resistor portion (10) and one end of the second resistor portion (20), and a terminal tip (42, 52) extending from the terminal body (41, 51) and partially protruding outward from the case (30). Specifically, the first terminal portion (40) may include a first terminal body (41) coupled to one end of the first resistor portion (10), and a first terminal tip (42) extending from the first terminal body (41) along a first direction (S1) and protruding outward from the case (30). Likewise, the second terminal portion (50) may include a second terminal body (51) coupled to one end of the second resistor portion (20) and a second terminal tip (52) extending from the second terminal body (51) in the second direction (S2) and protruding outward from the case (30).

[0060] Here, the first terminal body (41) and the second terminal body (51) may have substantially the same shape, structure, and size. In addition, the first terminal tip (42) and the second terminal tip (52) may have substantially the same shape, structure, and size.

[0061] Meanwhile, the terminal body (41, 51) is coupled to one end of the first and second resistor parts (10, 20) inside the case (30), and the terminal tip (42, 52) can extend from the terminal body (41, 51). At this time, a part of the terminal tip (42, 52) is located inside the case (30), and the remainder of the terminal tip (42, 52) can protrude outside the case (30).

[0062] At this time, the shapes of the second opening (32) and the fourth opening (34) formed in the case (30) may correspond to the shapes of the terminal tips (42, 52). In this case, the terminal tips (42, 52) provided in the resistance unit (1) are fitted into the second opening (32) or the fourth opening (34) of the adjacent resistance unit (1), which has the advantageous effect of increasing the bonding force between the resistance units (1).

[0063] Meanwhile, the shape of the openings (31, 32, 33, 34) may correspond to the shape of the terminal tips (42, 52). For example, the shape of the first opening (31) may correspond to the shape of the first terminal tip (42) so that the tip of the first terminal portion (40) connected to the first resistor portion (10) can be fitted into the first opening (31). In addition, the shape of the third opening (33) may correspond to the shape of the second terminal tip (42) so that the tip of the second terminal portion (50) connected to the second resistor portion (20) can be fitted into the third opening (33).

[0064] Meanwhile, terminal coupling grooves (12, 22) corresponding to the end shape of the terminal tips (42, 52) may be formed at the other ends of the first resistance section (10) and the second resistance section (20).

[0065] Specifically, a first terminal coupling groove (12) corresponding to the end shape of the terminal tip (42, 52) may be formed at the other end of the first resistance unit (10). In this case, the terminal tip (42, 52) of another resistance unit (1) inserted through the second opening (32) is fitted into the first terminal coupling groove (12), which has the advantageous effect of increasing the coupling force between the resistance units (1).

[0066] In addition, a second terminal coupling groove (22) corresponding to the end shape of the terminal tip (42, 52) may be formed at the other end of the second resistor unit (20). In this case, the terminal tip (42, 52) of another resistor unit (1) inserted through the fourth opening (34) is fitted into the second terminal coupling groove (22), which has the advantageous effect of increasing the coupling force between the resistor units (1).

[0067] Meanwhile, the first direction (S1) length of the first resistance unit (10) and the second direction (S2) length of the second resistance unit (20) may be formed differently. For example, the first direction (S1) length of the first resistance unit (10) may be formed longer than the second direction length of the second resistance unit (20). Since the first direction (S1) resistance formed in the resistance unit (1) has a larger value than the second direction (S2) resistance, there is an advantageous effect of easily forming an assembly having various shapes and resistance values ​​when combining the resistance units (1).

[0068] Meanwhile, the case (30) may have an empty hexahedral shape. In this case, adjacent resistance units (1) are adjacent to each other by contacting the cases (30), and thus the resistance units (1) can be coupled to each other without forming an empty space between them. In other words, there is an advantageous effect of improving space efficiency.

[0069] Additionally, the first direction (S1) and the second direction (S2) are different directions, and the angle between the first direction (S1) and the second direction (S2) can be formed in various ways. For example, the first direction (S1) and the second direction (S2) can be perpendicular to each other.

[0070] When the first direction (S1) and the second direction (S2) are perpendicular to each other and the case (30) has a hexahedral shape, a plurality of resistance units (1) can be stacked and combined in the first direction (S1) or the second direction (S2), which has the advantageous effect of minimizing wasted space when combining the resistance units (1).

[0071]

[0072] Resistance unit (second embodiment)

[0073] The resistance unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in that the opening is formed only in a portion of the case facing one end of the second resistance unit. The commonalities with the first embodiment will be omitted as much as possible, and the second embodiment will be described focusing on the differences. In other words, it should be understood that any details not described in the second embodiment, if necessary, may be considered as those of the first embodiment.

