Battery cell assembly and battery pack comprising same

Abstract

According to exemplary embodiments, a battery cell assembly is provided. The battery cell assembly comprises: a first battery cell including a first positive electrode lead and a first negative electrode lead; a second battery cell including a second positive electrode lead and a second negative electrode lead; and a first integrated circuit assembly coupled to the first and second battery cells and including a first insulating frame, wherein the first insulating frame includes a first slit through which the first negative electrode lead of the first battery cell passes, a second slit through which the second positive electrode lead of the second battery cell passes, and a third slit through which the first negative electrode lead of the first battery cell passes.

Description

Battery cell assembly and battery pack including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell assembly and a battery pack including the same. This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2024-0087308, filed July 3, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

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

[0003] As secondary batteries become increasingly used in mobility, demand for their safety is increasing. Accidents such as fires in secondary batteries used in mobility vehicles can endanger the lives of drivers, making research into technologies that enhance the safety of secondary batteries essential.

[0004] The technical idea of ​​the present invention aims to solve a problem by providing a battery cell assembly with improved productivity and a battery pack including the same.

[0005] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a battery cell assembly is provided. The battery cell assembly includes: a first battery cell including a first positive electrode lead and a first negative electrode lead; a second battery cell including a second positive electrode lead and a second negative electrode lead; and a first integrated circuit assembly coupled to the first and second battery cells and including a first insulating frame, wherein the first insulating frame includes a first slit penetrated by the first negative electrode lead of the first battery cell, a second slit penetrated by the second positive electrode lead of the second battery cell, and a third slit penetrated by the first negative electrode lead of the first battery cell.

[0006] The third slit is between the first slit and the second slit.

[0007] The third slit overlaps the second anode lead.

[0008] The first negative lead of the first battery cell includes a portion between the first battery cell and the first insulating frame.

[0009] The first insulating frame further includes a first through hole penetrating the first insulating frame, and the third slit is connected to the first through hole.

[0010] A portion of the first negative lead of the first battery cell is in the first through hole.

[0011] The battery cell assembly further includes a third battery cell including a third positive lead and a third negative lead; and a second integrated circuit assembly coupled to the first to third battery cells and including a second insulating frame.

[0012] The second insulating frame includes a fourth slit penetrated by the third positive lead of the third battery cell, a fifth slit penetrated by the second negative lead of the second battery cell, and a sixth slit penetrated by the second negative lead of the second battery cell.

[0013] The sixth slit is between the fourth slit and the fifth slit.

[0014] The sixth slit overlaps the third anode lead.

[0015] The second insulating frame further includes a second through hole penetrating the second insulating frame, and the third slit is connected to the second through hole.

[0016] A portion of the second negative lead of the second battery cell is in the second through hole.

[0017] According to exemplary embodiments, a battery cell assembly is provided. The battery cell assembly includes: a first battery cell including a first positive electrode lead and a first negative electrode lead; a second battery cell including a second positive electrode lead and a second negative electrode lead; and a first integrated circuit assembly coupled to the first and second battery cells and including a first insulating frame, and a second integrated circuit assembly coupled to the first and second battery cells and including a second insulating frame, wherein each of the first and second negative electrode leads has a double-folded shape, and each of the first and second positive electrode leads has a single-folded shape.

[0018] The first cathode lead penetrates the first insulating frame twice, and the second cathode lead penetrates the second insulating frame twice.

[0019] The first anode lead penetrates the second insulating frame once, and the second anode lead penetrates the first insulating frame once.

[0020] The first insulating frame includes a first through hole extending in a first direction, the second insulating frame includes a second through hole extending in the first direction, the first negative electrode lead is in the first through hole, and the second negative electrode lead is in the second through hole.

[0021] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the electrode lead cutting process of a battery cell can be omitted. Accordingly, the throughput of secondary battery manufacturing can be improved.

[0022] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from practicing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0026] Figures 4 to 6 are exploded views of battery cell assemblies according to exemplary embodiments.

[0027] Figure 7 shows a portion of Figure 6.

[0028] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0029] Fig. 9 shows a part of Fig. 6.

[0030] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 11 is a partial plan view illustrating a first insulating frame according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 12 is a partial plan view illustrating a second insulating frame according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0034] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of a term to best explain his or her invention, they should be construed as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0035] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0036] In addition, when describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0037] Since the embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the sizes and proportions of each component do not fully reflect the actual sizes or proportions.

[0038]

[0039] (Example 1)

[0040] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell assembly (120) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery cell assembly (120) according to exemplary embodiments, viewed from a different direction than FIG. 1.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a battery cell assembly (120) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of a battery cell assembly (120) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view of a battery cell assembly (120) according to exemplary embodiments, viewed from a different direction than FIG. 4.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a partially exploded plan view of a battery cell assembly (120) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0046] Figure 7 shows a portion (PORA) of Figure 6.

[0047] Fig. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a battery cell assembly (120) according to exemplary embodiments. More specifically, Fig. 8 overlaps with Fig. 7.

