Bus bar holder assembly, battery module including same, and method of manufacturing same

Abstract

A battery module includes: a battery cell; a bus bar electrically connecting the battery cells; a circuit board including a temperature sensor assembly and electrically connected to the bus bar; and a bus bar holder for supporting the bus bar, defining a receiving hole for receiving the temperature sensor assembly, and including a first fastening portion adjacent to the receiving hole, in which the temperature sensor assembly includes: a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of at least one of the battery cells; a temperature sensor cover including a second fastening portion configured to be fastened to the first fastening portion; and an elastic member between the circuit board and the temperature sensor cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a bus bar support assembly including a temperature sensor cover, a battery module including the same, and a manufacturing method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which are not designed to be (re)charged, secondary (or rechargeable) batteries are batteries that are designed to be discharged and recharged. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in portable small electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptops, digital cameras, and camcorders, while large-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for driving motors in hybrid and electric vehicles and for storing electricity (e.g., household and / or utility-scale electricity storage). Secondary batteries generally include an electrode assembly consisting of a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a housing that houses the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0003] The above information disclosed in this Background section is for enhancement of understanding of the background of the present disclosure and may contain information that does not constitute related (or prior) art. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a busbar support assembly including a temperature sensor cover, a battery module including the same, and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0005] These and other aspects of the present disclosure will be described in or will be apparent from the following description of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0006] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery module may include: a battery cell; a bus bar electrically connecting the battery cell; a circuit board including a temperature sensor assembly and electrically connected to the bus bar; and a bus bar bracket for supporting the bus bar, defining a receiving hole for receiving the temperature sensor assembly and including a first fastening portion adjacent to the receiving hole, wherein the temperature sensor assembly includes: a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of at least one of the battery cells; a temperature sensor cover including a second fastening portion, the second fastening portion being configured to be fastened to the first fastening portion; and an elastic member between the circuit board and the temperature sensor cover.

[0007] The temperature sensor assembly may be fixed to the bus bar holder via the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion.

[0008] The second fastening portion may have a convex shape, wherein the first fastening portion has a concave shape corresponding to the convex shape of the second fastening portion, so that the second fastening portion is configured to be fitted into and fastened to the first fastening portion.

[0009] The second fastening portion may include a stepped protruding hook, wherein the first fastening portion has a stepped recessed shape configured to receive the second fastening portion.

[0010] The first fastening portion may have a hook shape having one or more angles, wherein the second fastening portion defines a through hole, and wherein the first fastening portion is configured to extend through the second fastening portion, fit into the second fastening portion, and be fastened to the second fastening portion.

[0011] The temperature sensor cover may comprise the same material as the bus bar holder.

[0012] The temperature sensor cover may be fixed to the upper surface of the elastic member using an adhesive.

[0013] The temperature sensor cover may include an injection molding material.

[0014] The circuit board may include a flexible circuit board, the flexible circuit board includes a temperature sensor connecting portion, wherein the temperature sensor assembly further includes a metal terminal tab for contacting the temperature sensor and at least one of the battery cells, the metal terminal tab being fixed to a lower surface of the temperature sensor connecting portion via an adhesive, wherein the elastic member is fixed to an upper surface of the temperature sensor connecting portion via an adhesive.

[0015] The elastic member may be compressed between the temperature sensor cover and the metal tab.

[0016] The resilient member may define a through hole for receiving the temperature sensor therethrough.

[0017] The temperature sensor may not directly contact the elastic member, the bus bar holder, or the temperature sensor cover.

[0018] A busbar bracket assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include: a circuit board electrically connected to a busbar and including a temperature sensor assembly; and a busbar bracket for supporting the busbar, defining a receiving hole configured to receive the temperature sensor assembly and including a first fastening portion adjacent to the receiving hole, wherein the temperature sensor assembly includes: a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of at least one battery cell; a temperature sensor cover including a second fastening portion for being fastened to the first fastening portion; and an elastic member between the circuit board and the temperature sensor cover.

[0019] The first fastening portion and the second fastening portion may be fastened to each other so that the temperature sensor assembly is fixed to the bus bar holder.

[0020] The second fastening portion of the temperature sensor cover may have a convex shape, wherein the first fastening portion has a concave shape corresponding to the convex shape of the second fastening portion, wherein the second fastening portion is fitted into and fastened to the first fastening portion.

[0021] The first fastening portion may have a hook shape having one or more angles, wherein the second fastening portion includes a through hole, wherein the first fastening portion extends through the second fastening portion, fits into the second fastening portion, and is fastened to the second fastening portion.

[0022] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a busbar bracket assembly may include: forming a temperature sensor assembly by attaching an elastic member to the upper surface of a temperature sensor connecting portion of a circuit board and by attaching a temperature sensor cover to the upper surface of the elastic member, the temperature sensor connecting portion being coupled to a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of at least one battery cell; providing the temperature sensor assembly above the busbar bracket so that the temperature sensor assembly is received in a receiving hole defined by the busbar bracket; and fastening a first fastening portion adjacent to the receiving hole of the busbar bracket to a second fastening portion provided in the temperature sensor cover by pressing the temperature sensor assembly toward the direction of the busbar bracket, wherein the circuit board is configured to be electrically connected to the busbar.

[0023] The second fastening portion of the temperature sensor cover may have a convex shape, wherein the first fastening portion has a concave shape for receiving the second fastening portion, wherein fastening the first fastening portion to the second fastening portion includes fitting the second fastening portion into the first fastening portion by pressing the temperature sensor assembly toward the busbar support.

[0024] The second fastening portion may include a stepped protruding hook, wherein the first fastening portion has a stepped recessed shape for receiving the second fastening portion, wherein fastening the first fastening portion to the second fastening portion includes fitting the second fastening portion into the first fastening portion by pressing the temperature sensor assembly toward the busbar support.

[0025] The first fastening portion may have a hook shape having one or more angles, wherein the second fastening portion defines a through hole, wherein fastening the first fastening portion to the second fastening portion includes pressing the temperature sensor assembly toward the bus bar support so that the second fastening portion extends through the second fastening portion, is assembled into the second fastening portion, and is fastened to the second fastening portion.

[0026] However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above contents, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other aspects of the present disclosure from the following description of the present disclosure.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the defect rate and manufacturing time of a process for manufacturing a temperature sensor assembly may be reduced, and resources used in the manufacture of a battery module may be saved.