[0074] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a resistance unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 7, a resistance unit (1) according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes a first resistance portion (10) formed to extend in a first direction (S1), a second resistance portion (20) formed to extend in a second direction (S2), a case (30) that accommodates the first resistance portion (10) and the second resistance portion (20), and a terminal portion (40) that is coupled to one end of the first resistance portion (10) and protrudes outward from the case (30), and an opening (34) may be formed in a portion of the case (30) that faces one end of the second resistance portion (20). In this case, the resistance units (1) can be connected and separated from each other in a vertical direction, and thus the resistance units (1) can be assembled to fit the shape of a space in which the resistor is installed within a circuit.

[0076] Meanwhile, the terminal portion (40) may include a terminal body (41) coupled to one end of the first resistor portion (10) and a terminal tip (42) extending from the terminal body (41) and partially protruding to the outside of the case (30). The terminal body (41) is coupled to one end of the first resistor portion (10) inside the case (30), and the terminal tip (42) may extend from the terminal body (41). At this time, a part of the terminal tip (42) may be located inside the case (30), and the remainder of the terminal tip (42) may protrude to the outside of the case (30).

[0077] At this time, the shape of the opening (34) formed in the case (30) may correspond to the shape of the terminal tip (42). At this time, the terminal tip (42) provided in the resistance unit (1) is fitted into the opening (34) of the adjacent resistance unit (1), which has the advantageous effect of increasing the bonding force between the resistance units (1).

[0078] Meanwhile, a terminal coupling groove (22) corresponding to the end shape of the terminal tip (42) may be formed at one end of the second resistor unit (20). In this case, the terminal tip (42) of another 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).

[0079] In addition, the first direction (S1) length of the first resistance portion (10) and the second direction (S2) length of the second resistance portion (20) may be formed differently. For example, the first direction (S1) length of the first resistance portion (10) may be formed longer than the second direction length of the second resistance portion (20), or the first direction (S1) length of the first resistance portion (10) may be formed shorter than the second direction length of the second resistance portion (20).

[0080] Meanwhile, the case (30) may have an empty hexahedral shape. In this case, adjacent resistance units (1) are adjacent to each other by contacting the cases (30), and thus the resistance units (1) can be coupled to each other without forming an empty space between them. In other words, there is an advantageous effect of improving space efficiency.

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

[0082] When the first direction (S1) and the second direction (S2) are perpendicular to each other and the case (30) has a hexahedral shape, a plurality of resistance units (1) can be stacked and combined in the first direction (S1) or the second direction (S2), which has the advantageous effect of minimizing wasted space when combining the resistance units (1).

[0083]

[0084] Resistance Unit (Example 3)

[0085] The resistance 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 section. Commonalities with the first and second embodiments will be omitted as much as possible, and the third embodiment will be described focusing on differences. In other words, it should be apparent that any details not described in the third embodiment, if necessary, may be considered as those of the first and second embodiments.

[0086] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a resistance unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention in which a groove is formed only at one end of a second resistance unit.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 8, a resistance unit (1) according to a third embodiment of the present invention may include a first resistance portion (10) formed to extend in a first direction (S1), a second resistance portion (20) formed to extend in a second direction (S2), a case (30) that accommodates the first resistance portion (10) and the second resistance portion (20), and a terminal portion (40) that is coupled to both ends of the first resistance portion (10) and has a portion protruding outward from the case (30).

[0088] Here, an opening (34) may be formed in a portion facing one end of the second resistance unit (20) within the case (30). These resistance units (1) may be connected / separated from each other in a horizontal or vertical direction, and the resistance units (1) may be assembled to fit the shape of the space in which the resistance is installed within the circuit.

[0089] The terminal portion (40) may include a terminal body (41) coupled to both ends of the first resistor portion (10) and a terminal tip (42) extending from the terminal body (41) and partially protruding to the outside of the case (30). The terminal body (41) is coupled to one end of the first resistor portion (10) inside the case (30), and the terminal tip (42) may extend from the terminal body (41). At this time, a part of the terminal tip (42) may be located inside the case (30), and the remainder of the terminal tip (42) may protrude to the outside of the case (30).

[0090] In addition, the shape of the opening (34) formed in the case (30) may correspond to the shape of the terminal tip (42). At this time, the terminal tip (42) provided in the resistance unit (1) is fitted into the opening (34) of the adjacent resistance unit (1), which has the advantageous effect of increasing the bonding force between the resistance units (1).

