Battery cell assembly, and battery pack and vehicle comprising same

Abstract

According to exemplary embodiments, a battery cell assembly is provided. The battery cell assembly may comprise: a first cell stack including a plurality of first battery cells arranged in a first horizontal direction; a second cell stack which includes a plurality of second battery cells arranged in the first horizontal direction, and which neighbors the first cell stack in the first horizontal direction; and a bus bar frame assembly in a second horizontal direction on the side surfaces of the first and second cell stacks. The bus bar frame assembly may include: a bus bar frame extending in the first horizontal direction so as to cover the side surfaces of the first and second cell stacks in the second horizontal direction; a first cathode terminal bus bar and a first anode terminal bus bar, each on the bus bar frame and connected to the first battery cells; and a second cathode terminal bus bar and a second anode terminal bus bar, each on the bus bar frame and connected to the second battery cells.

Description

Battery cell assembly, battery pack including the same, and automobile

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell assembly, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile. The present application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2025-0076865 filed on June 12, 2025 and Korean Application No. 10-2025-0011844 filed on January 24, 2025, which are incorporated herein by reference in their 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 technological development trend for rechargeable batteries in mobility is the improvement of energy density and safety. Here, the energy density of a rechargeable battery is defined as the maximum electrical energy that can be stored by the battery's mass. As high energy density is directly linked to driving efficiency and range in mobility applications, various studies are being conducted to improve this energy density.

[0004] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide an automobile with improved energy efficiency and space utilization.

[0005] According to exemplary embodiments for solving the above-described problem, a battery cell assembly is provided. The battery cell assembly may include: a first cell stack comprising a plurality of first battery cells arranged in a first horizontal direction; a second cell stack comprising a plurality of second battery cells arranged in the first horizontal direction and adjacent to the first cell stack in the first horizontal direction; and a bus bar frame assembly on the side of the first and second cell stacks in the second horizontal direction. The bus bar frame assembly may include: a bus bar frame extending in the first horizontal direction to cover the side of the first and second cell stacks in the second horizontal direction; a first positive terminal bus bar and a first negative terminal bus bar located on the bus bar frame and respectively connected to the first battery cells; and a second positive terminal bus bar and a second negative terminal bus bar located on the bus bar frame and respectively connected to the second battery cells.

[0006] The above bus bar frame can be formed as a single unit.

[0007] The battery cell assembly may further include first and second sensing assemblies connected to the bus bar frame assembly. The first sensing assembly may be configured to measure the voltage of the first battery cells. The second sensing assembly may be configured to measure the voltage of the second battery cells.

[0008] The second sensing assembly may further include a circuit board; and temperature sensors located on the circuit board and configured to individually measure the temperature of each of the second battery cells.

[0009] The number of the above temperature sensors may be equal to the number of the above second battery cells.

[0010] The first sensing assembly may include a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). The second sensing assembly may include a Flexible Printed Circuit Board (FPCB).

[0011] The bus bar frame assembly may include: a first insulating cover that is on the bus bar frame and covers the first positive terminal bus bar, the first negative terminal bus bar, the second positive terminal bus bar, and the second negative terminal bus bar; a circuit assembly on the first insulating cover; and a second insulating cover that is on the first insulating cover and covers the circuit assembly.

[0012] The circuit assembly may include a first circuit board configured to monitor the voltage of the first battery cells; and a second circuit board configured to monitor the voltage of the second battery cells.

[0013] The output voltage of the first cell stack may be different from the output voltage of the second cell stack.

[0014] The output voltage of the first cell stack may be greater than the output voltage of the second cell stack.

[0015] The number of the first battery cells may be different from the number of the second battery cells.

[0016] The number of the first battery cells may be greater than the number of the second battery cells.

[0017] The second cell stack can be configured to provide an output voltage of 10 V to 15 V.

[0018] According to exemplary embodiments for solving the above-described problem, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack may include first and second battery cell assemblies. The number of terminal bus bars of the first battery cell assembly may be different from the number of terminal bus bars of the second battery cell assembly.

