Cell module assembly, battery pack, and energy storage system

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a cell module assembly comprises: a battery cell stack in which multiple batteries are stacked; a bus bar housing disposed on a surface to which an electrode lead of a battery cell is directed; an inter-connection board (ICB) including a printed circuit board to transmit data between the battery cell and a battery management system (BMS); and a sensing cable for electrically connecting the ICB and the BMS to each other, wherein the bus bar housing includes at least one sensing cable fixing unit protruding from an outer surface of the bus bar housing to fix the sensing cable and having a bent and extending shape, and the sensing cable is inserted and fixed in a gap between the outer surface of the bus bar housing and the sensing cable fixing unit.

Description

Cell module assemblies, battery packs and energy storage devices

[0001] Cross-citation with related application(s)

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0005422, filed January 12, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The present invention relates to a cell module assembly, a battery pack and an energy storage device, and more particularly, to a cell module assembly, a battery pack and an energy storage device for effectively fixing a sensing cable without additional members, thereby simplifying the process and structure.

[0004] In modern society, the widespread use of portable devices like cell phones, laptops, camcorders, and digital cameras, as well as energy storage systems (ESS), has led to active development of related technologies. Furthermore, rechargeable secondary batteries are increasingly being used as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs) to address air pollution issues caused by conventional gasoline-powered vehicles. This, in turn, heightens the need for further development of these batteries.

[0005] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are receiving the most attention due to their advantages of free charging and discharging, low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0006] These secondary batteries are widely used not only in small devices like portable electronic devices, but also in medium- to large-sized devices like electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS), and their use is rapidly increasing. Furthermore, the use of residential battery packs for power storage has been on the rise recently.

[0007] Meanwhile, in Fig. 1, in a cell module assembly, battery pack and energy storage device according to the prior art, a cable (1) such as a sensing cable or the like is additionally provided with a fixing member (2) such as a cable tie or ring to fix it to the cell module assembly and battery pack.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a cell module assembly, battery pack and energy storage device that can effectively secure a sensing cable to a busbar frame without additional components, thereby increasing energy density, simplifying the process and reducing costs.

[0009] However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the problems described above and can be expanded in various ways within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a cell module assembly comprises: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a busbar housing arranged on a surface facing an electrode lead of the battery cells; an ICB (Inter Connection Board) including a printed circuit board for transmitting data between the battery cells and a BMS (Battery Management System); and a sensing cable electrically connecting between the ICB and the BMS, wherein the busbar housing includes at least one sensing cable fixing portion having a shape that protrudes from an outer surface of the busbar housing and is bent and extended to fix the sensing cable, and the sensing cable can be inserted and fixed between the outer surface of the busbar housing and the sensing cable fixing portion.

[0011] The above sensing cable can be inserted and fixed into an opening between the outer surface of the busbar housing and the sensing cable fixing portion.

[0012] The direction in which the opening of at least one of the plurality of sensing cable fixings faces may be opposite to the direction in which the opening of at least another one of the plurality of sensing cable fixings faces.

[0013] The sensing cable fixing portion includes: a first extension portion protruding and extending from an outer surface of the busbar housing; and a second extension portion bent and extending from the first extension portion, wherein a length of the second extension portion may be equal to or greater than a length of the first extension portion.

[0014] It further includes a protrusion that extends and bends again from the end of the second extension portion toward the busbar housing, and the sensing cable is inserted and fixed between the outer surface of the busbar housing and the end of the protrusion of the sensing cable fixing portion, and the inserted sensing cable can be caught on the protrusion to prevent it from coming out of the sensing cable fixing portion.

[0015] The second extension portion may extend downward, and an opening through which the sensing cable is inserted between the outer surface of the busbar housing and the sensing cable fixing portion may face downward.

[0016] The sensing cable is inserted into and fixed through an opening between the outer surface of the busbar housing and the end of the second extension of the sensing cable fixing portion, and the end of the second extension may be rounded.

[0017] The end of the second extension may additionally include a sloped surface so that the sensing cable inserted into the opening can slide into the sensing cable fixing portion.

[0018] The first extension portion extends in a horizontal direction, the second extension portion extends in a vertical direction, and an opening through which the sensing cable is inserted between the outer surface of the busbar housing and the sensing cable fixing portion can face either the upper or lower direction.

[0019] The above sensing cable fixing part may have a hook shape.

[0020] The sensing cable is arranged along the width direction of the busbar housing, and the sensing cable fixing part is provided in multiple numbers and can be arranged along the width direction of the busbar housing.

[0021] The above sensing cable fixing part can be formed integrally with the busbar housing.

[0022] The above busbar housing further includes a sensing cable guide portion having a pair of guide protrusions protruding from an outer surface of the busbar housing to guide the sensing cable, and the sensing cable can pass between the pair of guide protrusions.

[0023] The above guide protrusion may have a rib shape.

[0024] The sensing cable guide portion may be formed on at least one of a side surface of the busbar housing and a side edge of the busbar housing.

[0025] The battery cell stack further includes a pair of end plates arranged at the outermost end and facing each other, the BMS is arranged on an outer surface of one of the pair of end plates, the busbar housing is provided as a pair of busbar housings and is provided on each of both sides of the battery cell stack, each of the pair of end plates connects both ends of the pair of busbar housings, and the sensing cable fixing part may be provided on the busbar housing closer to the BMS among the pair of busbar housings.

[0026] The battery cell stack further includes a pair of end plates arranged at the outermost end and facing each other, the BMS is arranged on an outer surface of one of the end plates of the pair, the busbar housing is provided as a pair of busbar housings and is provided on each of both sides of the battery cell stack, each of the pair of end plates connects both ends of the pair of busbar housings, and the sensing cable fixing part may be provided on each of the pair of busbar housings.

[0027] The above sensing cable may be an FFC (Flexible Flat Cable).

