Battery rack

Abstract

A battery rack is disclosed. A battery rack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a plurality of vertically stacked battery modules, each having a coupling strip protruding forward; and elastic bus bars made of metal, each bus bar being coupled to the coupling bars in two adjacent battery modules of the plurality of battery modules to allow forward and backward movement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery rack.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0172671 filed in Korea on December 12, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] Currently, commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among them, lithium secondary batteries have little or no memory effect, so they have received more attention than nickel-based secondary batteries because they have the advantages of being able to be recharged whenever it is convenient, having a very low self-discharge rate and a high energy density.

[0004] Lithium secondary batteries mainly include lithium-based oxides and carbon materials for positive electrode active materials and negative electrode active materials, respectively. Lithium secondary batteries include: an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly includes a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with positive electrode active materials and negative electrode active materials, respectively, wherein a separator is interposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate; and a sealed package or battery case, the sealed package or battery case contains the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte solution.

[0005] Generally, lithium secondary batteries may be classified into can-type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is included in a metal can and pouch-type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is included in a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet, according to the shape of a battery case.

[0006] A single secondary battery may be used, but generally, in many cases, a plurality of secondary batteries may be electrically connected in series and / or in parallel. In particular, a plurality of secondary batteries electrically connected to each other may be received in a module housing to form a battery module. In addition, a single battery module may be used, or at least two battery modules electrically connected in series and / or in parallel may form a higher-level device such as a battery rack or a battery pack.

[0007] Recently, as problems such as lack of electricity or environmentally friendly energy arise, energy storage systems (ESS) for storing electricity for later use are gaining attention. For example, one of the methods for controlling power supply is a smart grid system. Electricity use is not constant and can change at any time. Generally, due to the use of cooling devices, electricity use increases sharply during the day in summer and decreases sharply at night. From the perspective of power consumption, power consumption is not constant and may change frequently, but from the perspective of power supply, the amount of electricity generated can be controlled to a certain extent, but in reality, it is difficult to meet the required amount of electricity. Therefore, due to the inequality of power supply and power consumption, over-powering or under-powering may occur, and in order to solve this problem, the smart grid system can flexibly store and control electricity. The concept of the smart grid system is to store electricity at a time or area where excess power occurs, and to supply the stored electricity at a time and area where power shortage occurs. One of the basic elements for building a smart grid system may be an energy storage system for storing electricity. Recently, with the widespread use of electric vehicles, energy storage systems can be used in facilities (such as charging stations) for charging electric vehicles.

[0008] Generally, the energy storage system may include a plurality of battery containers to ensure high charge / discharge capacity. In addition, each battery container may include a plurality of battery racks, and each battery rack may include a plurality of battery modules.

[0009] In many cases, the battery modules are connected to the busbars after the transportation or movement of the battery container is completed. This is because if the busbars are pre-assembled, the busbars may be damaged during the transportation or delivery of the battery container, resulting in a thermal event. However, this process requires a lot of labor and time after the transportation or movement of the battery container. Summary of the invention

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] The present disclosure is designed to address these and other issues.

[0012] The present disclosure is directed to a battery rack that can be transported or moved with battery modules connected with bus bars.

[0013] The present disclosure is also directed to providing a battery rack including a bus bar capable of mitigating or absorbing impact occurring during transportation or movement of the battery rack.

[0014] The present disclosure is also directed to a battery rack in which terminals of a battery module are insulated from a bus bar during transportation or movement of the battery rack.

[0015] The present disclosure is also directed to providing a battery rack in which terminals of a battery module are easily electrically connected to a bus bar after transportation or movement of the battery rack.

[0016] Technical Solution

[0017] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, a battery rack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a plurality of battery modules, which are stacked in an up-down direction, each battery module including a connecting bar protruding forward; and a bus bar, which is movably connected to the connecting bars of each of two adjacent battery modules in the plurality of battery modules in a front-to-rear direction, and the bus bar is made of metal and has flexibility.

[0018] In addition, the bus bar may include a plurality of first grooves in a direction perpendicular to a length direction of the bus bar.

[0019] In addition, the bus bar may further include a plurality of second grooves extending in a direction perpendicular to the plurality of first grooves and along a length direction of the bus bar.

[0020] In addition, the plurality of first grooves may be formed in the front surface of the bus bar.

[0021] In addition, the bus bar may further include a plurality of third grooves in a rear surface of the bus bar in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the bus bar.

[0022] In addition, the battery rack may further include a coil spring to provide a restoring force to push the bus bar back.

[0023] Additionally, the battery module may include terminals in an outer surface of the battery module and adjacent to the coupling bar.