[0019] A battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention may comprise main battery cells that supply power to a power system and auxiliary battery cells that support auxiliary functions for electronic components of a vehicle as a single battery cell assembly. Accordingly, the space utilization rate at the vehicle level can be improved, and the weight of the battery pack can be reduced to improve the vehicle's energy efficiency.

[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 an exploded perspective view of a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a bus bar frame assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a sensing assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

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

[0027] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the connection structure of a vehicle according to exemplary embodiments.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032]

[0033] (1st embodiment)

[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0035] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments. In FIG. 2, the side plates (151, 152) are omitted from the illustration.

[0036] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing a bus bar frame assembly (131) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a sensing assembly (142) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0037]

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the battery cell assembly (100) may include a first cell stack (110), a second cell stack (120), bus bar frame assemblies (131, 132), sensing assemblies (141, 142), and side plates (151, 152).

[0039] The first cell stack (110) may include a plurality of battery cells (111) arranged in the X direction. The second cell stack (120) may include a plurality of battery cells (121) arranged in the X direction. The second cell stack (120) may be adjacent to the first cell stack (110) in the X direction. The first and second cell stacks (110, 120) may form a single cell stack.

[0040] Each of the plurality of battery cells (111, 121) may be a lithium-ion battery. Each of the plurality of battery cells (111, 121) may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a case. Each of the plurality of battery cells (111, 121) may be any one of a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, and a pouch-type battery cell. The case of a cylindrical battery cell may be a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of a cylindrical battery cell is embedded in a cylindrical metal can. The case of a prismatic battery cell may be a prismatic metal case. The electrode assembly of a prismatic battery cell is embedded in a prismatic metal can. The case of a pouch-type battery cell may be a pouch sheet. The electrode assembly of a pouch-type battery cell is embedded in a pouch case comprising an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0041] 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.

[0042] Battery cells (111) can be connected to each other to form a first cell stack (110). In one embodiment, the battery cells (111) can be connected in series. In another embodiment, a plurality of battery cells (111) can form a plurality of banks. Each of the plurality of banks may include one or more battery cells (111). One or more battery cells (111) of each of the plurality of banks may be connected in parallel with each other. The plurality of banks may be connected in series with each other. The number of series-connected banks and the number of battery cells (111) included in the plurality of banks may be determined according to the magnitude of the voltage and current to be output from the battery cell assembly (100).

[0043] Battery cells (121) can be connected to each other to form a second cell stack (120). In one embodiment, the battery cells (121) can be connected in series. In another embodiment, a plurality of battery cells (121) can form a plurality of banks. Each of the plurality of banks may include one or more battery cells (121). One or more battery cells (121) of each of the plurality of banks may be connected in parallel with each other. The plurality of banks may be connected in series with each other. The number of series-connected banks and the number of battery cells (121) included in the plurality of banks may be determined according to the magnitude of the voltage and current to be output from the battery cell assembly (100).

[0044] The first and second cell stacks (110, 120) may be electrically separated. The battery cells (111) of the first cell stack (110) may not be connected to the battery cells (121) of the second cell stack (120).

[0045] The output voltage of the first cell stack (110) may be different from the output voltage of the second cell stack (120). The output voltage of the first cell stack (110) may be greater than the output voltage of the second cell stack (120).

[0046] In one embodiment, the first cell stack (110) can provide an output voltage of about 100 V or more. In one embodiment, the first cell stack (110) can provide an output voltage of about 300 V or more. In one embodiment, the first cell stack (110) can provide an output voltage of about 600 V or more. In one embodiment, the first cell stack (110) can provide an output voltage of about 900 V or more. In one embodiment, the first cell stack (110) can provide an output voltage of about 1000 V or more. In one embodiment, the first cell stack (110) can provide an output voltage of about 2000 V or less. In one embodiment, the first cell stack (110) can provide an output voltage of about 1500 V or less. In one embodiment, the first cell stack (110) can provide an output voltage of about 1200 V or less. In one embodiment, the first cell stack (110) can provide an output voltage of about 1000 V or less. In one embodiment, the first cell stack (110) can provide an output voltage of about 900 V or less.

