Bus bar and battery module including the same

Abstract

The present invention provides a bus bar and a battery module including the same, the bus bar may include: a first conductive member including a first metal, the first conductive member including a main surface, a first edge, and a second edge opposite the first edge via the main surface; a second conductive member including a second metal different from the first metal, the second conductive member being fixed to the main surface of the first conductive member, the first conductive member having an exposed region where the first metal is exposed on the main surface, the second conductive member extending from the first edge to the second edge, the exposed region extends from the second edge on the major face and does not extend to the first edge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bus bar and a battery module including the bus bar, and particularly to a bus bar containing dissimilar metals and a battery module including the bus bar. Background Art

[0002] With the development and increasing demand for mobile devices, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source has increased rapidly. According to the electrolyte material, secondary batteries can be classified into nickel-cadmium batteries, hydrogen ion batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among them, nickel-cadmium batteries or hydrogen ion batteries have been used as conventional secondary batteries. Recently, due to the characteristics of almost no memory effect, free charge and discharge, very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density compared with nickel-based secondary batteries, lithium secondary batteries have also been widely used, which are used not only as an energy source for small devices such as mobile devices but also as an energy source for medium and large devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage devices. According to the packaging form of secondary batteries, secondary batteries can be classified into can-type batteries in which the electrode assembly is accommodated in a metal can and pouch-type batteries in which the electrode assembly is accommodated in a pouch of an aluminum laminate, etc.

[0003] A secondary battery generally includes a plurality of battery cells, and the plurality of battery cells are connected in series and / or in parallel to form a battery pack. Among them, series connection can increase the operating voltage of the battery pack, and parallel connection can increase the charge and discharge capacity of the battery pack. That is, according to the operating voltage and / or charge and discharge capacity of the battery pack, a plurality of battery cells are connected in series or in parallel to form a battery pack.

[0004] Generally, battery cells first form a battery module by connecting more than one battery cell, and then form a battery pack by connecting more than one battery module. In the battery module, a plurality of battery cells are connected by a bus bar. Specifically, the bus bar is connected to the electrode leads of the battery cells.

[0005] However, in the related art, different electrode leads of battery cells are made of different metal materials. When connecting the electrode leads of battery cells to the bus bar, electrode leads of a conductive material different from the material of the bus bar may be connected to the bus bar (for example, welded). Such connection of dissimilar materials is likely to generate cracks, reduce weldability, and is also likely to cause electrolytic corrosion at the interface of dissimilar materials. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention is proposed at least in view of the above technical problems, and an object thereof is to provide a bus bar that can improve weldability, improve electrical conductivity, and improve durability, and a battery module including the bus bar.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a bus bar including:

[0008] The first conductive member, including a first metal, the first conductive member includes a main surface, a first edge, and a second edge opposite to the first edge across the main surface;

[0009] The second conductive member, including a second metal different from the first metal, the second conductive member is fixed on the main surface of the first conductive member,

[0010] The first conductive member has an exposed area on the main surface where the first metal is exposed,

[0011] The second conductive member extends from the first edge to the second edge, and the exposed area extends on the main surface from the second edge and does not extend to the first edge.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first metal includes aluminum.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second metal includes copper.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first conductive member has a through hole.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the through hole is provided between the exposed area and the second conductive member.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the through hole is connected to the exposed area.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second conductive member includes:

[0018] A first part; and

[0019] A second part, extending from one end of the first part to the second edge of the first conductive member.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second conductive member further includes:

[0021] A third part, extending from the other end of the first part opposite to the one end towards the second edge.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the exposed area is provided between the second part and the third part.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first part of the second conductive member is arranged in parallel with the exposed area of the first conductive member.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first conductive member has a through hole,

[0025] The first part of the second conductive member and the exposed area of the first conductive member are respectively disposed on both sides of the through hole.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the area of the exposed area accounts for 20% to 50% of the area of the main surface.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the second conductive member is 30% to 40% of the thickness of the first conductive member.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a bus bar is provided, including:

[0029] A first conductive member containing a first metal;

[0030] A second conductive member containing a second metal different from the first metal, the second conductive member partially covering and fixed on one surface of the first conductive member,

[0031] In the one surface of the first conductive member, the area of the region where the second conductive member covers the first conductive member accounts for 50% to 80% of the area of the one surface.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery module is provided, including:

[0033] A battery cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells;

[0034] A module housing for accommodating the battery cell stack; and

[0035] A bus bar for electrically connecting the battery cells,

[0036] The bus bar includes:

[0037] A first conductive member containing a first metal, the first conductive member including a main surface, a first edge, and a second edge opposite to the first edge across the main surface;

[0038] A second conductive member containing a second metal different from the first metal, the second conductive member fixed on the main surface of the first conductive member,

[0039] The first conductive member has an exposed area where the first metal is exposed on the main surface,

[0040] The second conductive member extends from the first edge to the second edge, and the exposed area extends on the main surface from the second edge and does not extend to the first edge,

[0041] The exposed area of the first conductive member is combined with the electrode lead of the battery cell containing the first metal,

[0042] The second conductive member is combined with the electrode lead of the battery cell including the second metal.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first metal includes aluminum.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second metal includes copper.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first conductive member has a through hole.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery module further includes a terminal bus bar including the first metal,

[0047] The terminal bus bar is combined with the electrode lead of the battery cell including the first metal.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery module further includes a terminal bus bar including the second metal,

[0049] The terminal bus bar is combined with the electrode lead of the battery cell including the second metal.

[0050] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery module further includes a bus bar frame disposed on one side of the battery cell stack,

[0051] The bus bar is disposed on the bus bar frame.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a battery module including:

[0053] A battery cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells;

[0054] A module housing for housing the battery cell stack; and

[0055] A bus bar for electrically connecting the battery cells,

[0056] The bus bar includes:

[0057] A first conductive member including a first metal;

[0058] A second conductive member including a second metal different from the first metal, the second conductive member partially covering and fixed on one surface of the first conductive member,

[0059] In the one surface of the first conductive member, the area of the region where the second conductive member covers the first conductive member accounts for 50% to 80% of the area of the one surface.

[0060] The region of the first conductive member that is not covered by the second conductive member (exposed region) is joined to the electrode lead of the battery cell that contains the first metal.

[0061] The second conductive member is joined to the electrode lead of the battery cell that contains the second metal.

[0062] In the bus bar and the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, the same metal bonding is achieved between the electrode lead and the bus bar, which can improve weldability, improve electrical conductivity, and enhance durability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a battery cell in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a terminal bus bar in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an insulating cover and an end plate in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 6 is a schematic view of a bus bar frame in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 7 is a schematic view of a bus bar joined with an electrode lead in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 8A is a schematic view of a bus bar in an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8B is Figure 8A an exploded perspective view of the bus bar.

[0071] Figure 9 is a sectional view taken along the A-A line in Figure 8A therein.

[0072] Figure 10 is Figure 8A a rear view of

[0073] Figure 11A is a perspective view of a bus bar according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 11B is a sectional view taken along the A-A line in Figure 11A therein.

[0074] Figure 12Schematic diagram of a bus bar according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Figure 13 Schematic diagram of a bus bar according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Figure 14 Schematic diagram of a bonding plate of a bus bar (terminal bus bar) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Reference numerals

[0078] 1000: Battery module 100: Battery cell stack

[0079] 110: Battery cell 200: Module housing

[0080] 300: Bus bar frame 310: Bus bar

[0081] 311: First conductive member 315: Second conductive member

[0082] 320: Terminal bus bar 400: End plate

[0083] 500: Insulating cover Specific embodiments

[0084] Next, with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. Obviously, these embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work are also within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0085] The terms used in the following embodiments are only for the purpose of illustrating or explaining specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. In addition, the singular forms used in the present invention, such as "a", "an", "the", and "this", are intended to include plural forms such as "more than one", "multiple", "such", and "these", unless there is a clear indication to the contrary in the context. It should also be understood that in the embodiments of the present invention, when using terms such as "one or more", "at least one", and "more than one", it is intended to include the cases of one, two, and at least three.

