Battery cell assembly, battery pack, and transportation means including same

Abstract

A battery cell assembly of the present invention comprises: a plurality of battery cells each having a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal; a housing provided to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; and a plurality of holder assemblies including a positive electrode bus bar detachably provided in each of the plurality of battery cells and provided to be in contact with and electrically connected to the positive electrode terminal, and a negative electrode bus bar provided to be connected to the negative electrode terminal.

Description

Battery cell assembly, battery pack and vehicle including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell assembly, a battery pack including the same, and a means of transportation including the same, and more particularly, to a battery assembly, a battery pack, and a means of transportation including the same, which can reduce the maintenance cost of the battery assembly, the battery pack, and the means of transportation including the same by making it easy to replace individual battery cells.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0018124, filed February 6, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Recently, rechargeable secondary batteries have been widely used as a power source for wireless mobile devices. Furthermore, secondary batteries are also attracting attention as a potential energy source for electric and hybrid electric vehicles, which are being proposed as a solution to air pollution caused by existing gasoline and diesel vehicles that use fossil fuels. Consequently, the applications that utilize secondary batteries are diversifying significantly due to their advantages, and it is expected that secondary batteries will be applied to a wider range of fields and products in the future.

[0004] In general, a secondary battery can have a plurality of battery cells, and these battery cells are classified into cylindrical and prismatic battery cells in which the electrode assembly is built into a cylindrical or prismatic metal can, and pouch-type battery cells in which the electrode assembly is built into a pouch-type case made of an aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the battery case. The electrode assembly built into the battery case is a power plant capable of charging and discharging, which is composed of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator structure interposed between the positive and negative electrodes. It is classified into a jelly-roll type in which a separator is interposed between long sheet-shaped positive and negative electrodes coated with an active material and wound, and a stack type in which a plurality of positive and negative electrodes of a predetermined size are sequentially stacked while being interposed between separators.

[0005] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the welding process of a typical battery cell (30) and a bus bar (50). And, Fig. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the battery cell assembly (40) including battery cells (30) fixed using a conventional adhesive (60).

[0006] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the field of advanced technology, a battery pack (not shown) including a battery cell assembly (or battery cell stack) composed of a plurality of battery cells (30) and a battery management system is used to supply power to various electronic devices. As shown in FIG. 1, the battery cell assembly (40) is generally electrically connected by a method such as resistance welding using a resistance welding rod (20) between the electrode terminals (10) of each of the plurality of battery cells (30) mounted therein and a bus bar (50) in the form of a metal plate.

[0007] In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, in the conventional battery cell assembly, the battery cells (30) were sometimes fixed using an adhesive (60) (potting resin) or the like inside the outer case (not shown) of the battery cell assembly (40) to prevent damage to the electrical connection due to external impact.

[0008] However, in the battery cell assembly (40) of the prior art, if problems such as over-discharge, damage, or short-circuit occur in some of the battery cells (30) among the plurality of battery cells (30) during use, it was difficult to individually replace only some of the battery cells (30) that had problems. That is, since the plurality of battery cells (30) were connected to the bus bar (50), if they were separated from the bus bar (50), the bus bar (50) was likely to be damaged, resulting in the electrical connection of the normal battery cells (30) being disconnected. In addition, in order to separate the battery cells (30) fixed inside the external case with the adhesive (60), the adhesive (60) had to be removed, but this was inefficient because it took a lot of time and money to remove the adhesive (60).

[0009] Therefore, it was inevitable that the battery assembly (40) of the prior art be replaced with a minimum unit such as a module assembly consisting of several battery cells (30) that are not fixed with an adhesive (60), or be replaced with a completely new battery cell assembly (40). This replacement method has the problem of increasing the maintenance cost of the battery cell assembly (40) and causing environmental pollution because normal battery cells must be discarded along with defective battery cells and recycling of discarded battery cells is difficult.

[0010] There is a need to develop battery assemblies, battery packs, and vehicles including them that can solve these problems.

[0011] The present invention aims to solve problems occurring in conventional battery assemblies, battery packs, and transportation devices including the same.

[0012] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a battery cell is provided so as to be detachable from a holder assembly, so that a plurality of mounted battery cells can be individually replaced without damaging a fixing member or an electrical connecting member (such as a bus bar) that fixes the battery cells within an external case, thereby effectively reducing replacement costs and time and lowering the maintenance cost of the battery pack, thereby providing a battery assembly, a battery pack, and a means of transportation including the same.