[0047] In one embodiment, the second cell stack (120) can provide an output voltage of about 10 V or more. In one embodiment, the second cell stack (120) can provide an output voltage of about 11 V or more. In one embodiment, the second cell stack (120) can provide an output voltage of about 10 V or more. In one embodiment, the second cell stack (120) can provide an output voltage of about 15 V or less. In one embodiment, the second cell stack (120) can provide an output voltage of about 14 V or more. In one embodiment, the second cell stack (120) can provide an output voltage of about 13 V or more.

[0048] The number of battery cells (111) of the first cell stack (110) may differ from the number of battery cells (121) of the second cell stack (120). The number of battery cells (111) of the first cell stack (110) may be greater than the number of battery cells (121) of the second cell stack (120). In one embodiment, the number of battery cells (111) of the first cell stack (110) may be approximately 30 to 100, and the number of battery cells (121) of the second cell stack (120) may be 2 to 10. As a non-limiting example, the number of battery cells (111) of the first cell stack (110) may be 34, and the number of battery cells (121) of the second cell stack (120) may be 4. For example, the second cell stack (120) may include battery cells (121) having a voltage of about 3.2 V, and may provide an output voltage of about 12 V.

[0049] Battery pads (not shown) may be located between adjacent battery cells (111, 121). Each of the multiple battery cells (111, 121) may be located between two adjacent battery pads. For example, the multiple battery cells (111, 121) and the multiple pads may alternate.

[0050] A plurality of pads may comprise a compressible material. A plurality of pads may absorb swelling of a plurality of battery cells (111, 121). A plurality of pads may be a thermal barrier. According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of pads may have a high melting temperature and a low thermal conductivity. According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of pads may comprise a flame-retardant material, such as ceramic and coated glass material. According to exemplary embodiments, the plurality of pads may be configured to release a fire retarding material and a fire extinguishing agent in the event of a thermal runaway event.

[0051]

[0052] The first bus bar frame assembly (131) may be located on one side in the X direction of the first and second cell stacks (110, 120). The second bus bar frame assembly (132) may be located on the other side in the X direction of the first and second cell stacks (110, 120). The first bus bar frame assembly (131) may be located in front of the first and second cell stacks (110, 120). The second bus bar frame assembly (132) may be located behind the first and second cell stacks (110, 120).

[0053] The first and second bus bar frame assemblies (131, 132) may be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction with the first and second cell stacks (110, 120) in between.

[0054] The first bus bar frame assembly (131) may include a bus bar frame (1311), a first positive terminal bus bar (1313P), a first negative terminal bus bar (1313N), a first insulating cover (1315), a circuit assembly (1318), and a second insulating cover (1319).

[0055] The bus bar frame (1311) can cover one side of the first and second cell stacks (110, 120) in the Y direction. The bus bar frame (1311) can be extended in the X direction. The bus bar frame (1311) can be extended in the X direction to cover all of the first and second battery cells (111, 121) of the first and second cell stacks (110, 120). The bus bar frame (1311) can be formed as a single unit.

[0056] The bus bar frame (1311) may include a plurality of slits. The plurality of slits may be configured to allow the electrode leads of the first and second battery cells (111, 121) to pass through, respectively. The electrode leads of the first and second battery cells (111, 121) that pass through the plurality of slits may be connected to each other. In one embodiment, the electrode leads may be directly connected by welding. In another embodiment, the electrode leads may be welded to a bus bar connecting two or more battery cells. The bus bar frame (1311) may include an insulating material such as plastic.

[0057] The bus bar frame (1311) can support a first positive terminal bus bar (1313P), a first negative terminal bus bar (1313N), a second positive terminal bus bar (1314P), a second negative terminal bus bar (1314N), a first insulating cover (1315), a circuit assembly (1318), and a second insulating cover (1319).