[0086] In addition, when terms such as "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", and "in one or more embodiments" are used in the description of the present invention, it is intended that more than one embodiment of the present invention may include specific technical features described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", and "in one or more embodiments" that appear in different places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but may refer to the same embodiment or different embodiments, unless the specific technical features described in these embodiments cannot be used alone or combined.

[0087] In addition, in the present invention, when an element is described as "including", "comprising", or "having" another element, it is intended to be an open-ended limitation, that is, in addition to including the other element, the one element may further include other elements. When an element is described as "only including", "only comprising", "only having" another element, or "consisting of" another element, it is intended to be a closed limitation, that is, the one element does not include other elements except the other element. However, it should be noted that when the term "formed by" or "made of" another element is used to illustrate the formation relationship between multiple elements, this term is not intended to be a closed limitation, and it should be considered that the other element forms a part of the one element, and the one element may include other elements except the other element.

[0088] It should be understood that when sequential terms such as "first" and "second" are used in this article to illustrate each element, these sequential terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element, and the terms such as "first" and "second" should not imply meanings such as primary-secondary relationship and sequence relationship. Without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first element may be labeled as the second element, and the second element may also be labeled as the first element.

[0089] In the present invention, when the positional relationship between more than two elements is described using terms such as "on", "under", and "between", it means that one or more other elements may be provided between these more than two elements, unless terms such as "directly", "exactly", and "adjacently" are used.

[0090] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the bus bars and battery modules of more than one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can clearly and completely understand the present invention. When the description of known structures or features will unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the description of these known structures or features will be omitted.

[0091] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery module 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2It is an exploded perspective view of a battery module 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. For ease of description in this embodiment, the width direction of the battery module 1000 is defined as the X-axis direction, the length direction is defined as the Y-axis direction, and the height (thickness) direction is defined as the Z-axis direction, where the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction are orthogonal to each other.

[0092] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, a battery module 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a battery cell stack 100, a module housing 200, a bus bar frame 300, an end plate 400, and an insulating cover 500. The battery cell stack 100 stacks one or more battery cells 110. The module housing 200 houses the battery cell stack 100. The module housing 200 wraps at least a part of the side surfaces of the battery cell stack 100 to provide protection for the battery cell stack 100. The bus bar frame 300 is disposed on at least one side (one side or both sides) of the battery cell stack 100 to electrically connect a plurality of battery cells 110 in the battery cell stack 100. The insulating cover 500 is disposed outside the bus bar frame 300 to ensure insulation between the battery cell stack 100 and the bus bar frame 300 and the outside. The end plate 400 is disposed outside the insulating cover 500 to cover the bus bar frame 300 and the insulating cover 500.

[0093] Hereinafter, the battery cell stack 100, the module housing 200, the bus bar frame 300, the insulating cover 500, and the end plate 400 will be described in detail respectively.

[0094] The battery cell stack 100 is formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells 110 in one direction (for example, along the Figure 2 X-axis direction in Figure 2 , for example, the +X-axis direction or the -X-axis direction), and pressing plates 150 can be stacked on the battery cells 110 located on the outermost two sides in the stacking direction (for example, the Figure 2 X-axis direction) so as to clamp the battery cell stack 100 and house it in the module housing 200.

[0095] In one embodiment, the battery cell 110 may be, for example, a pouch-type battery cell 110, but is not limited thereto. For example, it may also be a can-type battery, a prismatic battery, or other various shapes. When the battery cell 110 is a pouch-type battery cell, the number of battery cells that can be stacked per unit area can be maximized compared to other shaped batteries.

[0096] In addition, in the battery cell stack 100, a plurality of battery cells 110 are electrically connected to each other.

[0097] In the battery cell stack 100, the direction from its front surface to the back surface (and vice versa) can be defined as the length direction of the battery cell stack 100. For example, inFigure 2 The middle is the Y-axis direction; the direction from the upper surface to the lower surface (and vice versa) can be defined as the width direction of the battery cell stack 100. For example, in Figure 2 the middle is the Z-axis direction.

[0098] The length direction of the battery cell stack 100 can be consistent with the length direction of the battery cell 110.

[0099] Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 3 a detailed description will be given of the battery cell 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the battery cell 110 in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] As Figure 3 shown, the battery cell 110 may include an electrode assembly and a battery cell case 115 for accommodating the electrode assembly. In some embodiments, the battery cell case 115 may be a soft-pack type battery cell case 115.

[0102] The battery cell case 115 includes an upper case and a lower case covering the upper case.

[0103] In some embodiments, the battery cell case 115 may be formed by laminating a separate upper case and a lower case. When the upper case and the lower case are formed separately, a sealing portion 114 may be formed along the four peripheral portions where the upper case covers the lower case, so that a closed storage groove 116 for storing the electrode assembly can be formed inside the battery cell case.

[0104] In other embodiments, the upper case and the lower case of the battery cell case 115 may be integrally formed and bent and folded at the connection portion between the upper case and the lower case as Figure 3 shown. At this time, by bending and folding at the connection portion between the upper case and the lower case, and forming a sealing portion 114 along the peripheral portion where the upper case covers the lower case, a closed storage groove 116 for storing the electrode assembly can be formed inside the battery cell case. At this time, the sealing portion 114 may be formed along the other three peripheral portions except for the formed connection portion.

[0105] The upper case and the lower case may have a laminated structure, which includes an inner coating layer, a metal layer, and an outer coating layer.

[0106] The inner coating layer is disposed on the inner side of the battery cell case 115 with respect to the metal layer and is in direct contact with the electrode assembly. The inner coating layer is electrically insulating and can withstand the electrolyte. Moreover, in order to perform sealing from the outside, the sealed area where the inner coating layers are heat-sealed to each other has excellent thermal bonding strength, that is, excellent sealing performance.

[0107] A metal layer is disposed between the inner coating and the outer coating and is in contact with the inner coating. It is used to block moisture or various gases from penetrating into the battery from the outside, that is, it serves as a barrier layer. The metal layer is preferably an aluminum thin film with excellent formability and light weight.

[0108] The outer coating is disposed on the outer side of the battery cell case 115 relative to the metal layer and is in contact with the metal layer. The outer coating is preferably a heat-resistant polymer with excellent tensile strength, moisture-proof permeability, and gas-proof permeability to protect the electrode assembly and ensure heat resistance and chemical resistance. As an example, nylon or polyethylene terephthalate can be used.

[0109] A receiving groove 116 can be formed on one or both of the surface of the upper case facing the lower case and the surface of the lower case facing the upper case. And the electrode assembly can be disposed in the receiving groove 116.

[0110] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly disposed in the battery cell case 115 can be a jelly-roll type electrode assembly in which a long strip-shaped positive electrode and negative electrode are wound around a separator. In some other embodiments, the electrode assembly can also be a stacked type electrode assembly composed of unit cells in which a rectangular positive electrode and negative electrode are stacked with a separator therebetween. In some other embodiments, the electrode assembly can also be a stack-folding type electrode assembly in which unit cells are wound with a long separator. In some other embodiments, the electrode assembly can also be a lamination-stack type electrode assembly in which unit cells are stacked with a separator therebetween and adhered to each other.