[0028] The cell module assembly further includes a thermistor disposed within the battery cell stack and sensing the temperature of the battery cell; and a thermistor cable electrically connected between the thermistor and the ICB, and the busbar housing further includes a thermistor cable guide portion concavely formed from the upper end of the busbar housing, and the thermistor cable can pass through the thermistor cable guide portion.

[0029] The thermistor cable guide portion includes: a first concave portion formed vertically concave from the top of the busbar housing; and a second concave portion formed horizontally concave from the outer surface of the busbar housing, wherein the thermistor cable passes through the first concave portion to come out from the thermistor to the outside of the busbar housing, and further, the extension direction is changed in the second concave portion to pass over the ICB.

[0030] The above busbar housing further includes a thermistor cable fixing portion having a hook shape and arranged together with the thermistor cable guide portion at the top of the busbar housing, and the thermistor cable can pass between the thermistor cable guide portion and the thermistor cable fixing portion.

[0031] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cell module assembly according to the above-described embodiments; a power unit including the BMS disposed on one surface of the cell module assembly; and a pack case that accommodates the cell module assembly and the power unit.

[0032] An energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a battery pack according to the embodiments described above.

[0033] According to the present invention, the sensing cable can be easily fixed to the busbar frame without a separate member for fixing the sensing cable, thereby increasing energy density, simplifying the process, reducing costs, and improving process efficiency.

[0034] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0035] Figure 1 illustrates a cell module assembly according to the prior art.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cell module assembly and a power unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 3 is a partially enlarged view of Figure 2.

[0038] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 2.

[0039] Figure 5 is a side view of Figure 4.

[0040] Fig. 6 is a reference drawing regarding the busbar electrode and ICB of Fig. 2.

[0041] Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of one embodiment of the sensing cable fixing part of Fig. 2.

[0042] Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of another embodiment of the sensing cable fixing part of Fig. 2.

[0043] Fig. 9 illustrates a case where a sensing cable is assembled to the sensing cable fixing part of Fig. 7.

[0044] Fig. 10 illustrates a case where a sensing cable is assembled to the sensing cable fixing part of Fig. 8.

[0045] Fig. 11 is a reference drawing of Fig. 2, showing the cell module assembly and the electric unit of Fig. 2 from a different angle.

[0046] Fig. 12 is an enlarged view of one embodiment of the sensing cable guide part of Fig. 2.

[0047] Figure 13 is an enlarged view showing a sensing cable mounted on the sensing cable guide section of Figure 12.

[0048] In Fig. 14, only the thermistor assembly in Fig. 11 is separated and shown in a perspective view.

[0049] Fig. 15 is an enlarged view of the thermistor cable guide section and thermistor cable fixing section of Fig. 11, but shows a case before the thermistor cable is mounted.

[0050] Fig. 16 is an enlarged view showing a case where a thermistor cable is mounted in the thermistor cable guide section and thermistor cable fixing section of Fig. 11.

[0051] Fig. 17 illustrates a case in which the cell module assembly and the electric unit of Figs. 2 to 16 are housed in a pack case to form a battery pack.

[0052] Figure 18 illustrates a completed battery pack in which each component of the battery pack of Figure 17 is assembled.

[0053] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. The present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0054] In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not related to the description are omitted, and the same reference numerals are used for identical or similar components throughout the specification.

[0055] Furthermore, the sizes and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily indicated for convenience of explanation, and thus the present invention is not necessarily limited to the illustrated components. In the drawings, the thicknesses are enlarged to clearly represent various layers and regions. Furthermore, in the drawings, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for convenience of explanation.

[0056] Furthermore, when we say that a layer, membrane, region, plate, or other part is "on" or "over" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "directly on" the other part, but also cases where there are other parts in between. Conversely, when we say that a part is "directly on" another part, it means that there are no other parts in between. Furthermore, saying that a part is "on" or "over" a reference part means that it is located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean that it is located "above" or "over" the direction opposite to gravity.

[0057] Additionally, throughout the specification, whenever a part is said to "include" a component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0058] Additionally, throughout the specification, when we say "in plan", we mean when the target portion is viewed from above, and when we say "in cross section", we mean when the target portion is viewed from the side in a cross-section cut vertically.

[0059] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0060]

[0061] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cell module assembly (100) and a full-range unit (electrical device assembly) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial view of A of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a side view of FIG. 4.

[0062] First, referring to FIG. 2, a plurality of battery cells (110) are provided to form a battery cell stack. The cell module assembly (100) includes the battery cell stack, an end plate (120), and a busbar housing assembly (300). Additionally, a blocking member (200) may be included.

[0063] A pair of end plates (120) are provided at the outermost surface of each battery cell stack. The end plates (120) are arranged parallel to the battery cells (110). In addition, a pair of busbar housing assemblies (300) are arranged on the surface of each battery cell (110) of the battery cell stack facing the electrode leads (111). In the example of FIG. 2, a pair of busbar housing assemblies (300) are arranged on both sides of a plurality of battery cell stacks. Each of the busbar housing assemblies (300) is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the battery cells (110). In addition, a pair of end plates (120) are arranged on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack, respectively. Each end of each of the pair of busbar housing assemblies (300) is connected by a pair of end plates (120).

[0064] A busbar housing assembly (300) including a sensing cable fixing member (350) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail later in FIG. 3, etc.

[0065] Referring back to FIG. 2, the end plate (120) may be made of, for example, a metal material, such as aluminum, iron, or stainless steel. The busbar housing assembly (300) includes a busbar housing (310) in which a busbar electrode (320) and an ICB (Inter Connector Board, 330) are arranged. The busbar housing (310) may be made of, for example, a plastic material and may be manufactured by plastic injection molding. In addition, the busbar housing (310) may be manufactured by plastic injection molding integrally with a sensing cable fixing member (350) to be described later.