[0024] In addition, the bus bar may contact the terminal and be electrically connected to the terminal.

[0025] In addition, the coupling bar may have threads, and the battery module may further include a nut in front of the coil spring and coupled to the threads.

[0026] In addition, the battery rack may further include a supporting member between the nut and the coil spring.

[0027] In addition, the supporting member may be a coil spring for providing a restoring force to push back the coil spring.

[0028] Additionally, the battery module may include terminals in an outer surface of the battery module and adjacent to the coupling bar.

[0029] In addition, the battery rack may further include an insulating sheet between the terminals and the bus bars.

[0030] In addition, the insulating sheet may include a first hole allowing the coupling bar to pass therethrough; and a second hole adjacent to the first hole.

[0031] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a battery container according to the present disclosure includes a battery rack according to the present disclosure.

[0032] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, an energy storage system according to the present disclosure includes a battery rack according to the present disclosure.

[0033] Beneficial effects

[0034] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery rack may be provided that can be transported or moved with battery modules connected with bus bars.

[0035] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery rack including a bus bar capable of alleviating or absorbing a shock occurring during transportation or movement of the battery rack may be provided.

[0036] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery rack may be provided in which terminals of a battery module are insulated from a bus bar during transportation or movement of the battery rack.

[0037] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery rack may be provided in which terminals of a battery module are easily electrically connected to a bus bar after transportation or movement of the battery rack.

[0038] The present disclosure may have many other effects, and description thereof will be provided in each exemplary configuration, or the corresponding description will be omitted with respect to effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the following detailed description, serve to provide a further understanding of the technical aspects of the present disclosure, and thus the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 2 It is a partial enlarged view of a battery rack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a bus bar according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a bus bar according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a bus bar according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 6is a diagram showing a bus bar according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 7 is a diagram showing a bus bar according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a bus bar according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a bus bar according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a bus bar according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Fig.11 is a diagram showing a bus bar according to a ninth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Fig.12 is a partial exploded view of a battery rack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Fig.13 It is taken along the line A-A' Figure 2 Schematic cross-sectional view of .

[0053] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a supporting member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an insulating sheet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Fig.16 It is a partial schematic diagram of a battery rack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terms or words used in the specification and the appended claims should not be interpreted as limited to the general and dictionary meanings, but are interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure on the basis of allowing the inventor to appropriately define the terms for the best interpretation.

[0057] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the illustrations shown in the accompanying drawings are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure for describing the technical aspects of the present disclosure and are not intended to be limiting, and it should be understood that various other equivalent replacements and modifications may be made thereto when the present application is filed.

[0058] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery container 2000 of the present disclosure. Figure 2 1 is a partial enlarged view of the battery rack 1000 of the present disclosure. Figure 1 and Figure 2, the battery rack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of battery modules 200 and a bus bar 100 .

[0059] The battery rack 1000 may include a plurality of battery modules 200 to increase capacity and / or output. The plurality of battery modules 200 may be electrically connected in series and / or in parallel through a connection member such as a bus bar 100 or a cable.

[0060] At least a portion of the plurality of battery modules 200 may be stacked in the up-down direction to form a battery rack 1000. That is, the battery rack 1000 may include at least two battery modules 200 stacked in the up-down direction or the Z-axis direction. For example, thirteen battery modules 200 may be stacked in the up-down direction to form one battery rack 1000.

[0061] In addition, the battery rack 1000 may include a plurality of battery racks 1000 arranged in a horizontal direction. That is, the plurality of battery modules 200 may be divided into groups, and each battery rack 1000 may exist in each group. In addition, the plurality of battery racks 1000 may be arranged in a horizontal direction. For example, referring to Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the battery container 2000 may include eight battery racks 1000, and the eight battery racks 1000 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the left-right direction or the X-axis direction. In this case, each battery rack 1000 may include twelve or thirteen battery modules 200. In this case, the number of stacked battery modules 200 or the number of battery racks 1000 arranged in the horizontal direction may be set differently according to conditions or circumstances, such as the specifications or installation purpose of the battery rack 1000, the specifications or installation purpose of the battery container 2000, or the specifications, characteristics or types of the battery modules 200.

[0062] Each of the plurality of battery modules 200 may have a coupling bar 210 protruding forward. One battery module 200 may have two coupling bars 210. The coupling bar 210 may correspond to a (+) terminal 220 (see Figure 2 ) and (-) terminals 220. For example, the coupling bar 210 may be a fastener such as a bolt. Each battery module 200 may be physically or electrically connected to an adjacent battery module 200 through the coupling bar 210. The bus bar 100 may be coupled to a coupling bar 210 of each of two adjacent battery modules 200 among the plurality of battery modules 200. The adjacent battery modules 200 may be two battery modules 200 that are closest to each other in the up-and-down direction or the stacking direction of the plurality of battery modules.

