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 plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction; and a first integrated circuit assembly including a first integrated circuit electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells, and a first spark sensor connected to the first integrated circuit, wherein the first spark sensor detects sparks generated in the plurality of battery cells.

Description

Battery cell assembly and battery pack including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell assembly and a battery pack comprising the same. The present application claims the benefit of Korean application No. 10-2024-0160461, filed on November 12, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as energy sources for various wireless devices such as handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, as the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has decreased dramatically due to improved energy density and economies of scale, and as the driving range of BEVs (battery electric vehicles) has increased to a level equivalent to that of fuel vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0003] The trend in the technological development of secondary batteries for mobility is the improvement of energy density and safety. The safety of secondary batteries for mobility is critical as it is directly related to the lives of passengers. The safety of secondary batteries can be achieved through mechanical robustness, the reliability of electrical insulation, and the delay of heat transfer in the event of a thermal runaway event.

[0004] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery cell assembly with enhanced safety and a battery pack using 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 comprises a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction; and a first integrated circuit assembly comprising a first integrated circuit electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells and a first spark sensor connected to the first integrated circuit, wherein the first spark sensor is configured to detect a spark generated in the plurality of battery cells.

[0006] The first spark sensor mentioned above is optical-based.

[0007] The first spark sensor above includes a photodetector.

[0008] The first spark sensor is configured to detect the spark generated at the top of the plurality of battery cells.

[0009] The first spark sensor is configured to detect the spark generated at the positive lead and / or negative lead of each of the plurality of battery cells.

[0010] The first integrated circuit assembly further includes a second spark sensor connected to the first integrated circuit.

[0011] The first spark sensor is configured to detect the spark generated in the first battery cells among a plurality of battery cell assemblies, and the second spark sensor is configured to detect the spark generated in the second battery cells different from the first battery cells among a plurality of battery cell assemblies.

[0012] The first and second spark sensors are arranged in the first direction.

[0013] The battery pack further includes a second integrated circuit assembly spaced apart from the first integrated circuit assembly with the plurality of battery cells in between, and the second integrated circuit assembly further includes a third spark sensor configured to detect the spark.

[0014] The second integrated circuit assembly further includes a fourth spark sensor configured to detect the spark.

[0015] The third spark sensor is configured to detect the spark generated in the first battery cells among the plurality of battery cell assemblies, and the fourth spark sensor is configured to detect the spark generated in the second battery cells different from the first battery cells among the plurality of battery cell assemblies.

[0016] The above third and fourth spark sensors are arranged in the above first direction.

[0017] According to exemplary embodiments, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack comprises a pack housing including a base plate; a battery cell assembly on the pack housing; and a Battery Management System (BMS) configured to control the battery cell assembly, wherein the battery cell assembly comprises a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction and a first integrated circuit assembly including a first integrated circuit electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells and a first spark sensor connected to the first integrated circuit, and the first spark sensor is configured to detect a spark occurring in the plurality of battery cells.

[0018] The above BMS is configured to control the battery cell assembly based on signals detected by the first spark sensors.

[0019] A battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes spark sensors configured to detect sparks based on optics. Accordingly, a spark occurring in the battery cell assembly can be quickly detected, and rapid action can be taken to prevent a thermal runaway event.

[0020] The effects obtainable from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of 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.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a battery cell assembly according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0029] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Instead, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best describe his invention, they should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0030] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0031] In addition, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions may obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0032] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the size or proportion of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size or proportion.

[0033]

[0034] (1st embodiment)

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell assembly (120) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a battery cell assembly (120) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a battery cell assembly (120) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the battery cell assembly (120) may include a plurality of battery cells (121), pads (122), a first integrated circuit assembly (123), a second integrated circuit assembly (124), and a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC) assembly (127).

[0039] Each of the plurality of battery cells (121) may be a lithium-ion battery. Each of the plurality of battery cells (121) includes an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a case. Each of the plurality of battery cells (121) may be any one of a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, and a pouch-type battery cell. The electrode assembly of the cylindrical battery cell is embedded in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of the prismatic battery cell is embedded in a prismatic metal can. The electrode assembly of the pouch-type battery cell is embedded in a pouch case containing an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0040] The electrode assembly may include an anode, a cathode, and a separator interposed between the anode and the cathode. The electrode assembly may be either a jelly-roll type or a stack type. A jelly-roll type electrode assembly may include a wound structure of an anode, a cathode, and a separator interposed between them. A stack type electrode assembly may include a plurality of sequentially stacked anodes, a plurality of cathodes, and a plurality of separators interposed between them.

