Battery cell assembly and battery pack including same

Abstract

According to exemplary embodiments, a battery cell assembly is provided. The battery cell assembly includes: a plurality of battery cells each including a positive lead and a negative lead; and an integrated circuit assembly including an integrated circuit coupled to the plurality of battery cells and configured to measure voltages of the plurality of battery cells, wherein the integrated circuit assembly includes: an insulating frame; an integrated circuit mounted on the insulating frame; a plurality of sensing plates connected to the integrated circuit; and a temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of one of the plurality of sensing plates.

Description

Battery cell assembly and battery pack including the same

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

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. They are widely used as a power source for various wireless devices, including handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, improved energy density and economies of scale have dramatically reduced the per-unit manufacturing cost of secondary batteries. Furthermore, as the range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to match that of fuel-powered vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0003] The technological development trend for secondary batteries for mobility is improving energy density and safety. The safety of secondary batteries for mobility is crucial, as it directly impacts the lives of passengers. Safety in secondary batteries can be achieved through mechanical robustness, reliable electrical insulation, and delayed heat transfer in the event of thermal runaway.

[0004] The technical idea of ​​the present invention is to provide a battery cell assembly that provides monitoring of the temperature distribution inside the cell and a battery pack including the same.

[0005] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a battery cell assembly is provided. The battery cell assembly includes: a plurality of battery cells including a positive lead and a negative lead; and an integrated circuit assembly including an integrated circuit coupled to the plurality of battery cells and configured to measure voltages of the plurality of battery cells, wherein the integrated circuit assembly includes: an insulating frame; an integrated circuit mounted on the insulating frame; a plurality of sensing plates connected to the integrated circuit; and a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of one of the plurality of sensing plates.

[0006] The plurality of sensing plates are short-circuited with corresponding ones of the positive and negative leads of each of the plurality of battery cells.

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

[0008] The plurality of sensing plates are in contact with corresponding ones of the positive and negative leads of each of the plurality of battery cells.

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

[0010] The plurality of sensing plates are interposed between a corresponding one of the positive lead and the negative lead of each of the plurality of battery cells and the insulating frame.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0018] According to exemplary embodiments, a battery cell assembly is provided. The battery cell assembly includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction, each battery cell including a positive lead and a negative lead; and first and second integrated circuit assemblies spaced apart from each other with the plurality of battery cells interposed therebetween, wherein the first integrated circuit assembly includes a first insulating frame, a first integrated circuit mounted on the first insulating frame, and a first temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the positive lead or the negative lead of one of the plurality of battery cells.

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

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

[0021] Each of the above wires includes an insulating covering.

[0022] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a battery cell assembly may include temperature sensors configured to detect the temperature of some of the plurality of sensing plates. Accordingly, the temperature distribution along the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells can be detected, thereby providing improved temperature distribution monitoring.

[0023] The effects that can be obtained 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 skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from practicing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0025] Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the battery cell assembly of Figure 1.

[0026] Figure 4 is a front view of the battery cell assembly of Figure 3.

[0027] Figure 5 is an enlarged partial front view of a portion of Figure 4.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a partial front view illustrating a battery cell assembly according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a battery cell assembly according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0030] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the battery cell assembly of Figure 7.

[0031] Figure 9 is a rear view of the battery cell assembly of Figure 8.

[0032] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0033] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0034] In addition, when describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0035] Since the embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the sizes and proportions of each component do not fully reflect the actual sizes or proportions.

[0036]

[0037] (Example 1)

[0038] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery pack (100) may include a pack housing (110) and a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The battery pack (100) may be a final product mounted in an application such as a vehicle.

[0040] The pack housing (110) can provide a space for mounting battery cell assemblies (120). The pack housing (110) can include a base plate (111) and side walls (112, 113, 114, 115).