[0066] In the example of FIG. 2, each of the upper and lower sides between a pair of end plates (120) may include at least one strap (140) connecting the pair of end plates (120). The strap (140) reinforces the bonding of the cell module assembly (100). More specifically, it reinforces the bonding of the pair of end plates (120) and the plurality of battery cell stacks arranged therebetween. Accordingly, the alignment of the plurality of battery cell stacks can be prevented from being misaligned.

[0067] The blocking member (200) is arranged in contact with a large area of ​​the battery cell (110), and is arranged between neighboring battery cells (110) and / or between the outermost battery cell (110) of the battery cell stack and the end plate (120). The blocking member (200) can prevent thermal runaway between cells by blocking flames or sparks emitted from a battery cell (110) where a thermal event has occurred in the battery cell (110) from spreading to adjacent battery cells (110). The blocking member (200) may be arranged between a plurality of battery cells (110), and the example of FIG. 2 illustrates, as an example, a case where the blocking member (200) is arranged every six battery cells (110). The present invention is not limited to what is illustrated, and various modifications and changes are possible.

[0068] The blocking member (200) has a roughly plate-like shape. The blocking member (200) includes a support plate and a swelling pad. The blocking member (200) may be included in multiple pieces depending on the number of battery cells. As described above, the blocking member (200) may be stacked together with the battery cells (110) to form a cell module assembly (100).

[0069] The support plate may be made of, for example, metal, plastic, or a combination thereof. The metal may be made of, for example, aluminum, iron, stainless steel, or a combination thereof. The plastic may also be made of, for example, a high-strength plastic such as reinforced plastic.

[0070] The outermost surface of the blocking member (200) includes a pair of swelling pads. The swelling pads may be made of silicone, plastic, or a combination thereof. If made of plastic, they may be made of, for example, a soft plastic, such as polyurethane foam (PU foam). The swelling pads may act as a buffer when the battery cell (110) swells.

[0071]

[0072] Hereinafter, the busbar housing assembly (300) will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 16. First, FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of A of FIG. 2 for ease of understanding. FIGS. 4 and 5 are separately disassembled views of the ICB (330) of FIG. 2, the sensing cable (340) connected thereto, and the electric unit (400) including the BMS (410) for ease of understanding. FIG. 4 is a perspective view, and FIG. 5 is a side view.

[0073] First, before describing the busbar housing assembly (300), the electric unit (400) will be briefly described. The electric unit (400) is arranged on one side of the cell module assembly (100) (in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the front side of the cell module assembly (100)). The example of FIG. 2 illustrates a case where the electric unit (400) is arranged on the outer surface of the end plate (120) arranged on the front side of the cell module assembly (100). The electric unit (400) includes a BMS (410), an electric unit housing (420) that accommodates each component of the electric unit (400) (BMS (410), power cable (430), etc.), and a power cable (430). The BMS (410) includes a connector terminal (411) so as to be electrically connected to the sensing cable (340). The electric unit (400) may include various components for controlling or managing the charging and discharging of the battery pack, such as a relay, a fuse, and a current sensor. Each component of the electric unit (400) may be implemented by employing an electric unit provided in a typical battery pack, and therefore, a more detailed description of the electric unit (400) is omitted.

[0074] A pair of busbar housing assemblies (300) are arranged on both sides of a plurality of battery cell stacks. The busbar housing assembly (300) includes a busbar housing (310), a plurality of busbar electrodes (320) arranged in the busbar housing (310), and an ICB (330).

[0075] A busbar electrode (320) is arranged on the outer surface of the busbar housing (310), and includes a plurality of openings near the positions where the busbar electrode (320) is arranged. The electrode leads (111) of the battery cells (110) pass through the openings of the busbar housing assembly (300) and are coupled to the busbar electrodes (320). For reference, in the drawing of the present invention, the electrode leads (111) of each of the neighboring battery cells (110) pass through the openings formed in the busbar housing (310) and are coupled to each other, and the busbar electrodes (320) are coupled thereon.

[0076] Additionally, an ICB (330) is arranged on the outer surface of the busbar housing (310). In an embodiment of the present invention, the ICB (330) is arranged on the upper portion of the busbar electrode (320).

[0077] The ICB (330) transmits sensing data between the battery cell (110) and the BMS (410). The ICB (330) is a substrate having at least one element for transmitting sensing data, and includes a printed circuit board (PCB, 331) having a circuit pattern formed on an insulating layer and a sensing cable connector (332) to which a sensing cable (340) is connected. The ICB (330) senses current and / or voltage in the battery cell (110) and transmits the sensed data to the BMS (410) via the sensing cable (340). In addition, the BMS (410) transmits data for maintaining and managing the battery cell (110) to the ICB (330) via the sensing cable (340) and ultimately controls the battery cell (110) electrically connected to the ICB (330).

[0078] In detail, data regarding current and / or voltage in the battery cell (110) is transmitted to the printed circuit board (331) of the ICB (330) through the busbar electrode (320) coupled to the electrode lead (111) via the electrode lead (111) of the battery cell (110). For reference, referring to the reference drawing regarding the busbar electrode and the ICB of FIG. 6, a plurality of busbar electrodes (320) are electrically connected to the ICB (330) arranged on the upper part of the busbar housing (310). The upper part of the busbar electrode (320) includes a connecting portion (321) in the shape of a fitting pin that is bent and extended from the body of the busbar electrode (320) to which the electrode lead (111) is coupled, and the connecting portion (321) of the busbar electrode (320) is connected to a connecting portion (331a) in the shape of an opening (hole) provided in the printed circuit board (331). The connection portion (321) of the bus bar electrode (320) can be connected to the connection portion (331a) of the printed circuit board (331), for example, by soldering.

[0079] Referring again to FIGS. 2 to 5, the sensing cable (340) is arranged to extend along the perimeter of the battery cell stack from the sensing cable connector (332) coupled to the printed circuit board (331) of the ICB (330) and coupled to the connector terminal (411) of the BMS (410).