[0013] In order to achieve the above-described object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a battery cell assembly is provided, including: a plurality of battery cells each having a positive terminal and a negative terminal; a housing configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; and a plurality of holder assemblies including a positive bus bar detachably provided to each of the plurality of battery cells and configured to be electrically connected by contact with the positive terminal, and a negative bus bar configured to be connected to the negative terminal.

[0014] The holder assembly may be arranged so that when the positive terminal and the positive bus bar are in contact, the negative bus bar and the negative terminal are in contact.

[0015] The holder assembly may be arranged so that when the battery cell is separated from the holder assembly, the positive terminal and the negative terminal are sequentially separated from the positive bus bar and the negative bus bar.

[0016] Each of the plurality of holder assemblies may include an anode mold that is electrically insulating and is bonded such that a portion of the anode bus bar is exposed to the outside.

[0017] The above cathode bus bar may be combined with the anode mold and an anode exposure hole may be formed so that an exposed portion of the anode bus bar is exposed to the outside.

[0018] The above anode bus bar may include: an anode plate portion located at the lower portion of the anode mold; an anode connection unit having a shape protruding from the anode plate portion toward the anode terminal and configured to elastically press the anode terminal; and an anode protrusion portion protruding and extending from the anode plate portion to be inserted into the anode exposure opening.

[0019] The above-described positive electrode connection unit may include: a body part that is electrically conductive and is configured to be inserted into the positive electrode mold; a pressing moving part that is electrically conductive and is provided at a lower portion of the body part and is configured to be in direct contact with the positive electrode terminal and move in a direction that presses the positive electrode terminal; and an elastic member that is built into the body part and is configured to elastically press the pressing moving part toward the positive electrode terminal.

[0020] The above positive electrode plate portion may have at least one through hole formed therein.

[0021] The above-mentioned positive connection unit may be provided with a stopper on the body portion to prevent the pressurized moving portion from moving in the insertion direction while inserted into the through hole.

[0022] The above anode mold may include a mold plate portion provided to cover the upper portion of the anode plate portion; and a mold protrusion portion that protrudes upward from the mold plate portion to cover the side of the anode protrusion portion and has an exposure hole formed therein so that the upper portion of the anode protrusion portion of the combined anode bus bar is exposed to the outside.

[0023] The above negative bus bar may include: a negative plate portion coupled with the housing; a negative convex portion formed convexly upward from the negative plate portion to form a receiving space in which the positive mold is received; and a negative connection portion bent downward from the negative plate portion and extended from the negative plate portion to make direct contact with the positive terminal.

[0024] The above negative connection portion may have a connection opening formed in a portion thereof, a connection protrusion formed by extending long from the inner circumference of the connection opening, and a portion thereof protruding toward the negative terminal so as to enable elastic pressing.

[0025] The above negative electrode connection portion may be provided with a connecting convex portion that protrudes toward the negative electrode terminal to enable elastic pressing.

[0026] The housing may be provided with a receiving portion for receiving the holder assembly, and a fixing groove may be formed in the receiving portion so that the negative electrode connection portion of the negative electrode bus bar is inserted therein.

[0027] The above housing may be formed with an anode opening that is open so that the anode bus bar is exposed to the outside, and a cathode opening that is open so that the cathode bus bar is exposed to the outside.

[0028] The housing may include an upper cover provided to cover the upper and middle portions of the plurality of battery cells; and a lower cover provided to cover the lower portions of the plurality of battery cells.

[0029] It may further include a plurality of connecting members mounted on the upper portion of the upper cover, each having at least one of a positive contact portion contacting the positive bus bar through the positive opening, and a negative contact portion contacting the negative bus bar through the negative opening.

[0030] The above cathode bus bar can be built into the upper cover through injection molding.

[0031] The lower cover may be provided with a plurality of mounting grooves having a receiving space for receiving the lower portion of each of the plurality of battery cells.

[0032] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack including at least one battery cell assembly and a battery management system (BMS) is provided.

[0033] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a means of transportation including the battery pack is provided.

[0034] A battery assembly, a battery pack including the same, and a means of transportation including the same, related to one embodiment of the present invention, have the following effects.

[0035] Since the above battery cells are provided to be detachable from the holder assembly, multiple mounted battery cells can be individually replaced without damage to the fixing member or electrical connecting member (bus bar, etc.) that fixes the battery cells within the outer case.