[0028] However, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned aspects, and other aspects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the detailed description to be described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and further describe various aspects of the present disclosure and the detailed description of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to the drawings:

[0030] Figure 1 A perspective view showing an example of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0031] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view showing an example of an exploded portion of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0032] Figure 3 A plan view showing an example of a circuit board including a temperature sensor assembly A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0033] Figure 4A A perspective view showing an example of a temperature sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0034] Figure 4B Shows the display Figure 4A An exploded perspective view of an example of exploded portions of a temperature sensor assembly.

[0035] Figure 4C Shows the display Figure 4A A perspective view of the other side of the temperature sensor assembly.

[0036] Figure 5 An exploded perspective view showing an example of a temperature sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0037] Fig. 6A A perspective view showing an example of a temperature sensor cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0038] Figure 6B A plan view showing an example of a temperature sensor cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0039] Figure 6C A front view showing an example of a temperature sensor cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0040] Figure 7A view showing an example of a method of manufacturing a bus bar holder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0041] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view showing an example in which a temperature sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is fixed to a bus bar holder is illustrated.

[0042] Fig.9A A perspective view showing an example of a temperature sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0043] Fig. 9B Shows the display Fig.9A An exploded perspective view of the exploded portions of a temperature sensor assembly.

[0044] Fig.10 A view showing an example of a method of manufacturing a bus bar holder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0045] Fig.11 A cross-sectional view showing an example in which a temperature sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is fixed to a bus bar holder is illustrated.

[0046] Fig.12 A flow chart showing an example of a method of manufacturing a bus bar bracket assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in the present specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to the usual meaning or dictionary meaning, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor can be his / her own lexicon compiler to appropriately define the concept of the term so as to interpret his / her invention in the best manner.

[0048] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only some embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all technical ideas, aspects and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that when submitting this application, there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace or modify the embodiments described herein.

[0049] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "bound to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly bound to the other element or layer, or there may be one or more intervening elements or layers. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly bound to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers. For example, when a first element is described as being "bound to" or "connected to" a second element, the first element may be directly bound or connected to the second element, or the first element may be indirectly bound or connected to the second element via one or more intervening elements.

[0050] In the accompanying drawings, for the clarity of the illustration, the sizes of various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated. The same reference numerals represent the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related enumerated items. In addition, when describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of "may" relates to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure". Expressions such as "at least one of ..." and "any one of ...", when following a column of elements, modify the entire column of elements without modifying the individual elements of the column. When phrases such as "at least one of A, B, and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "at least one selected from the group of A, B, and C", or "at least one selected from the group of A, B, and C" are used to specify a column of elements A, B, and C, the phrase may refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the terms "use", "use ..." and "being used" may be considered to be synonymous with the terms "utilize", "utilize ..." and "being utilized", respectively. As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation, rather than terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measurements or calculations that one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize.

[0051] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used here to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or part from another element, component, region, layer or part. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or part without departing from the teaching of the example embodiments.

[0052] For ease of description, spatial relationship terms such as "under ...", "below ...", "below ...", "above ...", "on ...", etc. may be used here to describe the relationship of an element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figure. It will be understood that in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures, the spatial relationship terms are also intended to cover other different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is turned over, the element described as being "below" or "below" other elements or features will be oriented to be "above" or "on" the other elements or features. Therefore, the term "below ..." can cover both the above and below orientations. The device can be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relationship descriptors used here should be interpreted accordingly.

[0053] The terms used herein are intended to describe embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular form "a" is also intended to include the plural form, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "include", "includes ...", "includes" and / or "comprising ...", when used in this specification, indicate the existence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups.

[0054] In addition, any numerical range disclosed and / or described herein is intended to include all sub-ranges of the same numerical precision within the described range. For example, the range of "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all sub-ranges between the described minimum value 1.0 and the described maximum value 10.0 (and including the described minimum value 1.0 and the described maximum value 10.0), that is, all sub-ranges with a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit described herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits included therein, and any minimum numerical limit described in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits included therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to modify this specification (including claims) to explicitly describe any sub-ranges included within the scope explicitly described herein.

[0055] When two compared elements, features, etc. are referred to as "the same" it may mean that they are "substantially the same." Thus, the phrase "substantially the same" may include situations with deviations that are considered low in the art (e.g., 5% or less). In addition, when a parameter is referred to as being uniform in a given area, it may mean that it is uniform with respect to an average value.

[0056] Throughout the specification, unless stated otherwise, each element may be in the singular or in the plural.

[0057] When any element is referred to as being located (or placed or positioned) "on (or below)" or "on (or below)" a component, it may mean that the arbitrary element is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, or it may mean that another component may be interposed between the component and any element located (or placed or positioned) on (or below) the component.

[0058] Furthermore, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "coupled," "linked," or "connected" to another element, the elements may be directly "coupled," "linked," or "connected" to each other, or there may be an intervening element therebetween through which the element may be "coupled," "linked," or "connected" to another element. Furthermore, when a portion is referred to as being "electrically coupled" to another portion, the portion may be directly connected to the other portion, or there may be an intervening portion therebetween such that the portion and the other portion are indirectly connected to each other.

[0059] Throughout the specification, when "A and / or B" is stated, it means A, B, or A and B, unless stated otherwise. That is, "and / or" includes any or all combinations of the listed multiple items. When "C to D" is stated, it means C or more and D or less, unless stated otherwise.

[0060] A battery pack according to one or more embodiments includes at least one battery module and a pack case having an accommodation space in which the at least one battery module is accommodated.

[0061] The battery module may include a plurality of battery cells and a module housing. The battery cells may be housed in a module housing in a stacked form / stacked arrangement / stacked configuration. Each battery cell may have a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal, and may be round, prismatic, or pouch-shaped depending on the shape of the battery. In this specification, a battery cell may also be referred to as a secondary battery, a battery, or a cell.

[0062] In a battery pack, one cell stack may constitute one module instead of a battery module stack. The cell stack may be accommodated in an accommodation space of a pack case, or may be accommodated in an accommodation space partitioned by a frame, a partition wall, or the like.

[0063] The battery cells may generate a large amount of heat during charging / discharging. The generated heat may accumulate in the battery cells and may accelerate the degradation of the battery cells. In one or more embodiments, the battery pack may further include a cooling member to remove the generated heat and may suppress the degradation of the battery cells. The cooling member may be provided at the bottom of the accommodation space where the battery cells are provided, but is not limited thereto, and the cooling member may be provided at the top or side depending on the battery pack.