[0111] The electrode assembly can include electrode tabs of different polarities (for example, a positive electrode tab and a negative electrode tab) and electrode leads 111 and 112 of different polarities (for example, a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead) that are respectively connected to the electrode tabs of different polarities through welding parts.

[0112] Specifically, one of the electrode tabs of different polarities can be a positive electrode tab, and one of the electrode leads 111 and 112 is a positive electrode lead, and the positive electrode tab is connected to the positive electrode lead; the other of the electrode tabs of different polarities can be a negative electrode tab, and the other of the electrode leads 111 and 112 is a negative electrode lead, and the negative electrode tab is connected to the negative electrode lead.

[0113] The positive electrode lead and the negative electrode lead can be made of different conductive materials (for example, different metal materials). For example, the positive electrode is made of aluminum, and the negative electrode is made of copper. For example, the electrode lead 111 can be a positive electrode and is made of aluminum, while the electrode lead 112 is a negative electrode and is made of copper.

[0114] The electrode leads 111 and 112 may be disposed at both ends of the electrode assembly, and extend from the length direction of the battery cell 110 ( Figure 2 The two ends (e.g., the front surface and the rear surface) of the substrate extend outward, such as Figure 3 As shown. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Depending on the location and manner of the electrode tabs, the electrode leads 111 and 112 may also be disposed only on one side of the electrode assembly and extend outward from one end (e.g., the front surface or the rear surface) of the electrode assembly. The electrode leads 111 and 112 may extend outward through an opening formed in the battery cell shell 115. At the opening, the electrode leads 111 and 112 contact the battery cell shell 115 via the electrode lead film 113.

[0115] The lead films 113 are attached to the electrode leads 111 and 112 , respectively, and are disposed between the electrode leads 111 and 112 and the battery cell case 115 , preventing short circuits between the electrode leads 111 and 112 and the battery cell case 115 , and improving sealing properties to prevent electrolyte leakage from within the battery cell case 115 .

[0116] Specifically, a lead film 113 may be provided in the area where the electrode leads 111 and 112 overlap with the sealing portion 114 at these openings, and the sealing portion 114 is combined with the electrode leads 111 and 112 through the lead film 113, thereby not only sealing the space between the electrode leads 111 and 112 and the sealing portion 114 to prevent the internal electrolyte from flowing out or external contaminants from invading the interior, but also avoiding direct contact between the battery cell shell 115 and the electrode leads 111 and 112 to cause a short circuit.

[0117] In addition, the electrode leads 111 and 112 are also electrically connected to bus bars 310 and 320 , which will be described in detail later, disposed adjacent to the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack.

[0118] The battery cell stack 100 may be disposed in a module case 200. The module case 200 protects the battery cell stack 100 and electrical devices connected thereto from external impacts, and accommodates the battery cell stack 100 and electrical devices connected thereto in an inner space thereof.

[0119] The module housing 200 may have various structures. In some embodiments, the module housing 200 may be in the form of a mono-frame, that is, a metal plate whose upper surface, lower surface and two side surfaces are integral. This mono-frame module housing may be manufactured by extrusion molding, which can simplify the manufacturing process of the module housing compared to a module housing in which an upper module housing component, a lower module housing component and a side module housing component are manufactured separately and assembled together.

[0120] In some other embodiments, the module housing 200 may be in the form of a U-shaped frame and combined with an upper cover (upper surface 201). In the case of adopting the form of a U-shaped frame and combining it with an upper cover, a U-shaped frame can be formed by pressure-forming a metal plate, and the open upper side of the frame can be combined with the upper cover to form the module housing 200. Such a U-shaped frame has a combined lower surface and two side surfaces, and the U-shaped frame can be formed only by a simple one-time stamping, which can further simplify the manufacturing process of the module housing and save costs.

[0121] In some other embodiments, the module housing 200 may also be formed in the form of an L-shaped frame or the like, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0122] As Figure 2 shown in the embodiment, the module housing 200 may be a hollow structure with both ends open in the length direction of the battery cell stack 100, that is, a cylindrical structure with a quadrilateral cross-section surrounded by the upper surface 201, the lower surface, and both side surfaces.

[0123] The front surface and the rear surface of the battery cell stack 100 may not be covered by the module housing 200. The electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cell 110 may also not be covered by the module housing 200. The front surface and the rear surface of the battery cell stack 100 may be covered by a bus bar frame 300 including bus bars 310 and 320, an insulating cover 500, or an end plate 400 to protect the front surface and the rear surface of the battery cell stack 100 from external impacts.

[0124] A pressing plate 150 is provided between one side surface of the inner surface of the battery cell stack 100 and the module housing 200. As Figure 2 shown, the pressing plate 150 is disposed opposite to the outermost battery cell 110 of the battery cell stack 100 in the X-axis direction.

[0125] In addition, a heat-conducting resin (not shown) may be injected between the battery cell stack 100 and the inner surface of the module housing 200 to form a heat-conducting resin layer between one surface of the battery cell stack 100 and the inner surface of the module housing 200. For example, the heat-conducting resin layer may be formed between the battery cell stack 100 and the bottom surface provided on the -Z-axis side of the module housing 200 in the width direction (Z-axis direction) of the battery cell stack 100.

[0126] The bus bar frame 300 may be disposed on one surface of the battery cell stack 100 to cover the one surface of the battery cell stack 100 and guide the electrical connection between the battery cell stack 100 and external devices.

[0127] In one embodiment, as Figure 2As shown, the bus bar frame 300 may be disposed on the front surface and / or the rear surface of the battery cell stack 100. In another embodiment, the bus bar frame 300 may be disposed on the upper surface, the lower surface, or the side surface of the battery cell stack 100. In some embodiments, the bus bar frame 300 may be disposed on the open end side of the module housing 200 and cover the electrode leads 111 and 112.

[0128] The bus bar frame 300 may be made of or include an electrically insulating material. The bus bar frame 300 may prevent the bus bars 310 and 320 from contacting portions of the battery cell 110 other than the portions joined to the electrode leads 111 and 112, thereby avoiding short circuits.

[0129] When the electrode leads 111 and 112 protrude from both sides of the battery cell 110, the bus bar frames 300 may be respectively disposed on both sides of the battery cell stack 100.

[0130] At least one of the bus bars 310 and 320 and the module connector may be mounted on the bus bar frame 300. The bus bar frame 300 may extend in the stacking direction of the battery cells 110, and the bus bar 320 and the bus bar 310 may be arranged in the stacking direction on the bus bar frame 300. As Figure 2 shown, one surface of the bus bar frame 300 may be connected to one surface and / or the other surface of the battery cell stack 100, and the other surface of the bus bar frame 300 may be connected to the bus bars 310 and 320. In some embodiments, the bus bar 310 and the bus bar 320 may be a bus bar 310 for electrically connecting the electrode leads 111 and 112 of a plurality of battery cells 110 to each other and a terminal bus bar 320 for connecting the electrode lead 111 of the battery cell stack 100 to an external terminal, respectively.

[0131] Hereinafter, with reference to Figures 4 to 9 , the bus bars 310 and 320 will be described in detail, respectively.