[0048] Figure 9 shows a portion (PORB) of Figure 6.

[0049] Fig. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a battery cell assembly (120) according to exemplary embodiments. More specifically, Fig. 10 overlaps with Fig. 9.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 10, a battery cell assembly (120) may include a plurality of battery cells (121), a plurality of pads (122), a first integrated circuit assembly (123), a second integrated circuit assembly (124), side beams (126), and an FFC (Flat Flexible Cable) assembly (127). The battery cell assembly (120) may not include a module frame.

[0051] Each of the plurality of battery cells (121) may be a lithium ion battery. Each of the plurality of battery cells (121) includes an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a cell case (121C). The cell case (121C) may include any one of an aluminum laminate sheet, a cylindrical metal can, a square metal can, and a combination thereof.

[0052] An electrode assembly built into a cell case (121C) includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The electrode assembly may be either a jelly-roll type or a stack type. A jelly-roll type electrode assembly may include a winding structure of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween. A stack type electrode assembly may include a plurality of sequentially stacked positive electrodes, a plurality of negative electrodes, and a plurality of separators interposed therebetween. The positive electrode may include a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material. The negative electrode may include a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material.

[0053] Each of the plurality of battery cells (121) may include a positive electrode lead (121P) and a negative electrode lead (121N). The positive electrode lead (121P) and the negative electrode lead (121N) may be collectively referred to as electrode leads. That is, the electrode lead may refer to the positive electrode lead (121P) or the negative electrode lead (121N). The positive electrode lead (121P) may be coupled to a negative electrode tab of the electrode assembly. The negative electrode lead (121N) may be coupled to a negative electrode tab of the electrode assembly.

[0054] A plurality of battery cells (121) may be arranged in the X direction. Each of the plurality of battery cells (121) may be a bi-directional cell. Accordingly, the positive lead (121P) and the negative lead (121N) of each of the plurality of battery cells (121) may protrude in opposite directions from the cell case (121C). The positive lead (121P) and the negative lead (121N) of each of the plurality of battery cells (121) may be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. The Y direction may be substantially perpendicular to the X direction. A direction substantially perpendicular to each of the X direction and the Y direction is defined as the Z direction.

[0055] Hereinafter, the technical concept of the present invention will be described based on an example in which each of the plurality of battery cells (121) is a bidirectional cell, as described above. Those skilled in the art will readily be able to arrive at an embodiment in which each of the plurality of battery cells (121) is a unidirectional cell based on the description herein.

[0056] According to exemplary embodiments, a plurality of battery cells (121) may constitute a plurality of banks. Each of the plurality of banks is a subgroup of a plurality of battery cells (121) comprised of those battery cells (121) connected in parallel among the plurality of battery cells (121). The number of battery cells (121) included in each of the plurality of banks (i.e., the number of battery cells (121) connected in parallel) may be determined depending on the magnitude of current to be output through the battery cell assembly (120).

[0057] Hereinafter, the technical idea of ​​the present invention will be described with reference to an example in which each of the plurality of banks includes only one of the plurality of battery cells (121) (i.e., an example in which each of the plurality of battery cells (121) is a bank). One of ordinary skill in the art will readily arrive at an example in which each of the plurality of battery cells includes one or more banks based on the description herein.

[0058] Hereinafter, the distinction between odd-numbered battery cells (121) and even-numbered battery cells (121) is because the orientation of each of the odd-numbered battery cells (121) is different from the orientation of each of the even-numbered battery cells (121). Accordingly, when each of the plurality of banks includes two or more battery cells (121), the characteristics and features of the odd-numbered battery cells (121) described herein can be applied to the battery cells (121) of the odd-numbered bank in a substantially identical manner, and the characteristics and features of the even-numbered battery cells (121) described herein can be applied to the battery cells (121) of the even-numbered bank in a substantially identical manner.

[0059] The positive lead (121P) of the first battery cell (121) can be short-circuited with the bus bar (123P). The positive lead (121P) of the first battery cell (121) can be welded with the bus bar (123P). The negative lead (121N) of the last battery cells (121) can be short-circuited with the bus bar (123N). The negative leads (121N) of the last battery cells (121) can be welded with the bus bar (123N). The resulting voltage of the circuit composed of the plurality of battery cells (121) can be output to the outside through the bus bars (123P, 123N).

[0060] Battery cells (121) between the first battery cell (121) and the last battery cell (121) may be referred to as intermediate battery cells (121). The negative lead (121N) of each of the intermediate battery cells (121) may be in contact with the positive lead (121P) of the subsequent battery cell (121). The negative lead (121N) of each of the intermediate battery cells (121) may be welded to the positive lead (121P) of the subsequent battery cell (121). The positive lead (121P) of each of the intermediate battery cells (121) may be in contact with the negative lead (121N) of the preceding battery cell (121). The positive lead (121P) of each of the intermediate battery cells (121) may be welded to the negative lead (121N) of the preceding battery cell (121).