[0063] In addition, the bus bar 100 may be movably coupled to the coupling bar 210 of each of two adjacent battery modules 200 among the plurality of battery modules 200 in the front-to-back direction or the Y-axis direction. Specifically, the bus bar 100 may have two holes 101, and each of the two coupling bars 210 may pass through the hole 101. The bus bar 100 may physically connect the two coupling bars 210. In addition, the bus bar 100 may be moved in the front-to-back direction along the coupling bar 210 through the hole 101. The plurality of battery modules 200 may be connected to each other in the stacking direction through the bus bar 100.

[0064] In addition, the bus bar 100 may be made of metal. Therefore, the bus bar 100 may electrically connect the adjacent battery modules 200.

[0065] In addition, the bus bar 100 may have flexibility. Therefore, the bus bar 100 may be compressed, stretched, or bent in many directions and restored to an original shape.

[0066] Conventionally, a battery rack or a battery container has been transported, delivered, or moved without connection between battery modules. If the transportation, delivery, or movement is performed with the battery modules connected to each other, the bus bar may be damaged due to vibration or impact, thereby causing a fire or flame. Therefore, after the transportation, delivery, or movement of the battery rack or the battery container, an installation process of connecting the battery module with the bus bar needs to be performed.

[0067] According to the above configuration of the present disclosure, the battery rack 1000 can be transported, delivered, or moved in a state where the plurality of battery modules 200 are connected to the bus bar 100. Since the bus bar 100 has flexibility, the bus bar 100 can absorb vibration or impact that occurs during transportation, delivery, or movement of the battery rack 1000. In particular, since the bus bar 100 is movably coupled to the coupling bar 210 in the front-rear direction, the bus bar 100 can easily absorb or mitigate vibration or impact that may occur in the front-rear direction.

[0068] In addition, according to the above configuration of the present disclosure, the economic efficiency of the battery rack 1000 in transportation, delivery or movement can be improved. The need to perform the installation process of connecting the battery module 200 to the bus bar 100 after transportation, delivery or movement of the battery rack 1000 can be eliminated, thereby saving labor and time.

[0069] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a bus bar 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3a is a perspective view of the bus bar 100, Figure 3b is a side view of the bus bar 100, and Figure 3c is a front view of the bus bar 100. Figure 23 , the bus bar 100 of the battery rack 1000 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of first grooves 110 .

[0070] The bus bar 100 may extend in the stacking direction or the Z-axis direction of the plurality of battery modules 200. The bus bar 100 may be in the shape of a flat bar. The bus bar 100 may include a first groove 110 in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the bus bar 100. In addition, the first groove 110 may be formed in the front surface of the bus bar 100. Alternatively, the direction in which the first groove 110 is formed and the length direction of the bus bar 100 may be perpendicular to each other. In addition, the first groove 110 may include a plurality of first grooves 110. The plurality of first grooves 110 may be arranged along the length direction of the bus bar 100. In addition, the plurality of first grooves 110 may be disposed between two holes 101. In particular, the plurality of first grooves 110 may be arranged at equal intervals. In addition, the plurality of first grooves 110 may have the same depth d1. In addition, the plurality of first grooves 110 may have the same width w1. In addition, the plurality of first grooves 110 may have the same length l1. In this case, a cross-section of the first groove 110 in the length direction of the bus bar 100 may be in a rectangular shape.

[0071] According to the above-mentioned configuration of the present disclosure, the flexibility of the bus bar 100 can be improved. Therefore, the bus bar 100 can absorb vibration or impact occurring during transportation, delivery or movement of the battery rack 1000. In particular, referring to FIG. 3(b), when an impact is applied to the bus bar 100 in the y-axis direction, the bus bar 100 can easily absorb or mitigate the impact. In addition, referring to FIG. 3(c), when an impact is applied to the bus bar 100 in the x-axis direction, the bus bar 100 can easily absorb or mitigate the impact.

[0072] In addition, according to the above configuration of the present disclosure, since the plurality of first grooves 110 are formed to have the same shape, depth d1 , width w1 , and length l1 and are arranged at equal intervals, the bus bar 100 may have uniform flexibility.

[0073] Figure 4 2 is a diagram showing a bus bar 100 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 and Figure 4 , the bus bar 100 of the battery rack 1000 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of first grooves 110 .

[0074] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4The bus bar 100 of the battery rack 1000 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first groove having a curved surface. In addition, a cross section of the first groove 110 in the length direction of the bus bar 100 may be a curved shape having a rounded portion 111 .