[0036] Accordingly, replacement costs and time can be effectively reduced and the maintenance costs of the battery pack can be lowered.

[0037] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the welding process of a typical battery cell and bus bar.

[0038] Figure 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery cell assembly including battery cells fixed using a conventional adhesive.

[0039] Figure 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of a battery cell assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the appearance of a battery cell assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which a secondary battery and a holder assembly of a battery cell assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention are coupled to each other.

[0042] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a battery cell assembly and a holder assembly separated from each other according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the detailed configuration of a holder assembly of a battery cell assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention in an exploded state.

[0044] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the appearance of a positive bus bar and a positive connection unit of a part of a holder assembly of a battery cell assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view schematically showing some components of a holder assembly of a battery cell assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Fig. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal appearance of a battery cell assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Fig. 11 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of a negative bus bar of a battery cell assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 12 is a perspective view schematically showing the remaining components of a battery cell assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, excluding a connecting member.

[0049] Fig. 13 is a partial perspective view schematically showing the appearance of area A of the battery pack of Fig. 12.

[0050] Fig. 14 is a bottom perspective view schematically showing the appearance of a housing of a battery cell assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a moving means according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Hereinafter, a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack including the same, and a means of transportation including the same will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0054] In addition, regardless of the drawing symbol, identical or corresponding components are given identical or similar reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted, and for the convenience of explanation, the size and shape of each component depicted may be exaggerated or reduced.

[0055] Fig. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery cell assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a battery cell assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which some battery cells (110) and a holder assembly (160) of a battery cell assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention are coupled to each other. In addition, Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a state in which some battery cells and a holder assembly of a battery cell assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention are separated from each other.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, a battery cell assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells (110). For example, the battery cells (110) may be cylindrical battery cells. However, the external shape of the battery cells is not necessarily limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be square battery cells having a rectangular parallelepiped external shape.

[0057] In addition, each of the plurality of battery cells (110) may be provided with a positive terminal (112) and a negative terminal (114). For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the battery cell (110) includes an electrode assembly, a battery can (116) containing the electrode assembly (not shown) therein, and a cap assembly (115) coupled to the upper portion of the battery can (116). At this time, the positive terminal (112) may be located at the upper portion of the cap assembly (115). The negative terminal (114) may be at least a portion of the battery can (116). In addition, the battery cell (110) may be filled with an electrolyte therein. In FIG. 6, the shape of the battery can (116) is shown as cylindrical, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to a cylindrical battery can (116), and a square battery can may be applied.

[0058] Here, the electrode assembly includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The electrode assembly may be rolled into a roll shape. The positive electrode may be manufactured from an active material containing metallic lithium or a lithium alloy. The negative electrode may be manufactured from an active material containing lithium, such as carbon or a metal oxide. The separator may be manufactured to include a non-conductive polymer, such as a polyolefin.

[0059] Here, the battery can (116) may be made of an electrically conductive metal material. The outer wall of the battery can (116) may have mechanical rigidity to protect internal components such as the electrode assembly (not shown) and electrolyte from the outside. The battery can (116) may be electrically connected to the negative electrode.

[0060] Here, the cap assembly (115) may be equipped with an insulating gasket (not shown), a venting device (not shown), a PTC element (not shown), a positive terminal (112) and a terminal plate (not shown) connecting the positive terminal. However, the cap assembly is not necessarily limited to these configurations, and can be applied to any general cap assembly equipped in a battery cell (110).

[0061] In addition, the battery cell assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a housing (190) configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells (110). For example, the housing (190) may have an accommodation space provided therein corresponding to or larger than the size of the plurality of battery cells (110). The housing (190) may be formed of an electrically insulating material. For example, the housing (190) may be formed of a plastic material.

[0062] In addition, the housing (190) may include an upper cover (120) and a lower cover (170). Here, the upper cover (120) may be provided to cover the upper and middle portions of the plurality of battery cells (110). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the upper cover (120) may have an upper wall (121) and a side wall (123) extending downward from the outer periphery of the upper wall (121). The lower cover (170) may be provided to cover the lower portions of the plurality of battery cells (110). A more detailed description of the lower cover (170) will be provided later.