[0041] Here, two directions substantially parallel to the mounting surface (111M) of the base plate (111) (i.e., the surface facing the battery cell assembly (120)) are defined as the X direction and the Y direction, and a direction substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface (111M) of the base plate (111) is defined as the Z direction. The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction may be substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0042] The base plate (111) and the side walls (112, 113) may each be provided by an extrusion process. The extrusion direction of each of the base plate (111) and the side walls (112, 113) may be the X direction. The side walls (114, 115) may also be provided by an extrusion process. The side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) may be substantially perpendicular to the base plate (111).

[0043] According to exemplary embodiments, the base plate (111) and side walls (112, 113) may be joined by friction stir welding. The base plate (111) may include a plurality of unit plates joined by friction stir welding.

[0044] The pack housing (110) may include a center beam (116). The center beam (116) may extend in the X direction. The center beam (116) may be interposed between the side walls (112, 113). The center beam (116) may be included in a center plate, which is one of a plurality of unit plates that are friction stir welded to each other. Accordingly, the center beam (116) may be formed together with the center plate, and the center beam (116) may be an integral and continuous element with the center plate.

[0045] The base plate (111) may include a plurality of cooling channels. The plurality of cooling channels may provide passages for the movement of a coolant, such as water, for example. The plurality of cooling channels may be formed by an extrusion process. The plurality of cooling channels may extend in the X direction. The plurality of cooling channels may be spaced apart in the Y direction.

[0046] A plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may be arranged on a base plate (111) of a pack housing (110). The base plate (111) may support the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). Side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) may horizontally surround the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) may protect the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120).

[0047] Hereinafter, the technical concept of the present invention will be described based on an embodiment in which the battery pack (100) is of a modular type and each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) does not include a module frame. However, this is for illustrative purposes and does not limit the technical concept of the present invention in any sense. A person skilled in the art will easily arrive at an embodiment in which the battery pack may be of a modular type and each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies includes a module frame based on the description herein.

[0048] Thermal Interface Material (TIM) layers may be provided between the base plate (111B) of the pack housing (110) and the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The TIM layers may include a resin composition. The TIM layers may be provided by a thermal resin application process.

[0049] The resin composition may be a room temperature curable composition. That is, the curing reaction of the resin composition may be initiated and proceed at room temperature. The curing reaction of the resin composition may be accelerated at a temperature higher than room temperature. The curing reaction rate of the resin composition at a temperature higher than room temperature may be faster than the curing reaction rate of the resin composition at room temperature. As a non-limiting example, the subject of the resin composition may be any one of a silicone resin, a polyol resin, an epoxy resin, and an acrylic resin.

[0050] The center beam (116) can extend in the X direction. The center beam (116) can isolate a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) in the Y direction. The center beam (116) can be interposed between the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120).

[0051] In Fig. 1, the arrangement of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) can be said to be a 3 * 2 arrangement. The arrangement of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) disclosed in Fig. 1 is a non-limiting example and does not limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention in any sense. A person skilled in the art will be able to easily arrive at a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) arranged in M ​​* N (wherein, M and N are each integers greater than or equal to 2) based on the description herein.

[0052] The battery pack (100) may further include leads coupled to side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) of the pack housing (110). The leads may cover elements mounted inside the battery pack (100), such as a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) and electrical components. The leads may be secured to the pack housing (110) by mechanical coupling means, such as bolting.

[0053] The battery pack may further include exhaust devices coupled to the sidewalls (114, 115). Either of the sidewalls (114, 115) may include exhaust holes connected to the exhaust devices. The exhaust devices may be configured to delay thermal propagation by releasing high-temperature gas within the battery pack (100) to the outside when a thermal runway event occurs in the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120).

[0054] Here, thermal runaway of multiple battery cell assemblies (120) is a state in which temperature changes of multiple battery cell assemblies (120) further accelerate the temperature change, which is an uncontrollable positive feedback. Multiple battery cell assemblies (120) in a state of thermal runaway exhibit a rapid temperature increase and emit a large amount of high-pressure gas and combustion debris.

[0055] The battery pack (100) may further include a Battery Management System (BMS). The BMS may be configured to perform monitoring, balancing, and control of the battery pack (100). Monitoring of the battery pack (100) may include monitoring the voltage and current of specific nodes within a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) and monitoring the temperature distribution of set locations within the battery pack (100).