[0075] According to the above configuration of the present disclosure, the durability of the bus bar 100 may be improved. Therefore, even if the bus bar is repeatedly bent and returned to the original shape, the bus bar 100 may stably maintain its shape without being broken (c).

[0076] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a bus bar 100 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 and Figure 5 , the bus bar 100 of the battery rack 1000 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of first grooves 110 .

[0077] The plurality of first grooves 110 may be arranged along the length direction of the bus bar 100. In this case, the intervals at which the plurality of first grooves 110 are arranged may not be equal. For example, the intervals of the first grooves 110 at the central portion 103 of the bus bar 100 may be smaller than the intervals of the first grooves 110 at the region 102 or the peripheral portion 102 adjacent to the hole 101 of the bus bar 100. Alternatively, for example, the density of the first grooves 110 at the central portion 103 of the bus bar 100 may be higher than the density of the first grooves 110 at the peripheral portion 102 of the bus bar 100.

[0078] When the bus bar 100 is bent due to an impact, the amount of deformation at the central portion 103 of the bus bar 100 may be greater than the amount of deformation at the region 102 or the peripheral portion 102 adjacent to the hole 101 of the bus bar 100. According to the above configuration of the present disclosure, the bus bar 100 may be more easily deformed at the central portion 103 than at the peripheral portion 102, and the impact may be effectively absorbed or mitigated.

[0079] Figure 6 is a diagram showing a bus bar 100 according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 and Figure 6 , the bus bar 100 of the battery rack 1000 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of first grooves 110 .

[0080] The plurality of first grooves 110 may be arranged along the length direction of the bus bar 100. In this case, the depths d1, d2 of the plurality of first grooves 110 may be unequal.

[0081] For example, the depth d2 of the first groove 110 at the central portion 103 of the bus bar 100 may be greater than the depth d1 of the first groove 110 at the peripheral portion 102 of the bus bar 100 .

[0082] When the bus bar 100 is bent due to an impact, the amount of deformation at the central portion 103 of the bus bar 100 may be greater than the amount of deformation at the peripheral portion 102 of the bus bar 100. According to the above configuration of the present disclosure, the bus bar 100 may be more easily deformed at the central portion 103 than at the peripheral portion 102, and the impact may be effectively absorbed or mitigated.

[0083] Figure 7 is a diagram showing a bus bar according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 and Figure 7 , the bus bar 100 of the battery rack 1000 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of first grooves.

[0084] The plurality of first grooves 110 may be arranged along the length direction of the bus bar 100. In this case, widths w1, w2 of the plurality of first grooves 110 may be unequal.

[0085] For example, the width w2 of the first groove 110 at the central portion 103 of the bus bar 100 may be greater than the width w1 of the first groove 110 at the peripheral portion 102 of the bus bar 100 .

[0086] When the bus bar 100 is bent due to an impact, the amount of deformation at the central portion 103 of the bus bar 100 may be greater than the amount of deformation at the peripheral portion 102 of the bus bar 100. According to the above configuration of the present disclosure, the bus bar 100 may be more easily deformed at the central portion 103 than at the peripheral portion 102, and the impact may be effectively absorbed or mitigated.

[0087] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a bus bar 100 according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 and Figure 8 , the bus bar 100 of the battery rack 1000 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first groove 110 and a second groove 120 .

[0088] The second groove 120 may be formed in a direction perpendicular to the plurality of first grooves 110. In addition, the second groove 120 may extend along the length direction of the bus bar 100. In addition, the second groove 120 may include a plurality of second grooves 120. Alternatively, the second groove 120 may be formed in the length direction of the bus bar 100 or in a direction perpendicular to the first groove 110 or in the Z-axis direction. Alternatively, the second groove 120 may be perpendicular to the first groove 110.

[0089] The second groove 120 may be formed in the same surface as the first groove 110. For example, the first groove 110 and the second groove 120 may be formed in the front surface of the bus bar 100.

[0090] The plurality of second grooves 120 may be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the bus bar 100. In addition, the plurality of second grooves 120 may be disposed between two holes 101. In particular, the plurality of second grooves 120 may be arranged at equal intervals. In addition, the plurality of second grooves 120 may have the same depth. In addition, the plurality of second grooves 120 may have the same width. In addition, the plurality of second grooves 120 may have the same length. In this case, the cross-section of the second groove 120 in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the bus bar 100 may be in a rectangular shape. The first groove 110 and the second groove 120 may form a groove grid.

[0091] According to the above configuration of the present disclosure, the flexibility of the bus bar 100 with respect to impact or vibration in the X-axis direction can be improved. Therefore, the bus bar 100 can more effectively absorb or mitigate vibration or impact occurring during transportation, delivery, or movement of the battery rack 1000.