[0080] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the busbar housing assembly (300) includes a sensing cable fixing part (350). The sensing cable fixing part (350) is provided on the outer surface of the busbar housing (310) to fix the sensing cable (340). The sensing cable fixing part (350) may be provided on, for example, the front surface of the outer surface of the busbar housing (310). In the specification of the present invention, a large-area surface of the outer surface of the busbar housing (310) is referred to as the front surface. The sensing cable (340) passes over the busbar housing (310), and the sensing cable (340) is more easily assembled and fixed by the sensing cable fixing part (350) provided in the busbar housing assembly (300).

[0081] The sensing cable (340) is arranged along the width direction of the busbar housing (310) (the direction from one end plate (120) to another end plate (120), the direction in which the plurality of busbar electrodes (320) are arranged). In the case where a plurality of sensing cable fixing parts (350) are provided, the plurality of sensing cable fixing parts (350) are also arranged along the width direction of the busbar housing (310). At this time, the plurality of sensing cable fixing parts (350) are arranged to be spaced apart from each other.

[0082] FIGS. 7 and 8 each illustrate an enlarged view of the sensing cable fixing member (350). FIGS. 9 and 10 each illustrate a simple assembly method in which the sensing cable (340) is inserted into the sensing cable fixing member (350). FIG. 11 is a reference drawing of FIG. 2, and is a perspective view of the cell module assembly and electric unit of FIG. 2 viewed from a different angle.

[0083] First, in the embodiment of the present invention, as described above, a pair of busbar housing assemblies (300; 300-1, 300-2) are arranged on both sides of the battery cell stack, and each of the pair of busbar housing assemblies (300) is provided with an ICB (330) and a sensing cable (340), respectively. Here, for convenience of understanding, the sensing cable (340) provided in the busbar housing assembly (300-1) among the pair of busbar housing assemblies (300) and the sensing cable (340) provided in the other one of the busbar housing assemblies (300-2) are illustrated as reference numbers 341 and 342, respectively.

[0084] The sensing cable fixing member (350) has a shape that protrudes from the outer surface of the busbar housing (310) and is bent and extended, as shown in enlarged views in FIGS. 7 and 8. The sensing cable (340) is inserted and fixed between the outer surface of the busbar housing (310) and the sensing cable fixing member (350).

[0085] For example, the sensing cable fixing member (350) has a hook shape or is formed in an “L” shape so that the sensing cable (340) can be easily inserted and fixed into the opening (P1, P2) between the outer surface of the busbar housing (310) and the sensing cable fixing member (350).

[0086] An example of a sensing cable fixing part (350) may be a sensing cable fixing part (351) in which the opening (P1) between the outer surface of the busbar housing (310) and the sensing cable fixing part (350) faces upward, as shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 7. In the sensing cable fixing part (351) of FIG. 7, the opening (P1) between the outer surface of the busbar housing (310) and the sensing cable fixing part (351) faces upward. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 9, the sensing cable (340) is inserted from above the sensing cable fixing part (351) into the opening (P1) between the outer surface of the busbar housing (310) and the sensing cable fixing part (351) and moves downward to be fitted and assembled.

[0087] In addition, another example of the sensing cable fixing part (350) may be a sensing cable fixing part (352) in which the opening (P2) between the outer surface of the busbar housing (310) and the sensing cable fixing part (350) faces downward, as shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 8. The sensing cable fixing part (352) of FIG. 8 has the opening (P2) between the outer surface of the busbar housing (310) and the sensing cable fixing part (350) facing downward. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 10, the sensing cable (340) is inserted into the opening between the outer surface of the busbar housing (310) and the sensing cable fixing part (352) from below the sensing cable fixing part (352) and moves upward to be fitted and assembled.

[0088] In Fig. 7, the sensing cable fixing part (351) includes a first extension part (351a) that protrudes and extends from the outer surface of the busbar housing (310) and a second extension part (351b) that is formed integrally with the first extension part (351a) but is bent from the first extension part (351a) and extends upward again. The first extension part (351a) may extend, for example, in a horizontal direction, and the second extension part (351b) may extend, for example, in a vertical direction. Accordingly, the sensing cable fixing part (351) of Fig. 7 may have, for example, an “L” shape. The length of the second extension part (351b) may be equal to or greater than the length of the first extension part (351a).

[0089] Meanwhile, the sensing cable fixing part (351) may additionally include a rigidity supplementing part (351c). The sensing cable fixing part (351) is added to supplement the rigidity of the sensing cable fixing part (351), and may be formed integrally with the first extension part (351a) and the second extension part (351b). The end of the sensing cable fixing part (351) (i.e., the end located in the opening (P1) between the outer surface of the busbar housing (310) and the sensing cable fixing part (351)) may be rounded and may additionally have an inclined surface (351d). By rounding the end of the sensing cable fixing part (351), damage to the sensing cable (340) can be prevented when the sensing cable (340) is inserted into the opening (P1). In addition, by additionally having a slope (351d) at the end of the sensing cable fixing portion (351), the sensing cable (340) can be inserted more smoothly by sliding along the slope (351d).

[0090] Likewise, in FIG. 8, the sensing cable fixing part (352) includes a first extension part (352a) that protrudes and extends from the outer surface of the busbar housing (310) and a second extension part (352b) that is formed integrally with the first extension part (352a) but is bent from the first extension part (352a) and extends downward again. The first extension part (352a) may extend, for example, in a horizontal direction, and the second extension part (352b) may extend, for example, in a vertical direction. Accordingly, the sensing cable fixing part (352) of FIG. 8 may have, for example, an “L”-shaped shape that is symmetrical up and down. In addition, similarly, in order to supplement the rigidity of the sensing cable fixing part (352), a rigidity supplementing part (352c) that is formed integrally with the first extension part (352a) and the second extension part (352b) may be additionally included.