[0064] The battery cells may be configured so that exhaust gases generated inside the battery cells under abnormal operating conditions (also known as thermal runaway or thermal events) can be discharged to the outside of the battery cells. The battery pack or battery module may include an exhaust port for exhausting exhaust gases to prevent or reduce damage to the battery pack or module caused by the exhaust gases.

[0065] The battery pack may include a battery and a battery management system (BMS) for managing the battery. The battery management system may include a detection device, a balancing device, and a control device. The battery module may include a plurality of cells connected in series and / or in parallel to each other. The battery modules may be connected in series and / or in parallel to each other.

[0066] The detection device can detect the state of the battery (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, etc.) to output state information indicating the state of the battery. The detection device can detect the voltage of each cell constituting the battery or the voltage of each battery module. The detection device can detect the current flowing through each battery module constituting the battery or the battery pack. The detection device can also detect the temperature of the cell and / or module and / or the ambient temperature at at least one point of the battery.

[0067] The balancing device can perform balancing operations of the battery module and / or balancing operations of the monomers constituting the battery module. The control device can receive status information (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, etc.) of the battery module from the detection device. The control device can monitor and calculate the status of the battery module (e.g., voltage, current, temperature, state of charge (SOC), life (state of health (SOH)), etc.) based on the status information received from the detection device. In one or more embodiments, based on the monitored status information, the control device can perform control functions (e.g., temperature control, balancing control, charge / discharge control, etc.) and protection functions (e.g., over-discharge, over-charge, over-current protection, short circuit, fire extinguishing function, etc.). In one or more embodiments, the control device can perform wired or wireless communication functions with external devices of the battery pack (e.g., higher-level controllers or vehicles, chargers, power conversion systems, etc.).

[0068] The control device can control the charging / discharging operation and the protection operation of the battery. To this end, the control device can include a charging / discharging control unit, a balancing control unit and / or a protection unit.

[0069] A battery management system is a system that monitors the battery status and performs diagnostic and control, communication, and protection functions, and can calculate the charge / discharge status, can calculate the battery life or health state (SOH), can cut off the battery power supply as appropriate (e.g., relay control), can control thermal management (e.g., cooling, heating, etc.), can perform high-voltage interlock functions, and / or can detect and / or calculate insulation and short circuit conditions.

[0070] The relay may be a mechanical contactor that is switched on and off by the magnetic force of a coil or a semiconductor switch such as a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET).

[0071] The relay control has a function of cutting off the power supply to the battery in the event of a problem in the vehicle and the battery system, and may include one or more relays and a pre-charge relay at the positive terminal and the negative terminal, respectively.

[0072] In pre-charge control, there is a risk of inrush current occurring in the high-voltage capacitor on the inverter input side when the battery load is connected. To reduce or prevent the possibility of inrush current when starting the vehicle, the pre-charge relay may be operated before the main relay is connected, and a pre-charge resistor may be connected.

[0073] The high-voltage interlock is a circuit that uses a small signal to detect whether all high-voltage parts of the entire vehicle system are connected, and can have the function of forcibly disconnecting the relay in the event of a disconnection at even one position on the entire loop.

[0074] Figure 1 A perspective view showing an example of a battery cell 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 The battery cell 10 may include: one or more electrode assemblies having a separator (eg, an insulator) wound or stacked between a positive electrode and a negative electrode; a case 110 including the electrode assembly therein; and a cap plate 120 coupled to one open end of the case 110 . Figure 1 The illustrated battery cell 10 may be a secondary battery.

[0075] Each of the positive electrode and the negative electrode may include a current collector made of a thin metal foil, the current collector having a coating portion on which an active material is coated and a non-coating portion on which the active material is not coated.

[0076] After a separator as an insulator is interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, the positive electrode and the negative electrode are wound. The present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the electrode assembly may have a structure in which positive electrodes and negative electrodes each made of a plurality of sheets are alternately stacked with a separator interposed therebetween.

[0077] The housing 110 may form the overall appearance of the battery cell 100 and may be made of a conductive metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. In one or more embodiments, the housing 110 may provide a space for accommodating an electrode assembly therein. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the housing 110 is shown as a prismatic housing and the battery cell 10 is shown as a prismatic battery cell, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The battery cell 10 may be any shape battery cell, such as an angular battery cell, a cylindrical battery cell, or a pouch-shaped battery cell.

[0078] The cover plate 120 may be coupled to the open end of the housing 110 to seal the housing 110. The housing 110 and the cover plate 120 may include a conductive material. In some embodiments, the upper end of the housing 110 may be open, and the cover plate 120 may seal the open upper end of the housing 110.

[0079] A positive electrode terminal 130_1 electrically connected to the positive electrode and a negative electrode terminal 130_2 electrically connected to the negative electrode may be coupled to the cap plate 120. For example, the positive electrode terminal 130_1 and the negative electrode terminal 130_2 may be positioned to protrude outward through the cap plate 120.

[0080] In some embodiments, the vent 140 may be provided on at least one surface of the battery cell 10 (e.g., an upper surface of the battery cell 10, such as the cap plate 120 in the illustrated example). The vent 140 may be configured to be opened when an internal pressure equal to or higher than a threshold pressure (e.g., a predetermined threshold pressure) is detected in the battery cell 10.

[0081] In some embodiments, the cap plate 120 may include an electrolyte inlet 150. For example, the electrolyte inlet 150 may be a through hole provided in the cap plate 120. The electrolyte inlet 150 may be formed to allow the electrolyte to be injected into the housing 110 through the electrolyte inlet 150 after the cap plate 120 is coupled to the opening of the housing 110 to seal the housing 110. After the electrolyte is injected, the electrolyte inlet 150 may be sealed with a sealing member.

[0082] The battery cell 10 may be a lithium (Li) battery cell, a sodium (Na) battery cell, or the like. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the battery cell 10 includes any battery capable of repeatedly providing power due to charging and discharging. In some embodiments, in the case where the battery cell 10 is a Li battery cell, the battery cell 10 may be used in an electric vehicle (EV) due to excellent life characteristics and high rate characteristics. For example, the battery cell 10 may be used in a hybrid vehicle, such as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). In one or more embodiments, the Li battery cell may be used in fields suitable for large amounts of power storage. For example, the Li battery cell may be used in an electric bicycle, an electric tool, or the like.

