Battery pack

Abstract

The battery pack includes a first battery module including a first battery cell and a first bus bar electrically connected to the first battery cell, a second battery module including a second battery cell and a second bus bar electrically connected to the second battery cell, and a conductive connector, a conductive connector connected to the first bus bar and the second bus bar, the conductive connector having a first connection portion connected to the first bus bar, a second connection portion connected to the second bus bar, and a displacement portion between the first connection portion and the second connection portion, the displacement portion is movable in each of an X-axis direction, a Y-axis direction, and a Z-axis direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to battery packs. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a secondary battery can be used as a battery module formed by connecting a plurality of unit battery cells in series and / or in parallel to provide high energy density (e.g., for driving a vehicle motor). That is, a battery module is formed by connecting electrode terminals of a plurality of unit batteries to each other to meet the required amount of electricity, for example, to realize a high-output secondary battery for an electric vehicle.

[0003] The battery module can be configured as a block structure or a modular structure. In the block structure, each battery cell is connected to a common collector structure and a common battery management system. In the modular structure, a sub-module is formed by connecting a plurality of battery cells, and a battery module is formed by connecting a plurality of sub-modules. In automotive applications, the battery system is generally formed by a plurality of battery modules connected in series to provide a desired voltage. Here, the battery module may include a sub-module in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, and in the battery module, the sub-modules including battery cells connected in parallel may be connected in series (XpYs), or the sub-modules including battery cells connected in series may be connected in parallel (XsYp).

[0004] A battery pack may be a group of multiple (usually identical) battery modules configured in series, parallel, or a combination of both to provide a desired voltage, capacity, or power density. The components of a battery pack may include individual battery cell modules and interconnects (e.g., connecting bus bars) that provide electrical conductivity therebetween. Summary of the invention

[0005] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a battery pack, the battery pack comprising: a first battery module including a plurality of first battery cells and a first bus bar electrically connected to the first battery cells; a second battery module configured to include a plurality of second battery cells and a second bus bar electrically connected to the second battery cells; and a thin metal plate connector connected to the first bus bar and the second bus bar. The conductive connector comprises: a first connecting portion connected to the first bus bar; a second connecting portion connected to the second bus bar; and a displacement portion located between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion and capable of XYZ axis displacement.

[0006] The displacement portion may be configured as a flexible structure including alternately positioned concave and convex portions.

[0007] The conductive connector may have a bar shape, and the concave portion and the convex portion may protrude in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the conductive connector.

[0008] The displacement portion may be configured as a thin metal plate in which the concave portion and the convex portion are pressed.

[0009] The conductive connector may be configured by stacking a plurality of thin metal plates by compression.

[0010] The number of stacks of thin metal plates may be in the range of 8 to 10.

[0011] The thickness of the thin metal plate may be 0.2 mm.

[0012] The thin metal sheet may include aluminum.

[0013] The battery pack may further include a first conductive damper connected to the first bus bar and the first connection portion and a second conductive damper connected to the second bus bar and the second connection portion.

[0014] The first conductive damper and the second conductive damper may respectively have first edges connected to the first bus bar and the second bus bar and second edges opposite to the first edges remaining as free ends.

[0015] The first conductive damper and the second conductive damper may be integrated with the first bus bar and the second bus bar, respectively.

[0016] The first connection portion and the second connection portion may be fixed to the first conductive damper and the second conductive damper, respectively, by welding.

[0017] The displacement portion may be displaced according to displacement of the first battery module and / or the second battery module.

[0018] The battery pack may further include a frame having a space in which the first battery module and the second battery module are located, and the conductive connector may be located outside the frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Features will become apparent to those skilled in the art by describing in detail exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 A perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment is shown.

[0021] Figure 2 A partial perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment is shown.

[0022] Figure 3 A perspective view showing a state in which a conductive connector of a battery pack is fixed to a bus bar according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 4 A perspective view illustrating a state in which a conductive connector of a battery pack is separated from a bus bar according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 5A A plan view showing one thin metal plate constituting a conductive connector of a battery pack according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 5B Shows Figure 5A Front view of a thin metal plate.

[0026] Fig. 6A A view for describing a method for forming a conductive connector of a battery pack according to an embodiment is shown.

[0027] Figure 6B A perspective view showing a conductive connector of a battery pack according to an embodiment is shown.