[0091] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the end of the sensing cable fixing portion (352), i.e., the opening (P2) between the outer surface of the busbar housing (310) and the sensing cable fixing portion (352), may include a protrusion (352d) that is further bent and extended from the second extension portion (352b). The protrusion (352d) is bent and extended from the end of the sensing cable fixing portion (352) toward the busbar housing (310) and protrudes. Accordingly, the sensing cable (340) inserted into the downward opening (P2) between the outer surface of the busbar housing (310) and the sensing cable fixing portion (352) comes out of the sensing cable fixing portion (352) again, thereby preventing the sensing cable (340) from being detached from the cell module assembly (100).

[0092] The end of the protrusion (352d) is separated from the busbar housing (310) as illustrated in FIG. 8. Accordingly, the sensing cable (340) can be inserted into the separated portion between the end of the protrusion (352d) and the busbar housing (310), but the sensing cable (340) is caught on the protrusion (352d) and prevented from coming out of the sensing cable fixing portion (352) again as described above.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 8, the protrusion (352d) additionally provided at the end of the sensing cable fixing part (352) is not included in the end of the sensing cable fixing part (351) of FIG. 7. However, the present invention is not limited to what is shown, and various modifications and changes are possible, such as additionally providing a protrusion that is bent and extended once more at the end of the sensing cable fixing part (351) in the same manner as shown in FIG. 8. In some cases, the end of the sensing cable fixing part (352) of FIG. 8 may not include the protrusion (352d), and may be implemented in the same manner as shown in FIG. 7. Various modifications and changes are possible.

[0094] The sensing cable fixing part (350) may preferably be formed integrally with the busbar housing (310), but in some cases, the sensing cable fixing parts (350) may be manufactured separately and then combined integrally with the busbar housing (310).

[0095] FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 each illustrate a case in which the sensing cable (340) is simply assembled by inserting it into the sensing cable fixing portion (350). FIG. 9 (a) shows a state before assembling the sensing cable (340) into the sensing cable fixing portion (351). FIG. 9 (b) shows a state in which the sensing cable (340) is positioned in the opening (P1) so that the sensing cable (340) can be assembled into the sensing cable fixing portion (351). FIG. 9 (c) shows a state after the sensing cable (340) is assembled (mounted) into the sensing cable fixing portion (351). Similarly, FIG. 10 (a) shows a state before assembling the sensing cable (340) into the sensing cable fixing portion (352). Figure 10 (b) shows a sensing cable (340) positioned in an opening (P2) so that the sensing cable (340) can be assembled to a sensing cable fixing portion (352). Figure 10 (c) shows a state after the sensing cable (340) has been assembled (mounted) to the sensing cable fixing portion (352).

[0096] Referring again to FIGS. 2, 3, 7, and 9, the sensing cable fixing portion (351) fixes the sensing cable (341). The sensing cable (341) extends downward from the sensing cable connector (332) of the ICB (330) located at the upper portion of the outer surface of the busbar housing (310), and changes direction at least once to extend along the width direction (horizontal direction) of the busbar housing (310) to the BMS (410) arranged on the side of the busbar housing (310). When the sensing cable (340) is implemented as, for example, an FFC (Flexible Flat Cable), the sensing cable (340) extended downward from the sensing cable connector (332) may be folded at least once and extended to the BMS (410) arranged on the side of the busbar housing (310). At this time, if a sensing cable fixing part (351) is provided at a part where the extension direction of the sensing cable (341) changes, for example, at a part where the sensing cable (341) of the FFC is folded, the part where the extension direction of the sensing cable (341) changes can be fixed, so that the sensing cable (341) can be fixed more effectively (see (c) of FIG. 9).

[0097] Of course, in the case where the sensing cable (342) passes through the sensing cable connector (332) of the ICB (330) provided in the busbar housing assembly (300-2) located on the opposite side of the cell module assembly (100) to the place where the sensing cable fixing part (351) is arranged, the sensing cable fixing part (351) can additionally fix the sensing cable (342) as well (see (c) of FIG. 9).

[0098] In summary, since the opening (P1) of the sensing cable fixing part (351) faces upward, it is more advantageous to fix the sensing cable (340; 341) in the vicinity of where the extension direction of the sensing cable (420) changes. For example, it is more advantageous to fix the sensing cable (420) in the vicinity of the part where the extension direction changes toward the direction where the BMS (410) is located, while extending from the sensing cable connector (332) located at the top. Of course, the sensing cable fixing part (351) is also advantageous to fix the sensing cable (340; 342) that is arranged across the sensing cable fixing part (351).

[0099] Next, referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 8, and 10, the sensing cable fixing portion (352) fixes the sensing cable (340; 342) that is arranged across the sensing cable fixing portion (352). In detail, referring to FIG. 11, which is a reference drawing of FIG. 2, FIG. 11 illustrates the cell module assembly and the electrical unit of FIG. 2 from a different angle. The sensing cable (342) is connected to the sensing cable connector (332) of the ICB (330) of the busbar housing assembly (300-2) - the outer surface of the busbar housing (310) of the busbar housing assembly (300-2) - the outer surface of the end plate (120) - the outer surface of the busbar housing (310) of the busbar housing assembly (300-1) - the BMS (410) (connector terminal (411)). More specifically, the sensing cable (342) extends downward from the sensing cable connector (332) of the ICB (330) of the busbar housing assembly (300-2), changes direction at least once to extend along the width direction (horizontal direction) of the busbar housing (310) of the busbar housing assembly (300-2), then extends across the end plate (120) (extends along the width direction (horizontal direction) of the end plate (120), then extends again along the width direction (horizontal direction) of the busbar housing (310) of the busbar housing assembly (300-1), and then is finally connected to the BMS (410).