[0061] According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of pads (122) may include polyurethane. According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of pads (122) may include an elastic material. The plurality of pads (122) may absorb swelling of the plurality of battery cells (121). Two battery cells (121) may be interposed between two adjacent pads (122), but are not limited thereto. The thickness of each of the plurality of pads (122) and the arrangement of the plurality of pads (122) based on the plurality of battery cells (121) may be variously changed within a range that satisfies the swelling absorption condition.

[0062] According to other exemplary embodiments, the plurality of pads (122) may be thermal barriers. According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of pads (122) may have a high melting temperature and low thermal conductivity. When each of the plurality of pads (122) is a thermal barrier, each of the plurality of pads (122) may include a flame retardant material, such as ceramic and coated glass fiber.

[0063] The first integrated circuit assembly (123) may be located in front of the battery cell assembly (120). The first integrated circuit assembly (123) may be coupled to a plurality of battery cells (121). In front of the battery cell assembly (120), there may be a positive lead (121P) of each of the odd-numbered battery cells (121) and a negative lead (121N) of each of the even-numbered battery cells (121).

[0064] The distance between the positive lead (121P) of each of the odd-numbered battery cells (121) and the first integrated circuit assembly (123) may be smaller than the distance between the positive lead (121P) of each of the odd-numbered battery cells (121) and the second integrated circuit assembly (124).

[0065] The distance between the negative lead (121N) of each of the even-numbered battery cells (121) and the first integrated circuit assembly (123) may be smaller than the distance between the negative lead (121N) of each of the even-numbered battery cells (121) and the second integrated circuit assembly (124).

[0066] The first integrated circuit assembly (123) may include a first insulating frame (123F), a first integrated circuit (123I), bus bars (123P, 123N), a first insulating cover (123C1), and a second insulating cover (123C2).

[0067] The first insulating frame (123F) may include an insulating material. The first insulating frame (123F) may support the first integrated circuit (123I), the first bus bar (123P), the second bus bar (123N), the positive lead (121P) of each of the odd-numbered battery cells (121), and the negative lead (121N) of each of the even-numbered battery cells (121).

[0068] The first insulating frame (123F) may include a plurality of lead supports (123FS) and a plurality of spacing portions (123FI). The plurality of lead supports (123FS) and the plurality of spacing portions (123FI) may alternate in the X direction. One of the plurality of spacing portions (123FI) may be located between two adjacent lead supports (123FS), and one of the plurality of lead supports (123FS) may be located between two adjacent spacing portions (123FI).

[0069] There may be a plurality of first slits (123FS1) and a plurality of second slits (123FS2) between the plurality of lead supports (123FS) and the plurality of spacing parts (123FI). The plurality of first slits (123FS1) and the plurality of second slits (123FS2) may alternate in the X direction. One of the plurality of second slits (123FS2) may be between two adjacent ones of the plurality of first slits (123FS1), and one of the plurality of first slits (123FS1) may be between two adjacent ones of the plurality of second slits (123FS2).

[0070] Each of the plurality of first slits (123FS1) and the plurality of second slits (123FS2) can penetrate the first insulating frame (123F) in the Y direction. Each of the plurality of first slits (123FS1) and the plurality of second slits (123FS2) can have a narrow width in the X direction. Each of the plurality of first slits (123FS1) and the plurality of second slits (123FS2) can have a height in the Z direction that is greater than the width in the X direction. Accordingly, each of the plurality of first slits (123FS1) and the plurality of second slits (123FS2) can allow the penetration of the first insulating frame (123F) by the positive leads (121P) and the negative leads (121N) of the plurality of battery cells (121).

[0071] Each of the plurality of first slits (123FS1) may overlap with a corresponding one of the odd-numbered battery cells (121) in the Y direction. The positive lead (121P) of each of the odd-numbered battery cells (121) may pass through a corresponding one of the plurality of first slits (123FS1). Each of the plurality of second slits (123FS2) may overlap with a corresponding one of the even-numbered battery cells (121) in the Y direction. The negative lead (121N) of each of the even-numbered battery cells (121) may pass through a corresponding one of the plurality of second slits (123FS2).

[0072] The first insulating frame (123F) may further include a plurality of third slits (123FS3). The plurality of third slits (123FS3) may be located in corresponding ones of the plurality of lead supports (123FS). Each of the plurality of third slits (123FS3) may be interposed between one of the plurality of first slits (123FS1) and one of the plurality of second slits (123FS2).

[0073] Each of the plurality of third slits (123FS3) can penetrate the first insulating frame (123F) in the Y direction. Each of the plurality of third slits (123FS3) can have a narrow width in the X direction. Each of the plurality of third slits (123FS3) can have a height in the Z direction that is greater than the width in the X direction. Each of the plurality of third slits (123FS3) can allow penetration of the first insulating frame (123F) by even-numbered cathode leads (121N).