[0058] The first positive terminal bus bar (1313P) and the first negative terminal bus bar (1313N) can each be connected to the first battery cells (111). The first positive terminal bus bar (1313P) can be connected to the positive leads of one or more first battery cells (111). The first negative terminal bus bar (1313N) can be connected to the negative leads of one or more first battery cells (111). The first positive terminal bus bar (1313P) can be welded to the positive leads of one or more first battery cells (111) of the first bank. The first negative terminal bus bar (1313N) can be welded to the negative leads of one or more first battery cells (111) of the last bank. The resulting voltage of a plurality of first battery cells (111) can be output through the first positive terminal bus bar (1313P) and the first negative terminal bus bar (1313N). The first positive terminal bus bar (1313P) and the first negative terminal bus bar (1313N) can be fixed to the bus bar frame (1311).

[0059] The second positive terminal bus bar (1314P) and the second negative terminal bus bar (1314N) can each be connected to the second battery cells (121). The second positive terminal bus bar (1314P) can be connected to the positive leads of one or more second battery cells (121). The second negative terminal bus bar (1314N) can be connected to the negative leads of one or more second battery cells (121). The second positive terminal bus bar (1314P) can be welded to the positive leads of one or more second battery cells (121) of the first bank. The second negative terminal bus bar (1314N) can be welded to the negative leads of one or more second battery cells (121) of the last bank. The resulting voltage of a plurality of second battery cells (121) can be output through the second positive terminal bus bar (1314P) and the second negative terminal bus bar (1314N). The second positive terminal bus bar (1314P) and the second negative terminal bus bar (1314N) can be fixed to the bus bar frame (1311).

[0060] The first terminal bus bars (1313P, 1313N) can be electrically disconnected from the second battery cells (121). The first terminal bus bars (1313P, 1313N) can be electrically disconnected from the second terminal bus bars (1314P, 1314N). The second terminal bus bars (1314P, 1314N) can be electrically disconnected from the first battery cells (111). The second terminal bus bars (1314P, 1314N) can be electrically disconnected from the first terminal bus bars (1313P, 1313N).

[0061]

[0062] A first insulating cover (1315) may be on a bus bar frame (1311). The first insulating cover (1315) may cover a first positive terminal bus bar (1313P), a first negative terminal bus bar (1313N), a second positive terminal bus bar (1314P), and a second negative terminal bus bar (1314N). Accordingly, electrical elements on the bus bar frame (1311) may be protected. The first insulating cover (1315) may include an insulating material such as plastic. In one embodiment, the first insulating cover (1315) may include a recess for accommodating a circuit assembly (1318).

[0063]

[0064] The circuit assembly (1318) may be on the first insulating cover (1315). The circuit assembly (1318) may be fixed on the first insulating cover (1315).

[0065] The circuit assembly (1318) may include a first circuit board (1316) and a second circuit board (1317). The first circuit board (1316) may be configured to measure and monitor the physical characteristics of the first battery cells (111) of the first cell stack (110). For example, the first circuit board (1316) may be configured to measure and monitor the voltage and temperature of the first battery cells (111). The second circuit board (1317) may be configured to measure and monitor the physical characteristics of the second battery cells (121) of the second cell stack (120). For example, the second circuit board (1317) may be configured to measure and monitor the voltage and temperature of the second battery cells (121). In one embodiment, the first and second circuit boards (1316, 1317) may be composed of separate boards.

[0066] The first and second circuit boards (1316, 1317) can collect cell-unit data. The first and second circuit boards (1316, 1317) may each be a Slave Battery Management System (SMS). The first and second circuit boards (1316, 1317) can transmit sensing data of the first and second battery cells (111, 121) to a Master Battery Management System (MBS). In one embodiment, the Slave BMS and the Master BMS may communicate via wired communication via CAN, SPI, UART, or RS-485, etc. In another embodiment, the Slave BMS and the Master BMS may communicate wirelessly.

[0067]

[0068] The second insulating cover (1319) may be on the first insulating cover (1315). The second insulating cover (1319) may cover the circuit assembly (1318). Accordingly, the circuit assembly (1318) may be protected. The second insulating cover (1319) may include an insulating material such as plastic.

[0069]

[0070] The second bus bar frame assembly (132) is generally similar to the first bus bar frame assembly (131), except that it does not include terminal bus bars (1313P, 1313N, 1314P, 1314N).