[0100] In FIGS. 2, 3, 8, and 10, with respect to the busbar housing assembly (300-1), the sensing cable (342) is arranged across the sensing cable fixing portion (352) (see (c) of FIG. 10). Of course, the present invention is not limited to what is illustrated, and although not illustrated in the present invention, if the sensing cable (341) is also arranged across the sensing cable fixing portion (352), the sensing cable fixing portion (352) can fix the sensing cable (341) together with the sensing cable (342).

[0101] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the opening (P1) of the sensing cable fixing portion (351) is located at the top, while the opening (P2) of the sensing cable fixing portion (352) is located at the bottom. Accordingly, the sensing cable (340) passing through both the sensing cable fixing portion (351) and the sensing cable fixing portion (352) is secured vertically. Accordingly, the sensing cable (340) can be secured more firmly.

[0102] Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited to what is illustrated, and the number of sensing cable fixing parts (351) can be changed and provided. Of course, the number of sensing cable fixing parts (352) can also be changed and provided. In some cases, only one or more sensing cable fixing parts (351) with the opening (P1) located at the top can be provided, or only one or more sensing cable fixing parts (352) with the opening (P2) located at the bottom can be provided, and various modifications and changes are possible.

[0103] In addition, while FIG. 2 illustrates that the busbar housing assembly (300-1) is provided with a sensing cable fixing part (350), FIG. 11 illustrates that the busbar housing assembly (300-2) on the opposite side is not provided with a sensing cable fixing part (350). However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated case, and both a pair of busbar housing assemblies (300) (i.e., the busbar housing assembly (300-1) and the busbar housing assembly (300-2)) may be provided with a sensing cable fixing part (350). In addition, the combination and number of the sensing cable fixing parts (351) having the opening (P1) positioned at the upper side and the sensing cable fixing parts (352) having the opening (P2) positioned at the lower side may be variously modified and changed as described above.

[0104] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a sensing cable fixing member (350) is provided in a busbar housing (310), and the sensing cable (340) can be easily assembled and fixed by inserting it into the sensing cable fixing member (350). In the prior art, the sensing cable (340) was connected with a separate fixing member such as a cable tie, but according to the present invention, the sensing cable (340) can be easily assembled and fixed to the busbar housing assembly (300) without a separate additional fixing member.

[0105]

[0106] Next, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the busbar housing assembly (300) includes a sensing cable guide portion (360). The sensing cable guide portion (360) is provided on the outer surface of the busbar housing (310) to guide the sensing cable (340).

[0107] Fig. 12 is an enlarged view of one embodiment of a sensing cable guide section. Fig. 12 shows the sensing cable (340) before it is mounted on the sensing cable guide section (360). Fig. 13 is an enlarged view of the sensing cable (340) mounted on the sensing cable guide section (360) of Fig. 12.

[0108] The sensing cable guide (360) may be provided on the side edge and / or side surface of the outer surface of the bus bar housing (310), for example, as illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0109] First, the sensing cable (340) passes over the busbar housing (310) as described above, and is assembled and fixed to the sensing cable fixing member (350). In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the sensing cable (340) passes over the side edge where the busbar housing (310) and the end plate (120) are joined, and at this time, the sensing cable (340) is guided by the sensing cable guide member (360).

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the sensing cable guide portion (360) includes a pair of guide protrusions (360a). The guide protrusions (360a) may have, for example, a rib shape. The pair of guide protrusions (360a) are spaced apart by a distance equal to or greater than the width of the sensing cable (340). Accordingly, the sensing cable (340) passes between the pair of guide protrusions (360a). At this time, the upper and lower portions of the sensing cable (340) are each supported by a pair of guide protrusions (360a).

[0111] A pair of guide protrusions (360a) of the sensing cable guide portion (360) may be provided on the side surface of the busbar housing (310), or may be provided on the side edge of the busbar housing (310) (i.e., the edge where the side surface and the front surface of the busbar housing (310) meet). Alternatively, as illustrated in the present invention, a pair of guide protrusions (360a) may be integrally formed on both the side surface and the side edge of the busbar housing (310).

[0112] According to the present invention, by providing a sensing cable guide portion (360) in the busbar housing assembly (300), that is, by allowing the sensing cable (340) to pass between a pair of guide protrusions (360a) of the sensing cable guide portion (360), the sensing cable (340) can be properly aligned with the cell module assembly (100) and can also be prevented from being detached from the cell module assembly (100).

[0113] Meanwhile, the above-described embodiments have been described as an example in which electrode leads (111) are provided on both sides of the battery cell (110) and a pair of busbar housing assemblies (300) are provided on both ends of the battery cell stack, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. It is also applicable to a case in which both electrode leads (111) are provided on one side of the battery cell (110) and the busbar housing assembly (300) is disposed at one end of the battery cell stack, i.e., at the end toward which the electrode leads (111) face. That is, even in this case, the sensing cable fixing part (350) and the sensing cable guide part (360) provided in the above-described busbar housing assembly (300) are equally applicable.

[0114]

[0115] Next, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the busbar housing assembly (300) includes a structure for guiding and fixing a thermistor cable.

[0116] First, referring back to FIG. 11, the ICB (330) includes a thermistor cable connector (333) for receiving temperature information sensed by a thermistor (151, see FIG. 14). In this regard, FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of only the thermistor assembly (150) including the thermistor (151) in FIG. 11, and FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate enlarged views of the thermistor cable guide portion and thermistor cable fixing portion of FIG. 11.

[0117] First, referring to FIG. 14, the thermistor assembly (150) includes a thermistor (151) for sensing the temperature of a battery cell stack and a thermistor plate (152) for more easily arranging the thermistor (151) within the battery cell stack. The thermistor (151) is inserted into a thermistor insertion portion of the thermistor plate (152). The thermistor plate (152) into which the thermistor (151) is inserted is arranged parallel to a large area of ​​the battery cell (110). A thermistor cable (153) is electrically connected to the thermistor (151) to transmit temperature information sensed by the thermistor (151) to the ICB (330). A thermistor cable pin (154) located at the end of the thermistor cable (153) is coupled to a thermistor cable connector (333) of the ICB (330).