[0091] Meanwhile, a terminal coupling groove (22) corresponding to the end shape of the terminal tip (42) may be formed at one end of the second resistor unit (20). In this case, the terminal tip (42) of another 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).

[0092] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a resistance unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention in which a groove is formed at both ends of a second resistance unit.

[0093] Referring to Fig. 9, the openings (45) may be formed at portions of the case (30) that face each end of the second resistance portion (20). In addition, terminal coupling grooves (22) corresponding to the end shape may be formed at these ends of the second resistance portion (20). Meanwhile, the first direction (S1) and the second direction (S2) are different directions, and the angle between the first direction (S1) and the second direction (S2) may be formed in various ways. For example, the first direction (S1) and the second direction (S2) may be perpendicular to each other.

[0094] When the first direction (S1) and the second direction (S2) are perpendicular to each other and the case (30) has a hexahedral shape, a plurality of resistance units (1) can be stacked and combined in the first direction (S1) or the second direction (S2), which has the advantageous effect of minimizing wasted space when combining the resistance units (1).

[0095]

[0096] Resistance assembly

[0097] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which resistance units are connected in a first direction in a resistance assembly according to the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which resistance units are connected in a second direction in a resistance assembly according to the present invention.

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a plurality of resistance units (1) may be combined in a resistance assembly according to the present invention. Specifically, a plurality of resistance units (1) are combined along at least one of a first direction (S1) and a second direction (S2). For example, the resistance units (1) may be combined in a row along the first direction (S1), as illustrated in FIG. 8. Here, a horizontal terminal tip (42) formed in a resistance unit (1) may be inserted into a horizontal opening (31, 32) formed in a case (30) of an adjacent resistance unit (1).

[0099] Additionally, the resistance units (1) can be connected in a row along the second direction (S2) as illustrated in Fig. 9. Here, the vertical terminal tip (52) formed on the resistance unit (1) can be inserted into the vertical opening (33, 34) formed on the case (30) of the adjacent resistance unit (1).

[0100] Additionally, although not shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the resistor assembly may include a plurality of combined resistor units (1) for each of the first direction (S1) and the second direction (S2).

[0101] That is, the user can configure a resistor assembly by combining the resistor units (1) in various ways for each of the first direction (S1) and the second direction (S2), and can implement various series / parallel connections of the resistors by installing them in the circuit.

[0102] Meanwhile, the resistor assembly may include an insulating cover (60) that covers a portion of the terminal portion (40, 50) that protrudes outside the case (30). As described above, the terminal portion (40, 50) includes a terminal body (41, 51) and a terminal tip (42, 52), and only a portion of the terminal tip (42, 52) may protrude outside the case (30). That is, the insulating cover (60) may be formed to cover only a portion of the terminal tip (42, 52) that protrudes outside the case (30).

[0103] 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).

[0104] Meanwhile, the resistance assembly may include a plurality of terminal tips (42, 52) protruding outside the case (30) depending on the combination form of the resistance unit (1). In this case, the insulating cover (60) may be installed only on some of the plurality of protruding terminal tips (42, 52).

[0105]

[0106] battery pack

[0107] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a circuit section of a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0108] A battery pack according to the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules, a main circuit unit (110) constituting a charge / discharge path of the plurality of battery modules, a precharge circuit unit (120) connected to the main circuit unit (110), and a resistor assembly installed in the precharge circuit unit (120). In this case, a resistor assembly in which a plurality of resistor units (1) are combined in at least one direction among a first direction (S1) and a second direction (S2) is installed in the precharge circuit unit (120) of the battery pack, so that there is an advantageous effect of being able to provide precharge resistors of various sizes without being restricted by the resistor installation space of the precharge circuit unit (120).

[0109] A pack circuit (100) is installed in a battery pack, through which charging and discharging, voltage balancing, and status monitoring of battery modules in the battery pack can be performed. The pack circuit (100) may include a main circuit (110) that performs charging and discharging of the battery modules. A main relay (111) is installed in the main circuit (110), and charging of the battery modules can be initiated when the main relay (111) is operated (key-on). At this time, a momentary potential difference may be formed between the input terminal and the output terminal, and a precharge circuit (120) may be connected to the main circuit (110) to prevent this.