[0074] The negative lead (121N) of each of the even-numbered battery cells (121) can pass through a corresponding one of the plurality of third slits (123FS3). The positive lead (121P) of each of the odd-numbered battery cells (121) can overlap a corresponding one of the plurality of third slits (123FS3) in the Y direction.

[0075] The first insulating frame (123F) may include a plurality of through holes (123FTH). The plurality of through holes (123FTH) may extend in the Z direction. The plurality of through holes (123FTH) may penetrate the first insulating frame (123F). While the positive lead (121P) and the negative lead (121N) are welded to each other, a penetration jig may be inserted into the plurality of through holes (123FTH), thereby preventing damage to the first insulating frame (123F) by a welding energy source (e.g., a laser beam) during the welding process.

[0076] Each of the plurality of through-holes (123FTH) may be located in a corresponding one of the plurality of lead supports (123FS). Each of the plurality of through-holes (123FTH) may be connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of third slits (123FS3). The negative lead (121N) of each of the even-numbered battery cells (121) passing through a corresponding one of the plurality of third slits (123FS3) may include a second portion (121N2) located in a corresponding one of the plurality of through-holes (123FTH).

[0077] The negative lead (121N) of each of the even-numbered battery cells (121) may further include a first portion (121N1) interposed between the positive lead (121P) and the first insulating frame (123F) (more specifically, the support portion (123FS) of the first insulating frame (123F)). The negative lead (121N) of each of the even-numbered battery cells (121) may include a twice-folded shape. The positive lead (121P) of each of the odd-numbered battery cells (121) may include a once-folded shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0078] The negative lead (121N) of each of the even-numbered battery cells (121) can pass through the first insulating frame (123F) twice. The positive lead (121P) of each of the odd-numbered battery cells (121) can pass through the first insulating frame (123F) once.

[0079] The plurality of spacing portions (123FI) may include a rib structure, and thus, the first insulating frame (123F) may have high mechanical strength. The first insulating frame (123F) may include fastening portions (123FC) connected to some of the plurality of spacing portions (123FI). The fastening portions (123FC) may be used to fasten the first insulating frame (123F) and the first insulating cover (123C1).

[0080] According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of pads (122) may overlap with a corresponding one of the plurality of spacing portions (123FI) in the Y direction. According to exemplary embodiments, the plurality of pads (122) may be staggered with the plurality of lead supports (123FS). According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of pads (122) may not overlap with each of the plurality of lead supports (123FS) in the Y direction. According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of pads (122) may be spaced apart from each of the plurality of lead supports (123FS) in the X direction.

[0081] The first integrated circuit (123I) may be mounted on the first insulating frame (123F). The first integrated circuit (123I) may be configured to be electrically connected to the positive lead (121P) of each of the odd-numbered battery cells (121) and the negative lead (121N) of each of the even-numbered battery cells (121). The first integrated circuit (123I) may be configured to detect voltages of a plurality of nodes formed by a plurality of battery cells (121).

[0082] The first integrated circuit (123I) may include a plurality of sensing plates welded to the positive leads (121P) of the odd-numbered battery cells (121) and the negative leads (121N) of the even-numbered battery cells (121). The first integrated circuit (123I) may also be connected to the positive leads (121P) of each of the odd-numbered battery cells (121) and the negative leads (121N) of each of the even-numbered battery cells (121) via wires, in which case the plurality of sensing plates may be omitted.

[0083] A first insulating cover (123C1) may be mounted on a first insulating frame (123F). The first insulating cover (123C1) may be coupled to the first insulating frame (123F) in a fitting manner. The first insulating cover (123C1) may include an insulating material. The first insulating cover (123C1) may cover and protect the positive lead (121P) of each of the odd-numbered battery cells (121) and the negative lead (121N) of each of the even-numbered battery cells (121). The first insulating cover (123C1) may include slits that expose the bus bars (123P, 123N). The bus bars (123P, 123N) may contact external electrical elements (e.g., inter-bus bars, etc.) through the slits of the first insulating cover (123C1).

[0084] The second insulating cover (123C2) can be mounted on the first insulating cover (123C1). The second insulating cover (123C2) can be coupled to the first insulating cover (123C1) in a fitting manner. The second insulating cover (123C2) can include an insulating material. An additional integrated circuit can be located between the second insulating cover (123C2) and the first insulating cover (123C1). The additional integrated circuit can be connected to the first integrated circuit (123I).

[0085] The second integrated circuit assembly (124) may be located at the rear of the battery cell assembly (120). The front of the battery cell assembly (120) may be opposite the rear of the battery cell assembly (120). The second integrated circuit assembly (124) may be spaced apart from the first integrated circuit assembly (123) with a plurality of battery cells (121) therebetween. The second integrated circuit assembly (124) may be coupled to the plurality of battery cells (121). There may be a negative lead (121N) of each of the odd-numbered battery cells (121) and a positive lead (121P) of each of the even-numbered battery cells (121) on the second side.