[0056] Balancing of a battery pack (100) is an operation that reduces the deviation between multiple battery cell assemblies (120). Control of the battery pack (100) includes preventing overcharge, overdischarge, and overcurrent. Through monitoring, balancing, and control, the battery pack (100) can operate under optimal conditions, thereby preventing shortening of the lifespan of each of the multiple battery cell assemblies (120).

[0057] The battery pack (100) may further include additional electrical components, such as a cooling device, a PRA (Power Relay Assembly), and a safety plug. The cooling device may include a cooling fan. The cooling fan may prevent overheating of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) by circulating air inside the battery pack (100). The PRA may be configured to supply or cut off power from the high-voltage battery to an external load (e.g., a vehicle motor). The PRA may protect the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) and the external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) by cutting off power supply to the external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) in a situation where an abnormal voltage, such as a voltage surge, occurs. Additional electrical components may be interposed between the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) and the sidewall (115). The space between the battery cell assemblies (120) and the sidewall (115) may also be referred to as an electrical component mounting area.

[0058] The battery pack (100) may further include a plurality of bus bars configured to electrically connect a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may be connected in series by the plurality of bus bars. Accordingly, the battery pack (100) may be configured to output a high voltage to an external load (e.g., a vehicle motor).

[0059]

[0060] (Example 2)

[0061] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the battery cell assembly (120) of FIG. 1.

[0062] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the battery cell assembly (120) of Figure 1.

[0063] Figure 4 is a front view of the battery cell assembly (120) of Figure 3.

[0064] Figure 5 is an enlarged partial front view of a portion (POR) of Figure 4.

[0065] In FIGS. 2 to 5, the definition of direction is based on the case where the battery cell assembly (120) is arranged on the pack housing (110, see FIG. 1). In FIGS. 2 to 5, the X direction is the direction in which a plurality of battery cells (121) are arranged, the Y direction is the direction in which the first integrated circuit assembly (123) and the second integrated circuit assembly (124) are spaced apart, and the Z direction can be substantially perpendicular to each of the X direction and the Y direction.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, a battery cell assembly (120) may include a plurality of battery cells (121), a first integrated circuit assembly (123), a second integrated circuit assembly (124), cross beams (125), and FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) assemblies (127).

[0067] Each of the plurality of battery cells (121) may be a lithium ion battery. Each of the plurality of battery cells (121) includes an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a case. Each of the plurality of battery cells (121) may be any one of a cylindrical battery cell, a square battery cell, and a pouch-type battery cell. The electrode assembly of the cylindrical battery cell is housed in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of the square battery cell is housed in a square metal can. The electrode assembly of the pouch-type battery cell is housed in a pouch case including an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0068] The electrode assembly may include an anode, a cathode, and a separator interposed between the anode and the cathode. The electrode assembly may be either a jelly-roll type or a stack type. The jelly-roll type electrode assembly may include a winding structure of the anode, the cathode, and the separator interposed therebetween. The stack type electrode assembly may include a plurality of sequentially stacked anodes, a plurality of cathodes, and a plurality of separators interposed therebetween.

[0069] Each of the plurality of battery cells (121) may include a positive lead (121P) and a negative lead (121N). The electrode assembly of each of the plurality of battery cells (121) may be connected to the positive lead (121P) and the negative lead (121N).

[0070] A plurality of battery cells (121) may form a plurality of banks. Each of the plurality of banks may include one or more battery cells (121). One or more battery cells (121) of each of the plurality of banks may be connected in parallel with each other. The plurality of banks may be connected in series with each other.

[0071] The negative leads (121N) of one or more battery cells (121) of each of the plurality of banks may be short-circuited with the positive leads (121P) of one or more battery cells (121) of a subsequent bank. The negative leads (121N) of one or more battery cells (121) of each of the plurality of banks may be welded with the positive leads (121P) of one or more battery cells (121) of a subsequent bank.