[0083] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view showing an example of an exploded portion of a battery module 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 The battery module 1 according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of battery cells 10, a frame 20 accommodating the battery cells 10, a plurality of bus bars 40 electrically connected to the battery cells 10, a bus bar support 30 supporting the bus bars 40, and a circuit board 50 electrically connected to the bus bars 40 and having various circuits and components mounted thereon. In some embodiments, the battery module 1 may be referred to as a battery pack. In some embodiments, the battery module 1 may be included in a vehicle.

[0084] The battery module 1 may include battery cells 10. In some embodiments, in the battery module 1, the battery cells 10 may be arranged in one direction such that wider surfaces face each other.

[0085] In some embodiments, each battery cell 10 may include a housing, an electrode assembly contained in the housing together with an electrolyte, and a cap plate 12 that seals the housing. Each electrode assembly may be formed by winding or stacking a negative electrode plate, a separator, and a positive electrode plate in sequence. A negative electrode plate implemented as a metal foil such as copper (Cu), a Cu alloy, nickel (Ni), or a Ni alloy may be applied or coated with a negative electrode active material such as graphite or carbon (C). A positive electrode plate implemented as a metal foil such as aluminum (Al) or an Al alloy may be applied or coated with an active material such as a transition metal oxide. Each of the negative electrode plate and the positive electrode plate may be provided with an uncoated portion (e.g., an area where no active material is applied). A negative electrode tab may be connected to the uncoated portion of the negative electrode, and a positive electrode tab may be connected to the uncoated portion of the positive electrode. The negative electrode tab and the positive electrode tab connected in this manner may be electrically connected to the negative electrode terminal and the positive electrode terminal provided on the cap plate 12, respectively. The negative electrode terminal and the positive electrode terminal provided on the cap plate 12 may be electrically connected to the bus bar 40. In one or more embodiments, the structure of the battery cell 10 is not limited thereto and may be appropriately changed as needed. In one or more embodiments, the number and arrangement of the battery cells 10 are not limited thereto. Figure 2 The structure shown can be changed as needed.

[0086] A plurality of battery cells 10 may be accommodated in the frame 20. In some embodiments, the frame 20 may include a pair of end plates 22 contacting the outermost battery cells 10 in the arrangement direction of the battery cells 10, a pair of side plates 24 vertically coupled to the end plates 22, and a top plate 26 located above the end plates 22. In one or more embodiments, a bottom plate may be provided below the battery cells 10 to support the battery cells 10 from below. The battery cells 10, the bus bar holders 30, the bus bars 40, and the circuit board 50 may be accommodated within the frame 20.

[0087] The bus bar support 30 may be located at Figure 2 The bus bar support 30 is disposed above the cover plate 12 in the housing 10 and can support the bus bar 40. For example, the bus bar support 30 can be a substantially rectangular plate and can be made of an insulating material.

[0088] The bus bar support 30 may be provided with a plurality of through holes through which the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal of the cap plate 12 are exposed. The positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal may be exposed through the through holes formed in the bus bar support 30, and the bus bar 40 may be electrically connected to the exposed positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal. In some embodiments, the bus bar support 30 may be provided with a receiving hole to receive a temperature sensor assembly included in the circuit board 50.

[0089] The bus bar 40 may electrically connect the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal. The bus bar 40 may connect the battery cells 10 in series and / or in parallel. To this end, the bus bar 40 may be provided as a plurality of bus bars. In some embodiments, the bus bar 40 may electrically connect the positive electrode terminal of one battery cell 10 to the positive electrode terminal or the negative electrode terminal of another battery cell 10. In one or more embodiments, the bus bar 40 may electrically connect the negative electrode terminal of one battery cell 10 to the positive electrode terminal or the negative electrode terminal of another battery cell 10. The bus bar 40 may be connected to the positive electrode terminal and / or the negative electrode terminal by welding or the like. In addition to the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal, the region of each battery cell 10 may be insulated from the bus bar 40 by the bus bar bracket 30. A circuit board 50 may be provided between the bus bar 40 and the top plate 26, and the bus bar 40 may be electrically connected to the circuit board 50.

[0090] Various components for measuring state information of the battery cell 10 (such as the voltage and / or temperature of the battery cell 10), and various components or circuits configured to control and / or manage the battery cell 10 may be mounted on the circuit board 50. In some embodiments, the circuit board 50 may include a battery management system (BMS). In some embodiments, the circuit board 50 may be electrically connected to the outside of the battery module 1 through a separate connector.

[0091] In some embodiments, the circuit board 50 may include a temperature sensor assembly including a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the battery cell 10. Features of the temperature sensor assembly and the circuit board 50 including the same will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0092] In some embodiments, the circuit board 50 may have a substantially rectangular shape and may be positioned such that its longitudinal direction coincides with the arrangement direction of the battery cells 10. Since the circuit board 50 is ideally connected to the bus bar 40, the circuit board 50 may have a size that covers at least a portion (e.g., a predetermined portion) of the area of ​​the bus bar support 30. The circuit board 50 may have a size that is at least adjacent to the area where the bus bar 40 is disposed for smooth connection to the bus bar 40. For example, the circuit board 50 may have a size corresponding to Figure 2 In one or more embodiments, the circuit board 50 may have a long side length corresponding to the sum of the widths of the left bus bar 40 or the right bus bar 40 according to the arrangement direction of the battery cells 10 .

[0093] The circuit board 50 is generally located above the bus bar holder 30 . In this case, the temperature sensor assembly of the circuit board 50 may be seated in a receiving hole formed in the bus bar holder 30 , and a metal tab included in the temperature sensor assembly may contact an upper portion of the battery cell 10 .

[0094] Figure 3 A plan view showing an example of a circuit board 50 including a temperature sensor assembly A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Various components for measuring state information of a battery cell (such as a voltage and / or temperature of the battery cell), and various components or circuits configured to control and / or manage the battery cell may be mounted on the circuit board 50. In some embodiments, the body of the circuit board may include a flexible circuit board 510 made of a flexible material. In some embodiments, the flexible circuit board 510 (or the circuit board 50 including the flexible circuit board) may be referred to as a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) or a flexible printed circuit assembly (FPCA).