[0092] In addition, according to the above configuration of the present disclosure, since the above plurality of second grooves 120 are formed to have the same shape, depth, width, and length and are arranged at equal intervals, the bus bar 100 may have uniform flexibility.

[0093] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a bus bar 100 according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 and Fig. 9 , the bus bar 100 of the battery rack 1000 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first groove 110 and a second groove 120 .

[0094] The second groove 120 may be formed between the first grooves 110. In addition, the second groove 120 may be formed in the central portion 104 of the bus bar 100, and the first groove 110 may be formed in the peripheral portion 105 of the bus bar 100. In addition, the first groove 110 and the second groove 120 may not intersect each other. In addition, the second groove 120 may be disposed between the first grooves 110.

[0095] According to the above-described configuration of the present disclosure, the flexibility of the bus bar 100 with respect to the impact or vibration in the X-axis direction may be improved.

[0096] In addition, according to the above-described configuration of the present disclosure, since the bus bar 100 includes the second groove 120 , a reduction in rigidity may be minimized.

[0097] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a bus bar 100 according to an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.10a is a perspective view showing the front surface of the bus bar 100, and Fig.10b is a perspective view showing the rear surface of the bus bar 100. Figure 210 , the bus bar 100 of the battery rack 1000 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first groove 110 and a second groove 120 .

[0098] The first groove 110 and the second groove 120 may be formed in different surfaces of the bus bar 100. For example, when the first groove 110 is formed in the front surface of the bus bar 100, the second groove 120 may be formed in the rear surface of the bus bar.

[0099] According to the above-described configuration of the present disclosure, the flexibility of the bus bar 100 with respect to the impact or vibration in the X-axis direction may be improved.

[0100] In addition, according to the above-described configuration of the present disclosure, the bus bar 120 may have improved rigidity compared to the bus bar 100 including the first groove 110 and the second groove 120 in the same surface.

[0101] Fig.11 is a diagram showing a bus bar 100 according to a ninth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 and Fig.11 The bus bar 100 of the battery rack 1000 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first groove 110 and a third groove 130 .

[0102] The third groove 130 may be formed in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the bus bar 100. In addition, the third groove 130 may be formed in the rear surface of the bus bar 100. Alternatively, the formation direction of the third groove 130 and the length direction of the bus bar 100 may be perpendicular to each other. In addition, the third groove 130 may include a plurality of third grooves 130. The plurality of third grooves 130 may be arranged along the length direction of the bus bar 100. In addition, the plurality of third grooves 130 may be placed between two holes 101. In particular, the plurality of third grooves 130 may be arranged at equal intervals. In addition, the plurality of third grooves 130 may be formed to have the same depth, width and length. In addition, the plurality of third grooves 130 may have the same depth, width and length as the first groove 110. In this case, the cross-section of the third groove 130 may be a rectangular shape along the length direction of the bus bar 100.

[0103] The first groove 110 and the third groove 130 may be formed in different surfaces of the bus bar 100. For example, the first groove 110 may be formed in the front surface of the bus bar 100, and the third groove 130 may be formed in the rear surface of the bus bar 100.

[0104] The plurality of first grooves 110 and the plurality of third grooves 130 may be arranged in an alternating manner. In addition, the plurality of first grooves 110 and the plurality of third grooves 130 may be arranged in an alternating manner at equal intervals.

[0105] According to the above-described configuration of the present disclosure, the bus bar 100 may have significantly improved flexibility compared to the bus bar 100 including only the first groove 110 or only the third groove 130 .

[0106] Fig.12 is a partial exploded view of the battery rack 1000 of the present disclosure. Fig.13 It is taken along the line A-A' Figure 2 Schematic cross-sectional view of. Fig.12 and Fig.13 , the battery rack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a coil spring 300 to provide a restoring force to push back the bus bar 100. The coil spring 300 may be inserted into the coupling bar 210. The coil spring 300 in a compressed state may be coupled to the coupling bar 210. In addition, the rear side of the coil spring 300 may contact the front surface of the bus bar 100. In addition, the restoring force of the compressed coil spring 300 may push the bus bar 100 back. Alternatively, the restoring force of the compressed coil spring 300 may push the bus bar 100 in the -Y axis direction.

[0107] According to the above configuration of the present disclosure, the coil spring 300 can stably support the bus bar 100. When the bus bar 100 moves in the front-rear direction along the coupling bar 210 due to vibration or movement of the battery rack 1000, the coil spring 300 can restore the bus bar 100 to the original position. Therefore, the bus bar 100 can absorb or mitigate vibration or impact while maintaining a stable coupling state.