[0072] The positive leads (121P) of one or more battery cells (121) of each of the plurality of banks may be short-circuited with the negative leads (121N) of one or more battery cells (121) of a preceding bank. The positive leads (121P) of one or more battery cells (121) of each of the plurality of banks may be welded with the negative leads (121N) of one or more battery cells (121) of a preceding bank.

[0073] The number of serially connected banks and the number of battery cells (121) included in the multiple banks can be determined according to the magnitude of the voltage and current to be output from each of the battery cell assemblies (120).

[0074] A plurality of battery cells (121) may be arranged in the X direction. A plurality of pads may be provided between the plurality of battery cells (121). The plurality of pads may horizontally press the plurality of battery cells (121) and prevent or alleviate swelling of the plurality of battery cells (121). The plurality of pads may isolate the plurality of battery cells (121) from each other. According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of pads may include PU (Poly Urethane). According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of pads may include a refractory material such as silicone.

[0075] According to exemplary embodiments, the plurality of pads may be arranged alternately with the plurality of banks. According to exemplary embodiments, one of the plurality of banks may be interposed between adjacent pads, and one of the plurality of pads may be interposed between adjacent banks. According to other exemplary embodiments, two or more banks may be interposed between adjacent pads.

[0076] The first integrated circuit assembly (123) and the second integrated circuit assembly (124) may be spaced apart in the Y direction with a plurality of battery cells (121) therebetween. The first integrated circuit assembly (123) and the second integrated circuit assembly (124) may be electrically connected by FFC assemblies (127). Accordingly, sensing values ​​(e.g., voltage, current, and / or temperature) of the second integrated circuit assembly (124) may be transmitted to the first integrated circuit assembly (123) via the FFC assemblies (127).

[0077] The first integrated circuit assembly (123) may include an insulating frame (123F), an integrated circuit (123I), bus bars (123B), sensing plates (123S), sensing bars (123SB), temperature sensors (123T), wirings (123Y), and an insulating cover (123IC).

[0078] The insulating frame (123F) may include an insulating material such as plastic. The insulating frame (123F) may cover the front of a plurality of battery cells (121). The insulating frame (123F) may support an integrated circuit (123I), bus bars (123B), sensing plates (123S), sensing bars (123SB), temperature sensors (123T), and wires (123Y).

[0079] The bus bars (123B) may be short-circuited to the positive leads (121P) of one or more battery cells (121) of the first bank and the negative leads (121N) of one or more battery cells (121) of the last bank. The bus bars (123B) may be welded to the positive leads (121P) of one or more battery cells (121) of the first bank and the negative leads (121N) of one or more battery cells (121) of the last bank. The resulting voltages of the plurality of battery cells (121) may be output through the bus bars (123B). The bus bars (123B) may be fixed to the insulating frame (123F).

[0080] An integrated circuit (123I) may be mounted on an insulating frame (123F). Positive leads (121P) and negative leads (121N) welded to each other may form nodes within a battery cell assembly (120). The integrated circuit (123I) may be configured to measure the voltages of the nodes.

[0081] The sensing bars (123SB) may include a conductive material. The sensing bars (123SB) may have a rod shape. The sensing bars (123SB) may be short-circuited to the bus bars (123B). The sensing bars (123SB) may be coupled to the bus bars (123B). Through the sensing bars (123SB), the voltage of the bus bars (123B) may be measured.

[0082] Each of the plurality of sensing plates (123S) may be coupled to an insulating frame (123F). Each of the plurality of sensing plates (123S) may be in contact with the insulating frame (123F). Each of the plurality of sensing plates (123S) may be fixed to the insulating frame (123F) by a method such as a fitting connection. Each of the plurality of sensing plates (123S) may be connected to an integrated circuit (123I). Each of the plurality of sensing plates (123S) may be configured to be electrically connected to the integrated circuit (123I).