[0132] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the bus bar 320 (terminal bus bar) in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a perspective view of an insulating cover and an end plate in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a schematic view of observing the bus bar frame 300 in an embodiment of the present invention from one side. Figure 7 is a schematic view of the bus bar combined with the electrode leads 111 and 112 in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8A is a schematic view of the bus bar in an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8B is Figure 8A an exploded perspective view of the bus bar. Figure 9 is Figure 8ACross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 10 is Figure 8A the rear view of Figure 11A is a perspective view of a bus bar according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 11B is taken along Figure 11A the cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 12 is a schematic view of a bus bar according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is a schematic view of a bus bar according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 is a schematic view of a bus bar (terminal bus bar) bonding plate in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] Referring to Figure 6 , bus bars 310 and 320 can be disposed on one surface of the bus bar frame 300 for electrically connecting battery cell stacks 100 or battery cells 110 to each other or for electrically connecting the battery cell stacks 100 or battery cells 110 to an external device circuit. A plurality of bus bars 310 and 320 can be provided. Bus bars 310 and 320 can be disposed between the battery cell stack 100 or the bus bar frame 300 and the end plate 400. Therefore, bus bars 310 and 320 can be protected from external impacts and can prevent or inhibit a decrease in their durability due to external moisture.

[0134] Bus bars 310 and 320 can be electrically connected to the battery cell stack 100 through electrode leads 111 and 112. Specifically, electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cell 110 can first pass through lead slots formed in the bus bar frame 300 and then be bent to be connected to bus bars 310 and 320.

[0135] Bus bar 310 electrically connects battery cell 110. As Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, electrode leads 111 and 112 of battery cell 110 are respectively connected to both sides of bus bar 310. Electrode lead 111 is a positive electrode lead and is connected to one side of bus bars 310 and 320, and electrode lead 112 is a negative electrode lead and is connected to the other side of bus bars 310 and 320.

[0136] In one embodiment, bus bar 310 can be a clad metal bus bar formed by joining dissimilar metals. As Figure 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 9As shown, the bus bar 310 can be formed by laminating and joining a first conductive member 311 and a second conductive member 315 together. In some embodiments, the first conductive member 311 and the second conductive member 315 can be joined together by rolling (calendering) after being laminated together. The first conductive member 311 and the second conductive member 315 can be formed into a laminated structure, and at this time, they can also be respectively referred to as a first conductor layer 311 and a second conductor layer 315.

[0137] In some embodiments, as Figure 8A , Figure 8B shown, the bus bar 310 can have a through hole 312. Generally, the electrode leads 111 and 112 respectively extend from both sides of the bus bar 310 (for example, the second edge 311b side and the first edge 311a side). When the electrode leads 111 and 112 are respectively joined to the exposed area 313 containing the first metal and the exposed area 316 containing the second metal (or respectively joined to the exposed area 316 containing the second metal and the exposed area 313 containing the first metal), a jig is used to press the electrode leads 111 and 112 so that the extended portions of the electrode leads 111 and 112 are bent towards each other and respectively joined to the exposed area 313 and the exposed area 316 (or respectively joined to the exposed area 316 and the exposed area 313). At this time, if the through hole 312 is not provided, when the lengths of the electrode leads 111 and 112 are slightly longer, the ends of the bent portions of the electrode leads 111 and 112 may be stacked and in direct contact. This direct contact of the electrode leads containing dissimilar materials may cause problems such as electrolytic corrosion. When the through hole 312 is formed, the through hole 312 can accommodate the ends of the bent portions of the electrode leads 111 and 112, avoiding direct contact of dissimilar materials. In addition, when the through hole 112 is formed, the electrode leads 111 and 112 may not extend from both sides of the bus bar 310, but one of the electrode leads 111 and 112 extends through the through hole 312, and the other extends from one side of the bus bar 310 (for example, the second edge 311b side or the first edge 311a side), and is bent in the same direction by a jig and joined to the exposed areas 313 and 316. Thus, the through hole 312 can not only avoid direct contact between the electrode leads 111 and 112 of dissimilar materials, but also provide a space for the extension of the electrode leads 111 and 112, and can provide a variety of joining layouts of the electrode leads and the bus bar. In addition, by providing the through hole 312, the weight reduction of the bus bar 310 can also be achieved, saving materials.

[0138] In other embodiments, as Figure 11A and Figure 11B shown, the bus bar 310 may not have a through hole 312.

[0139] The first conductive member 311 and the second conductive member 315 are stacked metal plates. In some embodiments, the first conductive member 311 may be generally rectangular.

[0140] The first conductive member 311 includes a first metal. The first conductive member 311 may include a main surface 311c, a first edge 311a, and a second edge 311b on a side opposite to the first edge 311a. The first edge 311a and the second edge 311b are opposite to each other across the main surface 311c. The first edge 311a and the second edge 311b may be two opposite edges forming the side surfaces of the first conductive member 311. In this case, the first edge 311a and the second edge 311b may be respectively referred to as the first side edge 311a and the second side edge 311b. The first edge 311a and the second edge 311b may be arranged substantially parallel to each other.

[0141] The second conductive member 315 includes a second metal different from the first metal. The second conductive member 315 is fixed on the main surface 311c of the first conductive member 311. The main surface 311c may extend between the first edge 311a and the second edge 311b and may be formed as a plane.

[0142] In one embodiment, the first metal may include aluminum and is preferably made of aluminum. The second metal may include copper and is preferably made of copper. In another embodiment, the first metal may include copper and the second metal may include aluminum. In some embodiments, in the first metal, in addition to aluminum, other metals or non-metals may be included to form an aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, in the second metal, in addition to copper, other metals or non-metals may be included to form a copper alloy.

[0143] The first conductive member 311 has an exposed area 313 where the first metal is exposed on the main surface 311c. In some embodiments, an electrode lead (such as the electrode lead 111) of an electrode (such as the positive electrode) of the battery cell 110 that contains the first metal (such as aluminum) is joined to the exposed area 313. The electrode lead (such as the electrode lead 111) is joined and electrically connected to the first conductive member 311 by welding at the exposed area 313. In some embodiments, after laminating and joining a sheet containing the first metal and a sheet containing the second metal together by rolling and then through machining, a clad bus bar of the first conductive member 311 and the second conductive member 315 is formed. Then, by machining, a part of the second metal sheet corresponding to the exposed area 313 is removed to obtain the exposed area 313. At this time, the dimension of the removed part in the extending direction of the second edge 311b, that is, the dimension of the exposed area 313 in the extending direction of the second edge 311b, can be formed to be slightly larger than the width of the electrode lead to be joined to the exposed area 313, so as to absorb the setting tolerance between the electrode lead and the exposed area in this extending direction, ensure sufficient joining between the electrode lead and the exposed area, and prevent the electrode lead from contacting the second conductive member 311. In other embodiments, the shapes of the first conductive member 311 and the second conductive member 315 can also be formed by machining first and then joined together by rolling. At this time, the dimension of the exposed area 313 in the extending direction of the second edge 311b can be formed to be slightly larger than the width of the electrode lead to be joined to the exposed area 313, so as to absorb the setting tolerance between the electrode lead and the exposed area in this extending direction, ensure sufficient joining between the electrode lead and the exposed area, and prevent the electrode lead from contacting the second conductive member 311.

[0144] The second conductive member 315 is laminated and fixed on the main surface 311c of the first conductive member 311. The second conductive member 315 covers at least a part of the area of the main surface 311c of the first conductive member 311. For example, as Figure 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 9 shown, the second conductive member 315 is laminated on a part or all of the area of the main surface 311c of the first conductive member 311 except the exposed area 313. In some embodiments, the exposed area 313 of the first conductive member 311 can be an area where the first metal is exposed without laminating the second conductive member 315 on the main surface 311c of the first conductive member 311, that is, the second conductive member 315 is laminated on all areas of the main surface 311c of the first conductive member 311 except the exposed area 313. In the area other than the exposed area 313, an exposed area 316 where the second metal of the second conductive member 315 is exposed outward is formed.