[0108] refer to Fig.12 and Fig.13 , the coupling bar 210 of the battery rack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may have a thread. The thread may be formed along the direction in which the coupling bar 210 protrudes. In this case, the coupling bar 210 may be a fastener or a bolt. At least a portion of the coupling bar 210 may be located inside the battery module 200. For example, the coupling bar 210 may have a head 211 at the rear side, and the head 211 may be positioned, fixed, or coupled to the inside of the battery module 200.

[0109] In addition, the battery holder 1000 may include a nut 400 coupled to the thread. The nut 400 may be located in front of the coil spring 300.

[0110] According to the above configuration of the present disclosure, the nut 400 may prevent the components coupled to the coupling bar 210 from being separated from the coupling bar 210. Therefore, the coil spring 300 or the bus bar 100 coupled to the coupling bar 210 may be stably supported during movement in the front-rear direction.

[0111] refer to Fig.12 and Fig.13, the battery rack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a support member 500. The support member 500 may be located between the nut 400 and the coil spring 300. The support member 500 may include a coupling hole 501. In addition, the coupling bar 210 may pass through the coupling hole 501. In addition, the support member 500 may move in the front-rear direction along the coupling bar 210. The front side of the support member 500 may be supported by the nut 400. Therefore, the support member 500 is not separated from the coupling bar 210, and the connection may be stably maintained. In addition, the support member 500 may support the coil spring 300. The diameter of the support member 500 may be greater than the diameter of the coil spring 300.

[0112] According to the above configuration of the present disclosure, the support member 500 may prevent the coil spring 300 from being separated from the coupling bar 210. Therefore, the coil spring 300 may stably provide a restoring force to the bus bar 100.

[0113] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a supporting member 500 according to the present disclosure. Fig.14a is a perspective view showing the front surface of the supporting member, Fig.14b is a perspective view showing the rear surface of the support member, and Fig.14c is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line BB'. Figure 12 to Figure 1 4. The support member 500 of the battery rack 1000 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be a coil spring 500. The support member 500 may provide a restoring force to push back the coil spring 300. Alternatively, the support member 500 may be a leaf spring 500. Alternatively, the support member 500 may be a washer 500 having flexibility. Alternatively, the support member 500 may be a spring washer 500.

[0114] The front surface 504 of the support member 500 may protrude backward. Alternatively, the front surface 504 of the support member 500 may protrude in the -Y axis direction. The rear surface 502 of the support member 500 may protrude backward. Alternatively, the front surface 504 of the support member 500 may protrude in the -Y axis direction. The circumferential surface 503 may connect the front surface 504 to the rear surface 502. The front surface 504 and the rear surface 502 may have the same shape. For example, the periphery of the front surface 504 may be circular. In addition, the periphery of the rear surface 502 may be circular. The thickness t of the support member 500 may be uniform over the entire support member 500. For example, the thickness t at the outermost side of the support member 500 may be equal to the thickness t around the coupling hole 501 of the support member 500. When the support member 500 is subjected to a force in the forward direction, the support member 500 may provide a restoring force in the rearward direction. When the support member 500 is subjected to a force in the +Y axis direction, the support member 500 may provide a restoring force in the -Y axis direction.

[0115] According to the above-mentioned configuration of the present disclosure, the restoring force for pushing back the bus bar 100 can be increased. In the case where the battery rack 1000 is moved or used for a long time, the restoring force of the coil spring 300 becomes weak. When the restoring force of the coil spring 300 becomes weak, the bus bar 100 may not be stably supported. In this case, when the restoring force of the support member 500 is applied, the bus bar 100 can be stably supported despite the weak restoring force of the coil spring 300. The restoring force of the support member 500 can be maintained longer than the restoring force of the coil spring 300.

[0116] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an insulating sheet according to the present disclosure. Fig.15a is a diagram showing an insulating sheet coupled to a coupling bar, and Fig.15b is a diagram showing an insulating sheet removed from a coupling bar. Fig.12 , Fig.13 15 , the battery rack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a terminal 220 and an insulating sheet 600 .

[0117] The battery module 200 may include a terminal 220. The terminal 200 may be formed in the outer surface of the battery module 200. In addition, the terminal 220 may be adjacent to the coupling bar 210. In addition, the terminal 200 may include a terminal hole 221. The coupling bar 210 may pass through the terminal hole 221. The diameter of the terminal hole 221 may be greater than the diameter of the coupling bar 210. Therefore, the terminal 220 may not contact the coupling bar 210. In addition, the head 211 of the coupling bar 210 may be located inside the battery module 200. In addition, at least a portion of the cover forming the outer surface of the battery module 200 may be located between the head 211 and the terminal 220. For example, in the process of molding the cover of the battery module 200, the head 211 may be inserted into the cover of the battery module 200 and may not be exposed to the outside of the battery module 200. Therefore, the terminal 220 and the head 211 may not contact each other. That is, the terminal 220 and the coupling bar 210 may not be electrically connected to each other.