[0083]

[0084] Each of the plurality of sensing plates (123S) may have a patch shape or a pad shape. Each of the plurality of sensing plates (123S) may include a conductive material. Each of the plurality of sensing plates (123S) may be short-circuited to the positive lead (121P) or the negative lead (121N) of each of the corresponding battery cells (121) among the plurality of battery cells (121). For example, the plurality of sensing plates (123S) may be short-circuited to the positive lead (121P) of each of the battery cells (121) of the corresponding odd-numbered bank and to the negative lead (121N) of each of the battery cells (121) of the corresponding even-numbered bank.

[0085] Each of the plurality of sensing plates (123S) may be covered by a positive lead (121P) or a negative lead (121N) of a corresponding plurality of battery cells (121). For example, each of the plurality of sensing plates (123S) may be covered by a positive lead (121P) of each of the battery cells (121) of a corresponding odd bank and a negative lead (121N) of each of the battery cells (121) of a corresponding even bank.

[0086] Each of the plurality of sensing plates (123S) may be in contact with the positive lead (121P) or the negative lead (121N) of the corresponding one of the plurality of battery cells (121). For example, the plurality of sensing plates (123S) may be in contact with the positive lead (121P) of each of the battery cells (121) of the corresponding odd-numbered bank and the negative lead (121N) of each of the battery cells (121) of the corresponding even-numbered bank.

[0087] A plurality of sensing plates (123S) may be fixed to the positive lead (121P) or the negative lead (121N) of corresponding ones of the plurality of battery cells (121). For example, the plurality of sensing plates (123S) may be fixed to the positive lead (121P) of each of the battery cells (121) of the corresponding odd-numbered bank and to the negative lead (121N) of each of the battery cells (121) of the corresponding even-numbered bank.

[0088] Each of the plurality of sensing plates (123S) may be welded to the positive lead (121P) or the negative lead (121N) of the corresponding one of the plurality of battery cells (121). For example, each of the plurality of sensing plates (123S) may be welded to the positive lead (121P) of each of the battery cells (121) of the corresponding odd-numbered bank and to the negative lead (121N) of each of the battery cells (121) of the corresponding even-numbered bank.

[0089] Accordingly, the first integrated circuit assembly (123) may include first welding patterns (WP1) and second welding patterns (WP2). The first welding patterns (WP1) may be on the positive lead (121P), the negative lead (121N), and the sensing plate (123S). The first welding patterns (WP1) may join the positive lead (121P), the negative lead (121N), and the sensing plate (123S). The second welding patterns (WP2) may be spaced apart from the sensing plate (123S). The second welding patterns (WP2) may be on the positive lead (121P) and the negative lead (121N). The second welding patterns (WP2) may join the positive lead (121P) and the negative lead (121N).

[0090] The first and second welding patterns (WP1, WP2) may have the same shape. The first and second welding patterns (WP1, WP2) may have a spiral shape. The diameters (DI) of the first and second welding patterns (WP1, WP2) may be substantially the same.

[0091] The first and second welding patterns (WP1, WP2) may be arranged in the Z direction. The distance (D1) between the centers of the first welding patterns (WP1) may be different from the distance (D3) between the centers of the second welding patterns (WP2). The distance (D1) between the centers of the first welding patterns (WP1) may be smaller than the distance (D3) between the centers of the second welding patterns (WP2).

[0092] The distance (D2) between the center of the first welding pattern (WP1) and the center of the second welding pattern (WP2) may be different from the distance (D1) between the centers of the first welding patterns (WP1). The distance (D2) between the center of the first welding pattern (WP1) and the center of the second welding pattern (WP2) may be greater than the distance (D1) between the centers of the first welding patterns (WP1).

[0093] The distance (D2) between the center of the first welding pattern (WP1) and the center of the second welding pattern (WP2) may be different from the distance (D3) between the centers of the second welding patterns (WP2). The distance (D2) between the center of the first welding pattern (WP1) and the center of the second welding pattern (WP2) may be smaller than the distance (D3) between the centers of the second welding patterns (WP2).

[0094] The gap (I1) between the uppermost first welding pattern (WP1) and the upper part of the anode lead (121P) in the Z direction may be substantially equal to, but is not limited to, the gap (I2) between the lowermost second welding pattern (WP2) and the lower part of the anode lead (121P) in the Z direction.