[0063] Referring again to FIGS. 3 to 6, a battery cell assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of holder assemblies (160). Each of the plurality of holder assemblies (160) is coupled to the interior of the upper cover (120). The plurality of holder assemblies (160) are provided so that each of the plurality of battery cells (110) can be detachably attached to them. As shown in FIG. 5, the holder assembly (160) may be provided so as to be coupled to the upper portion of the battery cell (110). As shown in FIG. 6, the holder assembly (160) may be provided so as to be detachable from the upper portion of the battery cell (110).

[0064] Accordingly, the battery cell assembly (100) of the present invention is provided so that the battery cells (110) can be detachably mounted from the holder assembly (160), thereby enabling individual replacement of a plurality of mounted battery cells (110) without damaging the fixing members or electrical connecting members (such as bus bars) that fix the battery cells (110) within the outer case. In addition, the problem of the electrical connection of normal battery cells (110) being disconnected in the process of replacing defective battery cells (110) can be prevented, and since there is no need to remove the adhesive when replacing the battery cells (110), the replacement cost and time can be effectively reduced. In addition, the problem of normal battery cells (110) being discarded together with defective battery cells (110) can be prevented, thereby reducing the maintenance cost of the battery cell assembly (100) and preventing environmental pollution.

[0065] Additionally, the holder assembly (160) may be arranged so that when the positive terminal (112) and the positive bus bar (130) are in contact, the negative bus bar (150) and the negative terminal (114) are in contact.

[0066] Additionally, the holder assembly (160) may be arranged so that when the battery cell (110) is separated from the holder assembly (160), the positive terminal (112) and the negative terminal (114) are sequentially separated from the positive bus bar (130) and the negative bus bar (150).

[0067] Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the detailed components of a holder assembly (160) of a battery cell assembly (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention in an exploded state. Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the coupled state of a positive bus bar (130) and a positive connection unit (134) of a holder assembly (160) of a battery cell assembly (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a bottom perspective view schematically showing the components of a holder assembly (160) of a battery cell assembly (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, Fig. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal state of a battery cell assembly (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 10 along with FIGS. 3 to 6, each of the plurality of holder assemblies (160) includes a positive electrode bus bar (130). The positive electrode bus bar (130) is provided to be electrically connected by contacting the positive electrode terminal (112). The positive electrode bus bar (130) may include a metal plate having a structure in which the positive electrode protrusion (136) is bent at least once toward the mold protrusion (144).

[0069] In addition, each of the plurality of holder assemblies (160) includes an anode mold (140). The anode mold (140) is made of an electrically insulating material. The electrically insulating material may be, for example, a plastic material. The anode mold (140) is provided to be coupled with the anode bus bar (130). At this time, the anode mold (140) may be coupled so that a portion of the anode bus bar (130) is exposed. The anode mold (140) and the anode bus bar (130) may be coupled using an insert injection method. For example, the anode bus bar (130) may be inserted into the mold in advance, an electrically insulating molten plastic material is injected into each cavity of the mold, and then the anode mold (140) may be coupled through a process of hardening.

[0070] In addition, each of the plurality of holder assemblies (160) includes a negative bus bar (150) arranged to be connected to a negative terminal (114). The negative bus bar (150) can be coupled to the positive mold (140). The negative bus bar (150) can be coupled to the positive mold (140) using, for example, an adhesive or an adhesive tape (174). An positive exposure opening (151) can be formed in the negative bus bar (150) so that an exposed portion of the positive bus bar (130) is exposed to the outside. For example, the positive exposure opening (151) can be formed so that an upper portion of the positive bus bar (130) is exposed to the outside.

[0071] Accordingly, the battery cell assembly (100) of the present invention can be arranged so that the plurality of mounted battery cells (110) can be individually replaced without damaging the fixing members or electrical connecting members (such as bus bars) of the battery cells (110) by including a plurality of holder assemblies (160). In addition, the problem of the electrical connection of normal battery cells (110) being disconnected in the process of replacing defective battery cells (110) can be prevented, and since there is no need to remove the adhesive when replacing the battery cells (110), the replacement cost and time can be effectively reduced. In addition, the problem of normal battery cells (110) being discarded together with defective battery cells (110) can be prevented, thereby reducing the maintenance cost of the battery cell assembly (100) and preventing environmental pollution.

[0072] Additionally, the anode bus bar (130) may include an anode plate portion (132). The anode plate portion (132) may be located at the bottom of the anode mold (140). The anode plate portion (132) may have a circular outer portion and a flat plate shape.