[0028] 7A to 7D A view showing an operating state of a conductive connector of a battery pack according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Example embodiments will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, they may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey exemplary implementations to those skilled in the art.

[0030] In the drawings, the dimensions of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration. It will also be understood that when a layer or element is referred to as being "on" another layer or substrate, it can be directly on the other layer or substrate, or intervening layers may also be present. Additionally, it will be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "between" two layers, it can be the only layer between the two layers, or one or more intervening layers may also be present. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0031] When a component or a layer is expressed as being “connected to” or “coupled to” another component or layer, it may be directly connected to the other component or layer, or one or more intermediate components or layers may exist between the components. For example, when a first component is described as being “coupled to” or “connected to” a second component, the first component may be directly coupled or connected to the second component, or the first component may be indirectly coupled or connected to the second component via one or more intermediate components.

[0032] As used in this specification, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items. In addition, when describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "may / can" indicates "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure."

[0033] When a statement such as "at least one" follows a list of components, it modifies the entire list of components without modifying the individual components in the list. For example, the statement "at least one of a, b, or c" includes only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all a, b, and c, or variations thereof. As used in this specification, the terms "use", "use of", and "used" may be considered synonymous with the terms "utilize", "utilize of", and "utilize", respectively. As used in this specification, the terms "substantially", "about", and similar terms are used as approximations rather than degrees, and are intended to account for inherent deviations from measured or calculated values ​​that would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0034] The terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used in this specification to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts without being limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or part from another element, component, region, layer or part. Therefore, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may also be referred to as a first component. Unless otherwise stated, a single form of expression is intended to include multiple components.

[0035] Spatial relational terms such as "below", "above", etc. may be used to describe the relationship between one element or feature shown in the drawings and another element or feature. It will be understood that, in addition to the directions shown in the drawings, the spatial relational terms are intended to also include other directions of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is turned over, the element described as "below" or "beneath" another element or feature will be oriented "above" another element or feature. Therefore, the example term "downward" may include both upward and downward directions. Since the device can be oriented differently (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or otherwise oriented), the spatial relational terms used here should be interpreted accordingly.

[0036] The terms used in this specification are used to describe the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used in this specification, singular expressions may also include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "comprising" or "including..." indicates a characteristic, region, fixed number, step, process, element, component or combination thereof, but does not exclude other characteristics, regions, fixed numbers, steps, processes, elements, components and combinations thereof.

[0037] Figure 1 shows a perspective view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment, Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A partially exploded perspective view of a battery pack.

[0038] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the battery pack 1 may include a plurality of battery modules. For example, Figure 1 The battery pack 1 in the embodiment may include two battery modules, namely, a first battery module 10 and a second battery module 10'. The first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10' may be electrically connected by a conductive connector 40, which will be described in more detail later. Here, the conductive connector 40 may also be referred to as a module bus bar or a connecting bus bar.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the first battery module 10 (i.e., the left module according to the drawing) and the second battery module 10' (i.e., the right module according to the drawing) can be positioned side by side in the space within the frame 12 of the battery pack 1, for example, along the Y axis. The frame 12 can have a substantially square profile because the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10' can both have a substantially rectangular profile. In the present embodiment, the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10' can have the same configuration. Therefore, the first battery module 10 is used as an example to describe the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10'.

[0040] In detail, the first battery module 10 may include a plurality of battery cells. In the figure, for convenience, the battery cells are not shown to simplify the drawings. The battery cells may be cylindrical and may be positioned in a certain pattern in hundreds (e.g., 416 battery cells) on a lower shell 30 (e.g., a battery holder) constituting the module housing. The lower shell 30 may be provided with a recessed portion into which each battery cell is inserted. Therefore, most of the outer surface of the battery cell located in the lower shell 30 may be covered by the lower shell 30. The upper shell 32 of the module housing may be located on the upper side of the lower shell 30. The upper shell 32 is provided with an opening 32a, which exposes the upper side of the battery cell (i.e., the cap assembly including the electrode terminal). Here, the pattern of the opening 32a may depend on the arrangement pattern of the battery cell.