[0041] Each of the plurality of battery cells (121) may include a positive lead (121P) and a negative lead (121N). Each electrode assembly of the plurality of battery cells (121) may be connected to the positive lead (121P) and the negative lead (121N).

[0042] Multiple battery cells (121) may form multiple banks. Each of the multiple banks may include one or more battery cells (121). One or more battery cells (121) of each of the multiple banks may be connected in parallel with each other. Multiple banks may be connected in series with each other. Multiple banks may include a first bank, a last bank, and intermediate banks between them.

[0043] The positive lead (121P) of each of one or more battery cells (121) of the first bank can be short-circuited with the bus bar (123P). The positive lead (121P) of each of one or more battery cells (121) of the first bank can be welded with the bus bar (123P).

[0044] The negative lead (121N) of each of one or more battery cells (121) of the last bank can be short-circuited with the bus bar (123N). The negative lead (121N) of each of one or more battery cells (121) of the last bank can be welded with the bus bar (123N).

[0045] A plurality of battery cells (121) may be arranged in the X direction. A plurality of pads (122) may be provided between the plurality of battery cells (121). Each of the plurality of pads (122) may contain a compressible material. According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of pads (122) may contain PU (Polyurethane). According to exemplary embodiments, the plurality of pads (122) may absorb swelling of the plurality of battery cells (121). According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of pads (122) may be a thermal separator.

[0046] According to exemplary embodiments, two of the banks may be interposed between a plurality of pads (122). According to other exemplary embodiments, the plurality of pads (122) and the banks may be arranged alternately.

[0047] The first integrated circuit assembly (123) and the second integrated circuit assembly (124) may be spaced apart in the Y direction with a plurality of battery cells (121) in between. The first integrated circuit assembly (123) and the second integrated circuit assembly (124) may be electrically connected by an FFC assembly (127). Accordingly, sensing values ​​(e.g., voltage, current, and / or temperature) of the second integrated circuit assembly (124) may be transmitted to the first integrated circuit assembly (123) through the FFC assembly (127).

[0048] The first integrated circuit assembly (123) may include a first insulating frame (123F), a first integrated circuit (123I), bus bars (123P, 123N), sensing plates (123SP), sensing bars (123SB1, 123SB2) and spark sensors (123SS).

[0049] The first insulating frame (123F) may include an insulating material such as plastic. The first insulating frame (123F) may cover the front of a plurality of battery cells (121). The first insulating frame (123F) may support a first integrated circuit (123I), bus bars (123P, 123N), sensing plates (123SP), sensing bars (123SB1, 123SB2), and spark sensors (123SS).

[0050] The first insulating frame (123F) may include rib structures, and accordingly, the first insulating frame (123F) may be lightweight while simultaneously providing sufficient rigidity of the first insulating frame (123F). The rib structures of the first insulating frame (123F) may alternate with the lead supports of the first insulating frame (123F). The lead supports of the first insulating frame (123F) may overlap in a direction with the positive leads (121P) of a plurality of battery cells (121) and the negative leads (121N) of a plurality of battery cells (121). Slits may be interposed between the rib structures and the lead supports. The positive leads (121P) and the negative leads (121N) may pass through the slits. As the positive leads (121P) and negative leads (121N) passing through the slits are welded together, a plurality of battery cells (121) and a first insulating frame (123F) can be joined together.

[0051] The bus bars (123P, 123N) may be external connection terminals of the battery cell assembly (120). The resulting voltage of a plurality of battery cells (121) may be output through the bus bars (123P, 123N). The bus bars (123P, 123N) may be fixed to the first insulating frame (123F).

[0052] The first integrated circuit (123I) can be mounted on the first insulating frame (123F). Positive leads (121P) and negative leads (121N) welded to each other can form nodes inside the battery cell assembly (120). The first integrated circuit (123I) can be configured to measure the voltage of the nodes.

[0053] The sensing bars (123SB1, 123SB2) may include a conductive material. The sensing bars (123SB1, 123SB2) may have a rod shape. The sensing bar (123SB1) may be coupled to the bus bar (123P). The sensing bar (123SB1) may be short-circuited to the bus bar (123P). The sensing bar (123SB2) may be coupled to the bus bar (123N). The sensing bar (123SB2) may be short-circuited to the bus bar (123N). Through the sensing bars (123SB1, 123SB2), the voltage of the bus bars (123P, 123N) can be measured.