[0073] In addition, the positive bus bar (130) may include a positive connection unit (134). The positive connection unit (134) may have a shape that protrudes from the positive plate portion (132) toward the positive terminal (112). The positive connection unit (134) may be provided to elastically press the positive terminal (112). That is, the positive connection unit (134) may be provided so that the protruding length can be varied depending on the distance between the positive bus bar (130) and the positive terminal (112).

[0074] Additionally, the anode bus bar (130) may include an anode protrusion (136). The anode protrusion (136) may be configured to be inserted into the anode exposure opening (151). The anode protrusion (136) may have a shape that protrudes and extends from the anode plate portion (132). The anode protrusion (136) may be electrically connected by being joined to a connecting member (180) (external bus bar) described below.

[0075] Referring again to FIGS. 9 and 10, the anode connection unit (134) may include a body portion (138). The body portion (138) may be electrically conductive. That is, the body portion (138) may include an electrically conductive material such as a metal. The body portion (138) may be provided to be embedded in the anode mold (140). That is, the body portion (138) of the anode connection unit (134) may be coupled to the inside of the anode mold (140) using an insert injection method.

[0076] In addition, the positive electrode connection unit (134) may include a pressurized moving part (137). The pressurized moving part (137) may be electrically conductive. That is, the pressurized moving part (137) may include an electrically conductive metal material. The pressurized moving part (137) may be provided at the lower portion of the body part (138). That is, the pressurized moving part (137) may be provided to be in direct contact with the positive electrode terminal (112). To this end, the pressurized moving part (137) may be provided to be movable in a direction that pressurizes the positive electrode terminal (112).

[0077] Additionally, the positive electrode connection unit (134) may include an elastic member (139). The elastic member (139) may be built into the body portion (138). The elastic member (139) may be provided to elastically press the pressurized moving portion (137) toward the positive electrode terminal (112).

[0078] Accordingly, the battery cell assembly (100) of the present invention can reliably electrically connect the positive terminal (112) and the positive bus bar (130) by including the positive connection unit (134). In addition, since the positive connection unit (134) elastically presses the positive terminal (112), deformation or damage of the positive connection unit (134) or the positive terminal (112) can be prevented, and thus, deformation or damage of the positive connection unit (134) or the positive terminal (112) that occurs during the connection process of the prior art can be effectively prevented or a connection failure can be prevented.

[0079] Referring again to FIGS. 8 and 9, the positive electrode connection unit (134) may be provided to penetrate the positive electrode plate portion (132). That is, at least one through hole (133) may be formed in the positive electrode plate portion (132) so that the positive electrode connection unit (134) may penetrate therethrough. The positive electrode connection unit (134) may be provided with a stopper (135) in the body portion (138). The stopper (135) may be provided to prevent the pressurized moving portion (137) from moving in the insertion direction while inserted into the through hole (133).

[0080] In addition, the battery cell assembly (100) of the present invention may further include a conductive solder (not shown) for electrical connection between the positive terminal (112) and the positive bus bar (130) and stable fixation with the positive mold (140). The conductive solder may be provided to be filled between the insertion groove (145) and the positive connection unit (134) and between the positive bus bar (130) and the positive connection unit (134).

[0081] Additionally, the anode mold (140) may include a mold plate portion (142). The mold plate portion (142) may be provided to cover the upper portion of the anode plate portion (132). That is, the mold plate portion (142) may be coupled to the upper portion of the anode plate portion (132). The mold plate portion (142) may be electrically insulating.

[0082] In addition, the anode mold (140) may include a mold protrusion (144). The mold protrusion (144) may be provided to cover a portion of the side and upper surface of the anode protrusion (136). To this end, the mold protrusion (144) may have a shape that protrudes upward from the mold plate portion (142). An exposure hole (146) may be formed in the mold protrusion (144). The exposure hole (146) may be provided inside the mold protrusion (144) so ​​that the upper portion of the anode protrusion (136) of the coupled anode bus bar (130) is exposed to the outside. That is, the anode protrusion (136) of the anode bus bar (130) may be built into the mold protrusion (144). In addition, the mold plate portion (142) may be provided with an insertion groove (145). The insertion groove (145) may be provided to accommodate the end of the body portion (138) of the positive connection unit (134).