[0086] The distance between the negative lead (121N) of each of the odd-numbered battery cells (121) and the second integrated circuit assembly (124) may be smaller than the distance between the negative lead (121N) of each of the odd-numbered battery cells (121) and the first integrated circuit assembly (123).

[0087] The distance between the positive lead (121P) of each of the even-numbered battery cells (121) and the second integrated circuit assembly (124) may be smaller than the distance between the positive lead (121P) of each of the even-numbered battery cells (121) and the first integrated circuit assembly (123).

[0088] The second integrated circuit assembly (124) may include a second insulating frame (124F), a second integrated circuit (124I), and an insulating cover (124C). The second insulating frame (124F) may include an insulating material. The second insulating frame (123F) may support the second integrated circuit (124I), the insulating cover (124C), the negative lead (121N) of each of the odd-numbered battery cells (121), and the positive lead (121N) of each of the even-numbered battery cells (121).

[0089] The second insulating frame (124F) may include a plurality of lead supports (124FS) and a plurality of spacing portions (124FI). The plurality of lead supports (124FS) and the plurality of spacing portions (124FI) may alternate in the X direction. One of the plurality of spacing portions (124FI) may be located between two adjacent lead supports (124FS), and one of the plurality of lead supports (124FS) may be located between two adjacent spacing portions (124FI).

[0090] A plurality of first slits (124FS1) may be between a plurality of lead supports (124FS) and a plurality of spacing portions (124FI). The plurality of first slits (124FS1) may be boundaries between the plurality of lead supports (124FS) and the plurality of spacing portions (124FI).

[0091] The plurality of second slits (124FS2) may be between the plurality of lead supports (124FS) and the plurality of spacing portions (124FI). The plurality of second slits (124FS2) may be boundaries between the plurality of lead supports (124FS) and the plurality of spacing portions (124FI).

[0092] The plurality of first slits (124FS1) and the plurality of second slits (124FS2) can be alternated in the X direction. One of the plurality of second slits (124FS2) can be between two adjacent ones of the plurality of first slits (124FS1), and one of the plurality of first slits (124FS1) can be between two adjacent ones of the plurality of second slits (124FS2).

[0093] Each of the plurality of first slits (124FS1) and the plurality of second slits (124FS2) can penetrate the second insulating frame (124F) in the Y direction. Each of the plurality of first slits (124FS1) and the plurality of second slits (124FS2) can have a narrow width in the X direction. Each of the plurality of first slits (124FS1) and the plurality of second slits (124FS2) can have a height in the Z direction that is greater than the width in the X direction. Each of the plurality of first slits (124FS1) and the plurality of second slits (124FS2) can allow the second insulating frame (124F) to be penetrated by the positive leads (121P) and the negative leads (121N) of the plurality of battery cells (121).

[0094] Each of the plurality of first slits (124FS1) may overlap with a corresponding one of the even-numbered battery cells (121) in the Y direction. The positive lead (121P) of each of the even-numbered battery cells (121) may pass through a corresponding one of the plurality of first slits (124FS1). Each of the plurality of second slits (124FS2) may overlap with a corresponding one of the odd-numbered battery cells (121) in the Y direction. The negative lead (121N) of each of the odd-numbered battery cells (121) may pass through a corresponding one of the plurality of second slits (124FS2).

[0095] The second insulating frame (124F) may further include a plurality of third slits (124FS3). The plurality of third slits (124FS3) may be located in corresponding ones of the plurality of lead supports (124FS). Each of the plurality of third slits (124FS3) may be interposed between one of the plurality of first slits (124FS1) and one of the plurality of second slits (124FS2).

[0096] Each of the plurality of third slits (124FS3) can penetrate the second insulating frame (124F) in the Y direction. Each of the plurality of third slits (124FS3) can have a narrow width in the X direction. Each of the plurality of third slits (124FS3) can have a height in the Z direction that is greater than the width in the X direction. Each of the plurality of third slits (124FS3) can allow the second insulating frame (124F) to be penetrated by the negative leads (121N) of the even-numbered battery cells (121).

[0097] The negative lead (121N) of each of the odd-numbered battery cells (121) can pass through a corresponding one of the plurality of third slits (124FS3). The negative lead (121N) of each of the even-numbered battery cells (121) can overlap a corresponding one of the plurality of third slits (124FS3) in the Y direction.

[0098] The second insulating frame (124F) may include a plurality of through holes (124FTH). The plurality of through holes (124FTH) may extend in the Z direction. The plurality of through holes (124FTH) may penetrate the second insulating frame (124F). While the positive lead (121P) and the negative lead (121N) are welded to each other, a penetration jig may be inserted into the plurality of through holes (124FTH), thereby preventing damage to the second insulating frame (124F) by an energy source during the welding process.

[0099] Each of the plurality of through-holes (124FTH) may be located in a corresponding one of the plurality of lead supports (124FS). Each of the plurality of through-holes (124FTH) may be connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of third slits (124FS3). The negative lead (121N) of each of the odd-numbered battery cells (121) passing through a corresponding one of the plurality of third slits (124FS3) may include a second portion (121N2) located in a corresponding one of the plurality of through-holes (124FTH).