[0041] The bus bar 34 made of metal may be located on the upper housing 32 to electrically connect the battery cells. The bus bar 34 may include a plurality of bus bars 34 located on the upper housing 32, which are connected to the battery cells in series and / or in parallel. The bus bar 34 may have an appropriate shape according to the connection method with the battery cells. In the present embodiment, the bus bar 34 may include an extension 340 and a branch 342, the extension 340 extending long (e.g., longitudinally) along the width direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) of the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10', and each branch 342 is inclined at a random angle relative to the extension 340 from the opposite edge of the extension 340. The outer branch 342' of the outermost bus bar 34' located at the edge of the battery modules 10 and 10' among the bus bars 34 may be located only at one edge of the outer extension 340'. Hereinafter, for better understanding and ease of description, the outermost bus bar 34' of the first battery module 10 may be referred to as the first bus bar, and the outermost bus bar 34' of the second battery module 10' may be referred to as the second bus bar. In another example, the first bus bar and the second bus bar may be selected as one of the bus bars other than the outermost bus bar 34'.

[0042] The first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10' may be electrically connected to each other through the above-mentioned conductive connector 40. The conductive connector 40 is configured not only to serve as a connector for electrically connecting the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10', but also to prevent or substantially minimize separation from a fixed state due to vibration caused by displacement of the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10'. For example, the conductive connector 40 may be implemented by a flexible material, for example, to absorb vibration.

[0043] Figure 3 There is shown a perspective view showing a state in which a conductive connector 40 is connected to the outermost bus bar 34 ′ of each of the first and second battery modules 10 and 10 ′ according to an embodiment.

[0044] Figure 4 There is shown a perspective view showing a state in which the conductive connector 40 is separated from the outermost bus bar 34 ′ according to the embodiment.

[0045] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4, the conductive connector 40 may be located between the outermost bus bar 34' of the first battery module 10 and the outermost bus bar 34' of the second battery module 10' to be electrically connected to each of the outermost bus bar 34' of the first battery module 10 and the outermost bus bar 34' of the second battery module 10'. In an implementation, the conductive connector 40 may be formed of a metal material (e.g., aluminum) and may be electrically connected to the outermost bus bar 34' also made of metal by coupling (e.g., welding) to the outermost bus bar 34'.

[0046] For example, the conductive connector 40 according to the present embodiment may have a straight (e.g., linear) shape, such as a strip or rod shape. For example, the conductive connector 40 may be formed as one thin metal plate 400 or as a structure in which a plurality of thin metal plates are stacked and pressed together, as will be described below with reference to FIG. 5A to FIG. 5B Described in more detail.

[0047] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A top plan view and a front view are respectively shown of a thin metal plate 400 in the conductive connector 40. The thin metal plate 400 of the conductive connector 40 may have, for example, a strip shape having a predetermined length l in the Y-axis direction. The thin metal plate 400 may be made of, for example, aluminum (Al).

[0048] Reference Figure 5A and Figure 5B , the thin metal plate 400 may include a first connection portion 400a connected to the first battery module 10 and a second connection portion 400b connected to the second battery module 10'. The first connection portion 400a and the second connection portion 400b may be located at opposite ends of the thin metal plate 400, and the first connection portion 400a and the second connection portion 400b may have a flat shape.

[0049] The displacement portion 400c capable of XYZ axis displacement may be located between the first connection portion 400a and the second connection portion 400b. The displacement portion 400c may have a non-flat shape including a concave portion 4000c and a convex portion 4002c. Due to the concave portion 4000c and the convex portion 4002c, the displacement portion 400c may have flexibility. For example, Figure 4As shown, the displacement portion 400c may include any suitable number of alternating concave portions 4000c and convex portions 4002c between the first connection portion 400a and the second connection portion 400b. For example, the displacement portion 400c may include concave portions 4000c and two convex portions 4002c (e.g., one concave portion 4000c is between two convex portions 4002c) alternately arranged in the Y-axis direction between the first connection portion 400a and the second connection portion 400b. For example, the concave portions 4000c and the convex portions 4002c may have a shape extending (e.g., extending longitudinally) along the Z-axis direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) of the conductive connector 40 (i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the thin metal plate 400). The concave portion 4000c and the convex portion 4002c may be formed by pressing an initially flat portion (e.g., a thin plate) between the first connection portion 400a and the second connection portion 400b, for example, so that the concave portion 4000c and the convex portion 4002c alternately protrude in opposite directions in the X-axis direction relative to the first connection portion 400a and the second connection portion 400b extending in the Y-axis direction ( Figure 5B ).