[0083] More specifically, the negative bus bar (150) may include a negative plate portion (152). The negative plate portion (152) may be provided to be coupled with the upper cover (120). For example, a double-sided adhesive tape (not shown) or an adhesive (not shown) may be added between the upper surface of the negative plate portion (152) and the inner surface of the upper cover (120), thereby bonding the negative plate portion (152) to the upper cover (120). However, the bonding method is not necessarily limited to this, and the negative plate portion (152) may be mechanically coupled to the inner structure of the upper cover (120). For example, the negative plate portion (152) may be coupled to the upper cover (120) by a force-fit method or an insert injection method.

[0084] Additionally, the negative bus bar (150) may include a negative convex portion (154). The negative convex portion (154) may be formed to be convex upward from the negative plate portion (152) to form a receiving space in which the positive mold (140) is received. The negative convex portion (154) may be formed through a casting or rolling process.

[0085] In addition, the negative bus bar (150) may include a negative connection portion (156). The negative connection portion (156) may have a shape that is bent downward from the negative plate portion (152). The negative connection portion (156) may have a shape that is extended from the negative plate portion (152) so as to be in direct contact with the positive terminal (112). For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the negative bus bar (150) may have four negative connection portions (156). The four negative connection portions (156) may have a shape that is bent downward from the negative plate portion (152) so as to be in direct contact with the negative terminal (114) of the battery can (116) located below.

[0086] Accordingly, the negative bus bar (150) of the battery cell assembly (100) of the present invention can stably receive and couple the positive bus bar (130) by including the negative convex portion (154) and the negative connection portion (156), thereby inducing stable contact between the positive bus bar (130) and the positive terminal (112), and further directly connecting with the negative terminal (114) of the battery cell (110) coupled to the lower portion of the holder assembly (160). Ultimately, the negative bus bar (150) can implement a compact holder assembly (160), thereby effectively increasing the energy density of the battery cell assembly (100).

[0087] In addition, the negative electrode connection portion (156) may be formed with a connection opening (157) formed by partially perforating. In addition, the negative electrode connection portion (156) may be provided with a connection protrusion (158) that protrudes and extends from the inner circumference of the connection opening (157). The connection opening (157) may be formed to be larger than the connection protrusion (158). Accordingly, when the connection protrusion (158) comes into contact with the negative terminal (114), it does not come into contact with the inner circumference of the connection opening (157) even if the connection protrusion (158) is deformed, thereby preventing damage caused by collision of the connection protrusion (158).

[0088] In addition, the connecting protrusion (158) may be provided to enable elastic pressing. The connecting protrusion (158) may have a shape in which a portion of the negative connecting portion (156) protrudes toward the negative terminal (114). The connecting protrusion (158) may have a shape that extends long in one direction. The connecting protrusion (158) may have a structure that is bent in a V shape toward the battery can (116). This V-shaped connecting protrusion (158) has the advantage of being able to elastically press the negative terminal (114).

[0089] Fig. 11 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of a negative bus bar (150A) of a battery cell assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Referring to Fig. 11, the negative bus bar (150A) of the battery cell assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention may have a shape of a negative connection portion (156) different from that of the negative connection portion (156) of the negative bus bar (150) of Fig. 7. That is, the negative connection portion (156) of Fig. 11 may not have a connection opening (157) formed, and may be provided with a connection convex portion (159) having a protruding and recessed shape protruding toward the battery can (116). This connection convex portion (159) may flexibly press the negative terminal (114) through the protruding and recessed shape.

[0091] Fig. 12 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of the remaining components of the battery cell assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, excluding the connecting member (180). In addition, Fig. 13 is a partial perspective view schematically showing the appearance of area A of the battery pack of Fig. 12.

[0092] Referring again to FIGS. 12 and 13 together with FIG. 3, the upper cover (120) may be formed with an anode opening (124) for contact between the anode bus bar (130) and a connecting member (180) described below. Specifically, the anode opening (124) may have an open shape so that the anode bus bar (130) is exposed to the outside.

[0093] Additionally, the upper cover (120) may be formed with a cathode opening (122) for contact between the cathode bus bar (150) and a connecting member (180) described later. Specifically, the cathode opening (122) may have an open shape so that the cathode bus bar (150) is exposed to the outside.

[0094] Additionally, the upper cover (120) may be formed with a connecting groove (127) designed to insert a connecting member (180) described later. For example, the connecting groove (127) may have a size corresponding to that of the connecting member (180).