[0118] Figures 15 and 16 illustrate enlarged views of the thermistor cable guide portion (370) and thermistor cable fixing portion (380). Figure 15 illustrates the thermistor cable guide portion (370) and thermistor cable fixing portion (380) before the thermistor cable (153) is mounted. Figure 15 (a) is a perspective view, and Figure 15 (b) illustrates the thermistor cable guide portion (370) and thermistor cable fixing portion (380) when viewed from the front. Figure 16 illustrates a case where the thermistor cable (153) is mounted.

[0119] A thermistor cable guide portion (370) is provided on the upper end of the busbar housing (310). The thermistor cable guide portion (370) has a first concave portion (371) that is vertically concave from the upper end of the busbar housing (310). The thermistor cable (153) extends from the thermistor (151) to the outside of the busbar housing (310), and at this time, the thermistor cable (153) passes through the first concave portion (371) of the thermistor cable guide portion (370). Accordingly, the thermistor cable (153) is not arranged to protrude from the upper end of the busbar housing (310). Even if the thermistor cable (153) passes through the upper end of the busbar housing (310), the upper end of the busbar housing (310) becomes flat when viewed as a whole. In other words, space efficiency can be further improved. In addition, since the thermistor cable (153) does not protrude above the top of the busbar housing (310), the thermistor cable (153) can be protected from unintended external impact. When assembling the pack case (500) described later, since the pack case (500, see FIG. 17) does not get caught on the thermistor cable (153), the convenience of the assembly process is also increased.

[0120] In addition, the thermistor cable guide portion (370) has a second concave portion (372) that is horizontally formed concavely from the top of the busbar housing (310). The second concave portion (372) is formed concavely inward from the outer surface of the busbar housing (310). The thermistor cable (153) that has passed through the first concave portion (371) of the thermistor cable guide portion (370) passes through the second concave portion (372) of the thermistor cable guide portion (370). The direction of the thermistor cable (153) can be changed in the second concave portion (372) so that the thermistor cable (153) passes along the ICB (330). That is, the second concave portion (372) guides the thermistor cable (153) extending outward from the busbar housing (310) so that the thermistor cable (153) passes along the ICB (330). At this time, the second concave portion (372) also has the function of fixing the thermistor cable (153).

[0121] In addition, according to the present invention, a thermistor cable fixing portion (380) is provided together with a thermistor cable guide portion (370) at the upper end of the busbar housing (310). The thermistor cable fixing portion (380) is shaped like a hook and fixes the thermistor cable (153) passing through the thermistor cable guide portion (370). The thermistor cable fixing portion (380) may be arranged, for example, in the first concave portion (371) of the thermistor cable guide portion (370). At this time, the thermistor cable (153) passes between the lower end of the first concave portion (371) and the upper end of the hook of the thermistor cable fixing portion (380). Accordingly, the thermistor cable (153) can be fixed to the busbar housing (310) without being detached from the busbar housing (310).

[0122]

[0123] Fig. 17 illustrates a case where the cell module assembly and the electric unit of Figs. 2 to 16 described above are housed in a pack case to form a battery pack. Fig. 18 illustrates a completed battery pack in which each component of the battery pack of Fig. 17 is assembled.

[0124] The battery pack (10) includes a cell module assembly (100) and a power unit (400) as shown in FIGS. 2 to 16, and the cell module assembly (100) and the power unit (400) are housed inside a pack case (500).

[0125] The pack case (500) includes a lower case member (510) and an upper case member (520). The lower case member (510) and the upper case member (520) are combined to surround the outer side of the cell module assembly (100). For example, the lower case member (510) may have a generally flat plate shape. For example, the upper case member (520) may have a U-shaped frame shape. The cell module assembly (100) may be mounted on the lower case member (510) having a flat plate shape, and the upper case member (520) may cover the cell module assembly (100).

[0126] However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described, and may be variously changed and modified, such as the lower case member (510) and the upper case member (520) may each be an L-shaped frame or a roll press type mono frame.

[0127] Additionally, the pack case (500) additionally includes a front cover (530) that is placed on the front of the cell module assembly (100) and the electric unit (400).

[0128] An insulating sheet (not shown) having electrical insulation is provided between the cell module assembly (100) and the lower case member (510). In addition, an insulating sheet (not shown) having electrical insulation is provided between the cell module assembly (100) and the upper case member (520). The insulating sheet may be, for example, a film made of PC (polycarbonate), PET, PP, or a combination thereof.

[0129] In addition, an energy storage system (ESS) according to the present invention includes one or more battery packs according to the present invention described above. In addition to the battery packs, the energy storage device according to the present invention may further include general components included in energy storage devices.

[0130]

[0131]

[0132] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0133] [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 10: Battery pack

[0135] 100: Cell module assembly

[0136] 110: Battery cell

[0137] 111: Electrode lead

[0138] 120: End Plate

[0139] 140: Strap

[0140] 150: Thermistor assembly

[0141] 151: Thermistor

[0142] 152: Thermistor plate

[0143] 153: Thermistor cable

[0144] 154: Thermistor cable pin

[0145] 200: Absence of blocking

[0146] 300: Busbar housing assembly

[0147] 310: Busbar housing

[0148] 320: Busbar electrode

[0149] 330: ICB

[0150] 331: Printed circuit board

[0151] 332: Sensing cable connector

[0152] 333: Thermistor Cable Connector

[0153] 340: Sensing Cable

[0154] 350: Sensing cable fixing part

[0155] 360: Sensing cable guide section

[0156] 370: Thermistor cable guide section

[0157] 380: Thermistor cable fixing part

[0158] 400: Battlefield Unit

[0159] 410: BMS

[0160] 420: Battlefield Unit Housing

[0161] 430: Power cable

[0162] 500: Pack Case

[0163] 510: Lower case absence

[0164] 520: Upper case member

[0165] 530: Front cover

Claims

1. A battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; A busbar housing arranged on the surface facing the electrode leads of the above battery cell; An ICB (Inter Connection Board) including a printed circuit board for transmitting data between the battery cells and a BMS (Battery Management System); and Including a sensing cable electrically connecting between the ICB and the BMS, The busbar housing includes at least one sensing cable fixing portion having a shape that protrudes from an outer surface of the busbar housing and is bent and extended to fix the sensing cable, A cell module assembly in which the sensing cable is inserted and fixed between the outer surface of the busbar housing and the sensing cable fixing portion.