[0054] Each of the sensing plates (123SP) may have a patch shape or a pad shape. The sensing plates (123SP) may include a conductive material. The sensing plates (123SP) may be short-circuited to corresponding positive leads (121P) and negative leads (121N) of a plurality of battery cells (121). For example, the sensing plates (123SP) may be short-circuited to the positive leads (121P) of each of the battery cells (121) of the odd-numbered bank and the negative leads (121N) of each of the battery cells (121) of the even-numbered bank. The first integrated circuit assembly (120) may further include wiring for connecting the sensing plates (123SP) and corresponding positive leads (121P) and negative leads (121N) of the plurality of battery cells (121).

[0055] The sensing bars (123SB1, 123SB2) and sensing plates (123SP) can provide a path for sensing the voltage of nodes of a circuit composed of a plurality of battery cells (121) to the first integrated circuit (123I).

[0056] Spark sensors (123SS) can be connected to the first integrated circuit (123I). Each of the spark sensors (123SS) can be configured to monitor a plurality of battery cells (121). Each of the spark sensors (123SS) can be configured to detect a spark occurring in at least some of the plurality of battery cells (121). Each of the spark sensors (123SS) can be configured to detect a spark occurring at the top of the plurality of battery cells (121). In this case, the top of the plurality of battery cells (121) is a portion including a folding portion.

[0057] The upper portion of each of the plurality of battery cells (121) may be closer to the FFC assembly (127) in the Z direction than the lower portion of each of the plurality of battery cells (121). The Z direction may be substantially perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction, respectively.

[0058] Each of the spark sensors (123SS) may be an optical-based sensor. Each of the spark sensors (123SS) may include a photodetector. Each of the spark sensors (123SS) may be configured to detect light having a characteristic intensity-wavelength profile of a spark occurring in a plurality of battery cells (121). The spark may be caused by an unwanted short circuit around the plurality of battery cells (121) or by static electricity around the plurality of battery cells (121), and may be a precursor signal of a thermal runway event. Repeated sparks occurring in the plurality of battery cells (121) may cause a thermal runway event by damaging some of the plurality of battery cells (121).

[0059] Here, thermal runaway of multiple battery cells (121) is a state in which a temperature change of multiple battery cells (121) further accelerates the temperature change, which is an uncontrollable positive feedback. Multiple battery cells (121) in a thermal runaway state exhibit a rapid temperature rise and emit a large amount of high-pressure gas and combustion residue.

[0060] Spark sensors (123SS) can be arranged in the X direction. Multiple battery cells (121) can be classified into groups, and each spark sensor (123SS) can be configured to detect a spark occurring in a corresponding group among the groups composed of multiple battery cells (121). Neighboring groups among the above-described groups may include common battery cells (121). That is, some of the multiple battery cells (121) may be monitored by two of the spark sensors (123SS).

[0061] One of the spark sensors (123SS) may be configured to detect a spark occurring in some of the plurality of battery cells (121), and another of the spark sensors (123SS) may be configured to detect a spark occurring in other of the plurality of battery cells (121). A person skilled in the art will be able to easily arrive at an embodiment in which the first integrated circuit assembly (123) comprises a single spark sensor based on what is described herein.

[0062] The first integrated circuit assembly (123) may further include an insulating cover. The insulating cover may include an insulating material such as plastic. The insulating cover may be fitted into the first insulating frame (123F). The insulating cover may cover the first integrated circuit (123I), bus bars (123P, 123N), sensing plates (123SP), sensing bars (123SB1, 123SB2), and spark sensors (123SS), and accordingly, the electrical elements of the first integrated circuit assembly (123) may be protected.

[0063] The second integrated circuit assembly (124) may include an insulating frame (124F), an integrated circuit, sensing plates, and an insulating cover. The second integrated circuit assembly (124) is generally similar to the first integrated circuit assembly (123) except that it does not include bus bars, sensing bars, and spark sensors.

[0064]

[0065] (2nd Example)

[0066] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view illustrating a second integrated circuit assembly (124') according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 4, the second integrated circuit assembly (124') may include an insulating frame (124F), an integrated circuit, sensing plates, and spark sensors (124SS). The spark sensors (124SS) may be substantially the same as the spark sensors (123SS) described with reference to FIG. 1 through 3. The spark sensors (124SS) may be arranged in the X direction.

[0068]

[0069] (3rd Example)

[0070] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a battery cell assembly (120') according to exemplary embodiments.

[0071] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a battery cell assembly (120') according to exemplary embodiments.

[0072] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of a battery cell assembly (120') according to exemplary embodiments.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the battery cell assembly (120) may further include a plurality of battery cells (121), pads (122), a first integrated circuit assembly (123'), a second integrated circuit assembly (124), and a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC) assembly (127).

[0074] Since the plurality of battery cells (121), pads (122), second integrated circuit assembly (124), and FFC assembly (127) are substantially the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, a redundant description thereof is omitted.