[0095] In Fig. 5, the first welding patterns (WP1) and the second welding patterns (WP2) are shown formed in two rows, but this is for illustrative purposes and does not limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention in any sense. A person skilled in the art will easily arrive at an example in which the first welding patterns (WP1) and the second welding patterns (WP2) are formed in one row, or three or more rows, based on the description herein.

[0096] Each of the temperature sensors (123T) may be disposed on one of the sensing plates (123S). Each of the temperature sensors (123T) may be in contact with one of the sensing plates (123S). Each of the temperature sensors (123T) may be attached to one of the sensing plates (123S) by an insulating adhesive. Each of the temperature sensors (123T) may be configured to sense the temperature of one of the sensing plates (123S). The temperature sensors (123T) may be connected to the integrated circuit (123I) via wires (123Y).

[0097] According to exemplary embodiments, each of the wires (123Y) may include an insulating coating to prevent unwanted short circuits with surrounding elements (e.g., the sensing plate (123S), the positive leads (121P), and the negative leads (121N)).

[0098] According to exemplary embodiments, the battery cell assembly (120) may include temperature sensors (123T) arranged at different locations in the X direction and / or may include temperature sensors (123T) arranged at different locations in the Z direction. Accordingly, in addition to monitoring the maximum temperature of the battery cell assembly (120), temperature distribution data according to the location within the battery cell assembly (120) may be collected, thereby improving the reliability of monitoring, operation, and control of the battery cell assembly (120).

[0099] The insulating cover (123IC) may include an insulating material such as plastic. The insulating cover (123IC) may be fitted into the insulating frame (123F). The insulating cover (123IC) may cover the integrated circuit (123I), the bus bars (123B), the sensing plates (123S), the sensing bars (123SB), the temperature sensors (123T), and the wirings (123Y), thereby protecting the electrical components of the first integrated circuit assembly (123).

[0100] The second integrated circuit assembly (124) may include an insulating frame, an integrated circuit, sensing plates, temperature sensors, wiring, and an insulating cover. The second integrated circuit assembly (124) is generally similar to the first integrated circuit assembly (123), except that it does not include bus bars and sensing bars.

[0101] Accordingly, the sensing plates of the second integrated circuit assembly (124) may be coupled to the insulating frame, covered by the corresponding positive lead (121P) and negative lead (121N), and welded to the corresponding positive lead (121P) and negative lead (121N). The temperature sensors of the second integrated circuit assembly (124) may be configured to detect the temperature of the sensing plates of the second integrated circuit assembly (124).

[0102]

[0103] The cross beams (125) may be spaced apart from each other with a plurality of battery cells (121) therebetween. The cross beams (125) may have the same shape. The cross beams (125) may be arranged symmetrically around the plurality of battery cells (121). The cross beams (125) may be provided, for example, by an extrusion process, but are not limited thereto.

[0104] The cross beams (125) may include a step structure. They may be used for joining with supporting beams on the steps (111, see FIG. 1) of the cross beams (125). The cross beams (125) may be joined to the supporting beams by a method such as bolting.

[0105]

[0106] (Example 3)

[0107] FIG. 6 is a partial front view illustrating a battery cell assembly according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 6, the battery cell assembly is substantially the same as that described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5, except for the location of the temperature sensors (123T).

[0109] Each of the temperature sensors (123T) may be on one of the positive leads (121P). Each of the temperature sensors (123T) may be in contact with one of the positive leads (121P). Each of the temperature sensors (123T) may be attached to one of the positive leads (121P) by an insulating adhesive. Each of the temperature sensors (123T) may be configured to detect the temperature of one of the positive leads (121P). Unlike in FIG. 6, each of the temperature sensors (123T) may be disposed on one of the negative leads (121N) and may be configured to detect the temperature of one of the negative leads (121N). Each of the temperature sensors (123T) may be connected to the integrated circuit (123I) via wires (123Y).

[0110]

[0111] (Example 4)

[0112] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a battery cell assembly (120') according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0113] Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the battery cell assembly (120') of Fig. 7.