[0050] The first connection portion 400a and the second connection portion 400b may each have an area having a length of about 1 / 4 (e.g., in the Y-axis direction) of the total length l of the thin metal plate 400, and the displacement portion 400c may have an area having a length of about 1 / 2 (e.g., in the Y-axis direction) of the total length l of the thin metal plate 400. The thickness t of the thin metal plate 400 (e.g., in the X-axis direction) may be 0.2 mm, and for example, the thickness of the concave portion 4000c, the convex portion 4002c, the first connection portion 400a, and the second connection portion 400b in the X-axis direction may be constant. The thickness of the thin metal plate 400 may be adjusted to a thickness capable of maximizing the flexibility of the displacement portion 400c.

[0051] Fig. 6A A view for describing a method of forming the conductive connector 40 is shown. Figure 6B A perspective view of the conductive connector 40 is shown.

[0052] like Fig. 6A As shown, the thin metal plate 400 of this configuration can be stacked into multiple sheets. Multiple thin metal plates 400 can be stacked and then compressed (for example, thermally compressed) to form a conductive connector 40, such as Figure 6B Here, Figure 6BAs further shown in FIG. 4 , the compressed portion of the thin metal plate 400 is the first connection portion 400a and the second connection portion 400b, and the displacement portion 400c can be maintained in the stacked state without being compressed. For example, the number of stacked thin metal plates 400 can be maintained in the range of eight (8) to ten (10). The number of stacked thin metal plates 400 can be adjusted in consideration of the characteristics (e.g., current) of the conductive connector 40.

[0053] Reference Figure 3 The conductive connector 40 is located between the outermost bus bars 34' of the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10'. In detail, the outermost bus bars 34' of the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10' may include a first conductive damper 400d and a second conductive damper 400e, respectively, and the conductive connector 40 may electrically and physically connect the first conductive damper 400d and the second conductive damper 400e to each other. For example, Figure 3 As shown, the first connection portion 400a can be connected to the first conductive damper 400d, for example, overlap and contact the surface of the first conductive damper 400d, and the second connection portion 400b can be connected to the second conductive damper 400e, for example, overlap and contact the surface of the second conductive damper 400e.

[0054] The first conductive damper 400d and the second conductive damper 400e may have a flat approximately quadrilateral shape, respectively having an area larger than that of the first connection portion 400a and the second connection portion 400b of the conductive connector 40. Figure 3 As shown, the first conductive damper 400d and the second conductive damper 400e may be parallel to the first connection portion 400a and the second connection portion 400b. In other embodiments, the first conductive damper 400d and the second conductive damper 400e may be formed separately and connected to the first bus bar 34' and the second bus bar 34', respectively.

[0055] In the present embodiment, the first conductive damper 400d is integrally formed with the first bus bar 34' (e.g., seamlessly formed of the same material as a single unit) so that its first edge is connected to the extension 340' of the first bus bar 34' and its second edge opposite to the first edge is a free end. Similarly, the second conductive damper 400e is integrally formed with the second bus bar 34' (e.g., seamlessly formed of the same material as a single unit) so that its first edge is connected to the extension 340' of the second bus bar 34' and its second edge opposite to the first edge is a free end. The connection between the first conductive damper 400d and the first connection portion 400a and between the second conductive damper 400e and the second connection portion 400b can be performed by welding (e.g., ultrasonic welding).

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, when the battery pack 1 is manufactured, the conductive connector 40 may be arranged to be located outside the frame 12. For example, as described above, such an arrangement may be performed by connecting the conductive connector 40 to the first bus bar 34' and the second bus bar 34' by welding the conductive connector 40 to the first bus bar 34' and the second bus bar 34', then positioning the first bus bar 34' and the second bus bar 34' at an assembly position within the corresponding first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10' inside the frame 12, and positioning the conductive connector 40 outside the frame 12. In another example, it may be performed by first positioning the first bus bar 34' and the second bus bar 34' at an assembly position within the corresponding battery modules 10 and 10' inside the frame 12, and then connecting the first connection portion 400a and the second connection portion 400b of the conductive connector 40 to the first conductive damper 400d and the second conductive damper 400e located outside the frame 12 by welding.