[0095] In some embodiments, one or more tab connection portions 520 may be provided on the long side and / or short side of the flexible circuit board 510. The circuit board tabs 530 may be connected to the tab connection portions 520, respectively. The tab connection portions 520 may be connected to the bus bar through the circuit board tabs 530.

[0096] The circuit board tabs 530 may be metal material tabs configured to connect the tab connection portions 520 to the bus bars, respectively. For example, the circuit board tabs 530 may be substantially rectangular tabs made of Ni material, but are not limited thereto. One end of each circuit board tab 530 may be connected to the corresponding tab connection portion 520, and the other end of each circuit board tab 530 may extend to the outside of the tab connection portion 520 to be connected to the corresponding bus bar.

[0097] In some embodiments, the tab connection portion 520 and one end of the circuit board tab 530, and / or the bus bar and the other end of the circuit board tab 530, may be connected by welding (e.g., soldering, ultrasonic welding, or laser welding). In one or more embodiments, the method of connecting the tab connection portion 520 to one end of the circuit board tab 530 and / or connecting the bus bar to the other end of the circuit board tab 530 is not limited thereto, and any electrically connectable bonding method may be used.

[0098] In some embodiments, the circuit board 50 may include a temperature sensor assembly A. The temperature sensor assembly A may include a temperature sensor 544 , a temperature sensor cover 546 , and an elastic member between the circuit board 50 and the temperature sensor 544 , the temperature sensor 544 being configured to measure the temperature of the battery cell.

[0099] For example, the flexible circuit board 510 may include a temperature sensor connection portion 540 extending from one edge of the flexible circuit board 510. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor connection portion 540 may be a flexible material and may be movable with a degree of freedom in any direction. A temperature sensor 544 may be connected to the temperature sensor connection portion 540. An elastic member having a through hole configured to receive a temperature sensor may be coupled to an upper portion of the temperature sensor connection portion 540. A temperature sensor cover 546 may be coupled to an upper portion of the elastic member. With the temperature sensor cover 546 being fastened to the busbar support, the temperature sensor assembly A may be fixed to the busbar support. The features of the temperature sensor assembly A will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0100] Figure 4A A perspective view showing an example of a temperature sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4B Shows the display Figure 4A An exploded perspective view of an example of exploded portions of a temperature sensor assembly. Figure 4C Shows the display Figure 4A A perspective view of the other side of the temperature sensor assembly.

[0101] refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the temperature sensor 544 may be combined with a temperature sensor connection portion 540 made of a flexible material and extending from one edge of the flexible circuit board.

[0102] An elastic member 542 including a through hole configured to accommodate a temperature sensor 544 may be coupled to an upper portion of the temperature sensor connection portion 540. The temperature sensor 544 may be located in the through hole of the elastic member 542. For example, by accommodating the temperature sensor 544 in the through hole, the elastic member 542 may be formed to surround the temperature sensor 544. In some embodiments, the elastic member 542 may not directly contact the temperature sensor 544. In some embodiments, the elastic member 542 may not directly contact the temperature sensor 544. The elastic member 542 may include any elastic material. For example, the elastic member 542 may be a foam pad, or may include a silicone or epoxy material, but is not limited thereto.

[0103] The temperature sensor cover 546 may be coupled to the upper portion of the elastic member 542. The temperature sensor cover 546 may include a second fastening portion. As the second fastening portion of the temperature sensor cover 546 is fastened to the first fastening portion of the bus bar bracket, the temperature sensor assembly may be fixed to the bus bar bracket. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor cover 546 may not directly contact the temperature sensor 544. The features of the temperature sensor cover 546 will be described later with reference to FIG. FIG. 6A to FIG. 11 Describe in more detail.

[0104] refer to Figure 4C , a metal tab 548 configured to be connected to the temperature sensor 544 and the battery cell (e.g., the cover plate or housing of the battery cell) can be coupled to the lower portion of the temperature sensor connecting portion 540 (in the direction toward the battery cell). In some embodiments, the metal tab 548 can contact the temperature sensor 544 and / or can be electrically connected to the temperature sensor 544. The metal tab 548 may include a high conductivity material. For example, the metal tab 548 may include an Al material, but is not limited thereto. The metal tab 548 may include any metal material. The metal tab 548 may contact the surface of the battery cell to measure the temperature of the battery cell. The shape and length of the temperature sensor connecting portion 540 may vary depending on the position where the metal tab 548 contacts the battery cell.

[0105] Figure 5 An exploded perspective view showing an example of a temperature sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 5 , the temperature sensor 544 may be coupled to the temperature sensor connecting portion 540. For example, the temperature sensor 544 may be coupled to a central portion of the temperature sensor connecting portion 540.

[0106] A metal tab 548 configured to measure the temperature of the battery cell may be coupled to a lower portion of the temperature sensor connection portion 540. For example, a first adhesive 552 (e.g., a double-sided tape) may be provided between the metal tab 548 and the temperature sensor connection portion 540. The metal tab 548 may be fixed to a lower surface of the temperature sensor connection portion 540 using the first adhesive 552.

[0107] The elastic member 542 including / defining a through hole configured to accommodate the temperature sensor 544 may be coupled to an upper portion of the temperature sensor connection portion 540. For example, a second adhesive 554 (e.g., a double-sided tape) may be provided between the temperature sensor connection portion 540 and the elastic member 542. The elastic member 542 may be fixed to the upper surface of the temperature sensor connection portion 540 using the second adhesive 554.

[0108] The temperature sensor cover 546 including the second fastening portion may be bonded to the upper portion of the elastic member 542. For example, a third adhesive 556 (e.g., a double-sided tape) may be provided between the elastic member 542 and the temperature sensor cover 546. The temperature sensor cover 546 may be fixed to the upper surface of the elastic member 542 using the third adhesive 556. In some embodiments, before the temperature sensor cover 546 is fixed to the upper surface of the elastic member 542, a release paper 558 may be provided on the upper surface of the third adhesive 556. A manufacturing entity (e.g., a manufacturing device or a worker) of the temperature sensor assembly may remove the release paper 558 from the upper surface of the third adhesive 556 before fixing the temperature sensor cover 546 to the upper surface of the elastic member 542. As the second fastening portion of the temperature sensor cover 546 is fastened to the first fastening portion of the bus bar bracket, the temperature sensor assembly may be fixed to the bus bar bracket.

[0109] Fig. 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C A perspective view, a plan view, and a front view showing an example of a temperature sensor cover 546 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are respectively illustrated.