2. In paragraph 1, A cell module assembly in which the sensing cable is inserted and fixed into an opening between the outer surface of the busbar housing and the sensing cable fixing portion.

3. In paragraph 2, A cell module assembly, wherein the direction in which at least one of the plurality of sensing cable fixing portions faces is opposite to the direction in which the opening of at least another one of the plurality of sensing cable fixing portions faces.

4. In paragraph 1, The above sensing cable fixing part: A first extension portion protruding from the outer surface of the bus bar housing; and Including a second extension portion that is bent and extended from the first extension portion, A cell module assembly wherein the length of the second extension portion is equal to or greater than the length of the first extension portion.

5. In paragraph 4, It further includes a protrusion extending from the end of the second extension portion and bending again toward the bus bar housing, The above sensing cable is inserted and fixed between the outer surface of the busbar housing and the end of the protrusion of the sensing cable fixing part, A cell module assembly in which the inserted sensing cable is caught on the protrusion and prevented from coming out of the sensing cable fixing portion.

6. In paragraph 5, The above second extension extends downward, A cell module assembly, wherein an opening through which the sensing cable is inserted is directed downward between the outer surface of the busbar housing and the sensing cable fixing portion.

7. In paragraph 4, The sensing cable is inserted and fixed into an opening between the outer surface of the busbar housing and the end of the second extension of the sensing cable fixing portion, The end of the second extension portion is rounded, cell module assembly.

8. In paragraph 7, A cell module assembly, wherein the end of the second extension portion additionally includes an inclined surface so that the sensing cable inserted into the opening slides into the sensing cable fixing portion.

9. In paragraph 4, The above first extension portion extends in a horizontal direction, The above second extension portion extends in a vertical direction, A cell module assembly, wherein an opening through which the sensing cable is inserted between the outer surface of the busbar housing and the sensing cable fixing portion faces either the upper or lower side.

10. In paragraph 1, A cell module assembly, wherein the sensing cable fixing member has a hook shape.

11. In paragraph 1, The above sensing cable is arranged along the width direction of the busbar housing, A cell module assembly, wherein the sensing cable fixing members are provided in multiple units and arranged along the width direction of the bus bar housing.

12. In paragraph 1, A cell module assembly in which the sensing cable fixing member is formed integrally with the busbar housing.

13. In paragraph 1, The above busbar housing further includes a sensing cable guide portion having a pair of guide projections protruding from the outer surface of the busbar housing to guide the sensing cable. The above sensing cable passes between the pair of guide projections, the cell module assembly.

14. In paragraph 13, A cell module assembly, wherein the above guide protrusion has a rib shape.

15. In paragraph 13, A cell module assembly, wherein the sensing cable guide portion is formed on at least one of a side edge of the busbar housing and a side edge of the busbar housing.

16. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a pair of end plates arranged at the outermost end of the battery cell stack and facing each other, The above BMS is disposed on the outer surface of one of the end plates of the pair of end plates, The above busbar housing is provided as a pair of busbar housings and is provided on each side of the battery cell stack, and each of the pair of end plates connects both ends of the pair of busbar housings, A cell module assembly, wherein the sensing cable fixing member is provided in the busbar housing closer to the BMS among the pair of busbar housings.

17. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a pair of end plates arranged at the outermost end of the battery cell stack and facing each other, The above BMS is disposed on the outer surface of one of the end plates of the pair of end plates, The above busbar housing is provided as a pair of busbar housings and is provided on each side of the battery cell stack, and each of the pair of end plates connects both ends of the pair of busbar housings, A cell module assembly, wherein each of the pair of busbar housings is provided with the sensing cable fixing member.

18. In paragraph 1, The above sensing cable is a cell module assembly, which is an FFC (Flexible Flat Cable).

19. In paragraph 1, A thermistor disposed within the battery cell stack and sensing the temperature of the battery cell; and Further comprising a thermistor cable electrically between the above thermistor and the ICB, The above busbar housing further includes a thermistor cable guide portion formed concavely from the top of the busbar housing, The above thermistor cable passes through the above thermistor cable guide section, the cell module assembly.

20. In paragraph 19, The above thermistor cable guide section: A first concave portion formed vertically concavely from the top of the bus bar housing; and A second concave portion formed horizontally concavely from an outer surface of the bus bar housing, A cell module assembly, wherein the thermistor cable passes through the first recessed portion to exit from the thermistor to the outside of the busbar housing, and further, the extension direction is changed at the second recessed portion to pass over the ICB.

21. In paragraph 19, The above busbar housing further includes a thermistor cable fixing member having a hook shape and arranged together with the thermistor cable guide member at the top of the busbar housing, The above thermistor cable is a cell module assembly passing between the above thermistor cable guide portion and the above thermistor cable fixing portion.

22. Cell module assembly according to paragraph 1; A battlefield unit including the BMS arranged on one side of the cell module assembly; and A battery pack comprising a pack case that houses the cell module assembly and the electric unit.

23. An energy storage device comprising a battery pack according to claim 22.

Images