[0075] The first integrated circuit assembly (123') may include a first insulating frame (123F), a first integrated circuit (123I), bus bars (123P, 123N), sensing plates (123SP), sensing bars (123SB1, 123SB2) and spark sensors (123SS').

[0076] The first insulating frame (123F), the first integrated circuit (123I), the bus bars (123P, 123N), the sensing plates (123SP) and the sensing bars (123SB1, 123SB2) are substantially the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, so a redundant description thereof is omitted.

[0077] Spark sensors (123SS') can be connected to the first integrated circuit (123I). Each of the spark sensors (123SS') can be configured to monitor a plurality of battery cells (121). Each of the spark sensors (123SS') can be configured to detect a spark occurring on the positive lead (121P) and / or negative lead (121N) of at least some of the plurality of battery cells (121). Each of the spark sensors (123SS') is substantially identical to each of the spark sensors (123SS) of FIGS. 1 through 3, except that it faces the positive lead (121P) and / or negative lead (121N).

[0078] Spark sensors (123SS') can be arranged in the X direction. Multiple battery cells (121) can be classified into groups, and each spark sensor (123SS') can be configured to detect a spark occurring in a corresponding group among the multiple battery cells (121). Neighboring groups among the above-described groups may include common battery cells (121). That is, some of the multiple battery cells (121) may be monitored by two of the spark sensors (123SS').

[0079] One of the spark sensors (123SS') may be configured to detect a spark occurring in some of the plurality of battery cells (121), and the other of the spark sensors (123SS') may be configured to detect a spark occurring in other of the plurality of battery cells (121). A person skilled in the art will be able to easily arrive at an embodiment in which the first integrated circuit assembly (123') comprises a single spark sensor based on what is described herein.

[0080]

[0081] (Fourth Example)

[0082] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a battery pack (100) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3 and FIG. 8, the battery pack (100) may include a pack housing (110), a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120), and a Battery Management System (BMS) (130). The battery pack (100) may be a final product mounted in an application such as a vehicle.

[0084] The pack housing (110) may provide a space for mounting a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The pack housing (110) may include a base plate (111), side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) and a center beam (116).

[0085] The mounting surface of the base plate (111) (i.e., the surface facing the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120)) may be substantially parallel to the X direction and the Y direction, respectively. The mounting surface of the base plate (111) may be substantially perpendicular to the Z direction.

[0086] Each of the base plate (111) and the side walls (112, 113) can be provided by an extrusion process. The extrusion direction of each of the base plate (111) and the side walls (112, 113) can be the X direction. The side walls (114, 115) can also be provided by an extrusion process. The side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) can be substantially perpendicular to the base plate (111).

[0087] 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.

[0088] The base plate (111) may include a plurality of cooling channels. The plurality of cooling channels may provide a passage for the movement of a refrigerant, such as water, for example. The plurality of cooling channels may be formed by an extrusion process. The plurality of cooling channels may extend in the X direction. The plurality of cooling channels may be spaced apart in the Y direction.

[0089] 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 through 3. The plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may be 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).

[0090] 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 friction-stirred together. Accordingly, the center beam (116) may be formed together with the center plate, and the center beam (116) may be a continuous element integral with the center plate.

[0091] The center beam (116) can be extended in the X direction. The center beam (116) can isolate a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) in the Y direction. The center beam (116) can be interposed between the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120).

[0092] In FIG. 1, the arrangement of multiple battery cell assemblies (120) can be described as a 3 * 2 arrangement. The arrangement of multiple battery cell assemblies (120) disclosed in FIG. 1 is a non-limiting example and does not limit the technical concept 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 an M * N arrangement (where M and N are each integers greater than or equal to 2) based on what is described herein.

[0093] Thermal Interface Material (TIM) layers may be provided between the base plate (111) of the pack housing (110) and a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The TIM layers may include a resin composition. The TIM layers may be provided by a thermal resin application process.

[0094] The resin composition may be a room-temperature curable composition. That is, the curing reaction of the resin composition may begin and proceed at room temperature. The curing reaction of the resin composition may be accelerated at a temperature higher than room temperature. At a temperature higher than room temperature, the curing reaction rate of the resin composition may be faster than the curing reaction rate of the resin composition at room temperature. As a non-limiting example, the subject of the resin composition may be any one of silicone resin, polyol resin, epoxy resin, and acrylic resin.

[0095] The battery pack (100) may further include leads coupled to the 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.

[0096] The battery pack may further include exhaust devices coupled to the side walls (114, 115). Either of the side walls (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 inside the battery pack (100) to the outside in the event that a thermal runaway event occurs in the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120).