[0110] refer to FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C , the temperature sensor cover 546 may include a second fastening portion 610. In some embodiments, the second fastening portion 610 of the temperature sensor cover 546 may have a shape protruding from the body. For example, the second fastening portion 610 of the temperature sensor cover 546 may be a stepped protruding hook, such as FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C shown.

[0111] In one or more embodiments, the temperature sensor cover 546 may have a substantially rectangular body, and the second fastening portion 610 is provided on one or more sides. For example, in the case where the body of the temperature sensor cover 546 has a shape including n sides (n is an integer), 2 to n second fastening portions 610 may protrude from the 2 to n sides. In this case, the shape of the temperature sensor cover 546 is not limited thereto, but the body of the temperature sensor cover 546 may have any shape, such as a polygonal shape, a polyhedral shape, or a circular shape.

[0112] In some embodiments where the second fastening portion 610 of the temperature sensor cover 546 has a convex shape, the first fastening portion provided adjacent to the receiving hole of the temperature sensor assembly configured to receive the bus bar holder may have a concave shape for receiving the second fastening portion 610 having a convex shape. The second fastening portion 610 of the temperature sensor cover 546 may be fitted to and fastened to the first fastening portion of the bus bar holder.

[0113] For example, in an example where the second fastening portion 610 of the temperature sensor cover 546 is a stepped protruding hook, the first fastening portion of the bus bar holder may have a stepped recessed shape configured to receive the second fastening portion 610 of the temperature sensor cover 546 .

[0114] With the second fastening portion 610 of the temperature sensor cover 546 fastened to the first fastening portion of the bus bar holder, the temperature sensor assembly may be fixed to the bus bar holder. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor cover 546 may not directly contact the temperature sensor.

[0115] In some embodiments, the temperature sensor cover 546 may be an injection molded product manufactured by injection molding. In one or more embodiments, the temperature sensor cover 546 may be made of an insulating material. For example, the temperature sensor cover 546 may be an injection molded insulating product manufactured by injection molding an insulating material. Since the temperature sensor cover 546 is made of an insulating material, the temperature sensor cover 546 may be insulated from the temperature sensor, the bus bar, the circuit mounted on the circuit board, and the like. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor cover 546 may be made of a material that is the same as or similar to the material of the bus bar bracket.

[0116] Figure 7 A view showing an example of a method of manufacturing a bus bar holder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In some embodiments, a bus bar holder assembly may be manufactured by a process including a first example 710 , a second example 720 , and a third example 730 .

[0117] The first example 710 represents an example of manufacturing a temperature sensor assembly. For example, an elastic member 542 may be attached to the upper surface of a temperature sensor connection portion 540, a temperature sensor 544 is coupled to the temperature sensor connection portion 540, and the temperature sensor 544 is configured to measure the temperature of at least one battery cell. A temperature sensor cover 546 may be attached to the upper surface of the elastic member 542. Thus, a temperature sensor assembly may be formed.

[0118] The second example 720 represents an example in which the temperature sensor assembly is fastened to the bus bar bracket 30. For example, first, the temperature sensor assembly included in the circuit board 50 may be provided above the bus bar bracket 30 so that the temperature sensor assembly is accommodated in the receiving hole 310 provided in the bus bar bracket 30. Thereafter, in response to the temperature sensor assembly provided above the bus bar bracket 30 being pressed in the direction toward the bus bar bracket 30, the first fastening portion provided adjacent to the receiving hole 310 of the bus bar bracket 30 may be fastened to the second fastening portion provided in the temperature sensor cover 546. In one or more embodiments, in response to the temperature sensor assembly being pressed in the direction toward the bus bar bracket 30, the second fastening portion of the temperature sensor cover 546 having a convex shape (e.g., a stepped convex shape) may be fitted into the first fastening portion of the bus bar bracket 30, the first fastening portion having a concave shape (e.g., a stepped concave shape) and configured to accommodate the second fastening portion.

[0119] The third example 730 represents an example in which a bus bar holder assembly is manufactured in response to a temperature sensor assembly being fastened to the bus bar holder 30 .

[0120] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view showing an example in which a temperature sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is fastened to a bus bar bracket 30 is shown. Figure 8 , the bus bar holder 30 may be provided with a receiving hole configured to accommodate the temperature sensor assembly, and the temperature sensor assembly may be placed in the receiving hole.

[0121] Referring to the temperature sensor assembly, an elastic member 542 including a through hole configured to accommodate a temperature sensor 544 may be fixed to an upper surface of the temperature sensor connection portion, and the temperature sensor 544 may be provided in the through hole of the elastic member 542. For example, the elastic member 542 may accommodate the temperature sensor 544 in the through hole, and may have a shape surrounding the temperature sensor 544. In one or more embodiments, the elastic member 542 may not directly contact the temperature sensor 544.

[0122] The metal tab 548 may be fixed to the lower surface of the temperature sensor connecting portion (in the direction toward the battery cell). The metal tab 548 may contact the surface of the battery cell to measure the temperature of the battery cell.

[0123] The temperature sensor cover 546 may be fixed to the upper surface of the elastic member 542. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor cover 546 may include a second fastening portion 610 having a convex shape (e.g., a stepped convex hook). In this case, the first fastening portion having a concave shape (e.g., a stepped concave shape) is adjacent to a receiving hole configured to receive the temperature sensor assembly of the bus bar bracket 30. The second fastening portion 610 of the temperature sensor cover 546 may be assembled to and fastened to the concave first fastening portion of the bus bar bracket 30. As the second fastening portion 610 of the temperature sensor cover 546 is assembled to / fastened to the first fastening portion of the bus bar bracket 30, the temperature sensor assembly may be fixed to the bus bar bracket 30. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor cover 546 may not contact the temperature sensor 544.

[0124] In some embodiments, the elastic member 542 may be pressed between the temperature sensor cover 546 and the metal tab 548. For example, the height between the temperature sensor cover 546 and the metal tab 548 may be determined so that about 30% to about 70% of the pressing of the elastic member 542 may be maintained, and in a shaking situation (e.g., in response to an external impact), as the elastic member 542 elastically stretches, the metal tab 548 may maintain contact with the surface of the battery cell.

[0125] Fig.9A A perspective view showing an example of a temperature sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, Fig. 9B Shows the display Fig.9A An exploded perspective view of the exploded portions of a temperature sensor assembly.