[0095] In addition, the battery cell assembly (100) of the present invention may further include a plurality of connecting members (180). The connecting members (180) may be mounted on the upper portion of the upper cover (120). Each of the plurality of connecting members (180) may include at least one of a positive contact portion (182) and a negative contact portion (184). The positive contact portion (182) may be provided to contact the positive plate portion (132) of the positive bus bar (130) through the positive opening (124). For example, the negative contact portion (184) may be provided to contact the negative plate portion (152) of the negative bus bar (150) through the negative opening (122). The connecting member (180) may have a shape that extends along a connecting groove (127) formed on the upper surface of the upper cover (120). That is, the connecting member (180) may have a bent shape according to the upper surface structure of the upper cover (120). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the battery cell assembly (100) of the present invention may include a connecting member (180) electrically connected to a plurality of positive bus bars (130) and a connecting member (180) connected to the positive bus and the negative bus bars (150).

[0096] FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view schematically showing the appearance of the upper cover (120) of the battery cell assembly (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] Referring back to FIG. 14 together with FIG. 4, the upper cover (120) may be provided with a receiving portion (126) for receiving the holder assembly (160). Specifically, the receiving portion (126) may be formed on the inner surface of the upper cover (120). The receiving portion (126) may have a groove shape corresponding to the outer surface of the holder assembly (160). For example, the receiving portion (126) may have an internal shape in which the negative electrode disc portion (152) and the negative electrode convex portion (154) of the negative electrode bus bar (150) are inserted. At this time, the holder assembly (160) may be adhered to the receiving portion (126) using an adhesive or double-sided tape. However, the holder assembly (160) is not necessarily coupled to the upper cover (120) by an adhesive method, and according to another embodiment, the battery cell assembly (100) may be coupled to the upper cover (120) by injection molding the negative bus bar (150). This method of coupling through injection molding can omit the coupling process of coupling a plurality of negative bus bars (150) to the upper cover (120), thereby effectively shortening the production time and solving the problem of defects occurring due to improper adhesion.

[0098] In addition, a fixing groove (128) may be formed in the receiving portion (126) so that the negative contact portion (156) of the negative bus bar (150) may be inserted therein. At this time, the negative contact portion (156) may be fixed in the fixing groove (128) in a force-fit form.

[0099] Meanwhile, referring back to FIGS. 3 and 4, the lower cover (170) of the battery cell assembly (100) of the present invention may be a lower cover (170) that is provided to be coupled with the lower portion of the upper cover (120). For example, the upper cover (120) and the lower cover (170) may be screw-coupled using screw bolts (not shown). In addition, the lower cover (170) may be provided to cover the lower portion of each of the plurality of battery cells (110). To this end, the lower cover (170) may be formed with a plurality of mounting grooves (192) that accommodate the lower portions of each of the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0100] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of a battery pack (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 15, the present invention provides a battery pack (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The battery pack (200) includes at least one battery cell assembly (100) and a battery management system (BMS) (210). Specifically, the battery management system can prevent overcharge / overdischarge of the battery cells, and manage temperature, etc. The battery management system (210) can be built into the battery pack (200).

[0102] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of a moving means (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 16, the present invention provides a means of transportation (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention. This means of transportation (300) includes a battery pack (200) of the present invention. That is, the means of transportation (300) can have the battery pack (200) built into its interior. The means of transportation (300) can use the battery pack (200) as a driving force. For example, the means of transportation (300) can be an electric vehicle, an electric bicycle, an electric scooter, an electric wheelchair, an unmanned robot, an unmanned aerial vehicle, etc.

[0104] The preferred embodiments of the present invention described above are disclosed for the purpose of illustration, and those skilled in the art having ordinary knowledge of the present invention will be able to make various modifications, changes, and additions within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications, changes, and additions should be considered to fall within the scope of the following claims.

[0105] According to a battery assembly, a battery pack including the same, and a means of transportation including the same related to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery cells are provided so as to be detachable from the holder assembly, so that a plurality of mounted battery cells can be individually replaced without damage to a fixing member or an electrical connecting member (such as a bus bar) that fixes the battery cells within an external case.

Claims

1. A plurality of battery cells having positive and negative terminals; a housing configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; and A battery cell assembly comprising a plurality of holder assemblies, each of which is detachably provided for each of the plurality of battery cells and includes a positive bus bar provided to be electrically connected by contact with the positive terminal, and a negative bus bar provided to be connected to the negative terminal.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the holder assembly is arranged so that when the positive terminal and the positive bus bar come into contact, the negative bus bar and the negative terminal come into contact.