[0114] Fig. 9 is a rear view of the battery cell assembly (120') of Fig. 7.

[0115] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, a battery cell assembly (120') may include a plurality of battery cells (121), a first integrated circuit assembly (123), a second integrated circuit assembly (124'), cross beams (125), and FFC assemblies (127).

[0116] Since the plurality of battery cells (121), the first integrated circuit assembly (123), the cross beams (125), and the FFC assemblies (127) are substantially the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5, their redundant descriptions are omitted. The second integrated circuit assembly (124') may include an insulating frame (124F), an integrated circuit (124I), sensing plates (124S), temperature sensors (124T), wires (124Y), and an insulating cover (124IC). Unlike the integrated circuit assembly (124) of FIGS. 2 to 5, the second integrated circuit assembly (124') may include temperature sensors (124T) and wires (124Y).

[0117] The insulating frame (124F) may include an insulating material such as plastic. The insulating frame (124F) may cover the rear of a plurality of battery cells (121). The insulating frame (124F) may support an integrated circuit (124I), sensing plates (124S), temperature sensors (124T), and wires (124Y).

[0118] An integrated circuit (124I) may be mounted on an insulating frame (124F). The positive leads (121P) and negative leads (121N) welded to each other may form nodes within the battery cell assembly (120). The integrated circuit (124I) may be configured to measure the voltages of the nodes.

[0119] Each of the plurality of sensing plates (124S) may be coupled to an insulating frame (124F). Each of the plurality of sensing plates (124S) may be in contact with the insulating frame (124F). Each of the plurality of sensing plates (124S) may be fixed to the insulating frame (124F) by a method such as a fitting connection.

[0120] Each of the plurality of sensing plates (124S) may be connected to an integrated circuit (124I). Each of the plurality of sensing plates (124S) may be configured to be electrically connected to the integrated circuit (124I).

[0121] Each of the plurality of sensing plates (124S) may have a patch shape or a pad shape. The plurality of sensing plates (124S) may include a conductive material. Each of the plurality of sensing plates (124S) may be short-circuited to the positive lead (121P) or the negative lead (121N) of each of the corresponding battery cells (121) among the plurality of battery cells (121). For example, each of the plurality of sensing plates (124S) may be short-circuited to the positive lead (121P) of each of the corresponding odd-numbered battery cells (121) and the negative lead (121N) of each of the corresponding even-numbered battery cells (121).

[0122] Each of the plurality of sensing plates (124S) may be covered by a positive lead (121P) or a negative lead (121N) of each of the corresponding battery cells (121) among the plurality of battery cells (121). For example, each of the plurality of sensing plates (124S) may be covered by a positive lead (121P) of each of the corresponding odd-numbered battery cells (121) and a negative lead (121N) of each of the corresponding even-numbered battery cells (121).

[0123] Each of the plurality of sensing plates (124S) may be in contact with the positive lead (121P) or the negative lead (121N) of each of the corresponding battery cells (121) among the plurality of battery cells (121). For example, each of the plurality of sensing plates (124S) may be in contact with the positive lead (121P) of each of the corresponding odd-numbered battery cells (121) and the negative lead (121N) of each of the corresponding even-numbered battery cells (121).

[0124] Each of the plurality of sensing plates (124S) may be fixed to the positive lead (121P) or the negative lead (121N) of each of the corresponding battery cells (121) among the plurality of battery cells (121). For example, each of the plurality of sensing plates (124S) may be fixed to the positive lead (121P) of each of the battery cells (121) of the corresponding odd-numbered bank and to the negative lead (121N) of each of the battery cells (121) of the corresponding even-numbered bank.

[0125] Each of the plurality of sensing plates (124S) may be welded to the positive lead (121P) or the negative lead (121N) of each of the corresponding battery cells (121) among the plurality of battery cells (121). For example, each of the plurality of sensing plates (124S) may be welded to the positive lead (121P) of each of the battery cells (121) of the corresponding odd-numbered bank and to the negative lead (121N) of each of the battery cells (121) of the corresponding even-numbered bank.