[0126] In some embodiments, the temperature sensor cover 546 may include a second fastening portion 910 having a through-hole shape. 4A to 6C Most of the features of the described temperature sensor cover 546 and temperature sensor assembly can be applied in the same or similar manner to Fig.9A and Fig. 9B The temperature sensor cover 900 and the temperature sensor assembly. Fig.9A and Fig. 9B In the following description, the above-mentioned configuration will be briefly described or not repeated, and the modified configuration will be mainly described.

[0127] refer to Fig.9A and Fig. 9B , the temperature sensor 544 may be coupled to the temperature sensor connecting portion 540 made of a flexible material extending from one edge of the flexible circuit board.

[0128] An elastic member 542 including a through hole configured to receive the temperature sensor 544 may be coupled to an upper portion of the temperature sensor connection portion 540 .

[0129] The temperature sensor cover 900 may be coupled to the upper portion of the elastic member 542. The temperature sensor cover 900 may include a second fastening portion 910. In some embodiments, the second fastening portion 910 of the temperature sensor cover 900 may be a through hole. For example, the temperature sensor cover 900 may have a substantially rectangular body, and the second fastening portion 910 may be provided adjacent to one or more edges. In one or more embodiments, in the case where the body of the temperature sensor cover 900 has a shape including n edges (n is an integer), 2 to n through holes may be provided in a portion adjacent to 2 to n edges as the second fastening portion 910. In this case, the shape of the temperature sensor cover 900 is not limited thereto, but the body of the temperature sensor cover 900 may have any shape, such as a polygonal shape, a polyhedral shape, or a circular shape.

[0130] In some embodiments in which the second fastening portion 910 of the temperature sensor cover 900 is provided as a through hole, the first fastening portion provided adjacent to the receiving hole may have a hook shape with one or more angles, and the receiving hole is configured to accommodate the temperature sensor assembly of the bus bar holder. The first fastening portion of the bus bar holder may extend through the second fastening portion 910 of the temperature sensor cover 900, may be fitted into the second fastening portion 910 of the temperature sensor cover 900, and may be fastened to the second fastening portion 910 of the temperature sensor cover 900.

[0131] Fig.10 An example showing a method of manufacturing a bus bar support according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In some embodiments, a bus bar support assembly can be manufactured by a process including a first example 1010 , a second example 1020 , and a third example 1030 .

[0132] The first example 1010 represents an example in which a temperature sensor assembly is manufactured. For example, an elastic member 542 may be attached to the upper surface of a temperature sensor connection portion 540 to which a temperature sensor 544 is coupled, the temperature sensor 544 being configured to measure the temperature of at least one battery cell. A temperature sensor cover 900 may be attached to the upper surface of the elastic member 542. Thus, a temperature sensor assembly may be formed.

[0133] The second example 1020 represents an example in which the temperature sensor assembly is fastened to the bus bar holder 30. For example, first, the temperature sensor assembly included in the circuit board 50 may be provided above the bus bar holder 30 so that the temperature sensor assembly is received in the receiving hole 310 provided in the bus bar holder 30. Thereafter, in response to the temperature sensor assembly provided above the bus bar holder 30 being pressed in the direction toward the bus bar holder 30, the first fastening portion 320 provided adjacent to the receiving hole 310 of the bus bar holder 30 may be fastened to the second fastening portion 910 provided in the temperature sensor cover 900. In one or more embodiments, in response to the temperature sensor assembly being pressed in the direction toward the bus bar holder 30, the first fastening portion 320 of the bus bar holder 30 having a hook shape with one or more angles may extend through, may be fitted to, and may be fastened to the second fastening portion 910 having a through-hole shape of the temperature sensor cover 900.

[0134] The third example 1030 represents an example in which a bus bar holder assembly is manufactured in response to a temperature sensor assembly being fastened to the bus bar holder 30 .

[0135] Fig.11 A cross-sectional view showing an example in which a temperature sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is fastened to a bus bar bracket 30 is shown. Figure 8 Most of the features of the fastening described can be applied in the same or similar manner to Fig.11 In the reference Fig.11 In the following description, the above-mentioned configuration will be briefly described or not repeated, and the modified configuration will be mainly described.

[0136] refer to Fig.11 The busbar support 30 may be provided with a receiving hole configured to receive the temperature sensor assembly, and the temperature sensor assembly may be placed in the receiving hole.

[0137] Referring to the temperature sensor assembly, an elastic member 542 including a through hole configured to receive a temperature sensor 544 may be fixed to an upper surface of the temperature sensor connection portion, and the temperature sensor 544 may be provided in the through hole of the elastic member 542 .

[0138] The metal tab 548 may be fixed to the lower surface of the temperature sensor connecting portion (in the direction toward the battery cell). The metal tab 548 may contact the surface of the battery cell to measure the temperature of the battery cell.

[0139] The temperature sensor cover 900 may be fixed to the upper surface of the elastic member 542. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor cover 900 may include a second fastening portion 910 having a through-hole shape. In this case, a first fastening portion 320 having a hook shape having one or more angles may be provided adjacent to a receiving hole configured to receive the temperature sensor assembly of the bus bar holder 30. The hook-shaped first fastening portion 320 of the bus bar holder 30 may extend through, may be fitted to, and may be fastened to the second fastening portion 910 having a through-hole shape of the temperature sensor cover 900. As the first fastening portion 320 of the bus bar holder 30 extends through, is fitted to, and is fastened to the second fastening portion 910 of the temperature sensor cover 900, the temperature sensor assembly may be fixed to the bus bar holder 30.

[0140] Fig.12 A flowchart showing an example of a method 1200 for manufacturing a bus bar support assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In some embodiments, the method 1200 for manufacturing a bus bar support assembly may be performed by, for example, a bus bar support assembly manufacturing apparatus or a battery module manufacturing apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as a manufacturing apparatus).

[0141] In S1210, a manufacturing device (e.g., an attachment portion of the manufacturing device) may form a temperature sensor assembly by attaching an elastic member to an upper surface of a temperature sensor connection portion of a circuit board (e.g., a circuit board electrically connected to a plurality of bus bars) and by attaching a temperature sensor cover to the upper surface of the elastic member, wherein a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of at least one battery cell is coupled to the temperature sensor connection portion of the circuit board.

[0142] Thereafter, in S1220 , the manufacturing device (eg, a pressing portion of the manufacturing device) may provide the temperature sensor assembly over the bus bar holder so that the temperature sensor assembly is received in a receiving hole provided in the bus bar holder.