[0071] The second bus bar frame assembly (132) may include a bus bar frame (1321), a circuit board (not shown), and an insulating cover (1329).

[0072] A temperature sensor (1411) may be provided on the bus bar frame (1321). The temperature sensor (1411) may be fixed on the bus bar frame (1321). The temperature sensor (1411) may be configured to measure the temperature at a specific point of the first cell stack (110).

[0073] A circuit board may be on a bus bar frame (1321). A circuit board may be fixed on the bus bar frame (1321). The circuit board may include a first circuit board and a second circuit board. The first circuit board may be configured to measure and monitor the physical characteristics of the first battery cells (111) of the first cell stack (110). The second circuit board may be configured to measure and monitor the physical characteristics of the second battery cells (121) of the second cell stack (120). In one embodiment, the first and second circuit boards may be composed of separate boards. In another embodiment, the first and second circuit boards may be composed of a single board but may include separate circuit lines. In one embodiment, the circuit board of the second bus bar frame assembly (132) may be a Flexible Printed Circuit Board (FPCB).

[0074]

[0075] Each of the first and second sensing assemblies (141, 142) can be connected to the first and second bus bar frame assemblies (131, 132).

[0076] The first sensing assembly (141) may be configured to measure the physical characteristics of the first battery cells (111) of the first cell stack (110). In one embodiment, the first sensing assembly (141) may be configured to measure the voltage of the first battery cells (111). The positive leads and negative leads of the first battery cells (111) welded to each other may form nodes within the battery cell assembly (100). The first sensing assembly (141) may be configured to measure the voltage of said nodes. The voltage of the first battery cells (111) measured by the first sensing assembly (141) may be calculated and monitored on the first circuit board (1316). In one embodiment, the first sensing assembly (141) may be a Flat Flexible Cable (FFC).

[0077] The second sensing assembly (142) may be configured to measure the physical characteristics of the second battery cells (121) of the second cell stack (120). In one embodiment, the second sensing assembly (142) may be configured to measure the voltage of the second battery cells (121). The positive leads and negative leads of the second battery cells (121) welded to each other may form nodes within the battery cell assembly (100). The second sensing assembly (142) may be configured to measure the voltage of said nodes. The voltage of the second battery cells (121) measured by the second sensing assembly (142) may be calculated and monitored on the second circuit board (1317).

[0078] In one embodiment, the second sensing assembly (142) may be configured to measure the temperature of the second battery cells (121). Referring together to FIG. 4, the second sensing assembly (142) may include a circuit board (1421) and temperature sensors (1422). The circuit board (1421) may be, for example, a Flexible Printed Circuit Board (FPCB). The temperature sensors (1422) may be on the circuit board (1421). The temperature sensors (1422) may be configured to individually measure the temperature of each of the second battery cells (121). In one embodiment, the number of temperature sensors (1422) may be equal to the number of the second battery cells (121). Each temperature sensor (1422) may be configured to measure the temperature of a corresponding one of the second battery cells (121).

[0079]

[0080] The first and second side plates (151, 152) may be located on both sides in the X direction of the first and second cell stacks (110, 120). The first and second side plates (151, 152) may be spaced apart from each other in the X direction with the first and second cell stacks (110, 120) in between. The first and second side plates (151, 152) may support the first and second cell stacks (110, 120) on both sides in the X direction. Each of the first and second side plates (151, 152) may be connected to the first and second bus bar frame assemblies (131, 132).

[0081]

[0082] (2nd Example)

[0083] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a battery pack (10) according to exemplary embodiments. In FIG. 5, the illustration of the pack lead is omitted.

[0084] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a battery cell assembly (100A) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0085] Components having the same drawing numbers as in FIGS. 1 to 4 in FIGS. 5 and 6 may be described as described above in the first embodiment, and such descriptions will be omitted.

[0086]

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the battery pack (10) may include a pack housing (HG) and battery cell assemblies (100, 100A). The battery cell assemblies (100, 100A) may be mounted within a mounting area within the pack housing (HG).