[0110] Here, the precharge circuit unit (120) is connected in parallel to the main circuit (110), and the precharge circuit unit (120) may include a precharge relay (121) and a precharge resistor (122). Here, the precharge resistor (122) may be the aforementioned resistance unit (1) or resistance assembly. The precharge relay (121) and the main relay (111) may be switched in an alternating manner to prevent a momentary potential difference from being formed between the input terminal and the output terminal. In addition, since current flows through the precharge circuit unit (120) in which the precharge resistor (122) is formed, it is possible to prevent an inrush current from being generated in the pack circuit unit (100).

[0111] Meanwhile, current can be supplied to the battery modules through the internal circuit (130) formed within the battery pack via the main circuit (110) and the precharge circuit (120), so that the charging process of the battery pack can proceed.

[0112]

[0113] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various embodiments are possible within the scope equivalent to the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0114]

[0115] [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1: Resistance unit 2: Metal rod section

[0117] 3: Metal terminal part 4: Exterior material

[0118] 10, 20: Resistance section 11, 21: Resistance body

[0119] 12, 22: Terminal joint groove 30: Case

[0120] 31, 32, 33, 34: openings 40, 50: terminals

[0121] 41, 51: Terminal body 42, 52: Terminal tip

[0122] 60: Insulating cover 100: Pack circuit

[0123] 110: Main circuit 111: Main relay

[0124] 120: Precharge circuit 121: Precharge relay

[0125] 122: Precharge resistor 130: Internal circuit

[0126] S1: First direction S2: Second direction

Claims

1. A first resistance section formed to extend in the first direction; A second resistance section formed to extend in the second direction; A case accommodating the first resistance unit and the second resistance unit; and A terminal portion is connected to at least one end of the first resistance portion and one end of the second resistance portion, and a portion thereof protrudes outside the case, A resistance unit characterized in that an opening is formed in each of the portions facing the other end of the first resistance portion and the other end of the second resistance portion of the case.

2. In claim 1, The above terminal part, A terminal body coupled to at least one end of the first resistor unit and one end of the second resistor unit; and A resistor unit characterized by including a terminal tip extending from the terminal body and partially protruding outside the case.

3. In claim 2, A resistance unit characterized in that the shape of the above opening corresponds to the shape of the above terminal tip.

4. In claim 3, A resistance unit characterized in that a terminal coupling groove corresponding to the end shape of the terminal tip is formed at each of the other end of the first resistance portion and the other end of the second resistance portion.

5. In claim 1, A resistance unit characterized in that the first direction length of the first resistance portion is longer than the second direction length of the second resistance portion.

6. In claim 1, A resistance unit characterized in that the above case has an empty hexahedral shape.

7. In claim 1, A resistance unit characterized in that the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

8. A first resistance section formed to extend in the first direction; A second resistance section formed to extend in the second direction; A case accommodating the first resistance unit and the second resistance unit; and It is connected to one end of the first resistance section and includes a terminal portion that protrudes outward from the case, A resistance unit characterized in that an opening is formed in a portion facing one end of the second resistance section of the case.

9. In claim 8, The above terminal part, a terminal body coupled to one end of the first resistance section; and A resistor unit characterized by including a terminal tip extending from the terminal body and partially protruding outside the case.

10. In claim 9, A resistance unit characterized in that the shape of the above opening corresponds to the shape of the above terminal tip.

11. In claim 10, A resistance unit characterized in that a terminal coupling groove corresponding to the end shape of the terminal tip is formed at one end of the second resistance section.

12. A first resistance section formed to extend in the first direction; A second resistance section formed to extend in the second direction; A case accommodating the first resistance unit and the second resistance unit; and It is connected to both ends of the first resistance section and includes a terminal portion that protrudes outward from the case, A resistance unit characterized in that an opening is formed in at least one of the portions facing the two ends of the second resistance section of the case.

13. In claim 12, The above terminal part, Terminal bodies respectively connected to both ends of the first resistance section; and A resistor unit characterized by including a terminal tip extending from the terminal body and partially protruding outside the case.

14. In claim 13, A resistance unit characterized in that the shape of the above opening corresponds to the shape of the above terminal tip.

15. In claim 14, A resistance unit characterized in that a terminal coupling groove corresponding to the end shape of the terminal tip is formed at at least one of the first and second ends of the second resistance section.

16. A resistor assembly comprising a plurality of resistor units according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. In claim 16, A resistor assembly characterized by including an insulating cover that covers a portion protruding outward from the case of the terminal portion.

18. Multiple battery modules; A main circuit unit constituting a charging / discharging path of the above plurality of battery modules; A precharge circuit connected to the main circuit; and A battery pack comprising a resistor assembly according to claim 16 installed in the above precharge circuit.

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