[0143] In S1230, the manufacturing device (e.g., a pressing portion of the manufacturing device) may fasten a first fastening portion provided adjacent to a receiving hole of the bus bar holder to a second fastening portion provided in the temperature sensor cover by pressing the temperature sensor assembly provided above the bus bar holder toward the bus bar holder.

[0144] In some embodiments, the second fastening portion of the temperature sensor cover may have a convex shape, and the first fastening portion of the busbar bracket may have a concave shape for receiving the second fastening portion having a convex shape. For example, the second fastening portion of the temperature sensor cover may be a stepped convex hook, and the first fastening portion of the busbar bracket may have a stepped concave shape to receive the second fastening portion. The manufacturing device (e.g., a pressing portion of the manufacturing device) may fit the second fastening portion into the first fastening portion by pressing the temperature sensor assembly toward the direction of the busbar bracket.

[0145] In one or more embodiments, the first fastening portion of the bus bar bracket may have a hook shape with one or more angles, and the second fastening portion of the temperature sensor cover may have a through-hole shape. The manufacturing device (e.g., a pressing portion of the manufacturing device) may extend the first fastening portion through and fasten to the second fastening portion by pressing the temperature sensor assembly toward the bus bar bracket.

[0146] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments and the accompanying drawings showing various aspects thereof, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. A person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs may make various modifications and changes within the technical spirit of the present disclosure and claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: Battery cells; A bus bar electrically connecting the battery cells; a circuit board including a temperature sensor assembly and electrically connected to the bus bar; as well as a bus bar support for supporting the bus bar, defining a receiving hole for receiving the temperature sensor assembly, and comprising a first fastening portion adjacent to the receiving hole, The temperature sensor assembly comprises: a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of at least one of the battery cells; a temperature sensor cover including a second fastening portion configured to be fastened to the first fastening portion; and An elastic member is provided between the circuit board and the temperature sensor cover.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The temperature sensor assembly is fixed to the bus bar holder via the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The second fastening portion has a convex shape, wherein the first fastening portion has a recessed shape corresponding to the protruding shape of the second fastening portion, such that the second fastening portion is configured to fit into and be fastened to the first fastening portion.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein: The second fastening portion includes a stepped protruding hook, and Wherein, the first fastening portion has a stepped recessed shape configured to receive the second fastening portion.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The first fastening portion has a hook shape having one or more angles, wherein the second fastening portion defines a through hole, and Wherein, the first fastening portion is configured to extend through the second fastening portion, be fitted into the second fastening portion, and be fastened to the second fastening portion.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The temperature sensor cover includes the same material as the bus bar holder.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The temperature sensor cover is fixed to an upper surface of the elastic member using an adhesive.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The temperature sensor cover includes an injection molding material.

9. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The circuit board includes a flexible circuit board, and the flexible circuit board includes a temperature sensor connecting portion, wherein the temperature sensor assembly further comprises a metal tab for contacting the temperature sensor and the at least one of the battery cells, the metal tab being fixed to the lower surface of the temperature sensor connecting portion via an adhesive, and Wherein, the elastic member is fixed to the upper surface of the temperature sensor connecting portion via an adhesive.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein: The elastic member is pressed between the temperature sensor cover and the metal tab.

11. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The elastic member defines a through hole for receiving the temperature sensor therethrough.

12. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The temperature sensor does not directly contact the elastic member, the bus bar holder, or the temperature sensor cover.

13. A busbar support assembly, comprising: a circuit board electrically connected to the bus bar and including a temperature sensor assembly; as well as a bus bar support for supporting the bus bar, defining a receiving hole configured to receive the temperature sensor assembly, and including a first fastening portion adjacent to the receiving hole, Wherein, the temperature sensor assembly comprises: a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of at least one battery cell; a temperature sensor cover including a second fastening portion for being fastened to the first fastening portion; and An elastic member is provided between the circuit board and the temperature sensor cover.

14. The bus bar support assembly according to claim 13, wherein: The first fastening portion and the second fastening portion are fastened to each other so that the temperature sensor assembly is fixed to the bus bar holder.

15. The bus bar support assembly according to claim 13, wherein: The second fastening portion of the temperature sensor cover has a convex shape, wherein the first fastening portion has a concave shape corresponding to the convex shape of the second fastening portion, and wherein the second fastening portion is fitted into and fastened to the first fastening portion.

16. The bus bar support assembly according to claim 13, wherein: The first fastening portion has a hook shape having one or more angles, wherein the second fastening portion comprises a through hole, and wherein the first fastening portion extends through the second fastening portion, is fitted into the second fastening portion, and is fastened to the second fastening portion.

17. A method of manufacturing a busbar bracket assembly, the method comprising: forming a temperature sensor assembly by attaching an elastic member to an upper surface of a temperature sensor connection portion of a circuit board and by attaching a temperature sensor cover to the upper surface of the elastic member, the temperature sensor connection portion being coupled to a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of at least one battery cell; providing the temperature sensor assembly over a bus bar support such that the temperature sensor assembly is received in a receiving aperture defined by the bus bar support; as well as fastening a first fastening portion adjacent to the receiving hole of the bus bar holder to a second fastening portion provided in the temperature sensor cover by pressing the temperature sensor assembly toward the direction of the bus bar holder, Wherein, the circuit board is configured to be electrically connected to a bus bar.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The second fastening portion of the temperature sensor cover has a convex shape, wherein the first fastening portion has a recessed shape for receiving the second fastening portion, and wherein fastening the first fastening portion to the second fastening portion includes fitting the second fastening portion into the first fastening portion by pressing the temperature sensor assembly toward the direction of the busbar holder.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The second fastening portion includes a stepped protruding hook, wherein the first fastening portion has a stepped recessed shape for receiving the second fastening portion, and wherein fastening the first fastening portion to the second fastening portion includes fitting the second fastening portion into the first fastening portion by pressing the temperature sensor assembly toward the direction of the busbar holder.

20. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The first fastening portion has a hook shape having one or more angles, wherein the second fastening portion defines a through hole, and Wherein, fastening the first fastening portion to the second fastening portion includes pressing the temperature sensor assembly toward the busbar support so that the second fastening portion extends through the second fastening portion, is fitted into the second fastening portion, and is fastened to the second fastening portion.

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