[0097] The BMS (130) may be on the base plate (111). The BMS (130) may be interposed between a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) and a side wall (114). The BMS may be configured to perform monitoring, balancing, and control of the battery pack (100). Monitoring of the battery pack (100) may include monitoring the voltage and current of specific nodes within the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) and monitoring the temperature distribution of set locations within the battery pack (100).

[0098] Balancing of the battery pack (100) is an operation that reduces deviations between multiple battery cell assemblies (120). Control of the battery pack (100) includes preventing overcharging, over-discharging, and overcurrent. Through monitoring, balancing, and control, the battery pack (100) can operate under optimal conditions, and accordingly, the shortening of the lifespan of each of the multiple battery cell assemblies (120) can be prevented.

[0099] Signals detected by spark sensors (123SS) of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) can be transmitted to the BMS (130) via the first integrated circuit (123I). The BMS (130) may be configured to communicate wirelessly with the first integrated circuit (123I) of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The battery pack (100) may further include a cable for signal transmission between the BMS (130) and the first integrated circuit (123I) of each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). Each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may be replaced with the battery cell assembly (120') of FIGS. 5 to 7.

[0100] According to exemplary embodiments, the BMS (130) may be configured to control a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) based on signals detected by spark sensors (123SS). The BMS (130) may be configured to cut off power to a problematic battery cell assembly (120) or to regulate the output.

[0101] The battery pack (100) may further include additional electrical components such as a cooling device, a Power Relay Assembly (PRA), and a safety plug. The cooling device may include a cooling fan. The cooling fan can prevent overheating of each of the multiple 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 can protect the multiple 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 situations where abnormal voltage occurs, such as a voltage surge.

[0102] Additional electrical components may be interposed between the multiple battery cell assemblies (120) and the side wall (114). The space between the battery cell assemblies (120) and the side wall (114) may be referred to as an electrical component mounting area.

[0103] The battery pack (100) may further include a plurality of interbus bars configured to electrically connect a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may be connected in series by the plurality of interbus bars. Accordingly, the battery pack (100) may be configured to output a high voltage to an external load (e.g., a motor of a vehicle).

[0104]

[0105] The present invention has been described in more detail above through drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all technical concepts of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

Claims

1. A plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction; and It includes a first integrated circuit assembly comprising a first integrated circuit electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells and a first spark sensor connected to the first integrated circuit, and A battery cell assembly characterized in that the first spark sensor is configured to detect sparks generated in the plurality of battery cells.

2. In Paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the first spark sensor is optically based.

3. In Paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the first spark sensor includes a photodetector.

4. In Paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the first spark sensor is configured to detect the spark generated at the top of the plurality of battery cells.

5. In Paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the first spark sensor is configured to detect the spark generated at the positive lead and / or negative lead of each of the plurality of battery cells.

6. In Paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the first integrated circuit assembly further includes a second spark sensor connected to the first integrated circuit.

7. In Paragraph 6, The first spark sensor is configured to detect the spark generated in the first battery cells among a plurality of battery cell assemblies, and A battery cell assembly characterized in that the second spark sensor is configured to detect the spark generated in the second battery cells, which are different from the first battery cells among a plurality of battery cell assemblies.

8. In Paragraph 6, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the first and second spark sensors are arranged in the first direction.

9. In Paragraph 6, It further includes a second integrated circuit assembly spaced apart from the first integrated circuit assembly with the plurality of battery cells in between, and A battery cell assembly characterized in that the second integrated circuit assembly further includes a third spark sensor configured to detect the spark.

10. In Paragraph 9, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the second integrated circuit assembly further includes a fourth spark sensor configured to detect the spark.

11. In Paragraph 10, The third spark sensor is configured to detect the spark generated in the first battery cells among a plurality of battery cell assemblies, and A battery cell assembly characterized in that the above-mentioned fourth spark sensor is configured to detect the spark generated in the first battery cells and other second battery cells among a plurality of battery cell assemblies.

12. In Paragraph 10, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the third and fourth spark sensors are arranged in the first direction.

13. Pack housing including a base plate; Battery cell assembly on the above-mentioned pack housing; and It includes a Battery Management System (BMS) configured to control the above battery cell assembly, The battery cell assembly comprises a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction, a first integrated circuit electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells, and a first spark sensor connected to the first integrated circuit, and a first integrated circuit assembly. A battery pack characterized in that the first spark sensor is configured to detect sparks generated in the plurality of battery cells.

14. In Paragraph 13, A battery pack characterized in that the above BMS is configured to control the battery cell assembly based on signals detected by the first spark sensors.

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