[0126] Each of the temperature sensors (124T) may be disposed on one of the sensing plates (124S). Each of the temperature sensors (124T) may be in contact with one of the sensing plates (124S). Each of the temperature sensors (124T) may be attached to one of the sensing plates (124S) by an insulating adhesive. Each of the temperature sensors (124T) may be configured to sense the temperature of one of the sensing plates (124S). The temperature sensors (124T) may be connected to the integrated circuit (124I) via wires (124Y).

[0127] According to exemplary embodiments, each of the wires (124Y) may include an insulating coating to prevent unwanted short circuits with surrounding elements (e.g., the sensing plate (124S), the positive leads (121P), and the negative leads (121N)).

[0128] The insulating cover (124IC) may include an insulating material such as plastic. The insulating cover (124IC) may be fitted to the insulating frame (124F). The insulating cover (124IC) may cover the integrated circuit (124I), the temperature sensors (124T), and the wiring (124Y), thereby protecting the electrical components of the second integrated circuit assembly (124').

[0129]

[0130] The present invention has been described in more detail through drawings and examples. However, the configurations described in the drawings or examples described in this specification are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modified examples may exist as of the time of this application.

Claims

1. A plurality of battery cells including a positive lead and a negative lead; and An integrated circuit assembly comprising an integrated circuit coupled to the plurality of battery cells and configured to measure a voltage of the plurality of battery cells, The above integrated circuit assembly, insulated frame; An integrated circuit mounted on the above insulating frame; a plurality of sensing plates connected to the above integrated circuit; and A battery cell assembly comprising a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of one of the plurality of sensing plates.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly, wherein the plurality of sensing plates are short-circuited with corresponding ones of the positive leads and the negative leads of each of the plurality of battery cells.

3. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the plurality of sensing plates are covered by corresponding ones of the positive leads and the negative leads of each of the plurality of battery cells.

4. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly, wherein the plurality of sensing plates are in contact with corresponding ones of the positive leads and the negative leads of each of the plurality of battery cells.

5. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the plurality of sensing plates are welded to corresponding ones of the positive leads and the negative leads of each of the plurality of battery cells.

6. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the plurality of sensing plates are interposed between a corresponding one of the positive lead and the negative lead of each of the plurality of battery cells and the insulating frame.

7. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly, wherein the integrated circuit assembly comprises first welding patterns on one of the positive leads and the negative leads of each of the plurality of battery cells and on the plurality of sensing plates, and second welding patterns spaced apart from the plurality of sensing plates.

8. In paragraph 7, A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the distance between the centers of the first welding patterns is different from the distance between the centers of the second welding patterns.

9. In paragraph 7, A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the distance between the centers of the first welding patterns is smaller than the distance between the centers of the second welding patterns.

10. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly, wherein the integrated circuit assembly further includes wiring connecting the integrated circuit and the temperature sensor.

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

12. In paragraph 11, A battery pack, wherein the integrated circuit assembly comprises first welding patterns on one of the positive leads and the negative leads of each of the plurality of battery cells and on the plurality of sensing plates, and second welding patterns spaced apart from the plurality of sensing plates.

13. In paragraph 11, A battery pack, wherein the integrated circuit assembly further includes wiring connecting the integrated circuit and the temperature sensor.

14. A plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction and each including a positive lead and a negative lead; and comprising first and second integrated circuit assemblies spaced apart from each other with the plurality of battery cells interposed therebetween; A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the first integrated circuit assembly comprises a first insulating frame, a first integrated circuit mounted on the first insulating frame, and a first temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the positive lead or the negative lead of one of the plurality of battery cells.

15. In paragraph 14, A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the first temperature sensor is attached to the positive lead or the negative lead by an insulating adhesive.

16. In paragraph 14, A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the first integrated circuit assembly further includes wirings connecting the first integrated circuit and the first temperature sensor.

17. In paragraph 16, A battery cell assembly, wherein each of the above wires includes an insulating coating.

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