[0100] The negative lead (121N) of each of the odd-numbered battery cells (121) may further include a first portion (121N1) interposed between the positive lead (121P) and the second insulating frame (124F) (more specifically, the support portion (124FS) of the second insulating frame (124F)). The negative lead (121N) of each of the odd-numbered battery cells (121) may include a twice-folded shape. The positive lead (121P) of each of the even-numbered battery cells (121) may include a once-folded shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0101] The negative lead (121N) of each of the odd-numbered battery cells (121) can pass through the second insulating frame (124F) twice. The positive lead (121P) of each of the even-numbered battery cells (121) can pass through the second insulating frame (124F) once.

[0102] The plurality of spacing portions (124FI) may include a rib structure, and thus, the second insulating frame (124F) may have high mechanical strength. The second insulating frame (124F) may include fastening portions (124FC) connected to some of the plurality of spacing portions (124FI). The fastening portions (124FC) may be used to fasten the second insulating frame (124F) and the insulating cover (124C).

[0103] According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of pads (122) may overlap with a corresponding one of the plurality of lead supports (124FS) in the Y direction. According to exemplary embodiments, the plurality of pads (122) may be staggered with the plurality of spacing portions (124FI). According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of pads (122) may not overlap with each of the plurality of spacing portions (124FI) in the Y direction. According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of pads (122) may be spaced apart from each of the plurality of spacing portions (124FI) in the X direction.

[0104] The width in the X direction of each of the plurality of lead supports (123FS) may be different from the width in the X direction of each of the plurality of lead supports (124FS). The width in the X direction of each of the plurality of lead supports (123FS) may be smaller than the width in the X direction of each of the plurality of lead supports (124FS).

[0105] The length of the portion of the negative lead (121N) in the plurality of through-holes (123FTH) may be different from the length of the portion of the negative lead (121N) in the plurality of through-holes (124FTH). The length of the portion of the negative lead (121N) in the plurality of through-holes (123FTH) may be longer than the length of the portion of the negative lead (121N) in the plurality of through-holes (124FTH).

[0106] The width in the X direction of each of the plurality of spacing portions (123FI) may be different from the width in the X direction of each of the plurality of spacing portions (123FI). The width in the X direction of each of the plurality of spacing portions (123FI) may be greater than the width in the X direction of each of the plurality of spacing portions (123FI).

[0107] The width of each of the plurality of lead supports (123FS) in the X direction is a difference in the width of each of the plurality of lead supports (124FS) in the X direction, and the width of each of the plurality of spacing parts (123FI) in the X direction is a difference in the width of each of the plurality of spacing parts (124FI) in the X direction, and the width of each of the plurality of pads (122) and the battery cells (121) are derived from the arrangement of the plurality of pads (122) and the plurality of battery cells (121).

[0108] According to exemplary embodiments, the negative lead (121N) of each of the plurality of battery cells (121) can be inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of through-holes (123FTH) and the plurality of through-holes (124FTH) through a corresponding one of the plurality of third slits (123FS3) and the plurality of third slits (124FS3), so that a cutting process of the negative lead (121N) of each of the plurality of battery cells (121) can be omitted despite a difference between the width of each of the plurality of lead supports (123FS) in the X direction and the width of each of the plurality of lead supports (124FS) in the X direction. According to exemplary embodiments, a cutting process of the positive lead (121P) and the negative lead (121N) of each of the plurality of battery cells (121) can be omitted, and the throughput of secondary battery manufacturing can be improved.

[0109] According to exemplary embodiments, since the lead cutting process is not performed, the lengths of the negative leads (121N) protruding from the cell cases (121C) of each of the plurality of battery cells (121) may be substantially the same as each other. According to exemplary embodiments, since the lead cutting process is not performed, the lengths of the positive leads (121P) protruding from the cell cases (121C) of each of the plurality of battery cells (121) may be substantially the same as each other.

[0110] The second integrated circuit (124I) may be mounted on the second insulating frame (124F). The second integrated circuit (124I) may be configured to be electrically connected to the negative lead (121N) of each of the odd-numbered battery cells (121) and the positive lead (121P) of each of the even-numbered battery cells (121). The second integrated circuit (124I) may be configured to detect voltages of a plurality of nodes formed by a plurality of battery cells (121).

[0111] The second insulating cover (124C) can be mounted on the second frame (124F). The second insulating cover (124C) can be coupled to the second frame (124F) in a fitting manner. The second insulating cover (124C) can include an insulating material. The second insulating cover (124C) can cover and protect the negative lead (121N) of each of the odd-numbered battery cells (121) and the positive lead (121P) of each of the even-numbered battery cells (121).

[0112] The side beams (126) may be spaced apart from each other with a plurality of battery cells (121) therebetween. The side beams (126) may cover the plurality of battery cells (121). The side beams (126) may horizontally support the plurality of battery cells (121). The side beams (126) may be fixed to the plurality of battery cells (121) by an adhesive material or the like.