[0118] The insulating sheet 600 may be located between the terminal 220 and the bus bar 100. The insulating sheet 600 may be coupled to the coupling bar 210. The insulating sheet 600 may be made of a material having electrical insulation properties. In addition, the diameter of the insulating sheet 600 may be greater than the diameter of the terminal 220. In addition, the diameter of the insulating sheet 600 may be greater than the width of the bus bar 100. The insulating sheet 600 may prevent contact between the bus bar 100 and the terminal 220. The area of ​​the insulating sheet 600 may be large enough to prevent contact between the bus bar 100 and the terminal 220. In addition, the insulating sheet 600 may electrically insulate the bus bar 100 from the terminal 220.

[0119] According to the above configuration of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent electrical connection between the plurality of battery modules 200 and maintain electrical inactivation of the battery rack 1000. The battery rack 1000 may be electrically stable during transportation, delivery, movement, or storage of the battery rack 1000.

[0120] refer to Fig.12 , Fig.13 15 , the insulating sheet 600 may include an insulating portion 610 and a handle portion 620. The insulating portion 610 may contact at least one of the busbar 100 or the terminal 220. The handle portion 620 may be a portion extending from a peripheral portion 611 of the insulating portion 610. The handle portion 620 and the insulating portion 610 may be separated by a folding line 604. The handle portion 620 may extend from the insulating portion 610 to a sufficient length to allow a user to easily hold and pull the insulating sheet 600. In addition, the insulating sheet 620 may be folded along the folding line 604, and the handle portion 620 may be tilted relative to the insulating portion 610. For example, the handle portion 620 may be tilted forward relative to the insulating portion 610. Therefore, the user may be allowed to hold the handle portion 620 more easily.

[0121] The diameter of the first hole 601 may be greater than the diameter of the coupling bar 210. For example, the first hole 601 may protrude or extend toward the peripheral portion 611 of the insulating portion 610. Alternatively, the first hole 601 may protrude or extend toward the -X axis. Therefore, when the user pulls the insulating sheet 600 in the +X axis direction, the insulating sheet 600 may be more easily separated or removed from the coupling bar 210.

[0122] The second hole 602 may be formed in a direction in which the first hole 601 protrudes or extends. Therefore, when a user pulls the insulating sheet 600 in the +X-axis direction, the insulating sheet 600 may be more easily separated or removed from the coupling bar 210.

[0123] The third hole 603 may be formed in a direction in which the first hole 601 protrudes or extends. In addition, the third hole 603 may be located between the second hole 602 and the peripheral portion 611. For example, the third hole 603 may be formed so that at least a portion of the peripheral portion 611 is bent or recessed toward the second hole 602. Alternatively, the third hole 603 may be formed so that at least a portion of the peripheral portion 611 is grooved toward the second hole 602. Therefore, when the user pulls the insulating sheet 600 in the +X axis direction, the first hole 601 and the second hole 602 may be disconnected. In addition, the second hole 602 and the third hole 603 may be disconnected.

[0124] refer to Fig.12 , Fig.13 15 , the insulation sheet 600 of the battery rack 1000 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first hole 601 and a second hole 602 .

[0125] The coupling bar 210 may pass through the first hole 601. The first hole 601 may be formed at a central portion of the insulating sheet 600. The first hole 601 may be referred to as an insulating hole 601. The second hole 602 may be adjacent to the first hole 601. The second hole 602 may be referred to as a guide hole 602. In addition, the second hole 602 may include a plurality of second holes 602. In addition, the second hole 602 may include a plurality of second holes 602 between an edge of the insulating sheet 600 and the first hole 601. In addition, the second hole 602 may extend to an edge of the insulating sheet 600.

[0126] According to the above configuration of the present disclosure, a user of the battery rack 1000 can easily separate or remove the insulating sheet 600 from the coupling bar 210 without separating components such as the nut 400 , the support member 500 , the coil spring 300 , or the bus bar 100 from the coupling bar 210 .

[0127] Fig.16 is a partial schematic diagram of a battery rack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, Fig.16 is shown along the line A-A'. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a variation of . Fig.13 and Fig.16 , the battery rack 1000 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a terminal 220 and a bus bar 100 .