[0145] The second conductive member 315 can extend from the first edge 311a towards the second edge 311b. In some embodiments, the second conductive member 315 extends from the first edge 311a towards the second edge 311b in a manner that avoids the exposed area 313 of the first conductive member 311.

[0146] In some embodiments, the second conductive member 315 can extend from the first edge 311a towards the second edge 311b, and at least a portion of the second conductive member 315 extends to the second edge 311b. In some embodiments, the second conductive member 315 extends from the first edge 311a to the second edge 311b, and on both sides in the extending direction of the second edge 311b, it extends to the second edge 311b to form a second portion 318 and a third portion 319 (as Figure 8A , Figure 8B shown). In some other embodiments, the second conductive member 315 extends from the first edge 311a to the second edge 311b only on one side in the extending direction of the second edge 311b to form a second portion 318, and on the other side in the extending direction of the second edge 311b, it extends from the first edge 311a towards the second edge 311b but does not reach the second edge 311b to form a third portion 319 (as Figure 12 shown). In some other embodiments, the second conductive member 315 extends from the first edge 311a to the second edge 311b and only forms a second portion 318 on one side in the extending direction of the second edge 311b, without forming a third portion 319 (as Figure 13 shown).

[0147] A first portion 317 is formed on the first edge 311a side. In some embodiments, the first portion 317 is formed between the second portion 318 and the third portion 319 (see Figure 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 11A , Figure 12 ). In some embodiments, the second portion 318 extends from one end of the first portion 317 to the second edge 311b of the first conductive member 311. In some embodiments, the third portion 319 extends towards the second edge 311b from the other end opposite to the above-mentioned one end of the first portion 317.

[0148] The exposed area 313 of the first conductive member 311 extends on the main surface 311c from the second edge 311b (for example, towards the first edge 311a), but does not extend to the first edge 311a. In some embodiments, the exposed area 313 extends from the second edge 311b to one side edge of the through hole 312 described later. The exposed area 313 can be provided on the second edge 311b side, and the first portion 317 can be provided on the first edge 311a side.

[0149] In some embodiments, the second conductive member 315 (exposed region 316) may include at least a first portion 317 and a second portion 318. The first portion 317 and the second portion 318 may be formed as one body.

[0150] In some embodiments, the second conductive member 315 (exposed area 316) may include a first portion 317, a second portion 318, and a third portion 319, and the first portion 317, the second portion 318, and the third portion 319 may be formed as one body. For example, in some embodiments, the first portion 317, the second portion 318, and the third portion 319 are in the shape of a Chinese character "匚".

[0151] The first portion 317 may be disposed in parallel with the exposed region 313 of the first conductive member 311 .

[0152] In some embodiments, the through hole 312 can be provided between the first portion 317 and the exposed area 313. When the through hole 312 is formed between the first portion 317 and the exposed area 313, for example, the electrode lead 111 can be bent through the through hole 312 and then welded to the exposed area 313, or a portion of the electrode lead 111 can be bent and accommodated in the through hole area when the electrode lead 111 is long, thereby avoiding direct contact between the electrode lead 111 and the electrode lead 112 of different materials, or the electrode lead 111 contacts other parts and causes a short circuit. In addition, by providing the through hole 312, the first conductive member 311 can be made lightweight and material can be saved. In addition, it is preferred that the through hole 312 is connected to the exposed area 313, so as to better avoid direct contact between the ends of the bent parts of the electrode lead 111 and the electrode lead 112, or when the electrode lead 111 or 112 extends from the through hole 312 and is bent and joined to the exposed area 313, since the exposed area 313 and the through hole 312 are directly connected, there is no other structure that may hinder the contact between the electrode lead and the exposed area, and the electrode lead can be reliably joined to the exposed area 313 once it is bent.

[0153] In some embodiments, an electrode lead (e.g., electrode lead 112) of an electrode (e.g., a negative electrode) of a battery cell 110 comprising a second metal (e.g., copper) is joined to a first portion 317, and the electrode lead (e.g., electrode lead 112) is joined to and electrically connected to a second conductive member 315 by welding to the first portion 317.

[0154] The second portion 318 may be formed by bending and extending toward the second edge 311b at one end of the first portion 317. The second portion 318 may be used, for example, to mount the bus bar joining plate 310a, which may be connected to the sensing plate via the connector 350, so as to sense the operating state of the battery cell 110 connected to the bus bar 310.

[0155] The third part 319 can be formed by bending and extending at the other end of the first part 317 towards the second edge 311b. For example, when joining the second conductive member 315 to the first conductive member 311, the third part 319 can be abutted against a reference plane for alignment on its side, so that the second conductive member 315 can be more easily aligned with the first conductive member 311.

[0156] In some embodiments, the third part 319 extends to the second edge 315b (see Figure 8A , Figure 8B ). In other embodiments, the third part 319 may not extend to the second edge 315b (see Figure 12 ).

[0157] In other embodiments, the third part 319 may not be provided either (see Figure 13 ). At this time, the first part 317 and the second part 318 can be in a "┐" shape.

[0158] In some embodiments, the second part 318 and the third part 319 may also extend from both sides of the first part 317 parallelly to the second edge 311b. In some embodiments, an exposed area 313 of the first conductive member 311 may be formed between the second part 318 and the third part 319. In some embodiments, a through hole 312 may be formed between the second part 318 and the third part 319.

[0159] In some embodiments, in the surface (main surface 311c) of the first conductive member 311 that is joined to the second conductive member 315, the ratio of the area of the region where the second conductive member 315 covers the first conductive member 311 to the area of this surface is 50% to 80%. When this ratio is less than 50%, the welding area between the second conductive member 315 and the electrode lead 112 cannot be sufficiently ensured. When this ratio is greater than 80%, the welding area between the first conductive member 311 and the electrode lead 111 cannot be sufficiently ensured. When this ratio is 50% to 80%, on the one hand, the welding areas between the second conductive member 315 and the electrode lead 112, between the first conductive member 311 and the electrode lead 111, and the area for mounting the bonding plate 310a are sufficiently ensured. On the basis of ensuring the welding strength, the use of the second metal material can be saved as much as possible (especially when the second metal is heavier and more expensive than the first metal. For example, when the second metal is copper and the first metal is aluminum, the weight of the bus bar can be reduced and the cost can be saved).

[0160] In some embodiments, the ratio of the area of the exposed region 313 to the area of the main surface 311c is 20% to 50%. When this ratio is greater than 50%, the welding area between the second conductive member 315 and the electrode lead 112 cannot be sufficiently ensured. When this ratio is less than 20%, the welding area between the first conductive member 311 and the electrode lead 111 cannot be sufficiently ensured. When this ratio is 20% to 50%, on the one hand, the welding area between the second conductive member 315 and the electrode lead 112, the welding area between the first conductive member 311 and the electrode lead 111, and the area for mounting the bonding plate 310a are sufficiently ensured. On the basis of ensuring the welding strength, the use of the second metal material can be saved as much as possible (especially when the second metal is heavier and more expensive than the first metal, for example, when the second metal is copper and the first metal is aluminum, the weight of the bus bar can be reduced and the cost can be saved).

[0161] In some embodiments, the thickness of the second conductive member 315 can be 30 to 40% of the thickness of the first conductive member 311, and is preferably about 1 / 3. The advantage of this setting is that when the second metal is heavier and more expensive than the first metal, for example, when the second metal is copper and the first metal is aluminum, the weight of the bus bar can be reduced and the minimum welding strength can be ensured. When the thickness of the second conductive member 311 is too thin, that is, less than 30% of the thickness of the first conductive member 311, the sufficient welding strength of the bus bar cannot be ensured. When the thickness of the second conductive member 311 is too thick, that is, greater than 40% of the thickness of the first conductive member 311, too much of the more expensive second metal is used, resulting in high cost, or too much of the second metal with a greater density is used, resulting in an increase in the weight of the bus bar.