3. In paragraph 2, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the holder assembly is arranged so that the positive terminal and the negative terminal are sequentially separated from the positive bus bar and the negative bus bar when the battery cell is separated from the holder assembly.

4. In paragraph 1, Each of the above plurality of holder assemblies, A battery cell assembly characterized by comprising an anode mold that is electrically insulating and is bonded such that a portion of the anode bus bar is exposed to the outside.

5. In paragraph 4, The above negative bus bar is, A battery cell assembly characterized in that an anode exposure hole is formed so that the anode mold is combined with the anode mold and an exposed portion of the anode bus bar is exposed to the outside.

6. In paragraph 5, The above positive busbar, An anode plate portion located at the bottom of the above anode mold; An anode connection unit having a shape protruding from the anode plate portion toward the anode terminal and configured to flexibly press the anode terminal; and A battery cell assembly characterized by including a positive electrode protrusion extending from the positive electrode plate portion to be inserted into the positive electrode exposure hole.

7. In paragraph 6, The above positive electrode connection unit is, A body portion that is electrically conductive and is designed to be inserted into the anode mold; A pressurizing moving part which is electrically conductive, is provided on the lower part of the body part, is in direct contact with the positive terminal, and is provided to be movable in a direction that pressurizes the positive terminal; and A battery cell assembly characterized by including an elastic member built into the body portion and configured to elastically press the pressurized moving portion toward the positive terminal.

8. In paragraph 7, The above positive electrode plate portion has at least one through hole formed therein, The above positive electrode connection unit is, A battery cell assembly characterized in that a stopper is provided on the body part to prevent the pressurized moving part from moving in the insertion direction while inserted into the through hole.

9. In paragraph 7, The above anode mold, A mold plate portion provided to cover the upper portion of the above positive electrode plate portion; and A battery cell assembly characterized by comprising a mold protrusion that protrudes upward from the mold plate portion to cover the side of the positive electrode protrusion and has an exposure hole formed therein so that the upper portion of the positive electrode protrusion of the coupled positive electrode bus bar is exposed to the outside.

10. In paragraph 4, The above negative bus bar is, A cathode plate portion coupled with the above housing; A cathode convex portion formed convexly upward from the cathode plate portion to form a receiving space in which the cathode mold is received; and A battery cell assembly characterized by including a negative electrode connecting portion that is bent downward from the negative electrode plate portion and extends from the negative electrode plate portion so as to make direct contact with the positive electrode terminal.

11. In paragraph 10, The above negative connection part is, Some of the connections are formed by openings, A battery cell assembly characterized in that a connecting protrusion is formed that extends long from the inner circumference of the connecting opening and has a portion thereof bent so as to protrude toward the negative terminal to enable elastic pressing.

12. In paragraph 10, The above negative connection part is, A battery cell assembly characterized in that a portion of the connecting convex portion protrudes toward the negative terminal to enable elastic pressing.

13. In paragraph 12, The above housing is provided with a receiving portion for receiving the holder assembly, A battery cell assembly characterized in that a fixing groove is formed in the above-mentioned receiving portion so that the negative electrode connection portion of the negative electrode bus bar is inserted into the inside.

14. In paragraph 1, The above housing, A battery cell assembly characterized in that an anode opening is formed so that the anode bus bar is exposed to the outside, and a cathode opening is formed so that the cathode bus bar is exposed to the outside.

15. In paragraph 14, The above housing, An upper cover provided to cover the upper and middle portions of the plurality of battery cells; and A battery cell assembly characterized by including a lower cover provided to cover the lower portion of the plurality of battery cells.

16. In paragraph 15, A battery cell assembly further comprising a plurality of connecting members mounted on the upper portion of the upper cover, each of which has at least one of a positive contact portion that contacts the positive bus bar through the positive opening, and a negative contact portion that contacts the negative bus bar through the negative opening.

17. In paragraph 16, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the above negative bus bar is built into the upper cover through injection molding.

18. In paragraph 15, The above lower cover, A battery cell assembly characterized in that it has a plurality of mounting grooves having a receiving space for receiving the lower portion of each of the plurality of battery cells.

19. A battery pack comprising at least one battery cell assembly and a battery management system (BMS) according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. A means of transportation characterized by including a battery pack according to Article 19.

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