[0128] The battery module 200 may include a terminal disposed in an outer surface of the battery module 200 and located adjacent to the coupling bar 210. In addition, the bus bar 100 may contact the terminal 220. In addition, the bus bar 100 may be electrically connected to the terminal 220.

[0129] Fig.16 The battery rack 1000 can be without Fig.13 When the insulating sheet 600 is removed, the bus bar 100 may move backward due to the restoring force of at least one of the coil spring 300 or the support member 500. Therefore, the bus bar 100 may contact the terminal 220. In addition, due to the restoring force of at least one of the coil spring 300 or the support member 500, the bus bar 100 may be supported to contact the terminal 220.

[0130] According to the above configuration of the present disclosure, when the user removes the insulating sheet 600 from the coupling bar 210 by pulling the insulating sheet 600, the battery rack 1000 may be electrically activated. Therefore, the battery rack 1000 may be quickly and easily installed, thereby saving labor and time.

[0131] refer to Figure 1The battery rack 1000 according to the present disclosure may further include a battery rack frame 700 to fix, support or install the plurality of battery modules 200. In addition, the battery rack 1000 according to the present disclosure may include a battery management system (BMS) 800 to control the plurality of battery modules 200. For example, each BMS 800 may be provided to two battery racks 1000.

[0132] refer to Figure 1 , the battery container 2000 according to the present disclosure may include the battery rack 1000 according to the present disclosure. The battery rack 1000 may include a plurality of battery racks 1000. The battery container 2000 may include a container housing 1100. The container housing 1100 may provide an accommodation space for accommodating the battery rack 1000. In addition, the battery container 2000 may include a control unit 1200 to control the plurality of battery racks 1000. In addition, the battery container 2000 may further include a sensor for detecting the condition of the battery rack 1000 or a fire extinguishing module for controlling a thermal event.

[0133] An energy storage system (ESS) according to the present disclosure may include a battery rack 1000 according to the present disclosure. The energy storage system may include a plurality of battery containers 2000. In addition, the battery container 2000 may include a plurality of battery racks 1000. In the energy storage system, a combination of a predetermined number of battery containers 2000 and a control container may form a link group. In an example, the control container may perform full control or diagnosis of the battery container 2000. In addition, the control container may include a direct current (DC) section, an alternating current (AC) section, and a battery system controller (BSC) section to control the battery container 2000. At the same time, each control container may be connected to a power conversion system (PCS).

[0134] Terms indicating directions, such as up, down, left, right, front, and rear, etc., are used for convenience of description, but it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms may change according to the positions of the elements or observers.

[0135] Although the present disclosure has been described above with respect to a limited number of embodiments and drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it is apparent that those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications within the technical aspects of the present disclosure and the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A battery rack, comprising: A plurality of battery modules, the plurality of battery modules are stacked in an up-and-down direction, each battery module comprising a coupling bar protruding forward; as well as A bus bar is movably coupled to the coupling bar of each of two adjacent battery modules among the plurality of battery modules in a front-rear direction, the bus bar being made of metal and having flexibility.

2. The battery rack according to claim 1, wherein: The bus bar includes a plurality of first grooves along a direction perpendicular to a length direction of the bus bar.

3. The battery rack according to claim 2, wherein: The bus bar further includes a plurality of second grooves extending in a direction perpendicular to the plurality of first grooves and along a length direction of the bus bar.

4. The battery rack according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of first grooves are formed in the front surface of the bus bar, and The bus bar further includes a plurality of third grooves, and the plurality of third grooves are arranged in a direction perpendicular to a length direction of the bus bar in a rear surface of the bus bar.

5. The battery rack according to claim 1, further comprising: A coil spring is used to provide a restoring force for pushing the bus bar back.

6. The battery rack according to claim 5, wherein: The battery module includes a terminal in an outer surface of the battery module and adjacent to the coupling bar, and The bus bar contacts the terminal and is electrically connected to the terminal.

7. The battery rack according to claim 5, wherein: The coupling strip has threads, and The battery module further includes a nut located in front of the coil spring and coupled to the thread.

8. The battery rack according to claim 7, further comprising: A support member is located between the nut and the coil spring.

9. The battery rack according to claim 8, wherein: The supporting member is a coil spring for providing a restoring force for pushing back the coil spring.

10. The battery rack according to claim 1, wherein: The battery module includes a terminal in an outer surface of the battery module and adjacent to the coupling bar, and The battery rack further includes an insulating sheet located between the terminal and the bus bar.

11. The battery rack according to claim 10, wherein: The insulating sheet comprises: a first hole allowing the coupling bar to pass therethrough; and A second hole is adjacent to the first hole.

12. A battery container comprising the battery rack according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. An energy storage system comprising the battery rack according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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