[0113] According to exemplary embodiments, the side beams (126) may have substantially the same shape as each other. According to exemplary embodiments, the side beams (126) may be arranged symmetrically. When the battery cell assembly (120) is loaded onto the pack housing (110, see FIG. 13), the side beams (126) may be coupled to corresponding ones of the support beams of the pack housing (110, see FIG. 13). The side beams (126) may be fastened to corresponding ones of the support beams through a mechanical method such as bolting.

[0114] An FFC (Flat Flexible Cable) assembly (127) may be located on the battery cells (121). The FFC assembly (127) may have a roughly linear shape. The FFC assembly (127) may connect the first integrated circuit (124I) and the second integrated circuit (124I) to each other. Voltage values ​​collected by the second integrated circuit (124I) may be transmitted to the first integrated circuit (124I) through the FFC assembly (127).

[0115]

[0116] (Example 2)

[0117] FIG. 11 is a partial plan view illustrating a first insulating frame (123F') according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0118] FIG. 12 is a partial plan view illustrating a second insulating frame (124F') according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0119] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the first insulating frame (123F') may include a plurality of lead supports (123FS') and a plurality of spacing portions (123FI') that alternate in the X direction, and the second insulating frame (124F') may include a plurality of lead supports (124FS') and a plurality of spacing portions (124FI') that alternate in the X direction.

[0120] The first insulating frame (123F') is generally similar to the first insulating frame (123F) of FIG. 7, but each of the plurality of pads (122) can overlap with a corresponding one of the plurality of lead supports (123FS') in the Y direction, and accordingly, the width of each of the plurality of lead supports (123FS') in the X direction can be larger than the width of each of the plurality of lead supports (123FS) in the X direction, and the width of each of the plurality of spacing portions (123FI') in the X direction can be smaller than the width of each of the plurality of spacing portions (123FI) in the X direction.

[0121] The second insulating frame (124F') is generally similar to the second insulating frame (124F) of FIG. 9, but each of the plurality of pads (122) may not overlap each of the plurality of lead supports (124FS') in the Y direction, and accordingly, the width of each of the plurality of lead supports (124FS') in the X direction may be smaller than the width of each of the plurality of lead supports (124FS) in the X direction, and the width of each of the plurality of spacing portions (124FI') in the X direction may be larger than the width of each of the plurality of spacing portions (124FI) in the X direction.

[0122]

[0123] (Example 3)

[0124] FIG. 13 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack (100) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 13, a battery pack (100) may include a pack housing (110) and a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The battery pack (100) may be a final product mounted in an application such as a vehicle.

[0126] The pack housing (110) can provide a space for mounting battery cell assemblies (120). The pack housing (110) can include a base plate (111), side walls (112, 113, 114, 115), and a center beam (116).

[0127] The base plate (111) and the side walls (112, 113) may each be provided by an extrusion process. The extrusion direction of each of the base plate (111) and the side walls (112, 113) may be the X direction. The side walls (114, 115) may also be provided by an extrusion process. The side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) may be substantially perpendicular to the base plate (111).

[0128] According to exemplary embodiments, the base plate (111) and side walls (112, 113) may be joined by friction stir welding. The base plate (111) may include a plurality of unit plates joined by friction stir welding.

[0129] The center beam (116) may extend in the X direction. The center beam (116) may be interposed between the side walls (112, 113). The center beam (116) may be included in a center plate, which is one of a plurality of unit plates that are friction stir welded to each other. Accordingly, the center beam (116) may be formed together with the center plate, and the center beam (116) may be a continuous element integrally formed with the center plate.

[0130] The base plate (111) may include a plurality of cooling channels. The plurality of cooling channels may provide passages for the movement of a coolant, such as water, for example. The plurality of cooling channels may be formed by an extrusion process. The plurality of cooling channels may extend in the X direction. The plurality of cooling channels may be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction.

[0131] A plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may be arranged on a base plate (111) of a pack housing (110). The base plate (111) may support the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). Side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) may horizontally surround the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) may protect the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120).

[0132] Each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) is substantially the same as the battery cell assembly (120) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. The arrangement of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) in FIG. 4 may be referred to as a 2*2 arrangement. The arrangement of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) disclosed in FIG. 4 is a non-limiting example and does not limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention in any sense. A person skilled in the art will be able to easily arrive at a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) arranged in P*Q (wherein, P and Q are each integers greater than or equal to 1) based on the description herein.

[0133] The battery pack (100) may further include a Battery Management System (BMS). The BMS may be configured to monitor, balance, and control the battery pack (100). Monitoring of the battery pack (100) may include measuring voltage and current of specific nodes within a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) and measuring temperatures of set locations within the battery pack (100).