[0162] In some embodiments, the exposed region 313 exposed by the first conductive member 311 and the exposed region 316 exposed by the second conductive member 315 are provided on the same side of the bus bar 310. The positive electrode lead 111 is joined to the exposed region 313, and the negative electrode lead 112 is joined to the exposed region 316.

[0163] Therefore, the positive electrode lead 111 containing the first metal (such as aluminum) is joined to the first conductive member 311 containing the first metal (such as aluminum), and the negative electrode lead 112 containing the second metal (such as copper) is joined to the second conductive member 315 containing the second metal (such as copper).

[0164] If an electrode lead made of a material different from that of the bus bar is joined to the bus bar, the possibility of cracking increases and the weldability decreases. However, in this embodiment, as described above, the positive electrode lead 111 is joined to the first conductive member 311 made of the same metal material, and the negative electrode lead 112 is joined to the second conductive member 312 made of the same metal material. By joining the same kind of metal, the incidence of cracking can be reduced and the weldability can be improved.

[0165] In addition, a bus bar joint plate 310a (refer to Figure 14 ) can be joined to a second portion 318 of the second conductive member 315. The bus bar welding plate 310a can be connected to a connector (not shown), and the connector can be connected to a connector 350 as Figure 6 shown. The connector 350 can be connected to a sensing portion (sensing plate) (not shown) to perform a sensing function, such as sensing the voltage of the battery cell 110.

[0166] In other words, the sensing portion can be connected to the bus bar 310 through the bus bar joint plate 310a joined to the bus bar 310, so that the voltage of the battery cell 110 can be sensed.

[0167] In this embodiment, the bus bar joint plate 310a can include a second metal (such as copper). Therefore, the bus bar joint plate 310a can be joined and welded to the second conductive member 315 including the second metal by the same material, thereby improving the weldability.

[0168] The battery cells 110 constituting the battery cell stack 100 can be connected in series or in parallel through the bus bars 310 and 320.

[0169] The bus bars 310 and 320 can further include a terminal bus bar 320 for electrically connecting one battery module 100 to another battery module 100.

[0170] As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, in order to connect to another battery module 100, at least a part of the terminal bus bar 320 can be exposed outside the end plate 400, and the end plate 400 is provided with a terminal opening 410 for the terminal bus bar 320 to be exposed. One end of the terminal bus bar 320, such as the second bus bar portion 322, can be exposed through the opening 510 of the insulating cover 500 and the terminal opening 410 of the end plate 400.

[0171] The terminal bus bar 320 can include a first bus bar portion 321 and a second bus bar portion 322. The first bus bar portion 321 is connected to the electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cell 110. The second bus bar portion 322 is exposed to the outside through the terminal opening 410. In addition, the terminal bus bar 320 can further include a bending portion 323 formed between the first bus bar portion 321 and the second bus bar portion 322.

[0172] The first bus bar portion 321 is connected to the second bus bar portion 322 through the bending portion 323. The first bus bar portion 321 and the second bus bar portion 322 are substantially perpendicular to each other. In other words, the bending portion 323 is formed on the terminal bus bar 320, and the second bus bar portion 322 can protrude and be placed on the placement portion 530 of the insulating cover 500 and be electrically connected to a battery pack bus bar (not shown). A coupling hole 322a is formed in the second bus bar portion 322 that constitutes one end of the terminal bus bar 320. By inserting, for example, a fixing pin (not shown) into the coupling hole 322a, the second bus bar portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320 is fixed to the fixing hole 531a on the placement portion 530 of the insulating cover 500.

[0173] In some embodiments, two terminal bus bars 320 can be provided on both sides of the bus bar frame 300. One of the terminal bus bars 320 can be a positive terminal bus bar 320, and the other terminal bus bar 320 can be a negative terminal bus bar 320.

[0174] For example, as Figure 6 shown, the terminal bus bar 320 on the left side is a positive terminal bus bar 320, which can include a first metal (such as aluminum). The positive electrode lead 111 including the first metal (such as aluminum) is joined to the positive terminal bus bar 320 on the left side including the first metal (such as aluminum), so that the weldability can be improved by joining with the same material.

[0175] The electrode lead 111 can be joined to the first bus bar portion 321 of the terminal bus bar 320 in Figure 4 . The terminal bus bar 320 can be a nickel-plated or tin-plated bus bar. In addition, a terminal bus bar joint plate 320a ( Figure 14 ) can be joined to the bending portion 323 of the terminal bus bar 320.

[0176] The terminal bus bar joint plate 320a can be connected to a connector (not shown) in the same manner as the bus bar joint plate 310a, and the connector is connected to the Figure 6 shown connector 350. The connector 350 can be connected to a sensing portion (sensing plate) (not shown) to perform a sensing function, such as sensing the voltage of the battery cell 110. In other words, the sensing portion can be connected to the terminal bus bar 320 through the terminal bus bar joint plate 320a joined to the terminal bus bar 320 to sense the voltage of the battery cell 110.

[0177] In this embodiment, the terminal bus bar sensing plate 320a can include a first metal, so that by joining with the same material, it can be welded to the positive terminal bus bar 320 including the first metal (such as aluminum), and the weldability can be improved.

[0178] Return to Figure 6, the terminal bus bar 320 on the right side can be the negative terminal bus bar 320 and include a second metal (such as copper). The electrode lead 112 of the negative electrode including the second metal is joined to the terminal bus bar 320 on the right side including the second metal, so that by joining with the same material, the weldability can be improved.

[0179] In addition, similar to the terminal bus bar joint plate 320a, a terminal bus bar joint plate 320b ( Figure 14 ) can be joined to the terminal bus bar 320 on the right side. The terminal bus bar joint plate 320b can be connected to a connector (not shown), and this connector is connected to Figure 6 the shown connector 350. The connector 350 is connected to a sensing part (sensing plate) (not shown), so as to perform a sensing function, such as sensing the voltage of the battery cell 110.

[0180] In this embodiment, the terminal bus bar joint plate 320b can include a second metal (such as copper), so that by joining with the same material, welding on the terminal bus bar 320 of the negative electrode including the second metal can improve the weldability.

[0181] Next, in combination with Figure 5 , the end plate 400 and the insulating cover 500 will be described in detail.

[0182] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the insulating cover and the end plate in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0183] The end plate 400 covers the opening surface of the module housing 200, so as to protect the battery cell stack 100 and the electrical components connected thereto from external impacts. For this purpose, the end plate 400 can be made of a material with a predetermined strength. For example, the end plate 400 can include a metal such as aluminum or plastic.

[0184] Terminal openings 410 can be formed on the end plate 400. The terminal openings 410 can be provided on both sides of the end plate 400. One end (such as the second bus bar portion 322) of the terminal bus bar 320 and a part of the insulating cover 500 can be exposed to the outside through the terminal openings 410.

[0185] In addition, a connector opening 420 can be provided between the terminal openings 410 provided on both sides of the end plate 400, and the module connector can be exposed to the outside through the connector opening 420.

[0186] The end plate 400 can cover the bus bar frame 300 provided with the bus bars 310 and 320 on one surface of the battery cell stack 100 and be joined to the module housing 200. Each corner of the end plate 400 can be joined to the corresponding corner of the module housing 200 by welding, bolt fastening, snap fastening, etc.