[0088] The pack housing (HG) may include a base plate (BP), side plates (SP), a center beam (CT), and cross beams (CR). The base plate (BP) may support battery cell assemblies (100, 100A) from the bottom in the Z direction. The base plate (BP) may extend in the X and Y directions.

[0089] Side plates (SP) may be on or near the edge of the base plate (BP). Side plates (SP) may be substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface of the base plate (BP). Side plates (SP) may surround the center beam (CT), cross beams (CR), and battery cell assemblies (100, 100A).

[0090] The center beam (CT) may be on the base plate (BP). The center beam (CT) may extend across the base plate (BP) in the Y direction. The center beam (CT) may separate the battery cell assemblies (100, 100A) in the X direction. The cross beams (CR) may extend across the base plate (BP) in the X direction. The cross beams (CR) may separate the battery cell assemblies (100, 100A) in the Y direction.

[0091] The battery cell assemblies (100A) may differ from the battery cell assembly (100). The battery cell assembly (100) may have the same or similar structure as described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 4.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 6, the battery cell assembly (100A) may include a cell stack (101), bus bar frame assemblies (131A, 132A), and side plates (151, 152). The cell stack (101) may include a plurality of battery cells (105) arranged in the X direction.

[0093] The battery cell assembly (100A) may differ from the battery cell assembly (100) in the number of terminal bus bars (131P, 131N). The battery cell assembly (100A) may include a positive terminal bus bar (131P) and a negative terminal bus bar (131N) connected to the battery cells (105). Alternatively, the battery cell assembly (100) may include first terminal bus bars (1313P, 1313N) connected to the first battery cells (111) and second terminal bus bars (1314P, 1314N) connected to the second battery cells (121), as described above in FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0094] The battery cell assembly (100A) differs from the battery cell assembly (100) in that the bus bar frame assembly (131A) includes only two terminal bus bars (131P, 131N).

[0095]

[0096] (3rd Example)

[0097] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the connection structure of a vehicle according to exemplary embodiments.

[0098] In FIG. 7, for components having the same drawing numbers as in FIG. 1 to 6, the descriptions above in the first and second embodiments may be applied, and the same descriptions are omitted.

[0099]

[0100] The vehicle (1) may include electrical components (2), a motor (3), and battery cell assemblies (100, 100A). The electrical components (2) may include electronic devices excluding the motor (3). The electrical components (2) may include devices responsible for all electrical / electronic control functions of the vehicle, such as lighting control, sensors, and communication.

[0101] In one embodiment, the electrical component (2) may include a powertrain control system device. For example, the electrical component (2) may include an ECU (Engine Control Unit), MCU (Motor Control Unit), TCU (Transmission Control Unit), inverter, on-board charger (OBC), and DC-DC converter, etc.

[0102] In one embodiment, the electrical component (2) may include a battery and an energy management device. For example, the electrical component (2) may include a Battery Management System (BMS) and a Power Distribution Module (PDU), etc.

[0103] In one embodiment, the electrical component (2) may include a driving control device. For example, the electrical component (2) may include an ABS / ESC controller, an EPS (Electronic Power Steering) and ADAS controller, etc.

[0104] In one embodiment, the electrical components (2) may include control devices such as lighting, doors, wipers and windows, integrated systems such as audio and navigation, a display of an instrument panel, and a vehicle function control UI.

[0105] Referring together to FIGS. 5 through 7, battery cell assemblies (100A) may be configured to supply power to a motor (3). Each of the battery cell assemblies (100A) may include a positive terminal bus bar (131P) and a negative terminal bus bar (131N). The positive and negative terminal bus bars (131P, 131N) of each of the battery cell assemblies (100A) may be connected to the motor (3).

[0106] Referring together to FIGS. 2, FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 7, the battery cell assembly (100) may be configured to supply power to an electrical component (2) and a motor (3), respectively. The battery cell assembly (100) may include a first positive terminal bus bar (1313P), a first negative terminal bus bar (1313N), a second positive terminal bus bar (1314P), and a second negative terminal bus bar (1314N). The first positive terminal bus bar (1313P) and the first negative terminal bus bar (1313N) may be connected to the motor (3). The second positive terminal bus bar (1314P) and the second negative terminal bus bar (1314N) may be connected to the electrical component (2).