[0134] Balancing of a battery pack (100) is an operation that reduces the deviation between multiple battery cell assemblies (120). Control of the battery pack (100) includes preventing overcharge, overdischarge, and overcurrent. Through monitoring, balancing, and control, the battery pack (100) can operate under optimal conditions, thereby preventing shortening of the lifespan of each of the multiple battery cell assemblies (120).

[0135] The battery pack (100) may further include leads coupled to side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) of the pack housing (110). The leads may cover elements mounted inside the battery pack (100), such as a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) and electrical components. The leads may be secured to the pack housing (110) by mechanical coupling means, such as bolting.

[0136] The battery pack may further include exhaust devices coupled to the sidewalls (114, 115). Either of the sidewalls (114, 115) may include exhaust holes connected to the exhaust devices. The exhaust devices may be configured to delay thermal propagation by releasing high-temperature gas within the battery pack (100) to the outside when a thermal runway event occurs in the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120).

[0137] Here, thermal runaway of multiple battery cell assemblies (120) is a state in which temperature changes of multiple battery cell assemblies (120) further accelerate the temperature change, which is an uncontrollable positive feedback. Multiple battery cell assemblies (120) in a state of thermal runaway exhibit a rapid temperature increase and emit a large amount of high-pressure gas and combustion debris.

[0138] The battery pack (100) may further include additional electrical components, such as a cooling device, a PRA (Power Relay Assembly), and a safety plug. The cooling device may include a cooling fan. The cooling fan may prevent overheating of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) by circulating air inside the battery pack (100). The PRA may be configured to supply or cut off power from the high-voltage battery to an external load (e.g., a vehicle motor). The PRA may protect the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) and the external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) by cutting off power supply to the external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) in a situation where an abnormal voltage, such as a voltage surge, occurs. Additional electrical components may be interposed between the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) and the sidewall (115). The space between the battery cell assemblies (120) and the sidewall (115) may also be referred to as an electrical component mounting area.

[0139] The battery pack (100) may further include a plurality of inter-busbars configured to electrically connect a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may be connected in series by the plurality of inter-busbars. Accordingly, the battery pack (100) may be configured to output a high voltage to an external load (e.g., a vehicle motor).

[0140]

[0141] The present invention has been described in more detail through drawings and examples. However, the configurations described in the drawings or examples described in this specification are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modified examples may exist as of the time of this application.

Claims

1. A first battery cell comprising a first positive lead and a first negative lead; a second battery cell comprising a second positive lead and a second negative lead; and A first integrated circuit assembly coupled to the first and second battery cells and including a first insulating frame, A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the first insulating frame includes a first slit penetrated by the first negative lead of the first battery cell, a second slit penetrated by the second positive lead of the second battery cell, and a third slit penetrated by the first negative lead of the first battery cell.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the third slit is located between the first slit and the second slit.

3. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the third slit overlaps the second positive lead.

4. In paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the first negative lead of the first battery cell includes a portion between the first battery cell and the first insulating frame.

5. In paragraph 1, The first insulating frame further includes a first through hole penetrating the first insulating frame, and A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the third slit is connected to the first through hole.

6. In paragraph 5, A battery cell assembly, characterized in that a portion of the first negative lead of the first battery cell is in the first through hole.

7. In paragraph 1, a third battery cell comprising a third positive lead and a third negative lead; and Further comprising a second integrated circuit assembly coupled to the first to third battery cells and including a second insulating frame, A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the second insulating frame includes a fourth slit penetrated by the third positive lead of the third battery cell, a fifth slit penetrated by the second negative lead of the second battery cell, and a sixth slit penetrated by the second negative lead of the second battery cell.

8. In paragraph 7, A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the sixth slit is located between the fourth slit and the fifth slit.

9. In paragraph 7, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the sixth slit overlaps the third positive lead.

10. In paragraph 7, The second insulating frame further includes a second through hole penetrating the second insulating frame, and A battery cell assembly characterized in that the third slit is connected to the second through hole.

11. In paragraph 10, A battery cell assembly, characterized in that a portion of the second negative lead of the second battery cell is in the second through hole.

12. A first battery cell comprising a first positive lead and a first negative lead; a second battery cell comprising a second positive lead and a second negative lead; and A first integrated circuit assembly coupled to the first and second battery cells and including a first insulating frame, A second integrated circuit assembly coupled to the first and second battery cells and including a second insulating frame, Each of the first and second cathode leads has a double-folded shape, and A battery cell assembly, wherein each of the first and second positive electrode leads has a single-folded shape.

13. In paragraph 12, The first cathode lead penetrates the first insulating frame twice, and A battery cell assembly characterized in that the second negative lead penetrates the second insulating frame twice.

14. In paragraph 12, The first anode lead penetrates the second insulating frame once, and A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the second positive lead penetrates the first insulating frame once.

15. In paragraph 12, The first insulating frame includes a first through hole extending in a first direction, The second insulating frame includes a second through hole extending in the first direction, The above first cathode lead is in the above first through hole, and A battery cell assembly, characterized in that the second negative lead is in the second through hole.

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