[0187] The end plates 400 can be respectively arranged on one side and the other side of the module housing 200, so as to cover both sides of the battery cell stack 100. For example, in Figure 2 the illustrated embodiment, the end plates 400 are arranged on the front surface side and the rear surface side of the module housing 200.

[0188] The insulating plate 500 can be arranged between the end plate 400 and the bus bar frame 300, that is, on the inner side of the end plate 400 and the outer side of the bus bar frame 300, for electrical insulation. In other words, the bus bar frame 300, the insulating cover 500, and the end plate 400 can be arranged outward in sequence from the battery cell stack 100 side. Similarly to the end plate 400, multiple bus bar frames 300 and insulating covers 500 can also be provided respectively. The insulating cover 500 can include an electrical insulating material or be made of an electrical insulating material, so as to prevent the bus bars 310 and 320 from contacting the end plate 400 and causing a short circuit.

[0189] The insulating cover 500 can include an opening 510 and a placement portion 530. The openings 510 are arranged on both sides of the upper part of the insulating cover 500. Through the openings 510, one end (for example, the second bus bar portion 322) of the terminal bus bar 320 can be exposed to the outside. In addition, a connector opening 520 can be provided between the openings 510 on both sides of the insulating cover 500. Through the connector opening 520, the module connector can be exposed to the outside.

[0190] The insulating cover 500 can be arranged on the inner surface of the end plate 400 and be in close contact with the inner surface of the end plate 400, but it is not limited thereto.

[0191] The placement portion 530 is arranged adjacent to the opening portion 510 on the outer surface of the upper part of the insulating cover 500, so that one end (the second bus bar portion 322) of the terminal bus bar 320 placed on the placement portion 530 is exposed to the outside through the opening 510.

[0192] The upper surface of the placement portion 530 can be formed as a placement surface, so that the second bus bar portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320 can be placed on the placement surface of the placement portion 530. Moreover, as Figure 5 shown, the placement portion 530 can include a fixing member 531 for fixing the terminal bus bar 320.

[0193] The fixing member 531 may include a fixing hole 531a to fix the second bus bar portion 322 of the bus bar 320. For example, a fixing pin (not shown) may be inserted into the fixing hole 531a to fix the second bus bar portion 322. Specifically, the fixing pin may be inserted through a coupling hole 322a formed in the second bus bar portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320 and fixed to the fixing hole 531a, thereby fixing the second bus bar portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320 to the insulating cover 500. Thus, the second bus bar portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320 is disposed on the mounting portion 530 of the insulating cover 500, and the second bus bar portion 322 is fixedly contacted with the fixing member 531 provided on the mounting portion 530.

[0194] In addition, although not shown, a terminal cover portion of the second bus bar portion 322 covering the exposed end of the terminal bus bar 320 may be provided on the insulating cover 500.

[0195] Furthermore, although not shown, the battery modules 1000 may be electrically connected through a battery pack bus bar. The battery pack bus bar is a component for connecting one battery module 1000 to an adjacent another battery module 1000 or a battery disconnect unit (BDU), and may be connected to the exposed end (the second bus bar portion 322) of the terminal bus bar 320. For example, the battery pack bus bar may be connected to overlap with the upper portion of one end (the second bus bar portion 322) of the terminal bus bar 320. Specifically, after one end of the battery pack bus bar is disposed to overlap with the second bus bar portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320, the fixing pin is sequentially inserted into the coupling hole of the battery pack bus bar, the coupling hole 322a of the second bus bar portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320, and the fixing hole 531a of the mounting portion 530 and fixed to the fixing hole 531a, thereby firmly connecting the battery pack bus bar to the terminal bus bar 320, and firmly fixing the second bus bar portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320 and the battery pack bus bar to the insulating cover 500 together through the fixing pin.

[0196] As described above, one or more battery modules 100 may form a battery pack, and the battery pack may include at least one battery module 1000 and various control and protection systems such as a battery management system (BMS) and a cooling system.

[0197] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the battery module 1000 and the battery pack can be applied to various devices. Specifically, the battery module 1000 and the battery pack can be applied to various types of transportation means, such as electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, water and underwater transportation means, aircraft, and spacecraft. In addition, the battery module 1000 and the battery pack can also be applied to an energy storage system (ESS), but not limited thereto, the battery module 1000 and the battery pack can be applied to various devices that can utilize secondary batteries.

[0198] As described above, some embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be implemented alone or in combination as shown in the embodiments and their variations described in the following items.

[0199] 1. A clad metal bus bar, characterized in that it comprises:

[0200] A first conductive member (e.g., a first conductor) made of a first metal;

[0201] A second conductive member (e.g., a second conductor) made of a second metal different from the first metal, the second conductive member being laminated and joined to one surface of the first conductive member;

[0202] On the surface of the first conductive member joined to the second conductive member, the first conductive member has an exposed area where the first metal is exposed.

[0203] 2. The clad metal bus bar according to item 1, characterized in that

[0204] The first metal is aluminum.

[0205] 3. The clad metal bus bar according to item 2, characterized in that

[0206] The second metal is copper.

[0207] 4. The clad metal bus bar according to item 1, characterized in that

[0208] The first conductive member has a through hole.

[0209] 5. The clad metal bus bar according to item 1, characterized in that

[0210] The second conductive member includes:

[0211] A first part; and

[0212] Second and third parts that are bent from both ends of the first part and extend in the direction of the exposed area of the first conductive member.

[0213] 6. The clad metal bus bar according to item 5, characterized in that

[0214] The first part of the second conductive member is arranged in parallel with the exposed area of the first conductive member.

[0215] 7. The clad metal bus bar according to item 5, characterized in that

[0216] The first conductive member has a through hole,

[0217] On both sides of the through hole, a first part of the first conductive member and an exposed area of the first conductive member are respectively provided.

[0218] 8. A battery module, characterized by comprising:

[0219] A battery cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells;

[0220] A module housing for accommodating the battery cell stack; and

[0221] A bus bar for electrically connecting the battery cells,

[0222] The bus bar includes:

[0223] A first conductive member (for example, a first conductor) made of a first metal;

[0224] A second conductive member (for example, a second conductor) made of a second metal different from the first metal, and the second conductive member is laminated and joined to one surface of the first conductive member;

[0225] On the surface of the first conductive member joined to the second conductive member, the first conductive member has an exposed area where the first metal is exposed,

[0226] The electrode lead of the battery cell made of the first metal is connected to the exposed area of the first conductive member;

[0227] The electrode lead of the battery cell made of the second metal is connected to the second conductive member.

[0228] 9. The battery module according to item 8, characterized in that

[0229] The first metal is aluminum.

[0230] 10. The battery module according to item 9, characterized in that

[0231] The second metal is copper.

[0232] 11. The battery module according to item 8, characterized in that

[0233] The first conductive member has a through hole.

[0234] 12. The battery module according to item 8, wherein

[0235] The battery module further includes a terminal bus bar formed of the first metal,

[0236] The terminal bus bar is connected to the electrode lead of the battery cell formed of the first metal.

[0237] 13. The battery module according to item 8, wherein

[0238] The battery module further includes a terminal bus bar formed of the second metal,

[0239] The terminal bus bar is connected to the electrode lead of the battery cell formed of the second metal.

[0240] 14. The battery module according to item 8, further comprising:

[0241] A bus bar frame disposed on one side of the battery cell,

[0242] The bus bar is disposed on the bus bar frame.