[0057] At the same time, if Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a cover 50 that can cover and protect the conductive connector 40 can be removably mounted on the frame 12. For example, the cover 50 can protect the conductive connector 40 from external impact.

[0058] In detail, the battery pack 1 configured in this manner can be installed in a device requiring an energy source (e.g., an electric vehicle) to provide a driving source for a motor driving the electric vehicle. The battery pack 1 may be impacted depending on the condition of the vehicle. In this case, in the battery pack 1, it is necessary to ensure that the conductive connector 40 connecting the battery cells or battery modules 10 and 10' is not damaged by the impact on the battery pack 1.

[0059] In the battery pack 1 according to the embodiment, even if displacement occurs in the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10' due to vibration, for example, the connection state between the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10' is not affected by the conductive connector 40. That is, the displacement portion 400c of the conductive connector 40 can absorb vibration and / or displacement due to its flexibility and structure (e.g., concave / convex portions and plate stacking).

[0060] 7A to 7D Each shows a schematic diagram for describing an operating state of the conductive connector 40 of the battery pack 1 according to the embodiment.

[0061] As described above, the conductive connector 40 is configured to achieve XYZ axis displacement, for example, the displacement portion 400c of the conductive connector 40 may be movable in each of the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction. The XYZ axis displacement of the conductive connector 40 may be associated with the XYZ axis displacement of the first battery module 10 and / or the second battery module 10'.

[0062] For example, Fig. 7A As shown, even if the second battery module 10' is displaced in the X-axis direction (along the arrow shown), the displacement portion 400c including the protruding portion 4002c and the concave portion 4000c can absorb the vibration caused by the displacement of the second battery module 10' when it elastically moves in the X-axis direction (for example, Fig. 7A The right protrusion 4002c in the conductive connector 40 moves in the X-axis direction to absorb the movement of the second battery module 10' while maintaining electrical connection). In addition, the vibration caused by the displacement of the second battery module 10' can be further absorbed by the second conductive damper 400e. Therefore, the conductive connector 40 can continuously maintain the electrical functions of the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10' without self-damage or degradation of the connection state of the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10'.

[0063] exist Fig. 7A However, even if only the first battery module 10 or both the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10' are displaced, the conductive connector 40 can cover the displacement of the battery modules 10 and 10' when displaced in the X-axis direction.

[0064] Figure 7B FIG. 4 shows a case where the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10' are displaced in the Y-axis direction. Figure 7B As shown, if the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10' are displaced away from each other in opposite directions (i.e., the positive Y-axis direction and the negative Y-axis direction, respectively), the displacement portion 400c of the conductive connector 40 (i.e., the protruding portion 4002c and the recessed portion 4000c) can absorb the vibration caused by the displacement of the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10' when the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10' move in the +Y-axis direction and the -Y-axis direction, respectively. Even in this case, the vibration caused by the displacement of the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10' can be additionally absorbed by the first conductive damper 400d and the second conductive damper 400e. Therefore, the conductive connector 40 can continuously maintain the electrical functions of the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10' without self-damage or degradation of the connection state of the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10'.

[0065] exist Figure 7B , a case where both the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10' are displaced is shown. However, even if only one of the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10' is displaced on either side, the conductive connector 40 can cover the corresponding displacement of the battery modules 10 and 10' by displacing in the Y-axis direction.

[0066] Figure 7C and Fig.7D A case is shown in which the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10 ′ are displaced in the Z-axis direction. Figure 7C 1 shows a situation in which the first battery module 10 is displaced to descend in the Z-axis direction, Fig.7D A case is shown in which the second battery module 10' is displaced to descend in the Z-axis direction. In each case, the conductive connector 40 can absorb vibration caused by the displacement while being associated with the displacement of the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10'.

[0067] In detail, if the first battery module 10 is displaced in the Z-axis direction, the conductive connector 40 can absorb the vibration caused by the displacement of the first battery module 10 because the conductive connector 40 is provided on the first side ( Figure 7C The convex portion 4002c and the concave portion 4000c at the left side of the figure are fanned out (see Figure 7C In addition, if the second battery module 10' is displaced in the Z-axis direction, the conductive connector 40 can absorb the vibration caused by the displacement of the second battery module 10' because the conductive connector 40 is disposed on the second side of the displacement portion 400c ( Fig.7D The convex portion 4002c and the concave portion 4000c at the right side of the figure are fanned out (see Fig.7D ).