[0107] Accordingly, the first battery cells (111) of the first cell stack (110) may be configured to supply power to a main power system of a vehicle, such as a motor (3), through a first positive terminal bus bar (1313P) and a first negative terminal bus bar (1313N). The second battery cells (121) of the second cell stack (120) may be configured to supply power to an auxiliary system of a vehicle, such as an electrical component (2), through a second positive terminal bus bar (1314P) and a second negative terminal bus bar (1314N).

[0108] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, first and second battery cells (111, 121) can be configured as a single battery cell assembly (100). The first and second battery cells (111, 121) may share structures such as bus bar frame assemblies (131, 132) within the same battery cell assembly (100). At the same time, each of the first battery cells (111) and the second battery cells (121) may be configured to supply power to different devices.

[0109] Accordingly, compared to the prior art in which a unit including first battery cells (111) (i.e., a main battery pack) and a unit including second battery cells (121) (i.e., an auxiliary battery pack) are each separately provided, the number of battery packs provided in the vehicle can be reduced. As a result, the manufacturing cost and weight of the battery pack are reduced, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the vehicle and increasing the space utilization rate inside the vehicle. In addition, since the first and second battery cells (111, 121) are managed as a single unit, there is an advantage of easy management.

[0110]

[0111] 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 first cell stack comprising a plurality of first battery cells arranged in a first horizontal direction; A plurality of second battery cells arranged in the first horizontal direction, and a second cell stack adjacent to the first cell stack in the first horizontal direction; It includes a bus bar frame assembly on the side of the first and second cell stacks in the second horizontal direction, and The above bus bar frame assembly is, A bus bar frame extending in the first horizontal direction to cover the sides of the first and second cell stacks in the second horizontal direction; A first positive terminal bus bar and a first negative terminal bus bar located on the bus bar frame and respectively connected to the first battery cells; and A battery cell assembly characterized by including a second positive terminal bus bar and a second negative terminal bus bar, which are located on the bus bar frame and are respectively connected to the second battery cells.

2. In Paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the above-mentioned bus bar frame is integrally formed.

3. In Paragraph 1, It further includes first and second sensing assemblies connected to the bus bar frame assembly, and The first sensing assembly is configured to measure the voltage of the first battery cells, and A battery cell assembly characterized in that the second sensing assembly is configured to measure the voltage of the second battery cells.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above second sensing assembly is, Circuit board; and A battery cell assembly characterized by further including temperature sensors located on the circuit board and configured to individually measure the temperature of each of the second battery cells.

5. In Paragraph 4, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the number of the above temperature sensors is the same as the number of the above second battery cells.

6. In Paragraph 3, The first sensing assembly above includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC), and A battery cell assembly characterized in that the second sensing assembly includes a Flexible Printed Circuit Board (FPCB).

7. In Paragraph 1, The above bus bar frame assembly is, A first insulating cover having a position on the bus bar frame and covering the first positive terminal bus bar, the first negative terminal bus bar, the second positive terminal bus bar and the second negative terminal bus bar; A circuit assembly on the first insulating cover above; and A battery pack characterized by including a second insulating cover that is on the first insulating cover and covers the circuit assembly.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above circuit assembly is, A first circuit board configured to monitor the voltage of the first battery cells; and A battery pack characterized by including a second circuit board configured to monitor the voltage of the second battery cells.

9. In Paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the output voltage of the first cell stack is different from the output voltage of the second cell stack.

10. In Paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the output voltage of the first cell stack is greater than the output voltage of the second cell stack.

11. In Paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the number of the first battery cells is different from the number of the second battery cells.

12. In Paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the number of the first battery cells is greater than the number of the second battery cells.

13. In Paragraph 1, A battery cell assembly characterized in that the second cell stack is configured to provide an output voltage of 10 V to 15 V.

14. A battery pack comprising first and second battery cell assemblies, A battery pack in which the number of terminal bus bars of the first battery cell assembly is different from the number of terminal bus bars of the second battery cell assembly.

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