[0243] 15. A bus bar, comprising:

[0244] A first conductive member (e.g., the first conductor layer 311), comprising a first metal, the first conductive member including a first edge (e.g., the first side edge 311a) and a second edge (e.g., the second side edge 311b) on the opposite side of the first edge, and a main surface extending between the first edge and the second edge;

[0245] A second conductive member (e.g., the second conductor layer 315), comprising a second metal different from the first metal, the second conductive member being laminated and joined to the main surface of the first conductive member,

[0246] The first conductive member has an exposed area where the first metal is exposed on the main surface of the first conductive member that is joined to the second conductive member,

[0247] The second conductive member extends from the first edge of the first conductive member to the second edge in a manner that avoids the exposed area of the first conductive member.

[0248] 16. The bus bar according to item 15, wherein

[0249] The second conductive member extends from the first edge to the second edge.

[0250] 17. The bus bar as described in item 15, characterized in that

[0251] The exposed area of the first conductor layer extends from the second edge towards the first edge.

[0252] 18. A battery module, characterized by comprising:

[0253] A battery cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells;

[0254] A module housing for accommodating the battery cell stack; and

[0255] A bus bar for electrically connecting the battery cells,

[0256] The bus bar includes:

[0257] A first conductive member containing a first metal, the first conductive member including a first edge and a second edge on the opposite side of the first edge, and a main surface extending between the first edge and the second edge;

[0258] A second conductive member containing a second metal different from the first metal, the second conductive member being laminated and joined to the main surface of the first conductive member,

[0259] The first conductive member has an exposed area where the first metal is exposed on the main surface of the first conductive member that is joined to the second conductive member,

[0260] The second conductive member extends from the first edge of the first conductive member towards the second edge in a manner that avoids the exposed area of the first conductive member.

[0261] 19. The battery module as described in item 18, characterized in that

[0262] The exposed area of the first conductive member is combined with the electrode lead of the battery cell containing the first metal,

[0263] The second conductive member is combined with the electrode lead of the battery cell containing the second metal.

[0264] The above has described the embodiments of the present invention, but this is only for helping to comprehensively understand the present invention. The present invention is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications and deformations from these descriptions. Therefore, the technical idea of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and the appended claims and their equivalent or equivalent deformations all belong to the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A bus bar, characterized in that: include: A first conductive member, comprising a first metal, wherein the first conductive member comprises a main surface, a first edge, and a second edge opposite to the first edge across the main surface; a second conductive member, comprising a second metal different from the first metal, and the second conductive member is fixed on the main surface of the first conductive member, The first conductive member has an exposed area on the main surface where the first metal is exposed, The second conductive member extends from the first edge to the second edge, and the exposed area extends from the second edge on the main surface but does not extend to the first edge.

2. The bus bar according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first metal comprises aluminum.

3. The bus bar according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second metal includes copper.

4. The bus bar according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first conductive member has a through hole.

5. The bus bar according to claim 4, characterized in that: The through hole is disposed between the exposed area and the second conductive member.

6. The bus bar according to claim 4, characterized in that: The through hole is connected to the exposed area.

7. The bus bar according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second conductive member comprises: Part I; and The second portion extends from one end of the first portion to a second edge of the first conductive member.

8. The bus bar according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second conductive member further comprises: The third portion extends from the other end of the first portion opposite to the one end toward the second edge.

9. The bus bar according to claim 8, characterized in that: The exposed area is disposed between the second portion and the third portion.

10. The bus bar according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first portion of the second conductive member is arranged in parallel with the exposed area of ​​the first conductive member.

11. The bus bar according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first conductive member has a through hole, The first portion of the second conductive member and the exposed region of the first conductive member are respectively disposed on two sides of the through hole.

12. The bus bar according to claim 1, characterized in that The area of ​​the exposed region accounts for 20% to 50% of the area of ​​the main surface.

13. The bus bar according to claim 1, characterized in that The thickness of the second conductive member is 30% to 40% of the thickness of the first conductive member.

14. A bus bar, characterized in that: include: A first conductive member comprising a first metal; a second conductive member, comprising a second metal different from the first metal, wherein the second conductive member is partially covered and fixed on one surface of the first conductive member, In the one side of the first conductive member, the area of ​​the second conductive member covering the first conductive member occupies 50% to 80% of the area of ​​the one side.

15. A battery module, characterized in that: include: A battery cell stack, which is made up of multiple battery cells stacked on top of each other; A module housing, used to accommodate the battery cell stack; as well as A bus bar for electrically connecting the battery cells, The bus bar comprises: A first conductive member, comprising a first metal, wherein the first conductive member comprises a main surface, a first edge, and a second edge opposite to the first edge across the main surface; a second conductive member, comprising a second metal different from the first metal, and the second conductive member is fixed on the main surface of the first conductive member, The first conductive member has an exposed area on the main surface where the first metal is exposed, The second conductive member extends from the first edge to the second edge, and the exposed area extends from the second edge to the main surface and does not extend to the first edge. The exposed area of ​​the first conductive member is combined with the electrode lead of the battery cell containing the first metal, The second conductive member is coupled to an electrode lead of the battery cell including the second metal.

16. The battery module according to claim 15, characterized in that: The first metal comprises aluminum.

17. The battery module according to claim 15, characterized in that: The second metal includes copper.

18. The battery module according to claim 15, characterized in that: The first conductive member has a through hole.

19. The battery module according to claim 15, characterized in that: The battery module further includes a terminal bus bar including the first metal, The terminal bus bar is coupled to an electrode lead of the battery cell including the first metal.

20. The battery module according to claim 15, characterized in that: The battery module further includes a terminal bus bar including the second metal, The terminal bus bar is coupled to an electrode lead of the battery cell including the second metal.

21. The battery module according to claim 15, characterized in that: The battery module further includes a bus bar frame, wherein the bus bar frame is disposed on at least one side of the battery cell stack. The bus bar is disposed on the bus bar frame.

22. A battery module, characterized in that: include: A battery cell stack, which is made up of multiple battery cells stacked on top of each other; A module housing, used to accommodate the battery cell stack; as well as A bus bar for electrically connecting the battery cells, The bus bar comprises: A first conductive member comprising a first metal; a second conductive member, comprising a second metal different from the first metal, wherein the second conductive member is partially covered and fixed on one surface of the first conductive member, In the one side of the first conductive member, the area of ​​the region where the second conductive member covers the first conductive member accounts for 50% to 80% of the area of ​​the one side. The area of ​​the first conductive member not covered by the second conductive member is combined with the electrode lead of the battery cell containing the first metal, The second conductive member is coupled to an electrode lead of the battery cell including the second metal.

23. A bus bar, characterized in that: include: A first conductive member including a first metal, the first conductive member including a first edge and a second edge on an opposite side of the first edge, and a main surface extending between the first edge and the second edge; a second conductive member including a second metal different from the first metal, the second conductive member being laminated and bonded to the main surface of the first conductive member, The first conductive member has an exposed area where the first metal is exposed on the main surface of the first conductive member that is bonded to the second conductive member. The second conductive member extends from the first edge to the second edge of the first conductive member in a manner avoiding the exposed area of ​​the first conductive member.

24. A battery module, characterized in that: include: A battery cell stack, which is made up of multiple battery cells stacked on top of each other; A module housing, used to accommodate the battery cell stack; as well as A bus bar for electrically connecting the battery cells, The bus bar comprises: A first conductive member including a first metal, the first conductive member including a first edge and a second edge on an opposite side of the first edge, and a main surface extending between the first edge and the second edge; a second conductive member including a second metal different from the first metal, the second conductive member being laminated and bonded to the main surface of the first conductive member, The first conductive member has an exposed area where the first metal is exposed on the main surface of the first conductive member that is bonded to the second conductive member. The second conductive member extends from the first edge to the second edge of the first conductive member in a manner avoiding the exposed area of ​​the first conductive member.

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