[0068] The vibration caused by the displacement of the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10' can be additionally absorbed by the first conductive damper 400d and the second conductive damper 400e. Therefore, the conductive connector 40 can continuously maintain the electrical connection and function of the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10' without self-damage or degradation of the connection state of the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10'.

[0069] Figure 7C and Fig.7D A case is shown in which one of the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10' is displaced in the Z-axis direction. However, even if both the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 10' are displaced in the Z-axis direction, the conductive connector 40 according to the embodiment can absorb the displacement of the battery modules 10 and 10'.

[0070] In addition, even if the first and second battery modules 10 and 10 ′ are displaced in at least two directions of the XYZ axis directions, the conductive connector 40 according to the embodiment can absorb vibration while being displaced in response to the displacement in each direction.

[0071] Table 1 below shows the direct current internal resistance (DCIR) and strength measured by changing the stacking number of the thin metal plates 400 constituting the conductive connector 40. As can be seen from Table 1, when the stacking number of the thin metal plates 400 is 10, the DICR remains within the desired range and the strength characteristics remain optimal.

[0072] Table 1

[0073]

[0074]

[0075] By way of summary and review, if the battery pack is mechanically connected to the vehicle, it is important to configure the battery pack so as not to be affected by vibration caused by impact provided by the vehicle itself or the outside of the vehicle. For example, if the connection state of the interconnection portion and the battery module is susceptible to vibration, the stability of the electrical connection between the battery modules may be reduced, thereby deteriorating the performance of the battery pack.

[0076] In contrast, the battery pack according to the embodiment includes a connector for electrically connecting a plurality of battery modules, the connector being configured to minimize displacement due to vibration. That is, according to the embodiment, the connector electrically connecting a plurality of battery modules can be basically used as a bus bar, and if the battery module is displaced due to vibration, it can be displaced accordingly. Therefore, the connector and the conductive damper can prevent the connection state with the battery module from being degraded, and the battery pack can provide the desired power to the necessary device (e.g., a vehicle) without degrading the performance of the battery module.

[0077] Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specific terms are employed, they are used and interpreted in a general and descriptive sense only, and not for limiting purposes. In some cases, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon filing this application, unless otherwise specifically stated, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in conjunction with a particular embodiment may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in conjunction with other embodiments. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A battery pack comprising: a first battery module including a first battery cell and a first bus bar electrically connected to the first battery cell; a second battery module including a second battery cell and a second bus bar electrically connected to the second battery cell; as well as A conductive connector connected to the first bus bar and the second bus bar, the conductive connector comprising: a first connecting portion connected to the first bus bar, a second connecting portion connected to the second bus bar, and In a displacement portion between the first connection portion and the second connection portion, the displacement portion is movable in each of an X-axis direction, a Y-axis direction, and a Z-axis direction.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The displacement portion includes a flexible structure having alternately positioned concave and convex portions.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein: The conductive connector has a bar shape, and each of the concave portion and the convex portion protrudes in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the conductive connector.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein: The conductive connector is formed of at least one thin metal plate, and the concave portion and the convex portion protrude in opposite directions relative to the first connection portion and the second connection portion.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein: The conductive connector includes a plurality of thin metal plates.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein: The plurality of thin metal plates are stacked, and the stacking number of the plurality of thin metal plates is in the range of 8 to 10.

7. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein: The thickness of each of the plurality of thin metal plates is 0.2 mm.

8. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein: The at least one thin metal plate comprises aluminum.

9. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising: a first conductive damper connected between the first bus bar and the first connecting portion; as well as A second conductive damper is connected between the second bus bar and the second connecting portion.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein: The first conductive damper and the second conductive damper respectively have first edges connected to the first bus bar and the second bus bar and second edges opposite to the first edges remaining as free ends.

11. The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein: The first conductive damper and the second conductive damper are respectively integrated with the first bus bar and the second bus bar.

12. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein: The first connection portion and the second connection portion are welded to the first conductive damper and the second conductive damper, respectively.

13. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The displacement portion is configured to be displaced according to displacement of the first battery module and / or the second battery module. 14 . The battery pack according to claim 1 , further comprising a frame having a space for accommodating the first battery module and the second battery module, the conductive connector being located outside the frame.

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